Helpful -- I'm a coffee moron.

I usually drink tea. But in Costa Rica, we drank coffee all the time and bought a ton of coffee to give as gifts. I was looking for a site that would teach me how to make it right, and realized that by putting a container of it in the freezer, I was being very stupid. In fact, I apparently have "no more brains than a bag of hair" and should go to hell and die.

So I've got that going for me, which is nice.

Interesting --Tidbit about Costa Rica

Everyone there still thinks Michael Jackson is the King.

Tsunami relief

The United Methodist Committee on Relief has workers on the ground. Click here to donate.

Helpful -- More dining certificates

Restaurant.com has 50% off this time around. Discount code is 53721.

Helpful -- Resolutions

Time to check back on last year's resolutions and adjust for 2005:

Health/Fitness: Run 4 10K's, wear 36" pants. Didn't happen. Only ran 1 race this year. True, most races are on Sunday mornings, and my church responsibilities this year kept me quite busy, but I completely dropped running and subsequently ballooned up. Yeah, I know I hide it well, but thanks to Men's Health, I now know that guys my size have what's called visceral fat, fat that attaches to internal organs and such. Not healthy.

Reading: 12 books. I did a bad job of tracking this, but I know I made this one. Favorite book of the year was Moral Politics by George Lakoff. I have much more to say about Lakoff -- I just haven't put in the hours I need to actually organize it into writing. As Cindy will tell you, I can babble about it for hours, but that's what vacation is for, right?

Blogging: I began the blog in February, and have always seen it as something fun to do, but this year, I would like to take it more seriously. I will still have plenty cheap posts with tawdry links and such, but I would like to double my word count. In 2004, I posted 14,000 words. This year I'm shooting for 30,000. I figure that if I'm going to run for office or become a speechwriter or some other powerful liberal elitist power broker, I'd better start acting the part. Letters to the editor, an essay or two. Gotta start somewhere.

So, here's the plan for 2005:

Fitness: Work out 4X a week. I'm not far from this average right now, but it should be non-negotiable. 36" pants
Reading: 20 books. My "Do-it-Yourself Poly Sci Degree" won't be easy -- there are a lot of textbooks I still need to get to make this work, but it should be fun.
Advocacy: The Democratic Party and the United Methodist Church will get the bulk of my attention this year.
Career: Work hard at Kaplan, see what shakes out.
Blogging: 30,000 words.

Bring it on.

Interesting -- Liberal academic elites

Well, at least interesting to me.

A small request

Mr. Torry Holt, would you please catch 2 touchdown passes tonight for at least 90 total yards? I'd really appreciate it.

UPDATE: Thanks for nothing, bro.

I + H -- Costa Rica pics!

This link should work. You'll have to sign in through ofoto to view them. Disfruta!

Helpful -- Dear Santa

Please bring this for Indigo for Christmas.

Interesting -- childhood fun

Letters!

I+H -- Holiday update from Phil

There are some updates from Iraq that I'll be posting later. I just haven't had a chance to get through my e-mail box after the vacation. Here is a letter I received today, though.

Phil writes:

Hello everyone!

Well, another month down! By the time I send this I will have less than four to go. Most of the Marines here, including me, are ready to go right now, especially after being away during the holidays. It will come soon enough though. There is already some excitement building because the Army unit who is replacing us has sent an advanced party and they are expanding the base.

I can't complain too much. This past month, although we were very busy, was relatively quiet for MST 1. We only have had two IED's hit us (no injuries or vehicle damage) and no one has ambushed us since the last time I wrote (knock on wood). I know the other teams and companies have had more happen but, all in all, things are getting better. There was one stretch of road that we called IED Alley because of all the IED's that were planted there. Thanks to some new ING (Iraqi National Guard) checkpoints and a permanent Marine presence in the area, an IED has not been found for almost a month.

Speaking of the ING, they and the IP (Iraqi Police) have improved significantly since I have been here. There are more of them for one thing and the training they are doing with us has improved their discipline and skill level. That has been one of the most encouraging things I have seen. I have high hopes for them during the elections!

I am doing as well as can be expected. Like I said, we have been very busy. We go out on at least one mission every day, sometimes more. The mission themselves last an average of eight to ten hours. I have gotten used to the routine but it takes it toll on you. Some mornings it is very hard to find something to look forward to but all I have to think about is my friends and family. At the end of the day I always know it will be one day closer to seeing all of you again.

I do have one new complaint that I thought would never cross my lips while in Iraq. I am FREEZING! Sitting here typing this letter on my laptop in my rack (bed for you non-military types) I am shivering and my hands are so cold it is hard to type. Today it was even sleeting. This is supposed to be a desert for goodness sakes, where is the heat?

Well, I must get to bed. Thank you all so much for you support. I feel like the luckiest guy on earth with all the packages and letters coming my way. I don't know how I am going to make it all up to you. Happy Holidays and I hope the New Year brings more peace and happiness for us all.

double bummer

1) I'm home sick today. Just a fever so far, hopefully no throat crud or anything.

2) The monkey/iguana action shot did not come out clearly. That's truly a shame, because it was bad ass watching that monkey go to town. I really wanted to share that with all of you.

Back to bed.

Game on

Just got back from Costa Rica yesterday. Amazing. I have plenty of pictures and thoughts from the trip, including a photo of a monkey eating an iguana. Que divertido!

Interesante y Provechoso

I + H va el vacaciones hasta de diciembre el 22.
Nos vemos en Costa Rica!

I + H -- Come see `War Stories' tonight

Here's the write-up in the Tribune.

UPDATE: The show was fantastic -- about 50 in the audience, so with the 40 artists, it made for a rowdy crowd. The 4 teachers from Striding Lion and all of the kids poured their hearts into this work. Bravo.

Helpful -- How to win a medal

I think we can all agree that the intelligence leading up to the war in Iraq, the prosecution of the war, and the administration of the transition has been flawless, right? I mean, best invasion ever -- award-winning, even.

Sorry, that's about all the sarcasm I can muster up today.

Interesting to me

A post on evolutionary theology by Digby.

Not interesting, not helpful, and poorly endowed

Using the "Next Blog" button on the top of the page, you can jump to a random blog out there that uses Blogger software. I can tell when people hit my site in this way, because the site where they pushed the button pops up in the site statistics as the referring website.

So, anyway, instead of visiting random sites, I like to click back on the pages that have visited me. By doing this, I happened to find my nominee for the most boring blog of 2004. Enjoy.

Interesting -- Trippy

Whoa.

Interesting -- RoboDump 1.0

I really have nothing to add to this. Just please take a look.

Interesting -- Sex ed quiz

Five of the following statements are taught as fact in abstinence-only "sex education" classes. One is a lyric from Sir Mix-a-Lot. Sadly, all six statements are equally ridiculous.

1. A 43-day-old fetus is a "thinking person."
2. HIV can be spread via sweat and tears.
3. My anaconda don't want none unless you've got buns, hun.
4. Condoms fail to prevent HIV transmission up to 31% of the time in heterosexual intercourse.
5. Women who have an abortion are more prone to suicide, and 10% of them become sterile.
6. Half of gay male teenagers have HIV.

Find out more here. And here.

Helpful -- To do list

Thanks, Jessica.

34 Things to do before Bush's inauguration:

1. Stock up on birth control pills.
2. Drink a nice clean glass of water.
3. Cash your social security check.
4. See a doctor of your own choosing.
5. Spend quality time with your draft age child/grandchild.
[Click "Read and comment" to continue]
6. Visit Syria--or any foreign country for that matter.
7. Get that gas mask you've been putting off buying.
8. Take out that home loan to cover filling up your gastank.
10. Borrow books from library before they're banned -Constitutional law
books, Catcher in the Rye, Harry Potter, Tropic of Cancer, etc.
11. If you have an idea for an art piece involving a crucifix- do it
now.
12. Come out - then go back in - HURRY!
13. Jam in all the Alzheimer's stem cell research you can.
14. Stay out late before the curfews start.
16. Go see Bruce Springsteen before he has his "accident".
17. Go see Mount Rushmore before the Reagan addition.
18. Use the phrase - "you can't do that - this is America."
19. If you're white - marry a black person, if you're black - marry a
white person.
21. Take a walk in Yosemite without being hit by a snowmobiler
base-jumper.
22. Enroll your kid in an accelerated art or music class.
23. Start your school day without a prayer.
24. Pass on the secrets of evolution to future generations.
26. Learn French.
28. Attend a commitment ceremony with your gay friends.
29. Take a factory tour anywhere in the US.
30. Take photographs of animals on the endangered specieslist.
31. Visit Florida before the polar ice caps melt.
32. Visit Nevada before it becomes radioactive.
33. Visit Alaska before "The Big Spill."
34. Visit Massachusetts while it is still a state.

I + H -- Another loss in Iraq

PFC Cantafio was a member of the platoon Phil trained with over the summer.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Smith LtCol Mark A"
Subject: Update 29 Nov 04

It is my most unfortunate duty to report to you that on Thursday, 25
November, 2004 the following Marine from 2/24 gave his life in service to
the Nation:

PFC Ryan J. Cantafio, Co G, 2nd Bn, 24th Marines.

PFC Cantafio was the turret gunner of a HMMWV that was conducting a night
patrol along one of the Main Supply Routes in our zone. The vehicle
detonated an improvised explosive device, and PFC Cantafio was struck and
killed by a piece of the shrapnel. Three other members of his team were
injured in the blast, two of whom were medevaced to the Combat Surgical
Hospital, and one of whom will shortly be returned to duty.

[Click "Read and comment..." to continue]

On Saturday, 27 November, I attended the memorial service held for Ryan by
the Marines of Co G at their FOB in Lutayfiyah, Iraq. It was a tremendously
painful and sad event. Ryan was loved by his fellow Marines, and they feel
his loss very deeply. Being among men that are as tough as nails, living in
a situation that is even tougher, and seeing them brought to uncontrollable
tears and sobbing crushes the soul. But then...but then, they speak! The
eloquence of their words and the stories they share of the fallen bring you
back from the abyss of despair to the pinnacle of hope. Hope that in any
situation, human kindness lives. Hope that in the midst of death and
tragedy, opportunity and beauty will break with the dawn of the next day.
Among these Warriors, among these men, among these Marines, fear, pain and
despair are ALWAYS replaced by peace, kindness and gentle beauty.

Ryan's Company Commander Maj Adam Holton was first to eulogize him. Adam is
as smart as they come. He is a Naval Academy Grad and the "rocket
scientist" that we always joke about as not being part of the military.
Adam is the kind of man that just exudes grace and dignity in any situation.
Adam addressed his Marines and spoke of Ryan's decision point. He spoke of
the fact that early on Ryan had had a rough patch in the USMC and was facing
disciplinary action as a result. Adam told his Marines that instead of
taking the easy way, discharge, Ryan made the decision to recover. Ryan
took the hard way. Ryan took the way of honor. And, he did so because he
wanted to complete his obligation with honor and to serve his country and
his fellow Marines. Adam expressed that from the day Ryan told him about
his decision, he had been a stellar Marine. He was an example of habitually
doing the right thing. He, as a young PFC, set the standard of excellence
for all others to emulate. For that, Adam was especially thankful for his
time with Ryan.

In closing, Adam Holton said something that struck you as hard in the gut as
if Evander Holyfield had just crushed you with a jab. He said that as he
thought about what he would say in front of the Marines under his charge to
give meaning to the death of PFC Ryan Cantafio, he decided he had shamed
himself! He shamed himself in the mere thought that he had to say or do
anything to give meaning to the death of PFC Ryan Cantafio. He said,
because you see, the meaning of PFC Ryan Cantafio's death was in his LIFE!
He was the Marine always asking to go on patrol. He was the Marine always
seeking to do more. He was the Marine who never complained, who never
whined, who just pressed and pressed and pressed that he could be of service
to his brothers! Now in a life lived of such service, no higher praise can
be paid a man in his death. So Adam Holton, a man for whom I have immense
repect, reminded us all in his contemplation, that PFC Ryan Cantafio
unfortunately left us for paradise far sooner than any of us would have
wanted, but he left us with not only the profound meaning of his short life,
but with an example of how our own lives should be lived.

The last person to memorialize Ryan was his best friend in the Platoon, LCpl
Daniel F Kryst. Now, how Daniel memorialized Ryan was so soul searing, I
found myself in the uncontrolled spasms of short breath that only intense
crying can cause. Daniel is an excellent Marine and a wonderful young Man.
But in his youth, (21) he is typical of most young, single American males of
his age, particularly Marines: full of life, desiring mostly fun and to
chase American Women. Yet, what did this young Marine want to share about
Ryan? This young Marine who had shared combat, strife and misery with Ryan
under almost unbearable conditions? This young Marine, who one would think
would speak of the "fun" times and the "challenging" times, wanted most to
share what a DEVOTED and LOVING husband Ryan was to his beautiful bride
Amanda. He spoke of how Ryan NEVER missed a day that it did not begin
without Ryan taking out and looking at his picture of his wife. He talked
about how much Ryan LOVED and ADORED his wife, and how his dream was to
return to her and raise a family. The pain of that shattered dream is
intense, and for Amanda has to seem unbearable. But, in the fact that he
could have had that kind of impact of a fellow Marine with the intensity of
love for his wife, assures me that LCpl Kryst will one day be a magnificent
husband. And he will be in no small part due to having shared his life with
PFC Ryan Cantafio! The kind of love Ryan had for and shared about Amanda
inspires us to continue, and exemplifies for all of us the true costs of
freedom and the Warriors and Warrior families who bear it.

Amanda, Ryan has touched us all, and I cannot even begin to express our pain
and sorrow for your loss. I hope and pray you will always know how much he
was loved by his fellow Marines, and that his love for you burnt so brightly
that it provided a light of guidance for his fellow Marines in their lives.
That is the immortality he left with us. The immortality he leaves with you
is the soft breeze on a summer day, the light warmth in the chill of autumn,
the peace amidst the chaos and pain. All these things he will bring you,
because he will forever be with you! The kind of love Adam had for you is
not broken by the sting of death, merely interrupted in time and space. May
God Hold You in the Palm of His Hand, and guide you and be your strength.
And may the constant prayers for your peace from every Marine of this
Battalion, and those of their families work miracles in your life.

It has been my pleasure, my priviledge and my HONOR to have served with PFC
Ryan J Cantafio.

GOOD NIGHT SWEET AND GENTLE WARRIOR, GO SOFTLY INTO YOUR HEAVENLY REWARD.

Yours in deep grief and unflinching respect and admiration of you and your
beloved Marine.

Mark A. Smith

Mark A. Smith, LtCol USMCR
TF 2/24 Commanding Officer, 24 MEU
Mahmudiyah, Iraq

Interesting -- photo blogging

Found written on the outside of a restaurant at the corner of Clark and Foster.

Interesting -- Things and Stuff

Mark has come up with the blog post Title of the Week.

Helpful for me -- Church finance link

GCFA -- United Methodist Church

Helpful -- GMail

More invitations are available. Comment here if you'd like one.

Interesting -- What's Kuz up to?

I figured it was about time to give a general update, blog-style.
Had a good holiday. This year, we sold the car, so it was all trains and bummed rides. Amtrak got us into Detroit three hours late, (about 4:30 AM,) but besides that, it was really fun. Cindy and I and our folks had a good time eating, eating, and chatting. We even played a little Cranium.

Work at Kaplan has been going fine. I am still exploring work in politics, while broadening my teaching skills at Kaplan -- I'm figuring that no matter what I end up doing, if I can teach GMAT to potential business school students, I can always find work. Landing a gig in politics and public service seems to require lots of donating money, networking, and working for free, but hey, I guess it wouldn't be called elitist if it were easy to do.

Meanwhile, all thoughts are focused on the anniversary trip to Costa Rica. There'll be snow on the ground when we leave Chicago next week, but for 10 days, we'll be leaving it behind and hanging out in the rain forest. Que bueno.

Helpful -- Buy stuff

You know, I gotta be helpful to Mom, too.

Helpful -- Can't join the club

Ha ha ha -- I find a great, Chicago-based progressive website, and I'm the only one on the blogroll who can join! Way to go Martin Luther!

Interesting and Invisible

This game is extra fun if you use a laptop.

Helpful -- Drink more

I'm booked the next few Wednesdays, so I'll have to drink liberally on my own. Bummer.

Helpful -- Blogrolling?

Anyone tried this out yet?

BlogRolling - The best link manager for your weblog and more!

Interesting -- Really freakin fast

Cheer up, Josh. How depressed can you be, when somewhere out there guys are making a plane that goes 6,000 miles per hour?

Interesting -- Fantastic agility

The turnaround time between Republicans demonizing "Hollywood liberals" and then fellating Hollywood movie executives is quite impressive.

Music sharing will become illegal too, but I never really wanted an IPod, anyway :(

Interesting -- Mad scientists

Wired News: Science Braces for Second Term

Helpful -- More dining discounts

Go to Restaurant.com and buy some dining certificates. Enter Promo code 66980 to get 60% off your bill. That means a $25 certificate costs only $4. Offer ends Friday.

Update from the LtCol.

I had this passed to me on Sunday.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Smith LtCol Mark A"
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2004
Subject: Update 14 November 2004

It is with the heaviest of hearts and a tormented soul that I must report to you the deaths of the following two Heroes:

Corporal Peter J. Giannopoulos, Weapons Co, 2nd Bn, 24th Marines, USMC

Corporal Brian R. Prening, Co F, 2nd Bn, 24th Marines, USMC

Both of these Marines were killed in action while engaged in a direct fire battle with enemy forces, Cpl Giannopoulos, vicinity of Lutayfiyah, Iraq; and Cpl Prening, Yusufiyah, Iraq. In both cases, these Marines made the conscious decision to expose themselves to enemy fire in an attempt to cover their fellow Marines and ensure their survival, giving their lives in the process. In both engagements, the units of 2/24 UTTERLY destroyed the enemy forces, and the bravery and ferocity of these two heroes was inspirational and pivotal to the ultimate success.

-->>click "Read and comment" to continue<<--

 I ask all to reflect on what kind of a man it takes to expose themselves to hostile fire? For the average man, when steel is flying through the air, every ounce of your being calls for you to duck and cover. These Marines, and their brothers, run to the fire, not from it. And, when sensing it is necessary, they willingly leave the cover of armored vehicles and concrete buildings to assist their fellow Marines by ensuring a high volume of accurate fire against the enemy forces. The answer to what kind of man does that is men like Cpl Giannopoulos and Cpl Prening. These two Marines selflessly gave their lives that their fellow Marines would live. I, and every Marine in this Battalion stands in awe of these Warriors!

This has been a tough week for the Marines of 2/24. We have said goodbye and wished God's grace on six of our brothers. All of them died heroically in the stoic accomplishment of their assigned task. THEY WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN! Every subsequent battle has them forefront on our minds. We seek justice, not vengenance, but we will continue to unleash righteous fury on the EVIL and COWARDLY enemy that we face. To demonstrate the cowardice of the enemy we face, let me relay one event from the battle that occurred on Friday, 12 November. During the enemy attack of one of our units, engaged elements of the unit observed several of the enemy run into a building in an attempt to take cover from the deadly Marine fire. An adjust fire mission of artillery was called and cleared and after the first round fell, adjustments were called in. Immediately prior to the subsequent mission, which would have ensured the destruction of the enemy personnel, an immediate CHECK FIRE was called by the Unit Cmdr, which ensures the mission is not fired. I immediately asked for the reason of the check fire, and was advised that a woman and child ran into the building. Now, we have seen enough of this enemy to know that THEY SUMMONED THE WOMAN AND CHILD INTO THE BUILDING UNDER THREAT OF DEATH, KNOWING THAT WE WOULD NO LONGER FIRE. That may seem frustrating, and it is. But, it is right and proper, and demonstrates the level of professionalism and compassion of these amazing Marines! And, it shows the cowardly and evil nature of the enemy. They run to Mosques, hospitals and houses every time the engagement begins to get away from them, as it always does when they challenge the ferocity of the Mad Ghosts.

Another one of their favorite techniques is to set up road blocks on rural roads, and attempt to identify anyone that works for the government. If they find them, they kidnap them, torture them, and often kill them. That's right, get killed for being a census worker, or a water plant worker. Pretty solid soldiering, huh? NOT. This is EVIL, pure and simple. It is contrasted by the unbelievable and unshakeable humanity and decency of your Marines. No matter how angry, no matter how frustrated, they take the fight to the enemy, and the enemy only. They are amazing in their tactical skill, and in their compassion.

I pray that we have seen the last of our fallen heroes, and that all my weekly udpates from here forward will be on Thursdays as planned, and that I will always have positive news. But, we are fighting an insurgency, and like all insurgencies, the principle characteristics that will bear victory are patience and persistence. And, a few good men!

I give thanks to the Lord for having known Cpl Giannopoulos and Cpl Prening. The world is a darker place for their absence, but heaven shines a little brighter as two of her most favored sons have come home. That they stand in the presence of God and be always pleased with their brothers in this Battalion is our hope. That their families will bear the grief and find the Lord's peace is our prayer.

GOOD NIGHT SWEET WARRIORS. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

Yours in profound sadness and on behalf of all the Marines of 2/24

LtCol Mark A. Smith

Helpful -- Any Soldier

To send a package to other soldiers who aren't the "mail king" like Phil, please visit AnySoldier.com

Helpful -- Iraq pic

Phil's fiancee writes:

I attached another [photo] of Phil and some of the Marines, including Cpl. Giannopoulos. I'm not sure who the Marine in the middle is. Otherwise they are: Gio, Banks, Hilty, ?, Alphabet (I think his name is actually Gutierrez but I've never heard anyone call him that), Vasquez, and of course Phil.

The Marine here is not identified.

I + H -- Note from Phil

This got passed on to me over the weekend. I will post later today with pictures from Iraq and another update from the Lt. Colonel, who had to send out yet another letter of condolence.

Hi all,

Two months down and five more to go! This last month has been significantly more challenging than the last. I have lost a good friend from my platoon in Weapons Company, MST 1 (my team right now) lost a good Marine, and Golf Company lost three Marines, two of which I knew pretty well. In fact, many of you saw the video that one of them put together of our training in Camp Horno.

The insurgents are getting bolder or there are just more of them around here after they were kicked out of Fallujah. I have been ambushed the last two days. Each of those firefights was worse than the ones before. I thank God that no one else was hurt. I will have a nice picture of where a bullet hit the shield of my turret. Our equipment does work.

The weather is also being uncooperative. It has started to rain and many of the roads we travel are narrow and unpaved. It is scary when your vehicle starts sliding into a canal and you can't do anything about it! The days are still warm but nights are getting a lot cooler. I have often wondered why it can't be just "nice" for a change :)

Despite all the challenges my spirits are kept up by all the letters, gifts, and prayers you all are sending. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. Your support makes this place and what I am doing bearable. I am honored to have friends and family like you. I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and don't forget that each one of us has something to truly be thankful for,

Phil

Do I contradict myself?

Then I contradict myself. I just checked the traffic stats, and it looks like someone out there has searched every engine out there for "Oh Kaplan! My Kaplan! author," and my site keeps coming up because that phrase is on my sidebar. However, the poor person who is searching is probably searching for O Captain! My Captain! which is a poem by Walt Whitman. I would provide a link to it, but obviously, the guy knows how to use Google...

Interesting and Respectful

Respect the fallen in Iraq. Please bookmark this.

Interesting -- Ski trip

I wasn't kidding about Garv and skiing in Idaho. I'm not clear about his connection, but my hunch is that next time I go skiing, it'll probably be here. Maybe March?

Interesting and Puzzling

Sharp has one of those fancy internet puzzle contests that seems interesting, but that I don't have time to do. Any Games Magazine subscribers out there who want to give it a shot, go for it.

Helpful for me

For future reference, when my post is too long, I am supposed to do this:

Post Modifications
The final piece that we need is a little bit of code in your actual post. Each post that you want to use this feature on will need this code:
[span class="fullpost"][/span]

You'll enter the summary text outside the span tags and the remainder inside, like so:
Here is the beginning of my post. [span class="fullpost"]And here is the rest of it.[/span]

Interesting -- What gives, Tribune?

Why you illin'? Or something like that.

Interesting -- oh yeah!

I thought I had heard of Alberto Gonzales before!

Helpful -- What liberal Christians can do next

I think this is the right idea:

"One of the things a few of us are talking about is a reassessment of how the Democrats deal with an issue like abortion -- could there be a more moderate ground, where even if they retained their pro-choice stance, they talked about uniting pro-choice people together to actually do something about the abortion rate?' said Jim Wallis, editor of the liberal evangelical journal Sojourners.

If the Democratic Party were to 'welcome pro-life Democrats, Catholics and evangelicals and have a serious conversation with them' about ways to reduce teenage pregnancy, facilitate adoptions and improve conditions for low-income women, it would 'work wonders' among centrist evangelicals and Catholics, Wallis said."

Helpful -- The next run

Who's with me?

I + H -- Update and Sympathy

Received this yesterday. Because of how some Marine units are being moved around, it's not clear whether Phil's weapons company is actually in Fallujah. Will update as soon as I hear anything new.

From: "Smith LtCol Mark A"
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 12:45 PM
Subject: Weekly Update and _Expression of Battalion Sympathy

It is my most unfortunate duty to report to you the deaths of:

Corporal Nathaniel T. Hammond, USMC
Corporal Robert P. Warns II, USMC
LCpl Branden P. Ramey, USMC
LCpl Shane K. O'Donnell, USMC

-->>click "continue reading" below<<--



These magnificent Marines, one and all, passed from this earthly existence into the hands of the Lord on Monday, 08 November 2004. Without a doubt, the darkest day in the history of this Battalion since World War II.

Cpl Hammond was struck by a command detonated improvised explosive device, while establishing security for the remainder of his Mobile Strike Team during patrolling operations in the vicinity of Yusufiyah, Iraq.

Cpl Warns, LCpl Ramey and LCpl O'Donnell were struck by a buried improvised explosive device while conducting a motorized patrol during patrolling operations in the vicinity of Lutafiyah, Iraq.

ALL Marines were killed instantly, suffered no pain and were recovered by their fellow Marines.

I cannot even begin to express the depth of sorrow and pain I feel for these losses. All of these Marines were exceptional Marines and outstanding human beings, for without whom the world will be a darker place. The most painful and difficult event in the loss of our Marines is knowing it has occurred, and then imagining the reaction of the families who love them dearly upon notification. I take some solace in knowing that as Marines we take care of our own, and the notification will be as professionally done as is humanly possible under the circumstances, but it is truly of little comfort knowing the gut-wrenching pain and soul shattering feeling of hearing the
words, "I regret to inform you...killed in action."

But, it is the "killed in action" where the dim light of lost life can be overcome by the bright shining light of sacrifice and love. These Marines, the living and the perished, live an existence that almost defies description, and I am far to incapable of truly putting it into words. But if you picture the most physically demanding day you ever had in your life, multiply it by (2), and then imagine doing it every single day for TWENTY to TWENTY TWO HOURS a day, you would almost capture what these Marines do. Then, you have to add in the reality of violent death being around every corner, the reality of being ready to destroy and do extreme violence in less time than it takes to blink an eye, do it all while being ever mindful of not harming innocents or non-combatants, accounting for the 50lbs of armor and gear you are carrying, and trying to not let thoughts of home and loved ones distract you from the duty at hand...and you would have about a 50% visualization of what these UNBELIEVABLE AMERICANS we call Marines do every SINGLE day.

You then ask "why? You ask why because you are not here. I ask why because I am. And, by being here, I ask why because I cannot believe that there are such men! Men that will bear any burden, overcome any challenge, tackle any foe, face any fear, that others might live in freedom and peace.

There are no William Shakespeare's in this Battalion and no Albert Einsteins. Quite frankly, many of these Marines you would shutter to present in mixed company, myself included. But you see, at their core of existence, beneath the veneer we all put on for the rest of the world to see, these Marines are pure of heart and soul! They are the Angels that we all long to see in the flesh.

For all the bluster and machismo, all they want to do is make a difference in a world gone mad! They want to destroy EVIL that GOOD shall abound, and abound aplenty. They want children to be bounced on their father's knee, without the fear of masked men kidnapping and beheading "daddy" in the middle of the night. They want to be part of bringing about an existence where even if they vehemently disagree with another's belief in a God, or in no god, that it is that, a disagreement among men, not an entitlement to torture, maim or slaughter those with whom you disagree. Inside the core of these Marines is love! Love of everything that is decent and proper.

Love of their fellow man. Love of their home and country. Love of their family. Love of their Corps and fellow Marines. And, this love keeps them always moving forward.

It is this love that will lead us to shed a thousand tears as we memorialize our fallen Angels on Friday. It is this love that will lead us to continue our mission of hunting the terrorists and ERADICATING them from the face of the earth. It is this love that will forever have the families of our fallen angels in our thoughts and prayers. It is this love that will have the names of our fallen brethren forever etched in our minds.

I for one know that I will never again hear the National Anthem or the Marine's Hymn without tears in my eyes, a pain in my soul, and the names and faces of ALL 2/24 fallen HEROES on my mind.

IT HAS BEEN MY DISTINCT PLEASURE TO KNOW AND SERVE WITH: CPL NATHANIEL T. HAMMOND, CPL ROBERT P. WARNS II, LCPL BRANDEN P. RAMEY, AND LCPL SHANE K. O'DONNELL.

It will forever be my responsibility that I could not bring them home living. But in knowing them in life and in death, I have known Jesus. Because I saw in them the "carrying of the Cross" for love of a friend!

It is my deepest prayer that immediately after being welcomed to heaven by the Savior, they were reunited with passed family and friends, and then met by LCpl Daniel Wyatt, issued their orders, and took their post "guarding the streets of heaven."

And, I also pray that the families know our Marines and their precious loved one never dies alone, they die among their friends, their BROTHERS!

God Bless You, You Magnificent Warriors in your final journey home and may you rest among the Angels where you rightly belong!

In profound sadness,

Mark A. Smith

LtCol, USMCR

Commanding Officer, 2nd Bn, 24th Marines

PS: SSgt Simon, Co G and LCpl Kruchten Co G, were seriously injured in the detonation that took the lives of Cpl Warns, LCpl Ramey and LCpl O'Donnell. Please pray for them and their families, and please reach out to them in their time of challenge and need.

"I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Isaiah 41:13

Helpful -- Eat for cheap

Restaurant.com has a 50% off sale through Friday. Click here and enter code 10417. Enjoy!

Interesting -- Moral values

Re: employment and management strategies in the red states.

I + H -- The minds of terrorists

Daily Kos :: Terrorist Strategy 101: a quiz

Must read.

Helpful -- Beverages for the Holidays

Drink up!

I +H -- Operation Phantom Fury

Just received:

If anyone was wondering, yes, Phil is in Fallujah. Please say some extra prayers for him and the rest of the troops.


Subject: "Letter from MGen Natonski to the Families of 1st Marine Division"
A letter to the families of the 1st Marine Division from the Commanding General, November 8, 2004

Recently elements of the 1st Marine Division commenced combat operations against insurgents in Fallujah. We are conducting Operation Phantom Fury in order to provide the Iraqi people hope and a chance for a brighter future. Our mission is at the request of the Iraqi government. We are not alone. Iraqi security and armed forces will participate in numbers exceeding that of any operation conducted to date. This operation is critical and will deny the insurgents a safe haven to conduct attacks against coalition forces and the ability to continue with the murder and intimidation of the Iraqi people.

Your loved one has received all the resources required to ensure victory. Our Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen go into harm's way with the best equipment, the best training, and the best leadership available to our great nation. The planning and preparation for this operation has been detailed. We have worked very hard to mitigate the dangers to our forces. I am very proud of the fighting spirit and morale of the Division.

Our actions today will be recorded on the pages of our nation's history. Our mission requires courage, faith, honor, and commitment from the men and women of the Division. We humbly ask you for the same. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers and your support sustains us. May God's blessing be with the 1st Marine Division and it's families.

Helpful -- Google Search

The Blogger Navbar at the top of the page still doesn't work exactly right. The search function is still on the fritz. So, I added a Google search bar at the bottom of each page, in case you want to search the archives for important political data.

Helpful -- Camera phones are great!

Got the new cell phone (LG6000) and I love it. Just look at how happy I am.

Helpful -- Let the healing begin

No politics today, just religion.

Helpful -- Career advice for Bill

We've found you the perfect job, Bubba!

Helpful -- Redistricting

This might not be such a bad idea.

Do I dare? Do I dare?

It's 1:30 in the afternoon. I just got up and got something to eat. I will need a lot of fresh air today. I was manning the election from 5:00 AM - 8:15 PM, and stayed up until 2:00 to watch results, so I am just wasted today. I feel, in so many ways, "marginal."

Our pastor just sent out a conciliatory e-mail to everyone, knowing that most of us are pretty depressed today. He included Psalm 46, which is quite appropriate, I think.

But being in a "marginal" mood, I had a passage from another poem in mind this morning.

And indeed there will be time
To wonder, "Do I dare?" and, "Do I dare?"
Time to turn back and descend the stair,
With a bald spot in the middle of my hair—
[They will say: "How his hair is growing thin!"]
My morning coat, my collar mounting firmly to the chin,
My necktie rich and modest, but asserted by a simple pin—
[They will say: "But how his arms and legs are thin!"]
Do I dare
Disturb the universe?
In a minute there is time
For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.

Feel free to take 5 minutes and go back and read the whole poem. In fact, you may find me reading poetry and history a lot these next few weeks. Because history has seen worse times than these, and because poets talked about it a hell of a lot better than we do. Peace and love to you all.

I + H + Scary as Hell -- Update from Iraq

Forwarded message:
 

Hello everyone,
I hope this letter finds all of our families and friends in good health and spirits. We continue to conduct operations in the Mayhem Area of Operations with resounding success. The Marines are in harms way on a daily basis. They are doing a superb job finding the enemy prior to him finding us. Their success is causing the enemy to react hastily which makes them less effective.

With everything going on, most Marines don't like sitting back here and want to get out and hunt the enemy. Just the other day, one of our teams detained an Iraqi emplacing an IED. That was the first detainee of this sorts for the Battalion. The first question everyone asked is "why didn't you shoot him?" With all the machismo aside, the MST did everything exactly right by not harming the detainee and turning him over to the proper authorities who can gain more information from him. With that said, the Marines are staying busy and they don't have a whole lot of time to phone or email home. If you don't hear from them for a week or two it is because they are out disturbing our enemies sleep and operational patterns. We are living up to the name of Mad Ghosts.

If you want to get a Christmas package to your Marine, please mail it by November 15 in order to ensure it gets here in time. I think 2/24 is keeping the US Postal system in the black by the amount of letters, cards, and packages coming for our Marines. When the mail truck rolls up with our mail, there is never an issue of finding Marines for the working party. They look like children on Christmas morning. I appreciate all the support of the families and friends have provided to the Marines. Your efforts have enabled these great men to concentrate on the business at hand and not have to worry about what is going on at home.
Maj Porter

PS - Donna reports: "FYI: Thanks to all of you, some of the Marines have started calling Phil the "mail king.'"

Keep it up, y'all.

Helpful -- No fear

We're gonna win.

1 day to go

I can see why a lot of people don't follow politics or sports -- it's so much work to pick a side and root for it. It sucks to lose. You put some of your personal views on display for everyone to see, which opens you up for ridicule.

I love it.

I am a fan, a supporter, a volunteer, a worker, a researcher, and a true believer. I have searched my own values, as well as the logical arguments and evidence, and I have no doubt that John Kerry would a better president for everyone, not just the people who agree with him.

When I am finished judging the election at our precinct tomorrow night, I will headed over to Mike and Rebekah's to watch the results, which, I truly believe, will be a Kerry landslide. Amen.

Interesting and Quaint

Sure beats the hell out of Double Dribble.

Literally.

Trivial, but fun

Ashlee Simpson Karaoke Edition iPod

Sick and Hilarious

2004's Scariest Halloween Costumes

Interesting and Helpful

Carve this!

Helpful - Fashion advice

Indigo, don't be that guy.

Helpful Review -- Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs

Truly, a hilarious book.

Chuck Klosterman, pop culture expert and reviewer for Spin magazine, kicks out a fine work that deconstructs the Real World, Saved By the Bell, and Pamela Anderson.

My favorite part is where Klosterman lists the "23 questions I ask everybody I meet in order to decide if I can really love them. Here's one:

You meet your soul mate. However, there is a catch: Every three years, someone will break your soul mate's collarbones with a Crescent wrench, and there is only one way you can stop this from happening: You must swallow a pill that will make every song you hear--for the rest of your life--sound as if it's being performed by the band Alice in Chains. When you hear Creedence Clearwater Revival on the radio, it will sound (to your ears) like it's being played by Alice in Chains. If you see Radiohead live, every one of their tunes will sound like it's being covered by Alice in Chains. When you hear a commerical jingle on TV, it will sound like Alice in Chains; if you sing to yourself in the shower, your voice will sound like the deceased Alice vocalist Layne Staley performing a capella (but it will only sound this way to you.
Would you swallow the pill?

I + H + Scary as hell -- Update from Iraq

From Phil's e-mail this morning to his fiancee:

I almost got to call you for free last night and the night before last. I was hit by an IED each day while I was up in the turret. What an initiation, two days in a row! Don't worry, I just ate a mouth full of dirt and my ears are ringing a bit. That is why I didn't get the free call; only if you suffer a significant injury do you get the call. That is ok, I would rather pay :) No one else was hurt either. Our vehicle came away with only a cracked windshield.

Helpful -- let's clear up this HDX business.

Scott, it looks like the President's hopes of having MSNBC save his ass are fading.

Helpful to Kerry -- C'mon Iowa!

DesMoinesRegister.com | Editorials

Holy Crap -- "the greatest explosives bonanza in history"

Tracking the Weapons: Huge Cache of Explosives Vanished From Site in Iraq

And people are voting for Bush because he will make us safer?

Wolfpacks For Truth

Hee hee.

Look out Josh

I'm coming after you, tough guy.

Helpful -- Voters for Bush aren't stupid

They're just wildly misinformed.

Helpful -- Visualize winning

A much more pleasant picture.

Interesting - Bush bigger than God?

photo coutesy Atrios.

Helpful -- New feed

If you use My Yahoo! or other RSS readers, you can now syndicate this site by clicking the FeedBurner button on the right. Blogger uses Atom, which isn't used by all services, so I decided to expand.

If what I just wrote makes no sense to you, feel free to leave now and look at something adorable and cuddly.

I also have been surprised at how many people are finding the site through topical searches like U.S. Rejects U.N. Plan for Women, Cheney threatens attack on U.S. or Christine Cegelis.

Very strange, this blogging thing.

I + H + Scary as Hell -- Update from Iraq

I got this note from Phil today!

If you want Phil's address to send a postcard, please e-mail me at [kuzmatt9 AT yahoo DOT com] or leave a comment here and I'll send it to you.

I have now been at my job for a month. I have been IED'ed, mortared, shot at, blessed, cursed, praised and everything in between. It can sometimes make for an exciting time but most of the time it is just dull. I am part of what is called a mobile strike team. The team is six armored humvees and we do everything from just a random patrol to supply escort duty. Unfortunately, we haven't caught that many bad guys but we have found quite a few unexploded IED's and arms caches.

Life here is pretty basic. I have gone two weeks without a shower and in this heat with all the gear you wouldn't have gotten within 30 feet of me. When I am back at base I have a nice cot to sleep on but out in the field you find me on the hood of my humvee or the ground. I do get a little time on the computers when I am back at the main base so that is good.

Most of the people we come across love us. I have walked through town markets and felt like a hero. They love to have their picture taken and hopefully I will get some pictures back home to you all before long. The kids are the best. They instill a hope in me that someday this place may be a peaceful beautiful country.

I want to thank you all for your support. Please keep the letters coming, you cannot understand how much just a postcard with one sentence can brighten my day. You all take care of yourselves. I will do the same. I can't wait to see you all again,

Phil

Helpful -- Kerry is winning big

And don't you even think otherwise.

Not Interesting or Helpful -- The Electoral College

I'm burned out this week, and there isn't anything new and fun to tell you about.

Meanwhile, Dave Barry's going on extended vacation, George Bush is still president, and we might have a Texas/Massachusettes World Series, which of course will be extremely annoying and incite all sorts of stupid sports/politics metaphors.

Bah. Oh, and the Electoral College is stupid.

Revolting -- Everything Alan Keyes says

Can he just go away, please?

Rest in Peace

Memorial for Daniel Wyatt, 22, of Racine WI.

I +H + Scary as Hell

Latest update from Phil's commander in Iraq:

It is with the deepest sadness and most profound grief that I must report to you the loss of Daniel Wyatt, LCpl, Fox Co, 2nd Bn, 24th Marines, USMC. Daniel was killed in the line of duty, while conducting foot patrolling operations in Yusufiyah Iraq. Daniel was killed by a command detonated improvised explosive device. He died instantly, suffered no pain and was immediately recovered by his fellow Marines. My command security element and myself personally recovered Daniel's body and escorted him back to the forward operating base, and then onto the helicopter for the beginning of his final ride home. I cannot even begin to express to you the soul touching sight of combat hardened Marines, encrusted with weeks of sweat and dust, who have daily been engaged in combat, coming to complete and utter solemnity and respect in the handling of the body of one of their own. It puts on display a level of brotherly love you just cannot see anywhere else.

We conducted a memorial service for Daniel in the battle space owned by his fellow Marines, as well as one the following day at the Bn forward operating base. I have spoken with his fiancee and expressed the sorrow and sympathy of the entire Battalion. If I might for a moment, I hear and see some of the media coverage. I hear the accusations and charges. I hear what could almost be labelled as hysteria over the situation in Iraq. Let me tell you something from ground level. The town of Yusufiyah that Daniel and his fellow Marines seized, had not seen government structure or security forces for over 8 months. FOREIGN FIGHTERS, TERRORIST AND THUGS have had free reign and have routinely murdered people in the market for no reason other than one day they MIGHT support a democratic process and speak for themselves. For nothing more than they MIGHT choose a version of religion even slightly different than the terrorists and foreign fighters. They live in squalor and fear. The Marines of Daniel's unit have not had a shower since seizing the town. They have eaten MREs day on stay on. They live a Spartan existence that few can imagine. And, on all my trips to their position for planning, coordination and command visits, I ask them if they want to be relieved. To a man, they look me in the eye and tell me NO WAY. Why? Well, I am not going to soften it for anyone, the primary reason why is to kill terrorists. Please remember, that is what they are trained and paid to do. But, they also tell me, they want to help the people of Yusufiyah. They want to show all of Iraq that they can stand on their own feet, push back against extremism, and with our help live the life of freedom that all men yearn for. Yes, from the mouths of these young and hardened warriors, this is what they tell me. And then...and then...they ask me how I am doing! Unfreakingbeliveable! They worry about everyone else but themselves.


So believe what you want. That is your right as Americans. But I am telling you, there are no heroes on any football fields, basketball courts or halls of government. Their are honorable and decent people all over America. However, the heroes are on the battlefields of Iraq. Suffering, killing and DYING that others might live, and live in FREEDOM. Americans free from terror, Iraqis free from opression and tyranny. I am an under-educated gun toter from Indiana who is just lucky there is an organization like the USMC where a half-wit like myself with some rudimentary combat skills can succeed. But I do know heroes! I am surrounded by over a thousand of them. And I am not the least bit ashamed to tell you I have wept like a baby for Daniel Wyatt. Because when one of these heroes falls, it is if an Angel of God himself has fallen from heaven! I will not profess glory of battle or any other such hype. I will profess duty and sacrifice. Daniel showed us all true duty and ultimate sacrifice. I have no doubt that the instant he died, he was whisked to heaven on the wings of Angels and placed before the unapproachable light of Jesus, who himself said: "greater love hath no man, than a man lay down his life for his friends."


GOD BLESS AND KEEP DANIEL WYATT, HIS FAMILY AND FIANCEE AND GOD BLESS AND KEEP ALL THE FAMILIES OF 2/24.

Yours in profound sadness

Mark A. Smith, LtCol

TF 2/24 Cmdr

Mahmudiyah, Iraq

Helpful -- 98 tax raises?

Thank you, Jonathan Chait, for putting the smackdown on this "Kerry voted to raise taxes a million times" crap. And I just love this paragraph:

Meanwhile, Dick Cheney as a member of Congress from Wyoming voted to raise taxes 144 times. If 98 tax-hike votes make Kerry a far-out liberal, than Cheney would have to be placed somewhere in the ideological vicinity of Che Guevara

Unbelievable -- U.S. Rejects U.N. Plan for Women

The United States has refused to join 85 heads of state and government in signing a statement that endorsed a 10-year-old U.N. plan to ensure every woman's right to education, healthcare and choice about having children.

The Bush administration said it withheld its signature because the statement included a reference to "sexual rights."

I guess if we're not talking about lesbians, women's issues just don't matter.

Update: Here's link without registration required.

By the way, the United Nations site is really hard to navigate, so I haven't been able to pull up the text of what this plan says. But I mean c'mon, if it's about women's rights and even China will support it...

What about Poland?????

Yahoo! News - Poland to Reduce Number of Troops in Iraq

Interesting -- Old school blogging

Here's Drew, the first livejournal/blogger I ever met. We met at a writing workshop/retreat last year in Michigan. I totally lost track of his journal, so I have some catching up to do.

Debate thoughts

Boring debate. By the end of it, I was as tired as they were. I actually avoided the spin on MSNBC, CNN, FOX, etc. afterward, because it was just too exhausting to watch.

Bush's blatant lie (only 4 minutes in) about Bin Laden was about the only exciting moment. Does he think no one was paying attention? I talked with a couple of co-workers who had never watched a debate before, and both thought it was boring, that neither candidate was all that impressive. They thought that Kerry's answer on gay marraige was insufficient, but probably the only answer practical for someone running for president of this country right now. They thought Bush sounded silly bringing everything back to No Child Left Behind. Hello, 55-year-old guys getting laid off from the factory aren't taking the 6th grade reading tests, dude.

Overall, my expert political analysis is that Kerry did well enough, looked like a President, and did nothing to lose the momentum. He may have even won a few votes. Meanwhile, I get back to work.

Being Helpful

I just made 15 calls for John Kerry, and got 2 people to go out canvassing door-to-door in Florida this weekend. 2 people can reach 100 voters in 1 day, and help pull them out for our side. It barely takes any time at all, and it's easy as pie. Do it!

Alert -- RNC funds voter supression efforts

Can't wait for Kerry's attorney general to send these slimeballs to jail when all is said and done.

Despicable.

Interesting -- A new favorite dictator

Saw this blog listed over at claptrap* and just had to share. Enjoy.

Helpful -- Hack hack hack

I just found Hitz's new favorite site.

I + H + Scary as Hell -- Another Iraq update

Just got this in:

> Actually early on this update. However, want to keep all in the loop since media coverage has been extensive. We are the focus of Operation Phantom Fury, that you hear referred to. The 24th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) is our HHQ and they are Headquartered in Camp Lejeune, NC. Do not be frustrated if the media does not mention 2/24 specifically, we are not here for the glory or fame, simply to destroy terrorists and terrorism. With that said, and even though our email is back up, a large percentage of the Battalion is operating forward from the Forward Operating Base.

Myself and the Command Staff move virtually daily about our battlespace checking up, planning and supporting the different elements as they close with and destroy the enemy in their assigned zones of action. They do it very well, and are only getting better each day. In addition, they truly are bringing stability, freedom and peace to people who have known nothing but terror and oppression. The town of Yusufiyah had not had any government presence for months and the terrorists had absolutely dominated the people and their lives. Randomly killing and demanding money and youth service for anti-coalition fights. NO MORE! Now they must deal with the Warriors of 2/24. That is a deal they are losing, and losing in a big way. They have thrown every sinister attack you can think of, including multiple attempts at suicide car bombers. All have been thwarted with only the suicide bomber being killed in the process. The saddest part is how they have seriously injured several Iraqi children. Children who have life saving first aid applied to them by the very Marines and Corpsman who just seconds before were engaged in full scale combat to destroy the terrorists. To see that in action is to see the battle between good and evil played out before your eyes. And to all the anti-war, anti-American crowd, I ask them, where else do you see such disciplined and proper violence, followed by such compassion and mercy. I guarantee you it is uniquely American! And there are no better ambassadors of it than the WONDERFUL Marines of 2/24. They absolutely humble me and everything about my existence, and you should feel nothing but extreme PRIDE in them. They are amazing.

That said, currently many of them are without the standard comforts and are living spartan in support of the mission. We are working non-stop to push them mail, hot chow, ice, fruit and all we can possibly support. We also are pushing a couple of satellite phones around so they can attempt at least some 5 minute phone calls home for an update. PLEASE BE PATIENT! The focus of the day is combat. But, everywhere I am I see the Marines with pictures of their loved ones. YOU ARE NEVER OUT OF THEIR HEARTS OR MINDS.

As I already said I am nothing but humbled by these magnificent Warriors, citizens and Marines; and I can ensure you that MANY fanatics who dreamed of one day destroying innocent "infidels" on the streets of America have met with a violent end at the hands of the disciplined, precise HEROES of 2/24.

God Bless You All and Thank You for your continued sacrifice.

LtCol Mark A. Smith
Commanding Officer
Task Force 2/24

Helpful -- Do something!

As I've mentioned before, you can volunteer for Kerry from home just using your cell phone. There is no excuse!

Helpful -- How's Kuz doin?

I just took a trip down memory lane by looking at the blog archives here. Post #1 was in late February, and I've noticed that, like my life, my blog has gone from time-wasting, unfocused goofy interests to obsessive politicism. I mean for goodness sake, isn't it time I put up some shameless topless action?

Overall, I'm very happy with the time I have spent writing this. I've always been a pusher. I enjoy persuading people to try the restaurants I like, to try out and listen to the music I like, and to read the books that I've found enlightening. I'm sure it's mostly ego, and I think I've also always been the kind of person who gets the biggest thrill from helping others. I don't know what that says about me. Am I being helpful for selfish reasons? If I am, is there anything wrong with that?

Jeez, I need to go the gym. I'm out of my gourd.

Interesting -- "Rampant lesbianism"

No, I'm not talking about the new Jennifer Tilly/Gina Gershon movie. I'm talking about the great state of Oklahoma.

Helpful -- Round 2 spin

"Battling green eyshades."

That's about all I can say about this debate. Kerry, like last time, was not perfect. He drops names in an awkward way, he takes forever to get to the question, he's kind of boring. But Bush's big "upgrade" of performance was a bump up from "bumbling idiot" to just "idiot."

Here's what I learned:
*Bush was disappointed to learn that Saddam didn't have WMD.
*He wanted give Charlie Gibson some wood. (Is that what the kids are calling it this day?)
*Bush likes to yell. A lot. He's testy.

More than anything, I was just happy that there were clear questions, and that the major differences between Bush and Kerry shown through. Whatever you think about what Kerry talks about, he wants to make things better. He has plans to change things. Bush couldn't acknowledge a single mistake he's made, except for some appointments. That's a jackass thing to say.

By the way, I'm writing this from the Christine Cegelis campaign office, so I may be a bit distracted. I decided that my lame-ass punditry is pretty worthless, so I'm calling people on Saturdays so we can get Henry Hyde out of office.

PS - as a commenter noted, I think Battling Green Eyeshades would be a kick-ass name for a band.

Interesting -- that's weird, Grandma

It's not just weird. It's hilarious. Go see it, Chicago.

Interesting -- Potty mouth diplomacy

Compared to Cheney, this is child's play.

Debates -- Round Two

I have a board meeting to be at, so I will miss the beginning of the debate, but I gotta say, tonight could be huge. Historically, undecideds break between 3-1 and 3-2 for the challenger. So I don't think a VP debate is going to change that all that much either way. This will be a close race, regardless. But the HUGE danger for Republicans is that if Cheney comes off as creepy, and Edwards looks good, you might see borderline Republicans or other casual Bush supporters change their minds.

Cheney is the scary, twisted face of the Cold War; Edwards is the handsome face of the future for Democrats. And the strategy of having Edwards hit small towns, below the national radar screen, is perfect -- tonight can be an ambush of smiles and tough trial lawyer talk. Again, having gone to Iowa for the primaries and having watched the debates on TV, I can tell you: Kerry and Edwards sealed the deal during the debates.

Four more weeks!

Interesting and Rude

The Rude Pundit gives Edwards debate prep. I don't think he'll use these exact words, alas.

Interesting -- Holy man?

I knew that Bush wasn't a strong United Methodist, since he has refused to meet with church leaders his entire presidency, but I honestly didn't know that he doesn't even go to church.

Not that presidents are required to, but isn't that surprising for someone who talks so much about faith and community?
Have a great weekend, everyone.

One more spin

From Eleanor.

Interesting -- CNN is ridiculous

Do these people realize we're watching?

Supremely disgusting

Check out paragraph #15.

Here comes the judge!

Interesting -- More Spin

From that liberal rag, BusinessWeek.

"Sputtering screwup"?

Wow.

Helpful -- the I + H debate spin

I watched the debate on C-SPAN, where not only did they have a constant split-screen the entire time, but I got to see Jim Lehrer's instructions to the crowd and everything. It was kind of cool to see that. "You are not here to cheer, to yell, to have a pep rally. You are here to bear witness to these two men speaking directly to the voters of the United States."

Bush's main critique was that Kerry says one thing, then says another. He's right on this. It's what we're pissed at with Kerry. Bush was fully prepared to keep saying this, and I think he expected that Kerry would get tied up by it. But Kerry was smooth, and went a long way to deflect it, by contrasting that charge with Bush: Bush says one thing, then does another, then keeps doing that thing forever, no matter how poorly it's going. "Certainty can get you in trouble."

Physically, Bush looked like he was going to cry, and I wonder if he had prepared fully, actually having someone attack him in practice so he wouldn't roll his eyes and sigh and harumph and do that weird mouth thing. What was that? Kerry took notes, but more importantly, when Bush would talk about Kerry's "mixed message" statements, Kerry would nod, and almost mouth the words, "yes, I said that." It took so much of the zing out of Bush's charge, I thought. He didn't sweat, didn't stammer, didn't lose his cool once. He brought facts to the table, and actually used some facts that the average person didn't know. Like the 95% of unsearched containers. And the 4-7 nukes that N. Korea's got now. How's that multilateral negotiation going, Mr. Pres?

There was one time that Bush looked pissed off, asked for a 30-second extension, then sat there fuming for 15 seconds without saying anything. It was obvious that he doesn't hear criticism to his face all that often.

Oh, and a line that will haunt Bush: Kerry talked about spending money on homeland security, and Bush said something like "I don't know where he's going to get the money for all these promises." We have money for tax cuts, but don't have the money to protect America? Is that your position?

Interesting -- How much is inside?

An innocent question about Goldschlager at work leads to this fascinating discovery.

Oh crap

I forgot about Poland!!

Debate thought

Kicked ass.
Way to go, John.

Helpful -- Debate Bingo

Print out your card and markers here.

I + H -- Debate thread

I couldn't sleep last night, woke up at 3:00 AM and just had to come up with the 2-minute answer for John Kerry to the debate question:

"Senator Kerry, what is your position on the war in Iraq?"

Here's what I came up with...

"Jim, I support our troops and want success in Iraq. This can only be accomplished by electing a new Commander-in-Chief and immediately putting in new civilian leadership in the Vice-President's office and the departments of Defense, State and Intelligence. Once that's done, we can implement my four-part plan to win the war and help the Iraqi's establish a free, peaceful nation.

I apologize if my previous statements about the war have seemed unclear or have sounded contradictory. But I think that like many Americans, when the President began the march to war in 2002, I wanted to believe him. As a United States Senator, I wanted to support our troops and protect our country. That's why, when the resolution came up that would give him authority to use force as a last resort, I supported the President. He called it a 'vote for peace,' and in the public record, I stated that I supported force only as a last resort.

But again, like many Americans, I then felt betrayed when the President kicked out the weapons inspectors and decided to attack Iraq without UN support. That decision has blackened our image as a moral leader in the world. And while having Saddam and his sons out of power is a blessing, several of the tactical decisions our civilian leaders have made in Iraq have been disasterous to the Iraqi people and our troops.

So, while I understand that we're in Iraq and we must succeed, I think it's imperative that we hold the Commander-in-Chief accountable for the grave blunders of strategy and diplomacy that have hung our military and civilian support staff out to dry.

I want peace and democracy in Iraq. As Commander-in-Chief, and as representative of this nation at the negotiating table, I will work to put our plan into place so the Iraqi's will be able to lift themselves out of the chaos there and we can secure safe passage home for our troops when the mission is complete. Thank you.

One minute, forty-five seconds.

Helpful -- another Indigo sighting

Is that PBR, dude?

I + H + Scary as hell -- Another update

This one from a personal e-mail from a reporter for the Wall Street Journal. Read the whole thing here.

A friend drove thru the Shiite slum of Sadr City yesterday. He said young men were openly placing improvised explosive devices into the ground. They melt a shallow hole into the asphalt, dig the explosive, cover it with dirt and put an old tire or plastic can over it to signal to the locals this is booby-trapped. He said on the main roads of Sadr City, there were a dozen landmines per every ten yards. His car snaked and swirled to avoid driving over them. Behind the walls sits an angry Iraqi ready to detonate them as soon as an American convoy gets near. This is in Shiite land, the population that was supposed to love America for liberating Iraq.

I + H + Scary as hell -- Update from Iraq

Here's an email sent from the Lieutenant Colonel in charge of my friend Phil's batallion in Iraq. Pray hard.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Smith LtCol Mark A"
Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Subject: FW: Update 27 Sep 04


Greetings from Iraq. I apologize that it has taken me so long to send my first update, but I wanted to wait until I could report the whole Bn on deck. Not only has that occurred, but we completed our RIP (relief in place) of the magnificent Warriors of 2nd Bn, 2nd Marines, and are currently conducting combat operations against the enemy in the Mayhem Area of Operations. Our command element is the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

We are located in Mahmudiyah, Iraq, approximately 30-35 miles due S of Baghdad. It is on the Sunni/Shia fault line, and there is no shortage of anti-US and anti-Iraqi forces in our zone.

I am not going to pull any punches, we are ENGAGED IN COMBAT OPERATIONS AGAINST THE ENEMY, and he against us. Steel has been exchanged, and we have suffered casualties. All have been relatively minor, but casualties none the less and as a result of enemy action. All those injured have been afforded the opportunity to contact their loved ones at home and the official channel made notification. So if you did not hear anything, then you should assume your Marine was not involved. The Marines are pressing hard and performing admirably. Conditions are Spartan at best, the weather is hotter than hell (pardon my language), we go to the restroom in porta-johns, shower trailers work about 50% of the time, chow is meager but good, and most of the Marines smell and look like 10 miles of bad road. HOLY COW, IT DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS, THIS IS THE BEST PARTY WE HAVE EVER BEEN TO!

I know you will worry about the Marines and I cannot prevent that, but please know, they are operating with precision, they are armored to the teeth, and the equipment WORKS. Their morale is high and we have already witnessed acts of incredible soldiering and bravery. We will do our mission, and we do not cower at anything the enemy throws at us.

No attempt to be political, but the righteousnes of our cause is crystal clear when you see the ground and not through the lens of the media. The terrorist forces at work here kill indiscriminately, and kill far more of the innocent Iraqi people than they do us. We are definitely engaged in a struggle against fanaticism that knows no bounds, and if we show any weakness or let up, they will do to our kids in America what they did in Russia. I look at the pictures on my wall of my wife and daughters every day, say my prayers and press forward knowing that what these Marines are doing will impact how we live for the next 100 years. Anything less
than total victory is not an option.

Feel free to commence the mail flow!!! :)

Stay motivated and God Bless You and the struggle you are under.

LtCol Mark A. Smith
Commanding Officer
Task Force 2/24, 24th MEU
Iraq

----- Original Message -----
From: "Smith LtCol Mark A"
Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Subject: Supplemental Input


Hope message was not perceived as harsh. Have seen some news reporting and I am well aware media is portraying an "increased" violence scenario. Reality is there is an insurgency here and we are a part of the counter-insurgency effort. Things are good and Marines are doing extremely well, but do not want to paint false pictures. This is a dangerous place, and you are all well aware of that. We will continue to do our absolute level best to destroy the insurgents, build a new Iraq, a better future for our beloved America, and come home at the end of our tour.

CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW WELL THE MARINES ARE DOING OPERATIONALLY, MENTALLY AND MORALE!

God Bless you all.

LtCol Smith

Helpful -- Voters Guide

A super helpful, non-partisan Voters Information Guide for the 2004 US Election.

Pass it on.

I + H -- Reposting the jams

I had been meaning to put up some songs from my brother's band for a while, but just now got to it. Luke is the lead singer on these two: More Than I Knew and Make Your Move.

Cam sings on the recording of Let You Down, which I think is the most radio ready, but then again, how much do I listen to the radio?

The band is unsigned, as of yet, but is working very hard on it. The songs are free to distribute. Enjoy.

(had to repost this due to some blogger mumbo jumbo. all fixed now!)

Interesting -- CBS/TANG stuff

For those of you more in the know about the CBS memos and whatnot, here's the most thorough history and conspiracy theory I've been able to find. Scott, what do you think about this?

Helpful - Plan A, B, C, D, E

Kevin Drum of The Washington Monthly has a great post here about why the talk of Bush as a "consistent, stay-the-course" leader is a bunch of crapola.

Helpful -- Motivation

It is so important to have a goal.

Helpful -- cartoon time

Sorry for the light posting this week. Everything's been about Iraq, and the more Bush talks, the angrier I get. How can he sit there and say things are going well, and they're going to get better? Does he think we're idiots? Is setting up a stable democracy in Iraq worth any American cost?

See what I mean? I don't have time to get all worked up like this, so I read the funnies instead.

Helpful -- Get to work!

It just could not be easier to volunteer this year. All you need is a cell phone and a modem.

Helpful -- More Perspective on Iraq

Juan Cole link.

If America were Iraq, What would it be Like?

President Bush said Tuesday that the Iraqis are refuting the pessimists and implied that things are improving in that country.

What would America look like if it were in Iraq's current situation?

Helpful -- Get smart

Wikipedia just published article #1,000,000. You want to know the real power of the internet? It's all about the Wiki.

Interesting -- Turn the tide

Another week, another awesome speech from Kerry on Iraq. Just 10 days until the first debate!

Helpful -- Oops

A retraction.

Okay, so having kids doesn't really make you stupid...I guess I should have realized that, since the source of the site says:

The Hoosier Gazette was created by a couple of guys who thought it would be fun to create a website that uses both real and fictional news stories to provide a humorous look at life and culture in the state of Indiana.

On the bright side, I have been offered positions in the Defense Department and CBS News. Apparently, they love my attention to detail. Woo hoo!

Interesting - What it's all about

Words and excuses meet incompetence, chaos and death. That's what this election is about.

By the way, I know all I've been posting lately has been Iraq stuff. It's heavy on my mind. My friend, Phil Bohnenkamp, has been deployed to Iraq and just arrived there this week. Mercy--

Helpful -- Kerry speaks out on Iraq

Speech to the National Guard.

Freaking Scary -- Status in Iraq

Iraq is central to the war on terror, right? So How's it going so far?

We're thinking about you, Phil.

Be Helpful -- Give money

American Red Cross - Credit Card Contribution

Interesting -- Who's leading?

Here's the latest.

Helpful -- The catch phrase

Voting for Kerry is voting against the Excuse Presidency.

Repeat it often. Excuses, excuses. 1,000 soldiers die -- not our fault, we couldn't trust a madman, ya know? The third tax cut doesn't create 2.8 million jobs? Must have been because of 9/11. 45 million have no healthcare? It's because of greedy trial lawyers.

Excuses, excuses, excuses.

The memo "Bin Laden Determined to Attack U.S." didn't seem that important.

I was on vacation.

Excuse Presidency. Get used to hearing it and saying it, friends. Because in 7 weeks, it'll be over.

Interesting - The H2 is for chumps

Why drive a Hummer when you can drive this?

Helpful

Never forget.

Interesting -- Jr. Vs. The Son

These campaign ads are getting really nasty.

Very helpful -- a guide to music downloading

I love flowcharts.

Interesting -- the mask comes off

I found Indigo's secret identity!

Helpful -- Try Netflix free for one month

Just tell 'em 'ol Kuz sent ya.

Interesting - Cheney threatens America

"Vote for me or the terrorists will attack."

Is there something you aren't telling us, Dick? If anyone else was saying these things out loud, the FBI would be knocking on their door.

Oh, and as Atrios says, are we supposed to forget what happened last time we put them in power?

Helpful -- Yet more Gmail invites

Post comments here if you want one.

Helpful -- By the numbers

Many thanks to Dad K for this link.

Interesting -- A new post for Hitz

I'll let him take it from here.

Interesting -- Sorry, Josh

The cuter they are, the dumber you get.

Caveat -- this study was done in Indiana.

GAME ON

60 days to go!

I thought Bush did a good job of giving his speech. I am sure that it is a very difficult thing to be President, and that Bush honestly does care about people. In fact, these last four years have been so traumatic for him [choking up, a tear appears...] I think he needs an extended vacation. Don't you?

I don't need to link to all the fact-checking that's going on, showing that Bush's speech was full of inaccuracies and omissions (the name "bin Laden" was mentioned exactly 0 times at the convention) but I will say this:

If you're running for re-election, and the bulk of your speech is talking about what you will do, you're in trouble.

"It's been a bumpy road, but we'll get through it together" won't cut it anymore, chief.

(I+H)^7

God bless The Daily Show.

Helpful -- Who is Zell Miller?

What does he think of John Kerry?

1) That John Kerry is one of this nation's authentic heroes.

2) That "Kerry would let Paris decide when America needs defending."

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Interesting - So read it

William Saletan at Slate.

In a democracy, the commander in chief works for you. You hire him when you elect him. You watch him do the job. If he makes good decisions and serves your interests, you rehire him. If he doesn't, you fire him by voting for his opponent in the next election.

Not every country works this way. In some countries, the commander in chief builds a propaganda apparatus that equates him with the military and the nation. If you object that he's making bad decisions and disserving the national interest, you're accused of weakening the nation, undermining its security, sabotaging the commander in chief, and serving a foreign power—the very charges Miller leveled tonight against Bush's critics.

Are you prepared to become one of those countries?

When patriotism is impugned, the facts go out the window. You're not allowed to point out that Bush shifted the rationale for the Iraq war further and further from U.S. national security—from complicity in 9/11 to weapons of mass destruction to building democracy to relieving Iraqis of their dictator—without explaining why American troops and taxpayers should bear the burden. You're not allowed to point out that the longer a liberator stays, the more he looks like an occupier. You're not allowed to propose that the enormous postwar expenses Bush failed to budget for be covered by repealing his tax cuts for the wealthy instead of further indebting every American child.

If you dare to say these things, you're accused—as Kerry now stands accused by Cheney and Miller—of defaming America and refusing "to support American troops in combat." You're contrasted to a president who "is unashamed of his belief that God is not indifferent to America." You're derided, in Cheney's words, for trying to show al-Qaida "our softer side." Your Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts are no match for the vice president's five draft deferments.

Requiescat in pace

My grandmother, Charlotte Brown, died Monday night. The service will be this weekend in Philadelphia. Grandmother loved animals, family and politics. She lived with us when I was growing up, after my grandfather died in 1983.

Great lady. If you'd like to make a donation in her name, go
here.

Happy Anniversary

Big #4 #3 for Big Hitz. He, Aljustinza and I all got married within a year a couple of years of each other, and let me tell you, we are the three luckiest guys in the world. Kudos.

Update: I can't count.

Helpful - Car for sale

Buy it.

Helpful - Lose some money!

One spot open for Hitz's fantasy football league. Go here!

Interesting - Learning from primates

Insert joke here.

Interesting and Helpful: How Liberal is Kerry?

A Republican talking point this whole season has been that Kerry and Edwards are the #1 and #4 most liberal Senators. The National Journal, which released the data, now says that their findings are being misinterpreted and misrepresented. Cheney, especially, has been guilty of not letting truth get in the way of a good sound bite.

Helpful -- Marathon Spectator Etiquette

Rule #1 --
Don't attack the runners.

Interesting - Bush the Optimist

Bush, in a nutshell:

1) Don't change leaders in a time of war.
2) The war will last forever.

I just love the logic and the semantics -- he decided to declare war on a concept, not an organization or country, therefore Republicans should rule indefinitely.

How on Earth am I going to remain sane this week during the convention?

Helpful -- good campaign strategy

Kerry should be trying the "Opposite John" technique.

Interesting - Tech update

I love beating Hitz and Wachs to a tech story.

Interesting -- New Blog on the Block

QT's Diary

Interesting - Bush won medals too

I had no idea he was so highly decorated.

Helpful - Date to Save

Look out Wachs - they're coming to get you!

Interesting - God loves wheat

Allergic to wheat gluten? No heaven for you!

Darn it!

I try to get out, but he keeps pulling me back in!

Go ahead and skip to paragraph 13.

Enough politics

For one morning, at least. Instead, let's discuss fashion.

Helpful -- Give constructive feedback

To the people who need it most.

OK, so Kerry's not perfect

But he does have this going for him.

Blogger search at the top is screwy

I think that since we host at Geocities, the bogger search function at the top is messed up. I'll write Blogger and try to fix it.

One Thousand Rebuttals

When I say I don't care what John Kerry did 35 years ago, I mean it. The Bush National Guard nonsense doesn't matter to me either. I wasn't born then. Neither of them were holding elective office then. And politicians are notorious for fudging a date or too, or being less than 100% on their recollections. Big deal. I never had scoliosis when I was a kid, either. I just made it up in 8th grade because I was slow and hated to run. Sue me.

I don't care, and my hunch is that even if all of the arguments against Kerry were refuted, conservatives would still stick by Bush, no matter what. Fine. Meanwhile, I'll be showing those undecided voters a few reasons why Bush has been not just a bad President, but a lousy Republican.

Interesting -- New U of Arizona study

Think happy thoughts.

Helpful -- For the ladies

Want to ditch that loser at the bar? Help is on the way.

Interesting - Tax cut effects

From the ultra-liberal Congressional Budget Office.

Iraq update

Status: FUBAR.

Special for Nolen

An excerpt from John Kerry's Vietnam diary, which should put this Cambodia nonsense to bed.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Update: By the way, I really don't care one way or the other what people were doing 35 years ago.

I didn't say it

A summary of a book that is a summary of the, um, "misundertruths" of our President. No hard feelings, my dear, lovely, good-hearted Republican friends.

Interesting + Helpful!!!!

Check this out, movie fans.

Interesting -- Investigative Reporters and Editors

Blogs are babble. This is journalism.

Helpful -- Wedding Etiquette

Don't play "Touch the Tushy" with the bride.

Helpful -- Site Traffic counter

I just signed up the blog for REINVIGORATE // Data Archiving Services. It's free, open source, and way better than the tracking on Geocities. Enjoy! Oh wait, I'm the one to enjoy it. You get nothing! Yippee!

Helpful -- snack review for your dog

Smackalicious! Also available in Chicken Quesadilla flavor.

Welcome to Chicago, Alan!

Guess what, though? You're already down 67%-28%.

Bummer, man.

Helpful -- Speedy Book Review

The Evelyn Wood speed reading book is pretty fantastic. I got it at the library and have easily doubled (at least) my reading speed.
Apparently, when you read line by line, you subvocalize (say the words out loud in your head) instead of just letting your brain process the words. As it turns out, your noodle can figure words out even out of order or at big chunks at a time.

This is helping me read all of those poker books I've been checking out...

Helpful -- New Favorite Drink

I'd been looking for a classy drink with Bourbon, and boy have I found it with the old fashioned Manhattan.

Manhattan
2-ish shots Bourbon
1 shot sweet vermouth
2 shakes of bitters

Shake and strain, or stir on the rocks. garnish with cherry.
Bam.

Interesting -- Bushisms continue

Listen, I don't make fun of the President because I'm an angry liberal, because I don't respect the presidency, because I hate America, because I'm rooting for terrorists, or because I'm a jaded urban hipster. None of those things are true. (Except the "liberal" and "hipster" parts)

I make fun of the President because he continues to put himself in positions (press conferences, town hall meetings, etc.) where he comes off as unprepared and stupid. Hasn't he learned?

Please check out this audio clip of Bush talking about relations with Native American tribes.

Keyes vs. Obama

I like what Josh Marshall has to say about the match-up. Especially:

Keyes is something else to watch on the hustings or in a debate. But calling him a master debater is rather like saying Dolly Parton has a dynamite bod...impressive in his own way, but also a bit cartoonish and rather less than subtle.