• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About My Blogging World
  • My Dogs
    • Finally Found an Indestructible Squeaky Dog Toy!
  • Favorite Recipes
    • My Famous Sweet Pickled Jalapeno Recipe
  • Military Pride
  • Photography
    • Project 365
  • Joy of Advent
  • Affiliate Disclosure

3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

  • Graphic Design
  • Military Gift Store
    • Military Gift Ideas
    • Marine Corps Gifts
      • Marine Mom Gifts
      • USMC Veterans
      • USMC Ornaments
      • Boot Camp Books
      • Custom Designed USMC Gifts
    • Army Gifts
      • Custom Army Gifts
  • Shopping at 3 Quarters
    • Unique Photography Gifts
    • Unique Dog Gifts
    • 3 Quarters Photography Shop

video

How Marines Relieve Stress in Afghanistan, with “Call Me Maybe”

September 17, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

I don’t know why this Call Me Maybe song by Carly Rae Jepsen has inspired so many lip synch covers but everyone seems to be doing it, including the United States Marines.

US Marine overseas heading to AfghanistanWhen my son returned from his Afghanistan deployment in late July he had not seen the below video yet and was super excited.  He knew some of the Marines in the video via his job in Air Wing support at Camp Bastion, but this was filmed in Kandahar before the squadron moved to the larger, more secure, base. It wasn’t until he returned home he learned about  the video.

This version below is especially poignant now. They are part of the 3rd Marine air Wing‘s Marine Aircraft Group 13 out of Yuma AZ,  the same ones attacked September 14, 2012 ,where two of their Marines were killed.

I heard first the news on Facebook where I’m friends with a number of Marine Moms who have sons stationed at Yuma, or connected to the Harriers, posted the news on Friday and I slightly freaked out thinking it could have been my son if he was there.  I can’t help but think of the Marines and their families as they waited for news from their sons and husbands.

As my son said, this is what we do Mom, other Marine bases get a “..whole lot more IDF’s”  (indirect fire) it’s our job. So as a good Marine Mom, I go on and want to remember the young men and women as they took time out for this very fun video.  I think they would want their families to remember them this way, with a smile on their face, taking a break from the seriousness of their jobs.

Marines Lip Synch Call Me Maybe

Now for a version the Marines REALLY like to watch. Before you watch it, here’s a little bit of background. For obvious, logistics and otherwise, most Marines and soldiers don’t have internet access and they rely on other forms of electronic entertainment. For example, my sons group had a  “Deployment Drive”. This is a portable hard drive loaded with an electronic library of  specific downloaded YouTube videos, games and movies

The the Miami Dolphin cheerleaders version was watched SEVERAL times a day, my son said he had it memorized and knew what cheerleader came on at what time.  The look on his face when he talked about this song at the dinner table was priceless. Can you just guess why it’s popular with a bunch of testosterone filled young men, in the middle of a desert, in Afghanistan?

Hey, the stress over there is hard enough, 12 hour+ days, seven days a week. Whatever can take their mind off terrorists and people who want to kill them for a little while  is fine with me.

Gift Ideas for Deployed Military

By the way, for anyone looking to buy a gift for someone in the military who is going to be deployed or already in country, this solar charger is ideal. They listen to a lot of music, but batteries can be difficult to come by in the desert, especially if they are outside the wire. It will charge a cell or smart phone in less than two hours in the sun.

Marines in Afghanistan

  • Two Marines killed in Afghanistan from Yuma (yumasun.com)
  • Attack on Afghan base kills 2 Marines (cnn.com)
  • The Taliban Attack On Camp Bastion Sends An Unmistakable Signal (businessinsider.com)
  • 2 Marines killed in attack on base in Afghanistan (foxnews.com)
  • ‘Well coordinated’ Camp Leatherneck attackers wore US uniforms (twitchy.com)
  • Two Marines Killed at Afghan Base, Prince Harry Safe (newsy.com)
  • Marines Sing ‘Call Me Maybe’ (VIDEO) (blippitt.com)

Filed Under: Marine Corps, Military Pride Tagged With: Afghanistan, basition, call me maybe, Camp Leatherneck, Carly Rae Jepsen, Kandahar, marine, Marine Corps, military, music, United States Marines, USMC, veteran, video, YouTube

Where Were You, Remember 9/11

September 11, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Where were you at 8:45 am ET, September 11, 2011?

Were you going to work, in school, or having breakfast on that fateful day?

 

Where were you on 911? Tell your story, never forget, always remember Septemeber 11, 2011 nd the brave men and women who saved others and those that died. As we as a country and a world remember 9/11 let’s not ever forget what happened.  Many years have gone by since then, but I can’t help but get a chill and tear up as I remember that day.

No, I wasn’t at the Twin Towers, I didn’t live in New York, or know anyone at the Pentagon. I didn’t know anyone that died. But, to me, a Mother with three small children it was a pivotal turning point in realizing the world would not be the same.

9-11: A TRIBUTEThe Stories They Tell: Artifacts from the National September 11 Memorial Museum

I’m sure it was the same feeling my parents had when they first heard of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The world and their lives were never the same.

Remembering 9-11

For me, it was a morning like every other. I was getting ready for work and paused to get on the computer and check my email. In the background, the TV was tuned to Good Morning America. I glanced at the TV just in time to catch breaking news right after the first plane hit.  My heart stopped when I watched the second plane live and I felt as though I couldn’t breathe.

I went to work at Oxbow Pet Products and we huddled around a small TV we brought into the office. The phones were silent. No calls were coming in, no orders being placed. Nothing mattered. No one wanted to go home, we cried silently at what this meant as the towers fell.

Planes were grounded, and then news of the Pentagon. What was next? After lunch, we shut off the phones, closed the doors early and went home to hug our families.

Past Tense, Forever Present: Remembering 9/11Remembering 9:11 in Bible Verses

No, I will not forget that day.

 

Remember 9/11 Tributes & Memorials

Every year since that day I take time to pause, say a prayer, and honor those that lost their lives that day. There are many 911 memorials across the country and I’m sure there are some in your local area.

At the Strategic Air Museum in Ashland Nebraska, they place 3000 flags as a memorial on the lawn.  On each flag is the name of each person who died that day. As the sunlight streamed in from the east, I couldn’t help but think of that day and where I was, when the World Stopped Turning.

I’m from Connecticut and had been to the World Trade Center and gone up in the Towers. Since then I’ve visited the site in 2002, 2004, 2010, and 2011. They say time heals all wounds. But the scars remain. Let’s never forget

Let’s never forget some never made it to work that day. Some never made it home. Let’s never forget those who died, those who lost family and friends, and all the countless fireman, police officers and volunteers who gave of unselfishly gave of themselves.

“Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)”

Lyrics by Alan Jackson

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin’ against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out with pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin’ what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?[Chorus:]
I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell
You the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty ’cause you’re a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?
Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watchin’
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?[Chorus x2]
And the greatest is love.
And the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning

on that September day?

So where were you on that day? What do you not want to forget? Leave a message at the bottom, a comment where you were and what the day means to you.

Filed Under: Events, Photography Tagged With: 9-11, 911, Alan Jackson, Ashland, memorial, memories, Nebraska, New York, remember 9 11, video, World Trade Center

#13/52: Sun’s So Bright, Gotta Wear Shades

April 12, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Blinding Sun in Nebraska Big Sky Country

Whoever called Nebraska a boring fly over state has never really opened their eyes. I see such spectacular scenery every day driving home from work it takes my  breath away. Made me think of the One Hit Wonder song.  “Futures So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades” by Timbuk 3.

Enjoy this video blast from 1986, back when MTV actually played music videos. Can anyone remember where they were when they heard this song?

Filed Under: Project 365 Tagged With: clouds, country, farm, music, Nebraska, rural, scenery, sky, Timbuk3, video, YouTube

Katy Perry’s Video and the Marines Corps

March 27, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

What do Katy Perry and the Marines have in common? In reality, very little. But in Katy Perry’s video, All of Me I am just very pleased to see that she chose the United States Marines to represent the military. The follow-up interviews on MTV show she gained a great deal of respect for our Marines and that I applaud.  She may have been inspired to film at Camp Pendleton since she performed at Pendleton in 2011.

Don’t know what my Marine sons would think, I’m sure my oldest would say a lot. That’s a tease and a challenge to see if he even reads my blog, he was in Afghanistan when this was filmed. My other son who was stationed at Camp Pendleton just missed being there for the filming, I bet he would think it’s cool. (another challenge)

What do you think Katy Perry’s video? Does it inspire? Cheapen? Motivate? Should the Marines use it as their new recruiting video?

I’ve had several people comment to me on Twitter about this video so I thought I would add in the interviews behind the video to give some more background on how she feels about the military and what the men and the respect she has for the men and women in the Marine Corps. Regardless of inaccuracies in the video she wasn’t a prima dona on set.

The Making of the Katy Perry Video, All of Me

The videos below is a four part series highlighting the behind the scenes making of the video.

Yes, the video is full of inaccuracies, women don’t have to cut their hair to be Marines, they don’t bind their chest, you don’t receive your name on your uniform when you arrive, and women train at Paris Island during boot camp and not Camp Pendleton. But Sand Diego is just a hop skip and a jump from Hollywood, hence why MCRD SD Marines are called “Hollywood Marines.
But, it is a very well produced video that inspires women to stand on their own, take charge of their own life. Ok, she’s a little implusive and maybe breaking up with a boyfriend isn’t the best reason for joining the military or the Marine Corps. At least she is not pining away and curled up in a ball like it’s the end of the world either. Oh, right, that’s the series Twilight.
Anyhow, let me know what you think of the video, the Marines, or anything in particular. You might be surprised when you watch the videos and listen to a pop culture stars impressions of the Marine Corps and the military really are, instead of reading them in social media.

Military Perspective on Katy Perry’s Video

  • Katy Perry’s “Part of Me” Video Shot at Camp Pendleton 
  • Camp Pendleton Patch- Katy Perry Debuts “Part of Me”
  • Terminal Lance- Behind the scenes comic of Katy Perry’s “Part of Me” video (warning, raw uncensored)

Pop media interviews on Katy Perry’s Video All of Me

  • Katy Perry Joins the Marines (mtv.com)
  • Katy Perry Has A New Respect for the Armed Forces (mtv.com)
  • Katy Perry Becomes part of the Few, The Proud, the Marines
  • Video: Katy Perry Becomes a Marine (hollywood.com)
  • Katy Perry Transforms Into a Marine for New Music Video (people.com)

Filed Under: Marine Corps, Military Pride, Social media Tagged With: Afghanistan, Camp Pendleton, Camp Pendleton Marine Base, Katy Perry, katy perry s video, marine, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, military, MTV, Music video, United States Marines, USMC, video

Where Poppies Grow, In Flanders Field

November 11, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

I could make it to the Elmwood-Murdock Veterans Day program this year, so I’m posting last years tribute from the high school choir. It’s my favorite  and never fails to give me chills.

Thank you to all our veterans who have served and who are now serving in the United States Marines, Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Filed Under: Military Pride, Project 365, Small Town Living Tagged With: army, choir, choral, Elmwood-Murdock, Marine Corps, marines, memories, military, music, navy, project365, singing, soldiers, thanks, tradition, troops, veterans day, video, videos

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

What I Write About

Shop Amazon

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets
  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments

Categories

Visit my Facebook Page

Visit my Facebook Page

Pages

  • About My Blogging World
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Army Gifts
    • Custom Army Gifts
  • Best Place to Print Political Yard Signs
  • Cool Gifts for Photographers and Camera Lovers
  • Food & Recipes
  • Google Search Results
  • Marine Boot Camp Resources for Parents
  • Marine Corps Gifts for Any Occasion
    • Best Gifts for Marine Corps Veterans
    • Marine Mom Gifts
    • Marine Mom Shirts & Gifts
    • USMC Ornaments
  • Military Gifts for Birthdays and Christmas
  • Personalized Custom Graphic Design Services
  • Unique Dog Gifts for Pet Owners

Recent Posts

  • Starting a Small Business in the Second Half of Life
  • Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day
  • Local Farmers Market Booth Ideas
  • High School Graduation Party Ideas
  • How I Became a Face Mask Designer

Tags

365project Advent animals Block Island christmas Connecticut cooking country dogs Elmwood-Murdock Faith family flowers Food God Holiday Holidays Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod marine Marine Corps memories midwest military music Nebraska Omaha pets Photography Photoshop postaday Product Review project365 recipe rural Silent Sunday small town snacks snow Spring summer tradition travel USMC video winter

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Footer

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...