Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys..: February 05, 2006

H&I; Fires 11 Feb 06

Open post for those with something to share. New, complete posts come in below. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite. You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

New caption contest at The Right Place.

Some New and not-quite-so-new Doctrinal Terms in use in the services (some of which I heard in use this week).

Rammer had some interesting links this week.

Have at it - we're going shooting today! - The Armorer

**************

Sgt. Hook has a great caption contest.

Belmont Club has two must-reads: liberals in the Middle East, and free speech in Europe.

Military insults and practical jokes, courtesy of Uncle Jimbo and commenters. - Fuzzybear Lioness
**********
The Forgotten Legacy of TE Lawrence Jenkins Op Ed tries to paint TE as a tough realist that is needed in today's Iraq. From my perspective, TE was anything but a "realist" since it could be said that he had an Arab dream, he never told his Arab friends what was going on because he kept thinking he could pull off the winning deal and he went home a broken man. He had a unique perspective of the bedouin still applies today on a personal one on one basis, but the rest of his legacy wouldn't hold up to modern media and public sentiments. In fact, T E would be lucky if he was discharged from service without being charged as a war criminal. - Kat

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... »

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by Denizens on Feb 11, 2006 | General Commentary
» Chaotic Synaptic Activity links with: Speaking of Records....

The BMG Award - Still Bleggin'!

The vote bleg continues, and will through the 15th. But what better way to bribe than with archival Gun Pr0n? Especially since I'm on the road and producing new Gun Pr0n is a challenge. Many Castle readers are new, or, newer, and so haven't seen some of this stuff. Hey - I know I don't routinely dig through a blogger's archives without a reason - I don't expect that you would.

As mentioned in this post, I'm still shilling for votes in the Gunnies - the Best Gun Blog competition.

It's working. We're at number 3 and holding, too. But Kim can be a devious sort, and may unleash a horde of minions, who knows.

To help justify the bleg, I've offering up stuff from the archives, today however - something new - the litt'lest Castle Firearm, our Webley .25 Automatic.

One with a completely unsubstantiated (but passed down through the family) history, and plausible, so we like it. But the story is the subject of a Future Post.

Webley .25 Auto

Because of stuff like this, we think you should vote for us! Early and often! <===Click that link! Once a day, every day! From home *and* work! At Internet Cafes! We think The BMG Trophy would look good on an Arsenal Bookshelf... but the only way *that's* gonna happen is if I steal it - unless you guys get really busy and start doing what Bill's been doing- borrowing other people's computers... of course, that would be wrong.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

I do *not* borrow other people's computers.

I leave them exactly where they're placed.

Ummmmm--except for the laptops...

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 11, 2006 10:23 AM

And, according to the way the voting's set up, you aren't limited to once a day, either.

*Now* where'd that laptop disappear to--

Jake! If you're voting for Head's Bunker again, I'll kick your keister from here to the koi pond!

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 11, 2006 10:29 AM

I'm voting 2 or 3 times a day. Doesn't seem to make much difference? Where is everybody else?

posted by V29 on February 11, 2006 11:20 AM

I think you dial up types get a new IP addy each time you log in, and so you can vote more than once. At home, I'd have to disconnect the cable modem and force a new IP to make that happen - and even then might get the same IP again, the way things are assigned.
But I've been voting from multiple machines, between work and home, every day!

posted by Barb on February 11, 2006 12:01 PM

Actually I have a cable modem, but I have router in front of it. Perhaps that's why it lets me vote multiple times?

posted by V29 on February 11, 2006 03:13 PM

Hi John and CW4, remember me?

I still look in from time to time hoping to participate in some sort of gun quiz, but can never find them. Am I missing something?

There's plenty of other good gun stuff, though, so naturally I voted for you, especially since I've never heard of those other sites.

PS It's amusing to hear all you Republicans discussing your multiple-voting techniques. Roll on November, eh?

posted by OD on February 11, 2006 03:48 PM

Owen - good point. Come back tomorrow. I'll gin up something.

I've been busy, helping Mr. Rumsfeld with his war... 8^)

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 11, 2006 04:53 PM

The voting on this thing is soooooooooooooo bogus. Mr Completely must have a hundred guys voting thrice a day to take such a lead. I'm done, lessen we can use some of that hardware you have in the friggin basement. I smell a rat in the voting process!!!

posted by V29 on February 11, 2006 08:02 PM

Hi, Owen - Welcome back! Business, family, or both this trip?

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 11, 2006 09:40 PM

Yo, V29 - Read *all* of the instructions to see how it works--it operates on projections.

And once you've figured it out, explain it to me...

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 11, 2006 09:43 PM

And, Owen, like it or not, in *this* country, it's the Dems who have a lock on vote tampering.

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 11, 2006 09:48 PM

V29- I understand how this works, mostly. Which is not to say well enough to explain it.

When you do the "next round" stuff, you are watching a mathematic projection of the results if voting continued *exactly* with the distribution that exists at the time your vote was recorded. The subsequent round takes the vote distribution resulting from iteration and applies it to another iteration - dropping out the lowest candidate each time.

That said - voting is probably running too long.

But c'mon, don't quit now, only 4 more days to go...

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 11, 2006 09:52 PM

« Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Feb 11, 2006 | Gun Rights

H&I; Fires 10 Feb 06

Open post for those with something to share. New, complete posts come in below. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite. You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

As if Holly Aho wasn't busy enough being a Soldiers Angel, a blogger, an artist and a wife and mom, now she's published a book. What kind of energy bars does she eat, anyways??

The name of the book is From Here To There and it is a collection of true short stories from my personal experiences supporting our troops as a Soldiers Angel, and also includes letters from our troops as well.
If you are a long time reader of my blog many of the stories may be familiar, however I've taken the time to add to these stories somewhat so reading it will not be redundant. I am hoping that the book will touch those who are not blog readers (the horror!), and I'm hoping it will encourage our troops as well as they read stories of support from home.

Well done, Holly!

All right, folks - time to buy a new book (at Amazon or Lulu). Heck, buy two, and give one to a servicemember or military spouse to help them remember how much we appreciate their sacrifices!
(Hat tip to Greyhawk)
-The Adjutant

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... »

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

If anyone has any doubts about needing a copy or three of Holly's book, there's a short preview available on the Lulu sight that should take care of them. The lady is amazing.

posted by Bill Faith on February 10, 2006 03:23 AM

This ain't good:
http://debka.com/headline.php?hid=1869
Not that I'm big on DEBKA, but if true you can kiss that Roadmap to Middle East Peace goodbye.

posted by ry on February 10, 2006 01:24 PM

BUt this *IS* good:
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Quick_Kill_System_Could_Protect_Against_Rocket_Propelled_Grenades.html

posted by ry on February 10, 2006 01:58 PM

Halleluiah Brother. This just in:

GOP Congressman and Former POW Rips John Murtha
By Sherrie Gossett
CNSNews.com Staff Writer
February 10, 2006

Washington (CNSNews.com) - Amid cheers, whistles and two standing ovations, U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Texas) took fellow Congressman John Murtha (D-Pa.) and the U.S. media behind the proverbial woodshed for a verbal walloping.

"Most of you know, at the end of last year, a liberal congressman from Pennsylvania insisted we immediately withdraw our troops from Iraq," Johnson told the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday. "When I heard this, it made my blood boil."

It hurt to think what the men and women in harm's way would believe when they heard the news that someone in Congress was not behind America's mission," Johnson said. "It hurt to think what the military families here at home would believe when they learned that people in Washington did not support the troops. And it hurt me to think that some people would just give up on our men and women in uniform.

"What would Iraq be like if the United States pulled out?" Johnson asked. "What would Iraq be like if we left and allowed dangerous people like the head of al Qaeda, (Abu Musab al-)Zarqawi, to run the country?"

Johnson, without naming Murtha, compared criticism of the war and demands for withdrawal with his own experience during the Vietnam War. A 29-year Air Force veteran and highly decorated pilot, Johnson fought in both the Koran and Vietnam wars. After being shot down over North Vietnam, Johnson spent nearly seven years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi, half of that in solitary confinement.f

Much much more at:

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200602\POL20060210a.html

posted by jim b on February 10, 2006 02:56 PM

DEBKA has a better-than-average track record reporting on the goings-on inside the Palestinian enigma. If fifty-six terrorists were all released at the same time--and if they all left in PA vehicles heading in the same direction--this does not bode well.

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 10, 2006 03:55 PM

« Dismissed, Soldier!

by Denizens on Feb 10, 2006 | General Commentary
» Small Town Veteran links with: Not so Fast and Easy with the LA Terrorist Plot
» A Healthy Alternative to Work links with: A city united: in Pitt for Super Bowl XL
» Don Surber links with: Carnival of the Celebrities

Lo-Tech Solutions

Kat went all Hi-Tech in the Battle of the Sexes the other day *continuing in a louder voice* and a doggone fine job she did, too! Uhhh--and *hairy eyeball* somebody else had entirely too much fun with the idea.

However, since the hypersonic, broken-chromosome-seeking WomanScorned Missile is a pricey piece of hardware, some frugal traditionalists will continue to tout the benefits of the *personal* touch...

************************

A lady walks into a drug store and tells the pharmacist she needs some cyanide.

The pharmacist said, "Why in the world do you need cyanide?" The lady then explained she needed it to poison her husband.

The pharmacist's eyes got big and he said, "Lord have mercy, I can't give you cyanide to kill your husband! That's against the law! I'll lose my license, they'll throw both of us in jail and all kinds of bad things will happen! No! Absolutely not--NO, you can NOT have any cyanide!"

The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist's wife.

The pharmacist looked at the picture and replied, "Well now, you didn't tell me you had a *prescription*..."

************************

Tip of the battered flight helmet to Bear--our crewchiefs and gunners didn't have callsigns, but they *did* have "handles"...

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by CW4BillT on Feb 10, 2006 | I think it's funny!

Armorer@Home

No, not really home yet, I'm getting ready to pack and head out the door for this morning's confabulating, but I couldn't let this calumny go undefended!

This *is* the Home of the Armorer. This *is* Castle Argghhh! And this, ladies and gents (and undecideds) is the Smorgasbord of Argghhh! What's not to like about this decorating schema? (Plus, it's another reason to Vote For Us!)

SWWBO has her own version of the what this is, a sofa-table-thingy or some such term of art. And she's kinda whining about the use I put it to prolly less than 24 hours after I schlepped it into the house.

But hey, she wanted to go shooting, and I was just laying out her options for what we had ammo on-hand for that she might find interesting.

I repeat - that stuff is there for *her* benefit. That fact that we were going shooting last weekend and the pistols are still there on the table is *not* relevant. Sheesh. The kitties like to play with 'em, too, y'know.

Oh - and KCSteve - The Interior Guard *is* present - there are two of them On Duty (or snuggling) just above the Polish VIS pistol. (To understand that, you'll have to visit SWWBO's place and read the comments.) So it's not like these things are just laying around unattended or something.

And for those of you muttering to yourselves, "He *is* going to id those things, right?" Here ya go.

Left to right: The Armorer's nickel-plated Remington-Rand vet-bringback M1911A1 (I could afford this one - collectors don't like plated guns, but hey - it has *history* which fits 'round here) - Polish TT-33, Austrian Steyr M1911, Polish Radom Vis, and, snuggled in it's holster-stock, an Inglis Chinese Contract Browning Hi-Power.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

Great set of hatchmarks in that there PIX. Wonder what the Coffee Table did to earn them?

posted by Loooooong AWOL Boquisucio on February 10, 2006 10:29 AM

That chromed M1911 is a ringer for the one that a certain Vulture carried--*not* this Vulture--to replace the lump of rust he found in his holster the day after he got pulled out of a flooded paddy. The pistol's history wouldn't perchance include a sojourn in the Land of the Two-Way Aerial Gunnery Range ca. '68 through '70, with one of the owners being a pilot and another being an SF E-7, would it?

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 10, 2006 11:46 AM

Ooop--almost forgot. Boq's on the loose, so the Moat Fleet will prolly get that much-needed de-barnacling over the weekend...

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 10, 2006 11:49 AM

Don't know what's worse, the barnacles encrusting her, or the green algae covering them. Her teak deck hath turn grey, and its brass and copper fittings are pitted and bespoilt.

Oh! The Sand Pebbles is a sad-sad sight to behold.

posted by Loooooong AWOL Boquisucio on February 10, 2006 11:55 AM

Boq! Welcome back :-)

posted by Barb on February 10, 2006 12:29 PM

I see them now - in our house they'd be on the table, rather than next to it. In fact, that's why the 'coffee table' in our living room is kept scrupulously clear of all objects. Not necessarily by us, you understand.

posted by KCSteve on February 10, 2006 01:34 PM

Interior Guard, eh? I tellya, man, if I ever get the estate settled and find I have some play money, I'm gonna get y'all an anti-cat-fur air filter for the place. I reckon the stuff doesn't hurt the loosely-fitted military weapons, (the hand-held ones, anyway) but it can be hell on the 'puters, and I betcha you're more influential with the latter than the former, these days.

I recall the time I made snarky remarks about cat hairs in one of yer almost-photomicrographs of one of your prime specimens.

posted by Justthisguy on February 10, 2006 06:04 PM

Ah, the Admiral returneth from his looong voyage. Welcome back.

I admit I got tired of polishing the brass, and Marvin just bitched about doing it.

Bill - that pistol was carried in WWII, Korea, and early Vietnam by a Marine Colonel. The family was liquidating assets for undisclosed reasons after his death.

I took the pistol off their hands and made a promise that if they wanted it back within 15 years I'd let 'em have it for the purchase price.

5 years to go.

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 10, 2006 08:53 PM

His twin brother stayed longer--and his last owner hasn't checked into the net this week, so I can't ask him if he managed to keep the souvenir hunters at 90th Repl Depot from stealing it.

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 10, 2006 09:06 PM

« Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Feb 10, 2006 | Gun Pics | I think it's funny!

Armorer@Tampa

The individual who called yesterday's pre-meeting apologized for doing so. For the record, he does *not* read this space, nor was their any public (as far as he knows, hee!) griping, either. T'was a revelation he came to on his own.

All is forgiven, the BCR Labs, Inc NinjaForce® has been recalled (though I'll still get billed, dammit).

Yesterday was a day of toothsome meetings conducted at the rear headquarters of the Central Hub of the War, CENTCOM. And that's all you're going to hear about that.

If it weren't for the 16-hour or so days they work around here, *this* would be good duty if you have on-base housing. All in all, however, I don't think I'd want to live here - and not just because the highest terrain relief are the dredge piles across the bay from MacDill. Traffic, in a word, sucks. I find the older I get the more annoying I find it to waste what little time I have left in an earthly mode in traffic.

Today is going to be an even cooler meeting. Yes, I said that. Sometimes, the topic matter is just so attention-grabbing that sitting in a meeting is worth it.

And no, I can't tell you a *thing* about it.

But it has been *Good* to be surrounded by so many Really Professional People who are Really Into Their Jobs. And talking to foreign Liaison Officers has been instructive, too.

And no, I won't tell you a *thing* about it.

I'm glad I came. I'll be glad to leave. There is a rare airplane on base, though. A KB-50D, the aerial refueling version of the Boeing B-50 bomber, itself an up-engined, bigger-tailed variant of the B-29 Superfortress of WWII. The KB-50s are distinctive from the B-50s and RB-50 recon versions by the addition of two jet engines, so they could maintain a sufficient speed to refuel jet-powered aircraft. They added two wingtip pods and modified the tail to give the aircraft three drogue-style refueling points for TAC fighters.

Given this is the home of an air-refueling wing, it makes sense, eh?

On an interesting note - a KB-50, flight Tyler 41, was a casualty of the Bermuda Triangle...

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 10, 2006 | Shameless Self-Promotion

The BMG Award - Best Gun Blogger.

The vote bleg continues, and will through the 15th. But what better way to bribe than with archival Gun Pr0n? Especially since I'm on the road and producing new Gun Pr0n is a challenge. Many Castle readers are new, or, newer, and so haven't seen some of this stuff. Hey - I know I don't routinely dig through a blogger's archives without a reason - I don't expect that you would.

As mentioned in this post, I'm still shilling for votes in the Gunnies - the Best Gun Blog competition. I'm just trying to get on the stand at number 3, folks. We're slipping, compared to yesterday, too.

To help justify the bleg, I'm offering up stuff from the archives, today highlighting Max the Maxim.

Because of stuff like this, we think you should vote for us! Early and often! <===Click that link! Once a day, every day! From home *and* work! At Internet Cafe's! We think The BMG Trophy would look good on an Arsenal Bookshelf... but the only way *that's* gonna happen is if I steal it - unless you guys get busy.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 10, 2006 | Gun Rights

25 Lessons Learned from OIF and OEF

Continuing the Lessons Learned from OIF/OEF that I started in this post . Note to military Googlers - these are *not* tactical AARs!

This one is worksafe, except for Moonbat Zones.

Lesson #21. Loved Ones Still Matter.

And, in case you think it's just awful to show the jihadis in this light. Remember this.

This is *not* an official document! I contacted Mr. Coffey and have his permission for this use. If you choose to download and share it around via email, you may do so - but send it with the caveat that any publishing of the document, for profit or no, needs the permission of Mr. Coffey, as I only asked permission for myself, and he retains all rights!

Mr. Coffey can be reached via his website: Purple Mountain Publishing.

For Previous Lessons Learned, click the numbers. 1. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 10, 2006 | Observations on things Military

H&I; Fires 9 Feb 06

Open post for those with something to share. New, complete posts come in below. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite. You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

At least Capt Z got to cheer for the 'Stillers' live and in person, many thanks to the incredible Patti Bader and the Soldiers' Angels organization - what a great team they are!

A Warrior-poet speaks, as America's Son writes of his mission, his legacy, and his hopes for his childrens' future.

Mrs. Greyhawk reports that Bill Faith of Small Town Veteran had a fire. The good news is that everyone is okay, so obviously the GA squad was on extra duty. The bad news is they need some help with the repairs that the insurance won't cover. If you've got some spare change, go nudge his paypal button to help out ...
-The Adjutant

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I feel almost sacriligious and selfish coming in after this plea for assistance for one of my favorite vets on the web, but I thought a few noted items would interest the Castle readers. For instance, the Navy has decided to copy it's land lubbing counterparts and allow NCOs to fly. Apparently, the Navy has not done this since just after WWII. Then there is the sardonic comment in a Reuters report wondering if SoS Rice has any proof that Syria and Iran's governments are behind the protests in their nations. I tried to help the SoS form an appropriate reply. Finally, one of the most historically challenged Iranian ministers of foderol ever to speak into the microphone proclaims Germany's Prime Minister Merkel = Hitler = Zionist.

Who knew that Hitler was a Zionist?

******************************

THIS IS A MUST READ (yes, I meant to shout)! You may not know exactly who is being spoken of as the post begins, but just keep reading until you see her picture. Amazing.

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... »

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by Denizens on Feb 09, 2006 | General Commentary
» Small Town Veteran links with: New Cartoon featuring Muhammad -- created in solidarity with the Jutland Post

You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince

A frog goes into a bank and approaches the teller. Her nameplate identifies her as Patricia Whack.

"Miss Whack, I'd like to get a $30,000 loan to take a holiday."

Patty looks at the frog in disbelief and asks his name. The frog says his name is Kermit Jagger, his dad is Mick Jagger and that it's okay, he knows the bank manager.

Patty explains that Kermit will need to secure the loan with some form of collateral.

Kermit says, "Sure. I have this," and produces a tiny porcelain elephant, only an inch tall, bright pink and perfectly formed.

Very confused, Patty explains that she'll have to consult with the bank manager and disappears into a back office.

She finds the manager and blurts out, "There's a frog called Kermit Jagger out there who claims to know you and wants to borrow $30,000 and he wants to use *this* as collateral."

She holds up the tiny pink elephant.

"I mean, what in the world *is* this?"

The bank manager looks back at her and says...

"It's a knick-knack, Patty Whack. Give the frog a loan--his old man's a Rolling Stone."

(Heh. You're singing it, aren't you? Yeah, you are...)

*grin*

V29 is evidently enjoying his second childhood...

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by CW4BillT on Feb 09, 2006 | I think it's funny!
» Resurgemus dot com links with: Some additions

Did you ever wonder why...

...there was such a furor generated last election-time over whether or not John Kerry came by his Purple Hearts legitimately?

Lest anyone think us uniforms were stirring a tempest in a teapot, remember this: The PHM is an old award, and it's an Equal Opportunity one. Nothing--skin color, ethnicity, religious preference, where you came from or how you got here--matters except one thing: you bled from wounds inflicted by the enemy.

In many units, including my own, you weren't submitted for the award unless your wounds were such that you required evacuation to a field hospital. We considered it a point of honor to pull the shallower pieces of plexiglass or metal out ourselves--we didn't consider ourselves in the same league with the friends who lost limbs and lives.

The PHM Brotherhood is largely unrecognized as such. Some small towns have Walks of Honor with, at most, a name and service branch. A quick glimpse of the medal on one license plate on one car parked outside a mall or passing in the opposite direction on a busy road does nothing to convey the size of the Brotherhood--the tremendous number of Americans who have shed their blood for Freedom. And many, many shed their life's blood in its entirety. But there was never any single place where you could stand in one place and *see* all of them--hear their stories, see their faces, learn their fates.

But there will be.

H/t to Fuzzybear Lioness, who searches...

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by CW4BillT on Feb 09, 2006 | Something for the Soul

Armorer@Tampa

Feh. The Armorer recommends you *not* travel with someone who thinks it's a good idea to have a 6AM meeting to prepare for the 8AM meeting.

Feh, I say! Especially when the meeting is at *their* hotel, 25 miles away from yours.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 09, 2006 | General Commentary

The BMG Award - Best Master Gunnie (gun blogger)

...than with archival Gun Pr0n? Many Castle readers are new, or, newer, and so haven't seen some of this stuff. Hey - I know I don't routinely dig through a blogger's archives without a reason - I don't expect that you would.

As mentioned in this post, I'm still shilling for votes in the Gunnies - the Best Gun Blog competition. I'm just trying to get on the stand at number 3, folks. We're slipping, compared to yesterday, too.

To help justify the bleg, I'm offering up stuff from the archives, today highlighting one of the teaser contests I've run. This is the answer to the teaser.

Because of stuff like this, we think you should vote for us! Early and often! <===Click that link! Once a day, every day! From home *and* work! At Internet Cafe's! We think The BMG Trophy would look good on an Arsenal Bookshelf... but the only way *that's* gonna happen is if I steal it - unless you guys get busy.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 09, 2006 | Gun Rights

25 Lessons Learned from OIF and OEF

Continuing the Lessons Learned from OIF/OEF that I started in this post . Note to military Googlers - these are *not* tactical AARs!

This one is worksafe, except for Moonbat Zones.

Lesson #20. Buddies Still Matter.

And, in case you think it's just awful to show the jihadis in this light. Remember this.

This is *not* an official document! I contacted Mr. Coffey and have his permission for this use. If you choose to download and share it around via email, you may do so - but send it with the caveat that any publishing of the document, for profit or no, needs the permission of Mr. Coffey, as I only asked permission for myself, and he retains all rights!

Mr. Coffey can be reached via his website: Purple Mountain Publishing.

For Previous Lessons Learned, click the numbers. 1. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 09, 2006 | Observations on things Military

H&I; Fires 8 Feb 06

Open post for those with something to share. New, complete posts come in below. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite. You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

Curious maneuverings in the quest for new small arms. Murdoc and Heartless Libertarian have more.

Notes like this do much to counter you Prima-Donnas!

Ok, I have to honestly say that I stopped by your site on accident. But it was the funniest thing I had seen in days. And I also have to say that I truly admire your taste in interior design. I only wish I could talk She-who-must-be-obeyed into doing the Mauser decor. I guess I'll just have to content myself with a room in the garage. I am sure I'll stop in again, as it looks like you have all kinds of interesting toys, and I didn't get a chance to raid your archives completely yet. Thanks for such an entertaining site!
-CR from the People's Republik of Kalifornia

Welcome to the Castle - and thanks!

Speaking of Murdoc - Ry suggests he's crowding my turf...

Figures I'll be traveling to Korea and won't be able to attend this conference... But then, if you aren't going to be TDY for important events in your life, you aren't really a milblogger, are you? Hat tip to Andi for setting it up - I've done things like this, they are a real pain to get going.

I'm off to Tampa today, so posting from me may be light the rest of the week. Or not. Not to worry, the H&I; posts are all pre-built for you, and the Adjutant has the duty. -The Armorer
***********************

If the angst of the cartoon protests has finally chilled enough for reason and a little reflection, may I suggest that the protests and signs threatening to "butcher the unbelievers" are not necessarily for our western consumption?

But, if you believe that we are the primary targets and you are a little miffed that Denmark stole our spot light as the Great Satan for a week, this post is for you.:

sigh) Americans, Americans, Americans. You have nothing to fear. Being "The Great Satan" -- just like being the original Satan -- is not a job you can apply for. Either you are the Great Satan or you aren't. You want proof? Who was the Great Satan before the US? That's right. NO ONE!

Don't worry, we're always "number one Satan" and proud of it. - Kat

*************************************

A couple pics to amuse the Chief. --Punctilious

*************************************

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... »

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

First Great Satan? I gotta think that the Crusaders held a moniker of similar esteem in their day. El Cid and the Spaniards were likely held in a position lesser appreciation when finally kicking the Moors out of the three Kingdoms of Spain. So I doubt the US is really the first Great Satan, just the first one we are aware of.

posted by V29 on February 8, 2006 01:27 PM

First Great Satan? I gotta think that the Crusaders held a moniker of similar esteem in their day. El Cid and the Spaniards were likely held in a position lesser appreciation when finally kicking the Moors out of the three Kingdoms of Spain. So I doubt the US is really the first Great Satan, just the first one we are aware of.

posted by V29 on February 8, 2006 01:27 PM

V29..you took that too seriously (though you are probably right). I think he is simply poking fun at our current position as number one Satan.

I hope you went over and read the rest. It was kind of funny.

posted by kat-missouri on February 8, 2006 02:55 PM

Have a safe trip. We'll try not to trash the Castle too badly in your absence.

(laughing hysterically)

posted by Cassandra on February 8, 2006 03:11 PM

Paarrr--taaaayyy!

Give me mucha grande ritas en una muy frio mug.

posted by kat-missouri on February 8, 2006 03:37 PM

I have a Predator with Hellfire orbiting...

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 8, 2006 03:45 PM

jim b walks in. looks up... notices that buzzin robot areplane thingie.

jim b takes out his flash of Scoresby ... I filled er up before I closed down that lounge down the street .... takes a hit, and moves AWAY from the wimmins to find an uparmored EX chair on the other side of the room.

posted by jim b on February 8, 2006 04:10 PM

Heh..Hellfire missiles were invented by women. They are programmed to avoid decimating the women folk since we are the most peaceful and harmless of the species. (don't make that face, it might freeze that way)

posted by kat-missouri on February 8, 2006 04:37 PM

Translated ..... Preditor hath no Hellfire like a Woman Scorned.

Hey that's it we name the next heat seeking, guided, radar directed, laser riding missle ..... "Woman Scorned".

Whuttayathink?

posted by jim b on February 8, 2006 04:42 PM

I like it. (hand backs away from launch button)

(scans Kat-face into Hellfire Image Rec module)

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 8, 2006 05:02 PM

Not to worry, folks! The Predator data link and command network has been ever-so-slightly hacked. So if you see the little plane wiggle its wings, that means the cops are coming -- tone it down (and hide the bodies).

So, where's my 'rita?

posted by bad cat robot on February 8, 2006 05:20 PM

Here ya' go BCR. Cheers.

posted by punctilious on February 8, 2006 05:28 PM

Heh...the "woman scorned" missile will not require laser guidance. It will find its own targets through a large internet based data base with names, images and gps location of the offenders. This is contributed to through "anonymous" sources with the XX chromosome. The security is maintained by keyboard DNA recognition (newest security measures).

It will be one of the first missiles that use the new bio-psyche (that's Psyche not Psycho) uploaded personality software. It will be able to upload, maintain and organize information into recognizable patterns of "the enemy", establishing new criteria and targets beyond the limitations of the current network database.

It can only be disarmed and ordered to stand down when a person with the appropriate DNA signature and security clearance gives the code, "apology accepted" though that target will remain in the missile's database files for future targeting should the offense be repeated or the target be considered a continuing potential threat to the security of civilization and the wymmin's security network despite bogus apologies.

Some targets will be prosecuted with extreme prejudice based on a security threat rating designated by the WSN. This rating and dossier remains top secret. Even the mention of a potential rating at the top of the WSN security dossier has been known to make certain orb like structures shrivel up to the size of dehydrated peas and immediate negotiations for leniency and promises never to do "it" again to be forth coming.

the NSA has discovered that this weapon is one of the most powerful and discriminating in the world just below nuclear devices. It's destructive power has been known to change the course of the world and has gone under such code names as Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Catherine de Borgia, Catherine de Medicci, Jane, Laura, Barbara, Hillary, wife, girlfriend, mother in law, etc. The fact that the code name has changed so often and it is imminently capable of camoflauging itself among the general populace, has made it a weapon par excellence through out millenia.

Harnessing this deadly force has become top priority at the Pentagon who has used the code name "equal employment" in order to develop the weapon under the guise of liberal policies providing equal opportunities for women in the military. Some military members fear the power of this weapon and have often voiced their opposition to the program, stating that "women have no place in the military". Some have attempted to keep the weapon from being deployed by limiting the program to "study" in rear echelon environments. Others have readily embraced it as the new threat matrix indicates misogynist, sexist, oppressors of the female of the species have also decided to target the males under the guise of religion. The religion, Islam, also translated as "submission" (a key word that normally immediately sets off the "Woman Scorned" detector, though some models currently deployed at Naral and NOW have proven defective once infiltrated with certain viruses). the Islamofascists or Submission fascists, being a stealth weapon itself, has come into contact with the new "Woman Scorned" missile on several occassions, suffering immediate casualties in the field.

One missile, code named Sgt Leigh Hester, took out six offenders in a matter of minutes, though the incident nearly blew the projects cover, it proved quite effective and many commanders with the XY chromosome became a little less squishy in the pants at deploying the deadly weapon.

The Submission Fascists are aware of this device, but have yet to understand its full destructive capabilities. It has attempted to create it's own Islamist version, but has largely suffered set backs as the WSN chip inherent within the XX chromosome invariably attacks any such nonsensical viruses. The weapon in stealth mode in the ME is currently one of the most frightening to the Submission fascists because they do not know the extent of infiltration within their own XX population which, due to wars and other idiocy, has left the female of the species the larger portion of the populace by at least 2% (which, in Muslim population of 1.2billion equals about 24 million possible missiles more than their male counterparts).

the DoS, DoD and CIA are currently investigating the ability to turn these weapons on.

All male counterparts of the WSN are warned to stand ready with FCD suits (flowers, chocolates and diamonds) should these efforts succeed or should the submission fascists prematurely trigger the devices through some egregious act that immediately sets off the weapons en masse.

At this time, this information is considered an open classified secret. Additional details should not be discussed in open forums without proper clearance of all subjects involved. Agents of the WSN should continue their normal activities, eating chocolate, swinging from chandaliers (providing the appropriate altitude for deployment) and drinking Rita's until otherwise notified.

After reading this transmission burn it along with your last boyfriend's or ex-husband's picture.

That is all.

posted by kat-missouri on February 8, 2006 06:16 PM

Kit,

Brava, brava!!

posted by Fuzzybear Lioness on February 8, 2006 07:29 PM

Oops! Typo. The above was addressed to KAT, of course. *hiding in embarrassment*

posted by Fuzzybear Lioness on February 8, 2006 07:36 PM

Hmmmmm. *Considers shutting off comments, decides to pick a different fight.*

Programs *all Denizenne faces into Image Rec Module* the one *not* attached to the network.

*Shines ARGGHHH! symbol over Eastern Europe*

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 8, 2006 07:36 PM

John...LOL Any guy who is married to She Who Will Be Obeyed has built in immunity (although, I should warn you that SWWBO has the clearance to change the threat matrix at her leisure; I recommend the occasional deployment of decoy anti-missile measures to include nice dinners, the movies, hand holding and the big "L" word to insure static position at the bottom of the matrix)

posted by kat-missouri on February 8, 2006 08:00 PM

Psyche's in machines? You must be mad.

Have you pathetic fools learned nothing?

posted by Marvin on February 8, 2006 08:16 PM

Marvin, we are working on the premis that your programing malfunctioned due to too many Rita's during uploading and the fact that the XY chromosome can become unstable, throwing out multi-layered rationalization to become single mindedly focused on one target to the exclusion and sometimes detriment of the mission.

In short, you are a one off prototype that probably won't get repeated.

posted by kat-missouri on February 8, 2006 08:27 PM

Ummmm--maybe I missed something here...

Somebody wanna tell me why I'm supposed to be worried about a missile with a Midol warhead?

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 8, 2006 11:10 PM

Chief...you are probably low on the threat matrix though I can't speak for every agent.

posted by kat-missouri on February 9, 2006 12:08 AM

And that, ladies and gentlemen is why I will never never never again suggest a name for a missle. Never.

From now on I am gonna use and copywright the name "Scorned Woman" as the name of the new Hot Sauce I plan to market.

posted by jim b on February 9, 2006 08:01 AM

jim b makes note to self.

continuing from
note 1. Be on guard about any woman who asks you what kinda skivvies you wear.
adding
note 2. Never never never give Kat an opening to pontificate about lethal rocket powered stuff.
note 3. Never tick Kat off.

posted by jim b on February 9, 2006 08:04 AM

Actually I believe Hellfire itself was invented by a woman...

posted by Cassandra on February 9, 2006 10:35 AM

Cassandra briefed on February 9, 2006 10:35 AM
"Actually I believe Hellfire itself was invented by a woman"

Given that, I smile as I think of those suicide murders reporting to (name it here) to receive the prize of 70 virgins (we assume female) for EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEfrigginTernity.

Snicker.

posted by jim b on February 9, 2006 11:28 AM

Ummmmm--not too sure about the invention, but the Ladies do know about the application.

However, among the many unsung heroines in the early days of remotely-controlled flight was one Norma Jean Dougherty, who made target drones for the Army in Reggie Derry's RC workshop during WWII.

Yup. Marilyn Monroe was doing her bit for the troops even then.

And no, I didn't get a date...

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 9, 2006 11:33 AM

Chief...you are probably low on the threat matrix though I can't speak for every agent.

Hmmpf. A thinly-disguised "sunken-chested, pencil-necked geek with an AARP card" snark...

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 9, 2006 11:40 AM

No, Chief. You're low on the threat matrix because you're just a big cuddly-wuddly teddy bear...

Sugarbuttons. *grin*

*running fast*

posted by FbL on February 9, 2006 04:14 PM

Bill, if it's true, is it a snark?

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 9, 2006 07:55 PM

Chief(ret), that's De*nn*y, (Radioplane) not Derry. Ended up being part of Northrop. Say, didya hear, Norma Jean's first hubby, the sailor, died recently, within the last coupla three years.

posted by Justthisguy on February 10, 2006 11:06 PM

« Dismissed, Soldier!

by Denizens on Feb 08, 2006 | General Commentary

Heh. The Armorer@Tampa

...where the locals are wearing jackets, and I'm sweating in a short sleeve shirt.

Lots of battered buildings around here, too. And empty lots.

Reminds me of some places I visited while in the beating up on small nations phase of my life.

Update: Coming in from the parking lot after dinner at the Caribbean Grill (SWWBO recommended from her stays - crab cake, pulled pork, 2 Caribbean Clowns (with cute little umberdellas even!) and followed two seasoned citizens into the elevator. The lady says to me, "Aren't you cold?" as she huddled in her parka in the mid-50's/low 60's temps they're having right now. To which I responded, "When I got on my plane in Missouri this morning, I was dressed like this and it was in the 30's and breezy."

To which she responded, "Oh, Missouri - well, *that* makes sense, then."

I'm not sure if I was just dissed or not.

Or rather, if you Missourians were or not... Kansas never came up in the discussion... I did tell her it would be 16 degrees at home tonight... and that if it was windy, I'd probably put on a sweatshirt or something.

Apparently at that point she saw my pointy ears or something and shuffled on quickly to get away from the Ice Demon.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 08, 2006 | Shameless Self-Promotion

What better way to bleg for votes...

...than with archival Gun Pr0n? Many Castle readers are new, or, newer, and so haven't seen some of this stuff. Hey - I know I don't routinely dig through a blogger's archives without a reason - I don't expect that you would.

As mentioned in this post, I'm still shilling for votes in the Gunnies - the Best Gun Blog competition. I'm just trying to get on the stand at number 3, folks. We're slipping, compared to yesterday, too.

To help justify the bleg, I'm offering up stuff from the archives, today highlighting the Ugly Guns of Castle Argghhh!, those weapons in the Arsenal that were subject to the no-longer-in-effect Assault Weapons Ban (also known as the Ugly Gun Ban) or other extra controls beyond your normal over-the-counter purchases.

Because of stuff like this, we think you should vote for us! Early and often! <===Click that link! Once a day, every day! From home *and* work! At Internet Cafe's! We think The BMG Trophy would look good on an Arsenal Bookshelf... but the only way *that's* gonna happen is if I steal it - unless you guys get busy.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

Well, at least it's taking longer to get knocked off during this round of voting. Get cracking, guys!

BTW, coloring the Castle's votes OD was a nice touch...

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 8, 2006 08:44 AM

How many times can you vote in this thing? Been there done that a couple of times.

posted by V29 on February 8, 2006 01:29 PM

You can vote once a day per machine - unless you are behind a router which appears to the vote server to be the same machine (such as I have at home).

posted by Barb on February 8, 2006 01:49 PM

Once a day per computer through the 15th.

There'll be 1000 votes, from what, 34 people total?

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 8, 2006 03:42 PM

Yeah - and somehow, even releasing and getting a new IP doesn't work.

Not that I'm looking to cheat - but heck, SWWBO can't vote!

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 8, 2006 03:44 PM

However -just tested Barb's theory. She's right. I coulda voted 5 times at O'Hare - 1 for each of the hot spots!

Mebbe on the way home...

Or worse - I could be that pathetic creep/hardened criminal who drives around Tampa looking for open wifi networks... and vote from each of them!

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 8, 2006 03:50 PM

Let's just say that workplaces are voting-friendly places as well. Not that I'm cheating, or anything ;-)

posted by Barb on February 8, 2006 04:52 PM

As one who only admires, and supports, our military, let me say I appreciate all the great military pictures you put up for viewing and voting. I don't get to see all the stuff you guys take for granted, or probaly just trip over. I send alot of my friends to the site to check out alot of the pix you put up.
Raymond B
www.voteswagon.com

posted by Raymond B on February 8, 2006 08:39 PM

Hehehehehehe. Raymond - you and your friends are only a signature and a physical away from seeing it live, if you want.

Just sayin'...

;^)

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 8, 2006 08:51 PM

What's wrong with this algorithm? I put John Lott at the bottom again last time, and he came up on top again. I suspect that most people don't think the way I do.

Wait, I knew that already.

Anyway, here's how I voted this time:

1. JoA, for general kewlness, and I like him. Also, he claims thyroid damage from intimacy with plutonium. Writing as a pyromaniac, I say there's no pyro cooler than a nuclear pyro!

2. Kim, for second-best Master Gunny. Unfortunately, he got 'thwartships with the South African Govt. and they didn't let him play with their nukes.

3. Oleg. He's a nice kid, but had to live in the Soviet Union for his first 15 years.

4. Alphecca. He got stabbed and nearly died from it. I betcha that's what concentrated his mind.

5.Anarchangel. He's a *good* looney. (Please don't hurt me, Chris!)

6. mAss Backwards. Also a looney, for remaining there, but downgraded for not being as picturesquely grandiose and (most importantly) entertaining as those above.

7. The Smallest Minority. Would have been higher, but for his famous prolixity.

8. John Lott. OK, there's something to be said for academic credentials.

9. Head's Bunker. Had I known more about him, earlier, I might have rated him more highly.

10. Mr. Completely. Rated last, because he started this silly thing.

posted by Justthisguy on February 8, 2006 10:58 PM

Castle first, then Kim, then random selections just to confuse the bejayzuz out of anyone trying to determine voting patterns.

Heh. Where are the hanging chads now that we really need them?

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 8, 2006 11:35 PM

« Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Feb 08, 2006 | Gun Rights

25 Lessons Learned from OIF and OEF

Continuing the Lessons Learned from OIF/OEF that I started in this post . Note to military Googlers - these are *not* tactical AARs!

This one is worksafe, except for Moonbat Zones. It's also a D-uh statement, but one we continually relearn.

Lesson #19. Leadership Still Matters.

And, in case you think it's just awful to show the jihadis in this light. Remember this.

This is *not* an official document! I contacted Mr. Coffey and have his permission for this use. If you choose to download and share it around via email, you may do so - but send it with the caveat that any publishing of the document, for profit or no, needs the permission of Mr. Coffey, as I only asked permission for myself, and he retains all rights!

Mr. Coffey can be reached via his website: Purple Mountain Publishing.

For Previous Lessons Learned, click the numbers. 1. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 08, 2006 | Observations on things Military

Janis Karpinski

As I said in my post yesterday, former General-now-Colonel Karpinski pole-vaulted the shark. BTW - today *this* post will be the top post all day. H&I; Fires will be underneath, and any new stuff will come in under that one.

In case you're new to this - read Greyhawk.

Co-blogger Bill added this in the comment to the previous post:

Some more Karpinski history from Eric Rasmusen:
"Near the town of Mahawil in southern Iraq, U.S. Marines uncovered a mass grave site holding the remains of some 15,000 Iraqis. They were slaughtered for taking part in the Shia uprising against Saddam in the early 1990s. Saddam’s agent responsible for conducting the mass killings was Mohammed Jawad Anayfas; the grave site is on land owned by him.

"In July 2003, Anayfas was captured by US forces and turned over to the Military Police Brigade under Karpinski’s command. The Brigade Headquarters managed to lose his paperwork -- so instead of contacting her superiors, Karpinski ordered Anayfas set free [emphasis mine].

"Soon thereafter, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz came to Iraq and visited the Mahawil gravesite, where he was informed by Marine Lt. Gen. James Conway how outraged the local Iraqis were over Anayfas’ release. Visibly upset, Wolfowitz vowed Anayfas would be recaptured and tried as a war criminal. Anayfas is still at large and Karpinski received no reprimand.

"When confronted by the Iraqi public outcry -- for Anayfas was only one of several war criminals whose paperwork was lost and she released-- Karpinski proceeded to evade responsibility..." [again, emphasis mine].

And this from CBS News, of all places:

"The Army's inspector general investigated four allegations against Karpinski: dereliction of duty, making a 'material misrepresentation' to investigators, failure to obey a lawful order and shoplifting. Only the shoplifting and dereliction of duty allegations were substantiated.

"A government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Karpinski was accused of shoplifting a cosmetic item [note: Air Force accounts say that it was a $22 bottle of perfume]from a shop [note: the BX] at a domestic Air Force base [note: MacDill AFB] while she held the rank of colonel. Karpinski didn't report her arrest for this misdemeanor on a later background check, the official said."

And she was promoted to Brigadier General shortly thereafter.

Somebody at the Pentagon is in serious need of a a$$kicking. A long, continuous, size-thirteen a$$kicking. And knowing how John feels about Dysfunction in High Places, he's welcome to relieve me when my leg gets tired...

Karpinski's reduction to Colonel, sadly, stems not from her role in Abu Ghraib (which was one of dereliction, along with a lot of minions in the chain), but was administrative. Because of the arrest and failure to report it, her promotion to Brigadier was legally null and void, as it was obtained under false pretenses*.

Unfortunately, I suspect both because of evidentiary issues as well as the publicity, a decision was made to *not* prosecute Colonel Karpinski for dereliction. Based on what she has presented thus far for a defense, absent any more info, *I* would vote for conviction. But then I'm something of a witch-hunter on this matter and don't think enough senior heads have rolled publicly, though I am aware of a few private career executions, albeit only by hearsay - which is why you don't see any names in this space.

But with her latest actions, she's taken on the role of a military Mother Sheehan.

I wondered why. Oh, I know why, she's in huge denial and trying to salvage her tattered reputation, so now she hangs out in her own little bubble of moonbats who feed her the line of soothing bullshite she so desperately needs.

Just like someone else we know. Chronicled by Jay Dyson over at Sacred Cow Burgers.

Just to show that Karpinski *still* can't get it right - she was overheard shouting exultantly at the sky... "Cindy, You Magnificent Poltroon, I read your book!"**

Update: Fuzzybear Lioness provides this link to a nicely done look at how not only did Karpinski fail, but it would appear the senior leadership facilitated it by their own bad judgement.

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... »

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 07, 2006 | Pugnacious Stupidity

H&I; Fires 7 Jan Feb 06

Open post for those with something to share. New, complete posts come in below. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite. You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

Via Heartless Libertarian (who got it from Murdoc, who got it from Winds of Change) comes this story of a fallen Lakota Warrior. I think I'll send you to Winds of Change's post on it.

Moving on... CAPT H notes that the boys at CIA are starting to sweat - the Canadians are thinking of getting in the game!

I dunno about this - mostly it's raised my bloodpressure dealing with all you prima-donnas!

If the Prodigal Son posts, he posts. He'll be 21 in just over a month. Not that I'm going to run for office or anything... but if my kid (who's better'n yours, btw) gets in trouble or does something goofy... hey, that's life. It just means that unlike me or his mom... he got caught.

~~As a former State Champion myself. Welcome to the Ranks, girl. *This* I can live with - she made it on her own, meeting the same standards as everybody else.~~

[Updated for those who think I'm not enthusiastic enough or am somehow denigrating the achievement, because obviously this girl is more special than any male (including myself and my father) who has ever won a State Championship, even though I was just happy she did it on her own without a whole bunch of feminists clinging to her back : I AM ******* DELIGHTED THAT THIS GIRL HAS ACHIEVED THIS MILESTONE, AND OFFER NO CAVEATS, NO QUALIFIERS, AND WILL DON SACKCLOTH AND ASHES FOR FAILING TO PROPERLY CONVEY MYSELF. /shouting-in-annoyance. My temper tantrum over, we return you to the post. See "Prima-donna comment earlier" grump grumble grump]

I just love watching someone do something extremely well. Especially when it's difficult to do. Chris Bliss' Finale is, to me, truly poetry in motion.

We shall see what we shall see. Stop the ACLU keeping an eye on WMD-issues. Dude has a far-ranging eye.

Mount up, Blackjack. The Border needs you.

And in *other* environmental news - our kid will live through another mini-ice age? I blame Bush. -The Armorer

***********************
Best Boy Toy Ever.
Honest.
Trust me..... ~AFSis

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... »

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

"A study of the phenomenon of blogs - or online diaries - found people writing them feel happier and more organised."

...mostly it's raised my blood pressure dealing with all you prima-donnas!

Start a blog, John. You'll feel much better.

*sooooo gonna get killed if he ever catches me*

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 7, 2006 11:46 AM

The Mexican military has once again crossed into the United States and this time they were caught by a news crew. KFOX caught several Mexican military personnel on camera with automatic weapons walking around on American soil.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff last week said the incursions -- of which there have been over 200 in the past few years -- was no big deal, overblown and not a concern.

Oh-kayyyy. Kinda puts the lie to the claim that, since the War of 1812, the US has never been successfully invaded...

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 7, 2006 11:57 AM

I am *not* a prima donna! I'm a princess.

Have you met my sister, Were-Kitten? She's the dancer.

posted by AFSister on February 7, 2006 12:37 PM

John,
Why, exactly, would you have a problem with a female wrestler? Why *wouldn't* she have to meet the same standards as everyone else? Scoring in wrestling is pretty straight forward- you get a certain number of points for everything you do to win the match. There's not a lot of wiggle room there.
Coming from someone who supports females in combat roles, this statement suprises me.

posted by AFSister on February 7, 2006 12:48 PM

AFsis - read the article, and consider apologizing to John. He was *Not* denigrating the wrestler, in my view, or her accomplishments.

The key cool thing is the young lady in question is wrestling with the boys as well as girls - and winning. I think what John's saying is should she get to the state finals and win, against other wrestlers, regardless of gender, that would say she made it on her own, meeting the same criteria.

posted by Barb on February 7, 2006 01:26 PM

I did read the article- both of them. I just don't see why it's important to point out that "I can live with that" when there's nothing to "live" with.
She won fair and square- female or not.

And the picture of the deceased Marine inside the teepee is phenominal. If you haven't looked at the slide show, you should. It's an incredible example of American Indian heritage coming together with Marine traditions. Outstanding.

posted by AFSister on February 7, 2006 01:33 PM

As a former State Champion myself, Welcome to the Ranks, girl. *This* I can live with - she made it on her own, meeting the same standards as everybody else.

I'm confused - what exactly did I say that's wrong, here? "Welcome to the ranks?" Um, "This I can live with?", er, "She made it on her own?" ah, "meeting the same standards as everybody else?"

So, yer objecting to the fact that I can live with the fact that she did it on her own, without anybody modifying any rules or standards, and make that a negative?

Plllpppppt! (very wet and fruity one, I might add)

Help me out, AFSis, I'm missing something.

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 7, 2006 01:43 PM

Um, Barb, I musta screwed something up - she *did* get to the finals. And won.

Which would be the source of the "Welcome to the Ranks, Girl" comment.

Jeez, this writing gig is harder'n it looks. I'm beginning to have some more empathy for an aspiring scifi writer I know...

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 7, 2006 01:46 PM

It sounds like you're saying that you can live with the fact that a girl won a state championship in wrestling.

It's like awarding a medal to a female soldier and then saying "eh. I can live with that. I guess she earned it... even though she shouldn't have been there in the first place."

posted by AFSister on February 7, 2006 01:46 PM

Yes, that was directed at me.
But need I remind you that I AM A PRINCESS?

Were-Kitten is the prima donna.

PRINCESS.

*wink*

check your em, John.

posted by AFSister on February 7, 2006 02:00 PM

Sadly jim b lights up a Camel, puts on his Fedora and Trenchcoat, ambles towards the door and notes:

Godspeed, Mrs. Puller
Victoria Evans Puller, the wife of Lieutenant General Chesty Puller, has passed away. Funeral services are on Saturday. She was 97 years old.

Good night Chesty, I know where you are. You are with her.

jim b exits slowly ... stage right

posted by jim b on February 7, 2006 02:09 PM

Thanks fer sharing, John. I echo Bill: Start a blog. You will feel so much better.

*hands WK and KatMo and FbL the rita matic*

posted by Cricket on February 7, 2006 02:10 PM

Poor John, the dangers of idiomatic speech leap up once again to wait for the large posterior on the Throne of Argghhh! to take a bite(if they can find/win space with the Interior Guard).

posted by ry on February 7, 2006 02:30 PM

Well, I gottit -- he was just agreeing with my long-stated position of No Double Standards. I think the implied subtext that AFSis may have missed was "look, we didn't change the rules so Grrrls are Special, she won under the same rules as the boys" (and he can live with that). Implied sub-sub-text that he isn't a troglodyte who doesn't approve of wimmin leaving the kitchen, et cetera and it is perfectly OK for a girl to ruthlessly smash the wrestling opposition to be a state champion (and he can live with that).

The missing bit for me is MASSIVE kudos to Alaska for not hyperventilating and insisting on a girl's wrestling league instead of going co-ed like this. With all her talent she couldn't have done it if the regulatory body had told her no. (And there is always the stigma of the Ladies' Auxiliary if you have separate men's and women's rosters.)

And yes, tone of voice is very hard to convey in writing ;-)

posted by Bad Cat Robot on February 7, 2006 02:31 PM

*Hairy eyeball*

You, youngling, are not authorized to call me a fata$$ in this space. Even indirectly.

*Checks sign on privy*

BCR - if I cover *everything* y'all have nothing to snark me about!

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 7, 2006 02:36 PM

i'm going home.....

posted by AFSister on February 7, 2006 02:40 PM

Mini-Ice Age?

So do I need to be gathering tree branches for shade or for firewood? So confused...

posted by UtahMan on February 7, 2006 02:53 PM

Well John, if it's any consolation I knew what you meant.

Competing under the same standards as everyone else is the way it should be.

But if she got to wrestle with a different point system or 2 weight classes down, this I would be peeved at.

And backing up John, she is no less special and no more special than any other state champion, period. Set the rules the same for everyone and winners will win. Ms. Hutchison, you are most definitely a winner.

posted by Masked Menace© on February 7, 2006 03:04 PM

Thanks for the support, but we can tone *that* part down. AFSis and I have just had crabby days at work, and it spilled out into here.

Feel free to continue discussing the issue of standards, etc - but let's leave alone discussions of "tone"... 8^)

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 7, 2006 03:13 PM

Oh sure, ignore the sympathetic and supportive elements of the comments, why dontcha. Sick the Hairy Eyeball on me, why dontcha.
Sheesh, try to back a guy up and he goes spastic on 'ya.
(flees in terror, but stops for the teddy bear, I am a youngling after all)

posted by ry on February 7, 2006 03:23 PM

To echo what you are all saying.... I absolutely agree that she won. Hands down. Without exceptions to rules or bending them. Equal opportunity does NOT mean "special" opportunity. Ever.

That point was NOT apparent to me in John's original post, but due to emails and comments and a little head bashing which I did NOT need, thankyouallverymuch... I can see why John made the "I can live with that" comment.

and with that, I am truly outta here.

posted by AFSister on February 7, 2006 03:23 PM

7 JAN 06

Yeah...that was good times.

Wait a minute...I don't post here enough to be a smart a**. My apologies.

posted by Toluca Nole on February 7, 2006 05:13 PM

Yer the first one to catch it, Boudi-bro.

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 7, 2006 05:15 PM

Bill, do you have a link to that story you quoted?

And John, forget Black Jack Pershing. Gov. Perry just needs to mobilize the Texas Guard (which has a heavy division plus a bunch of figher bombers) and remind the Mexicans of the lesson they obviously didn't learn back in the 1830s:

DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS!

posted by Heartless Libertarian on February 7, 2006 05:27 PM

HL - Hint:

"Mount up... The Border needs you."

*tsk. i hate it when i do that*

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 7, 2006 09:27 PM

"Wait a minute...I don't post here enough to be a smart a**. My apologies." Wha? There's never a good excuse to not be a smart a**, well, except for the Privy Plack.

posted by ry on February 8, 2006 12:22 PM

Texas Rangers have a record in killing GreatPersian
kids(U.S._Texans call that Afghanistan or Iraq) who
are like the famous Madrassas pupils in the average age of at most 14 years old ... .But even if draged
by the SS Division "Adolf Hitler"(14 years old kids) they showed some weakness. C.P.: Patton's reporting.

posted by German Forces on February 9, 2006 11:06 AM

« Dismissed, Soldier!

by Denizens on Feb 07, 2006 | General Commentary
» Blue Star Chronicles links with: The Saddam Tapes
» protein wisdom links with: And on the seventh day, Stephen Hayes rested...
» Don Surber links with: Blogging=Violence?

The Muhammad cartoons.

From an email list I subscribe to, received yesterday, commenting on a discussion of the cartoons where several list members were getting a little wobbly on things:

[snipped names]
Your naivete is amazing. Sad, but amazing

Twelve cartoons were published in a Danish newspaper. Local imams added three more which came from somewhere and were truly offensive. [emphasis mine] A five month delay occurs. Demonstrations occur simultaneously; burnable Danish flags appear around the world.

The western world bit on this living theater orchestrated by...

the Wah'habist Sunni network, to demonstrate their solidarity and keep fervor hot.

One does not know if al Qaeda was involved in this, but it sure fits their purposes.

See, the western world is being told, we can demonstrate, strike, revolt on cue.

See, the Moslem minorities in these countries are being told, we are one eople, we will protect you.

If you don't like anonymous email sources, Ralph Peters is saying the same thing.

What we're seeing in the Middle East is strategic theater, benefit performances for the Syrian government (now playing the Islam card), Hezbollah, Hamas and every tough customer in the neighborhood.

Except he sees it as the Islamists taking advantage of the furor, while Pete, our analytical friend, rather suggests they have been shaping the uproar for a much longer time.

The guy quoted above is a very pragmatic, hard-nosed, career intel analyst, which is why you aren't seeing his full name. I'm with Pete, he's usually been right.

If you're registered, you can read the Ralph Peters piece here.

If you are a Wall Street Journal subscriber - there is an article describing in detail just how the cartoon flap got out of hand. If you aren't a subscriber, give me a valid email and I'll send you the article.

Update: How about a humorous take on the difference between Christian reaction (at least until they discover they'll get kowtowed to as well) and Muslim reaction to picking on religious icons and religion in general...

I was thinking...what's the Christian equivalent to a fatwa? Do they put you in the church bulletin saying you're banned from the potluck supper or what? Do I lose golf privileges and become a pool-only member? Sweet Mother Mary, I hope not...my system can't handle curly fries!

Read the rest at Right Thoughts.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

Christian equivalent of a fatwa?

They don't ban you from anything. Oh no. They give you a job... "And in other church news, Mr. Armorer has accepted [under duress] the position of scoutmaster..."

I think it's the "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer" thing...

Of course, the kidies would love him as scoutmaster, what with all the kewl guns and all.
posted by UtahMan on February 7, 2006 02:59 PM

Yeah, I can see it now...

"Okay, kids, today we're gonna learn alllllll about Mr. Claymore! Can you say 'mechanical ambush'?"
posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 7, 2006 03:48 PM

And before we're done, we'd have gotten through Indirect Fires, or "Mr. Mortar is your friend!"
posted by John of Argghhh! on February 7, 2006 03:53 PM

... with a special session on why Mr. Grenade is no longer your friend after the pin is pulled ;-)
posted by Barb on February 7, 2006 05:01 PM

This is true. Mr. Grenade, absent special handling, is very much a neutral!
posted by John of Argghhh! on February 7, 2006 05:04 PM

« Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Feb 07, 2006 | Global War on Terror (GWOT)
» Fuzzilicious Thinking links with: Dark Thoughts

The Gunnies - Still Vote Blegging.

As mentioned in this post, I'm still shilling for votes in the Gunnies - the Best Gun Blog competition. I'm just trying to get on the stand at number 3, folks.

To help justify the bleg, I'm offering up stuff from the archives, today concluding with Ammunition, Part the 3rd.

But we think you should vote for us! Early and often! <===Click that link! Once a day, every day! From home *and* work! At Internet Cafe's! We think The BMG Trophy would look good on an Arsenal Bookshelf... but the only way *that's* gonna happen is if I steal it - unless you guys get busy.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 07, 2006 | Gun Rights

25 Lessons Learned from OIF and OEF

Continuing the Lessons Learned from OIF/OEF that I started in this post . Note to military Googlers - these are *not* tactical AARs!

This one is worksafe, except for Moonbat Zones.

Lesson #18. The Warrior Spirit Still Matters.

And, in case you think it's just awful to show the jihadis in this light. Remember this.

This is *not* an official document! I contacted Mr. Coffey and have his permission for this use. If you choose to download and share it around via email, you may do so - but send it with the caveat that any publishing of the document, for profit or no, needs the permission of Mr. Coffey, as I only asked permission for myself, and he retains all rights!

Mr. Coffey can be reached via his website: Purple Mountain Publishing.

For Previous Lessons Learned, click the numbers. 1. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 07, 2006 | Observations on things Military

H&I; Fires 6 Feb 06

Open post for those with something to share. New, complete posts come in below. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite. You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

*Some* muslims are embarassed and appalled by what's going on regarding the Dutch cartoons. I'll take it at face value until someone shows convincingly otherwise.

Have you gotten your dose of Combat Art today?

Regardless of the merits of the issue - how useful are the hearings going to be when the Chairman of the committee publicly pre-judges?

Canada@War

Speaking of Militant Canadians - at least in the Blogosphere... the Red Ensign Flies!

Interesting bit in the WaPo - do our resident academics have any opinions on the matter... that they can state, without risking their jobs?

Ry suggests you read this bit from Wretchard, over at Belmont Club.

CDR Salamander has a vehicle and Armed Force ID challenge for you. Let's go CAPT H! -The Armorer

*************************

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... »

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

Re: Sen. Specter pre-judging...

I'd question his sincerity at this point. I think it's merely a political position he's staking out so that he can seem reasonable by not being on the Bush "bandwagon." After the hearing's he'll say he's seen new evidence to change his mind. That way, he gets both sides.

posted by FbL on February 6, 2006 08:44 AM

You're probably right... but I stand by what I said. Just because he's playing politics doesn't make it a good idea.

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 6, 2006 09:10 AM

A word of warning to the Jihadis in Afghanistan: don't make the Canadians angry. They play a game where they skate around, in butt cold weather, where you ram into each other at high speed and hit each other with sticks---and think it tremendously fun. The Canadians are crazier than you, and better armed and trained. Really, don't make them angry(or you'll be sorry).

posted by ry on February 6, 2006 09:16 AM

John, not defending him one bit. Frankly, the game he's playing disgusts me. Just saying that I doubt he's truly pre-judged it.

posted by FbL on February 6, 2006 09:21 AM

Why is Specter's behavior a surprise? He pulled this same crap over judicial nominees. "I won't do what POTUS wants just because he wants it". I wrote him off a long ago. He plays to the crowd.

Did anyone catch Gen. Michael Hayden on FoxNews Sunday? He was excellent!

I am listening to the hearings right now. "Splash" Kennedy is questioning Gonzalez right now. Speaking as a Bostonian.....mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.....I never voted for him, but I am still ashamed.

posted by Maggie on February 6, 2006 10:01 AM

Kennedy just addressed Gonzalez as "General"!!!

LOL, this is what happens when you go to the hearing after too many Bloody Marys.

posted by Maggie on February 6, 2006 10:03 AM

Maggie who is no kinda bug at all is right. Why does Specter's (or is it Sphincter's) Behavior surprise anyone. Why did the Republicans allow him to retain his position in the committee he serves on? Why haven’t they ‘nuked’ the Demos?

Reason the Republicans are afraid to govern. Their favorite color is plaid.

Shifting back to local news this in from the Wichita Eagle http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/state/13800816.htm

Posted on Mon, Feb. 06, 2006
Backers say gun bill has a shot

The proposal -- similar to one Sebelius vetoed last year -- would allow some Kansans to carry concealed guns.
BY BRENT D. WISTROM
Eagle Topeka bureau
TOPEKA - Reloaded and trying to avoid a repeat of last year, gun advocates have returned with a bill that would let qualified Kansans carry hidden firearms.
This year's legislation is almost identical to the proposal Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed last year. And, unless the bill changes, her aides said, it's likely to get blocked again.
But some legislators think the upcoming election could put more pressure on Sebelius to sign Senate Bill 418. The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee is expected to move the proposal to the Senate floor Tuesday.
Once again we go ‘up the hill”.

Side note, a spell check of this note stopped on Sebelius, and suggested Rebellious.

posted by jim b on February 6, 2006 10:12 AM

From the Electronic Frontier Foundation ("...a nonprofit group of passionate people — lawyers, technologists, volunteers, and visionaries — working to protect your digital rights")--hardly a hotbed of neocons, but they've done their homework:

"Executive Order 12333 (1981) provides the general framework for U.S. intelligence activities, and it also addresses electronic surveillance. '[A]gencies are not authorized to use such techniques as electronic surveillance, unconsented physical searches, mail surveillance, physical surveillance, or monitoring devices unless they are in accordance with procedures established by the head of the agency concerned and approved by the Attorney General.' EO 12,333, para. 2.4. Dep't. of Defense (DOD) Directive 5240.1-R implements FISA and EO 12,333 within DOD. These authorities govern the collection of intelligence by the U.S. government against United States persons, whether they are located within the United States or outside the United States.

"FISA does not regulate the use of electronic surveillance outside of the United States. For instance, electronic surveillance of electronic communications like e-mail is only governed by §1801(f)(4) if the surveillance device is installed 'in the United States.' When e-mail sent by a U.S. person to a foreign person is intercepted outside the United States, that interception does not meet this definition.

"Although orders issued under FISA are sometimes called FISA 'warrants,' this is misleading because it suggests that the FISA order is like an ordinary search warrant or Title III intercept order -- and it isn't. Under the Fourth Amendment, a search warrant must be based on probable cause to believe that a crime has been or is being committed. This is not the general rule under FISA.

"For instance, electronic surveillance under § 1801(f)(1) only reaches wire or radio communications 'sent by or intended to be received by a particular, known United States person who is in the United States, if the contents are acquired by intentionally targeting that United States person' and a warrant would ordinarily be required. If the U.S. person is not 'known,' or more important, not 'intentionally' targeted, it simply isn't 'electronic surveillance' under § 1801(f)(1).

"Note also that FISA expressly contemplates that it will produce 'unintentionally acquired information.' § 1806(i). But...this section...only applies to 'the contents of any radio communication,' only if a warrant would have been required, and only if both the sender and intended recipients are within the United States.

"Given these limits, one may presume that 'unintentionally acquired information' outside these lines is not destroyed. That would include all 'unintentionally acquired' wire or electronic communications." --all emphasis mine.

Arlen Specter is a lawyer, so we can reasonably presume he's read the pertinent sections of FISA.

If he has read the sections, then his statement confirms that he's indulging in political grandstanding in the finest Arlen Specter smoke and mirrors tradition.

If he hasn't read the sections, then he's an idiot.

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 6, 2006 10:16 AM

I wrote to Specter (my senator) suggesting that the NSA leaks were much more danerous to Americans than the actual program. I recommended that the committee's time would be better spent overseeing the DOJ investigation, and possible prosecution, of the leakers. His response was interesting.

Specter views the program as an assault on congressional power. It's his contention that, since Carter signed FISA into law, only under FISA procedures can any American's electronic communications be monitored. He sees no constitutional privilege that allows the Executive to engage in any monitoring that is not authorized by congress.

Idon't agree with him and, according to his staff, neither do the majority of Pennsylvanians. So, in this case, I don't think it is political. More likely, it is Specter's hidebound adherence to the principle of congressional supremacy.

posted by MCPO Airdale on February 6, 2006 10:17 AM

I believe that the whole NSA spying thingie, is a basic constitutional tug of war between branches. Congress critters are feeling a little squeezed between the Nine Wise Folks showing less and less reluctance to strike down laws and now the Prez nipping around the corners of what the critters think is their perogative. Neither the Prez nor Congress wants to take the issue to the Supremes, because they both fear the outcome will not be to their liking. Ergo they will wrangle, posture and blow hot air, each trying to bluff the other into submission. I predict it will all go away when the public shows little interest,

posted by V29 on February 6, 2006 12:11 PM

Haven't we got ry well trained. The Lazy Maple Bacon is in the mail, buddy.

posted by Alan on February 6, 2006 12:12 PM

Hey! I'm generally nice to Canuckistan, and I sent you, personally, a cute little bolshie hat - and Ry gets the damn syrup?

Ha-rumph!

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 6, 2006 12:24 PM

If I ever make that 22 hour drive, I will make sure I have the trailer with the maple barrel in tow.

posted by Alan on February 6, 2006 12:27 PM

Anyone else recognize the speech that was quoted at the begining of today's combat art?

posted by Jon The Mechanic on February 6, 2006 02:40 PM

"St. Crispin's Day" from Henry V.

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 6, 2006 02:44 PM

That event that blew the doors off of both strategies in the Belmont Club post may have happened over the weekend.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/05/AR2006020500879.html

Moslem teen shoots Catholic priest while shouting 'Allah Akbar'. This is getting out of control. People better recognize that tolerance is begining to run short. To steal from the Enders Game universe, they better realize that right now they are raman, but quickly showing themselves to be varelse.

posted by ry on February 6, 2006 03:35 PM

I missed the quiz!?!?!

Henry V ACt IV Scene III with Kenneth Brannaugh makes the hair stand up on end! Way better than the nuns reading it.

posted by Maggie on February 6, 2006 05:01 PM

Blogspot is busted, again.

posted by Justthisguy on February 6, 2006 09:47 PM

blogger is down for an hour or so, JTG. try again soon.

posted by AFSister on February 6, 2006 09:56 PM

« Dismissed, Soldier!

by Denizens on Feb 06, 2006 | General Commentary
» Don Surber links with: Go Ahead, ACLU, Make My Day
» Blue Star Chronicles links with: The End of Reason

Ahem.

Note to Colonel Karpinski. It's time to resign that commission you are no longer worthy of.

Well, it had to happen. A military version of Cindy Sheehan.

Gad. It's almost enough to make *me* resign, simply so that my name won't be on the same style commissioning document hers is on.

Way to long jump the shark, ma'am.

You disgrace the uniform you wore. *Again*.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

At least most of the *enlisted* females seem like normal human beings. I ask that you direct yer attention to Sgt. Lizzie's blog.

posted by Justthisguy on February 6, 2006 08:14 PM

I saw that earlier, and it made me so mad. She blames everything about Abu Ghraib on everyone else, and now has the gall to take part in something like this? The woman no longer deserves to serve and wear the same uniform as the men and women dying in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world.

posted by Barb on February 6, 2006 08:24 PM

She seems to be one of those who gets promoted due to ignorance and a desire by those around her to get rid of her sorry ass.

She's a disgusting, vile example of a Soldier. And an even worse example of a woman.

posted by AFSister on February 6, 2006 09:14 PM

Some more Karpinski history from Eric Rasmusen:

"Near the town of Mahawil in southern Iraq, U.S. Marines uncovered a mass grave site holding the remains of some 15,000 Iraqis. They were slaughtered for taking part in the Shia uprising against Saddam in the early 1990s. Saddam’s agent responsible for conducting the mass killings was Mohammed Jawad Anayfas; the grave site is on land owned by him.

"In July 2003, Anayfas was captured by US forces and turned over to the Military Police Brigade under Karpinski’s command. The Brigade Headquarters managed to lose his paperwork -- so instead of contacting her superiors, Karpinski ordered Anayfas set free [emphasis mine].

"Soon thereafter, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz came to Iraq and visited the Mahawil gravesite, where he was informed by Marine Lt. Gen. James Conway how outraged the local Iraqis were over Anayfas’ release. Visibly upset, Wolfowitz vowed Anayfas would be recaptured and tried as a war criminal. Anayfas is still at large and Karpinski received no reprimand.

"When confronted by the Iraqi public outcry -- for Anayfas was only one of several war criminals whose paperwork was lost and she released-- Karpinski proceeded to evade responsibility..." [again, emphasis mine].

And this from CBS News, of all places:

"The Army's inspector general investigated four allegations against Karpinski: dereliction of duty, making a 'material misrepresentation' to investigators, failure to obey a lawful order and shoplifting. Only the shoplifting and dereliction of duty allegations were substantiated.

"A government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Karpinski was accused of shoplifting a cosmetic item [note: Air Force accounts say that it was a $22 bottle of perfume]from a shop [note: the BX] at a domestic Air Force base [note: MacDill AFB] while she held the rank of colonel. Karpinski didn't report her arrest for this misdemeanor on a later background check, the official said."

And she was promoted to Brigadier General shortly thereafter.

Somebody at the Pentagon is in serious need of a a$$kicking. A long, continuous, size-thirteen a$$kicking. And knowing how John feels about Dysfunction in High Places, he's welcome to relieve me when my leg gets tired...

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 6, 2006 10:46 PM

Indeed - that's worse than her own perfidy, to have those around her continue to hide her deeds and promote her beyond her ability. Helk, I can't figure out who she knows to have stayed in uniform at all for this long.

posted by Barb on February 7, 2006 12:16 AM

Can you say "welcome to the PC army. Obviously NOBODY wanted to write this POS a bad OER due to the fallall that would hit them for doing so. The result is that a piece of garbage gets fast-tracked up the ladder. And several SOMEBODYS in her chain should be forcibly retired for derilection.

posted by emdfl on February 7, 2006 06:20 AM

Bill, I have a size 13W boot that I want to get in a few licks also.

And nothing personal Bill, but John ( retired comissioned officer) and I (former MP) get our licks in before you, due to the direct taint from her inability to lead a boy scout troop out of a barn.

posted by Jon The Mechanic on February 7, 2006 09:26 AM

Jon - Wrong.

"Age before beauty."

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 7, 2006 09:30 AM

When mentioning this "Colonel", the epithet THIEF should precede.
"THIEF" Karpinski. This slug needs to be reminded of her lack of HONOR!!!

Also, due to her position the punishment should really out weigh the crime. It is no wonder that Abu Ghraib went into the latrine, with such "Honorable" folks leading the show. Why isn't this THIEF sharing a room with Lindy?

Remember a former Secretary of the Army, who got caught stealing at an AAFEES? WTF?

Nothing to see, folks, move along....

posted by dc on February 7, 2006 10:36 AM

« Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Feb 06, 2006 | Pugnacious Stupidity
» Cadillac Tight links with: Oh Jumping Jehosephat

The Gunnies - the vote bleg continues!

We didn't win in the first round but we apparently snuck into the finals as a wildcard.

We're still gonna get creamed. Oh, sure you could vote for these guys... Kim du Toit, Oleg, John Lott, Mr. Completely, Head's Bunker, Alphecca, Smallest Minority, mAss Backwards, or the Anarchangel.

But we think you should vote for us! Early and often! <===Click that link! We think The BMG Trophy would look good on an Arsenal Bookshelf... but the only way *that's* gonna happen is if I steal it - unless you guys get busy.

We do some good stuff in this category - today's bit on the PIAT for example... how often d'you see those on any blog but this one?

And, as I said in yesterday's bleg - we've done some good stuff in the past, including the second installment of the Ammunition posts: Ammunition, Part the Second, a tale in three parts (thus far), and I'll link to other bits and pieces of past work as justification for the vote blegging.

But thanks is due to Countertop Chronicles for running this - and unlike the Weblog Awards - there's more than just pixels for a prize!

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

I give up. No matter what time I vote or from which computer I do so, the roumd is either over and Kim won or the Castle's hors de combat and my vote counts toward Kim's total.

In the immortal words of Lou Costello, "I'm so confused..."

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 6, 2006 10:36 AM

Just vote. Vote once a day. Everyday between now and the 15th.

Don't worry about how it works.

What you see, when you click the "next round" stuff, is how the voting would progress under their system if *no* other votes were received.

Just VOTE. For us, of course!

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 6, 2006 10:55 AM

Oh-kayyy...

Seems like an oddball way of doing it, but I'm oddball enough to go along with it.

*right foot nudging 12-foot pole out into view to see who picks this one up*

posted by cw4(ret)billt on February 6, 2006 12:11 PM

Oh man, I can't stand it, seeing John with his little cup, asking for votes...I voted you number one, okay?
*offers him a drink*

There, that better? You are at 31% instead of last.

posted by Cricket on February 6, 2006 03:16 PM

Just voted again.

1. JoA, because he's been nice to me, and because of his amazing basement.

2. Anarchangel, because he's really sharp and was brave enough to admit to being a dissociative sociopath on the 'net, out in front of God and everybody.

3. Alphecca, for being a gay gun nut from Vermont.
'Nuf sed.

4. Smallest Minority, for being obsessively eye-glazingly verbose and exhaustive.

5. Kim, for having egregious, (outside the flock) well-written opinions which are kinda like mine, except, well, OMG!

6. Oleg. Sorry, son, the girl-pix are cute, and all, but I had to degrade yer rating for being too, well, *normal*.

7. Heads Bunker. Not real familiar with his ouevre or idiom, but I hear has advice on picking good, cheap Kalashnikovs.

8. Mr. Completely. Also unfamiliar, but he's running the thing.

9. mAssBackwards. He's this low because I think he's silly to remain there after the fight has been lost.

10. John Lott; last because he looks creepy on camera. (Reminds me of me.)

posted by Justthisguy on February 6, 2006 05:24 PM

I voted at work, I voted at home. Remind me every day. I have to get in the shower and get ready for my date with Jack Bauer at 2100.

posted by Maggie on February 6, 2006 07:18 PM

« Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Feb 06, 2006 | Gun Rights

Fort Leavenworth Militaria Show

Saturday, SWWBO and I were off to St. Joe to do a little shooting. On the way out, we stopped at the Fort to put the horses out and muck the stables (we're back into poop-scooping because of a labor dispute at the Federal Prison. We hire inmates as staff at the stable - a good deal for both sides. I don't have to scoop poop, they get to spend their days at the stables doing work that is a little smelly at times, but hardly onerous.). Anyway, on our way in we see signs to a militaria show being held at the former Officer's Club, now grandiosely titled the Frontier Conference Center.

Not having been to a pure militaria show in a long time, we decided (yes, guys, with SWWBO's urging even) to attend.

Great show! Saw people I hadn't seen for a while, like Neil, the source of many of the bayonets and not a few rifles in the Arsenal, Jim Gebhardt, former co-worker who has provided many of the reference books in the Library - he has a sideline of translating russian books. Jim is also a gadfly of local media, like I am. And lots of cool stuff to look at and interesting people to talk to. A lot of re-enactors, too - more on that later.

One problem with militaria shows is they are *always* pricey. Mostly because it's collectors doing the selling... being collectors and not dealers, they tend to over-value their stuff, probably overpaid for it, and don't really want to sell it, anyway (like me!). But their spouse wants some of that crap outta the house.... "Gee, Honeybunch Snookums, no one was buying today, I don't know *what* the problem was..." is the usual line when they get home, and the stuff they *bought* gets snuck in later, under cover of darkness.

SWWBO had her usual good eye, and pointed out a 1999-2000 edition of Jane's Armour and Artillery for $35. Good price? You bet - take a look at Amazon for the current edition, or the same one I got. eBay isn't much better - though it *is* better. Thanks, sweetie!

If anyone wants to earn the Armorer's gratitude, snag a relatively recent Jane's Infantry Weapons (oh, heck, old ones are good, too) and donate it to the Library of Argghhh!

But that wasn't the best part. Besides seeing all the kewl stuff and running into old and current friends - I ran into two young Lieutenants just back from Iraq.

The two in US uniforms are our returning vets. The two in Brit uniforms (the two gents on the right) are Brit Para re-enactors who got drool all over the Castle PIAT

They were dressed out in WWII kit (and these gents were all of 10 days back from the Sandbox) one as a 35th ID troop (on the left), the other as a 1st ID troop (in the center). Both are artillery Lieutenants in the Kansas Guard who served as advisors to the Iraqi Army. And they got to see some really cool kit that is just sitting around in warehouses over there. Not too mention go on patrol with their Iraqis, arming themselves with a STEN gun... too cool, the Armorer's head almost exploded from envy.

They found lots and lots of old WWII era Brit stuff, some WWII German, and lots of more modern stuff as well. I helped them identify much of their kit they weren't sure of, showed them how some of it (like the WWI Brit artillery plotters) worked, and mostly listened to their tales from Iraq.

Brit soldiers in training during WWII. They are armed with a PIAT and a No.4 rifle.

These guys found 200 (yes, that's 200 out of the 11,500 total produced) PIATs. While they couldn't find a legal way to get any of them home (they could have had a good start on college money for their kids if they could have) they did bring home some parts... and most importantly for the Arsenal - they brought home original CANVAS! The Castle PIAT has been dressed in repro canvas... but is now *proudly* decked out in original canvas... and that with an OIF connection. As you know, that is exactly how the Armorer likes it - stuff with some history, rather than pristine, made, stored, and never used! It's also cool to have some more stuff in the Castle Collection that has dust from the Land Between The Rivers clinging to it.

The Castle PIAT sporting his new duds! The repro canvas on the table.

Having spent all that time bloviating with the LTs, (I am not a journalist... I didn't get their names, much to my chagrin - but, hopefully, they'll visit the Castle and drop me a line) I decided to do more than talk the talk, but I would walk the walk, as well. I went home, got the PIAT and some of the more portable Vickers kit, and went back.

The Castle PIAT in the hands of a renactor. Cleaning up the drool was *not* easy!

THAT attracted some attention - not just from the LTs, who were pleased to see some of their stuff appreciated and utilized, but the Brit Para re-enactors... well, let's just say no one had seen a PIAT in the flesh and the Castle PIAT got fondled. A lot.

And I made some new friends... and some of the Castle holdings may make a few road trips to regional re-enactment events. Especially the PIAT and Vickers.

And I think next year, I'm going to rent a table (hey, it supports the Fort Leavenworth Historical Society) and do a display myself. Because that was just fun last Saturday.

Thank you for your service, Lieutenants - not just to the Castle PIAT, but more importantly, to the state, the nation, and hopefully, the Iraqis. We'll close with a shot of the baby-faced Lieutenant, who managed to do what I specifically warned him not to do - get the propelling charge for the PIAT stuck in the bomb (which took the combined intellect of SWWBO and I to get back out! - Oh shut up, no 'intellect' snarks!)

10 days back from Iraq - gad they look *young*.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

Boy, I havn't posted in a while, but it sounds like you had a great time. And some great pictures as well. Too bad those LT's were not able to get some more of that stuff back. But I remember trying to get home with just a few things, and the customs MPs were very hard on me and many of my soldiers. Ended up having to leave about half of the stuff back. Of course, when I left, there was no consistancy in customs. Some would allow bayonetts, others would not. Some wouldn't let any Iraqi Military kit out, some could care less. I hope there is more consistancy now... I bet the D20 that our BN captured to take back to Ft. Benning was never sent, even though we did all of the proper paperwork, need to check back on that.

Anyway, thanks for the great post and I'm glad you had a great time.

posted by Sarenyon on February 6, 2006 07:46 AM

I've got Jim's excellent translation of the SVD Manual to go with my PSL (the Romanin version of the SVD). I may even have worked with Jim back when I worked for BDM on post in 1982-1983. When I got the book his named seemed very familiar...

posted by KCSteve on February 6, 2006 10:25 AM

No kidding... that LT is VERY baby-faced!

Sounds like you had a great time talking the talk, and even went back to walk the walk.
Very cool!

posted by AFSister on February 6, 2006 02:14 PM

You better hang on to SWWBO, John. Any lady who encourages you to attend a show like this, AND is good looking, is definitely a keeper....

posted by klkk on February 6, 2006 05:23 PM

Jayhawk Guardsmen, huh? Think I'll go cue up "Kansas Wildcats" by J.P. Sousa, Royal Artillery Band, conducted by Keith Brion, Naxos 8.559058. Hey, the disc happens to be in the machine already. *Sigh*! I'm such a band nerd...

posted by Justthisguy on February 6, 2006 06:03 PM

"who managed to do what I specifically warned him not to do..."

*rolls eyes*

Lieutenants.

*shakes head*

posted by Mike Z on February 6, 2006 08:44 PM

The building is probably called the Conference Center because O-Clubs are all but dead, with exceptions at places such as Ft Benning, where they're kept on life support by forcing LTs at IOBC to join.

My whole time there, I only went into the club when we had our formals. Now, if they still had strippers at the I-Bar, I might have been there more. Stupid prissy GOs wife...

Not that strippers at an Army club would survive in today's PC genderintegrated Army anyway.

posted by Heartless Libertarian on February 6, 2006 11:42 PM

I left the whole history of the Death of the Clubs alone. Too geeky. It wasn't just the strippers, HL. In the early 80's, tired of alcohol-related problems, the clubs were required to raise their liquor prices to meet outside-the-gate prices, and to eliminate any specials.

The dolts-in-charge thought that would actually raise revenue (because they'd still go to the clubs, right?) while decreasing alcohol-realated problems.

Riiiiight. What it did was *kill* the revenue, and the clubs, as everyone went outside the gate to their drinking... because it was cheaper, and that's where the girls went when the clubs quit having those events that drew the local girls to the clubs...

Slot machines helped keep the clubs in Europe alive.

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 7, 2006 06:50 AM

« Dismissed, Soldier!

by John on Feb 06, 2006 | General Militaria

25 Lessons Learned from OIF and OEF

Continuing the Lessons Learned from OIF/OEF that I started in this post . Note to military Googlers - these are *not* tactical AARs!

This one *is* marginally not worksafe if you work with people who think soldiers are stupid people who only do what we do because we're too dumb to do anything else. This will only reinforce that thought pattern.

Lesson #17. Every Job In The Army Is An Important Job, But Not All Are Career Enhancing.

Heh. And this *is* a significant bit of soldier memory. It's in the memoirs... it makes it into the movies - Platoon, more recently, Jarhead, to name at least two.

And, in case you think it's just awful to show the jihadis in this light. Remember this.

This is *not* an official document! I contacted Mr. Coffey and have his permission for this use. If you choose to download and share it around via email, you may do so - but send it with the caveat that any publishing of the document, for profit or no, needs the permission of Mr. Coffey, as I only asked permission for myself, and he retains all rights!

Mr. Coffey can be reached via his website: Purple Mountain Publishing.

For Previous Lessons Learned, click the numbers. 1. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 06, 2006 | Observations on things Military

H&I; Fires 5 Feb 06

Open post for those with something to share. New, complete posts come in below. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite. You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...

Heh. A kinder, gentler Marine Corps indeed. Check the lede on this article on the Marine Corps website.

However - I strongly suspect that they're still yelling "You'll Be Sorree!" at these guys.

We've linked to this website before, about the guys who want to hunt with a Mountain Howitzer. They have. And successfully - and the target was still edible! (sensitive, "You shot Bambi!" types should not scroll to the end of the article). H/t, Joshua W.

Oh - and the new Throne of Argghhh! is vewy comfy! So much so that the Interior Guard has to be scattered so that my fundament may occupy the space. There *is* a nice shelf up top for them to supervise my cyber-activities - and supervise they do.

Carnival of the Recipes, over at Prochien Amy's place. Mmmmm, chocolate!

Unintelligence design. And while the Clinton administration started it - the Bush administration hasn't fixed it, either. Regardless of the start of the problem - after 6 years, they *own* the problem, nicht wahr? -The Armorer

*************************

In a post entitled "Guardian Fetches A Bucket of Prop Wash," Confederate Yankee has the scoop on the latest "Downing Street Memo." The comments are hilarious. Ignorance and idiocy can be very fun!

Apparently we didn't get the whole story on the State Department's response to the Danish cartoons.

Replay of Blackfive on CNN at 1:00 eastern.

More on U.S. and international politics, military matters, the "cartoon wars," and the latest in the Libby case found here. - Fuzzybear Lioness

*************************

Bemusing. Sink to Playful Primate, traffic goes up. Somehow get jumped up to Mortal Human again... traffic goes down. Hmmmm. Status, or traffic, status, or traffic. Heh. It doesn't matter. Ain't selling ads, anyway. -The Armorer

*************************

Go Steelers! - Barb [This from a resident of the Sea-Tac area...]

*************************

Probably seen on the Castle before, but I wondered if anyone had the opportunity to see the exoskeleton project in action? Live Video. The mechanism is choppy and loud, but, as a prototype for the future, it is magnificent. And, as usual, things that start out as a military application have connotations for civilians beyond war. The designer is hoping that the mechanism will give legs back to the paralyzed, the elderly or those with diseases such as Muscular disytrophy or spina bifida.

Those testing the prototype said they had 60lbs on their back and it felt like five. It's from Berkley UC. Who would have thunk it?

Steve Austin, your office is calling. -Kat
**********************************

I guess Brab is happy. -The Armorer

**************************

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... »

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

Ahh, yes - but the Iron City stays in your blood, dontcha know?!
Or is that the IC Lite -- I always confuze 'em.

posted by Barb on February 5, 2006 02:41 PM

LOL...Love the two Marine stories. I mean, talk about the new recruiting propaganda from the Marines. I'm trying to figure out if that story is aimed at women to get them to join or if that is one of those new fangled "look at the babes in the marines, hurry up and join, fellas" reports.

Then they get to experience the second story.

What a bust. ;)

posted by kat-missouri on February 5, 2006 04:10 PM

Oooh, yeah - I'm in a good mood!
*Happy Dance*

posted by Barb on February 5, 2006 09:30 PM

I like the exoskeleton bit. In another 20 or 30 years we'll wonder what we ever did without them. Assuming we figure out how to power them. Science fiction writers have it lots simpler than real-world engineers.

There was at one point a semi-serious proposal to power all of these new electronic widgets they keep giving the infantry by developing a micro-generator to hang on a soldier's belt, with a spool-of-thread sized gas-turbine/generator running off a little tank of JP5.

You can imagine how well that idea went over with the troops. Especially those troops that have worked closely with Abrams tanks before.

posted by Blake Kirk on February 5, 2006 10:39 PM

I'm thinking super powered electric motors with rechargeable batteries to power the exoskelaton. Something quiet. I don't think anyone wants to be running a super loud generator trying to sneak up on the enemy.

posted by kat-missouri on February 6, 2006 01:26 AM

Barb - keep the smirking to a minimum at work... or someone might just wipe it off!

posted by John of Argghhh! on February 6, 2006 05:24 AM

Alright, 'cause I'm a UC alumnus(UC Davis, 2001)....
It's UC Berkeley, or Cal. ALways the University of California(UC) followed by the city in which it resides. UC is just one huge university with 8 campuses(Berkeley(the oldest, when the capital was in SF and ROTC was mandatory for enrollment), Davis(formerly the Ag school for Berkeley), LA(I believe the second oldest campus, with Davis comming online to be the third), Riverside, SD, Irvine, Merced(the newest, maybe 3 years old), and SF(medical school only)). It gets called Cal because it's the oldest and people up in NorCal tend to be wanks about being better than the rest of us(I got heckled because I used 'the' in reference to freeways, 'Take the 5 to the 22 to the 405.'---every dispatcher I ever had talked like this. Apparently I was very gauche for that, heathen SoCal person that I am.)
CSU(CAlifornia State University) is the same way. Always CSU then the city. Because there's close to 20 campuses there's some confusion with this one(There's CSU Sacramento(CSUS) and CSU Stanislas(also CSUS, which happens to be where my older sister went).
Lawrence Livermore Labs is a sub campus of Berkeley, and not that far away(maybe 20 miles or so in the hills East of BErkeley). So maybe now you see why that really big gun they have placed there isn't that outta line.

posted by ry on February 6, 2006 08:48 AM

Who is Brab?

posted by Cassandra on February 6, 2006 06:47 PM

« Dismissed, Soldier!

by Denizens on Feb 05, 2006 | General Commentary
» Don Surber links with: War On Christmas Veterans For Truth On The Danish
» The Middle Ground links with: Matty O' Says What We've Known All Along
» Blue Star Chronicles links with: Will the ACLU and CAIR Defend Freedom of the Press?

The "Gunnies" continue.

We didn't win in the first round (hard to compete with Kit's tits over at Oleg's place) but we apparently snuck into the finals as a wildcard.

We're gonna get creamed. Nothing that happens here can compete with Kim du Toit, Oleg, John Lott, or, frankly, most of the others, like Mr. Completely, Head's Bunker, Alphecca, Smallest Minority, mAss Backwards, or the Anarchangel.

But if ya wanna go vote - go for it! We think The BMG Trophy would look good on an Arsenal Bookshelf... but the only way *that's* gonna happen is if I steal it.

We really do some useful stuff around here in this category - but I admit most of it of late is in the Archives.

Like: Ammunition, a tale in three parts (thus far), and I'll link to other bits and pieces of past work as justification for the vote blegging.

But thanks is due to Countertop Chronicles for running this - and unlike the Weblog Awards - there's more than just pixels for a prize!

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 05, 2006 | Gun Rights

So, like, there's some kind of sporting event today, right?

Some bowl game or something? SWWBO and I will be out shooting, so I dunno. But these Marines seem to have an interest in the outcome.

PhotoID: 20062161123 Submitted by: 2nd Marine Logistics Group<br />
Operation/Exercise/Event: OIF 3<br />
CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Jan. 31, 2006) – Lance Cpl. Benjamin R. Sigloh stands with his motivational Super Bowl poster Jan. 31. In Iraq, fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks hope their schedules will allow an opportunity to watch the game and support their team. They may not be home with their immediate family to watch the game, but from thousands of miles away a few die hard fans hope for the victory of their gridiron favorite. Sigloh is a field radio operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward). Photo by: Lance Cpl. Wayne Edmiston

Oh, yeah, I remember! The "Superbowl" or something like that. Heh. I thought that was one of those fancy Japanese toilets.

Yeah. I'll check in on halftime. Mebbe we'll get a boob this year... Well, that's pretty much a given, depending on how you define it!

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »

by John on Feb 05, 2006 | I think it's funny!

February 11, 2006

H&I; Fires 11 Feb 06

The BMG Award - Still Bleggin'!

February 10, 2006

H&I; Fires 10 Feb 06

Lo-Tech Solutions

Armorer@Home

Armorer@Tampa

The BMG Award - Best Gun Blogger.

25 Lessons Learned from OIF and OEF

February 09, 2006

H&I; Fires 9 Feb 06

You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince

Did you ever wonder why...

Armorer@Tampa

The BMG Award - Best Master Gunnie (gun blogger)

25 Lessons Learned from OIF and OEF

February 08, 2006

H&I; Fires 8 Feb 06

Heh. The Armorer@Tampa

What better way to bleg for votes...

25 Lessons Learned from OIF and OEF

February 07, 2006

Janis Karpinski

H&I; Fires 7 Jan Feb 06

The Muhammad cartoons.

The Gunnies - Still Vote Blegging.

25 Lessons Learned from OIF and OEF

February 06, 2006

H&I; Fires 6 Feb 06

Ahem.

The Gunnies - the vote bleg continues!

Fort Leavenworth Militaria Show

25 Lessons Learned from OIF and OEF

February 05, 2006

H&I; Fires 5 Feb 06

The "Gunnies" continue.

So, like, there's some kind of sporting event today, right?