Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Obama Love

A German reporter placed herself inside the gym to catch a glimpse of Obama has he worked out. This is from her report.

theObamaSeason

Hi, how’s it going?“ asks Obama in his deep voice. My heart beats. “Very good, and you?” I say. Obama replies: “Very good, thank you!”

-snip-

He goes and picks up a pair of 16 kilo [32 lb] weights and starts curling them with his left and right arms, 30 repetitions on each side. Then, amazingly, he picks up the 32 kilo [70 lb] weights! Very slowly he lifts them, first 10 curls with his right, then 10 with his left. He breathes deeply in and out and takes a sip of water from his 0,5 litre Evian bottle.

Ah Love is in the air.

A romance novel in the making.

I wonder if they know

I wonder if the person who wrote this comment knows that he just did what he condemned?

The talk-radio ogres blame all of our problems on liberals. They portray them as an infection of America's moral fiber. Constant scapegoating of any group could have unintended consequences, but they are consequences nonetheless.

Here we have a person who is condemning scapegoating while at the same time scapegoating talk-radio. Brilliant. This is all in response to the tragic shootings in  Knoxville, Tennessee. On a blog (The Huffington Post) that is all about scapegoating conservatives, It is easer to blame a group where you've invested your hatred then to just say one man did this. This is true for everyone, the killer, the people at the Huff-post, and even the people at talk-radio.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

He is wrong again

Senator Obama has claimed during his trip abroad that our war in Iraq has weakened our standing with our Allies. I have here a list of Allies who are standing side by side with us in Iraq.

albania Albania

the Albanian contingents have conducted operations in the vicinity of the Mosul Airfield in order to minimize the threat to inbound and outbound aircraft. Throughout 2006, Albania has maintained a presence with approximately 120 soldiers, an infantry company and two Special Forces teams.

armenia Armenia

The Armenian Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Mission in Iraq began in January 2005 when the first contingent arrived in Multi-National Division – Center South and was stationed at Camp Delta, near Al Kut, Iraq.

australia Australia

Since July 2003, Australia has deployed more than 5,180 total personnel to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  These forces have been deployed to support rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Southern Iraq and to provide force security.

azerbaijan Azerbaijan

Since 2003, Azerbaijan has deployed over 900 troops to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They currently have an infantry company at the Hadithah Dam embedded with the United States Marines, providing perimeter security and force protection for the Hadithah Dam in order to facilitate an uninterrupted power supply and irrigation of the Al Anbar province

bosniaandherzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina has provided the Coalition with an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Platoon since joining the coalition in May 2005.  Their first duty station was Fallujah, Iraq.

bulgaria Bulgaria

Bulgaria provided forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2003 until December 2005.  After a short hiatus, Bulgaria rejoined the Coalition in March 2006 with an infantry company embedded with the United States Army at Camp Grizzly in Ashraf, Iraq.

czechrepublic Czech Republic

Since 2003 the Czech Republic has deployed a total of 1,633 troops to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  During 2006, the Czech contingent provided instructors to the Iraqi Police Academy in Basrah, training future Iraqi police.

 denmarkhi Denmark

Since 2003, the Danish forces have completed more than 680 Civil Reconstruction projects with an overall budget of $3.2 million. In 2006 alone, the Danes have initiated 78 projects with a budget of $800,000 and been involved in other rebuilding projects in close cooperation with local councils with a budget of $1.1 million. The main effort of the Danish forces has been geared towards the refurbishing and building of schools, infrastructure, and fresh water facilities.

elsalvador El Salvador

Since August 2003 El Salvador has deployed more than 3,000 troops to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  El Salvador’s troops were initially deployed as a part of the Latin America Brigade and stationed in the vicinity of An Najaf.  They later moved to Al Hillah and later still to their current station at Camp Delta, Al Kut, Iraq.

estonia Estonia

Since January 2006 the Estonian Special Forces Platoon has conducted over 300 combat patrols into Baghdad and Western Abu Ghraib.  During these patrols the teams have seized weapons, ammunition and detained person’s of interest.

georgia Georgia

Since August 2003 Georgia has rotated over 3,954 troops into Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The currentGeorgian contingent is divided into two parts, the first is a Special Forces Light Battalion stationed at FOB Warhorse near Baqubah, Iraq.  The tasks that this battalion have been assigned include providing security to two important bridges and providing base security for FOB’s Warhorse, Caldwell and Gabe.  The second contingent, a Light Battalion, is stationed in the International Zone in Baghdad and provides security for the United Nations Assistance Mission – Iraq.

japan Japan

The Japanese Reconstruction Teams operated out of As Samawah in Al Muthanna Province assisting the Iraqi civilians to rebuild their infrastructure.  In the two and a half years that the Japanese were stationed in As Samawah, they provided assistance to a wide range of projects including medical services, potable water provision and repair work on the public infrastructure, such as roads and schools.  These efforts resulted in easily noticed improvements and rehabilitation of the local infrastructure and the creation of numerous job opportunities.  The Japanese forces, on average, created approximately 6,600 job opportunities per day or about 500,000 during the length of their tour.  Furthermore, they were instrumental in beginning construction on a major power plant in As Samawah which, once completed, will dramatically increase the power output for the area.  Japan has contributed over $1.2 billion thru the end of 2006 towards reconstruction of Iraq.

kazakhstan Kazakhstan

Since 2003 Kazakhstan has provided an essential EOD capability to the Coalition and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Tasked with searching for and destroying any unexploded ordinance within their AOR, the Kazak’s have searched and cleared, since March 2006, over 170,000 square meters.  In addition to clearing their AOR, the Kazak EOD Team was tasked with destroying all ammunition located in caches or captured in raids.  During this time they also provided instructors to teach the Iraqi Security Forces EOD techniques and practices.

southkorea South Korea

The Republic of Korea is one of the most valued members of the Coalition and has achieved truly phenomenal results in Multi-National Division-Northeast.  With the motto “We Are Friends” the Zaytun Division has compiled a remarkable record of achievements since they began their Civil-Military Operations in Iraq in September 2004.  The Koreans have established and advance literacy programs, built community centers and hospitals and provided training for the Iraqi Army and Police units in their AOR.

lithuania Lithuania

Since 2003 Lithuania has provided a total of 685 troops to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The Lithuania contingent is deployed to Camp Echo in Ad Diwaniyah with an infantry platoon stationed in Basrah, Iraq and staff officers assigned to Multi-National Force – Iraq in Baghdad, Iraq.  In addition to conducting combat patrols, QRF missions and manning checkpoints, the Lithuanian forces have initiated three CIMIC projects and provide medical assistance to the local Iraqi civilians.  In addition to being part of the Coalition, Lithuania also provides personnel to the NATO Training Mission – Iraq.

macedoniahi Macedonia

Since June 2003 Macedonia has provided a total of 259 troops to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Alternating between Ranger and Special Forces the current contingent comes from the Special Forces and consists of three teams.  The Macedonian forces have conducted a variety of missions in support of the United States Army unit in which they are embedded.

mongolia Mongolia

Since joining the Coalition, Mongolia has provided a total of 828 troops to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Initially deployed to Camp Charlie at Al Hillah, the Mongolian forces were later moved to Camp Echo in Ad Diwaniyah where they remain today.  Mongolia provides Force Protection to Camp Echo 24/7, manning guard towers and entry control points.  Mongolia’s contribution has been invaluable in that their mission allows for other forces to conduct security patrols without having to provide personnel for base security as well.

poland Poland

Poland has provided the Command Element since 2003 for Multi-National Division – Center South at Camp Echo, Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq.  Over 10,500 Polish troops have served in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since 2003.  In addition to the Division Command Element, the Polish Brigade Combat Team is made up an Infantry Maneuver Group, an Aviation Group, Military Police, CIMIC and MITT units.  The Polish contingent, and the various coalition country contingents assigned to MND-CS, has provided security to the Iraqi inhabitants of their AOR and have restored infrastructure and facilities, delivered humanitarian aids and trained units of the Iraqi Army, Police and Border Police

romania Romania

Since August 2003, Romania has deployed over 5,200 troops to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Assigned to two different Multi-National Divisions, Romanian forces have provided intelligence support to Multi-National Division – Center South by conducting HUMINT Missions, Interrogations, Screenings, Reconnaissance and Surveillance Missions and operating UAV platforms.  In Multi-National Division – Southeast Romanian forces provide base security, provide MSR Security and a QRF in Basrah, and conduct training and monitoring of the Iraqi Army units

ukraine Ukraine

Since August 2003, Ukraine, who originally had deployed an Infantry Brigade, has deployed over 5,800 troops to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Later reduced to a Police Training Team, the Ukrainian trainers work with the Iraqi Border Police along the Iraq-Iran border, providing advice, teaching and training the two Iraqi Border Police Brigades in their AOR.

unitedkingdom United Kingdom

The UK is responsible for Multi-National Division – Southeast and headquartered in Basrah, Iraq.  During their participation with the Coalition, the British forces have conducted Combat Patrols, Search and Arrest Missions, CIMIC Projects and Trained, Equipped and Mentored Iraqi Army, Police and Border Police units.  In addition, the first two Provinces to migrate to Provincial Iraqi Control, Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar, are part of MND-SE’s AOR and are closely watched and supported by the British command

Has victory draws near may those who had not the courage to stand with us in war find the strength to work with us in peace.

Sunday Snapshot: The Tree and the llamas

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Has always more photos can be found on my Flickr site.

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Don't forget to keep checking back every week for your chance to win a free 4x5 print. click here for the rules.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Our Guys Rock!!!

Well it might be our guys, might not.

A mysterious explosion in a suburb of Teheran that killed 15 people last Saturday was likely an attack on a Iranian military convoy carrying arms to Hizbullah, the Telegraph reported Friday.

Just a note: In the war on terror I think of Israeli troops has our guys too. I do not believe that we will win the war on terror until we change the leadership in Iran, one way or another. On september 10 2001 Hizbullah had killed more Americans than any other terror organization.

5000 hits

Thanks gang, I've reached another blogger milestone.

5000hits

But I've devolved, I'm back under the microscope.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Bud Granley Flying

This is one of the videos I made from Saturday’s Air show, and yes I got sunburned. More Videos are on my YouTube page.

Bud Granley Flying his Canadian T6 fighter trainer at the McChord Air Expo Saturday 19 July 2008. Set to the music "Window To Your Soul" by Delerium.


Correction courtesy of "The Old Man" in comments

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Time to call a congressional hearing

LantosnotHearing

Oh never mind it's about democrats.

"There's something there that just doesn't seem right to me because, in a sense, you're saying then that the officials who pass the laws are not willing to live by them, and that concerns me," Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz said.

The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee in Denver has been using city gas for their vehicles. They've had a contract since March, but this came to public knowledge after DPW officials asked for permission to get reimbursed from the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee for the gas they've used at a weekly meeting with the mayor and city council .

Ht: HotAir.com

Monday, July 21, 2008

I have evolved, again

Houseforhermitcrab This is the second time I have risen from the throngs of Multicellular Microorganisms. This time I didn't climb quite so high, lets hope I stay with my fellow Crusty Crustaceans for more than a few days, Thanks to all my many readers. (waves to Anna) And my porch mates. And everyone else who stops to read my poorly formed sentence formations.

And for fun here are a few of my fellow crustaceans, chosen mostly at random

A thing so small

A day in the life with the George's

Lady of Grace

Of course you'll get pregnant

In Christ Alone

 The Sephardi Safari

Revolutionary Marxist (a true believer)

The photo is from the cover of the children's book, "A House for Hermit Crab" by Eric Carle

McChord Air Expo The Movie

Sunday, July 20, 2008

At the McChord Air Expo

There was lots of really cool stuff to take pictures of.

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And of course the headliner of the show the US Air Force Thunderbirds!

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I had lots of fun but I have to know, anyone got a good fix for Sunburn?

I'm working on a video so stay in touch.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Quote of the week

The New York Sun

Here's egg on your face Senator Reid!

harryreid The Iraqi government has met all but two of the political benchmarks Democrats trumpeted as proof of defeat six months ago.

[T]he Democrats seek to claim a political victory made possible by the military one they tried so hard to prevent.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

What I'm doing this weekend

The McChord Air Expo

USAF-Thunderbirds-6d

It's Free!

As a thank you to the Puget Sound communities, which have given McChord tremendous and unwavering support, the Air Expo 2008 will be a world-class event. In addition to a number of civilian and military flying acts and numerous static displays, the show features the Air Force's world-renowned aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds.

At McChord Air Force Base. Photos and "hopefully" a video to follow.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Another gem from Theo Sparks

Penguins

You can't be in the new Al Gore movie if you don't sign the release.

Visit Theo to add your own caption (not always safe for work)

Not Gonna Happen


The starting bid on the Hering-Bau automatic public toilets is $89,000 each.



seattle_toilets




89k for something that cost King County a million 500,000 dollars each (plus millions of dollars in up keep) and my guess is it's not gonna sell at that price, they are not in good shape. It was a flop when they brought them it's going to be a flop when they sell them, and the tax payers are the ones being flushed.






On May 19, the City Council voted 5-0 to remove the problem toilets. Four council members were not present. Council President Richard Conlin said although people were using the high-tech, self-cleaning silver stalls, they also fostered illegal behavior, such as prostitution and drug use.


HT; Orbusmax


Update: 2 full days, no bids, only 8 days left. Here's your best chance to get your very own Automated Public Toilet. Here are the details posted on the e-bay site for the Pike Place Market toilet.



The City of Seattle is making available its surplus inventory of five (5)
industrial-grade, automated public restroom facilities. This auction is
for one (1) unit only - check our other auction for the remaining 4
lots.
This automatic public toilet (APT) was made by
Hering-Bau
International
of Germany. These units were installed in
several locations around the city of Seattle in March of 2004 and have seen
moderate, average use since then. City officials have decided to pursue
other options for public bathrooms and are now offering the APTs for immediate
surplus sale.
The APT offered in this auction is located near
the Pike Place Market (S/N: 103). The other units are
located near the Elliot Bay waterfront, in Pioneer Square, in the
International District and on Capitol Hill.
Purchasing a pre-owned APT
can offer significant savings for any company, municipality or other agency
considering such facilities, as the cost per unit new is approximately
$500,000.


Worth a visit just for the demo video.
Corrections: changed initial cost of APTs from 1,000,000 to 500,000$. I stated the estimated cost of operations has “millions of dollars”.
Update: less than 3 hours left, no bids.

Now what?