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Harry Reid: Made Man?

by donsurber on January 31, 2006 08:32 AM

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Harry Reid: Made Man?

by donsurber on January 31, 2006 08:33 AM

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I'm so far below Glitterati status that I have to look up to see the bottom of the Mariannas Trench.

I haven't seen a movie since Enemy at the Gates...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 31, 2006 10:20 AM

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Do we need to put up a Paypal button for "Buy Bill a Movie"?

by John of Argghhh! on January 31, 2006 10:28 AM

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Naw--I'd just spend most of it on wine, women and song.

Then I'd get frivolous with the remainder.

Which reminds me, I saw a matched set of frivoli on e-Bay...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 31, 2006 11:10 AM

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Was it the salt-glazed frivoli? Those are really rare!

Fellow Feline-Denizennes, I think we have here a cry for help from our SugarButtons. He *clearly* needs to be captured and forced to watch a movie for his own good. (Not that Enemy at the Gates wasn't a good movie.) We can take turns feeding him popcorn.

So, we'll need some rope, a sandbag, a beer-on-a-string for bait ... oh, and some movies.

by Bad Cat Robot on January 31, 2006 11:17 AM

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I think he needs "beer-BABE-on-a-string" for bait.

by Were-Kitten on January 31, 2006 11:23 AM

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Ladies, Keep in mind the object is to get Bill to watch the MOVIE. Having said that... if it ain't animated I prolly haven't seen it. Hoodwinked was better than expected.

by Punctilious on January 31, 2006 11:31 AM

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Awwwww. The Sugarbuttons Brigade charges in to save the day. In the immortal words of Churchy La Femme, "I is quietly proud."

Punc - Kindly refrain from using "Bill" and "animated" in the same comment. You'll only confuse the folks who know me...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 31, 2006 02:52 PM

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I KNEW I had seen BillT somewhere before...

Primary stunt pilot in the original "Aeon Flux"!

(Wonder how many folks I just played "movie trivia snap the whip" with...)

by Sgt. B. on January 31, 2006 05:49 PM

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What is this? Pick on Punc day? Sorry John. At least I finally managed to get the email sent. Sorry Bill. I will never use the word Bill and... Oh I can't do that or it would be using Bill and .... in the same comment. How about I refer to you as the inanimate Bill from now on? Will that solve the problem?

by Punctilious on January 31, 2006 06:08 PM

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Ralph Peters. I have hated that man with a passion since sometime in 1984, when I came "this close" to ripping his eyeballs out of his face...

But. . . . I just read his write-up in the Standard. Hmmmmm. He does go on, and some of what he wrote qualifies as mental meandering, but at the core of it was some really potent stuff. Stuff that puts this article on the must re-read shelf along with the one by Mark Stein a few weeks ago (demographics).

Clearly, Peters is like chicken little in some respects--if only because of the stridency of his writing, but his points are well made, and convincing, and in this he is right: Faith is the bedrock of motivation, and religion is going to be a powerful force in the coming decades and centuries. Oh, and we aren't going to whip china in a war unless we nuke 'em...

I don't like what I beleive to be true about the world and the future, but the one thing I can count on is this: Peters may be right, but he has always just been a more vociferous version of people I know who are thinking the same things, but who are working less noisily to actually make changes in the world. It's good to have a town crier--even chicken little served a purpose--but the real story is with the tunnelers, the engineers, the sappers, the researchers, the thinkers, the doers, and the makers.

Also, while true that we are becomming economically integrated with China, that serves to strengthen us as well; we are a good customer, and what is world domination if not economically (their ideology having weakened somewhat, and going more that way daily); What purpose would it serve to defeat a customer? Would the rest of the world buy China's products? Would the rest of the world be able to take up the slack? I'm not sure that is so. There are a LOT of variables, and it is not nearly so black and white or bleak as the good Mr. Ralph would have everyone believe. There are reasons to be concerned, but again, I am sure there are people a whole lot smarter than me (and Peters) who are thinking about and working on this stuff.

The biggest difference between me and Peters, in fact, is that I don't believe everyone else is less intelligent than me.

V/R

by SangerM on January 31, 2006 09:52 PM

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'Aeon Flux'? THe MTV shorts or the stuff they made after it developed the cult following? I only saw the MTV stuff(hey, I'm a long term college zombie---where's the good beer and the remote again?)

by ry on February 1, 2006 08:33 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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I remember reading that Greenwald piece several days ago, and time hasn't improved it. When he uses the phrase "Bush followers, fear-mongerers and hysterics", I generally begin to presume that the author has a different definition of historical narritive than I. Note that the personal info at the page top indicates he specialises in imaginative objectivity.

Cheers
JMH

by J.M. Heinrichs on January 30, 2006 10:41 AM

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Ah, but we have to venture into these places in feeble attempts to understand the opposition. I cannot stomach Kos and DU, so I go for more... or rather, less, extreme locations to see if I can understand their mind.

by John of Argghhh! on January 30, 2006 11:01 AM

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After I posted, I thought of Greenwald as James Wollcott the lawyer.

Cheers
JMH

by J.M. Heinrichs on January 30, 2006 11:26 AM

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*sigh* Anybody seen my duct tape?

No, but I've got a lovely set of handcuffs.....

by Were-Kitten on January 30, 2006 12:15 PM

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'Fraid they'll be a wee bit tight on my forehead. Thanks for the exciting-but-fleeting visual, though!

by cw4(ret)billt on January 30, 2006 12:27 PM

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Bill - your consumption of duct tape to keep your head from flying apart is WAYYY up! Heh - mebbe you're stressed?
*whistles and walks away*

by Barb on January 30, 2006 02:11 PM

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One thing the LA Times doesn't mention when it comes to Army officer needs, retention etc:

-attrition is up only slightly. They make it seem like it is up in a big way.

-a big chunk of the problem is being caused by the Army not commissioning enough officers back in the 1990s. Those of us at the promotion point to MAJ have been in for 10 years-meaning commissioned in 1995, 1996, 1997. Anyone remember who was president back then?

by Heartless Libertarian on January 30, 2006 02:28 PM

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No, but I've got a lovely set of handcuffs.....

Which brings to mind a joke I just heard:

Q: What do you call a man in handcuffs?

A: Trustworthy

/flouncing off

I may have to take on old Glenn later. Much. What a particularly a$$hatted post.

by Cassandra on January 30, 2006 02:41 PM

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*whistles and walks away*

Gee, Barb--you haven't done that since the Seattle MiniBlogmeet.

Ummmm--'cept that time, you whistled and ran...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 30, 2006 03:03 PM

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The omission I find most glaring in Greenwald's piece is the global nature of the problem.

If 9/11 had been an isolated incident in the world, he would have a more valid point. But when one takes into account the daily acts of terrorism against citizens of all parts of the world, country after country, committed by radical islamists, the "perspective" is something else entirely. This is a global struggle, and it is worthy of our lives and resources.

by April on January 30, 2006 03:03 PM

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Heh. Any more, I whistle when I run...

oh, wait - that's "wheeze," I only whistle if I have a stuffy nose...

by John of Argghhh! on January 30, 2006 03:10 PM

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Hey John,
forget the hard to say atlatl, and wait till you get downunder. We call them launcher thingies "woomera"s, which is why the rocket place in the middle of Australia was called that. The local Aborigines never developed the bow and arrow, so they stayed with the boomerang and woomera and spear. For those that think that isn't good enough to kill a deer, they should see its effectiveness on a big red kangaroo - especially when wielded by someone who is hungry.

by SezaGeoff on January 30, 2006 05:06 PM

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The assegai of Outpost Neffi. It came with a sword and a gorgeous leopard skin-covered shield, all aquired from a retired Brit officer in England in '75 or '76. I sold the shield before I left England, knowing it would never get through customs...

by Neffi on January 30, 2006 05:47 PM

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er... try this. Though that Honda ad is interesting, even if the physics look wrong in several places...

by Neffi on January 30, 2006 05:52 PM

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I was just thinking, as I watched that ad... the irony of the tagline of the ad... "Isn't it nice, when things just work?"

Hee hee hee!

by John of Argghhh! on January 30, 2006 06:18 PM

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Just a couple of thoughts.
1.) The civil war was a war about how much power the Federal Gov't should have. It wasn't about destroying the U.S.. Saying the civil war is about slavery is like saying WW2 was about the holocaust. They were both wrong and inhumane but it wasn't what the wars were about.
2.) If terrorist had a nuke they would have and will use it against us.
3.)The measures that we took to defend our country may seem extreme, but the fact that our country is still in existence as the only superpower in the world may stem from the fact that we took these extreme measures. This would include invading Iraq

by Tim on January 30, 2006 07:29 PM

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"*sigh* Anybody seen my duct tape?"
Yeah, it's in the garage on top of the beer fridge. We zombies have been using it as a puck for street hockey at night though, so the edges are a little rough.

Must be winter, the Denizenes are flouncing.

by ry on January 31, 2006 04:36 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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I'll try to make time to read this one... I've been a wee bit busy lately for reasons both obvious and not so visible.

But I can't let my fellow denizens down by not being a Castle Contrarin when called for!

by Jack on January 30, 2006 10:39 PM

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A couple of guys are in contention for the position of Deputy Assistant Contrarian, but they'll need mentoring.

Badly...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 31, 2006 12:59 AM

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Well, actually, we'd prefer they get good mentoring.

And Jack, it's a one pager, mostly picture, with little text.

Even *shudder* Liberal products of a properly PC "whole language" reading curricula could get this one - and then launch into a frothy rage...

In fact, the photo is to an anti-war (more accurately, anti-Bush) lefty what rapidly flashing lights are to an epileptic... a trigger, with much the same result.

by John of Argghhh! on January 31, 2006 05:36 AM

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Well, John, regarding the foil itself, President Bush did say that, and I will not disagree with what he said beyond we are not fixing things in the VA and other issues arising with returning veterans quickly enough for my taste (see a recent post at my blog where I linked to some pay issues returning veterans are having). If we do not make correcting these problems a high priority then the words quoted on the foil become hollow.

I also believe the benefits we give veterans are miserly and should be increased, and that the pay we give to those on active duty should also be increased.

I don't know if that is "contrarian" beyond my saying that the government (and perhaps by extension the current President) doesn't "get it" well enough to act upon it.

by Jack on February 1, 2006 07:46 PM

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The pay problems are a disgrace, have been long-running, and people in DFAS should be fired. End of story there.

Everything you suggest is expensive. I still fund 70% of my disability payment, with 10% of that being offset each year over a 10 year period until I'm finally getting it as a payment, not partially funded by my retirement check.

I'm going to get hit with a (long overdue, probably) raise to my military health care premium, on the order of a 3x raise in the cost. It will *still* be cheaper than an equivalent offering from my employer (they are toying with the idea of making us take employer care if offered, and being a second payer to that - but with the deductables and cost, they would end up paying virtually nothing while I would almost double my cost - they obviously want to force me off what they promised me.

All that said - Congress makes these decisions as well... and the government, regardless of who is in power, has been reluctant to do much more, absent large amounts of political pain being inflicted.

Remember the Bonus Army from the 20's? Regardless, in many respects, we are getting treated better than we ever have before by the government. Perhaps not willingly, but all in all, better. There has also been a change in expectations.

I don't know what the answer is.

by John of Argghhh! on February 1, 2006 08:41 PM

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Jack - And I wish that my situation were better, benefits-wise--but I also wish that the 27" zipper had a more *exotic* function than merely serving as an access route into the flight suit.

Retiree/disability pay sparcity and the annual erosion of the benefits package are part of the scenery. When I took the shilling, I had no illusions that politicians would suddenly start keeping promises to what is, in their view, a small, fragmented group of voters in thinly-scattered concentrations. It was a good flight while it lasted, even though it got a bit turbulent at times.

I got out reasonably intact and there's a very nice LtCdr at Millennium Cohort that thanks me for not dying before I fill out my annual survey. But I *would* like to see the VA
1. better-funded and
2. growing the cojones to toss all the wannabes out on their butts.

Jack, you're the noblest of Contrarians in my book...

by cw4(ret)billt on February 1, 2006 11:38 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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Heh. Apparently nothing. Live intrudes today!

Only one person (thus far) noted the Big Change.

by John of Argghhh! on January 29, 2006 05:52 PM

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Just cause we didn't mention it doesn't mean we didn't notice. Yes, I saw the new supermodel. ;) I've even seen the ones with the face attached! :D

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 29, 2006 05:58 PM

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um... I was told to look for 'em... er' those... er.. well, you know.

And "tan lines?" I didn't see no stinkin' tan lines.

But I did have a nice dinner in a ritzi place, with a pretty good waiter named Nate--nice evening, good company; also, the singer at Borders was pretty good (I'd a bought one of his CDs if I'd had cash. Honest...)

Was an all-round decent evening followed by LOTS of driving to and from north middle-next state over ('bout 4 hrs each way).

by SangerM on January 29, 2006 08:32 PM

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*still flipping through catalog looking for a really, really big hi-def monitor*

by cw4(ret)billt on January 29, 2006 08:39 PM

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Would that be the header you're talking about? Or the addition of combat art.

Or is that a certain you know who's cans making an appearance on the cafe link?

by kat-missouri on January 30, 2006 01:16 AM

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*giggle*

by AFSister on January 30, 2006 01:30 AM

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(Intentional Echo)
So who's the Castle Model?

by ry on January 30, 2006 05:01 AM

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They're Denizenne's, there are two of them, and it ain't for me to say.

They wanna take credit, they can.

Now quit shouting. It's annoying the Interior Guard.

by John of Argghhh! on January 30, 2006 07:23 AM

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Thanks for a great night, Sanger!
It was truly lovely.

by AFSister on January 30, 2006 07:32 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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Awesome picture of the boy shaking the soldier's hand. I've been looking forward to hearing the now-younger Iraqis (maybe 8 years and under) talk about their experiences with American soldiers when they are old enough to express themselves and put it in context.

I have an elderly German friend who used to tell me about her encounters when Americans conquered Germany--funny childhood memories, from her initial terror upon encountering the first dark-skinned person in her life, to memories of chocolate and goodies, and the allied soldiers who helped her mother with their garden.

I'm sure one of the things these littlest Iraqis are going to talk about when they're older is how the big, giant American soldiers looked so fearsome with all their gear and vehicles, but turned out to be quite nice and fun to play with in spite of it. :)

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 29, 2006 09:53 AM

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Does little dude gotta tie on?

How cute. I notice that Pakistan isn't asking us to uproot our medical and relief programs even after bombing some poor "family" of terrorists.

Isn't that how it always works?

Still, I'm glad we're there. Hearts and minds. Hearts and minds.

by kat-missouri on January 29, 2006 12:08 PM

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These are the kind of pictures that make me need an "eye squeegy".

by Christine on January 29, 2006 04:49 PM

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Um, exactly how did the Democrats "force" a 20% troop reduction in Iraq? Was there a resolution in Congress? Is there something I missed? Are you sure this has nothing to do with the fact that some units are on thier second rotation, some soldiers on thier third? The past week, 2 reports have come out describing the Army as (to put it mildly) stretched thin, we have no credible military options in Iran, enlistment is falling short, even though we are enlisting 40 year-olds that never would have qualified, even when they were 20.

This is probably Kerry's fault, somehow. Although he did 2 tours in Vietnam and probably dosen't have too much trouble sending today's kids out for their second.

/vic

by vic silverfish on January 29, 2006 11:35 PM

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I've been hearing that people are seeing a real upside to this 'Palestinian army'. Namely, any further attacks is an act of war by the gov't. The Pali's had better think before they act or things can get really ugly really fast(and before Iran can back them up with a nuc tipped Shahab 3).

by ry on January 30, 2006 01:23 AM

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Who's the model for the Castle Store gear(up and to your right)?

by ry on January 30, 2006 01:37 AM

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Somethin' shiny catch your eye? Must've been the coffee mug.

Nawt!

by cw4(ret)billt on January 30, 2006 05:31 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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You acted out and role played with figurines?
My brothers used to play with these guys and the back yard always looked like a miniature battlefield.
Not only that, lacking proper electronic sound effects in those days, they made all the noises too.
Happy memories.

Kewl.

by Cricket on January 28, 2006 01:31 PM

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we used to line ours up on different sides of the walkway, then sit on the front porch with bb guns, firing at the other side. Last one with a figure standing was the winner. Helluva lot more fun than shooting at paper targets. Also made you apply real marksmanship skills. Those little buggers were hard to hit 20 feet away....

by msg keith on January 28, 2006 04:15 PM

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I was in Bad Hersfeld, watching AFN too. I remember feeling "Huh?" And then, it dawned on me, the horrible, awful truth.

by Cricket on January 28, 2006 06:50 PM

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I was at a local airport talking with the owner and he turned the TV on just in time for liftoff.

We watched in silence as what had been a very good day became a very bleak one...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 28, 2006 08:17 PM

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Army men - cool!

I had about two companies of troops when I was a kid, but I ultimately graduated to scale modelling.

by Russ on January 28, 2006 09:39 PM

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My sister-in-law was living with us so her infant son could be seen by cardiologists in
Boston. He never slept and I had been up with him all night to give her a break. I walked into the living room where she was watching "I Dream of Jeannie" and they broke into the show. I remember my stomach doing a little flip flop because I knew it couldn't be anything good.

by Maggie on January 28, 2006 10:25 PM

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Potato guns.

by Punctilious on January 29, 2006 07:51 PM

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I was in basic training, out on a firing range that day. We were told at lunch. As a sign of everyone's shock, I actually got into a "discussion" with a drill sergeant over how many people we'd sent into space... without any negative consequences.

I just realized yesterday that between active and inactive time, I went over 20 earlier this month.

by SGT Jeff (IRR) on January 30, 2006 11:14 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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FBL.............you come up with the best stuff!!!

by Maggie on January 27, 2006 10:18 AM

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Oh, I can't take credit for that, Maggie. Denizenne extraordinaire, Cassandra, came up with that!

But it certainly got my attention... must explain some of my more high-strung/nervous traits... ;)

by FbL on January 27, 2006 11:33 AM

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Murtha's true objective revealed:

"Our troops are the target," Murtha told the newspaper. "We're not fighting terrorism in Iraq. We're fighting a civil war in Iraq. We've got to give them an incentive. We fought our Civil War. Let them fight their civil war."

Murtha, the senior Democrat on the House appropriations defense panel, said many Iraqis think "it's all right to kill Americans" and that most Iraqis want U.S. troops out of the country.

"There is no reason in the world we couldn't do what we're doing (in Iraq) from the periphery," Murtha said. "I've just come to the conclusion it's going to happen and it's just a matter of time."

He wants Iraq to self-destruct. That dirty sonofa...

Original article

by MCart on January 27, 2006 11:49 AM

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Is it just me or have the "Day by Day" cartoons not been displaying at the top of your blog for a few days? Is it going to be fixed? Any idea when? And, to not be only complaining, great blog (the one I go to first each day)! Keep up the good work.

by Walter M. Clark on January 27, 2006 01:50 PM

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Jimmy Carter pardons the draft dodgers, setting a precedent I hope doesn't bite us in the arse in future years. Should we come to a place in time when a military draft is called for, I wonder, who will answer the call and who will run away to wait for another misguided President to excuse cowardly behavior. And it was and is cowardly behavior, not a principled stand, IMNSHO.

by V29 on January 27, 2006 05:13 PM

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Heh...FbL, I was thinking the same thing. LOL

er...about me anyway.

And, I knew about the good Captain. We have had several over the years come and join our fights, Rapicault being one of the fine examples.

by kat-missouri on January 27, 2006 06:27 PM

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Walter - you may be looking at a single post page - which displays an 'archive page' header. If you see "Main" at the top of the post, click on that to see the main page, which includes the DBD cartoon.

by Barb on January 27, 2006 06:30 PM

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I read the article about IEDs in The Atlantic and was quite depressed. Thanks for the link that added some balance.

by Maggie on January 27, 2006 10:42 PM

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Is there a time each day when the Day By Day comic is not shown? Please let me know so I can set the alarm clock.

[I kid as he has gotten a lot better and a lot less partisan since I told you he would be better if he got a lot less partisan.]

by Alan on January 28, 2006 07:27 PM

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PPS - 1944 and 1945 above: Thanks Russians. You saved the day.

by Alan on January 28, 2006 07:28 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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FBL,
Thanks for the link to Sanger's essay. I read "Night" back in high school and remember feeling some of the same anger he expresses. I thought it was because I was so comfortable in my life and couldn't relate. Think I'll have to read it again.

by Maggie on January 26, 2006 09:41 AM

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I second FBL's required reading for the day. Thanks for pointing it out to us.

by Punctilious on January 26, 2006 10:17 AM

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Nice to see you've got trackbacks on again. But I still can't trackback to H&I; from yesterday for my post about LTC Russell. Sorry.

by FbL on January 26, 2006 10:37 AM

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You can't trackback because I turn trackbacks off after 1 day. I do so to control trackback spam.

However, having Denizen privileges, you can open the post, turn trackbacks back on, trackback, and then shut them off again.

by John of Argghhh! on January 26, 2006 11:01 AM

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D'oh!!! *smacks forehead*

Thanks for setting me straight, John!

*checking hair for blonde roots*

by FbL on January 26, 2006 11:54 AM

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FBL... At least you didn't hit the echo chamber on your trackback to the wrong post. Sheesh. Is it too early to ask where the rita-matic is?

by Punctilious on January 26, 2006 12:01 PM

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Luckily for us, the 'ritamatic is on 24 hour notice, Punct.

Sanger's essay is outstanding. It's a view I've never heard... very fitting for a warrior.

by AFSister on January 26, 2006 01:18 PM

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Bunnies on Wall Street, eh?
9%'s not bad... but I'm guessing none had the 82% return stock that I picked almost exactly 1 year ago today.

Feh.

by AFSister on January 26, 2006 01:26 PM

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Kewl!
John's about to pass Oleg!

Quality vs. content, John! It's all about quality, and the "real" gun nuts know it's not all about nekkid gurls.

OK. It's a lot about nekkid gurls..but not all.

by AFSister on January 26, 2006 02:48 PM

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He just did. :D

by FbL on January 26, 2006 02:51 PM

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But the way this works, I could *still* lose.

It makes my head hurt to read how the whole thing operates!

by John of Argghhh! on January 26, 2006 03:32 PM

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Sanger, that was absolutely amazing. I sent the link to my future daughter-in-law.

by Cassandra on January 26, 2006 04:24 PM

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Sanger - A good one, as always. There were far too few bright moments in that darkness--like the Warsaw Ghetto and Sobibor. And too few people know that Sobibor was a revolt in a death camp, not just a mass escape from one.

by cw4(ret)billt on January 26, 2006 05:25 PM

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Like the Demcrats of Chicago always say peple...

Vote Early, Vote Often

by Jon The Mechanic on January 26, 2006 05:42 PM

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Voted and put you above the competition at least 9 %.

by kat-missouri on January 26, 2006 06:57 PM

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To all: Thanks for the compliments and the ego boost. I hope it stands the test of time. You all are an inspiration too, to be sure...

Thanks again!

SangerM

by SangerM on January 26, 2006 08:45 PM

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You are still in the lead at the moment. Freaky system.

by Punctilious on January 26, 2006 09:28 PM

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Well, it just goes to show you that style and content count.

Not for a whole lot when you're going up against pinups pointing pistols, though.

A squeaker. Glad the guys at work left early.

Love them CAC cards...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 26, 2006 11:06 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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So, Winnie did know Teddy, so to speak.

Cheers
JMH

by J.M. Heinrichs on January 25, 2006 09:15 AM

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In this instance, I would hope Teddy is the pet form of Theodora...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 25, 2006 10:01 AM

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Who's poking journo's? Isn't that considered illegal in most states under the "public indecency" laws?

by Were-Kitten on January 25, 2006 10:21 AM

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*pg-17 rouses from its fitful, haunted slumber, tests the air warily, scents the tell-tale attar-of-mawk and, with a pained whimper, crawls back under the couch*

by cw4(ret)billt on January 25, 2006 10:33 AM

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Here's some fun, guys (courtesy of Cassandra in the first place).

by FbL on January 25, 2006 12:39 PM

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I'm a Honda S2000!
You live on the edge, and you live for the adrenaline rush. You don't need luxuries, snob appeal, or superfluous gadgets. You put your top down, get your motor revving, and take all the curves that life throws at you at full speed. So what if you spin out occasionally?

Scary.. but true. I suppose.

by AFSister on January 25, 2006 12:45 PM

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And there you go with your top down, again. Come on, woman! Have some decency! ;)

by FbL on January 25, 2006 12:53 PM

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*breaks into song*

Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes my way.....

BORN TO BE WIIII-IIII-III-IIIILD!

by AFSister on January 25, 2006 12:58 PM

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Our Fire God has just forwarded photos of his custom built Harley for this year's competition.

It is a work in process. He seems to be especially proud of the fuel tank. A truely unusual design this year.

Last year it was a trike. This year, a made for HOT custom bike

by jim b on January 25, 2006 01:03 PM

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*purrrrrrrr*

I wanna motorcycle.....

by Were-Kitten on January 25, 2006 01:10 PM

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I want a motorcycle, too...

One with a man in the driver's seat. *grin*

by FbL on January 25, 2006 01:12 PM

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Oh, yes... most definitely need a man to hug up on while going down the road...

by AFSister on January 25, 2006 01:21 PM

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Well in the interest of not feedin the cats.... my next three posts will be ... nothing.

by jim b on January 25, 2006 01:41 PM

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I think the wimmin are officially out of control.

by Cassandra on January 25, 2006 01:48 PM

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*GRIN*

*laughing at Jim and Cassandra*

by FbL on January 25, 2006 01:57 PM

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I think the wimmin are officially out of control.

You say that like it's a bad thing. :-)

by Masked Menace© on January 25, 2006 02:05 PM

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Ahhh...Burns Night. Blood kin awa' whan.

However, this from a bud who ran afoul of the Castle spamgrabber:

Never cared much for haggis, but the whiskey used to toast it.. well I'll admit to an occasional over indulgence. OBAN is my favorite. Never watered down and never served on ice, but drank as was intended, at room temperature.

Rabbie Burns, Poet Laureate, describes Haggis thusly:

Address to a Haggis.

Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin'-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang's my arm.

The rest here if you care..I doubt it. :-)

I will raise my glass tonite, in honor of the Poet
and his Chieftain of the Pudding Race!

Jim E.--Sco'ish by burr'uth, American by choice!

by cw4(ret)billt on January 25, 2006 04:34 PM

---

I just read LTC Steve Russell's letter. It made me sadder than I've been in a long time--I can barely see the screen to write this.....

I wrote in a story once that the worst thing you can do to a man is make him kill you. Happily, I have no experience in that regard, but I have lived with and come to know closely several dozen men who have, from my step-father to my Army friends and acquaintances, to my father-in-law and lately several work acquaintances. To a man, not a one was ever proud of what he'd had to do, except insofar as he was proud of having been able to do what needed to be done when it needed doing. Proud of saving his friends, proud of serving his country, proud of doing his duty. Happy only to have made it home alive.

A few months ago, while wandering along the riverwalk in San Antonio, I happened to pass a couple of young Sergeants in Army class A's with white shirts, bow ties, double! 1Cav patches, and the Garryowen unit crest on the front and back of their black stetsons. I asked the unit, they said 1st of the 7th. My first unit! The very same! In 1974 as today, the 1st of the 7th was a tank unit, but the men back then had just returned from Vietnam the year before. The men I met in S.A. had recently returned from Iraq, I think it was. These Sergeants had to be 25 years my junior, yet I felt humbled by them. And slightly--stupidly--envious. I remember my old friends, who all looked so much older (to me) at the time, and I think about many of them often. What struck me that day in San Antonio is that the two Sergeants--dressed up for their Platoon Sergeant's wedding--had an awful lot in common with those men from 30 years ago, maybe more than they realized, in some ways more than I did. It was a moving realization.

And as I read LTC Russell's letter, all I could think of was all the men I've known who would know what he was talking about--especially those from my first unit, and the few I've known like Stein, who never would. I suppose it might be arrogant of me to suppose so, but I can't help but believe that God is watching, and that He knows who deserves mercy and peace, and who has failed the test. I know it is God's to judge, but I cannot but wish the worst on people like Stein.

In that sense, if no other, LTC Russell is a better man than I.

V/R

by SangerM on January 25, 2006 05:36 PM

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LTC Russell has more grace and humanity than Stein has in his left pinky toenail. That's a man who will be judged favorably upon meeting his Maker. He's the kind of man I hope my boys grow up to be- sure of their beliefs, proud of their part in history, and honorable above all else.

Thanks, LTC. Russell.
I wouldn't have handled that with near the grace you did.

by AFSister on January 25, 2006 05:52 PM

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And, well, for what it's worth, I am a Lamborghini Murcielago! I'm not subtle, but I don't want to be. Fast, loud, and dramatic, I want people to notice me, and then get out of the way. In a world full of sheep, I'm a raging bull.

Not too shabby for a dumb webquiz! I just wish I were really that hot!!

by SangerM on January 25, 2006 05:58 PM

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I was that machine too, Sanger.

by John of Argghhh! on January 25, 2006 06:07 PM

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LTC Russell is obviously a very good man (with all that is best in "very," "good," and "man").

I wish I could tell him how grateful I am for people like him who do what they must do, and do it for all the right reasons.

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 25, 2006 06:12 PM

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Sanger - Throughout the interview of Stein on Hewitt's show, I couldn't help but think how gracious Hugh was as an interviewer. He stopped short of outright laughing at the man, but I've listened to him enough to know he was completely exasperated with the evident ignorance and shallow attitude.
But LTC Russell's letter is transcendent in its graciousness and demonstrates the ultimate in class and restraint. He is a much better human than am I.

by Barb on January 25, 2006 06:18 PM

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I am grateful that we have enough gentlemen like LTC Russell around to make it possible for the Steins of this country make it clear how little they understand.

by Punctilious on January 25, 2006 09:05 PM

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Chevy Corvette:
You're a classic(Oh, I'm sure some of the other Denizines think I'm classic all right, a classic pain in the butt) - powerful(with my chicken arms?), athletic([past tense]), and competitive. You're all about winning the race and getting the job done. While you have a practical everyday side, you get wild when anyone pushes your pedal. You hate to lose, but you hardly ever do.

by ry on January 26, 2006 05:26 AM

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Oh, and Sanger brought some serious wood to the plate with his essay.
If your eyes don't mist up or you don't feel your stomach knot; or you don't understand the logic of his argument; while reading him then I don't think you're human.

by ry on January 26, 2006 05:59 AM

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LTC Russell's convictions evoke the true feelings of a Soldier's Soldier. All who have the fortunate experience of serving along side him know that his cares and desires go to the heart of what we stand for as a nation, and represent all that which is noble about Soldiering.

LTC Russell is a man of humble honor, but despite his humility, feels so strongly to speak out against those who know not what the American Soldier does in his service, sacrifice and duty.

Mr. Stein, if you only knew what it means to serve, I assure you your opinions would not resemble what you have written. I pity you in your ignorance, however 'enlightened' you may think you are.

by John Smith on January 27, 2006 10:41 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

Link Medic! Link Medic for Fuzzybear post!
*rub eyes, yawn* More coffee, FbL? Know *I* need it ...

by Bad Cat Robot on January 24, 2006 07:58 AM

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Sorry. Don't know how that went to hell like that. All fixed, now! :)

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 24, 2006 08:03 AM

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Note to Punct. reference caffine. Phosphoric acid is also known as 'toilet bowl cleaner'. And those classes... prolly sponsored by wimmins.

jim b walks to the bar for a nonphosphoric'd dose of caffine.

by jim b on January 24, 2006 08:13 AM

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Yeah... It'll work for that too in a pinch. But it is best without sugar.

by Punctilious on January 24, 2006 08:33 AM

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Hmmm... wonder if it would help Potty Mouths...

by FbL on January 24, 2006 08:45 AM

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Love the video!!!!

As far as the Guinness recipe....I have never *made* ice cream, here in the city we *buy* it. If I go visit them in Mayberry will they share?

by Maggie on January 24, 2006 08:54 AM

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WHAT??????????
Drinking wards off strokes????
Since WHEN?

It's been *my* experience that drinking encourages strokes. In fact, it sometimes enhances them.

I demand a test of that theory!

by Were-Kitten on January 24, 2006 09:43 AM

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Drinking encourages strokes

jim b goes to the bar

Drinking enhances strokes

jim b gets a scoresby ... let's just call this anesthetic ... just in case.

after all you gotta be doin something when you have a stroke.

look at it this way too ... you spend your whole life avoiding everything that every junk scientist says will hurt you .... and then you die.

by jim b on January 24, 2006 09:54 AM

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Well, Were-kitten, we *are* overdue for a comment party ;-) We can enlist JTG to sip ginger-ale and take notes in the corner. I love a good experiment!

by Bad Cat Robot on January 24, 2006 09:55 AM

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And this thread now collapses flat on its back, like a drunk co-ed at a Frat party... and the Vultures assemble.

by John of Argghhh! on January 24, 2006 10:06 AM

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Watch er Newt, I think she is just pretending to lie in the sun and bloat to lure vultures.

But that's just me. You know how I am, you can dress me up but you can't take me anywhere.

jim b sits.

by jim b on January 24, 2006 10:12 AM

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*evil grin*
How did I know Jim would be the first one to test out the stroke theory?
Are you feeling enhanced or encouraged yet, Jim?

BCR-
It's been WAY too long since we've had a good comment party around here! Oh- I wanted to tell you I followed you to work today. Or at least that's what the license tag said. It was "BCR" something-or-other. Made me giggle. (of course, that's not too hard to do)

by Were-Kitten on January 24, 2006 10:14 AM

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Next time she registers the BadCat Mobile, she should get a BCRLABS vanity plate...

by John of Argghhh! on January 24, 2006 10:18 AM

---

jim b leans forward to the microphone and says, "No comment." and sits back.

jim b makes note to self, never never never touch any line that has anything to do with enhanced strokes or encouraged strokes.

jim b closes notebook and sits.

by jim b on January 24, 2006 10:18 AM

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Oh yeah!
John- I meant to tell you what I heard on the radio this morning. They were discussing tattoos.
This guy wrote an email saying that he was once with a girl that had a chandelier tattooed just below her navel. He asked her why. She said "Because chandeliers hang over the dining room table".

(poor Jim. You still haven't learned to bring your A-game when playing with the Castle Kittens, have you?)

*resumes swinging from chandelier mounted above the Castle Bar... not to be confused with the one mounted over the Castle Dining Room Table...that's a whole 'nuther storyline*

by Were-Kitten on January 24, 2006 10:30 AM

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Jim... btw...
When I lay in the sun, I try to do it on days I am *not* bloated.

by Were-Kitten on January 24, 2006 10:32 AM

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Re: BadCatMobile -- surface-to-vacuum interceptors don't need license plates. The tab fees will eat you alive, anyway, and I do not want to talk about the emissions test.

hey Were-kitten! Want to try out the new anti-gravity remote tickler? Fresh outta the lab!

by Bad Cat Robot on January 24, 2006 10:36 AM

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How bout them Steelers eh?

by jim b on January 24, 2006 11:08 AM

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*smells room*

mmm... i love the smell of MAN in the afternoon....

by Were-Kitten on January 24, 2006 02:26 PM

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I'll sit here quietly and sip my port...

by Sgt. B. on January 24, 2006 02:37 PM

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B,
Drink up, baby... it's gonna be a bumpy ride...

by Were-Kitten on January 24, 2006 02:43 PM

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I came over to thank you guys for the link, but, uh, I don't want to interrupt anything...

I'll just go back to Germany and finish my beer.

by MaryAnn on January 24, 2006 02:57 PM

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OK, write down Sgt. B for port (fill up his glass, willya?) jim b seems to be doing a world tour of likker at the bar there --- gotta keep tabs on the intake or it isn't a Scientific Experiment! Then in a bit we'll have Were-Kitten scamper by in her pole-dancing outfit and see whether her theory is correct ;-)

by bad cat robot on January 24, 2006 03:01 PM

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You're welcome, I'm sorry about the mess. They're ungovernable.

*Stern look* Now see what you've done? You've gone and scared all the normals!

by John of Argghhh! on January 24, 2006 03:03 PM

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I think I'm going to creep back to my bottle of Wild Turkey

If I move slowly maybe they won't notice me

by BloodSpite on January 24, 2006 03:13 PM

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*pouts in corner of chandelier*

but DAAAAAD!
We were JUST having FUN!

by Were-Kitten on January 24, 2006 03:17 PM

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*Hands subpoena to Bloodspite*

Some jerk dropped this by earlier. Better get the *Big Bottle*.

;^)

by John of Argghhh! on January 24, 2006 03:19 PM

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Not even funny *grimace*

Fortunately however when the Wild Turkey is gone I have a bottle of Rebel Yell on back up

As much E-mail as is crossing my desk currently I may need it /sigh

by BloodSpite on January 24, 2006 03:31 PM

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S'okay, the Server was served. To the Moat Monster. Yer still clear.

by John of Argghhh! on January 24, 2006 03:33 PM

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*perk*

somebody say "jerk" and "Big Bottle" in the same sentence?

*grin*

by Were-Kitten on January 24, 2006 03:34 PM

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Thats the first piece of good news I've heard all day ;)

by BloodSpite on January 24, 2006 03:35 PM

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sigh I hate when that 30 something blonde in the powersuit from next door comes over and wants to chat.

Okay Reader Digest condensed version.

song:
as time goes by

Fedora
Trenchcoat
Zippo
Camel
puf puff

walk to door

Good night Chesty wherever you are.

Exit stage right

by jim b on January 24, 2006 03:38 PM

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Jim,

Why?

by Maggie on January 24, 2006 04:02 PM

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Here I am, a poor working schlub again, doing 8 to 5 with no contact with the outside world until I drive home and see what the crazies at the castle have been up to, making it just in time to see Jim sauntering to the door like bogie blowin' off the swedish chick.

*sigh*

by kat-missouri on January 24, 2006 06:56 PM

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ummm... he did what to the Swedish chick ?!
sheesh- I take care o' personal binness for a coupla days and this place goes to the gutter.
Oh wait a minnit- that's where I found it!
Never mind...

by Neffi on January 24, 2006 07:24 PM

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Hiya Neffi. Let me fill your glass. The comfy chairs have all been taken by the mesmerized folks with the wimbledon necks. But I think there are a few choice spots overlooking the moat left. Tell us how you've been.

by Punctilious on January 24, 2006 08:34 PM

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'and the Vultures assemble'---Sounds like a rallying cry from a comic book. I can just see all these crazy rotorheads jumping and running for their faithful steeds.

by ry on January 24, 2006 09:34 PM

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CLEAR!

*triggering igniters for the lycoming*

by V15 on January 24, 2006 09:50 PM

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I was wondering when V15 or V29 was gonna have something to say about that... ;)

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 24, 2006 09:55 PM

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Just read CAssie's post about the 'Warriors and Wussies' op-ed.
Basically, isn't this what we wanted the anti-war side to do? Admitt that they hate the military? They aren't likely to do that much if we immediately jump them for it instead of letting them weave enough rope to hang themselves with.

Just put it out there, the rage will build itself. Don't need to explain to people who or how to be mad---avg 'Murican will figure out how on their own.
(commented here 'cause Cassie requires sign-up for comments, and why make more work for such a classy lady?).

by ry on January 24, 2006 10:17 PM

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I voted:

1: Oleg

2: JoA

3: Kim

4: Uncle

5: Cowboy Blob (I'd heard of him)

6: Mr. Completely (ditto)

7: All the rest in alphabetical order; sorry, Xavier.

by Justthisguy on January 25, 2006 10:52 PM

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Um, gee, I wasn't looking for honesty, JTG, just shills, man!

Heh. Yer next rebuild at BCR Labs will include a look at that loyalty module!

by John of Argghhh! on January 25, 2006 11:21 PM

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BCR? What is this "Ginger Ale" of which you speak?

by Justthisguy on January 25, 2006 11:22 PM

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Sorry, Sir. It was a draw in my head, then I remembered that I was bloviating at The High Road before I'd ever heard of you. Seniority (in my head)
won.

I think I need to negotiate a larger bri- er, tip, for BCR for my next update.

by Justthisguy on January 25, 2006 11:33 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

Interesting--the dot-mil Net Nanny hit me with the following for both links:

Forbidden, this page is categorized as Criminal Skills.

Hmmmmmmm...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 23, 2006 09:18 AM

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For the Boomershoot, I can almost see that.

For the other one - dumb keywords, no context. Geez, Bill - you live in a UN-run Internet environment...

by John of Argghhh! on January 23, 2006 09:23 AM

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I guess they don't want you to know about things that go "boom" and legal proceedings. Keep 'em in the dark... that'll work!

by AFSister on January 23, 2006 09:23 AM

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Heck - I'm surprised Argghhh! is allowed in...

by John of Argghhh! on January 23, 2006 09:32 AM

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Well, I have a redneck server and it is administered by Billy Bob.

by Cricket on January 23, 2006 09:53 AM

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whoa.
That BlackBerry issue could be devastating to SO many businesses and government agencies (including police & fire depts).
I wish I knew more about international law and how it would apply to patents. It seems to me that if the relay isn't in the United States, how could the United States regulate their business and shut it down due to patent infringement?

by AFSister on January 23, 2006 11:18 AM

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YAY!
My 15,000th visitor just stopped by my Puddle...as a referral from this post.

kewl!

by AFSister on January 23, 2006 01:04 PM

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Perhaps you should add "the rules" bumper stickers to the Store???

by AFSister on January 23, 2006 02:09 PM

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John - Do you mean to imply that if you *weren't* going to Korea, you would have attended the Boomershoot? That's pretty close to Firebase Rockford, only a few hours driving. Lotsa my well-heeled co-workers head over for it each year as well. Not saying I was planning to, in fact I expect to have house guests that weekend - just curious.

by Barb on January 23, 2006 02:16 PM

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He can't add the 'rules' bumper sticker to the store cause it keeps changing. Well maybe he could if it were one of them electronic message boards thingies that you can change.

jim b walks to the bar and gets a Scoresby.

by jim b on January 23, 2006 02:31 PM

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Oh by the way didja notice how I didn't have to wait 3-7 minutes for a designer coffee?

by jim b on January 23, 2006 02:33 PM

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Boomershoot... *grin* Nyah nyah nyah...

Coffee... Fill machine with water, change filter, 4 scoops, go take shower... Fill mug, shot of sugar, splash of milk... Done... Fill second mug, splash of cream, wave under sleeping bear's nose, 15 easy extra Karma points every morning...

(Don't need anybody to do it for me...)

by Sgt. B. on January 23, 2006 03:41 PM

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Sugar? Milk? How about a li'l cutsie-poo *umbrella* while you're at it?

Hrmmpf. Amateurs...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 23, 2006 04:06 PM

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jim b whips up a cup of coffee for Bill.... just the way he likes it ... thick enough to cover up all them little things that live in the water, and to cover up the taste.

Now that's living.

by jim b on January 23, 2006 04:24 PM

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This just in special classes for men. I won't bother you with the entire list of 14 classes, here are a few.

WINTER CLASSES FOR MEN AT THE LEARNING CENTER FOR ADULTS NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM.

Class 1 How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays --- Step by Step, with Slide
Presentation. Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00PM.

Class 3 Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub? --- Group Practice. Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4 Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor ---Pictures and Explanatory Graphics. Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

by jim b on January 23, 2006 04:35 PM

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Hey Jim b. Who is actually teaching those classes? It makes a difference you know.

by Punctilious on January 23, 2006 05:50 PM

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Maybe you should try ordering a cup of coffee, not a freakin' milk shake!

by Big Squid on January 23, 2006 06:15 PM

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Maybe you should try ordering a cup of coffee, not a freakin' milk shake!

by Big Squid on January 23, 2006 06:15 PM

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Maybe you should try ordering a cup of coffee, not a freakin' milk shake!

by Big Squid on January 23, 2006 06:15 PM

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Maybe you should try ordering a cup of coffee, not a freakin' milk shake!

by Big Squid on January 23, 2006 06:15 PM

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Maybe you should try ordering a cup of coffee, not a freakin' milk shake!

by Big Squid on January 23, 2006 06:15 PM

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Oooops. Sorry. (For the stuck key, not the smart-arse comment.)

by Big Squid on January 23, 2006 06:18 PM

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Heh. Mebbe it was *you* in front of me, BS...

I drink mud, usually.

But every now and then, I like a good, large, latte'.

That doesn't mean I can't gripe about an oblivion who doesn't understand the concept of drive-through.

by John of Argghhh! on January 23, 2006 06:22 PM

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I spent too long drinking coffee for effect... (Including mainlining the instant stuff straight outta the packet and down the gullet...)

Now that I don't have to keep my eyes peeled for bad guys, I figure it's okay to try to make it taste good...

And what, pray tell, Your Whirleybird-ness, is wrong with milkshakes?

by Sgt. B. on January 23, 2006 06:47 PM

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Oh, sorry Chief, it wuz the other ol' codger what made the crack about milkshakes...

by Sgt. B. on January 23, 2006 06:51 PM

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Ok, coffee dorks-du-jour!

How about the penny dork at the _______mart checkout line who has to dig in her purse for 3 minutes looking for the exact change, even though there's a dollar on the counter that she doesn't want to give to the clerk!

Or the Check writer who has to find the checkbook, find the pen, write the check in sloooooooooow-motion, screw it up, void it, redo all of that, then enter the amount in the registers BEFORE giving the &^%(#&#_ check to the clerk!

Or the Deli-dork who manges to step to the counter just nano-seconds before you get to order your 1/4 pound of white american, who orders 1/16th pound of 8 different meats, and wants a taste of that plus 4 more, AND wants it all cut just so thin (and gets it right in 6 trys), and wants each slice individually wrapped, and this DOLT shows up when there is only one clerk and you are there at lunch time!!!

Or the $hithead who pulls into the fuel line in front of you (amybe you actually let him/her go first, being stupid-nice), and it turns out that person has to GO IN to pay, and while he's there, he has to get some chicken, fries, coffee, etc, and THEN pay for his gas, and GOD-FORBID he moves his (&^(*^)* car before he does all that, and you can't move because some other *^$*& has backed in behind you to get at the diesel pump!!!!!!!!!

Or the boss who finally wants to review your 40- page report, WHILE YOU WAIT, at the end of the day, 5 minutes before you are to leave to catch the early evening matinee, even though she's had the report for TWO EFFIN DAYS days.......!!!

... ARRGGHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Damn!! I'm beginning to hyperventilate here!

Well, anyway, there but for the grace of God. . .

And I don't drink frape-fancy-coffee anyway, and it frosts my shorts that I have to scan a menu the size of a standard sheet of plywood just to see what a cup of regular coffee costs! And will that be regular ajmoooka, regular-regular, or regular-chipoltepec...

And once, we pulled into a drivethrough and ordered a pint of Vanilla ice cream to go... The response was "Will that be a large pint or a small pint, sir?"

Of course I opted for the large pint.

by SangerM on January 23, 2006 07:23 PM

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Sgt B: Your Whirleybird-ness!

Cool!

P.S.

Anyone near Dayton, OH

by SangerM on January 23, 2006 07:27 PM

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I take my caffeine with a hefty dose of phosphoric acid thank you very much.

by Punctilious on January 23, 2006 07:34 PM

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Sanger, AFSis says on her blog that she lives in Cincinnati...

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 23, 2006 08:09 PM

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Anybody going to Boomershoot from this crowd?

Chief: Yeah, I'll take that umbrella...

Big Squid: You only need to hit the "Post" button with one tentacle, big guy, not all of them... *grin*

by Sgt. B. on January 23, 2006 08:32 PM

---

Tease.

by John of Argghhh! on January 23, 2006 08:33 PM

---

Who's a tease?

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 23, 2006 08:40 PM

---

SGT B., with his implied attendance at the Boomershoot (which takes place just east of where he lairs).

Sorry, Fuzzy, not you, this time.

8^D

by John of Argghhh! on January 23, 2006 08:50 PM

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*wilted expression* Well, I'm being a tease in the post below... ;)

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 23, 2006 08:54 PM

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SANGER!
I'm in Cinci- only about an hour south, depending on where you are in Dayton.

WASSUP?????
email me!

by AFSister on January 23, 2006 09:16 PM

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Well, truth be told... I've seen stuff blow up before... The fee is $100.00 per shooter, and if I didn't know anyone there, then I'd rather do something else that weekend...

If any of YOU guys were going, that would be another story...

Be a great excuse for a blogmeet, though...

by Sgt. B. on January 23, 2006 09:17 PM

---

I missed this exchange, and unfortunately, I started reading it while eating some wheat thins--good thing it's not _my_ computer! Jeeze, but this is funny!!!

John of Argghhh!: "Rock, Chalk, Chickenhawk, Screw KU!" has been a Mizzou rallying cry for a loooooooooooooooooooong time.

cw4(ret)billt: And what's their retort, something like "Straw, Grass, Horse's a$$, Screw U2"...?

John of Argghhh!: No, lately they just beat us like punks and make us their sports b1tches.

--

Man, I laughed so hard and so loud and so long, the noisy couple screwing in the next room actually stopped for a bit. Probably figured I was laughing at them. Now that is rich, though I hope I don't run into them in the elevator tomorrow morning. . .

:-D

by SangerM on January 23, 2006 10:58 PM

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AFSis, I'm just north-right of Dayton for a coupla weeks. I'm heading to Ft. Wayne and points east Saturday morning, but I could swing south Friday evening maybe for a couple hours over coffee or food?

I don't have your e-mail address with me and I can only send webmail right now (I'm on a borrowed PC), but if you send me something at the grand retort address (link top right of page), I can get to that and respond.

by SangerM on January 23, 2006 11:09 PM

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YAY!
That sounds great, Sanger.
Check your em.

by AFSister on January 23, 2006 11:16 PM

---

On the drivethrough thing: I am reminded of a story I read a couple or three years ago about the "express lane" at a supermarket. It seems a woman got so exercised at the woman ahead of her trying to get more than 10 items through, that she physically jumped her and bit (a sizable piece of) the violator's ear off.

by Justthisguy on January 24, 2006 01:40 AM

---

P.S. That raises an etiquette question: If you bite someone's ear off in a fight, should you just swallow it and say nothing, or save it and give it back to him when it's over?

Depends on how serious the fight is, I reckon.

Oh, I have wondered about this for years and years:

Has anyone ever gotten a Purple Heart for human bite wounds?

Has anyone ever gotten a medal for valor consequent on his inflicting human bite wounds on the Enemy?

by Justthisguy on January 24, 2006 03:03 AM

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I dunno about your second comment, JTG - but as to the first, my response was to back out of the lane and get to work, forgoing the joys of milk-frothed caffeine.

by John of Argghhh! on January 24, 2006 06:07 AM

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Criminal skills? I guess they didn't read the fine print on the "Bomb Help" page where the ATF, FBI, Scotland Yard, and others all over the world got notified when someone in their district wanted help doing something bad.

I'm hurt.

Joe Huffman
Boomershoot Event Director
Military guys can't make Boomershoot 2006? Send me an email if you want a private party and maybe we can work something out.

by Joe Huffman on January 26, 2006 04:16 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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Go Canada! Now, if Britain could only follow suit...

WOO HOO!

And I do not give a Big Mac's box what MM thinks.

by Cricket on January 23, 2006 09:07 AM

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Relax, Menace. I'm *sure* Cricket is all over what *your* opinion is!

by John of Argghhh! on January 23, 2006 09:10 AM

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Ohhhh I forgot...sorry MM. I meant the ponderosity of Michael Moore's underwhelming angst against us mean spirited poopy headed Right Wing Thugs.

Masked Menace is cuddly wuddly adorable.

by Cricket on January 23, 2006 09:18 AM

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Menace- Look out, buddy. The last time Cricket went all cuddly-wuddly on somebody, he (okay, *I*) got tagged with "SugarButtons" as a nick...

Heh. Speaking of Canadian elections, Dust My Broom's continuing to bust on the Libs in a chucklesome fashion.

by cw4(ret)billt on January 23, 2006 09:26 AM

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Yep, the Canadian Conservatives do have a sense of humour. I was fortunate in that Bill warned us of
it, so I practiced safe linking by the use of keyboard and monitor prophylactics, putting the Beverage Of Choice down and not drinking when I started reading.

The paper towels and Windex are standing by JIC.

by Cricket on January 23, 2006 09:59 AM

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M(asked)M(enace) is definitely "cuddly wuddly adorable" in *this* Castle Kitten's book!

(flashback: somebody entered a "cute blogger" contest using a picture of himself with a kitten perched on his shoulder....*sigh*)

by Were-Kitten on January 23, 2006 10:01 AM

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W-K - The *kitten* was the blogger...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 23, 2006 10:14 AM

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damn.
How do I get *that* job? It would be SO HARD to spend my day attached to those shoulders....

by Were-Kitten on January 23, 2006 10:29 AM

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John, you sure you wanna let these ladies with definitive proof of bad eyesight handle the weaponry?

by Masked Menace© on January 23, 2006 01:31 PM

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MM© - I promise, no ammo will be available at the Castle, and when at the range there will be 2 safety officers per sight-challenged Denizen... and we'll Barney 'em on ammo.

by John of Argghhh! on January 23, 2006 01:37 PM

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LOL. We are getting into paintball here at Chez Engineer. The Engineer has a shooting gallery set up from the back deck, and the use of air guns so as not to perturb the neighbors. The Princess Kitty, aka My Daughter, outshot her brothers with the air pistol. She hit four out of five bottles at 15 yards...the little darling! How old is she? 7.

by Cricket on January 23, 2006 02:05 PM

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It's a good thing John... considering I've only fired a gun once, and it wasn't exactly a desirable shot.

But I am looking forward to learning how to properly handle a weapon.

by Were-Kitten on January 23, 2006 03:00 PM

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I was going to suggest that the proper way of handling a weapon was to hand it to the guy next to you.

But I decided against it.

Ignore this post.

by jim b on January 23, 2006 04:37 PM

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I've noticed something interesting about the Canadian elections: the promise by the Liberals to ban handguns went from front page news to 'never heard of it' once the polls showed they were likely to lose.

by KCSteve on January 23, 2006 04:45 PM

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Heh...just what I said to Alan and he was insisting that I was crazy.

The tide is high and I'm moving on
I'm gonna be your number one
Que Sera, Que Sera

by kat-missouri on January 23, 2006 06:36 PM

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I like Canada, I don't like the way their candidates are bashing America. If you have ever heard Don Cherry, he is probally the most level-headed man in Canada for their PM job. Lets just hope whoever gets the job quits pandering to the small anti-American crowd in Canada. We have fought side by side for too long to have an election smear our relationship so badly.
Raymond B
www.voteswagon.com

by Raymond B on January 23, 2006 06:59 PM

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I thought I said you were crazy because hand guns have been virtually banned here under tight registration since 1934 and even the strong socialists (as opposed to but in line with the outgoing government of weak socialists and the incoming governmenet of center-socialists) are supporting mandatory minimum sentences for gun crime up here.

by Alan on January 23, 2006 07:31 PM

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I was going to suggest that the proper way of handling a weapon was to hand it to the guy next to you.

Jim, jim... You poor, misguided man... You were so recently lamenting the lack of wild-and-crazy conservative women like AFSis and Were-Kitten in your life, yet you spurn the prime opportunity for up-close-and-personal interaction with said type of woman. Though I lack the personal experience, I am reliably informed that teaching a woman to shoot offers a man primo opportunities for close-quarters interactions... ;)

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 23, 2006 08:15 PM

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What's wrong with mandatory minimum sentences? For once, you attack the root of the problem, which is not guns, but those who misuse them. Take them out of circulation... it's amazing what happens...

Which isn't really what you were about, Alan, but I just thought I'd toss that in there.

Yeah, a Canadian Conservative (whose made it into office, anyway, would be a center-left Democrat down here...)

by John of Argghhh! on January 23, 2006 08:30 PM

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And don't twist my words about "take them out of circulation," either.

Heh.

by John of Argghhh! on January 23, 2006 08:32 PM

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Which reminds me, teaching the proper handling of a gun has previously been discussed here... (see comments)

Being new to the Castle, I thought you may not have seen it. ;)

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 23, 2006 08:36 PM

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(Above comment for Jim)

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 23, 2006 08:56 PM

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FbL-
It was Jon the Mechanic who was looking for a "wild conservative woman like AFSis or Were-Kitten".

*giggle*

And as for teaching women how to shoot? Why else do you think I'm looking forward to it? *evil grin*

by AFSister on January 23, 2006 09:19 PM

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Oops, you're right, W-K. Silly me. And ruined a perfectly good flirt!

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 23, 2006 09:21 PM

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It's looking like the Canadian conservatives are pulling ahead and may take the election!

by Anna on January 23, 2006 09:56 PM

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Good point I never said I was lookin for a wild crazy woman with a gun.

That was that other guy, the one with the death wish.

by jim b on January 24, 2006 08:08 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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Hi Argghhh! - thanks for visiting over at Blue Star Chronicles.

I appreciate you pointing out my mistakes ... they are corrected.

by beth on January 22, 2006 07:19 PM

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If we're going to also run stuff that MichMalk runs, why not run the Dutch t-shirt company that's raising money for FARC and the PFLP(old school terrorist organizations)? She's got the links over at her place. That one torqued me off something fierce.
Maybe we should have a link to thosetshirts or something?

by ry on January 22, 2006 07:25 PM

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Anyone reside in/around Dayton? I'm here for a couple of weeks, short trip to South Bend A/O planned next weekend.

I will be getting pics of the Air Museum if I can and I've alredy seen two jetsicles, but they're just an F15 and an F16, didn't figure they'd be all that interesting. . .

by SangerM on January 22, 2006 10:32 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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Just read the Kos link. Thanks for the laughs! Btw, Kos himself says it IS John Kerry.

The funny part is the comments. They really ARE nuts! One woman wrote about how it made her cry to see Kerry's post because if he was president he wouldn't be posting. She and others went on to fawn and cry over him--literally.

Many commenters say things about how they aren't the extremists "the Democratic Leadership Committee says we are. Were the real center." They say things like, "I remember back in the 60s and 70s when there was a real left in the party, not like today."

It's so absurd you just gotta laugh. They can't even see straight! Nothing wrong with lots of very diverse views in this country, but when people on either fringe have convinced themselves they're the mainstream... Good grief! They're crazy. LOL!

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 21, 2006 10:19 AM

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Oh, forgot to mention...

Many commenters lamented that Hardball (with Chris Matthews) always had panels composed of "nothing but right-wingers every night," and that the MSM was "right-wing" and "covering up for Bush."

No more, no more! My sides are hurting from laughing!

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 21, 2006 10:22 AM

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Went over to comment on the women in the military thread. Clear the weather decks!

by MCPO Airdale on January 21, 2006 11:38 AM

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Snerk! When you secure the area, don't forget to tell the enemy! ;-)

(and we still score higher on Finding Your Own Socks, so neener!)

by Bad Cat Robot on January 21, 2006 02:23 PM

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Once upon a time we had the "Service Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles" trials. These were to run for two or three years in order to gather data on female service personnel. The trials were cancelled after the first preliminary report and the data buried somewhere. I subsequently did a tour in recruiting where our info on women in the services was well massaged before we published.
So, with respects to BCR, I would suggest the new evidence is somewhat too good to be fully accurate.

Cheers
JMH

by J.M. Heinrichs on January 21, 2006 07:29 PM

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with respect to J.M. Heinrichs -- I would be amazed, bordering on astonished, if they had a sample group large enough to be statistically relevant for the trials you mention. Moreover, I still maintain we will not know the true answer to the question for some time since culture is a big part of all this. (And if these trials were indeed some time in the past, I suspect if they were repeated now the results would be significantly different). Stupid cherry-picking of data is exactly the kind of thing I am against. Let's agree that determining the result before you do the experiment is Bad and go on from there, OK? But it cuts both ways. Remember what happened at the Citadel? Sure, the first woman washed out (assisted, no doubt, by all the "helpful support" her classmates gave her ...) but the next ones didn't.

No double standards.

by Bad Cat Robot on January 21, 2006 08:43 PM

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I shall not comment further on this topic.

Cheers
JMH

by J.M. Heinrichs on January 21, 2006 09:45 PM

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I'm still looking for my Sancho Panza to be my squire while I tilt at those windmills... I have my Dulcinea.

Despite my cynicism at times, I do want to dream the impossible dream.

by Jack on January 21, 2006 11:43 PM

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I am laughing so hard from your KOS link. Kerry so desperate to have a following. hahahaha And what a crazy following he has. Hilarous, thanks!

by Wild Thing on January 22, 2006 01:38 AM

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I love this link! I spent way too much time reading the comments at KOS.

There were 1200 plus comments - do you think that's all the people who really voted for him? Not the votes they counted, but he ones that really voted?

Thanks for the link :)

by beth on January 22, 2006 05:11 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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Well, if the Lindh family is quick, they could get their petition in to Prime Minister Martin before Monday morning. I'm certain he could find the time to consider it and sign it before 8PM EST on 23 Jan.

Cheers
JMH

by J.M. Heinrichs on January 20, 2006 07:13 AM

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Regarding college students:

Actually, it doesn't surprise me a bit. Since I attended a high-caliber school of music, most of my fellow students were bright, analytical thinkers (independent analysis and self-assessment/self-correction/experimentation being the core intellectual skills for learning a musical instrument). Those of us in the music education field were always astonished (and frightened for the future) when we stepped outside our School of Music classes and took more general classes such as foreign languages, mathematics or teacher education classes. The teachers of these classes hardly paid us any attention because, "You guys are all so smart, I know this is too easy for you." I always felt like I was back in high school when I took those kinds of classes. The obvious "dumbing down" was amazing.

I was most definitely not the only one who felt this way, as we would often marvel at what we encountered outside our School.

by FbL on January 20, 2006 07:46 AM

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Heh. They're just finding this out *now*?!?

Fifteen years ago, KtLW opened a small café 'n' ice cream parlor because she was "bored"--long story short, she hired the cream of the local high school seniors for WaitStaffing and they couldn't
1. spell common words (such as "chocolate");
2. figure the change due a customer without using a calculator;
3. grasp the concept that a meat slicer needs to be turned *on* before it will remove serving-sized portions from a ham; or
4. figure that someone asking for a half-dozen bagels only wants six of 'em.

One of the graduates of my remedial math class works in the local grammar school as the budget director--she got the job because her arithmetical skills were an order of magnitude higher than those of the other applicants.

And she *still* uses a calculator to figure a 15% tip on a $10.00 check.

Don't even ask about my ongoing jousting match with the Water Department...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 20, 2006 08:37 AM

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Like Fbl says teachers in High School are more than a small part of the problem.

Here is a partial list of teachers who are 'distracted' by sex with children. Granted they are a small portion of the teaching population, but they should not exist at all.

As a teacher I suggest we show we are serious about not abusing teachers by summarily executing teachers who abandon their office and ruin the lives of children.

That would be step one in the process. After that measuring the skills and progress of students by an outside testing authority would be in order. Firing teachers who do not perform despite tenure would be in order. Yanno tenure is based on vesting in the retirement plan. 5 years. Around here a teacher with 2 years or less is probationary and can be dismissed for nearly anything without prejudice. Of course the NEA would get all hormonal and toss a fit, but screw them. The motto of the NEA in my opinion is "If the kids don't meet the standards, lower the standards." There is very little in their mission statement about putting the education of kids first, and a bunch of stuff about legal protection for teachers. I had a substitute once who 'hit' on some of the girls in my class. I went to the director and fired him up. The sub's first move was to the NEA. He ended up gettin black listed in this district, he probably teaches somewhere else now.

I hope I didn't screw this thing up with typos etc, I am hot about this and my thoughts come faster than my fingers can hit keys.

Another part of the problem is the 'special needs' students. That would be the part of the population for whom you must dumb things down, to 'mainstream' them. It flies in the face of reality.

The part not controllable by any institution is the support the student gets from parents at home. However I have always said the student has the right to succeed, also the right to fail. Funny how a few other teachers around here are echoing that 'novel' idea that a kid deserves the right to fail.

by jim b on January 20, 2006 08:42 AM

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Whoops forgot the link above it is:

Available by clicking here.

Now I need to go get a drink (water) and calm down.

by jim b on January 20, 2006 08:44 AM

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I'm going to have to give this topic some time to steep before I step in it. Having been on both sides of the educational divide(or is it multiple sides of the divide) I can say that college freshmen certainly have difficulty with mathematical and scientific concepts. I can also say that it is not because they are brand new ideas for them. They have seen this stuff before and it never registered. Perhaps it is developmental, perhaps pedagogy is getting in the way, perhaps it is a general lack of focus, perhaps, perhaps, perhaps... For a lot of years it has been expedient to blame the teachers. While there are plenty of 'nine-to-three-and-out' folks, there are also a whole lot of skilled and dedicated professionals doing the best they can within the constraints placed upon them.

Did I say I needed to think before I wrote? Off to do that now.

*moving soapbox over to own blog*

by Punctilious on January 20, 2006 09:18 AM

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Hm. I have some mixed feelings about incompetentcy
based on teaching. I know that I have been able to teach my kids math and reading, but some methods of teaching are better than others. And some people are truly gifted at teaching and can reach 90% of their students.

At the middle schools here, no student is allowed to use a calculator until he/she has shown they can do all the ops.

The sexual predator teachers make me ill and tarnish a good profession. For all that I homeschool, that story just gives more homeschoolers ammunition. Is it any wonder why the MSM downplays it?

by Cricket on January 20, 2006 09:44 AM

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I'm not a big fan of measuring teachers performance by student's performance. It put the responsibilities on the wrong shoulders. It is NOT the teachers responsibility to ensure learning. That is the student's job. It is the teachers job to present information in a clear and understandable manner. As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water...

If you don't want to learn what I'm teaching, I bloody well can't make you. And that is NOT my fault. That was one of the reasons why I didn't go into Education even after minoring in it. (The idea at the time was to coach baseball and teach Math.) The other was this F#$%@!^ self-esteem B%*&S;&(*. <pansy; voice>We can't ability track these students because it'll damage the fwagile wittle egos of the poor students. They already know they're worse students, it's abusive to remind them of that every day for 12 years!<pansy; voice> Yes, I really was told that. Our kids are idiots, but they feel just so good about it!

The problem is not bad teachers per se. It's gone way past that. It's now a cultural problem in the schools, and outside it as well. It use to be that if you got in trouble at school, you also got in trouble at home. Now, the parents show up and complain to the admin, "My little Johnny would never do that! He's a good boy!" and the admin goes back and chews out the teacher for being harsh to the poor wittle dahling.

You *could* pay me enough to teach, but no one in their right mind would be willing to cough up that amount.

by Masked Menace© on January 20, 2006 09:51 AM

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MM,
While I agree with you that learning is a two way street, I also have parents and a sibling and a few cousins who teach. Based on my experience, which is limited, I can use certain methods to get a certain result, but I have to find out how that child best learns.

And I have that luxury. I have an extremely small class size, and all the time in the world. School teachers who can teach and are an honor to the profession are hampered by size, method and curriculum, as well as time constraints, which just get worse once the children are out of grammar school.

by Cricket on January 20, 2006 10:06 AM

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Jim,
I'm with you on this.
You know what my biggest beef with teachers having sexual relations with their students is?

When girls are in relations with male teachers, it's an OUTRAGE! SHOCK! HORROR! YOU BASTARD!

When boys are in relations with female teachers, it's YOU GO BOY! HIGH-FIVES! WAY TO GO, KID!

*THAT* pisses me off. The belief that it's ok for women to have sex with boys, but it's not ok for men to have sex with girls, is beyond my comprehension.

It shouldn't matter how "cute" the teacher is, or the child for that matter. And it sure as hell shouldn't matter if it's a male teacher or a female one. It's sex with a minor. PERIOD. And the public should see it that way. (fortunately, most of the courts DO see it that way)

by AFSister on January 20, 2006 10:07 AM

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AND I am the school board, the principal, the teacher and the PTA. The Engineer is the superintendant. There is no appeal and they can't use the excuse that the dog or cat ate their homework or beat up on other kids, take someone's lunch money, etc.

The students of Klingon Warrior Academy Prep know that.

by Cricket on January 20, 2006 10:10 AM

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*steering thread onto alternate outrage track*

"...the Army...can 'surge another 18 brigades' for contingency operations in hot spots such as Iran if necessary....[b]ut because of the Guard’s unique mission of deploying combat forces and homeland security, senior leaders have decided to reduce its total number of combat brigades from 34 to 28 and increase its number of support brigades from 72 to 78, (Secretary of the Army Francis) Harvey said."

The Head Shed will be turning six Guard *combat* brigades into *support* brigades because the Guard has to deploy *combat* forces.

Ooooowe-kaaaay, sir--got it...

*wrapping additional duct tape around head*

So, is the Plan to surge eighteen brigades of cooks, clerks and truck drivers into the next hot spot and win it with a big Meals-On-Wheels offensive?

*now returning thread to original outrage track*

by cw4(ret)billt on January 20, 2006 10:38 AM

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Give 'em MREs and it will all be over.

by Cricket on January 20, 2006 10:43 AM

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jim b spritzels bill with super soaker set on low, to help cool him down. Yanno bill you just don't get it do ya. This is an obvious plan to reconfigure the NG for duty under a Democrat President .. as in Hail to Hillary, so she can send them to pacify Africa or somewhere where they need meals on wheels and no 'cowboy' tactics involving bullets and smoke.

That's why I would never be elected king round here. I don't like it either.

If I were king I would go overboard and equip any redneck with a six pak and an RV with a MIRV on a pocket ICBM. They would keep movin round and be impossible to track, and when PO'd would be capable of unilateral disarmament( by firing their missle) at (fill in the blank). Suggestion for blank ... Iran, Korea, Syria, the DNC headquarters, or Moonbat central wherever they gather. Walter Reed would be a nuclear free zone as would all military hospitals and bases.

by jim b on January 20, 2006 10:48 AM

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I dunno. I think the problem starts *LOTS* earlier than high school. But a lot of this may have more to do with de-emphasizing the basics at the expense of "enrichment" programs. I think my family qualifies as a case in point.

I graduated from a public high school in Lubbock, Texas in 1972. We had a curriculum that emphasized basics, and graduation requirements that re-emphasized the basics. We didn't really have ability tracks, but we did have a few "honors" classes where students who wanted to do *MORE* work rather than less could get a more demanding class than the rest of the school was getting. "Honors English" for Juniors, for example, was a serious and practical course in English Composition: counting the semester finals we wrote an essay, in class, every week for 38 weeks. There is, IMNSHO, no other way to really teach someone to write other than to make him write, then correct what he has written, and show him how it could have been done better.

In the three years I was in high school, my school had roughly 2000 graduates. Out of those 2000 graduates, we had 36 National Merit Scholarship finalists and one Presidential Scholar.

The year after my freshman year at college, my family moved to a small town in Massachusetts, which shall here remain nameless. The town was a well-to-do bedroom comunity just outside a larger city. The townsfolk were extremely proud that the largest line item in the town's overall budget every year was the school system budget. The town's single high school had facilities and a physical plant that seemed like an opium dream compared to what I had had in Texas. The school had Advanced Placement courses in every field imaginable, with the possible exception of Basketweaving. And in the four years that my sister was a student there, the school had roughly 1000 graduates and *ONE* National Merit Scholarship finalist.

Ya gotta wonder what my Texas High School was doing that was so different.

What's the point in having enrichment and Advanced Placement courses when most of the school's graduates cannot balance a checkbook?

It's getting scary out there. The other day I stopped into a store on the way home and had a total at the checkout of $14.32. I handed the clerk a $20.00 bill and seven pennies, figuring that I needed quarters more than I needed a pocket full of pennies. The clerk had already punched $20.00 into the register as "Amount Tendered" and for the life of her couldn't figure out how to make change for $14.32 out of $20.07. We used to teach that sort of thing in elementary school, for pete's sake!

by Blake Kirk on January 20, 2006 11:11 AM

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I would agree it is a systemic problem. Efforts are being made to fix it. We shall see.

There is an old Vietnamese saying "A roof leaks from the top." Hat tip to Bill Clinton for sexual activities with an intern. "Hey it was only sex, everyone does it!".

All the happy happy self esteme and letting people slide (teachers and students and parents) equates to social promotions.

I know one kid who went to the same private school my kids went to, he was failing. His folks took him out of the school and enrolled him in public schools where he immediately started makin "B" grades. Better school, ah no, it was dumbed down material and social promotions. We musn't hurt his self esteem, must we?

by jim b on January 20, 2006 11:49 AM

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I note that WorldNet Daily is living down to their usual low journalistic standards.

Or am I the only person to note that WND lumped into their listing every mention they could locate of women accused of sexual activity with a minor or minors, REGARDLESS of whether or not the woman was a teacher, (or in a similar position of authority,) and REGARDLESS of whether or not the woman in question was acquitted at trial.

I'm not defending sex with minors. But it is at best deceptive to start a story about a teacher accused of sexual predation on her students and then pad out the listing of similar events with the names of numerous women who are NOT teachers. It makes the problem look much worse.

Locally, the Tennessee Legislature a while back defined a new crime: "sexual battery by an authority figure." It basically ramps the seriousness of the crime up one notch if the perp is a teacher or minister or police officer, or in some similar poistion of authority over the victim. Acts that would normally b e misdemeanors become Class E felonies, and felonies get booted one step up the ladder to the next higher grade.

I'm not certain what would happen, though, is an authority figure committed an aggravated rape, since that's already a Class A felony.

OTOH, I've always felt that the UCMJ had the right idea about the penalty for rape: "...death, or such other lesser punishment as the court-martial shall direct."

by Blake Kirk on January 20, 2006 12:47 PM

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Mary Kay Letourneau, 34: Des Moines, Wash., woman did prison time after having an affair with a sixth-grade student, and had two children by him. The couple recently married.

This is one of the names on that story. She is not identified as a teacher. We all know she is. Bus drivers, counsellors, administrators, coaches. There is one common thread ... sex with a minor over which they were some kinda authority figure by virtue of position or age or both.

Most (meaning very few are not) of the names there are links and you can read more detail about their problems if you click them.

It is not an attempt to deceive.

by jim b on January 20, 2006 01:09 PM

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I think Dr Sanity sums it up well:

"Over a 20-year span beginning in the early 1970s, the average SAT score fell by 35 points. But in that same period, the contingent of college-bound seniors who boasted an A or B average jumped from 28% to an astonishing 83%, as teachers felt increasing pressure to adopt more "supportive" grading policies. Tellingly, in a 1989 study of comparative math skills among students in eight nations, Americans ranked lowest in overall competence, Koreans highest — but when researchers asked the students how good they thought they were at math, the results were exactly opposite: Americans highest, Koreans lowest.

...The larger point is that society has embraced such concepts as self-esteem and confidence despite scant evidence that they facilitate positive outcomes. The work of psychologists Roy Baumeister and Martin Seligman suggests that often, high self-worth is actually a marker for negative behavior, as found in sociopaths and drug kingpins. "

read the entire thing at: http://drsanity.blogspot.com/2006/01/hyping-self-esteem-hope-victimhood.html

by jim b on January 20, 2006 01:38 PM

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And speakin of tests .. take the mensa genius test here:

http://www.mensa-test.com/

by jim b on January 20, 2006 03:04 PM

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*Back to bill's other outrage track*

Chief-
The Secretary might be thinking along these lines, via CDR Salamander.

*shudder*

by PigBoatSailor on January 20, 2006 03:08 PM

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Self esteem and success are corellated, but self esteem is the reward of success, not the cause of it.

by Masked Menace© on January 20, 2006 03:21 PM

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The alleged Mensa thingy.

Heh.

Well, aside from the fact that it wouldn't give me credit for a correct answer on 1000 Y in a M, I got 22, shoulda been 23.

It's too culturally referent to be useful. Those who got the 66 B of the B and the related questions will understand what I mean - and it's not limited to that. It also ropes in several English or Commonwealth referents that might be indicators of education or experience, but not intellect.

For those who care, the ones I didn't get:

3 B M (S H T R)
32 is the T in D F at which W F
15 P in a R T
3 W on a T
P in a F (S) T
8 T on an O
13 L in a BD
23 P of C in the HB
P in S A
31 6 B to an O in C

Yeah, I know there are only 10 and I said I got 22. I know I got 1000 Y in a M correct, but it won't gimme credit. And yes, I can spell.

by John of Argghhh! on January 20, 2006 03:33 PM

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Pigboat Sailor - You, Bill, Dusty and I may add another star to our NDSMs yet...

by John of Argghhh! on January 20, 2006 03:37 PM

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PBS - When the F-16Is start forming up over the Gulf to tank from a bunch of C-17s, it'll be time to kevlar-up.

John - Hint:
1. "...see how they run, see how they run."
2. "Up? Or on the rocks?"

Heh. They're all from the AirCrew Coordination Course's Team-building Exercise #2, ca. 1992...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 20, 2006 03:58 PM

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Ref 1000...didja spell it with two *ells* and two *ens*?

by cw4(ret)billt on January 20, 2006 04:09 PM

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I tried all *sorts* of alternate spellins'.

by John of Argghhh! on January 20, 2006 04:37 PM

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Sometimes I had to make sure I capitolized the word. Sometimes not.

How many degrees is it that water freezes?

by jim b on January 20, 2006 04:42 PM

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Got tired of looking soon after hitting 19, but I got 21, John. Including:

8 T on an O
32 is the T in D at which W F
15 P in a RT

*neener, neener* ;)

by FbL on January 20, 2006 04:48 PM

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Got 26/33 on first pass through the Mensa test. Missed 8, 14, 26, 28, 29, 30. 31.

I do have the official papers from Mensa, too.

by Fred on January 20, 2006 04:49 PM

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ya'll suck

(so says the cute chick in the dunce cap)

*cries*

by afsister on January 20, 2006 05:20 PM

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Which is still one officially less than I got (and two if you count what I insist is a programming error).

Yer point being?

by John of Argghhh! on January 20, 2006 05:21 PM

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there's still hope... i'm at 16, and counting.

by afsister on January 20, 2006 05:29 PM

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John, now that I've given my brain a rest after a very long day, it's up to 27. Care to try to beat that? *GRIN* I'll let my brain percolate on the other 6 this evening... ;)

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 20, 2006 06:31 PM

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Nope. I set myself a time limit. That's what I got.

All y'all are just brainier than I.

I think I'll go check my bank balances and 401...

by John of Argghhh! on January 20, 2006 07:19 PM

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*still pouting in the corner*

but I'll take a look at that 401, John! That's more my kind of numbers....

by AFSister on January 20, 2006 07:53 PM

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Your answer sheets will be collected at the end of the exercise.

They won't be scored. But I'll guarantee two things:

1. No one person will have gotten every one and

2. When all the answer sheets are examined, all the questions will have been answered.

by cw4(ret)billt on January 20, 2006 08:17 PM

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How come this combo isn't on the mensa test:

99 b of b on the w

(i finally got to 19, i'm a genius, and i'm not trying for more. it's like we used to say: if you score higher than a passing grade, you studied too hard)

by AFSister on January 20, 2006 08:30 PM

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Feh. *Still* not rich. This *smart* thing is over-rated.

by John of Argghhh! on January 20, 2006 08:45 PM

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darn.
I looked at the quiz one more time, and got two more. I'm at 21, and I'm stopping. I swear.

John-
Did you ever look at the funds I suggested? We have year end numbers in now if you want me to look at them again.

Bill-
You're probably right about no one getting all of the answers, but collectively, we'll probably get them all. Anyone want a Dundee's Honey Brown lager? I'm buying....

by AFSister on January 20, 2006 09:13 PM

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Ooops. I take it back--there were a bunch of different ones tossed in there.

Thirty. Can't figure out

23 P of C in the H B

9 P in S A

6 B to an O in C

The ACC Test also had

9 P in the S S

200 D for P G in M

8 S on a S S

And I think it only had twenty five questions.

Durn short-term memory...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 20, 2006 09:24 PM

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Jim B,

I know the rules are "attack the message, not the messenger". However, it's Friday night, I have a terrific head cold..........and I am trying to get through this test. So, I feel compelled to come out here and say..........I hate you.

by Maggie on January 20, 2006 09:38 PM

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I got 22, went away for a couple of hours, and now I'm back. Up to 24. Heh ... At least I got one BillT didn't (#31).

Can't.Stop...Please.Help!

John - you haven't tried all the spellings, cause one does work ;-)

by Barb on January 20, 2006 11:45 PM

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I got to 27 - giving up and going to bed!

by Barb on January 21, 2006 12:12 AM

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Getting to The Cheif's Outrage item: (puts hands behind back, and starts swaying like a six year old giving oral report before entire class)maybe it's because we're going more for that Combined Ops thing? Most of what I, in my very amateur roamings, have found is that alot of other nations just don't have the logistics we do, and that limits what they can do. So maybe we're configuring the Guard to be the mules for everyone else?

by ry on January 21, 2006 01:00 AM

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Okay, and yet more from the Ignorant Cherub(tm): I'm not sure I go along with everyone, particularly the Winds of Change post, about Iran and NorKor having nukes. The only way I can see it is if either bought from AQ Khan/Pakistan(and NorKor then possibely reselling the info to Iran). There's even questions of whether or not either one actually has the processed HEU to use for a single bomb(Foreign Policy covered this in a running duel by experts last year and arms control wonk (http://www.armscontrolwonk.com/945/iran-focus-part-1-how-close-is-iran-to-the-bomb though I do disagree with his comments about Gertz---Gertz is a really nice guy, and pretty knowledgeable, but anyone can be wrong once in a while), not to mention Federation of American scientists(FAS.org) have been covering this).
There are no indications of Iran or NorKor having tested an A-bomb. So even if they bought the tested designs from AQ Khan?Pakistan, they cannot be sure that they built it right.
I *AM* highly alarmed by the situation, but let's not lose our heads, okay?
And this ties into The Chief's Outrage Item: with what are we going to do anything to Iran? It'll have to be a Combined operation since just doing even heavy air raids wont stop Irans nuclear program.

The trouble with being World Cop, as with any constabulry, is that you never have enough bodies to be where every crime is going on. We have limits. I don't imagine that if the EU/NATO decided to do something about Iran we wouldn't help, and in a colosal manner, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

by ry on January 21, 2006 01:39 AM

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Being a geek here, she couldn't give you $5.75 back in change? I 'invested' in a set of plastic change and fake paper dollars and taught my kids to add and subtract this way. Curse those manipulatives!
And I failed the mensa test. So there.

by Cricket on January 21, 2006 10:08 AM

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273deg Kelvin
0deg Celsius
32deg Fahrenheit

And the cross-over point between Celsius and Fahrenheit is -40deg.

Cheers
JMH

by J.M. Heinrichs on January 21, 2006 08:44 PM

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Why memorize the crossover point and then work forward? (degrees C *(9/5))+32= deg F. Chemists are lazy. We'd rather have brain cells to destroy with drinking and have tables or formula to look up.

by ry on January 21, 2006 10:12 PM

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You can use the -40 crossover point in a simple algorithm to convert between F and C. Add 40 to your starting temp (F or C), multiply by 9/5 or 5/9 depending on which way you are converting, then subtract 40 to get the answer.

Add 40, multiply, subtract 40. Yeah, I can remember that.

by Fred on January 22, 2006 05:53 AM

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jim b wrote "The larger point is that society has embraced such concepts as self-esteem and confidence despite scant evidence that they facilitate positive outcomes."

Ya wanna build self esteem? Take someone, set them to a difficult task, then teach them and train them until they can accomplish that difficult task to standard.

We used to see this all the rime when I was a drill sergeant. You bring kids into the Army who have been couch potatos all their lives, and by the end of a 19-week OSUT cycle they've lost 30 pounds and are well above the minimum passing score on the PT test.

Or take a look at people's faces as they walk off Fryar Drop Zone at Fort Benning after their fifth qualifying jump at the Airborne School.

It's that "Hell YES! I can DO this!" expression on their faces that was always one of the big rewards (for me at least,) in training soldiers.

by Blake Kirk on January 22, 2006 12:39 PM

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After reviewing the comments herein, I promise to never direct anyone's attention to another gag test.

Can we all say ... "Obsession"?

by jim b on January 22, 2006 01:45 PM

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People who *read* blogs can be normal.

People who comment... and a lot... well, 'nuff said.

Don't get me started on people who *start* blogging.

by John of Argghhh! on January 22, 2006 02:00 PM

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Cricket wrote "Being a geek here, she couldn't give you $5.75 back in change?"

Nope. I had to work it through for her on a piece of scratch paper before she would agree that the change for $20.07 tendered for a sale of $14.32 was $5.75.

I've been convinced for years that Voltaire was right: the sum of all human intelligence is a constant, and the population keeps increasing...

by Blake Kirk on January 22, 2006 08:11 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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On the article about men enjoying seeing people who deserve it punished: "...the sex difference in results was a surprise." Ha! Not to anybody living on planet earth. Another shocking revelation of what we already knew, courtesy of researchers with a very loose grasp of the obvious.

Bah!

by FbL on January 19, 2006 08:44 AM

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Sanger-
Nice link! I love Condi... a woman who's never afraid to put it on the line. I REALLY hope she runs for President!

by AFSister on January 19, 2006 08:46 AM

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Thanks, just what I need first thig in the morning. A reminder that I live in the same state with Suzanne (Let 'Em Go) Delvecchio. I would possibly take some solace if she were an abberation. Unfortunately, here in Massachusetts, Let 'Em Go fits right in with Judge Maria Lopez and Judge Ernest Murphy.
Thanks again, I am going to go console myself with some M&MS.;

by Maggie on January 19, 2006 08:52 AM

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FBL,
I was surprised by the sex difference. I am sure if I were in this test group, I would skew their results. My favorite German word after struedel is schadenfreude.

by Maggie on January 19, 2006 08:57 AM

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Maggie, we're speaking in generalities, of course... ;)

by FbL on January 19, 2006 09:03 AM

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From the Steyn article:

"Why then, if your big thing is feminism or abortion or gay marriage, are you so certain that the cult of tolerance will prevail once the biggest demographic in your society is cheerfully intolerant?" (The biggest demographic being muslim, in this scenario)

This is very similar to the question I've been asking my leftist friends lately when they express aghastness at my support for smashing Islam. I remind them that we'll be the first to be tortured and killed if we let those "folks" win.

Ya gotta draw the line somewhere!

by April on January 19, 2006 10:27 AM

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AFSister

I'm pretty sure I'd vote for her. I don't know quite as much as I would like, but of more concern is the baggage she might have to bring with her.

I really don't care for some of the current administration's policies, and I'd want to see a different approach on some things. I believe she is a capable person-surely at least as capable as anyone who's been elected in the past 20 years, but I don't want Bush II redux. Given the choices we've had, I'd vote as before, but I did NOT vote for Bush the first time (and certainly not for Gore, just for the record), and I do nto want another 4 years of his policies after he leaves.

Basically, I think Ms. Rice has better than an even chance if she can convince people like me that she'll keep doing the security and international affairs as needed, but she'll change some other items, like the willingness to dig up national parks for oil, etc.

Of course, if it's Rice vs. Clinton or Kerry, then again there's just no choice to it, is there?

'Nuff said.

Nice link! I love Condi... a woman who's never afraid to put it on the line. I REALLY hope she runs for President!

by SangerM on January 19, 2006 11:18 AM

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Schadenfreude is a struedel best served cold.

Never mind.

by Fred on January 19, 2006 11:51 AM

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*groan*

...

*snigger*

by Masked Menace© on January 19, 2006 12:10 PM

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Fred - If it were served in Alsace-Lorraine, would it be schadenfroid?

by cw4(ret)billt on January 19, 2006 12:12 PM

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Fred,

I prefer my struedel served to me warm, in bed. When can I expect you?

by Maggie on January 19, 2006 03:03 PM

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DOH!!!!

Nicely played, Maggie....

by Were-Kitten on January 19, 2006 03:42 PM

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Congratulations to Thad Allen! Someone told me about this last night and I was so pleased.

by Maggie on January 19, 2006 04:00 PM

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Just read the Clayton Cramer post. I think I'll go kill myself now in order to avoid facing the coming apocalypse. Dear God, he sketches a scary scenario.

by FbL on January 19, 2006 04:06 PM

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I can't waitto seethe smiling soldier who gets Bin Hiden, I mean Bin Laden. He is not importatn to me but the symbolic capture would be priceless. Bin Laden has been marginalized and now he wants a truce. His truce is about as flyable as the ol spruce goose; he is a late night joke for Jay, and Jimmy, come on, no deal for the man with his head up his caboose. Should we really care what he has to say anymore? Is the racist vagrant still relevant in the world today? He took responsibility for the recent attacks but who really knows if he had any part in them, he has also promised new attacks, but is he really able to produce any longer. He is like the guy who finishes fourth on American Idol, you know who he was for a while but then he just goes back to being a nobody. When Osama talks, does anyone really listen anymore?
Raymond B
www.voteswagon.com

by Raymond B on January 19, 2006 07:27 PM

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Cassie is back transmitting? This is gonna be GOOD.

by ry on January 19, 2006 09:41 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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Just when you're convinced your dog is about as sharp as a red brick, he'll go and do something astounding.

Good thing he has Labs and not Bichons, though...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 18, 2006 10:35 AM

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I heard rumors the Italians were considering charging our guy with murder, but I never thought they'd actually do it. What a load of crap. Our guys didn't care who was in that car- you don't follow orders to stop, you will be shot at. Period.
This is *war*... people *die*... it's NOT murder.

Who knew the Italian government was so a member of the Looney Left?

by AFSister on January 18, 2006 11:34 AM

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We knew the Italians were looney left a long time ago. Burlosconni just happened to be a weird abberation, probably only joined us because the spanish had.

This is these countries trying to implement the international court but knowing we aren't members of it and we saying that the chief complaint is that real laws don't exist internationally and can't be inforced.

We have naval, airforce and other bases in Italy.

What if we tell them to go F* themselves? International incident? Threaten our bases?

by kat-missouri on January 18, 2006 12:23 PM

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Heard about this on the radio this morning, and thought I would add it to the H&I; fires.

The first shipboard landing of an aircraft.

(I hope the link works in the comment)
N.

by NBAllen on January 18, 2006 12:44 PM

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A-a-h-h-h Looks like the link DIDN't work...Help!?

by nballen on January 18, 2006 01:29 PM

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Can we collectively tell the Italians "up yours?". What are they going to do, try to arrest our guy? Mussolini tried to fight us, we all know how far he got. This is an example of moonbatery. They can not clearly expect to face the US or arrest one of our soldiers, so they go to court and indict one of our soldiers and then cry that we do not obey international law. F*O)(& Them.

by Rey on January 18, 2006 02:59 PM

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Here is a link to "Defend The Defenders"

http://www.defendthedefenders.org/

Warm Regards,

Pebble

by PebblePie on January 18, 2006 09:48 PM

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We need to do to Italy what we are threatening to do to Germany, move our bases. There are many other countries on the Med that would be MORE than happy to take the dollars of our servicemen and their families.

by Jon The Mechanic on January 19, 2006 09:35 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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Is not lobbying covered by free speech, freedom of assembly and freedom to petition; thus being a First Amendment protection?
I'd like to agree with Rusty, but I don't think that virtue can be delinked from venality with such sang-froid.

Cheers
JMH

by J.M. Heinrichs on January 17, 2006 08:31 AM

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Ummm..was going to add a link to the fake but fake "missile" v. "artillery shell" fiasco from the NYT but it appears that movable type thinks there is a problem with getting to the log in area.

So, without further ado, with my own comments about the probabilities of the photo being completely faked, NYT: You've Been Propagandized

I thought the artillery/ "guess what exploding thing this is" guys would be interested in viewing it because there is still a question about the size, type and maker of the shell although it has been firmly established that it *is* a shell and not a missile as originally indicated.

Also, if somebody has good skills at photo shop, you might evaluate the photo for consistency or lack thereof.

by kat-missouri on January 17, 2006 08:46 AM

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There is a discussion over at Murdoc about that projo at
http://www.murdoconline.net/

There is a better photo on Malkin. I was wishin the armor could give an opinion on it. My guess is 152. It is obviously a dud as the rotating band is engraved. The fuze appears to have broken off.

However I do not have the clinical knowledge of specific rounds. The photo of a 155 provided at Malkin shows a split rotating band on the 155mm. The one on this shell seems to be a one piece jobber.

Some say 8" but I think it's in the 152 - 155 range. Obviously they will use it for an IED after the photo op.

What say you Armorer?

by jim b on January 17, 2006 08:59 AM

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Have you ever visited Kingston, Ontario, oh Armourer?

3-4 Martello Towers (one a small arms museum), one sited in the harbour, the other visitable inside "as was" - including the roof which falls off when you remove one pin, to expose the "gun deck"

Fort Henry, a fortress on a hill, casemates, outer works, big guns, in summer the trained college students put on a British infantry drill circa 1812, including rolling fire in full dress.

The Fortress out by the Royal Military College grounds (Canada's Westpoint/Annapolis/AF College) , free to visit (the martello tower inside the earthworks has the museum- has odd hours)

http://www.forthenry.com/home.htm just the Fort, see Kingston and RMC for the rest

by Fred on January 17, 2006 09:01 AM

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If you follow the CDR Salamander link yesterday, you can find this.

For my money, the photo shows a 152mm fired round (engraved rotating band). It doesn't have the right coloration/marking to be US.

by John of Argghhh! on January 17, 2006 10:00 AM

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Dang I am good I said it was a 152mm fired. The fuze looks to be busted off. I would be willing to bet they also found AK pieces and assorted busted stuff and this round was one of their pre-IED's that was stored there for future use.

by jim b on January 17, 2006 10:03 AM

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Frankly, I was looking at the photo this morning and I think the shell is photo shopped in. It has at least two areas of "straight white lines" on the edges between the yellow band and copper band. Not to mention that either it is sitting on something behind the wall and the little old man is really little or that thing is way disproportionate to the people in the foreground including that boy.

What do you guys think?

by kat-missouri on January 17, 2006 11:55 AM

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Kat - It's resting atop the wall. The white lines look hokey, all right, but considering
1. the round is pretty dusty,
2. the ambient light is hazy and diffused and
3. the wall is a nice reflective surface,
it's likely they're "sundog" reflections. But it's obviously just another "staged" piece--probably a 152mm leftover from the Sovs.

Plus there's plenty of UXO over there and not a lot of PhotoShoppers.

by cw4(ret)billt on January 17, 2006 12:11 PM

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I'm in training right now and don't have access to my usual toolz. Perhaps this evening, if they still need pajama-clad analysis.

by John of Argghhh! on January 17, 2006 12:12 PM

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As usual, you're out of my league, Kat. I'm with Bill though- the picture looks more staged than actually faked.

"hey you, Ahkmed- set that shell up on the broken wall and pose next to it. we'll make ALL the major papers!"

by AFSister on January 17, 2006 12:28 PM

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Please note that the photo is taken by Thir Khan for the AFP. Nobody said this photo was photo shopped in Pakistan (and, I might add that a lot of propaganda videos and photos come out of there because AQ and the Lahkar e Talib (pakistani fundamentalists) acutally do have "media wings" that produce stuff for their websites - like fake videos claiming they shot down helicopters in Iraq - but my bet would be photo shopped outside of Pakistan)

by kat-missouri on January 17, 2006 01:18 PM

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Suing the NSA is like playing with fire. We used to jokingly say that NSA stood for "No Such Agency"

Those boys can do some amazing things with data.

So one day when Anthony D. Romero goes to check his credit and suddenly discovers he owes everyone but Christopher Columbus.......

by BloodSpite on January 17, 2006 02:15 PM

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Just a pop in to see what is up. Haven't read all the details above. Perhaps this article is useful... Perhaps not... Was gonna link it yesterday and never got to it.
http://www.americanthinker.com/articles.php?article_id=5163

by Punctilious on January 17, 2006 03:03 PM

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NSA? Ummmm...

Never heard of it, honest.

Really.

What were those initials again?

'Scuse me--my shoe is ringing...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 17, 2006 03:21 PM

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VADM Allen will make a great Commandant of the Coast Guard.

by John on January 17, 2006 09:24 PM

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Isn't Patti wonderful?! I'm very happy for her. I'm also very happy for each soldier who has been touched by Soldiers' Angels. God bless them one and all.

by Rosemary on January 18, 2006 02:12 AM

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Bill, agent 89 on line one and KtLW on line two!

by ry on January 18, 2006 02:40 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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Happy birthday!

Just a side note to the B-52 portion- I hope your birth was attended by fewer complication than the bombers had - a lot of aircrews were lost until the aircraft became safe to fly. A 1956 round the US trip and the 1957 round world trip were designed to defuse the concerns over the safety of the planes. See here. Who'd have thought that they'd still be flying on the front line 50 years later?

by Eagle1 on January 16, 2006 10:05 AM

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With respect to your parenthetical comment that Congressman Murtha is a former Marine, on behalf of my son LCpl Josh - 2/4, recently returned to civilian life, Murtha is an EX-Marine. And yes, dimentia is obvious.

by Becker on January 16, 2006 02:28 PM

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You're right, Becker. I tried to say that by italicizing "former," but the more appropriate would probably be "EX-." Sorry. :)

by FbL on January 16, 2006 02:51 PM

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FYI: TR was given his Medal of Honor only very recently.

Re: The Iranian Holocaust Seminar.

If Iran really allows the world press in (which they claim they will), why not show up and dispute them? It would be supreme irony to see a debate on a subject that cannot be debated in France (!). Here is a chance to WIN the argument in the heart of the Middle East--rather than just shut it down. Let them have David Irving if they want him. Call the bluff.

by ATS on January 16, 2006 05:04 PM

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ATS - FYI: As the "2001" for *both* Medals of Honor was intended to indicate, along with the "politics of the era" comment.

by John of Argghhh! on January 16, 2006 05:18 PM

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On the Murtha thing... Wow... just F'ing wow... I don't care if his service record reads like Chesty Puller's, there is no such thing as a pile of laurels thick enough that ANYONE could camp on it and justify bringing a group like Code Pink into WR.

On the one hand, I don't see Murtha saying 'my opinion matters because I was a Marine' but plenty of people are using that for him as a shield..

This whole thing just @##$$#! me off.

by MCart on January 16, 2006 05:45 PM

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ATS: The question is: What is there to debate?

Whether or not it really happened? Whether the Nazis really were as evil as people said they were? Whether or not a goodly number of Europeans (eastern and western) colluded with the Germans to help kill all those millions of Jews and others? Whether or not the Catholic Church, the Swiss, and other European Governments ended up with quite a bit of the material looted by the Nazis? Whether or not the Jews deserve to have a homeland? Whether the Jews even have a right to exist!?!?

Exactly *^$%&*^)&( what needs to be debated by that ragtag bunch of dungsuckers running Iran? And what on earth could possibly come from legitimizing their involement in something that doesn't concern them and never has?

No! Participation legitimzes the act, and there is no reason but meanness and trouble behind it and no need to give Iran even that flimsy an air of legitimacy. Pure and simple, Iran is seeking to incite further arab hatred against the Jews and against the west, using this issue to cloud the important one, which is that Iran is working to build nuclear weapons, and that the West will not be safe when they succeed.

Everything else is just a smoke screen.

by SangerM on January 16, 2006 07:26 PM

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Sanger-
I also saw the story about Iran and their "did the Holocost really exist" formal inquiry, and was just disgusted. What could possibly come of that? I wish I had the source, but when I heard the story, it was accompanied by some scathing remarks about Jews from the Iranian president.

Even more disgusting? Murtha joining up with Code Pink. I'm gonna puke. I swear. Could that man possibly do more to DIShonor our soldiers? Next thing you know, he'll be formally pissing on their graves instead of doing it verbally like he has been lately. I know John- "attack the message, not the messenger" but I can't help it. Murtha's message AND Murtha himself deserve every sort of hell that can be thrown at the bastard.

by AFSister on January 16, 2006 10:42 PM

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I plugged my nose and cringed as I waded in, but I went to CodePink's website to poke around and see if I could discover what brand of crack these people are smoking. In their 'registry' of one million reasons to 'Bring the troops home' I found a couple gems.

34184 December 27, 2005 John Adams las vegas, NV, United States Right, we need to stop the war in Iraq, and instead focus our troops on destroying hippie liberal feminists. They all must die!!!!!

34181 December 23, 2005 Tom F Peace Clinton Twp , MI, United States I certainly don't want to see Saddam thanking Code Pink for helping to reestablish Baathism and its killing fields in Iraq nor Zarqawi thanking Code Pink in its bloody snuff videos for helping establish a Wahhabi theocracy in Baghdad. The Baathists, Al Qaeda, and Code Pink must be defeated. The struggle to defeat them goes on not only on the battlefields of Iraq but on the intellectual battlefields at home as well because the bitter lesson of Vietnam is that evil wins when good people do nothing

34109 November 10, 2005 Cecelia Sullivan Cobb Alliance for Peace Marietta, GA, United States Because I said so

That's about all I found. I search these things out so you don't have to! I'd have left a 'reason' for them myself but I couldn't figure out how to take a @#$% through an internet connection.

by MCart on January 16, 2006 11:25 PM

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yeah.
I know... I spelled "Holocaust" wrong.
Sue me. I'll add it to the many times I've spelled "sentence" wrong too.

by AFSister on January 16, 2006 11:39 PM

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About the Holocaust.. I think there may be some 'squishyness' in the actual numbers that might mislead some 'critical thinking' people. Be it deaths from gas chambers, to disease from poor and overcrowded conditions in the camps, to malnutrition both from neglect, from the camps that had access to enough food supplies, and to those camps that had broken supply lines from Allied bombing. It's also hard to tell how many were simply worked to death. So when people toss around numbers like 6.5 million, it could be closer to 5 or to 8 million. We may never know. I am willing to accept a little skepticism when a couple different sources of information yield different results.

Finding an example here or there (Which individuals, mostly Holocaust denier's have done) that does not 'jive' with the common understanding of the Holocaust does not disprove the whole thing. There is too much material and living evidence that points to exactly what the 'Final Solution' meant.

So while I accept some 'fog of war' and squishyness in the actual numbers of people the German Government murdered in cold blood, no one will ever be able to convince me it 'didn't happen'. Nations who look at some of the inconsistencies around which causes claimed which lives, and determine 'it never happened' are working on an agenda, pure and simple.

That said, why don't people talk much about the 10+ million Chinese civilians exterminated by the Japanese? I realize it was not in our interest to advertise to Stalin how effective their bio weapons programs were, and these days, China isn't exactly our friend, but come now, its been over 50 years. Presumably our school history books have been updated since?

No?

by MCart on January 16, 2006 11:57 PM

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AFSis - Bill knows all about the Holocost. He built the Holodeck.

We return this thread to it's original, upright, position.

by John of Argghhh! on January 17, 2006 05:57 AM

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*perk*
Holodeck? kewl!
Think he could build one for the Castle Blogmeet? oh... the places *that* could go!

by AFSister on January 17, 2006 08:20 AM

---

On the flap at the USNA: From reading between the lines of the "Capital" article CdrSalamnder refers to, it's obvious even to my somewhat literal-minded and socially-challenged self that Lt. Black was speaking in *METAPHORS* dammit, and common ones at that; of one's enthusiasm about something making (figuratively and metaphorically, doubledammit!) one's "parts" either hard, or wet, depending on which kind of parts one has.

by Justthisguy on January 17, 2006 09:06 AM

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As long as we don't have anyone turn into Reginald Barclay and reprogram the holodeck like he did many times, I like the addition of a holodeck to the Castle's MWR activities.

by Jon The Mechanic on January 17, 2006 09:11 AM

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Hmmm. Yes, Jon, the idea of a Castle holodeck (holodungeon? hologarderobe? holo-oubliette?) gives me some slight tumescence - only metaphorically, you understand....

by Justthisguy on January 17, 2006 09:23 AM

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Holo-oubliette?

*LAUGHING*

oohhhh, that nasty Reginald. Always getting his hands on things they shouldn't be touching.

by Were-Kitten on January 17, 2006 11:34 AM

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Hope I'm not too late with this:

American Islamic Leaders Warn Of Anti-Muslim Backlash Following Next Month's Nuking Of Tel Aviv

by The Sanity Inspector on January 17, 2006 10:32 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

Just voted for you, Alan. Haven't done more than just glance the eye-rays off your site, (I think I remember doing that once) but JoA seems to like you and that's enough for me. (hic)

by Justthisguy on January 16, 2006 12:34 AM

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Philo-Kat seems to have good reason to be blue. Maybe we should all truck on over there with caseroles or something, or at least a good word in her comments section.
Dancing in memorium. Getting to be a trend around here that I ain't liking, not at all.

by ry on January 16, 2006 12:49 AM

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I threw my considerable weight, although miniscule influence, your way as well, Alan.

by John of Argghhh! on January 16, 2006 07:47 AM

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Thanks guys. The only reason I want to win is there are real prizes like pounds of coffee and maybe even wine deliverable to a US address. These are things I can really use.

by Alan on January 16, 2006 11:45 AM

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http://www.liberty1st.org/blog/PermaLink,guid,69bab724-d7fc-4a19-bd7e-5cec8391b090.aspx

I believe that the missing Brit journo was one of the former humnan shields working against the US. Links in the article above.

by Dave the hyphenated American on January 17, 2006 06:57 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

wow..... a post with no comments on it?
ya'll must be out enjoying life today!

by AFSister on January 14, 2006 10:03 PM

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Either that or hangovers...

by Punctilious on January 15, 2006 01:01 AM

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On the Frog-ster thing.
I've seen stuff similar to this in another venue. It highlighted the use of clonned cellphones and the use of 'hiding in broad daylight' on the internet.
http://www.reportingwar.com/
It's in the Abigail Wasman archives.

Sometimes you gotta look at the percentages. Gov't might abuse the power to look at your email and listen to your cell phone. But terrorists will use this stuff to plot deadly attacks with rock hard certainty. Compromise is a beach.

by ry on January 15, 2006 03:50 AM

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About the disposable cell phones: Whatever you do, DON'T profile the purchaser! Good for the employees who were not so dang PC.

by Cricket on January 15, 2006 05:27 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

Anybody notice that it's Friday the 13th and a full moon at the same time?

by FbL on January 13, 2006 09:46 AM

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I'm pretty sure that's the reason Thomas turned into a werewolf this morning.

by AFSister on January 13, 2006 09:56 AM

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Dangit, Fuzzy! Pull yer drawers up! Mooning is allowed *only* in the Jungle Room. There are Rulez, woman!

by John of Argghhh! on January 13, 2006 10:09 AM

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*swings from chandelier, singing...*

MOON RIVER

by Were-Kitten on January 13, 2006 10:15 AM

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*picks up other stiletto off floor*

Forgive me, but where is this jungle room?

by Desult on January 13, 2006 11:16 AM

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Hmm.. While my parents didn't abuse us, they would thump my brother and I when appropriate. Kinda sucked then, but we KNEW we deserved it, and I appreciate their efforts. Your mileage may vary.

I'm pretty far from jumping up on a stump and advocating child abuse, but I feel there should be some kind of underlying awareness or fear of TRULY angering mom and dad. That's what gets you through those years when a child is physically capable of harming others, but does not truly comprehend why it's wrong not to.

by MCart on January 13, 2006 11:49 AM

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That was just wrong...Brittney's breasts. Even she doesn't know her own size. She just wakes up in the morning and ask's the maid to put her head on one of the many mix and match bodies in the closet.

by kat-missouri on January 13, 2006 12:43 PM

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McCart-
My brother and I got thumped too... and we ended up truly fearing my Dad. Not out of respect, but pure fear. I have definitely laid a hand on their little butts at times, but not nearly as often as my Dad did. I swear, sometimes I can *still* feel his knuckles hitting my butt. At her request, he "spanked" my Mom once, and she told him that if he *EVER* hit us like that again, she'd pack us up and leave him.

I'm trying to figure out how to get Thomas to respect us without fearing us, and I'm not doing a very good job. It's "those years when a child is physically capable of harming others, but does not truly comprehend why it's wrong not to" that I'm trying to get through. He's a very strong kid, and extremely impulsive. And when he gets angered, he acts out physically.

by AFSister on January 13, 2006 01:06 PM

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I dunno...I got thumped plenty, and I rarely felt it was justified, nor did it make me stop doing dumb things.

I've spanked my own kids only a handful of times, when they were little, and when I was just angry and frustrated and couldn't think of anything else to do. I don't think it hurt them any, but I don't think it helped, either. They both grew up to be respectful of others and responsible, without ever being afraid of me. Shoot, I couldn't MAKE them be afraid of me when I wanted to!

by April on January 13, 2006 01:11 PM

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Carrots and sticks

by kat-missouri on January 13, 2006 01:15 PM

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AFSIS,

Fear and respect go hand in hand. As understanding and reason increase the fear dissapears and the respect increases. It was certainly like that for me as I grew up!

by Pogue on January 13, 2006 01:19 PM

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Dang, it's dead and serious around here... *whiny sigh*

by FbL on January 13, 2006 01:54 PM

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Might as well add to the serious discussion.

As far as fear... I NEVER doubted my father's deep love for me, but there were things I wouldn't do simply for the fear of what my father's punishment for me would be (and I'm not talking physical punishment, necessarily).

by FbL on January 13, 2006 01:58 PM

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Heh. Bill must be busy.

And yer *still* running around with yer moon showing, woman.

by John of Argghhh! on January 13, 2006 02:37 PM

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*sorry*
somber tone is my fault.

*there's a bad moon on the rise*

by AFSister on January 13, 2006 02:44 PM

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*there's a bad moon on the rise*

If yer headed up to your Chandelier, shouldn't that be: *there's a baaaaaad moon on the rise*

by John of Argghhh! on January 13, 2006 02:47 PM

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*Checks self: pants barely hanging on hips, and straps of the Denizenne thong still riding over the hipbones.* Nope, John. Everything fine, here. *wicked grin*

by FbL on January 13, 2006 02:55 PM

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Got one of the thongs, didja?

Heheheheheh.

*click*

Ahhhh. That'll be on the Internet shortly.

by John of Argghhh! on January 13, 2006 03:01 PM

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Animals...

Why can't I find a wild Conservative woman who acts like AF sis and Were Kitten?

by Jon The Mechanic on January 13, 2006 03:05 PM

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*sitting in chandelier, humming quietly*

by FbL on January 13, 2006 03:08 PM

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Why can't I find a wild Conservative woman who acts like AF sis and Were Kitten?

BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!!!

HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE!!!!

Those who know, know.

by John of Argghhh! on January 13, 2006 03:09 PM

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Did you get all the way through the cannon website to the kitty mortar? Found myself chuckling out load.

by Stan on January 13, 2006 03:14 PM

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LOL at John!

Btw, just had to ban my first commenter *sigh* (no, it wasn't Charles).

by FbL on January 13, 2006 03:32 PM

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Um, FbL, yer, ah, um, cell phone, yeah, cell phone is ringing...

by John of Argghhh! on January 13, 2006 03:35 PM

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*heeheheeeheeee*

by FbL on January 13, 2006 03:56 PM

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He flies through the air with the greatest of ease.

That wild young kitty is causing a breeze.

BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!!!!
Btw, just for the record. I have a 4 year old domestic shorthair named Ruck. He thinks he is a dog, and absolutely LOVES my nephew. If I get the opportunity, I will post a pic of the two of them together.

by Jon The Mechanic on January 13, 2006 04:15 PM

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jim b walks into the room... looks up... looks left then right.... takes a sip of Scoresby and leaves

by jim b on January 13, 2006 04:30 PM

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Awwwww Jim, I thought you were gonna pour one for the rest of us. I haven't seen the rita-matic round here for ages. I think Cricket pulled it to install that 20 foot quarter-sawn oak bar 'cause she figured you were serving. Gotta be more reliable than the rita-matic since JTG got his hands on it. Besides those hairballs were very off-putting.

by punctilious on January 13, 2006 04:46 PM

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Punctilious - I *love* that picture. Some of the guys in the 101st I saw in Kuwait had almost that much bolted on their M4's. I'm particularly fond of the hood ornament on the scope. All that thing needs is a "Remove Before Fight" flag to release everything. Oh, and your comments still aren't working....

by Pogue on January 13, 2006 04:48 PM

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AFSis- Fair point. There's a thin line between punishment and downright meanness.. That line was crossed a couple times by my dad, and I hope to learn from that. Basically, my plan is to not try to deal with the problem while *I* am still mad.

I think i've done ok with my dogs. Similar concept. I can't explain right or wrong to them, but I can still train obediance in them without terrifying them.

Not that your kids are dogs, but in a VERY young child, the reasoning and powers of communication isn't too far off the mark.

Further idea. Perhaps a non-direct demonstration. Have a chat with him about why it's not ok to hit people. Pile up a load of laundry, or something suitable. Ask him to hit it. After he makes his tiny dent in it, demonstrate how hard YOU can hit it (knock the whole pile off the bed or whatever if you can). Explain to him that if you were to hit him as hard as you could, like he is hitting you, you would seriously hurt him, and that's why it's not OK to just hit people. Perhaps you can get the message across that way, without actually harming him.

by MCart on January 13, 2006 04:52 PM

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And Punctilious takes the thread to "Deep Geek"...

by John of Argghhh! on January 13, 2006 04:55 PM

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Deep Geek?

by punctilious on January 13, 2006 04:57 PM

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Fbl, when you get down from the chandelier can you show me where the Castle bar is? Or John, if you're not busy...I'd like a drink this Friday evenin'

by Desult on January 13, 2006 05:14 PM

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*rummages around in closet under stairs, drags out sad looking rita-matic, kicks rita-matic on the kick me sign and holds glass under spigot hopefully*

Desult, sometimes ya just gotta help yourself around here. If you can reach the top shelf over that bar in the corner we might be able to find Jim's... Oh Hi Jim... Just looking around...

by punctilious on January 13, 2006 05:21 PM

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To follow your last comment... you have to know your Castle Lore.

by John of Argghhh! on January 13, 2006 05:51 PM

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Just pour the man a drink. It helps with the confusion.

*retreats to lowest chandelier*

by punctilious on January 13, 2006 06:23 PM

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Cut that out!

Fully clad. Sensible heels.

Sheesh!

by punctilious on January 13, 2006 06:25 PM

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Somebody say CCR? (click here for music)

I see a bad moon arising
I see trouble on the way
I see a ritamatic swirling
I see drinking under way

Don't go around tonight
Some kitten's bound to take a swipe
There's a bad moon on the rise

by kat-missouri on January 13, 2006 06:53 PM

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You're right about that John. However, I won't be able to catch up on it until I get back, so it'll be a while.

Punctilous, thanks for pointing out where Jim is and thank you for finding my other stiletto, I was looking for that thing everywhere...

On a side note, I don't think I've seen this many? What are they called?...in the chandelier before.

by Desult on January 13, 2006 07:07 PM

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Hey, isn't that gun on Puncti's site the new DoD mock up for the X999 that will eventually be called the M-86 because, if you try to use it you'll likely kill yourself and your friends before you kill the enemy.

by kat-missouri on January 13, 2006 07:08 PM

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*winks at Jon and breaks into song*

"Some guys have all the luck.... some guys have all the pain"

*evil laughter heard from chandelier above*

by Were-Kitten on January 13, 2006 07:31 PM

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"a wild conservative woman"

Poor Jon. Doesn't know what he's asking for, eh boys and girls?

*winks at JoA and FbL*

by AFSister on January 13, 2006 07:34 PM

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*sitting quietly in the chandelier, swinging gently*

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 13, 2006 07:40 PM

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Ow.! Punct, I'll have you know I resemble that remark! I've never laid a hand on the 'RitaMatic!

There's no need, for my necessities are taken care of by the Piesporter Transporter, and the IPA Hyperdrive.

glug.

by Justthisguy on January 13, 2006 08:04 PM

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Oh come on JTG... Do I have to use the search function? You were crossing wires with it and one of the earliest PG17's! But to make up for it you could fill a mug for me. Jim isn't pouring and the rita-matic must have a hairball.

by punctilious on January 13, 2006 09:35 PM

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Hey John, wasn't he supposed to check that stilleto at the door? I didn't think you allowed knives in here.

by punctilious on January 13, 2006 09:40 PM

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He's a she, Punct. Groupie of Bill's. Nascent Army Aviator or something.

If she *is* a he, there's a serious test of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy coming up...

by John of Argghhh! on January 14, 2006 08:54 AM

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Punct, I thought you would have figured it out that I was female already...hint, the stiletto.

*wink*

And John, a groupie of Bill's?!?! Is that what he told you you? Gonna have to straighten some things out here.

*rolls up sleeves, throws the stiletto's down*

by Desult on January 14, 2006 11:21 AM

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Ouch! Grovelling apologies. As a denizenne regularly mistaken for a denizen I should be more alert. Allow me to kick the rita-matic and offer you one of my favorite pink-rita's.

As for the shoes... I'm in awe of anyone who can walk in those things!

Welcome aboard.

*retreats to low chandelier with very red face*

by Punctilious on January 14, 2006 12:40 PM

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... channeling the Manolo ...
http://shoeblogs.com/

Cheers
JMH

by J.M. Heinrichs on January 14, 2006 03:35 PM

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It's okay Punct, Desult does sound kind of androgenous, I guess. No harm, no foul, get rid of the blushing, dear, and let's see you smile.

*sips pink rita*

This is lovely, thank you.

by Desult on January 14, 2006 05:36 PM

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Welcome to a new Denizenne.

AFSis, as to discipline, I think you have made the distinction between punishment and discipline.

Obedience to the Parental Unit should be done out of love and respect, not fear. HOWEVER, the child also needs to know that certain lines are not meant to be crossed.

In my somewhat limited experience (I say that rather humbly here, as I have normal and LD children), it has worked for us when we have suited a response and consequence appropriate to the action to correct behavior.

IOW, the correction has to suit the crime. At times restitution isn't possible but training his heart is what you are working for here. Time outs,
curtailing priveleges, community service on a limited basis, etc can all have an impact, and if that doesn't work, you have prayer bones.

John has my email if you wanna discuss off the thread.

Sorry I missed the party.

by Cricket on January 14, 2006 05:52 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

Um...that looked a lot shorter on a word document. Sorry for hogging so much space.

by kat-missouri on January 12, 2006 08:14 AM

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With regard to the Marlboro Man. I read once that DOD did a study/survey/whatever.

The point of the thing was to make a determination of how many years it took military types to completely become a civilian again.

For the Navy and the Air Force, the time was one year.
For the Army the time was 2 years.
For the Marines, the time was 5 years to never.

This guy is way early in his cycle to what they call normal.

by jim b on January 12, 2006 09:11 AM

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Heh. I think *I'm* outta spec on that timeline.

by John of Argghhh! on January 12, 2006 09:25 AM

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Be sure to check out the video clip on the sidebar of the Marine story. It's powerful stuff. He sounds like a wonderful young man, the kind of man you're proud to have fighting for you.

by FbL on January 12, 2006 09:43 AM

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I agree... but it is an average figure, there are exceptions to every rule.

In the words of the humorist Mark Twain;
"No generalization is worth a damn, including this one."

by jim b on January 12, 2006 09:44 AM

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“You cannot make it as a wandering generality. You must become a meaningful specific.”

by Punctilious on January 12, 2006 10:15 AM

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ooops.. --Ziglar

by Punctilious on January 12, 2006 10:17 AM

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Punc - Why would *any*one want to become a meaningful statistic?

by cw4(ret)billt on January 12, 2006 10:33 AM

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jim b gets out the glass cleaner and cleans Bill's trifocals .... read that one again focusboy. Snicker

jim b makes note to self. 'that punctilious one is a veritible storehouse (no Bill I did not say warehouse) of quotes.

by jim b on January 12, 2006 10:38 AM

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Just for you Jim...

“In the generality of men their virtues are nothing else but their vices at rest” --Unknown

Oh go on Bill.... Tell him the secret!

by Punctilious on January 12, 2006 11:01 AM

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Bill... 'cause there are already too many meaningless statistics around?

by Punctilious on January 12, 2006 11:03 AM

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jim b adjusts his dial to see if he can get Punctilious to channel for Amos N Andy

by jim b on January 12, 2006 11:14 AM

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...squeak.... swirl... static....

Mornin' ladies, my goodness don't you look happy. Must be cuttin' somebody up pretty good. --
Andy Griffith

...static...squeak...

by Punctilious on January 12, 2006 11:50 AM

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With static in mind comes this:

Taiwan breeds green-glowing pigs
By Chris Hogg
BBC News, Hong Kong

When lit up in the dark, the pigs glow green
Scientists in Taiwan say they have bred three pigs that glow in the dark.

I tole ya I didn't drinkthatmuchdammit.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4605202.stm

by jim b on January 12, 2006 12:28 PM

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With pigs like that, who needs nookyaler energy?

by April on January 12, 2006 12:47 PM

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jeez I like the way April ties her hair in pigtails, applies artificial freckles, and blacks out one tooth, contorts her face to say 'nookyaler' and then smiles and blinks three times.

by jim b on January 12, 2006 01:39 PM

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I have never served 'creamed chipped beef on toast.'

Last night was chicken pie, cornbread and salad.
Tonight is red beans and rice, more cornbread and
a cucumber salad.

No convenience foods here. Sorry.

My cousin, who works for Stouffer's tells me that they sell a decent version of it.

Dessert: Lemon meringue pie.

by Cricket on January 12, 2006 01:40 PM

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Didn't mean to suggest that you did. Sorry. Just wanted you to know it was a foodie post amidst all the guns and zippers and stuff...

by Punctilious on January 12, 2006 02:57 PM

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Whoa Jim. Keep this up and some might start to wonder if you've been into that there wacky tabaccy...

(Sorry it is a pdf file. Scroll down for the image.)

*Unbraids hair. Puts on shoes.*

by Punctilious on January 12, 2006 03:04 PM

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I did have to contort!

Hey, my own kids say nookyaler, despite my efforts to the contrary. No malice intended!

by April on January 12, 2006 03:43 PM

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Haaaaaaaaa she did have to contort.

I rest my case you honor.

Wacky Tobaccy my (fill in censored here)

jim b cuts off a hunk of Old Cannon Ball, and works up a chaw.

And yes, I can sip Scoresby around the tobacco.
Good thing you put your shoes on the cuspidor's are unusually small around here.

by jim b on January 12, 2006 04:34 PM

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Ewww..now that is nasty

by kat-missouri on January 12, 2006 04:44 PM

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jim b puts on his Fedora and trenchcoat, takes out his flask and throws back a shot.

jim b ambles then stops, changes to sauntering, towards the door.

Good night Chesty, wherever you are.

jim b exits stage right.

by jim b on January 12, 2006 04:45 PM

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The cuspidors are small because we don't wanna encourage spitting... that's why they are all .22 short rifle cartridges...

by John of Argghhh! on January 12, 2006 04:47 PM

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Someday I'll tell you what we did to the guy who insisted on chawin' n spittin' in the lab.

I'll be in my chandelier 'til the bedoodlewhoopies get the floor cleaned. Gag.

by Punctilious on January 12, 2006 04:51 PM

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Ah, wasn't insulted at all...I have heard of this culinary delicacy (who has not?) but never made it.

I am under the impression from one other person (who is a Cajun from Louisiana and taught me how to make red beans and rice, gumbo, jumbalaya and other assorted dishes)that SOS is quite tasty.

So, I might actually hunt down a decent recipe and post it as soldier's fare.

heh. I take it as a challenge.

by Cricket on January 12, 2006 05:03 PM

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AMERICA IS NOW A NAZI COUNTRY, THANKS TO CHICKENSHITS LIKE YOU:

http://www.déanbérryministries.org/inde×3.html

[What Dean *meant* to say was:

AMERICA, EUROPE, AND ESPECIALLY GERMANY ARE NOT NOW NAZI COUNTRIES, AND IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN HAVE BEEN GIVEN A CHANCE, THANKS TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU!

http://www.déanbérryministries.org/inde×3.html -The Armorer]

by DEAN BERRY -- REAL ASSHAT on January 12, 2006 06:28 PM

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Dean - you wouldn't know a real Nazi if he hit you in the face with a cream pie or a truncheon.

If this country was what you say it is... you wouldn't be bothering me and pooping in the Great Hall.

Go away. This is *my* place. Play by my rules or stay away. How fascist is that?

by John of Argghhh! on January 12, 2006 08:48 PM

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Quote Criket

"Last night was chicken pie, cornbread and salad.

Dessert: Lemon meringue pie."

I'm in love...

by Jon The Mechanic on January 12, 2006 08:59 PM

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Jon - Cricket's taken. He's a little fella, but I've met him. He can take you.

Then you have to deal with No1 Son. He looks pretty tough to me. And he's *real* interested in guns 'n stuff.

*Then* you have to deal with Cricket.

Yer not up to it.

Trust me. She homeschools 3 kids.

She could handle you as an afterthought.

by John of Argghhh! on January 12, 2006 09:03 PM

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I know how to use a microwave ;)

by kat-missouri on January 12, 2006 09:05 PM

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LOL...and thank you so much.

Jon, as the Castle Chef, I only post menus of actual meals or dishes I have made. It is a point of integrity with me, as I have been asked for recipes and have posted them, as well as the source or credit given. The internet keeps you honest that way. John has been to our house for dinner and he is welcome to bunk with us anytime, as is SWWBO.

Kat-Missouri,
I wish I had your way with words and knowledge of what I consider to be Important Stuff. Identifying an obscure bit of hand held artillery (is that correct?) is no mean feat. You and BCR, WK and the other Denizennes are the best!

by Cricket on January 13, 2006 08:49 AM

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Just because I said that I am in love, it doesn't mean that I want to horn in on someone else. I know the rules and the limits.

by Jon The Mechanic on January 13, 2006 03:16 PM

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Geesh...me and FbL are the only single chics on here and it's the married "I can make pot pies home made" that get hit on. I *knew* I should have taken home-ec.

by kat-missouri on January 13, 2006 07:11 PM

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Well, I can make homemade pot pies from scratch (and just about everything else--including cheesecake, focaccia, falafel, etc.), so I'm not sure that's it... 'cause no one here is hitting on me except that ancient Armorer. *whine*

by FbL on January 13, 2006 07:23 PM

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*Busting* on you, child. Very different from *hitting* on you.

by John of Argghhh! on January 13, 2006 07:40 PM

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Geeze Louise, the armorer ain't *that* ancient!

Hell, I'm 4 years older than he is!!!!

by swwbo on January 13, 2006 08:29 PM

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*GRIN* ;)

by FbL on January 13, 2006 11:00 PM

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If it is any comfort to the single ladies, at the age of fifteen my brownies were so tough and dry my brothers decided to use them to brick houses.

I have since improved to the point that when we have family reunions, I do the barbecuing...make the sides, etc.

It takes practice. By the time I was 19, I was cooking the meals for my family, and when I was a single gal, my roommates cleaned the kitchen if I did the cooking.

While my cooking sort of landed me the Engineer, I really didn't come into my own until my oldest was about 11. He wanted to learn how to cook and we
did a lot of research, invested in some decent eqiupment along the way and have really had a lot of fun. We cook several meals a week as a family. It is one of the best ways to connect with each other. The tv is off, homework is done, and the day is winding down.

And I am older than the Engineer.

Heh.

We older wimmin so love to rob cradles...

by Cricket on January 15, 2006 05:43 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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darn.
And here I thought that Kittens hanging from chandeliers was a Castle Exclusive.....
ROFLMAO!

by Were-Kitten on January 11, 2006 08:50 AM

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By the time I get to the one with the toaster, I'm usually leaking tears!

Denizenne wear for the Castle Chicks - yippee :-)

by Barb on January 11, 2006 08:57 AM

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Get yer stuff and get yer pics, Denizennes! The calendar becomes a possibility...

by John of Argghhh! on January 11, 2006 09:05 AM

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Heh. Brab's link is the first time I've been blocked from something by our local filters...

by John of Argghhh! on January 11, 2006 09:14 AM

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Oh my, that's funny! Tears by the time you get to the toaster? I was in tears by the time I saw the mirror one, and my stomach was aching by the time the toaster came around! *still wiping tears*

What a great way to start the day... Thanks, Barb!

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 11, 2006 09:21 AM

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The dot-mil Net Nanny just went screaming across the field to the cop house.

by cw4(ret)billt on January 11, 2006 09:55 AM

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That Kitty video is NOT work safe. Laughter is contagious. The Child Labor Units are clamoring for more.

by Cricket on January 11, 2006 09:56 AM

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John, Bill - Try this link instead. Fototime hosting should get around the net-nanny problem.

by Barb on January 11, 2006 10:32 AM

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Yup, that worked, Barb.

Mmmmmm--Strauss playing in the background, right?

by cw4(ret)billt on January 11, 2006 11:05 AM

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I can't believe the caught the toaster one on film. That's priceless.

I have three bizzarre cats as well. I caught one of them peeing in the toilet again this morning. Now if only he would learn to flush. Cat urine is kinda strong smelling...

by MCart on January 11, 2006 11:39 AM

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Hey folks,
Just wanted to drop in, say "Hi I'm not dead' things are hectic but I'll become a more than semi frequent commenter as soon as things settle down.

Have fun!

by BloodSpite on January 11, 2006 11:42 AM

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hey..hey! Don't tell them to get their own pics. I'm supposed to be the Castle Photog.... Although I could use somebody to spray the H20 at photo time...

by msg keith on January 11, 2006 04:12 PM

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That video cracked me up. I sent it to my brother. He would appreciate it, but I think his wife doesn't care for the turret either. ;)

by kat-missouri on January 11, 2006 04:17 PM

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I have a gripe about the store.

There are no Jihadi booty mousepads.

I just want to gripe about something.

I think I'm turning into an old grump like Bill

by Jon The Mechanic on January 11, 2006 04:51 PM

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I have a gripe about the store.

There are no Jihadi booty mousepads.

I just want to gripe about something.

I think I'm turning into an old grump like Bill.

by Jon The Mechanic on January 11, 2006 04:51 PM

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Whiner. Is too. Look closer.

by John of Argghhh! on January 11, 2006 05:28 PM

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Hmmm.

Whiner. Is too. Look closer.

With *that* kind of customer service, store performance is coming into focus...

Perhaps I should change the store name from Argghhh! to Abuuuse!

by John of Argghhh! on January 11, 2006 05:33 PM

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OK, I'll look closer John.

But I still stand by my shot at Bill.

by jon The Mechanic on January 11, 2006 06:17 PM

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Do I get kicked out of the SugarButtons Brigade if I say the kitten video did nothing for me? LOL I am not a cute fuzzy animal person.

by Maggie on January 11, 2006 06:53 PM

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Maggie - I'm pretty sure we won't kick you out just for that. However, be aware that there are many kitties around Castle Argghhh - both the online and the physical version. The Armorer's Interior Guard have laser-weapons, while the feline Denizennes are a fearsome crew. Just ask Bill about the catnip bath he was forced to endure!
*snerk*

by Barb on January 11, 2006 07:22 PM

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Damn, Barb, you know my photo collection damn well.

And Maggie- the only requirement to be in the SugarButtons Brigade is boobs and a willingness to use them!

by John of Argghhh! on January 11, 2006 07:58 PM

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The SugarButton Brigade....I'm not only a member, I'm the founder!
har har hardy har har....!!

by Were-Kitten on January 11, 2006 09:14 PM

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The University of Saskatchewan Medical School did a long-term study treating alcoholics who had failed with previous programs with LSD and had a significant success rate. Apparently the trip was equivalent to the "hitting bottom" of the AA program. Most psychotherapists working with mind-opening drugs today prefer to administer MDMA (Adam in their circles, Extasy on the street) as it is efficiently introspective without being overwhelming.

As for myself, the only longterm benefit I got from tripping was improved posture. Like Bill Gates I do not presume to recomment it for anyone else.

by triticale on January 11, 2006 09:27 PM

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My understanding is that Jim B will keep my glass full and I won't notice the cats. I'm not an animal hater, I just am missing that crucial part that makes some people all squishy about animals....my friends tell me I am heartless. As far as the feline members of the SB Brigade......well that's why we are so amazing - variety. Some of us are soft and furry, some of us are hard.
John - I am not afraid to use any weapon at my disposal and I don't play fair.

by Maggie on January 11, 2006 11:00 PM

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Then you'll fit right in, Maggie.

by John of Argghhh! on January 11, 2006 11:10 PM

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Vultures, eh! I'll have y'all know that vultures are my favorite critters of all critters in the whole world, because they have achieved *slack.*

Think about it. They don't have to kill for a living, they wait for other critters to die. They don't have to flap their wings very much, because they know how to work the thermals.

If there's anything to re-incarnation, I want to come back as a Turkey Vulture, slacker that I am.

by Justthisguy on January 12, 2006 12:41 AM

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I wanna come back as a Panda Bear. Their babies are about the size of a stick of butter, as opposed to the humongous human babies I tend to have.

thanks Eve.

by AFSister on January 12, 2006 08:21 AM

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Quote Maggie
"John - I am not afraid to use any weapon at my disposal and I don't play fair."

Methinks I am in love.

by Jon The Mechanic on January 12, 2006 04:01 PM

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Well, she's a long day's drive away, and you can see if she considers herself available.

That ain't my department!

by John of Argghhh! on January 12, 2006 04:12 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

To Sergeant Seavey: Saaaa-LUTE!

by cw4(ret)billt on January 10, 2006 09:24 AM

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If they want to come for better living conditions, then they need to do like the rest of the world, and wait in line, then sign the guestbook.

Illegal immigration is a major threat to our country, and the sooner we get our elected leaders to pull their heads from the sand, the sooner we will be able to do something about this.

The fence on the Mexican border is a good start, and the fact that Mexico guards their southern border and then demands that we not do the same is just another reason that I believe our southern neighbor does not wish us well all the time.

But then again, I am just an angry white racist who doesn't understand the plight of the downtrodden, if you believe the bums who want us to take everyone who shows up at the door looking for a better life.

by Jon The Mechanic on January 10, 2006 09:28 AM

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Sgt. Seavey! OH MAN!!!!
I love it.
"All we got was a letter from the governor thanking us for our service in IRAQ... we were in AFGHANISTAN"
"You never came to our homecoming; didn't so much as send us a thank you note"

I LOVE IT!
Stick it to 'em, Sgt! Low morale... my a$$

by AFSister on January 10, 2006 09:44 AM

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*grinn*

The whole time we were in Boz, the NJ Guard's PIO chirped solely about the ten Finance folks who deployed (and spent 75% of the time in Hungary)...

Tsk. 27" zippers just don't get the respect the guys with the checkbooks do...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 10, 2006 10:09 AM

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Yeah.
If you didn't look so much like Rodney Dangerfield, Chief.....

*ducking and running for cover*

by AFSister on January 10, 2006 10:18 AM

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Punct-
Remind Rammer it's not the ammo in the gun... it's the skill of the shooter that matters.
(take that how you will, you bunch of pervs)

by AFSister on January 10, 2006 10:37 AM

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What? You guys didn't think Rammer was talking about...

by Punctilious on January 10, 2006 10:53 AM

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And of course it does, Punctilious - it's all about the application.

by John of Argghhh! on January 10, 2006 11:05 AM

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A Creation Museum's an interesting concept. However, despite the concentration on their congregations' spiritual well-being, churches still have to contend with the mundane...

A minister concluded that his church was getting into serious financial troubles.

While checking the church storeroom, he discovered several cartons of new Bibles that had never been opened and distributed.

So, after his Sunday sermon, he asked for three volunteers from the congregation who would be willing to sell the Bibles door-to-door for $10 each to raise the desperately needed money for the church. Peter, Paul and Louie all raised their hands to volunteer for the task.

Now, the minister knew that Peter and Paul earned their living as salesmen and were likely capable of selling some Bibles but he had serious doubts about Louie.

Louie was just a local farmer, who tended to keep to himself because he was embarrassed by his speech impediment.

Louie stuttered.

But, pleased by Louie’s small show of bravery, the minister decided to let him try.

He sent the three of them away with the back seat of their cars stacked with Bibles and asked them to meet with him and report the results of their door- to-door selling efforts the following Sunday. Anxious to find out how successful they were, the minister immediately asked Peter, "Well, Peter, how did you make out selling our Bibles last week?"

Proudly handing the reverend an envelope, Peter replied, "Using my sales prowess, I was able to sell 20 Bibles, and here's the $200 I collected on behalf of the church."

“Fine job, Peter!" The minister said, vigorously shaking his hand. "You are indeed a fine salesman and the Church is indebted to you."

Turning to Paul, he asked "And Paul, how many Bibles did you manage to sell for the church last week?"

Paul, smiling and sticking out his chest, confidently replied, "I am a professional salesman and was happy to give the church the benefit of my sales expertise. Last week I sold 28 Bibles on behalf of the church, and here's $280 I collected."

The minister responded, "That's absolutely splendid, Paul. You are truly a professional salesman and the church is also indebted to you."

Apprehensively, the minister turned to little Louie and said, "And Louie, did you manage to sell any Bibles last week?"

Louie silently offered the minister a large envelope. The reverend opened it and counted the contents. "What is this?" the minister exclaimed."Louie, there's $3200 in here! Are you suggesting that you sold 320 Bibles for the church, door to door, in just one week?

Louie just nodded.

“That's impossible!" both Peter and Paul said in unison. "We are professional salesmen, yet you claim to have sold 10 times as many Bibles as we did!"

"Yes, this does seem unlikely," the minister agreed. "I think you'd better explain how you managed to accomplish this, Louie."

Louie shrugged. "I-I-I- re-re-really do-do-don't kn-kn-know f-f-f-forsh-sh-sh-sure," he stammered.

Impatiently, Peter interrupted. "For crying out loud, Louie, just tell us what you said to them when they answered the door!"

"A-a-a-all I-I-I s-s-said wa-wa-was," Louis replied, "W-w-w-w-would y-y-y-you l-l-l-l-l-like t-t-to b-b-b-buy th-th-th-this B-B-B-B-Bible f-f-for t-t-ten b-b-b-bucks ---o-o-o-or--- wo-wo-would yo-you j-j-j-just l-like m-m-me t-t-to st-st-stand h-h-here and r-r-r-r-r-read it t-to y-y-you?"

Oh, and Fuzzybee? I fixed your link.

by cw4(ret)billt on January 10, 2006 11:56 AM

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Bill, t-t-t-that was s-s-s-so d-d-d-d-dang f-f-f-funny I near f-f-f-fell off my ch-ch-ch-chair.

by kat-missouri on January 10, 2006 01:15 PM

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The air show pics are WAY KEWL!

by AFSister on January 10, 2006 01:20 PM

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Hey, AFSis - Tell Were-Kitty that Kat found the cell phone...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 10, 2006 01:43 PM

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Bill - as I said elsehwere... I don't charge you a dime, either... Snerk.

by John of Argghhh! on January 10, 2006 01:46 PM

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Kat - turn the "massager" down before you hurt yourself, woman!

by John of Argghhh! on January 10, 2006 01:50 PM

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Yeeeehawwww!!!

by kat-missouri on January 10, 2006 01:53 PM

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WOW....
I had no idea Kat got ahold of my cell phone, but now that it's been found... I'm not so sure I want it back.

Was it good for you, Kat?

*sigh* i miss my phone.....

by Were-Kitten on January 10, 2006 02:24 PM

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Hi,John

Yes, I do lurk here upon occassion. Congrats on one million.

I'll give you three guesses as to where I got the photo on my page from.

Read you later,
Winston/Ted/Gamer

by Gamer on January 10, 2006 07:52 PM

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Sgt. Seavey....Excellent!!!!

Rammer is a tease.

Good one Chief.

I get more pleasure from my cell phone when I use it for aural stimulation.

by Maggie on January 10, 2006 10:08 PM

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another letter to WaPo

RE:
Bloggers, Money Now Weapons in Information War
U.S. Recruits Advocates to the Front, Pays Iraqi TV Stations for Coverage
By Jonathan Finer and Doug Struck
Washington Post Foreign Service
Monday, December 26, 2005; Page A24
*

Listen up Finer & Struck, don't be messing with our Bill.
Bill R. raised $30,000+ one donation at a time.
to whit:

All Activity - Simple View from Oct. 14, 2005 to Nov. 14, 2005 for
Date Type To/From Name/Email Status Details Action Amount
Oct. 31, 2005 Payment To bill roggio Completed Details -$200.00 USD

Rubin
***********************
Not putting too fine a point on it ..most main stream news organs European, American, or Asian are less than satisfactory. I'm sure most of us bloggers prefer journalists and bloggers we trust to report or analyze the news.

In fact many bloggers have reached the point where the MSM is only utilize for referencing while they winnow out the facts from an event or story themselves.

I rather doubt if many MSM rapporteurs today are even aware of the fact that our own Government funded the Voice of America for over half a century. [rightly so and thank God they did]

As for the largest planting propaganda organs of all time, the MSM poseurs, expressing shock and outrage about the fact our Government "planted" articles,
they are so richly hypocritical that I have only a one finger salute for them and a jeering LOL.

"The American media seems to be either unaware or unconcerned that when it carries video of an [improvised bomb attack], it is running terrorist video and thus doing their work for them," Kuehl said.

WaPo = Duh

Does Haifa street Baghdad, Ramadi, etc. etc. ring a bell?
al rooters still has paid Jehadi stringers ..not to mention al jerkzzoff etc.

Rubin

prolly shoulda waited till I cooled off, but I'm too old to wait.

by Rubin on January 11, 2006 02:49 AM

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Link to Sgt. Seavey doesn't work. To the moron who caught 'himself' in a mousetrap twice, it is devoutly hoped that if he does it a third time, he will make a clean sweep of it and thus increase the quality of the gene pool.

I am so glad that Noor is doing well. I am so grateful that we have the resources and the love to share what we have...hopefully they will see that they can have this type of care in their country soon.

by Cricket on January 11, 2006 10:01 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

This just in:
Inspired by both the style and content of “Bagdad Bob’s” TV appearances during the early part of OIF, added to the fact that “Bagdad Bob” is currently off the air, Abu Musab al_Zarqawi, has leapt into the breach and produced the following:
“Al-Qaeda's leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, said in an audio tape put onto the Internet that rockets had been fired at Israel from Lebanon last month "on the instructions" of the network's overall chief Osama bin Laden.
Zarqawi also said the guerrillas had carried out nearly 800 operations against "the crusader forces" since the occupation of Iraq, putting "crusader" casualties at around 40,000 soldiers.
"Since the start of mujahedeen operations after the fall of the Baathist regime and until today, nearly 800 martyr operations aimed at crusader targets and military convoys have been carried out (...). We estimate casualties among the adorers of the Cross in Iraq at no less than 40,000 soldiers," he declared. “
Rumors fly that MSN and CNN are in a bidding war to sign him to a contract as their Middle East Correspondent. Barbara Streisand said (after recovering from her *swoon*) I just knew that neocon MSN and CNN were dramatically understating American military casualties. It’s about time the emotional truth came out ( emotional truth = how things should have been. A phrase commonly used in Hollywood USA to defend lies, mistakes and errors that have been pointed out in motion pictures. ie; Senator Joseph McCarthy is a liar and a devil … from “Good Night and Good Luck”.
Several Hollywood directors scrambled to buy movie rights to Zarqawi’s soon to be revised life story. George Clooney, has been reportedly expressing interest in playing the part of Zarqawi. Recently George Soro’s bid to purchase Dreamworks library and is anxious to bring his old friend Abu into his stable of stars.
Okay Okay with the exception of the Zarqawi qoute, and Soros buyin Dreamworks library, I made it up. But it is far more believable fiction that Hollywood makes up.

by jim b on January 9, 2006 12:56 PM

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Heh..For a second there, Jim, I thought you were writing about the article I saw this AM about it and that I had missed some part in my need to return to sleep.

LOL

by kat-missouri on January 9, 2006 01:07 PM

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Hey if the New York Times can do it I can do it.

Of course I would not admit at the end it was fiction. My BS (we all know what that stands for) degree was journalism. However I can say with some pride, outside a few stories and photos I have never worked in that area.

I graduated from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. To quote Mr White;

“Frank Munsey, the great publisher, is dead.
Frank Munsey contributed to the journalism of his day the talent of a meat-packer, the morals of a money changer, and the manners of an undertaker. He and his kind have about succeeded in transforming a once noble profession into an 8 per cent security. May he rest in trust.”

Today you can plug a lot of newspaper publisher's names into that quote, and it still fits.

by jim b on January 9, 2006 01:55 PM

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Ah, just down the road in Berkeley-on-the-Kaw.

But seriously, a B*S* in Journalism?

Creative writing is a *science* degree at the Flaw-on-the-Kaw? Explains much!

Sheesh, at Mizzou, the just call it a Bachelor of Journalism... which may be more indicative of the long term marriageability, I dunno.

My Geography degree (an Applied Bachelor's, or AB)) had more science in it than a J-school degree.

Of course, AB is a non-existent degree anymore, since everyone assumed it means *Associates*. Heh. Not enough science to be a BS, not enough Art to be a BA. Now they just give BA's and quit trying to be clever.

by John of Argghhh! on January 9, 2006 02:07 PM

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Yea I know I didn't set it up I just got one. I just saw it as one 'prereq' to gettin the the Corps. They didn't care what kinda degree.
Oh my area was Radio TV and Film.

I still don't know who set that stuff up.

by jim b on January 9, 2006 02:18 PM

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*dulcet baritone:*

At 89.1 on your FM dial, this is W***-FM, broadcasting from the campus of ***** College, with a power output of ten watts. This is *Interlude* and I'm Bill Tuttle, your host for this evening's after-dinner hour of easy listening.

We'll begin with the lovely Lennon Sisters performing a medley of contemporary favorites, starting with a little number called "Jumping Jack Flash."

Believe it or not, they kept me on for two more years--they couldn't get anybody else to take that time slot.

Heh. Can you say "instant format change"...?

by cw4(ret)billt on January 9, 2006 07:55 PM

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Believe it or not, they kept me on for two more years

Having heard your voice in person, I do believe it. ;)

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 9, 2006 08:41 PM

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Hey...not ALL journalists are a$$holes....just most of them...

by msg keith on January 9, 2006 08:56 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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Slugs? Heck - I'm just sitting down with my first cuppa joe, gimme a break!

by Barb on January 8, 2006 10:07 AM

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Fuzzy - So is Don Sensing.

John, you might actually read the link before you comment... *grin*

by FbL on January 8, 2006 11:35 AM

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Helk, JOhn as running out to the bar..er...garage to do some work. He didn't have time to read. LOL

by kat-missouri on January 8, 2006 01:33 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

Thanks for the plug, and the new reading material!

/TJ
PS - COngrat (again) on the whole 1M visitor thing!
(Some of us are stll waiting to crack 100k)

by TJ on January 7, 2006 11:41 AM

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Why should you watch BG? It's about Naval Aviators! *grin*

by Sgt. B. on January 7, 2006 04:11 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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Hi

by J.M. Heinrichs on January 6, 2006 06:49 AM

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You're a touch early yet, John. 999,093

by John of Argghhh! on January 6, 2006 07:07 AM

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That means I'm early as well... ;)

by pam on January 6, 2006 07:09 AM

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how about me?

by beth on January 6, 2006 07:13 AM

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Pam - 999,116
Beth - you don't show up as a unique, since it thinks yer our modem...

And no - I ain't publishing anybody elses!

by John of Argghhh! on January 6, 2006 07:17 AM

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I'll hang in for the count but withdraw from the competition.

On the condition that I can clump around the site and change all those Sugar Buttons references to something cool, like, Stud Muffin.

Hmmmpf--Yeah, I'd better come up with something a tad less preposterous...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 6, 2006 07:19 AM

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"Coo", said the vulture.

by Christine on January 6, 2006 07:20 AM

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So much for da oily boid gettin' da woim...

by Neffi on January 6, 2006 07:25 AM

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Maybe so, Neffi... but I'm more interesting in grease monkeys than oily birds.

jest sayin'......

by AFSister on January 6, 2006 07:39 AM

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Oh, to be so close to greatness...

by Dave the hyphenated American on January 6, 2006 07:49 AM

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Hmmmmm... I just happen to have two computers at work.

And if it lasts that long, which I doubt, I've got 3 at the house.

MUH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

by Masked Menace© on January 6, 2006 08:38 AM

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I want to play, too!

by Pogue on January 6, 2006 08:41 AM

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Stump Muffie?

by J.M. Heinrichs on January 6, 2006 08:42 AM

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Are you hoping for a new monicker, JMH? Or joining the Sugar Buttons brigade??

by Barb on January 6, 2006 09:07 AM

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so i guess this one is too early also?

by MajMike on January 6, 2006 09:09 AM

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It\'s probably over by now, since I always seem to be an hour late and a dollar short.

by homebru on January 6, 2006 09:15 AM

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This is just my feable attempt at holding the title "Mr. Million". Also a countdown would be nice. With the internet and all it would be delayed, but even Dick clark can be a few seconds off.

by John from VA on January 6, 2006 09:18 AM

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jim b walks to the bar for a coffee.

Takes coffee to couch, places coffee on coffee table and shuffles through the magazines.

Picks up AARP annual. Turns to center of magazine, unfolds centerfold. Spews coffee. Refolds magazine and puts it back.

What time is lunch around here?

by jim b on January 6, 2006 09:32 AM

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John from VA -- We are still a few hundred away, I think. With the normal Castle traffic, I'm betting that gives us a couple of hours yet.
Try, try again ;-)

by Barb on January 6, 2006 09:33 AM

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Ahhhhhh. Life is good. Those who figure it out, know why.

*Contented look*

by John of Argghhh! on January 6, 2006 09:34 AM

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Sheesh. Don't *any* of you guys know how to read a sitemeter? Or find it on the site?

by John of Argghhh! on January 6, 2006 09:39 AM

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You off from work today, John?

by Fuzzybear Lioness on January 6, 2006 09:55 AM

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No, I just get all comments emailed to me.

Jim B- you don't know SWWBO. If there's an AARP mag in the Castle, it was *smuggled* in...

by John of Argghhh! on January 6, 2006 09:59 AM

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BS and 1 sleeping Critter reporting for another hit on the sitemeter!

by BloodSpite on January 6, 2006 10:42 AM

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Already commented on the countdown clock elsewhere. However, I need to nip somethin' in the bud, here. Anybody who's under the impression that I'm the centerfold in this year's AARP year-ender needs to get a grip.

August was my sole appearance...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 6, 2006 11:00 AM

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Hard to tell what I am, since you don't appear to have the counter displaying to the public.

by SGT Jeff (IRR) on January 6, 2006 11:08 AM

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The sitemeter is currently embedded in the post.

Or am I the only one who can see it?

by John of Argghhh! on January 6, 2006 11:22 AM

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The sitemeter is not showin up on my browser. However once I "farm around" with the cursed over the area you left open for it. I find a brown box. I click on that box and it takes me to another page with the stats on it.

jim b sits.

by jim b on January 6, 2006 11:29 AM

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O

I should also mention that the nework design/implementation team where I work is the Ralph Hardly Dave Worthit Network company.

Yes, that's right, the Hardly Worthit Network.

by jim b on January 6, 2006 11:32 AM

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John - I see it fine on all machines (using IE 6).

by Barb on January 6, 2006 12:00 PM

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Only 300 to go!

(and I'm having no problem finding it in the post or in the sidebar. I'm on IE too)

by AFSister on January 6, 2006 12:14 PM

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Of course, all the machines using IE6 are being taken over by clone zombies embedded in images...

by John of Argghhh! on January 6, 2006 12:14 PM

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*groan* Coffee...

Dunno why FbL keeps sending us over to Lex's place -- nothin' to drink and you have to bring your own munchies.

Nice pool, though. Saves that long walk to the Port-a-Pot he stuck in the driveway...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 6, 2006 12:32 PM

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Hmmm... Wonder if you can tell Barb and I apart at work?

Oh well, looking at the time stamps on the thread, i've probably missed by a mile.

by MCart on January 6, 2006 12:48 PM

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Just checkin'

by Punctilious on January 6, 2006 12:57 PM

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I'm seeing the embedded sitemeter with IE, but I don't think it's gonna do me any good... :) Dang! I could use a prize, too...

HA! Now I'm seeing it below this comment, too. Maybe I should get my old eyes checked.

by MissBirdlegs in AL on January 6, 2006 01:00 PM

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999,835

by kat-missouri on January 6, 2006 01:13 PM

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Working on referrals, Pop!

by Sgt. B. on January 6, 2006 01:14 PM

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94 to go!

by Masked Menace© on January 6, 2006 01:42 PM

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89.....

by AFSister on January 6, 2006 01:45 PM

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Yay! My Christmas fruitcake arrived today! Just thought ya'll would like to know...

by Neffi on January 6, 2006 02:01 PM

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NEFFI!
You weren't supposed to tell anyone I shipped myself to Colorado!

*sheesh*

by Were-Kitten on January 6, 2006 02:05 PM

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can't.hold.it.much.longer......

ALMOST THERE!

by Were-Kitten on January 6, 2006 02:11 PM

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Soory, WK- yer glazed fruits just made me lose my head...

by Neffi on January 6, 2006 02:11 PM

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NOW!
NOW!

NOW JOHN?????

by Were-Kitten on January 6, 2006 02:12 PM

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mmmm... 999,999

by Neffi on January 6, 2006 02:14 PM

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1,000,003!!!!!!

WooHooooo!

by Masked Menace© on January 6, 2006 02:14 PM

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Congratulations John.

by Maggie on January 6, 2006 02:16 PM

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*exhales loudly*

PHEWWWWWWWWWWWW!

*jumps up and down*

who was it John? WHO!?!!

by Were-Kitten on January 6, 2006 02:16 PM

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Congrats John, Bill and Dusty. And everybody else. Sh!t hot!

by lex on January 6, 2006 02:20 PM

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Congrats on the postings!!

BTW, BillT, per the article at Blackfive (FBLs link) it seems I wasn't as behind the times as was posited... Hmmmm...

Big ole "toadjaso" smirk here...

But that was a good article.

Incidently, one of my Step Fathers was a member of Carlson's Raiders. It's almost impossible to find anything about them or him, especially since his service records got burnt in that big VA fires a score of years ago that destroyed the histories of thousands of US military people! Maybe scores of thousands.

V/R

by SangerM on January 6, 2006 05:09 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

Next up: The Cluebat of Argghhh! (Irish Version).

No helmets ;-)

by lex on January 5, 2006 02:38 PM

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Somedays I think I'm in contention for the Dingbat of Argghhh!

(and there's usually not a lot of competition for that title. drat.)

by Were-Kitten on January 5, 2006 03:25 PM

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I just hope none of my relatives were harmed in the making of that thing.

by The Endangered Midwestern Corked Bat on January 5, 2006 03:40 PM

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I really need to get into the ClueBat production business. Though perhaps I should wait until I can stand at the lathe for more than 15 minutes at a time.

by Russ on January 6, 2006 01:17 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

Over the holidays I was able to kick back and read or re-read a couple of books.
"Not a Good Day to Die" re-read it gave me a chance to get all ticked about Rummy and Franks again.
"Unhinged" Michelle M
"Treason" Ann Coulter.
Treason was a first read for me. I understand now why she so totally ticks off the libs. Plus I understand calling the Dems soft on defense is like sayin Saddam was stern with his distractors.
A master of understatement kinda thing.

by jim b on January 4, 2006 09:09 AM

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My original line was "Limp On Defense", but I figured that would get me into trouble... heh.

by Cassandra on January 4, 2006 09:39 AM

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It all has to do with focus Cassandra. Please don't misspell that.

by jim b on January 4, 2006 09:45 AM

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The there's that other political classification... Limp on De Fence.

by John of Argghhh! on January 4, 2006 10:24 AM

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Limp de France?

by kat-missouri on January 4, 2006 10:32 AM

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Murtha is nothing but a coward, decorated or not. By refusing to stand by our military, he disgraces them and us.

My daughter just re-enlisted & plans to stay for the long haul. It's a sad thing when the women of America are braver than the men in Congress.

by joy on January 4, 2006 12:15 PM

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Murtha is nothing but a coward, decorated or not. By refusing to stand by our military, he disgraces them and us.

My daughter just re-enlisted & plans to stay for the long haul. It's a sad thing when the women of America are braver than the men in Congress.

by joy on January 4, 2006 12:16 PM

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Hear! Hear!

by Punctilious on January 4, 2006 01:51 PM

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I disagree strongly with Murtha, but I think it disgraceful to call him a coward; misguided.... yes, wrong... absolutely. Our military fights for our Freedom and that freedom includes the right to dissent and disagree.

by V29 on January 4, 2006 02:57 PM

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I agree with V29, Murtha has as much right to be wrong as anyone else! But I do think it's funny that all the \anti-war people have flocked to his side. I guess they don't know the real reason he wants us to withdraw to the borders is that he wants us to focus on preparing for war with China.

by Maggie on January 4, 2006 07:39 PM

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China, Iran and North Korea. Now, the soup is starting to boil in the Gaza Strip. How do the anti-war, anti-military people want this handled? Of course, we could always do what was done prior to 9/11. Whistle and wait.............

by Christine on January 4, 2006 08:31 PM

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Stupid Sharon having another stroke! We should have a policy on making useful world leaders be more health conscious! Gaza going to boil merry hell now.

by Maggie on January 4, 2006 09:07 PM

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Well, if you missed it, the reason Sharon had a stroke was probably this news item that isn't getting much play time here:

Sharon laptop investigation to go forward searching for information on bribes received by Sharon or family members.

by kat-missouri on January 5, 2006 12:42 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

Where's longT at? This got him all riled up the other day at Ala's.

Seems until women have to do the same PT as men (bogus anyway) they aren't capable or able of performing and they sure the heck aren't infantry. They can shoot people, arrest people, get shot at, get wounded, get killed, walking carrying a gun or riding in a humvee, but they aren't infantry. As long as we don't call them that, it's all good. ;)

by kat-missouri on January 2, 2006 10:10 AM

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I love the last line of the item on women troops ...
Most Iraqi women are in arranged marriages, are not happy with their husbands, and like the idea of heavily armed women.
Sounds like a plan to me ;-)

by Barb on January 2, 2006 10:49 AM

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Happy New Year... and thanks for the link!

by Mr. Right on January 2, 2006 12:36 PM

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That's why the peshmerga kick butt.

by kat-missouri on January 2, 2006 12:44 PM

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Rock 'n' roll, granny! But keep that muzzle down...

by Neffi on January 2, 2006 03:37 PM

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I read the contrarian view and the thing that struck me was that the guy sounded like, because the taliban had stopped the poppy growing, they were a force for good.

What a bunch of hooey.

However, I believe that yes, there are some taliban issues still and Al Qaida sympathizers. And, they are probably re-organizing which I worried about too. However, the guy is very wrong since the US has actually said it will be down to 3000 forces by the end of 2006. He also seems to forget that there are other forces in the country besides ours.

Last, I disagree with the guy about the Taliban being back in power in 2009. That sounds like some extreme wishful thinking on this guys part.

Almost hopeful. What a moroon.

by kat-missouri on January 2, 2006 05:40 PM

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That DUKW is about fifteen miles from where I live. The guy has all kinds of stuff.

by Fred on January 2, 2006 05:59 PM

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I was concerned by Granny's muzzle control too. Perhaps hookin some bungie cord to her garter belt would help?

by jim b on January 2, 2006 08:38 PM

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"If he comes after me again, I'm gonna shoot him in his tootles"

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!

by AFSister on January 3, 2006 11:38 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

On a global scale, I will never forget the events in Iraq this year, and the warfighters it was my privilege to support by mail.

On a local scale, I know that my visit to DC and the VA hospital will be with me the rest of my life. And I will also remember this as the year I discovered a wonderful community of online friends who are rapidly becoming "offline" friends, too.

*Hugs to all of you dear ones*

by FbL on December 31, 2005 10:45 AM

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Up until August 29 there were a lot of things that I would have considered memorable. The experience of going through Katrina, living in the destruction zone, and watching the communites along the Mississippi Coast pull together to recover and rebuild is one that has overshadowed all else. I am grateful to fellow Americans who have helped so much and the awesome number of volunteer groups who were here days after and who are still down here helping us rebuild our lives.

The Army National Guard, the Air Force, and the Seabees were here in vast numbers to help out with security, rebuilding utility systems(still ongoing), repairing schools, building temperary shelters for those were homeless(many still are), and sharing the resources from the two bases located here. Keesler Air Force who turned over one of their water towers so the citizens of Biloxi could have drinking water. The Seabees from Gulfport were instrumental with their tech know-how in getting badly damaged water lines and seawge lines repaired and running again in days instead of having to wait weeks or even months.

Soory, didn't mean to ramble so much. Thanks to all who have helped, I cannot say it enough.

by seawtich on December 31, 2005 10:59 AM

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You know, the last four years have been a whirl wind of historic moments and exciting days. At some points it felt like Schindler's List: we're saved; we're dead' we're saved; we're dead; we're saved. One reason why I can't watch that movie very often.

But, the days to remember are the first Iraq elections January 30. I remember watching that and feeling like I was watching a new star being born. Or maybe it was more like watching an old star go super nova. I felt like I heard Reagan again, "Mr. Gorbechav, tear down this wall!".

The orange revolution in the Ukraine.

Then, the Lebanon Cedar Revolution. On that day I felt the same as the day Berlin Wall was coming down.

I felt it. I felt like a new world was being born.

In between that were the moments of despair. When they killed Steven Vincent, those people that we had liberated, I felt as if I could throw it all away, that I would have pulled out then and let them kill each other.

But then, I read the words of Iraqis on blogs and I saw the other revolutions and I realized then that every man and woman who has died or been wounded, every family who has lost or who will be forever changed, didn't just sacrifice for our security or for Iraqis or for Afghanis. but in truth, our men and women and the people of these nations have walked miles, paid in blood and mind for the cause of world wide freedom. They have set the standard, where they walk, goes freedom.

Maybe that is too grand, but I swear that simply trying to identify this year as a year of individual events that are amazing. This year, 2005, is the year that freedom reigned supreme, that freedom branched out into places like Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan and even Azerbaijan. This is the year that Liberals in Saudi Arabia began to get even more print time without fearing instant arrest. This is the year that Beijing residents who must fear being swept into the Communist regime, marched for democracy and you knew that in China, the democratic dissidents grew in strength.

We're still seeing the tremors and shock waves and I hope to see them again in 2006.

That is 2005. The year of Freedom. In 2005 tyrants trembled and the world shook. Some people were afraid I think that we had gone too far, like the people that told Mr. Reagan that he should not call Russia evil empire or tell Gorbechav to tear down the wall.

But, I loved every moment of it.

by kat-missouri on December 31, 2005 11:13 AM

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Right on! I wish I'd said that, Kat. :)

by FbL on December 31, 2005 11:24 AM

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re: caption contests. Maybe I will. I'm sorry I've been scarce.

I'm just swamped at work and trying very hard not to take on anything I can't in good conscience commit to. What I don't want to do is start something and then be a slacker and let people down.

After the new year I will be thinking about where I want to go. So far I've just been treading water and trying to stay on an even keel without getting tied into anything permanent.

by Cassandra on December 31, 2005 11:58 AM

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We're teasing, Cassie. Really!

Though, to be honest, if I have to pick between you and Bill, well, um, er, ta heck with it, boobies win every time!

by John of Argghhh! on December 31, 2005 12:08 PM

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We live in interesting times. I would like to be bored for a while, just as a change of pace.

by Fred on December 31, 2005 12:37 PM

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Well, helk, I should be the grand prize winner every time. ;)

by kat-missouri on December 31, 2005 12:47 PM

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The passing of Pope John Paul II and the installation of Pope Benedict.

by Maggie on December 31, 2005 01:05 PM

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Fred, isn't that an ancient Chinese curse? "May you live in interesting times?"

I agree, I wouldn't mind for things to be more calm, it would leave me more time to catch up on Cosmopolitan.

by Maggie on December 31, 2005 01:18 PM

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What stands out for me this year is the hope of freedom that has been spreading from one country to another. Words of hope have been coming out of the mouths of people who never felt they would ever utter them. I've seen protests and signs in so many countries this year that have the word "Freedom" written on it. No matter what the naysayers say, Bush did a good thing.

I also discovered the Castle this year. Coming here that first time made me laugh, something I hadn't done in over a year. This blog is so much different than the rest. Alot of the others are great but, you go there, read and move on. Here, I feel like I am walking into a group of people who just happen to have great things to say, a funny joke to tell or some pictures to share. I love the camaraderie here, the sense of family.

*sniff* :-)

by Christine on December 31, 2005 03:12 PM

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This has been a year of great good will, unexpected sadness and incredible hope. The generosity of the American spirit as demonstrated by the numerous blog-a-thon fundraisers for everything from relief efforts to FBL's fantastic computer project represents an outpouring of good will. The denizens have danced in memorium too many times this year. Yet each time we know we are not alone and those missing are not forgotten. And the hope... from voting in Iraq to the flow of information through the blogosphere there is the sense that the things they are a-changin' and that is not bad.

And finally there are the denizens themselves. Thanks for the laughs, snorts, snarks, pink-ritas and even the occassional virtual hug when needed. I am looking forward to meeting all of you in person (some again) at the blogfest!

by Punctilious on December 31, 2005 04:15 PM

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On a somewhat personal level I will always remember 2005 for that day in March that the plane I has just ridden for 20 plus hours arrived at Fort Hood, TX from Iraq.

I will remember getting off the bus in front of division headquarters, getting in formation and seeing as the bus pulled away; the crowd of family and friends, the band, the horse detachment and hearing the raw emotion of loved ones about to be re-united after a year at war...that is something I will never forget.

by Outlaw13 on December 31, 2005 06:26 PM

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All such good thoughts. Kat-M, you have characterized something for me in a way that I have not heard before put so well - the year of freedom. For me it was 1989 when the wall fell. A short time later, 1991 found me teaching English in northern Poland (along with half my pals who went to Slovakia) in a Warsaw tank brigade town where I could sit and have a beer on my stoop and listen to the Russians practice machine gunning skills a few blocks away maybe for the last time before they were moved back east. Though there is much difference between a hot and cold war, I hope and trust with you that Iraq and Afganistan have the long terms successes that I got to see the start of in eastern Europe.

by Alan on December 31, 2005 08:52 PM

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2005 was the year of leaving old friends and finding new ones.

God bless you all--lurkers, too, cuz more of ya'll are turning into participants!

Happy New Year!

Hey, Patrick--Bon Annee, mon Capitaine!

by cw4(ret)billt on December 31, 2005 10:10 PM

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Heh...You poor guy. We'll have to make up stories just to make it twitch. LOL

by kat-missouri on December 31, 2005 11:12 PM

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John's beard tickles ;)

At least, I have it on good authority...LOL

Happy New Years all my great friends!

by kat-missouri on December 31, 2005 11:16 PM

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Happy New Year, all ...
Thanks for adding a grand dimension to my life this year - I'm looking forward to a big Castle Meet!

by Barb on January 1, 2006 12:24 AM

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Like A Rock was me.

by kat-missouri on January 1, 2006 12:33 AM

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Kat, is that a 'hands-on winner'...?

by msg keith on January 1, 2006 01:10 AM

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Umm...sure, whatever you say. :0

by kat-missouri on January 1, 2006 01:17 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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It's so good I can imagine driving right now for five hours and cross two well-staffed border posts to pick one up. That is the thing about having kids and a wife. I can imagine driving...

by Alan on December 30, 2005 11:02 AM

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Follow the link for the chihuahua story!!! The rest of the article is even better. A woman reported to police that someone broke into her home and put "erotic Indian art" on her computer. I have to call the Freemont police immediately and report several similar breakins. Yes, yes that must be the answer someone broke into my home and downloaded that stuff, I never would!

by Maggie on December 30, 2005 12:59 PM

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Erotic Indian art? What's that--Kokopelli in a wampum teddy?

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 01:12 PM

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"A pack of angry Chihuahuas"

I *never* thought I'd ever read that phrase in a news story... :-)

by Harvey on December 30, 2005 01:28 PM

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And Maggie wins the prize in the "Does anyone *ever* follow the link?" contest!

Prize? She gets to share all those URLs the burglars put on her 'puter!

And yes, I deliberately left out the second part of the article to see who'd rise to the bait!

by John of Argghhh! on December 30, 2005 01:35 PM

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Kokopelli -- the authentic one and not the (cough) bowdlerized version the New Age idjits slap on everything, is erotic all by his lonesome. Let's just say there's a reason he's sorta crouched over. (PG-17, SIT! Stay!)

by bad cat robot on December 30, 2005 01:46 PM

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Yeah--he's trying to clear that nose flute...

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 01:51 PM

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Thanks for the love, John.
*what the world... needs now.... is love, sweet love....*

BIG HUGS!

by AFSister on December 30, 2005 01:51 PM

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Um, while I'm not giving up the hug - it was *Bill* who linked!

by John of Argghhh! on December 30, 2005 01:54 PM

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Well, ya didn't expect her to hug *me* after that Kokopelli nose flute comment, right?

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 02:01 PM

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Well, what's on my computer is not actually "erotic Indian art", so I'm sure no one is interested.
BTW, Kokopelli is my favorite Kosheen CD! Although, I need to find it in vinyl to spin on my Hi-Fi. (I own a Curtis Mathes)
Of course I won John, I am the type of girl who peeks.

by Maggie on December 30, 2005 02:03 PM

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"...the U.S. Navy seizes the Great Lakes and blockades Canada's Atlantic and Pacific ports..."

What a weird article. The 1930's US navy could not have come within 15 miles of Halifax as the big guns of York Redoubt would have had them in sight: Click here. A Louisbourg land attack might have worked but I think George Washington had the correct intuition when he had a look at Halifax - leave it be.

And was there a navy on the Great Lakes for the US navy to use to seize them because the rapids at Montreal would stop any fleet coming up. They have been practically demilitarized since the mid-1800s, no?

What a pain having peace with the neighbours. ;-)

Anyway, lucky for you your forces never faced the crazy maple syrup laced plaid elf throngs of paddle wielding elite secret force Rudolf. You think Santa is going let an invasion of his homeland occur?

by Alan on December 30, 2005 02:40 PM

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Alan - isn't that occour?

by John of Argghhh! on December 30, 2005 02:47 PM

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Sourry.

by Alan on December 30, 2005 02:53 PM

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Naw, it's plaid. Occour is more of an earth-tone--sorta light reddish brown or dog-yak yellow.

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 02:58 PM

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I realize that the *kewl* guns are missing... but I'm guessing the Navy wouldn't have been too concerned about these old RML's...

Nor these other guns stored there.

Regardless, the Armorer may assault the place sometime... especially if *this* person is visiting! Well, his model, anyway.

by John of Argghhh! on December 30, 2005 03:00 PM

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you two conflugate the holy bejesus outta me sometimes....
the post has JOHN at the bottom... so, being a lowly Slithering Reptile in the TTLB eGosystem, I assumed that JOHN was handing out lovey-links.

see what happens when you ASSume?

BIIIIIG HUUUUUGS to Bill!
(feeling better, now?)

by AFSister on December 30, 2005 03:06 PM

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you two conflugate the holy bejesus outta me sometimes....

Hmmm. Sounds like fun, but I don't think Bill and I have ever been in the same state at the same time... much less the same room...

by John of Argghhh! on December 30, 2005 03:09 PM

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Who--me or John?

Oooops--hold still...

*wiping kokopelli boogers off zoomiesib's left shoulder*

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 03:12 PM

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well... Once a *certain* blogpapa gets a blogmeet together, perhaps *certain* bloggers WILL be in the same state, AND the same room.

And chances are, you'll both get plenty of hugs!

(ewww.... now I have a slimy shoulder. THANKS, Bill. you *know* boogers don't go well with my sleek fur coat.)

by AFSister on December 30, 2005 03:28 PM

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AFSis - you're wearing the wrong persona for fur.

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 03:32 PM

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Lucky FBL!!!!

Caught the sour grapes comment from Bill. The Navy rules! Get over it.

Maggie (daughter of a TinCan Sailor)

by Maggie on December 30, 2005 03:42 PM

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I know.
But just about everybody knows anyway.

*shrug*

it's that end-of-the-last-day-of-the-year brain mush attack.

by AFSister on December 30, 2005 03:42 PM

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Ummm, yeah, about that blog-meet...

When's it gonna happen?

by Sgt. B. on December 30, 2005 04:17 PM

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As I noted earlier... in response to your *other* question... late April-May-early June. Depending on what weekend works for most people interested in attending - scratch that - the weekend most people *we're* interested in meeting can attend...

by John of Argghhh! on December 30, 2005 04:27 PM

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Heh...you know me. I'm always only a a few minutes down the road for a mini-blogmeet.

Speaking of Canada, a Canadian ranch friend of mine begged me last year to get the US to invade. Not for politics or for oil, but because she heard that we would compensate them for any beef on the hoof they may buy fresh and the price we'd pay would make up for the crash and burn of the beef market do to ye old mad cow disease up there.

No war for cow!

At least, I told here that's our stand right now. if the beef prices keep going up we may reconsider.

by kat-missouri on December 30, 2005 04:57 PM

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US subsidies for farmers are nothing to brag about as are our leaky patriots who would move for a buck (could you imagine an American with those standards?) but you are right - no war for cow and leave the maple-laced arsenal where it is. Peace in our time!

by Alan on December 30, 2005 05:30 PM

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Did some one say flautas? Coming right up. Although they don't go well with syrup. Wrong border or something... What's that? You really meant flautas? ...Oops sorry, I don't know anything about flautasnot but I did sit in front of a trombone with a leaky spit valve for three years...

by Punctilious on December 30, 2005 06:45 PM

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Did some one say flautas? Coming right up. Although they don't go well with syrup. Wrong border or something... What's that? You really meant flautas? ...Oops sorry, I don't know anything about flautasnot but I did sit in front of a trombone with a leaky spit valve for three years...

by Punctilious on December 30, 2005 06:45 PM

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Darn echo. Sounds much better on the slickrock.

by Punctilious on December 30, 2005 06:47 PM

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Dang Bill, sorry for hanging the *hug* thang around yer neck!
Seems to have taken on alife of it's own. Well the trooth often hurts.

by V29 on December 30, 2005 07:53 PM

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Yep.
I think someone said "flautas".... a couple of times.

by AFSister on December 30, 2005 08:33 PM

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Don't misunderestimate Chihuahuas. They don't know they are Chihuahuas. They think they are wolves. Get enough of them together and you have canine pirhana.

by Fred on December 30, 2005 08:46 PM

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Dang! I thought *I* was having fun today, but apparently not as much as *you.* :D

by FbL on December 30, 2005 08:55 PM

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Two-Niner - You think the truth hurts? Wait'll you've been whacked across the windpipe by a flung (((HUG))) from an overly-enthusiastic Denizenne...

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 08:58 PM

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Flautas, eh?

John will blame the dogs, as usual.

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 08:59 PM

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I think that would be flauta$$. But we'll blame John just the same. Unless it is flauntus which prolly has something to do with that whole zipper thing.

by Punctilious on December 30, 2005 09:04 PM

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Aw, come on, Bill... we know you like it a *little* rough.

by AFSister on December 30, 2005 09:04 PM

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Jinx AFsis!!! But only if it counts for posting at the same time.

by Punctilious on December 30, 2005 09:06 PM

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I don't know about you, Punct, but I'd rather have flautas, than a flat a$$. Fortunately, enjoying flautas often results in an a$$ which is anything but flat.

by AFSister on December 30, 2005 09:06 PM

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A little rough? Only if the bikini wax didn't work...

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 09:30 PM

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ROFLMAO!!!

Bill.... that one needed a "spit on your keyboard" alert!

by AFSister on December 30, 2005 10:52 PM

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Lasers work better and keep the bikini burn down

by kat-missouri on December 30, 2005 11:19 PM

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Arrggghhh!!! I'm sorry. I was constructing an online shopping cart this week, my internet was out for part of the day two days running so I was on dialup and I had posts I'd been working on for days that I finally finished but didn't really make much sense so I didn't have the patience to try to do anything with them over here.

Please forgive me. I have been crabbier than... well, let's just say I've been crabby.

I will try to do better.

by Cassandra on December 31, 2005 11:54 AM

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Whew! Finally...

We were afraid you'd deserted to Fuzzilicious Thinking.

Urk. There's a combo.

Fuzzilicious Company...

by cw4(ret)billt on December 31, 2005 08:32 PM

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Oooo, I like it!

But I don't think she's ever even commented at my place. And after I even did a post saying goodbye when she stopped bloggin! *sob!*

by FbL on December 31, 2005 11:29 PM

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Quite fishin' fer sympathy!

Sheesh!

by John of Argghhh! on December 31, 2005 11:44 PM

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Just be happy I didn't go with Vicious Thinking...

by cw4(ret)billt on December 31, 2005 11:46 PM

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Actually, wouldn't it be Villainous Thinking? *snerk*

Villianous Thinking is actually pretty good, especially for when I'm feeling particularly snarky.

by FbL on January 1, 2006 12:38 AM

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*snerk* yer own self.

Somebody should read the comment stream when she's all giddy an' stuff from her day at the beach.

Didja wear the maroon bikini or the hot pink thong?

by cw4(ret)billt on January 1, 2006 07:17 AM

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You calling me a Chihuahua or something?! Why I oughta...

Aw, what the heck! I'll give you a pass. I'm feeling too good these days to pull together any righteous anger. *mellow grin*

by FbL on January 1, 2006 09:58 AM

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Methinks that mellow grin is going to be there for at least a week...

by cw4(ret)billt on January 1, 2006 06:31 PM

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I would've thought so, too. Then this afternoon happened. *Grrrr...*

by FbL on January 1, 2006 08:21 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

---

Thanks for the Valour-IT link, John!

On the topic of Valour-IT, CPT Ziegenfuss recently wrote the following about his experience with the voice-control software:

I submit to you that the freedom that blogging, email, and general internet use provided me was second only to driving in allowing me to feel truly independent again. For a pittance, you can give a gift to an injured soldier that will give him him a fraction of the daily autonomy you enjoy, and return to him that which he so readily sacrificed on the altar of freedom... for you.

As I've said before: did any present you gave this Christmas have that kind of impact on its recipient?

by FbL on December 29, 2005 09:49 AM

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Okay, 25 out of 25.

So I'm perfect. Big deal...

Now tell me where you stashed my walker.

by cw4(ret)billt on December 29, 2005 09:58 AM

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I got 22 out of 25, John. It'd be interesting to note which ones you and I differ on - it may be something regional vice age ;-)

by Barb on December 29, 2005 10:35 AM

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Merry belated Christmas to you and Beth!

by Sean on December 29, 2005 10:41 AM

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Merry belated Christmas to you and Beth!

by Sean on December 29, 2005 10:41 AM

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Took the Older Than Dirt quiz...

Apparently I'm not supposed to tell me age, now. However, I suspect my acquaintance with the things described in the quiz has more to do with my rural upbringing than my age.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

by FbL on December 29, 2005 10:43 AM

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22 out of 25. Barb, it may be regional, but newsreels and Howdy Doody were before my time, and I don't remember anyone driving a Packard. But I definitely remember the other stuff....

by msg keith on December 29, 2005 10:43 AM

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*saunters down the hall softly singing*

"You can trust your car to the man who wears the staaaaaaar..."

by cw4(ret)billt on December 29, 2005 10:48 AM

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Ah, but MSG Keith - Howdy Doody was in re-runs, and I saw Packards... and while in command I had a Studebaker-built Deuce!

by John of Argghhh! on December 29, 2005 11:14 AM

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Bl@ckjack chewing gum and Butch Wax.

(Hadda put the @ sign in there because the spam filter kills that word because of all the damn spam about gambling sites)

by John of Argghhh! on December 29, 2005 11:21 AM

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"...and I saw Packards."

And they were nice and roomy inside, too.

Time to crank up the old Victrola and pop the Bessie Smith 78s on...

"...and I saw Packards."

Heh. But didja ever hotwire one?

by cw4(ret)billt on December 29, 2005 11:44 AM

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18 of 25. I agree there is definitely a regional component here as well as a urban/rural one. Also, rather than bemoan how this reflects on my age.........I choose to focus on the fact that the very act of remembering these things speaks well of still functioning brain.
Now not to nitpick, but how is it a sign of age when my children (17 & 24) as well as younger nieces and nephews have had candy cigarettes. My sister was not happy with me, but it was a childhood memory I wanted to share with them. I don't care about the message it sends, if any.
Also, I don't remember 45 records, I *have* 45 records and LPs and 78s.

by Maggie on December 29, 2005 12:00 PM

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*bounces into Castle Comments*

Hiya!
I'm still pretty much a spring chicken around here, since I only scored 12.
Good thing I like hangin' with old farts. They're more.... experienced. YEAH! That's it... experienced.

(and Dbie sends her thanks for the Morgan Freeman linky-love. whatta guy!)

by Were-Kitten on December 29, 2005 12:14 PM

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Obviously, I am not going to get over this.

There is *still* a drive-in in Wellfleet. I go, it's fabulous. They are scheduled to open the new season 04/14/06.

by Maggie on December 29, 2005 01:41 PM

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Hee! Hey, with our dark-tinted windows Aztek, the make-out possiblilities in a drive-in are sure a lot less risky than in the back of what passes for theaters these days...!

by John of Argghhh! on December 29, 2005 01:43 PM

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We have two drive ins, I have a huge collection of 45s and we used to drink the colored sugar water out of the wax coke bottles then use the wax to create "monster teeth".

I was on the edge of old fartiness with 18/25 though two of them (like wringer washers) were because we lived out in the boonies at my grandmas and she still had one that we used in the winter when the well would freeze up and we had to truck water to the house in 33 gallon trash cans on a sled.

So, I claim that old fartiness is not attributable to remembering any such items.

by kat-missouri on December 29, 2005 02:14 PM

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I read somewhere that a man isn't really old until his regrets outnumber his dreams.

by LarryK on December 29, 2005 02:30 PM

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Wish all you kids would stop obsessing about old age...

That's *my* job!

by cw4(ret)billt on December 29, 2005 02:49 PM

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Bill was old in 1970! S'pose that makes him positively ancient by now. He wouldn't have any other way; ever notice how good looking chicks will kiss and hug *old and *harmless men*?
There's a method to his madness.

by V29 on December 29, 2005 03:45 PM

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My sadly passed on Father-in-Law was a V29er kinda guy.

He *loved* hugs. When I asked him why (he was 80 and his wife dead 10 years or more) he said, "Boobs!"

My kinda fella!

by John of Argghhh! on December 29, 2005 03:58 PM

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Doggone it, who left the door to Two Niner's place unlatched again?

"...good looking chicks will kiss and hug *old and *harmless men*"

You've been watching those Pia Zadora flicks Shine thought he hid, haven't you?

And I wasn't old in 70, I just went grey after that boondoggle in the U Minh: "You go in and pick up the SEALs--I'll stay at 2,000 feet and distract the VC..."

by cw4(ret)billt on December 29, 2005 04:04 PM

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There he goes, dropping the barest hints of stories again... ;)

by FbL on December 29, 2005 06:21 PM

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"...good looking chicks will kiss and hug *old and *harmless men*"

Hey, you got a hug in Philly didn't you? ;)

by FbL on December 29, 2005 06:23 PM

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Yeah, Fuzzy - but you were apparently confused on the "Harmless" part. I've seen his entry in the Hitchhiker's Guide - and it ain't "Mostly Harmless," either!

by John of Argghhh! on December 29, 2005 06:43 PM

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Dang, John, why'd you have to go link the dog story?

by kat-missouri on December 29, 2005 07:53 PM

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'Cuz I'm mean.

by John of Argghhh! on December 29, 2005 07:56 PM

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*giggle*

Bill... the gig is up, honey. Two-Niner gave you up, pal!

by Were-Kitten on December 29, 2005 09:38 PM

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FbL - What part of the *and kiss* are you having trouble with here, hmmmm?

And why?

Uhhhhh--don't answer that last part. I'd like to escape with at least a token shred of self-respect...

by cw4(ret)billt on December 29, 2005 09:39 PM

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There used to be a drive-in in Ft. Lauderdale that had 7 or 8 screens. It may still be there. The Thunderbird. They played G to R rated movies, sometimes at the same time. My cousin took his 5 and 3 year-olds to see a movie. He was sitting there and happened to look in the back seat. Both kids were sitting there watching The Exorcist without sound. That was the last time they went....

by klkk on December 29, 2005 11:46 PM

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Yes klkk!!!
I can remember the Meadow Glen drive-in had multiple screens and trying to watch the other movies. I don't remember what my parents took us to see on one particular night, but my sister and I were watching "I Love My Wife" with Elliot Gould on the other screen. I never saw the whole movie, but we were agog at the scene where he sneaks off during a big party to meet a woman who is not his wife in the hosts childrens playroom. They are going at it in a playpen when the are caught by various and sundry other guests. We could have watched more but the next scene is his wife calmly walking outside with him while he begs for forgiveness and tries to apologize. As soon as they are out of sight of the house, his wife, Brenda Vacarro starts beating him with her pocketbook! Grace and I had fits of giggles and the jig was up for us. That was 1970 or 71, I was 10, Grace was 8. We still giggle about that one!

by Maggie on December 30, 2005 12:02 AM

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There was a drive-in on the Jersey side of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge that specialized in X-rated films--the screen was oriented away from the road and masked by trees.

Two of my buddies almost ran out of fuel one night watching a double feature from 700 feet above the snack bar...

Doc S and BJ--if you're out there, you *owe* me for bringing that 10 gallons of JP-4!

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 12:14 AM

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Remember when washing machines had wringers?

Remember when helicopters had dirt floors?

by Fred on December 30, 2005 12:19 AM

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Some of the "Fogeyisms" were a bit regional, but I got at least 23. However the list missed: cutting grass with a scythe; differentiating between "fallers", "loggers" and "chokers"; "donkey engines"; seeing a new Boeing 707 on take-off (when the 707 was just entering service); etc.

And I'm alot younger than Bill!

Cheers
JMH

by J.M. Heinrichs on December 30, 2005 12:36 AM

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Count me in on the rural living excuse for my 20/25

... Our annual family reunion used to be across the field from a drive in. Took awhile for the aunts to figure out why the cousins all brought binocculars and watched birds from the top of the propane tank* after dark!

*they'd have watched from the top of the tank but it was on the wrong side of the VFW hall.

And I used to ride in one of the last Studebakers sold from the last Studebaker dealership in the country.

by Punctilious on December 30, 2005 07:12 AM

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Donkey engine I know - steam engine on a pallet/trailer, etc, used in logging, milling, etc, for relocateable power (at least down here...)

You musta been really precocious for the 707, maiden flight of that being 1954... I know, you didn't claim the prototype. I remember in '64 when we were on our way to Paris, Mom and Dad being all excited about flying one of the new jets, because 6 years earlier, their trip to and from Germany was on a troop ship.

I remember being surprised at Orly to find the airplane being serviced by a Texaco truck. Felt, 'homey'.

by John of Argghhh! on December 30, 2005 07:35 AM

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Cutting grass with a scythe--wow. Memories.

I *loved* the steel blade; it was a *huge* improvement over flint...

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 08:16 AM

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And anybody else out there have passenger time on a Gooney Bird *and* a Super Connie? In the same day?

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 08:37 AM

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Nope. I have only take-offs in a Gooney. No landings. And I *have* flown in the AWACs version of the Connie.

But both in the same day? Nope.

by John of Argghhh! on December 30, 2005 08:56 AM

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I'm feeling much younger now that you guys are talking about things I've never heard of.

by Punctilious on December 30, 2005 10:10 AM

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Castle Argghhh--your online Fountain of Youth.

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 10:16 AM

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and I thought it was just a virtual rita-matic...

...Keep it going. I could use even less wear and tear...

by Punctilious on December 30, 2005 10:24 AM

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I never used a scythe, but I used a sickle! Pretty good for a city girl!

by Maggie on December 30, 2005 12:50 PM

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Motor-, bi-, or pop-?

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 12:59 PM

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Are you sure Morgan Freeman was on the Smothers Brothers? IMDB doesn't list that.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000151/

by Harvey on December 30, 2005 01:40 PM

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Harvey - Double head doink for me. Wrong actor, wrong show--that's what I get for multitasking on only one cup of coffee.

Freeman King's the one who kept playing off Bob Einstein, and I'd completely forgotten Bob also worked the Sonny and Cher Show.

Good catch--thanks for keeping me honest.

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 02:28 PM

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We lived about 5 miles from Vancouver Int'l Airport, and spending an afternoon watching BIG PLANES taking off and landing was a big treat, in 1961. Most were turboprops (Viscounts and Britannias) or DC6s and 7s. My cousin, who was a (CHOKE) pilot, showed us the Canadair Yukon. Unfortunately, they were replaced by the 707 before I joined.

I have flown in a Beaver ...

Cheers
JMH

by J.M. Heinrichs on December 30, 2005 08:55 PM

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When did they make the (CHOKE)? I thought I knew most of the DeHaviland products...

by cw4(ret)billt on December 30, 2005 09:25 PM

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He was "made" at RCAF Station Centralia and flew Daks. The family has forgiven him his unfortunate initial career choice.

Cheers
JMH

by J.M. Heinrichs on December 31, 2005 12:36 AM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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I guess it's plane pron day, because my brother sent me some great shots of his plane over Wright Patt. They're on my site.

SO KEWL!!!

by AFSister on December 21, 2005 08:00 AM

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Kewl indeed :-) And thankee for the link, John.

by Barb on December 21, 2005 09:23 AM

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That's a formation? Looks like a gaggle to me...
C'mon guys, get it in a decent left echelon...

by SGT Jeff (IRR) on December 21, 2005 10:31 AM

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Yes it is a formation. The proper term for it is a "Kluster Kluge Left".

by jim b on December 21, 2005 11:17 AM

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Oh! Calcutta and Oh! Canada? I'll take the other prudes on a tour of the Skydome or something. That okay with you? Of course, I'll have to be the one driving the bus(lushes).

by ry on December 21, 2005 12:44 PM

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OPERATIONAL IMMEADIATE!!!!

FBl is sitting in Phillie's 30th St. Train Station at 1439 EST, looking for Chief Bill...

Yo, rotorhead, where are you?

by Sgt. B. on December 21, 2005 01:47 PM

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I see she's using the Floo Network to get her message around...

by John of Argghhh! on December 21, 2005 01:51 PM

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LOL...funny stuff some today.

Let us hope that certain persons don't completely blow their reputation by not showing up.

by kat-missouri on December 21, 2005 02:11 PM

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If anyone can track the Chief...

SitRep, over...

by Sgt. B. on December 21, 2005 02:24 PM

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What ever happened to olio? Much more edumafied soundin' that was.

Since we're spraying to all fields today:
http://today.reuters.com/news/NewsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID;=uri:2005-12-20T143312Z_01_SPI050559_RTRUKOC_0_US-LEBANON-GERMANY-PRISONER.xml&pageNumber;=0&summit;=

Gee, they sure did punish that guy for hijacking and murder didn't they?

by ry on December 21, 2005 03:40 PM

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UPDATE!

FBL and Chief Bill did finally make contact. The AAR will be interesting, but nobody fell asleep on anybody, and Chief Bill kept his hands above the table!

by Sgt. B. on December 21, 2005 05:10 PM

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Great picture. Awesome.
Raymond B
www.voteswagon.com

by Raymond B on December 21, 2005 07:24 PM

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Thanks for the linky-love-update, John. Bro's plane is scheduled for retirement in May, so they took her up a week ago for some publicity shots. They turned out pretty kewl!

*waiting IMpatiently for the AAR on FbL and Bill's lunch-which-almost-didn't-happen*

by AFSister on December 21, 2005 08:54 PM

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Lunch? What lunch? She *knows* I never eat on an empty stomach...

The events leading up to the culmination of the assignation were Seventh Circle escapees. But we *did* get to do the mini-meet and she didn't pass out when she first saw me.

Didn't exactly leap from the chandelier, either, but she's still got the flu aftereffects. Okay, long story short before I crash onto the laptop:

1. She talks faster than she types, and that's an accomplishment in itself.

2. She's a *cute* li'l thing with an infectious giggle that pops up at the oddest times (like, if I just said something funny). And she looks more like she should be cramming for the SATs rather than visiting VA Hospitals delivering laptops.

3. And, yeah, I got a hug!

No *whap* from the tail, though...

by cw4(ret)billt on December 21, 2005 11:26 PM

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*blush*

I'll write about it from my perspective tomorrow.

by FbL on December 21, 2005 11:44 PM

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Oh, fine. Tell them all about me plying you with half a candy bar and then having to keep me at arm's length by waving that water bottle in a "lazy eight"...

Sarge B. will never forgive me for cribbing his "offer them chocolate" routine.

by cw4(ret)billt on December 22, 2005 08:06 AM

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Sarge B. will never forgive me for cribbing his "offer them chocolate" routine.

Yes, that did occur to me halfway throught he candy. LOL! ;)

by FbL on December 22, 2005 08:04 PM

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Oops! Typo. Should be, "...halfway through the candy."

by FbL on December 22, 2005 08:05 PM

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Fortunately, she doesn't *talk* in typos.

Just really, really fast...

Really.

by cw4(ret)billt on December 22, 2005 08:33 PM

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Fortunately, she doesn't *talk* in typos.

Just really, really fast...

Really.

by cw4(ret)billt on December 22, 2005 08:33 PM

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Faster than this %$#@! laptop's cursor trigger, even...

by cw4(ret)billt on December 22, 2005 08:42 PM

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*LOL!*

by FbL on December 22, 2005 09:38 PM

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"Oh Canada!" is right....First the Queen of England,er,I mean Sir Elton gets married here and now this...Actually,I'm rather neutral on the gay marriage bit,myself(long as he doesn't "lose" his honeymoon tapes and find them on the 'net) and the one thing that sonofabitchTrudeau(I learned it as one word)said that I agree with,is that "The state has no business in your bedroom"....Of course I wonder what business the Stones had with Maggie,or did they just fool around in the limo?(ancient historical reference to rumours of trudeas's wife,Margeret,sniffing around Mick when on tour in Canada,eh)

by big al on December 23, 2005 02:59 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!

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It is the official policy of Junior Management never to comment on what Senior Management (i.e., the Spousal Unit) thinks of anything work-related.

As a citizen and taxpayer, this makes perfect sense and is in fact in alignment with what has been going on for some time in the Reserve BNs. Arty units are a good match for several things I should think - civil affairs being one because artillery Marines have some of the highest test scores among the MOSs and are generally smart folks. That's the kind of people you want doing civil affairs - they learn fast and adapt.

Another one is security/convoy duty (at least this is what I think) because another thing arty units have a lot of is trucks and drivers. If every Marine is potentially a rifleman, I'm not entirely sure why we didn't make more use of arty BNs in this capacity, but there may well be a reason I am unaware of.

by Cassandra on December 19, 2005 07:32 AM

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LOL....
John,
I got the same spam email over the weekend. Too frikkin' funny.

by AFSister on December 19, 2005 07:35 AM

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Expanded comment: I have wished to see more cross-training for a while in artillery anyway. Mortars seem to be to be a natural complement to artillery. We seem to have gotten into a mindset where we think air can do it all, but that is ludicrous. Aviation is great and we can't live without them, but they can't fly in a sandstorm or when the weather is really lousy.

Artillery then becomes the reliable choice when you need to put steel on target, but the arty community needs to move with the times and compete with the other MOSs for money and attention or they're going to become the red-headed stepchild of the combat arms.

by Cassandra on December 19, 2005 07:42 AM

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Hey, the Iraqis used artillery to deliver 'dual use' sarin based insecticides, I suppose or Marines could do it more efficiently.

by Tim on December 19, 2005 08:17 AM

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As you noticed the Marine Corps Times is only available at Leavenworth in the Class VI store. They obviously know the Marines on base will end up there more frequently than the PX.

Now "Reach out and touch someone" has a double meaning for Marine Cannon Cockers.

by jim b on December 19, 2005 08:27 AM

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Ya sure ya can't get it at the PX? (There's liquor there, too)

by John of Argghhh! on December 19, 2005 08:45 AM

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Regarding the Coasties and Grand Haven, from everything I remember and the "official documents", Grand Haven became the Coast Guard City because of a birthday picnic gone horribly wrong and copious amounts of legislative lobbying. The result is the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival which celebrates the birth of the Coast Guard each August.

Grand Haven is a port on Lake Michigan which has had a Life Savings Service/Coast Guard installation since time out of mind. It is a pleasant small town/resort town with miles of sand beaches and a Musical Fountain.

by The Thomas on December 19, 2005 09:11 AM

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Judging by the view out my office window, the USCG Cutter Neah Bay will probably begin work along the shores of Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River fairly shortly. The ice flows have begun to form on the river since Friday afternoon.

by TIM C on December 19, 2005 09:58 AM

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Tim, if it's cold enough to freeze Cuyohoga water, it's *cold*...

by cw4(ret)billt on December 19, 2005 10:20 AM

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As an National Guard artilleryman (13B) who is sitting in Ft Dix demobing from a SECFOR mission, I feel the need to comment... With all due respect to Cassandra, towing an M198 behind a 5 ton is not good preparation for driving a top heavy HMMWV gun truck like a madman in the convoy escort role. We were fortunate never to roll one, but the unit that replaced us already has. I'm sure the M119 units are a little better off, but the HMMWV cargo truck configuration that they use is a lot different from an up armor. Anyone who thinks different needs to sit in the turret during a hard turn. :-)

As far as using Arty for whatever missions are necessary, I understand the utility, but the long term effect is likely to be a loss of skilled Redlegs. A not uncommon attitude in my unit is, "Why should I train for artillery when I'm never going to be deployed in my MOS?" In my state we have some MP units, a newly formed infantry battalion, aviation units, all kinds of neat things. Personally I'm planning on moving over to the infantry along with several others in my platoon. We've already had people move to MP. A couple of years ago a general officer made a public statement to the effect that Artillery units were really Military Police in disguise. I was deeply offended by that comment.

If the Army doesn't need the artillery it has, maybe it needs to reallocate personnel on a more permanent basis. Maybe we just eliminate it from the Guard. Same for the Marines. I'm willing to do whatever mission the Army gives me, but I would really like to train for that mission all the time rather than only after the warning order comes down.

Besides, it will be kind of cool having a 11B/13B MOS...

Pogue

(Formerly Pogue in Kuwait)....

by Pogue on December 19, 2005 01:38 PM

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Yes, Bill... it's cold.

*FRIGGIN COLD*

Anybody up for some Bailey's and coffee?

by AFSister on December 19, 2005 01:45 PM

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Hey - don't get me wrong. I'm not saying we don't need artillery. Not by any means.

But how much sense does it make to read in the newspaper that we're "desperate" (huh???) for warm bodies and then see an arty battery undeployed because they don't "need" an arty battery over there? At some point perhaps we start thinking, these are human beings not lego parts - they are smart enough to plug and play.

I dunno. What do I know. I'm just a Marine wife. If the Marine Corps had wanted me to have a brain they'd have issued me one. Instead I just have two boobs and they're not even particularly impressive ones at that... :)

by Cassandra on December 19, 2005 01:57 PM

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...now where's that trivet?

by Cassandra on December 19, 2005 01:58 PM

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Heh. Since they're attached to that fine brain you *swiped* from Supply, they're fine boobs, Cassie dear. It's the brain that's sexy.

The other thing Pogue doesn't know - is you're a Molly Pitcher, too.

by John of Argghhh! on December 19, 2005 02:00 PM

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The trivet's hanging in its place of honor, on the wall behind the couch.

The one with the whoopee cushion installed...

by cw4(ret)billt on December 19, 2005 02:28 PM

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Article of the First:
As the only Denizen who even has a prayer (and a plan) to obtain either an M48, M60, or even an M3... I never got that spam...

Article of the Second:
Cass, you don't have one brain... You're married to a Marine, which means that you maintain two. And they even gave you a nice carrying case for them!

Article of the Third:
As far as Chief Bill's comment regarding the "Make A Wish" foundation: I have worked with them, both in the Corps, and a heavy weapons SCA fighter. I had the honor of facing a young lad in a wheelchair. Me in 50 pounds of medival armor, with sword and shied, and him (all 40 pounds of him) in a t-short, shorts, in a wheelchair, with a foam axe...

...My noble opponant won... Handily...

by Sgt. B. on December 19, 2005 02:42 PM

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The secondary motto of the Corps is "Semper Gumby" Always Flexable. Being a cannon cocker does not mean you cannot have a secondary mission.

by jim b on December 19, 2005 02:43 PM

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Maintain a rigid flexibility at all times.
--an NJARNG Major who shall remain (mercifully) unnamed.

And the scary thing is, he was absolutely serious when he said it.

by cw4(ret)billt on December 19, 2005 03:46 PM

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Just like butterbars are gold... there's a reason the oak leaf is gold...

by John of Argghhh! on December 19, 2005 03:57 PM

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The coasties have always had to do too much with too little. Being in the COmmerce Dept. didn't help, and I'm not sure Homeland Security has made a big difference to their budget.

As for GL ice breaking. They are usually forced to rely on some of the big tug outfits out Sault St. Marie or Thunder Bay for a lot of it. (The old ice breaker was a bit small, and would not be able to work northern Superior - or so I've been told.)

by Zendo Deb on December 19, 2005 05:13 PM

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Hmmm.... Once again I've managed to be less than clear.... :-) Cassandra, I didn't read your comments as suggesting that artillery isn't necessary. I completely agree that it makes sense to use the artillery as Infantry, MP, truck drivers and all the other things that the Army (or Marine Corp) deem necessary. I was just pointing out that there are consequences of doing it. As far as the National Guard goes, there's a lot of artillery left over from the cold war. I've heard rumors that an occasional battery has been deployed as artillery, but usually those units are active army. When we're deploying MP units every other year (NG MP units have been making regular trips to Bosnia as well as the sandbox) and we never deploy the Artillery it may be time to reassess the force. When we got our alert last year we stopped training as artillery and started MP and Infantry training. We haven't had anything to do with our primary MOS for 18 months or so, and it will take a year to reconstitute the units and bring us up to speed. We really expect to be mobbilized again in two years, give or take. It may be OEF/OIF or it may be border security, but it probably won't require us to bring our guns. So we have maybe six months that we could realistically be considered competent before we start the cycle all over again. It just seems to be a waste of resources. So let's just make us MPs or Infantry and keep only the number of guns as we really need.

Off topic, are you ever going to start blogging again? I really miss your stuff.....

by Pogue on December 19, 2005 05:18 PM

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That's not off topic, Philip. I've been pinging her about that, too.

She has this *silly* idea that Family and Work come first.

Feh.

by John of Argghhh! on December 19, 2005 05:33 PM

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I think, if I understand certain things going on at DoD, that there is probably a plan in place to actually create some new MP and CA units or to transform units completely to the process. In the new wars, the military must be ready to be both a$$ kicker and wound licker ('scuse the pun) since it is likely that most of our efforts will be focused at destroying and stabilizing small failed states.

I believe there is also a focus to create more effective NGO and contractors for more efficient post-destruction reconstruction.

However, I believe that, yes, in the mean time, it's a one MOS fits all situation as we plug the holes.

Tom Barnett was pressing for this change for several years and I believe that the situation in Iraq was the real eye opener that, aside from "joint" operations for destruction, the military has to be ready to do humanitarian efforts writ large (even if it is not post destruction, like the Pakistan event, which really helps with the good will situation; before that we were doing missions, but pretty small CA efforts that weren't overly taxing -comparatively speakin - but CA, among all others, has always gotten the short shrift. I think people have always seen them as the "peace and good will" guys and not an asset in combat. You see that this concept was lost post Vietnam because everybody saw the nation building thing as a disaster and the military just wanted to do shoot and blow things up missions.

completely short sighted. Iraq, even Afghanistan, has proven that spec ops first contact with CA follow on bringing on local tribes, leaders, etc in exchange for direct assistance with an added element of security (MPs, infantry, etc but smaller) actually can convert the battle space to neutral if not hostile to our enemies.

by kat-missouri on December 19, 2005 05:43 PM

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And, to back up what I am saying, if you missed it, this piece in the op journal:

Support for US surging in Muslim areas due to humanitarian intervention

by kat-missouri on December 19, 2005 06:44 PM

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Yes, but since I got the services of a *great* graphic artist for free...

by John of Argghhh! on December 20, 2005 07:54 AM

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John! John! Wake up! Wrong thread, John!

by cw4(ret)billt on December 20, 2005 09:03 AM

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Fark it. Keeps 'em guessing.

by John of Argghhh! on December 20, 2005 09:19 AM

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Like, they're not already doing that on a daily basis?

by cw4(ret)billt on December 20, 2005 09:22 AM

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*laughing*
I was wondering when you'd reply to me, John. I just never thought to look AT THE WRONG POST....

hehe....

by AFSister on December 20, 2005 12:38 PM

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Note to AFSis: Check another wrong thread for the reply.

*gah-rinnnn*

by cw4(ret)billt on December 20, 2005 01:05 PM

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*That* one being on purpose... and a test!

by John of Argghhh! on December 20, 2005 01:13 PM

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I don't know if I'll ever start blogging again full-time. I think about it a lot. I will again after the New Year when things settle down.

I miss it very much, to be honest.

If I had my druthers, I would, but I can't really do what I want and there are some other considerations I won't go into. I have been guest blogging here and there though, mostly when friends tell me they are strapped at work, because I'm a sucker. But not every day because I'm too busy at work. And the biggest reason I stay away from here is that you guys are too much like VC and I'd hang around here all day just having fun and never work.

So poor John gets shafted because he attracts such a great crew of people and it makes me homesick to come here :)

by Cassandra on December 20, 2005 03:20 PM

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Well, Fark-fark-farkity-fark!

by John of Argghhh! on December 20, 2005 03:41 PM

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...you guys are too much like VC...

Too much like VC? This place is VC-West...

*sigh* Cricket, MM©, etc. Wonder why RIslander and Jarhead Dad haven't popped in lately.

by cw4(ret)billt on December 20, 2005 03:52 PM

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Oh. I love RIslander. I miss him terribly. If you see him say hello for me, will you?

What a great sense of humor.

I trade emails with JHD all the time - I send him a shout-out. He's been on the road - I know that. He may just not be commenting but lurking. And Menace has been lurking a lot but I know he's around. And Cricket I know is concentrating on the home front with Christmas so near. Go over to BlameBush and look for a progressyve in Pink (hint hint!)

by Cassandra on December 20, 2005 04:53 PM

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Heh. JHD steals my initials, JHD.

by John of Argghhh! on December 20, 2005 05:07 PM

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« Dismissed, Soldier!