The Latest
Let me know if links don't work. I'm not sure how long some of these things stay on various websites.
9/29/5
I recently made a trip back home to my
grandparent's farm and as I normally do made a trip up and down the riverbank to
see the effects of the fencing that was installed and the trees that were
planted several years ago. It's one of the last farms before the river enters
the trees on the South Fork of the Chehalis. The fence is still installed but
since my brother, who currently runs the place, no longer raises cattle, it's no
longer electrified. As you can imagine, this provides no barrier to elk or deer,
but I also doubt the electrified version would have either.
I didn't see any salmon this year, but last year there were a few in September.
I took some photos but you can't see anything. As far as the trees that were
planted, I was disappointed. Few survived the netting that surrounded them at
planting to protect them from deer. I'm not sure why, but those that did, at
least on the farm side of the river, we're nearly all cedar, and I've heard that
cedar trees have pretty solid root structures. So that's good, but where most of
these trees have survived the river has shifted away from them. I have some
photos that I'll post a link to when I get all the way home(where I live), but
it appears there are a lot of trees that are soon going to fall in the river.
There's also the beginnings of a beaver damn that I doubt will survive high
water if there is any this winter, but who knows?
What action should be taken with fallen trees, if any? Will they create
beneficial pools? Most are in the same location I've seen salmon preparing to
spawn before, so the riverbed there must be ok. Should the beaver dam be taken
out? Easier to do now than after they've completely crossed the river. I think
eventually it will be a good stretch of river, provide some of the alder can get
a good foothold where they're starting to grow and give some shade and anchor to
the river and soil. Something has to stop the grass and those bland blackberry
bushes.
Other sort of good news...at low streamflow levels, the known salmon bearing
streams are shaded pretty well near their confluence with the South Fork.
My first real assignment in the AF...now the base is closing. I had a great time there.
The debacle that was Katrina, not necessarily from the perspective you'll expect.
9/13/5
More cool photos from Mt. St. Helens...which I should visit this trip home. I lost my first week's fantasy football game, imagine the Swingin' Richards going down to beej...wait, I guess in real life that's exactly...
A last post that is worth a memorial, this from the guy that gave us the good news from Iraq and Afghanistan, Arthur Chrenkoff.
The good news tradition will continue, so please bookmark it.
I'm also learning how slow web access is in Cyprus, at least uploading. A blink of the eye for this file vs. 10 to 15 seconds.
9/12/5
I finally made it home, but had to take a complete day to recover from one of the worst flight schedules I've ever experienced. It wasn't completely the planning, a couple of delays, but I considered myself lucky I made the drive to the first hotel I found. I thought about writing a bunch of crap about the trip, but if you've traveled, magnify the pains in the butt a bit and you'll know what I mean.
Bob lost his hand but not his spirit. He, in one way or another, found a way out of the hospital and is home, or at his girlfriend's at the moment learning that he enjoys prunes. Big raisins, he calls them, which is good because he needs them to get his digestive system back to normal. His girlfriend's pretty cool, but I think she knows some of what she's in for. It's not going to be easy for him to accept all the support that's being offered. I'm not talking about financial either. Anyway, he's watching his son play football tonight and hopefully enjoying the support and good wishes that I'm certain are being sent his way.
I'm in Portland trying to see if I can get my teeth fixed on short notice. The place in Seattle was doubtful they could accommodate me so I'm trying another place I've had contact with. I'm just glad I'm comfortable enough with his condition to do so.
9/8/5
It's hard to say this any other way than "it sucks!". I got home last night and seriously struggled to digest an email from my dad that told me that my little brother, figuratively, had spent the night with his arm trapped in one of the mechanisms that moves an automatic irrigation device. Apparently he had to wait for it to move again to free himself and then drive to the neighbors so they could call 911. He was airlifted to Seattle's Harborview hospital and so far has lost his hand. I hope that's all. I can't imagine what that must have felt like, more the mental aspect than the physical. Excuse me while I scream an expletive!
9/6/5
For those that have their heads where they shouldn't fit...there's this and more on the premise here. Darwinism at work and a bunch of corrupt officials trying to cover their asses, local, not federal.
9/4/5
Something that needs to be said, or read. I agree that the response hasn't been perfect but what should you expect with a disaster of this magnitude?
9/2/5
NO is depressing, both with my hopes for human nature and the sad politicization of the rescue efforts. I have my own feelings on the matter but they won't make a difference at all so I just wish them the best.
I like the new cartridge, but may still have to play with a bit. I think I've got it adjusted too heavy because it's consistently picking up a similar sounding noise from different, but very clean albums. Only between songs, which I can edit out, but still a little annoying when it's cranked, which it often is. The speaker seems to be ok, but I'm waiting a few days to see the reaction of superglue with the metal tape I used to repair it before sealing the tape to the speaker. So far so good.
It's finally cooling off a bit here, at least I can look for nude sunbathers at the pool from my balcony at 6pm without sweating up a storm, although if I find one, that sometimes happens anyway.
There was a lucky poster on the dawgman.com message boards today who related a line his wife said to him..."So, life begins again tomorrow honey?". Most replies echoed his response..."Yes dear". Football season is upon us and while last night's viewing wasn't satisfactory as both the Coogs and Ducks won, I'm really looking forward to an improved Husky team. An added bonus...the Seahawks are playing tonight as well.
On a sad note, a couple of friends are leaving soon. Most of you know I'm not the most social person, but it's always nice to know that when you want to go out, there are fun and cool people to socialize with. So, Bryan and Julie, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with you, especially whipping your butts at Monopoly. Good luck and it is a small world. I hope to see you again. If you even read this...which doesn't matter because the sentiment is the same...cheers!
8/31/5
I repaired my speaker and it seems to work ok with a "fairly" strenuous volume check. The volume check was performed with the turntable and my, finally, repaired cartridge. Receiving the cartridge was kind of weird. I got the box the other day and more or less said "cool...then, shit I have to realign it again". It's not as bad as it sounds but it's one of those things you're never sure you've got exactly right. It sounds good to me though, so until I get some better evaluation tools, I'll live with it. The reason it was weird was that when I was reviewing a website on how to align it, I actually took a look at it and noticed that it looked nothing at all like the one I sent to Klaus. The old one had a springy cantilever and this one was stiff and the mounting plate was much larger. I called Klaus and he said he wasn't sure exactly what was up but that I should take a photo and he'd identify it and we'd go from there. It was the only cartridge he had at his place though so it had to be the one. Of course, the battery to my camera was dead so while it was charging I discovered that it looked nearly identical to a Van den Hul Black Beauty. Made sense since that's what the Symphonic Line RG-8 was based on but I still wondered why the difference. I called Klaus again and apparently they sent him the latest version as a rebuild rather than simply repairing the original without charging him. Anyway, it sounds great, so I'm happy.
While I sympathize with New Orleans residents, aside from those that stayed behind and chose to steal items other than necessities, I don't feel it should be rebuilt at taxpayer expense. I realize that other sites of natural disaster are repeatedly recipients of such aid, but New Orleans is an engineered disaster, not completely a natural one. If you want to rebuild, go ahead, but on your own dime with the inherent insurance risks, if insurance is available at all. Any money should be given for relocation and not rebuilding.
8/30/5
Here's the most up to date site I've found for info on conditions in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. There are probably others for Mississippi but I haven't come across them yet.
Does this make me some sort of celebrity? If so, where are the chicks?
8/28/5
New Orleans, which has escaped major disaster for the most part, aside from bad football teams and drunken idiots, may be about to die. A lot of things can change with predicting the power and potential landfall points of a hurricane, but if the worst happens...well, read here. You might have to enter info to read the article, but I'm a 67 year old woman from wherever 54377 is the zip code.
8/27/5
Another year older and surprisingly not deeper in debt...
Here's a far better analysis of the reasons for the difficulty in crafting an Iraqi constitution than I can ever provide. Personally, and I'm a little biased toward the Kurds just so you'll know, I would prefer federalism. Were I Kurd...why would I want to live under a government dominated by Shia, especially after being repressed by both Saddam and hindered by whomever it was that drew the various national borders way back when. The problem with this is that federal authority would give local militias far to much say because the national government would have to ask permission, more or less, before settling disputes. It's a more difficult issue than a cursory glance tells you. I don't envy them this task but wish them godspeed.
8/26/5
I almost went here, or somewhere nearby once. We were between programs when I was working in LA and there was nothing at all to do, at least for me. I filled out the application and was getting ready to send it off when my boss got wind of it and found something for me to do. The company I presently work for currently has the contract for the location so maybe someday.
One of the best posts I've ever read. Please follow the links. I particularly enjoyed this line..."One can only ask himself, "What can I as an American do, today, tomorrow and everyday thereafter, to deserve the service of these fine men on my behalf?". I should think about that more often.
Husky football is about a week away from their game with the Academy...still no quarterback decision, at least that's been released to the public. Most of the web sites I visit for Husky info have been quieter than normal this year and I don't really mind. All coaches are different. I just wish they'd replace the info they used to get with cheerleader articles or something.
Happy Birthday Larry! And me! Too bad if it bores you but I'm thinking about using this space for reporting on our fantasy football league. We'll see how that works. I've already rejected my first trade proposal...a bunch of average for one good player never works unless injury becomes a factor. It should be interesting as there will be a couple of players here, a couple in the UAE, one in Korea and a few will be in the states.
So yeah, I'm 44. Aside from the gut and my teeth I'm not in too bad of shape. Both are being worked on...whether in a positive or negative way remains to be seen.
News has bored me lately but a lot of that is likely due to the amount of sweat I expend at work. It's hard to get excited enough to write when you don't feel like leaning forward in the recliner to grab the keyboard. Yes, I know that's lazy.
Tony, from whom, I specifically don't know, has some cool video editing software. I stopped by on my way home and watched him try to use it. Looks like it will take some time, but it also looks like it's pretty powerful. Scott used it to make a video(very jiggly) of the beach at Ayia Napa and it came out pretty damn good, although the scenery may have influenced that evaluation. It's apparently a pretty jiggly place...in a good way.
8/24/5
It's time to trim the mustache or quit eating Big Macs. Secret sauce all over the place.
Well, I didn't stay up, but did wake up at 330 just in time to miss the decent aspects of the Seahawks' performance. A lot of potential displayed during the rest of the game, but more by the Cowboys than the Seahawks. Did the live fantasy draft this evening and wouldn't you know it? The Swingin' Richards were right behind the SF Tailpipes in draft order. I hope I didn't screw him too hard with some of my picks. One member of our league is so embarrassed by his picks that he's already changed his teams' name. Seriously, most of the matchups look pretty even but at this point in the season, it's really hard to tell.
8/23/5
Seahawks are on Monday Night Football tonight...now the question is whether I stay up 'til 3 am to watch. Too bad I doubt my tickets have made it to my dad yet. I remember one weekend I was home and had to drive all the way to Lebam to find a bar that was outside the blackout area. I also joined a Fantasy Football League and am starting to wonder about some of my competitors...my team name is bad enough...Swingin' Richards, but having to play the San Fran tailpipes? I guess it takes all kinds.
8/21/5
And...the rest of the story...
Guess it's a good feeling for a friend when you try to pay the bar tab in two bars and find that it's already covered. Cheers, Tony!
8/17/5
Here's an excellent analysis of the history and possible future of influenza.
I haven't spent much time on it yet, but I'm sure some friends of mine will enjoy it...
!8/16/5
Best of craigslist has been updated...
If you ever get really bored...
8/15/5
Good news from Iraq! From a different source, but just as welcome...
And Denise was bugging me about the weather here...she's enjoying this. I don't envy the mosquitoes though.
One Democrat I generally admire is finally doing something that at least will make the federal government notice there's a problem. If only it would get them to "do" something about it.
8/14/5
This is worth reading, as his site usually is.
There's a guy, or gal, on windsofchange.net anonymized "Armed Liberal" I find myself agreeing with more often than not...ahh, if only the center could unite and get rid of extremists on both ends of the political spectrum....
I haven't been doing much except learning our new system and mildly dealing with the overly anal machinations the military undertakes when a 4-star general visits. I even wore a rugby shirt with a collar instead of my normal t-shirt only to find out he was arriving after I was on my way home. I've been watching the world track and field championships in the evenings...boring sounding, but I enjoyed the various sports in HS. I just chose the wrong events. I always enjoyed the jumps and throwing events, not the best for a guy who's 5'-6" and 130 lbs.
8/12/5
Ah heck, just go read it...Protein Wisdom that is. I was going to post links, but then there got to be too many of them. This is referencing his 8/11 entries which contain a couple of posts exposing idiocy, then gets to what keeps me going back his site...laughter. Yin and Yang of Interpersonal Relationships...#16...rang a bell with me. His site is what I find to a pleasant mix of politics, sarcasm and humor.
8/7/5
If you scroll far enough down the page, you may find something not sexually oriented and likely to offend if you're uptight about graphic things. I haven't made it that far because I can't stop laughing.
8/6/5
It looks like "oil for food" is finally having something more than lip service attention paid to it. Am I surprised a Cypriot is involved? He's not the only one.
Probably best to keep informed about avian flu...play it safe.
I get a lot of good recipes from the Carnival. Instapundit usually tells me where it is on Friday.
It takes all kinds...I have Fox and Friends Saturday on the television and right behind a lovely young lady I think is a former Miss America, was, well, I won't classify him, a boy picking his nose and eating the booger, or at least doing a realistic facsimile of the act.
An interesting question here. Until his alleged involvement in the abduction of hostages back during Carter's presidency is resolved one way or the other, should the newly elected Iranian president(mullah-puppit, although I hope I'm wrong) be denied a visa so he can address the UN?
Kind of funny...
Night before last really sucked. I was just getting ready to crash at around 9 pm and got a call...oh boy! Had to go in at 1 am to put our system on the plane. Since I had to be in early for launch anyway, I just stayed as I probably wouldn't have gotten up had I gone somewhere for a nap. After about four cokes and a few hours, they cancelled anyway. At least I'm back on mornings so the drive in and back isn't so damn hot. Hope the Russian guys in the sub make it.
8/4/5
Food for thought anyway.
Michael Yon again, check the previous post for a link to his page. There's been a coup in Mauritania. I've been busy adjusting my sleeping/waking schedule. Great tacos at Scott's the other night, but he's one of those that doesn't share recipes...oh well.
This is the last line from a post on Rantburg. Land reform is an emotive issue across southern Africa where the example of Zimbabwe looms large. Think about that for a minute. If you've read the post I linked to, you'll understand my bewilderment at that statement. In my mind, the best solution for all concerned would be to pay the owners of the land a fair amount for their property and then pay them to train the new owners to manage the land properly. It's fairly obvious it will be taken from the owners eventually so they might as well try to get something decent out of it. Otherwise, like the last line says, the example of Zimbabwe looms large. Oh well, I guess it will give the aging musician's society another chance to pretend they're relevant.
More on Mauritania...
7/29/5
Michael Yon again! This one is about several soldiers in Iraq who recently became citizens. He's right!
7/28/5
There are a lot of hot spots in the world these days and Publius Pundit's website covers a lot of them that don't give US media a chance to criticize the Bush administration.
I don't read as many Iraqi blogs as I once did, but I found an interesting editorial that comes from a newspaper published by SCIRI, a prominent Shiite organization in Iraq on Austin Bay's blog. He trusts the source of the translation and based on what I've read of him in the past so do I.
Here's an interesting look at the state of the world. The article inspired some pretty good comments as well. Scroll down to 7/27...Back of Beyond, either one or two. I certainly don't view the US as a failed state, although a large portion of our population apparently wishes us to be so. As for the others, it's time to educate and let them develop on their own, not continue lining the pockets of corrupt leaders with aid. That's the hard part, getting rid of the corrupt leaders and getting the states to a point in which they can prosper. Corruption will never be gone, but hopefully someone will come up with a way to help them realize that there are honest ways to make a living.
This morning sure sucked and will illustrate how things function in Cyprus on occasion. I dragged my ass out of bed and went up to take a shower only to find that I had no water, or at least very little. A bit came out of the shower head, but I used that to brush my teeth along with a bit of mouthwash. Then I looked at my hair. I don't think any amount of greasy kid's stuff or styling product would have made it look normal, but fortunately my shower is upstairs so I found enough water in the pipes leading down to the kitchen to wash my hair. So, at least I made it to work, although I did warn them when I got there what was up, and today was a particularly sweaty day.
Anyway, what was up with my water? I pretty much knew but I had to verify. I had been getting these bills and didn't know where to pay them so I took them to the landlord. He said he would take care of it so I gave him the money and forgot about it. This was a couple of months ago. This morning I walked to the building manager's office to see if she knew who to call to see for sure what was up and I got a "you too?". She pointed out a guy who was in an orange suit, not a member of a prison crew, who was going around the complex turning off delinquent residents water supply. I expected some sort of contact, at minimum another bill or something, but nothing. So, I called the landlord and got an "oh shit, I'm so sorry!" and he said it would be taken care of by the time I got home. It was and I smell a lot better now.
7/24/5
Sometimes sleeping in isn't all it's cracked up to be.
7/23/5
Sorry it's been awhile, but I've actually been busy for a change. Different shift at work and much less energy when I get home.
There's also a guy out there who once ran for President and refused to sign the proper paperwork so that non-biased individuals could view his military records. Now he's demanding the same of the recent nominee for the Supreme Court. Typical two-faced politician, regardless of party. Anyway, here's a shot of him trying to share the limelight by whatever available means. Personally, it looks to me like he's gazing with an almost Clintonesque-to-intern type gaze without the peck on the cheek...I have no idea, nor do I care, about Mr. Armstrong's political views, but he hardly looks comfortable, and taking my projection even a bit further, he doesn't want to see what's near Mr. Heinz-Kerry's hands. He's likely pointing to the recently purchased cancer-assistance bracelet, but I can't resist ridiculing insincere publicity hounds.
7/16/5
Another plug for Michael Yon, just in case you've missed the last few.
This might explain a few things...
I really like this idea for improving the quality of life in Africa, especially the fact it seems the only nations receiving funds will be those truly committed to improving their citizen's lives. I hope it works.
7/14/5
Hat tip to Instapundit...he always finds the good stuff...most emailed photo on Yahoo for some period of time.
7/12/5
Protesting then and today...
An interesting comparison between al q-however the hell it's spelled and the kkk, beginning to explore the incorporation of similar means of attacking the former.
I got my new Motorola RAZR, what do I call it? It's a lot more than a portable phone and I'll likely spend most of the day learning how to use its exotic functions, or not. Looks nice anyway. Still charging...
7/10/5
It was nice for the three nanoseconds I believed it.
This really sucked...yesterday I stuffed some potatoes, asparagus, green beans and onions in some tin foil with butter and roasted them while preparing a juicy filet(beef) for grilling. Delicious! Later though, when I got the munchies, I microwaved some of the veggies for a snack and got, well, it wasn't really a surprise, but unpleasantly shocked. I forgot to mention the garlic I put in with the veggies, but I cut a couple of cloves in large pieces and stuck them in with the future vitamins. I left them large so I could recognize them and avoid while eating. They smelled great while cooking and added a pretty nice flavor until, since the room was dimly lit, I chomped on one. I damn near threw up and there's not much chance of me kissing anyone soon.
7/9/5
Rob and Kim and family are alright. Kim and the kids were flying back to the states on the 7th and I was a little worried until I got in touch with Rob later in the day. They left before anything happened. If anyone's going to be in Las Vegas after November, let me know and I'll set up a meet. They're pretty cool people...just don't believe any of the stories...
I got some new wipers for the bug today. I ordered them online via JC Whitney. I used to love looking through that magazine when I was younger. I must be getting old. I can't remember whether dad ever let me put those organ-pipe speakers in the back of the Satellite. Ahh..the days of 8-track sound. He probably still has the 8-tracks somewhere. At least if he kept my notebooks from school, he probably kept something equally as valuable and marginally less embarrassing. Anyway, the wiper blades were too long and as usual the pictorial directions were less than satisfying so I spent probably an hour trying to figure out which of the four adapters was the right one and then attaching it. Probably another hour was spent figuring out how to modify them so they fit well enough to work. Not perfect, but probably better than before. I'll probably just end up doing it again soon as they'll just bake in the sun for the next couple of months anyway, but I did buy four, so I'm covered.
7/7/5
Also, the day after London learns it will host the 2012 Olympics...I'm sure you've seen it on the news. Looks like this one required too much planning to be related to the Olympics...likely G-8 associated although I doubt the rock-throwers are involved.
This article paints a clearer picture of the effect of aid on African life than just about anything else I've read.
7/6/5
...a huge smile on my face...London is hosting the 2012 Olympics!
Happy birthday mom!
I'm listening to the Danish Prime Minister and the President speak about various issues and while I respect all, and agree with most of their opinions...AIDS relief in Africa should not be focused on cheap drugs to keep sufferers alive. I don't want them to die, but in order for the various countries to survive and prosper, AIDS needs to be "prevented". Education should be the emphasis. Without education, keeping AIDS sufferers alive only ensures the disease's propagation. On the plus side, they recognized that aid needs to be directed to countries with legitimate governments.
7/5/5
Man, that sucked! As much as I'd like Lance Armstrong to win the Tour de France again, to get the yellow jersey via such an ill-timed crash...fellow American, but on a different team, David Zabriskie, had a two second lead and during a team time trial, both his team, CSC and Armstrong's, Discovery were running very close. About 2 km from the finish Zabriskie crashed...he finished, but looked like he'll be hurting tomorrow. You could see from his face how pissed off...sad, probably a gamut of emotions. He lost 1:26 in time. Well, he was in yellow for three days and hopefully will be able to recover to finish the race well. It would have been close regardless although most feel that the crash disrupted CSC's rhythym and may have won the trial had it not happened...anyway...congrats Lance!
Happy Independence Day! Hope you all had a good one. I had to work, if you can call it that. I managed to break another cell phone. I need to find a new charging location because, again, I caught the cord between toes when walking by and slammed it to the floor. Anthony loaned me a spare until my new Motorola RAZR comes in. He should have had the guy who had it before me erase all the text messages...interesting stuff.
6/30/5
Nothing more than a rather loud hmmm at the moment, but in something that's been coming for awhile if you pay attention, relations are warming between the US and India/Vietnam. I doubt that it's tactically related to China, but is undoubtedly strategically so. I wouldn't mind working in either local, well, aside from AIDS and bird flu...oh well, I can look. The progression of the ease of migration of bird flu to humans is also something to keep an eye on. Most writing on it seems a bit paranoid at the moment, but I, and probably those who actually know something about it, really know not much about virus mutation.
More background on the policy from apparently one of the architects or implementers...
6/29/5
I don't possess enough sarcastic wit to comment on the general Democratic reaction to the President's speech in an appropriate manner, except to ask for alternative plans of action. That usually shuts them up. It's also among the first things a young man learns about women...it's easy to bitch but often hard to make sense of with a logical mind.
Nate Robinson made it in the first round of the NBA draft. For a 5-7 3/4 point guard, that's pretty good. He was soon traded to the Knicks and I feel Letterman's next show should feature a jump-off between Nate and his 7-0 fellow draftee Channing Frye.
Anyone planning on visiting Aruba soon...aside from rednecks going down to avenge as soon as the twit gets out of jail? You may need to buy a ticket to Holland. It's a sad situation but I'm a little fed up with the excess coverage. It could be applied more productively.
6/26/5
20-19 US with minimal time to go...it's been as tightly contested as I thought it would...and it's over...screwed up lineouts, but they overcame them.
Got lucky there with a fumble to touch near the tryline...
Wyatt needs to throw as well as he runs...nice run...oops, yellow card for the Canadians. Damn, another lost lineout...not all that damaging, but still a lost opportunity. Canadians are on their heels, get it in!
10-6...get the momentum US!
Too many penalties...other than that the effort is good!
Sika looks dangerous! Keep feeding him!
Gotta like Wyatt at hooker, pretty damn quick!
Good point about Schubert, he is the captain and is definitely leading by example....good position for the US at the Canadian 22 with the put in at the scrum.
10-3 US after a Canadian penalty kick.
Excellent run by Schubert and a bit of successful conservatism from Hercus by going for touch instead of a penalty. Viljoen in for the try! Good start for the US, but it was the same against Argentina...10-0 so far...
Cool...first blood to the US on a penalty...3-0. Two in a row? nope...still 3-0. Impressive defense, but a stupid try for a drop goal, maybe not stupid, but terribly unsuccessful.
I can't believe they're putting the mike on the players singing their respective anthems...not much different from the guy singing, meaning dreadful, but the US comes out ahead in my book with a much more difficult song to sing.
Screw it...I'm just going to watch.
The British announcers, and I think they're right are anticipating a very physical match, although I disagree about their prediction of the outcome...take that back...it's 50/50.
Getting ready to watch the US/Canada in the consolation round of the Churchill Cup...lucky that England's "A" side is playing in the championship round or I wouldn't get to see it at all. May or may not keep a running score depending on how it goes...usually a competitive match!
I guess it's time to get back in the gym when you have to make an effort to see yourself pee...I could be more graphic, but I'm sure you can figure it out.
6/24/5
Rest in peace sir! I can't say that I knew him, other than speaking with him at debrief, nodding to him in the gym at PSAB or wondering whether he chewed when he flew when I saw him buying some Copenhagen in Korea, but, like I said, rest in peace and thank you!
NBA finals are over and San Antonio won. Now for the riots...I hope I'm wrong.
6/21/5
Not something I've ever considered, but...I have heard stories about young men receiving fellatio from a calf, but, also having taught them how to suck on a rubber teat with my fingers, can't imagine that was pleasurable.
6/20/5
More lefties on the job! No need to guess how they voted. I've probably done some pretty low things over the course of my life, filling the lock to my boss's secret drawer with superglue, but ruining a funeral for a fallen soldier. You'd think some things would be kind of sacred. Guess not. I'm not a hard core conservative, but even if that's the only alternative to trash like this, I'll still know which is the right choice. I also think that an acceptable alternative to Gitmo would be to release everyone housed there to "blue" states. It might cure a lot of cases of rectalcranialism.
This guy inspired my to try again, not that I'll tell anyone while I practice. I found his site recently via a post advertising the 10 worst album covers and after reading a few of his other posts, noted that we thought, at least, in similar fashions. Get over it if you don't like it, and it may take awhile.
Poor Tommy Cruise got wet...my only regret is that his fiancee(?, I still don't believe she's that stupid) wasn't standing nearby. A wet t-shirt would have been preferable to his ineffectual histrionics. Although I have no statistics other than the crap published online about the popularity of the movie industry waning, I'm glad to see the decline in the amount of money taken in by them. They need to shut up about politics and concentrate on making things worth watching...even though I doubt I'll watch what they make if they do shut up.
I also read somewhere that some members of the exclusive(Billy Bragg and Sinead O'Connor, who used to be cute with a crew cut, by the way) portion of the entertainment industry were criticizing those of the inclusive(Bob Geldof and Bono) for having the gall to discuss issues with elected officials of some of the more powerful nations. What? Do they really expect their whining and ineffectual protests to make a difference. By now, I pretty much treat them as a crying child on a plane flight...tuned out if possible. Any bets on which side has more influence?
I'm not up to commenting on driving around here...or Dick Durbin...some thoughts can't be sanitized without time.
6/18/5
couldn't resist...a reason to drink?
6/17/5
cheers...I'm gone
Just the website, which will remain until those who host it remove my data from their hard drives. I'm still here, just don't feel like doing this anymore. I'll stick to reading about things too disgusting to write about...good luck!
A lot of interesting geology going on...check the links below the story too!
And the hits just keep on coming! I agree with the title.
Finally! I'm finding a lot of good stuff on Rantburg as usual...probably worth a bookmark.
Pinball knuckle? I guess that's what you'd call it. Since I've been too lazy to attempt repair on my real pinball machine, I've been playing some computer versions, particularly Attack From Mars, which, if I ever get another real one, will likely be my choice. Anyway, my index knuckle hurts so I guess I'd better get cracking on the real machine. All it ever did was make my fingers stronger. No progress with the cats. I guess I didn't mix the spices into the meat well enough and scared them off. One of them did try it though and ran away fairly quickly. My latest effort involves cayenne on the places they like to lay. It probably won't work with the furry one, but maybe with the short haired.
Progress in Europe? At least it sounds like there's a chance of it, provided Germany does indeed move to the right this fall.
The Mudville Gazette has links to more examples of the left making things up in their support of a policy they've yet to share with us... other than they're mad that the right guy won the election. Just when you think they can go now lower...
Web connection was more or less down yesterday. I'm still not absolutely certain what caused the problem, but at least it's working now and I have an idea. When I woke up this morning, the modem light was still flashing, then syncing for a few seconds, then flashing again...same symptoms I had all day yesterday. I had been using a splitter to sometimes run a feed upstairs for my laptop and until yesterday hadn't had any problems with it, but I decided to remove it and everything worked...still does, a few hours later. I still haven't found my camera/computer cable, but I haven't looked either. I will say that I'm getting tired of the steak sandwiches, tasty though they are.
This guy's chosen the same side of the issue I support.
6/15/5
Nice thing to do... even more surprising is that a band from Seattle would have the guts to do it. Much as I love the beauty of the state, the inhabitant's politics leave me shaking my head far too often.
The ACLU is complaining that Muslims are being targeted by homeland security. I say good! Don't ignore the rest of the idiots, but please at a minimum investigate them all thoroughly. Were I innocent of any malignant thoughts of the US, I'd have no objections whatsoever to being questioned by anyone, and in fact have been for other reasons.
Anyone wonder who the next big legal case championed by the media will be? I don't, meaning I hope there isn't one.
I was going to post some photos of the tri-tip I just grilled, which was delicious, by the way, but I've misplaced the camera/computer cable, so you'll have to take my word until I get bored enough to find it.. Again I used the method of applying the rub of pouring the rub mix into a ziploc bag and then putting the meat in. This time with no tears though. I was hoping to use the photos to let those of you who try my recipe know just how thoroughly the meat needs to be covered. It really makes the ribs and with a tri-tip, which I slice, the "complete" covering gives you just enough spice to warm the tongue without masking the taste of the tender meat, except for the butt ends of the cut, which require a favorite beverage to tame. Steak sandwiches for lunch for a few days...
6/14/5
Interesting take on the Wales/US rugby match. Other than that, I'm waiting on a tri-tip to thaw, trying to perfect my recipe. So far I use my rib rub and A1 sauce which is a nicely spicy combo, but I haven't perfected the cooking time.
6/13/5
I agree with the concept of debt relief for some nations that appear to have committed to developing their economies beyond corruption, but what will they do? I like the President, and I'm watching him speak as I type, but I don't believe that Congress will work together to solve these problems. It would be nice, but I just don't see it. You'll likely get the nicely phrased leaks from people who should have their clearances pulled but won't, and likely in general, you'll see typical intransigence. They, and I'm not entirely sure I'm speaking strictly about the lefty freaks, seem only concerned with calling the shots, not whether programs that are being proposed might actually help those targeted. I get it, but it sucks.
Finally sick of the cats...I've taken action, however feeble. I had a kilo of hamburger that I didn't eat quick enough and decided to make a peace offering, albeit laced with very generous doses of cayenne, turmeric, hot paprika and sweetened with a topping of cinnamon. I hope they like it, and also that they don't crap all over my patio after they've enjoyed it.
I feel like rambling, which generally means I shouldn't, but wtf...got an email the other day from an old friend from HS who just got a new job and since she's the only chick in the crew, and new, she kind of felt the need to prove herself. How? She took a leak in the bushes...apparently it worked. Those guys would love the cats around here. Anyway, that reminded me of a hiking trip I took with another good child/young adulthood friend and his step dad. His step dad used to take photos for postcards as a side job so we tagged along. It was a lot of fun and three things stand out from the trip. A huge trout from a long, odd looking channel in Frying Pan lake, my ears being completely swollen due to mosquito bites and taking a dump uphill. We decided to tackle a ridge around one of the lakes, I guess because we were kids and didn't know any better. It was a lot of work. We separated along the way and I felt the urge so, seeing a veritable cornucopia of leaves nearby...took the plunge...so to speak. I was pretty young at the time and not exposed to the military, and, wasn't aware, as I should have been from a purely logical standpoint, that shit rolls downhill. Straight onto my boots! Oh well, once my ears subsided, it was a fun trip.
Another good one from Michael Yon. You might as well bookmark it because I'll likely be posting links to everything he writes and that will spare you from reading about scarring incidents from my youth.
The Mariners are pissing me off, get on a roll and lose three straight, granted to one of the hottest NL teams, but they just don't seem to be able to get it done.
I'm too lazy to read the rest of the page to see if I mentioned that the US got spanked severely by Wales in rugby...77-3. I know they're trying to blood some young guns, but it's still disappointing even though Canada got thrashed by nearly the same score...small consolation...plus I have to listen to Rob, who surprisingly has shown up much on messenger...or is that me?
6/12/5
Photos of the soccer balls I sent to Iraq...there's an address there if you'd like to send some yourself. It's the 6/12 post.
Haven't read it yet, but it should be good. What makes a hero? Even better is the use of Led Zeppelin titles for sectioning. Click on the logo at the top to read more. Interesting stuff!
Good news for a change!
6/10/5
I love Wasabi and soy sauce with sushi, the more Wasabi the better, so maybe these are worth a shot. I'll have to see if I can find them online.
6/9/5
A blast from the past...
Just what the doctor ordered...
6/8/5
I've never needed Brian's music quite as much as this guy did, but I can understand why the crowd at his contest gave him an ovation and also the effect it had on him. There's some beautiful music there if you can get behind those beautiful harmonies...which isn't easy to do.
6/7/5
Some things deserve to preserved...to the tune of AC/DC's Back in Black.
6/6/5
Another plug for Michael Yon's site. Almost makes me want to visit.
Cool! The guys in Iraq finally got my soccer balls. There was a website awhile back, can't find it at the moment, that was asking for donations of soccer balls so the troops could make some kids smile. I was getting concerned because the company I ordered them from hadn't let me know they had shipped and yesterday I sent them a "concerned email" asking what was up. Of course, today I got an email from the guy I shipped them to thanking me for 40 balls and 10 pumps. He said he'd send me photos so I'll post them as I get them. I hope they have some smiling kids in them, but really, anything that makes those guys' jobs easier makes me smile.
News you might see on Fox...never on CNN, and certainly not in any of the liberal rags that claim the title "mainstream media". Lack of capitalization intentional, as if they care. A lot of it's good news about Afghanistan, which explains its lack of exposure. There's usually a similar page about Iraq, but I haven't found it yet. There's a lot of reading at the link, so be prepared. Search for Chrenkoff if you're looking for the latest in Iraq. He wrote the Afghan piece as well.
My mistake, about the Koran. I still think they're overreacting.
6/5/5
I'm waiting to see if I'm going to suffer from an ingrown toenail. So far, it looks kind of like the irresistible force meets the immovable object, meaning the toenail is curving up, or cutting through that I can't see, the lump of flesh at the end of my toe. The last doc I talked to about it said to use q-tips to lift it over but there's no space to get anything under it. I've since heard that he was as intelligent as he looked...oh well.
Why is it that there are so many straight-A students and genuinely good people that get kidnapped, kill people, and otherwise create mayhem around the nation? I think it's the intelligence of those asking the questions.
A humorous, at least to me, take on the recent EU constitution referendums...
6/4/5
Not that I have anything against Africans...but isn't this true for the most part? The same could be said for most nations but in a more sly way, meaning they're better at concealing corruption. Similar stories are why I quit donating to charities, except for those that are transparent in their administration. I refuse to support wastrels from the 60's who can't find anything better to do than whine and beg on a national scale and furthermore refuse to donate a single cent to anything associated to the UN, which, in my personal opinion, is a facilitator in the corruption rampant in parts of the world with which they've been involved.
I love pizza delivery, at least once they find my house.
I care less about the koran, or for that matter, the bible, than I do a book I found while a boy scout pretending to run the Napavine library...Isaac Asimov's guide to understanding the biological sciences. At least it contains some facts!
What is the big deal? It seems to me that it was mainly muslims who abused their so-called holy book and so what if some of the guards did. It's a book. Maybe you read it, maybe you don't, maybe you believe, maybe you dont! Just don't expect me to share your idiocy or lack thereof just because I'm out here trying to preserve your right to believe so.
I'll also fart in your general direction on occasion. Sometimes I admit it.
6/2/5
Also, make sure to check out Michael Yon's site for a first hand view of Iraq. This isn't the normal crap you read from those who assemble their reports from the hotel bar in the Green area in Baghdad.
An outrage!! Scroll down to media female mutilation. I mean, who would have watched Friends if this were happening then?
Hero or villain? To me, that depends on how you see former President Nixon. They are individuals of the same stripe. Felt was pissed at being passed over for the director's chair and reacted politically. Just another slimy political(insert you own favorite personal expletive). And of course, now comes the book deal, then, the movie, two more things I'll never see. Family's too deep in debt, time to spill the beans...please dad, even though you're an insufferable prick, we'll tell them you're a teddy bear. It's over, done with...let it rest.
The Dutch have joined the French in failing to ratify the EU constitution. The Belmont Club has a far more thorough analysis than what follows. Also, check this site for part 1 and many other excellent articles. Again, it appears to be the extremities of the right and left who, if not joining hands, at least voted the same way. I pity anyone trying to predict the results of this mess. Although Germany has already ratified it, Schroeder's recent defeat in Rhein Westphalia(sp?), has apparently increased the chances of a friendlier(toward the US) administration there.
Not much going on in this neck of the woods. It finally rained, just a little here, after they advertised the rain for three days. I guess it rained quite a bit near the base because the lake bed(normally dry) I frequently use as a shortcut home had standing water on it when Paul and I went there this morning. Cloudy again at the moment, but no rain so far.
5/30/5
I thought I was being efficient...by dumping my rib and steak rub in a large plastic bag and dropping the filet mignon in and shaking. Sounds efficient right? It was, and very effective, if you don't count the time I spent under the faucet washing my left eye out. Fortunately I had my glasses on and they blocked most of it when I pressed on the bag to remove the air and got some either, or a combination of, paprika, brown sugar, cayenne, salt, chili powder, black pepper, garlic and onion power in the eye. OK now, and heating the grill...
Instapundit's post and links express a lot of my thoughts on the recent French referendum on the EU constitution. My main reason for wanting a no vote was a desire to see Chirac suffer a political defeat. His and other staunch EU supporters' arrogance outweighed the fact that the effect of the constitution would have likely brought the EU closer to a free-market economy.
5/29/5
Starting over again. The other site pissed me off when I tried to make a simple change and it totally screwed up the whole page. Sometimes I lack patience. Sometimes I have too much of it. I've been searching on the web for cat repellent since one of the damn strays around here has taken a liking to pissing on my windshield and most of the rest are annoying beggars. Pellet gun is effective but probably illegal...tempting treats laced with cayenne used to work with garbage cans and dogs, but another interesting option I found was the urine of a larger and more dangerous predator. I found ads for coyote, lion and various breeds of dog urine, but was unsure if the cats here would recognize the scent so... considering the fact that humans are one of the more dangerous predators around I'm considering pissing at the entryway to my patio. If that doesn't work, I may have to buy a bunch of beer and drench the whole thing but I hope not. I'm also a bit leery of trying to hit the roof of my car where the little bastard pees from without spraying the rest of my car worse than the cat does.
