Time to add a new outfit to the pro kill-Americans list.
By virtue of their participation in a lawsuit against AT&T, the NSA and other spook outfits spying on suspected terrorists in the United States, we nominate the Electronic Frontier Foundation to our list of people who should be at the front of the line when the IEDs go off.
You would think that since the bin Laden and Zawahri tapes have been shown to be real and - ergo - the threats therein contained viable - that anybody with convolutions in their gray matter would understand the need for spying on suspected terrorists in order to avoid another September 11.
But not these assholes.
Thanks so verrrry much.
31 January 2006
75th RANGER ANNIVERSARY
February 1 marks the 37th anniversary of the establishment of the modern era 75th Rangers. Today’s unit, the 75th Ranger Regiment can directly trace its heritage to the 13 companies of the 75th Infantry Regiment (Ranger) that was activated by General William Westmoreland on this day in 1969.
The 75th IR was activated in Okinawa in 1954 and traced its lineage to the 475th Infantry Regiment, thence to the 5307th Composite Provisional Unit, popularly known as Merrill's Marauders.
The Viet Nam-era companies were formed out of existing LRRP (long range reconnaissance patrol) and LRP (long range patrol) companies of the 20th, 50th, 51st, 52nd, 58th, 71st, 78th, and 79th Infantry Detachment and Company D, 151st Infantry Long Range Patrol of the Indiana National Guard. Company D, 151st retained its unit identity and did not become a 75th Ranger Company. Companies C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O and P (Ranger) 75th Infantry conducted Ranger missions for three years and seven months every day of the year while in Vietnam.
Some info about my unit — I don’t agree with all of the dates, but the facts are unarguable — can be found here
The 75th IR was activated in Okinawa in 1954 and traced its lineage to the 475th Infantry Regiment, thence to the 5307th Composite Provisional Unit, popularly known as Merrill's Marauders.
The Viet Nam-era companies were formed out of existing LRRP (long range reconnaissance patrol) and LRP (long range patrol) companies of the 20th, 50th, 51st, 52nd, 58th, 71st, 78th, and 79th Infantry Detachment and Company D, 151st Infantry Long Range Patrol of the Indiana National Guard. Company D, 151st retained its unit identity and did not become a 75th Ranger Company. Companies C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O and P (Ranger) 75th Infantry conducted Ranger missions for three years and seven months every day of the year while in Vietnam.
Some info about my unit — I don’t agree with all of the dates, but the facts are unarguable — can be found here
30 January 2006
TWO JOURNALISTS WOUNDED. AND …?
An ABC News cameraman and reporter were wounded by an IED yesterday and you would think — from the media coverage — that this was akin to Ted Kennedy going scuba diving at Chappaquidick.
I’m sure there is one helluva take home discrepancy between a news gatherer and a grunt. Affiliated journalists — generally — make pretty good bucks, and for that money have to assume the same risks the grunts do. C’est la guerre, c’est l’argent.
There have been some really good war reporters — Pyle, Fall and Galloway come to mind — and their passing should be noted (Joe Galloway is still alive, by the way), but they’re just doing a well-compensated job. It ain’t the end of the world when a reporter gets it. Don’t treat it as if it is.
By the way: the rest of the media is already starting to make the reporter half of the duo out to be a mix of the three aforementioned journalists with Audie Murphy thrown in for good measure. Cut the crap; he and the cameraman were standing in armored vehicle hatches reporting the war when a roadside bomb went off. Period.
An Iraqi soldier was also injured in the incident.
To add to the stupidity, ABC news just announced (around 1600 LT) that IED's ("hidden bombs," ABC calls 'em) are the thing GIs fear most.
Gee, ya think so?
I’m sure there is one helluva take home discrepancy between a news gatherer and a grunt. Affiliated journalists — generally — make pretty good bucks, and for that money have to assume the same risks the grunts do. C’est la guerre, c’est l’argent.
There have been some really good war reporters — Pyle, Fall and Galloway come to mind — and their passing should be noted (Joe Galloway is still alive, by the way), but they’re just doing a well-compensated job. It ain’t the end of the world when a reporter gets it. Don’t treat it as if it is.
By the way: the rest of the media is already starting to make the reporter half of the duo out to be a mix of the three aforementioned journalists with Audie Murphy thrown in for good measure. Cut the crap; he and the cameraman were standing in armored vehicle hatches reporting the war when a roadside bomb went off. Period.
An Iraqi soldier was also injured in the incident.
To add to the stupidity, ABC news just announced (around 1600 LT) that IED's ("hidden bombs," ABC calls 'em) are the thing GIs fear most.
Gee, ya think so?
VERY COOL VIDEO
A friend sent this video to me, so I HAD to find the source. There's no audio, so don't worry that it's in German (I think).
Here’s a very cool look at what lengths men will go for toys. Trouble is I want this model plane
Here’s a very cool look at what lengths men will go for toys. Trouble is I want this model plane
28 January 2006
IT’S ABOUT DEMOCRACY …. UNFORTUNATELY
The Hamas victory over the ruling Fatah group in the recent Palestinian elections is probably sending earthquake-size tremors down the backs of democratically elected governments around the world, not the least of which is ours.
Assuming the election was without any massive amounts of fraud, the people have spoken and the fact that they’ve chosen an avowed terrorist group (over a lesser but still avowed terrorist group) doesn’t change the fact that it was democracy in action.
And this is the single most important thing to happen in the Mideast — showing that democracy works. If this election falls to internal internecine warfare, fine, that’s not our problem. But it can demonstrate to all the naysayers in the world that democracy works. You want your country back? Hold a legitimate election.
We may not like, want to work with, support economically, or otherwise deal with who was elected, but if the people elected them, they’re theirs.
Lucky — in this case — there isn’t any oil involved!
Assuming the election was without any massive amounts of fraud, the people have spoken and the fact that they’ve chosen an avowed terrorist group (over a lesser but still avowed terrorist group) doesn’t change the fact that it was democracy in action.
And this is the single most important thing to happen in the Mideast — showing that democracy works. If this election falls to internal internecine warfare, fine, that’s not our problem. But it can demonstrate to all the naysayers in the world that democracy works. You want your country back? Hold a legitimate election.
We may not like, want to work with, support economically, or otherwise deal with who was elected, but if the people elected them, they’re theirs.
Lucky — in this case — there isn’t any oil involved!
26 January 2006
HUMOR FROM THE WAR ON TERROR
I have to thank my friend Ann-Marie for this one. It was only a matter of time until the jokes started flowing, so hopefully this is a cutting edge piece.
It seems that …
… A U.S. Marine squad was marching north of Basra when they came upon an Iraqi terrorist, badly injured and unconscious.
On the opposite side of the road was a Marine in similar but less serious state.
The Marine was conscious and alert and while first aid was being given to both men the squad leader asked the injured Marine what had happened.
The Marine reported, "I was heavily armed and moving north along the highway here, and coming south was a heavily armed insurgent. We saw each other and both took cover in the ditches along the road.
"I yelled to him that 'Saddam Hussein is a miserable, lowlife, scumbag.'
"He yelled back, 'Ted Kennedy is a good-for-nothing, fat, left-wing liberal drunk.'
"So I said, 'Osama Bin Laden dresses and acts like a frigid, mean-spirited woman!'
"He retaliated by yelling, 'Oh yeah? Well so does Hillary Clinton!'
"And, there we were, standing in the middle of the road, shaking hands, when a truck hit us."
It seems that …
… A U.S. Marine squad was marching north of Basra when they came upon an Iraqi terrorist, badly injured and unconscious.
On the opposite side of the road was a Marine in similar but less serious state.
The Marine was conscious and alert and while first aid was being given to both men the squad leader asked the injured Marine what had happened.
The Marine reported, "I was heavily armed and moving north along the highway here, and coming south was a heavily armed insurgent. We saw each other and both took cover in the ditches along the road.
"I yelled to him that 'Saddam Hussein is a miserable, lowlife, scumbag.'
"He yelled back, 'Ted Kennedy is a good-for-nothing, fat, left-wing liberal drunk.'
"So I said, 'Osama Bin Laden dresses and acts like a frigid, mean-spirited woman!'
"He retaliated by yelling, 'Oh yeah? Well so does Hillary Clinton!'
"And, there we were, standing in the middle of the road, shaking hands, when a truck hit us."
24 January 2006
NEWS YOU WON’T HEAR
The Arab minority in southwest Iran set off some bombs as a welcome to the country’s Loony Tunes president yesterday. The meeting that was supposed to be held was cancelled “due to rain.”
The cities of Mahmudiyah, Lutufiyah and Yusufiyah south of Baghdad are finally getting something they have gone without for over eight years — water (Uh, duz that mean they didn’t have water before we came? Yes.). The civic project came courtesy of the US Army.
As of today, January 24, a US Navy/Marine field hospital in Sinkiari, Pakistan has passed the 24,000 patient mark.
CIC and President George Bush said yesterday he will listen to ground commanders, not polls or focus groups regarding force levels in the war theaters.
A 3 ID military policewoman, Sgt. Kareena Lechner, who was wounded in the August 23 mess hall bombing, rejected a transferred and asked to be returned to her unit in Iraq. This young woman — and others like her — exemplify the character that is inherent in the Soldiers, Marines, Navy personnel and Airmen putting their lives on the line in this war.
According to a report on today’s Afghan Islamic Press Online, “hundreds of people including men and women rallied in Herat city on Tuesday against the Spin Boldak bomb explosion that left around 70 people dead and injured. The protesters accused Pakistan of the deadliest bomb explosion in Spin Boldak and alleged that Pakistan has been interfering in the affairs of Afghanistan. They were chanting slogans “Death to terrorism” and “Death to Taliban.””
Al.Jazeera lead today’s on-line edition with a story saying there is “no such thing as international terrorism.” It’s complete with a picture of one of the jets slamming into the WTC. Rot in hell. And these mutts are going to be on cable in the US soon.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned the West of “radical behavior” towards Iran. Die, dog.
The cities of Mahmudiyah, Lutufiyah and Yusufiyah south of Baghdad are finally getting something they have gone without for over eight years — water (Uh, duz that mean they didn’t have water before we came? Yes.). The civic project came courtesy of the US Army.
As of today, January 24, a US Navy/Marine field hospital in Sinkiari, Pakistan has passed the 24,000 patient mark.
CIC and President George Bush said yesterday he will listen to ground commanders, not polls or focus groups regarding force levels in the war theaters.
A 3 ID military policewoman, Sgt. Kareena Lechner, who was wounded in the August 23 mess hall bombing, rejected a transferred and asked to be returned to her unit in Iraq. This young woman — and others like her — exemplify the character that is inherent in the Soldiers, Marines, Navy personnel and Airmen putting their lives on the line in this war.
According to a report on today’s Afghan Islamic Press Online, “hundreds of people including men and women rallied in Herat city on Tuesday against the Spin Boldak bomb explosion that left around 70 people dead and injured. The protesters accused Pakistan of the deadliest bomb explosion in Spin Boldak and alleged that Pakistan has been interfering in the affairs of Afghanistan. They were chanting slogans “Death to terrorism” and “Death to Taliban.””
Al.Jazeera lead today’s on-line edition with a story saying there is “no such thing as international terrorism.” It’s complete with a picture of one of the jets slamming into the WTC. Rot in hell. And these mutts are going to be on cable in the US soon.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned the West of “radical behavior” towards Iran. Die, dog.
23 January 2006
NUKE ‘EM FIRST, PARDNER
I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again. Literally or figuratively, Iran’s nuclear capability has to be destroyed before the whackos running that country either do something in the Middle East or hand off nuclear capability to the other whackos with whom we’re at war.
And if you think that isn’t going to happen you’re a moron, or one of those bullshit, effete Hollywood clowns that are fostering a movie about two gay cowboys on the American public under the guise that it is the height of American culture, history, mores and reality.
Damn. Where the hell is the Duke when we need him?
Screw gay cowboys (hmmm, maybe I ought to re-think that line!) but more importantly: bomb Iran. Worse comes to worse, since Iran is ringing their nuclear plants with their athletes, we'll have a better chance winning the heavyweight class in weight lifting and free style wrestling at the Olympics.
And if you think that isn’t going to happen you’re a moron, or one of those bullshit, effete Hollywood clowns that are fostering a movie about two gay cowboys on the American public under the guise that it is the height of American culture, history, mores and reality.
Damn. Where the hell is the Duke when we need him?
Screw gay cowboys (hmmm, maybe I ought to re-think that line!) but more importantly: bomb Iran. Worse comes to worse, since Iran is ringing their nuclear plants with their athletes, we'll have a better chance winning the heavyweight class in weight lifting and free style wrestling at the Olympics.
WHAT A RELIGION
The more this “cross worshipper” (that’s what the bad guys call us) chases down things going on in the war zones, the more I come to the realization that I’m starting to hate an inanimate religion and all it represents because it fosters, promotes, defends and gave birth to such incredibly medieval MFers.
I’ve been reading some press releases from these mutts and they all start off praising God and all the rest of the religious crap they use to justify murder. Yeah, that’s a classy religion, Islam. Anything that can turn out the warped thinking — that makes the most literal interpreters of the Bible sound nearly sane — that these people use to disguise their psychosis is something that doesn’t deserve air, water, sunlight or defense.
Anyway, I won’t go into the actual press release, because I’ve seen them before. The brave fighters take on an American patrol and kill everybody... ya-dah, ya-dah, ya-dah. I AM thinking, however: since these mutts think this is a religious war maybe it IS time for a Crusade again.
I’ve been reading some press releases from these mutts and they all start off praising God and all the rest of the religious crap they use to justify murder. Yeah, that’s a classy religion, Islam. Anything that can turn out the warped thinking — that makes the most literal interpreters of the Bible sound nearly sane — that these people use to disguise their psychosis is something that doesn’t deserve air, water, sunlight or defense.
Anyway, I won’t go into the actual press release, because I’ve seen them before. The brave fighters take on an American patrol and kill everybody... ya-dah, ya-dah, ya-dah. I AM thinking, however: since these mutts think this is a religious war maybe it IS time for a Crusade again.
20 January 2006
WHAT A RAG
The Washington Post (WAPO) took a blog it runs off line because a reader wrote in that not only Republicans received money from Jack Abramoff, but so did Democrats. (See: “And Then There’s Johnny Dean” below.)
WAPO. What a misuse of perfectly good trees.
WAPO. What a misuse of perfectly good trees.
BUSH vs ANISTON
A survey done by Angler Survey.com noted that of its respondents 28 percent would prefer to fish with George Bush. Only 27 percent chose Jennifer Aniston. Bill Clinton came in at seven percent.
Hmmmmm. I can see the political ramifications of the question, but I also think it says LOADS about the people who spend lots of money chasing critters with the brain the size of pea.
Hmmmmm. I can see the political ramifications of the question, but I also think it says LOADS about the people who spend lots of money chasing critters with the brain the size of pea.
19 January 2006
TRUCE THIS, OSAMA
The son of bitch Osama Bin Laden offered a truce to US in a tape released by Al Jazeera today. By all accounts the tape is real and all I’ve got to say — and I hope all anyone with any kind of mind concurs — is up the damn pressure and bomb these MFers some more.
Getting a little tired of hiding? Maybe like to get that kidney treated in anywhere other than the Third World? Too bad.
Truce, this.
Getting a little tired of hiding? Maybe like to get that kidney treated in anywhere other than the Third World? Too bad.
Truce, this.
MAN I MISS THIS
This comes courtesy of Tim Zimmeran’s Website The Wetass Chronicles which is a very, very cool sort of extreme sports site, but more intelligently done than the usual. Anyway, Tim comes up with a wide range of stuff, and while he and I have chatted on e-mail, he puts enough stuff on his site, that I’ve come to the conclusion we’re a bit like minded when it comes to adventure. Regardless …
He has a BASE jumping item posted and it is SOOOO definitely worth checking out. If my attempts to get back into surfing succeed, I might give jumping another go. This one almost had me crying and made me miss the canopy pop REAL bad.
Check out Cave of the Swallows
He has a BASE jumping item posted and it is SOOOO definitely worth checking out. If my attempts to get back into surfing succeed, I might give jumping another go. This one almost had me crying and made me miss the canopy pop REAL bad.
Check out Cave of the Swallows
ADD ‘EM TO THE LIST
Of pretty flower, rose-colored glass heads. The Human Rights Watch. They claim we “abuse” terrorist prisoners.
And…?
Aside from using as broad a possible definition of the word “abuse,” why don’t these whiners get on their high horses in places like Iran, North Korea, etc., etc.
Oh, I get it. There’s no oil there so … wait a minute. That’s THEIR line for why the US does what it does.
Okay, so how about: "Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival." It’s by Winston Churchill and in case this bunch of idealists haven’t got it yet — WE’RE AT WAR.
And…?
Aside from using as broad a possible definition of the word “abuse,” why don’t these whiners get on their high horses in places like Iran, North Korea, etc., etc.
Oh, I get it. There’s no oil there so … wait a minute. That’s THEIR line for why the US does what it does.
Okay, so how about: "Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival." It’s by Winston Churchill and in case this bunch of idealists haven’t got it yet — WE’RE AT WAR.
18 January 2006
IF IT QUACKS LIKE A DUCK ...
... it must be a horse. At least in Asshole Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) land.
Let’s see… the names of some of the ACLU attorneys and plaintiffs in the ACLU’s suit against the government’s wiretapping of suspected terrorists are Noel Saleh, Mohammed Abdrabboh, Nabih Ayad, and Nazih Hassan.
In case that’s not “interesting” enough, some of these mutts have actually admitted to donating to Hezbollah, supported other known terrorists, etc.
Does anyone see a disturbing pattern here?
Forgive me. It’s mere coincidence.
Oooooo-kay.
More about this tomorrow.
Let’s see… the names of some of the ACLU attorneys and plaintiffs in the ACLU’s suit against the government’s wiretapping of suspected terrorists are Noel Saleh, Mohammed Abdrabboh, Nabih Ayad, and Nazih Hassan.
In case that’s not “interesting” enough, some of these mutts have actually admitted to donating to Hezbollah, supported other known terrorists, etc.
Does anyone see a disturbing pattern here?
Forgive me. It’s mere coincidence.
Oooooo-kay.
More about this tomorrow.
AL QAEDA BOMBMAKER KILLED?
This from The Counterterrorism Blog
ABC News broke the story (I'm sure there was much gnashing of teeth over this!) this afternoon that maybe the CIA hit in Pakistan wasn't such a bad idea after all.
Seems al Qaeda's master bomb maker and chemical weapons expert, Midhat Mursi, a.k.a. Midhat Mursi al-Sayyid Umar, a.k.a. Abu Khabab al-Masri, a.k.a. Abu Khabab, was killed in the attack in Pakistan. A friend in the media with excellent official sources, as well as CNN's David Ensor, report that US government officials can't confirm the killing but won't dissuade the reports either. If true, this is almost as good as killing al-Zawahri; we had a $5 million reward out for Abu Khabab for his long success in training hundreds of terrorists in Afghanistan (including Richard Reid and Zacharias Moussaoui) and plans for chemical WMD attacks.
And another one bites the dust ... I can but hope.
Four jihadist murderers were suspected killed but, taking a page out of the guerilla warfare textbook, the bodies may have been spirited away. Dead is dead, so it works for me, regardless. Let's hear it for Predator attack drones ... for when you want to send only the very best.
ABC News broke the story (I'm sure there was much gnashing of teeth over this!) this afternoon that maybe the CIA hit in Pakistan wasn't such a bad idea after all.
Seems al Qaeda's master bomb maker and chemical weapons expert, Midhat Mursi, a.k.a. Midhat Mursi al-Sayyid Umar, a.k.a. Abu Khabab al-Masri, a.k.a. Abu Khabab, was killed in the attack in Pakistan. A friend in the media with excellent official sources, as well as CNN's David Ensor, report that US government officials can't confirm the killing but won't dissuade the reports either. If true, this is almost as good as killing al-Zawahri; we had a $5 million reward out for Abu Khabab for his long success in training hundreds of terrorists in Afghanistan (including Richard Reid and Zacharias Moussaoui) and plans for chemical WMD attacks.
And another one bites the dust ... I can but hope.
Four jihadist murderers were suspected killed but, taking a page out of the guerilla warfare textbook, the bodies may have been spirited away. Dead is dead, so it works for me, regardless. Let's hear it for Predator attack drones ... for when you want to send only the very best.
17 January 2006
AND ALONG CAME AL …
Former Clinton supernumerary Al Gore wants President Bush investigated for allowing wire tapping and surveillance of suspected terrorists. Nice going Al … any more bright ideas?
Al should adhere to the same advice we gave Dick Clark: Know when to fold ‘em, and KNOW WHEN TO WALK AWAY!
What is it about the overtly passé constantly confirming how passé one is?
Al should adhere to the same advice we gave Dick Clark: Know when to fold ‘em, and KNOW WHEN TO WALK AWAY!
What is it about the overtly passé constantly confirming how passé one is?
16 January 2006
CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE … AGAIN
Damn, but I hate writing this, but New York’s Senator Hilary Clinton is — once again — coming down on the side of the good guys. She’s taking the position that our guys need better body armor. And the lady has the wherewithal to get what she thinks needs to be done done.
Jeez, but it burns me, but I’ve said it — actually to buddies who looked at me like I had three heads — and I’ll say it again. She backs up the right stuff more often than not.
Shut up. Alluhyas.
Jeez, but it burns me, but I’ve said it — actually to buddies who looked at me like I had three heads — and I’ll say it again. She backs up the right stuff more often than not.
Shut up. Alluhyas.
KHYBER PASS
The famous (and infamous) Khyber Pass that runs between Pakistan and Afghanistan has seen virtually every conqueror and loser in history pass through it. LRRP’s World recently received a report that noted that one of the PMCs (private military company) working the area and trying to train the local border guards were having quite a time at it. The local guards (Pashtun tribe) can knock down — we are told — upwards of $40,000 a month (not a misprint) each, by simply ignoring the ebb and flow of people (refugees), arms, etc., between the two countries. When US checkpoints are set up on the Afghanistan side, the traffic - 900-trucks on average transit per day - merely wait the Americans out.
15 January 2006
SURF NEWS
This isn’t really “news” to anyone who’s a surfer, but it just occurred to me to post it to LRRP’s World since I was originally going to sell my boards and end any active participation in a sport that started for me in 1964.
I’ve had a change of heart recently and decided I’ll give it one last shot and see if my shoulders can handle the paddling, and so my 8-6 and my 6-8 both remain firmly clasped in my increasingly stiff little fingers. And the way things are going, I think I’m going to have to lock them up from now on.
But I digress.
Surfboards are going to be a rare commodity for the immediate future because the premier manufacturer of the foam blanks that are shaped to make a surfboards, Clark Foam, abruptly closed their doors in early December and it looks like the company is fini. Shops like Bunger (a Long Island mainstay surf shop) have notices on their Web pages that they’re still making boards, but you can bet the prices have jacked some, and by the summer will be jacked lots more.
If you’re interested in why, there’s a surfeit of articles on the Web. Simply key in “Clark Foam” and you’ll get tons.
Meanwhile, any of you have any sticks in the basement you wanna get rid of, get in touch.
I’ve had a change of heart recently and decided I’ll give it one last shot and see if my shoulders can handle the paddling, and so my 8-6 and my 6-8 both remain firmly clasped in my increasingly stiff little fingers. And the way things are going, I think I’m going to have to lock them up from now on.
But I digress.
Surfboards are going to be a rare commodity for the immediate future because the premier manufacturer of the foam blanks that are shaped to make a surfboards, Clark Foam, abruptly closed their doors in early December and it looks like the company is fini. Shops like Bunger (a Long Island mainstay surf shop) have notices on their Web pages that they’re still making boards, but you can bet the prices have jacked some, and by the summer will be jacked lots more.
If you’re interested in why, there’s a surfeit of articles on the Web. Simply key in “Clark Foam” and you’ll get tons.
Meanwhile, any of you have any sticks in the basement you wanna get rid of, get in touch.
TERRORISTS IN IRAQ? WHAT TERRORISTS?
Although it looks like the Pakistan CIA hit was a miss … though no one’s talking and it will only be confirmed by the non-appearance of al Qaeda’s number two murderer on tape again, other things are brewing that the American people STILL are not seeing reported.
With all the media hand wringing about not finding WMDs and not finding any terrorist connections in Iraq to justify blowing the bastards up, how come we’re not hearing about the translations of hundreds of thousands of documents — accompanied by photographs — that have confirmed that over the four years prior to our invasion of Iraq, Hussein’s government was Terrorist Central with training camps in Samarra, Ramadi, and Salman Pak directed by elite Iraqi military units. Interviews by U.S. government interrogators with Iraqi regime officials and military leaders corroborated the documentary evidence.
The ONLY media to go with the story is The Weekly Standard.
Good ol’ no-media-agenda, tell-it-all-even-if-it-doesn’t-fit-your-politics journalism once again.
With all the media hand wringing about not finding WMDs and not finding any terrorist connections in Iraq to justify blowing the bastards up, how come we’re not hearing about the translations of hundreds of thousands of documents — accompanied by photographs — that have confirmed that over the four years prior to our invasion of Iraq, Hussein’s government was Terrorist Central with training camps in Samarra, Ramadi, and Salman Pak directed by elite Iraqi military units. Interviews by U.S. government interrogators with Iraqi regime officials and military leaders corroborated the documentary evidence.
The ONLY media to go with the story is The Weekly Standard.
Good ol’ no-media-agenda, tell-it-all-even-if-it-doesn’t-fit-your-politics journalism once again.
13 January 2006
AL-ZAWAHIRI DEAD?
Initial reports that errant US fighters bombed a village in Pakistan turns out to be an attack based on CIA intelligence that number two Al Qaeda man Ayman al-Zawahiri was in the vil.
No word on whether the kill was scored, but unverified initial reports say over 15 people were killed in the attack. May take some CSI work to see if the target was taken out.
Next, bin Laden.
Payback’s a bitch.
No word on whether the kill was scored, but unverified initial reports say over 15 people were killed in the attack. May take some CSI work to see if the target was taken out.
Next, bin Laden.
Payback’s a bitch.
AND THEN THERE’S JOHNNY DEAN
Or, Only in America: Part II
From my friends at The Federalist Patriot (see link at right):
"There are no Democrats who took money from Jack Abramoff, not one, not one single Democrat. Every person named in this scandal is a Republican. Every person under investigation is a Republican. Every person indicted is a Republican. This is a Republican finance scandal. There is no evidence that Jack Abramoff ever gave any Democrat any money. And we've looked through all of those FEC reports to make sure that's true." —DNC Chairman Howard Dean
Normally, we'd suggest that Dr. Dean think before he speaks, but that would spoil all the fun. His statement certainly rings true if one doesn't count the 40 Democrat senators who have in fact taken money from Jack Abramoff. Among the Abramoff beneficiaries are Demos Joseph Biden, Barbara Boxer, Hillary Clinton, Byron Dorgan (at least $79,000), John Kerry (at least $98,000), Pat Leahy, Barack Obama and Chuck Schumer, who already has what may well be the largest campaign war chest in Washington.
True to form, many Democrat beneficiaries, like Minority Leader Harry Reid, have no intention of returning the money they received from Abramoff because they maintain that the contributions were perfectly legal. Apparently, the only dirty money is that which Abramoff gave to Republicans.
From my friends at The Federalist Patriot (see link at right):
"There are no Democrats who took money from Jack Abramoff, not one, not one single Democrat. Every person named in this scandal is a Republican. Every person under investigation is a Republican. Every person indicted is a Republican. This is a Republican finance scandal. There is no evidence that Jack Abramoff ever gave any Democrat any money. And we've looked through all of those FEC reports to make sure that's true." —DNC Chairman Howard Dean
Normally, we'd suggest that Dr. Dean think before he speaks, but that would spoil all the fun. His statement certainly rings true if one doesn't count the 40 Democrat senators who have in fact taken money from Jack Abramoff. Among the Abramoff beneficiaries are Demos Joseph Biden, Barbara Boxer, Hillary Clinton, Byron Dorgan (at least $79,000), John Kerry (at least $98,000), Pat Leahy, Barack Obama and Chuck Schumer, who already has what may well be the largest campaign war chest in Washington.
True to form, many Democrat beneficiaries, like Minority Leader Harry Reid, have no intention of returning the money they received from Abramoff because they maintain that the contributions were perfectly legal. Apparently, the only dirty money is that which Abramoff gave to Republicans.
TED, TED, WATCH OUT FOR THE BRIDGE, TED!
Only in America.
Fat mouth liberal, all round bozone producer (that’s a gaseous layer that stops ideas from penetrating) and red nosed ignoranus (someone who is stupid AND an asshole) Ted Kennedy questioning an honorable man, Judge Samuel Alito.
You had to see it to believe it.
Fat mouth liberal, all round bozone producer (that’s a gaseous layer that stops ideas from penetrating) and red nosed ignoranus (someone who is stupid AND an asshole) Ted Kennedy questioning an honorable man, Judge Samuel Alito.
You had to see it to believe it.
CIVIL WAR NEWS
This comes courtesy of the Navy News Service. Scientists at the Naval Historical Center found that a viewport on the left front side of the submarine is completely missing, possibly a catastrophic result of the Hunley’s historic battle with the Housatonic.
For the full story go to Hunley
For the full story go to Hunley
YEAH, WE’RE REEEEAL BAD GUYS
A former Guantanamo prisoner, Rasul Kudaev, who was returned to Russia and later detained there on suspicion of involvement in an October 13 Chechnyan rebel raid, has …well, disappeared. At least that what his mom and lawyers all over the place are claiming.
Do you think this guy wishes — not that he’s in condition to wish anything anymore — he was back at Gitmo in the hands of the cruel and barbaric American military?
Do you think this guy wishes — not that he’s in condition to wish anything anymore — he was back at Gitmo in the hands of the cruel and barbaric American military?
12 January 2006
HE GETS IT, BUT APPARENTLY THE ACLU DOESN’T
From a video of Abu Hamza al-Masri — on trial for a myriad of terrorism-related offenses in England — on why the Western democracies are failing societies.
"The society is crumbling because of democracy — because it gives freedoms to the silly people who do not know how to use freedoms and they end up destroying themselves, their family, their country, their morals, even their humanity."
"The society is crumbling because of democracy — because it gives freedoms to the silly people who do not know how to use freedoms and they end up destroying themselves, their family, their country, their morals, even their humanity."
11 January 2006
RACIST U.S. MILITARY?
Okay, here’s one you’re going to hear mis-reported in the days to come: the report — a relatively strong rebuke — of the institutional ethic of the US military. It was written by British general Brigadier Nigel Aylwin-Foster, and the full report was written up in the US Army magazine Military Review.
Headlines are going to claim a bunch of shit, all of which will be taken out of the context in which the brigadier said it — a favorite tactic of lazy and slanted media. What he said is probably valid or the Military Review wouldn’t have run it, and I don’t doubt it’s opinionated and insightful, but - and the brigadier takes issue with U.S. military/American culture - it is also arrived at by someone from a different culture speaking about a second culture’s reaction to a third culture (i.e., British, American, Iraqi).
But I GUARANTEE one thing: the media will turn the brigadiers comments into things he never said.
Headlines are going to claim a bunch of shit, all of which will be taken out of the context in which the brigadier said it — a favorite tactic of lazy and slanted media. What he said is probably valid or the Military Review wouldn’t have run it, and I don’t doubt it’s opinionated and insightful, but - and the brigadier takes issue with U.S. military/American culture - it is also arrived at by someone from a different culture speaking about a second culture’s reaction to a third culture (i.e., British, American, Iraqi).
But I GUARANTEE one thing: the media will turn the brigadiers comments into things he never said.
INTELLIGENCE
Courtesy of today’s Patriot Post. Mark Steyn is the kind of writer I aspire to be.
"It's very hard to fight a terrorist war without intelligence. By definition, you can only win battles against terrorists preemptively — that's to say, you find out what they're planning to do next Thursday and you stop it cold on Wednesday. Capturing them on Friday while you're still pulling your dead from the rubble is poor consolation." — Mark Steyn
"It's very hard to fight a terrorist war without intelligence. By definition, you can only win battles against terrorists preemptively — that's to say, you find out what they're planning to do next Thursday and you stop it cold on Wednesday. Capturing them on Friday while you're still pulling your dead from the rubble is poor consolation." — Mark Steyn
MORE IMPORTANT: HOWARD STERN OR OUR MILITARY?
This is a bit more convoluted than illustrating simply whether the media knows what “news” is, but I’ll be brief. A report was released that stated that a sizable number of combat troops have died due to inadequate body armor. It was broken on a pro-serviceman’s advocacy group Website called Soldiers for Truth. Ostensibly, Soldiers for Truth carries on Colonel David Hackworth’s campaign to ensure our military have the best of what they need. Hack started getting a little whacky towards the end, I thought, but he always remained concerned for the people in the field, so we’ll leave the who-what-where of that alone for now.
The original story came out of a Pentagon report and was picked up by the Associated Press and seemed to have died there. Then last weekend, The New York Times — that purveyor of anything bad about the Iraq effort — picked it up and were followed by Good Morning America who interviewed some knowledgeable people and then cut the entire story to a blip in order to run an important (my word) and “exclusive” (their word) Howard Stern interview!
This matter also concerns DoD procurement policies, something we’ve discussed here (that ALSO has been ill treated by the media).
The story Our Guys or Howard? is here.
The issue: whether our people have the equipment they need. It also begs a question: at what point does armor (on combat soldiers) become a hindrance?
In Viet Nam I never wore flak jackets (which were NOT bullet proof) or a helmet. I’d been in situations similar to what goes on in Iraq (insofar as heavy small arms fire and exploding ordinance, though the latter was our own … a long screaming story), but never on the prolonged day-in-day-out basis that goes on today, so my opinions on this hardware won’t mean anything as it relates to Iraq.
But if our guys want more, there shouldn’t be any question of when — never mind if — they get it.
The original story came out of a Pentagon report and was picked up by the Associated Press and seemed to have died there. Then last weekend, The New York Times — that purveyor of anything bad about the Iraq effort — picked it up and were followed by Good Morning America who interviewed some knowledgeable people and then cut the entire story to a blip in order to run an important (my word) and “exclusive” (their word) Howard Stern interview!
This matter also concerns DoD procurement policies, something we’ve discussed here (that ALSO has been ill treated by the media).
The story Our Guys or Howard? is here.
The issue: whether our people have the equipment they need. It also begs a question: at what point does armor (on combat soldiers) become a hindrance?
In Viet Nam I never wore flak jackets (which were NOT bullet proof) or a helmet. I’d been in situations similar to what goes on in Iraq (insofar as heavy small arms fire and exploding ordinance, though the latter was our own … a long screaming story), but never on the prolonged day-in-day-out basis that goes on today, so my opinions on this hardware won’t mean anything as it relates to Iraq.
But if our guys want more, there shouldn’t be any question of when — never mind if — they get it.
09 January 2006
EXCELLENT READING
The Jamestown Foundation’s January 9, 2006 Terrorism Report, makes for fascinating reading, especially since there is absolutely NO way mainstream media will touch the themes therein. One article in particular, concerns the infighting and questioning — a rare occurrence by all accounts — amongst jihadists as it concerns the situation in Iraq. These mutts have more names for Americans and President Bush than you can shake a stick at, but apparently — from their own mouths — he’s getting it done.
Check it out at Jamestown
Check it out at Jamestown
ONE NOT SO LITTLE PIECE
An expose about Jim Frey, the author of A million Little Pieces, the latest cause celebre among the literati, thanks to Oprah and others. If you haven’t heard of the book, don’t bother reading the review. If you have, it turns out that nonfiction might very well be fiction. It’s the results of a six-week investigation by The Smoking Gun, a now-Court TV owned investigative web site/e-zine.
Check out Pieces
Check out Pieces
WANTED
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for misuse of the word "American" in its name.
Here’s one coming to you late … I hope you didn’t donate to the ACLU for Christmas (can I say Christmas and ACLU in the same sentence?). Back in early December the ACLU filed a law suit against former CIA director George Tenet challenging the CIA's abduction of a foreign national for detention and interrogation in secret jails outside the U.S.
"Kidnapping a foreign national for the purpose of detaining and interrogating him outside the law is contrary to American values," said Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU.
Hey, Romero, you’re kidding, right? It’s contrary to American values? Is it contrary to Americans staying alive?
What assholes … which is a better use of the letter “A” in ACLU.
Here’s one coming to you late … I hope you didn’t donate to the ACLU for Christmas (can I say Christmas and ACLU in the same sentence?). Back in early December the ACLU filed a law suit against former CIA director George Tenet challenging the CIA's abduction of a foreign national for detention and interrogation in secret jails outside the U.S.
"Kidnapping a foreign national for the purpose of detaining and interrogating him outside the law is contrary to American values," said Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU.
Hey, Romero, you’re kidding, right? It’s contrary to American values? Is it contrary to Americans staying alive?
What assholes … which is a better use of the letter “A” in ACLU.
GITMO SHOULD GO SAY NAZ … ER … GERMANS
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said we should close Guantanamo Bay and find other ways of dealing with “terror suspects.” According to a story in the January 8 Al Jazeera, quoting from an article that ran in Der Spiegel, hunger strikers are being kept alive by force feeding. (The title of the piece is “Crimes in Guantanamo grow more horrific”[sic].)
Okay, class, pay attention. We don’t care about what happens at Gitmo or what the Germans have to say about it because …?
Okay, you in the back.
Excellent answer.
Okay, class, pay attention. We don’t care about what happens at Gitmo or what the Germans have to say about it because …?
Okay, you in the back.
Excellent answer.
AND HAPPY HOLY DAYS TO YOU TOO
According to the Afghan Islamic Press, the deposed leader of Afghanistan and all-round Taliban whack job Mulla Muhammad Omar, called for celebrating the start of the Muslim holy days by blowing up Americans. This was in response to an overture by Afghan President Hamid Karzai to have a chat.
Ya gotta’ love a religion with no leader, and followers who take literal translations of century-old texts and feed them to illiterate people who believe that the local shepherd is a viable aqueduct for the word of God.
I know some Americans have “issues” with the religious right, but they seem like screaming, wide-eyed liberals compared to these loonies. Oh well.
Ya gotta’ love a religion with no leader, and followers who take literal translations of century-old texts and feed them to illiterate people who believe that the local shepherd is a viable aqueduct for the word of God.
I know some Americans have “issues” with the religious right, but they seem like screaming, wide-eyed liberals compared to these loonies. Oh well.
07 January 2006
STUPIDITY KNOWS NO BOUNDS
An editorial in Israel’s Ha’aretz (a newspaper that HAS to be liberal if it includes this kind of junk), posited that perhaps Israel should go the nuclear disarmament route (this is assuming Israel HAS nukes. And if you DON’T think they do, I’ve got some Saudi Arabian water shares to sell you). It’s thinking like this that gets people killed. Especially with the lunatics running Iran.
It consistently amazes me that people will do and say ANYthing to avoid warfare. Yes, it WOULD be lovely if we could all live in peace, but that just ain’t gonna happen with these terrorists and jihadists who’d be happy fighting the Crusades again, and I’d rather — popularly paraphrasing Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest — “be there firstest with the mostest” when it comes to any kind of battle.
It consistently amazes me that people will do and say ANYthing to avoid warfare. Yes, it WOULD be lovely if we could all live in peace, but that just ain’t gonna happen with these terrorists and jihadists who’d be happy fighting the Crusades again, and I’d rather — popularly paraphrasing Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest — “be there firstest with the mostest” when it comes to any kind of battle.
06 January 2006
ANOTHER MYSTERY SOLVED
So I’m getting ready to head off to the NY Boat Show and I’m thinking … what the hell motivates a terrorist? Oil? Water? Vinegar (uh-hah)? Virgins? And suddenly I think … well. Maybe it DOES have something to do with virgins.
Well I don’t know about their virginity, but I may have discovered just who these terrorist expect to run into in the afterlife. These women are Lebanese and quite well-known in the Middle East. They also may offer an explanation why fundamentalists don’t mind blowing up themselves — if your only chance to look under the veil happens when you’re dead, it’s adios Fatima, helloooo Allah.
Here’re recording artists and actresses Maya,Nicole, Carole, and Haifa.
Well I don’t know about their virginity, but I may have discovered just who these terrorist expect to run into in the afterlife. These women are Lebanese and quite well-known in the Middle East. They also may offer an explanation why fundamentalists don’t mind blowing up themselves — if your only chance to look under the veil happens when you’re dead, it’s adios Fatima, helloooo Allah.
Here’re recording artists and actresses Maya,Nicole, Carole, and Haifa.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CROSS …
… a soldier with a Marine? Aside from someone who makes fun of people in the Air Force AND Navy, you get Marine Lance Cpl. Mitchell Pehrson, who received a kidney from Army Spc. Adam Douglas. The two are brothers-in-law.
See, the Army ALWAYS has to pull the Marines out of the fire!
See, the Army ALWAYS has to pull the Marines out of the fire!
05 January 2006
MIDDLE EAST REPORT FOR 1-5-06
News of Frodo and Gandalf, et al, would be in the Middle EARTH report, NOT the Middle EAST report. Meanwhile ...
The top story on Aljazeera’s Website is a rehash of claims that the Israelis were responsible for September 11, 2001 attacks and that Osama bin Laden was an uninvolved scapegoat. The terror bombings in Iraq, Israeli PM Sharon’s stroke, and Iran’s missing an International Atomic Energy Agency meeting played second fiddle followed by a claim that we could use nuclear weapons — they call them WMDs as well — to destroy Iran’s nuclear stockpile. These guys really don’t get it … we won’t NEED to use nuclear weapons if we hit them NOW.
One of the three top stories in today’s Teheran Times concerns predictions for 2006 in the US. It notes, “The country could impeach Bush or declare him emperor and establish a ruling dynasty,” going on to compare the convoluted plot of the movie “Syriana” (for some reason George Clooney has decided to go the way of Tom Cruise, Oliver Stone, et al.) with reality in the US. That ought to give you some insight into the politics inherent to “Syriana” and Clooney. That’s what I strive to achieve as a means of marking success: becoming the source of quotes and story generation in the Arab press.
The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) top tales for today concern Iran and it’s rights to pursue nuclear viability. I know IRNA is an Iranian mouthpiece regardless of its grandiose name (note the clever interpolation of letters. Rearrange them and they spell IRAN. Why, I should be in the CIA), but they don’t even mention the terror bombings in Iraq. No mention of Clooney or Syriana either.
The Syria Times hasn’t updated its front page list since January 3.
Cruising around elsewhere I read the tale of the “Martyr Mom,” Umm Nidal Farhat, who mothered three Hamas terrorist sons all of whom were killed while participating in “martyrdom” operations against the Israelis. She’s really quite proud of her sons and is a much-respected figure in Arab society. This is the kind of crap we’re supposed to be treating like human beings. This also should bring the inherency/learned debate to a close. Apparently you can teach anybody to like ANYthing.
The top story on Aljazeera’s Website is a rehash of claims that the Israelis were responsible for September 11, 2001 attacks and that Osama bin Laden was an uninvolved scapegoat. The terror bombings in Iraq, Israeli PM Sharon’s stroke, and Iran’s missing an International Atomic Energy Agency meeting played second fiddle followed by a claim that we could use nuclear weapons — they call them WMDs as well — to destroy Iran’s nuclear stockpile. These guys really don’t get it … we won’t NEED to use nuclear weapons if we hit them NOW.
One of the three top stories in today’s Teheran Times concerns predictions for 2006 in the US. It notes, “The country could impeach Bush or declare him emperor and establish a ruling dynasty,” going on to compare the convoluted plot of the movie “Syriana” (for some reason George Clooney has decided to go the way of Tom Cruise, Oliver Stone, et al.) with reality in the US. That ought to give you some insight into the politics inherent to “Syriana” and Clooney. That’s what I strive to achieve as a means of marking success: becoming the source of quotes and story generation in the Arab press.
The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) top tales for today concern Iran and it’s rights to pursue nuclear viability. I know IRNA is an Iranian mouthpiece regardless of its grandiose name (note the clever interpolation of letters. Rearrange them and they spell IRAN. Why, I should be in the CIA), but they don’t even mention the terror bombings in Iraq. No mention of Clooney or Syriana either.
The Syria Times hasn’t updated its front page list since January 3.
Cruising around elsewhere I read the tale of the “Martyr Mom,” Umm Nidal Farhat, who mothered three Hamas terrorist sons all of whom were killed while participating in “martyrdom” operations against the Israelis. She’s really quite proud of her sons and is a much-respected figure in Arab society. This is the kind of crap we’re supposed to be treating like human beings. This also should bring the inherency/learned debate to a close. Apparently you can teach anybody to like ANYthing.
IRAN ANON
Since I started LRRP’s World I’ve been saying this country needs to address Iran and Syria as the next hotspots in the Middle East. Well, the media has finally jumped on the story and is reporting that Iran “may” be the next hotspot for 2006. The reportage hasn’t taken any stand — until the media can figure which way the wind is blowing.
Hit Iran NOW, hit them HARD and screw UN, EU or left wing sanctions or sanctimony. No additional troop deployments, just smack the crap out of Iran’s quasi-civilized leadership from the air, and if we lose a single pilot, smack the crap out of them once more for good measure.
The wind you’ll feel will be from the Syrian border slamming shut.
Two problems solved — infiltration from Syria tightened to a trickle and Iranian leadership running around like the proverbial headless chicken. This is not a simplistic solution. You may end up with a fundamentalist government, you say? So what. Hit THEM if they stick their noses out beyond their borders.
It’s called — as I’ve noted — American Exceptionalism. We actually DO know what’s best. If you’re a US citizen and don’t like that concept, go somewhere else where ingratiating yourself to special interests is god.
Take Iran’s comic book — but nonetheless deadly — leadership out of the Middle East equation NOW.
Hit Iran NOW, hit them HARD and screw UN, EU or left wing sanctions or sanctimony. No additional troop deployments, just smack the crap out of Iran’s quasi-civilized leadership from the air, and if we lose a single pilot, smack the crap out of them once more for good measure.
The wind you’ll feel will be from the Syrian border slamming shut.
Two problems solved — infiltration from Syria tightened to a trickle and Iranian leadership running around like the proverbial headless chicken. This is not a simplistic solution. You may end up with a fundamentalist government, you say? So what. Hit THEM if they stick their noses out beyond their borders.
It’s called — as I’ve noted — American Exceptionalism. We actually DO know what’s best. If you’re a US citizen and don’t like that concept, go somewhere else where ingratiating yourself to special interests is god.
Take Iran’s comic book — but nonetheless deadly — leadership out of the Middle East equation NOW.
FOR DIVERS
Got this from Cyber Divers News Network, CDNN a site I check in on once in a while even though I’m pretty much done with diving. They’re a bit rabid on some subjects such an environmentalism and third world tourism, but the site’s heart seems to be in the right place. CDNN runs a poll feature, Scuba Poll, that has some interesting questions (it’s also a good way to note how a poll answers can be phrased to arrive at a specific answer), and is worth a look on a regular basis.
One of the site’s pet peeves has been the Natalee Holloway abduction/murder/whatever. You can find the current (no pun!) poll numbers and vote yourself on this and oterh topics by clicking on the Lost in Aruba link.
One of the site’s pet peeves has been the Natalee Holloway abduction/murder/whatever. You can find the current (no pun!) poll numbers and vote yourself on this and oterh topics by clicking on the Lost in Aruba link.
04 January 2006
IT WASN'T HIS TIME - ONE MINER LIVES
Eleven of the 12 miners trapped in a mine explosion in West Virginia were found dead this morning of carbon monoxide poisoning. The 12th was in critical condition in an area hospital. The explosion at the Sago coalmine, located 140 miles south of Pittsburgh, occurred at 6:30 a.m. on January 2. One theory for the explosion is that it was triggered by a lightning strike.
03 January 2006
STARTING THINGS OFF
I hope all of you had a safe and fun New Year’s Eve and got a jumpstart on your resolutions. I’ve been busy since the get-go, so I’ll be brief and may not be providing much fodder for the next week or so. Of course that could change as soon as I start scanning the Mideast reports but anyway …
Ups So Far
King Kong. In this three hour-plus version of the big ape story, I went in with much trepidation figuring my ADD self wouldn’t be able to sit still that long. Even though you know the tale, the time goes fast. There’s one part while the crew is searching for the kidnapped Ann Darrow that could have been left out and cut maybe five or 10 minutes from the movie, but other than that, it was well done, entertaining, and worth a look on the big screen. Thumbs up.
The New York Giants. They beat the Oakland Raiders in a game that naturally shouldn’t have been as close as it was, Tiki had another exemplary game carrying the offense, and some picked up subs for the injured starters did yeoman work and kept the Giant defense in the game. The end result? The G’ints won and get home field for the Carolina Panthers this Sunday at 1 p.m. LRRP’s World is picking the Giants (there’s a surprise).
Downs So Far
Dick Clark. I know this isn’t going to be PC, but as “valiant” and “courageous” as Dick Clark’s performance was on New Year’s Eve … man, you gotta’ know when to fold them. And the “when” was before New Year’s Eve 2006. Clark has been a television institution of sorts, but stroke recovery or not, that performance bordered on appalling (jaw dropping would have been more descriptive of our reaction, but would probably be in bad taste!). It’s too bad he’ll go out being remembered that way, but apparently ego knows no limits. And for those of you who didn’t witness this debacle, the media treated it — at best — totally unrealistically. Then again, what else have we come to expect?
Miners Trapped. Thirteen miners are stuck in a coal mine in West Virginia. Now THAT is a rough occupation. As of this morning it doesn’t sound good for their survival, but hope and fortitude often succeed when all else fails. Our prayers for them and for their families. I’ve caved with some guys who specialize in this kind of rescue work and the stories they tell go beyond heroic … and most are volunteers. I wish them well also.
Ups So Far
King Kong. In this three hour-plus version of the big ape story, I went in with much trepidation figuring my ADD self wouldn’t be able to sit still that long. Even though you know the tale, the time goes fast. There’s one part while the crew is searching for the kidnapped Ann Darrow that could have been left out and cut maybe five or 10 minutes from the movie, but other than that, it was well done, entertaining, and worth a look on the big screen. Thumbs up.
The New York Giants. They beat the Oakland Raiders in a game that naturally shouldn’t have been as close as it was, Tiki had another exemplary game carrying the offense, and some picked up subs for the injured starters did yeoman work and kept the Giant defense in the game. The end result? The G’ints won and get home field for the Carolina Panthers this Sunday at 1 p.m. LRRP’s World is picking the Giants (there’s a surprise).
Downs So Far
Dick Clark. I know this isn’t going to be PC, but as “valiant” and “courageous” as Dick Clark’s performance was on New Year’s Eve … man, you gotta’ know when to fold them. And the “when” was before New Year’s Eve 2006. Clark has been a television institution of sorts, but stroke recovery or not, that performance bordered on appalling (jaw dropping would have been more descriptive of our reaction, but would probably be in bad taste!). It’s too bad he’ll go out being remembered that way, but apparently ego knows no limits. And for those of you who didn’t witness this debacle, the media treated it — at best — totally unrealistically. Then again, what else have we come to expect?
Miners Trapped. Thirteen miners are stuck in a coal mine in West Virginia. Now THAT is a rough occupation. As of this morning it doesn’t sound good for their survival, but hope and fortitude often succeed when all else fails. Our prayers for them and for their families. I’ve caved with some guys who specialize in this kind of rescue work and the stories they tell go beyond heroic … and most are volunteers. I wish them well also.
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