How can anyone wonder why we're in Iraq? Bush has made it crystal clear:
"Our mission is clear in Iraq. Should we have to go in, our mission is very clear: disarmament."
- Bush, March 6, 2003
"In Iraq today, our military is focused and unwavering. We have an effective plan of battle and the flexibility to meet every challenge. Nothing--nothing--will divert us from our clear mission."
- Bush, March 26, 2003
"Our forces have been given a clear mission--to end a regime that threatened its neighbors and the world with weapons of mass destruction, and to free a people that had suffered far too long."
- Bush, April 14, 2003
"Our coalition has a clear goal, understood by all--to see the Iraqi people in charge for the first time in generations."
- Bush, May 24, 2004
"Well, as I stated earlier, the clear mission of the multinational force, and in particular, the United States military is to help the new Iraqi government stabilize a country, deal with the security threat, and help improve the lives of the Iraqi people."
- "Senior Administration Official", June 28, 2004
"The United States military and our coalition partners have made a clear, specific and continuing mission in Iraq. As we train Iraqi security forces, we'll help those forces to find and destroy the killers."
- Bush, June 28, 2004
"Some of tomorrow's veterans are in combat in Iraq at this hour. They have a clear mission: to defeat the terrorists and aid the rise of a free government that can defend itself."
- Bush, November 11, 2004
"And our mission is clear there, as well, and that is to train the Iraqis so they can do the fighting; make sure they can stand up to defend their freedoms, which they want to do."
- Bush, June 2, 2005
"Our goal is clear: a democratic and peaceful Iraq that represents all Iraqis."
- Bush, June 24, 2005
"Our military strategy is clear: We will train Iraqi security forces so they can defend their freedom and protect their people, and then our troops will return home with the honor they have earned."
- Bush, June 25, 2005
"Our mission in Iraq is clear: We're hunting down the terrorists. We're helping Iraqis build a free nation that is an ally in the war on terror. We're advancing freedom in the broader Middle East. We are removing a source of violence and instability and laying the foundation of peace for our children and our grandchildren."
- Bush, June 28, 2005
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Monday, June 27, 2005
Helpful: Email me
I had hesitated to do this, but since Gmail's spam filter is so righteous, I decided it's worth the risk. My Gmail address is now on the sidebar, in case you need it.
Prayer request
Just got this word from Dad...
It happened Saturday afternoon, my older sister, Babs, and her boyfriend (Greg? Still getting name) were riding on a motorcycle. He had given his helmet to Babs, since this was the first time she'd ridden on a motorcycle ('You'll never get me on one of those things!"). He's had a motorcycle for 30+ years, but lost control on a sharp turn and hit a tree. Babs landed about 50 feet away. Greg was air lifted to the hospital, where he died in surgery. Babs was also airlifted to the hospital and went through surgery yesterday. Her ankle was broken in 2 places, lower leg in 2 places and also a fracture in her spine. She should heal ok, but will be in bed for 8-12 weeks. Therapy and emotional healing will take longer... She's very scrappy and strong willed, so I have a lot of faith that she'll bounce back. But this is much tougher than the floods in PA last year that nearly ruined her home and business.
Please keep her and Greg's family in your prayers - for healing, comfort, and a speedy recovery.
It happened Saturday afternoon, my older sister, Babs, and her boyfriend (Greg? Still getting name) were riding on a motorcycle. He had given his helmet to Babs, since this was the first time she'd ridden on a motorcycle ('You'll never get me on one of those things!"). He's had a motorcycle for 30+ years, but lost control on a sharp turn and hit a tree. Babs landed about 50 feet away. Greg was air lifted to the hospital, where he died in surgery. Babs was also airlifted to the hospital and went through surgery yesterday. Her ankle was broken in 2 places, lower leg in 2 places and also a fracture in her spine. She should heal ok, but will be in bed for 8-12 weeks. Therapy and emotional healing will take longer... She's very scrappy and strong willed, so I have a lot of faith that she'll bounce back. But this is much tougher than the floods in PA last year that nearly ruined her home and business.
Please keep her and Greg's family in your prayers - for healing, comfort, and a speedy recovery.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Billy's back
BILLY THE MOUNTAIN AND OTHER WARTIME STORIES
Back by POPULAR DEMAND
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by the Chicago Reader
A ROCK OPERA FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Featuring and inspired by Frank Zappa’s Billy the Mountain
Thursdays in July:
July 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
7:30 pm at The Elbo Room 2871 North Lincoln in Chicago
Tickets $12 at the door
Reserve early and guarantee your seat by calling 773-561-0494
Interesting: One vet's view
So Dick Cheney says that the insurgency is in its "last throes." I guess it depends on how you define "last."
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Helpful: You
Political irons are in the fire all over the place. If you want to help me out, write me at matt.kuzma at gmail dot com
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Monday, June 20, 2005
Interesting: Good Day
Really tough day at work today, but a good meeting for DL21C and a fun guitar lesson (with beer!!) finished the day off right. Weather here in Chi-Town is getting better, and I just have a good feeling about this week.
Maybe it's because I won a bet?
Maybe it's because I won a bet?
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Helpful Book Review: Dry
Dry is a memoir by Augusten Burroughs. It's about his struggle with alcohol and drug addiction as a twenty-something. I finished this in 2 days -- I just couldn't put it down. I'm lucky to have never had severe addiction problems in my life, but I could definitely relate to the feelings that he talked about in the book and the irrational thoughts that can come into your head when you're lonely or angry.
If you've ever fought the demon, whether it's booze, crack, or personal productivity websites, check out this book.
If you've ever fought the demon, whether it's booze, crack, or personal productivity websites, check out this book.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Thursday, June 16, 2005
It's on
Cindy gets Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, and Chris DeMarco.
I get Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, and David Toms.
Whoever places highest in the U.S. Open wins. The loser has to cook a fancy dinner. Go get 'em, Lefty!
I get Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, and David Toms.
Whoever places highest in the U.S. Open wins. The loser has to cook a fancy dinner. Go get 'em, Lefty!
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Interesting: Big Line
I almost forgot to post this pic from our trip to LA. Amazingly, this line only took 30 minutes to get through.
By the way, flickr and iPhoto work really great together. Go Mac!
By the way, flickr and iPhoto work really great together. Go Mac!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Helpful: Bust that cabbie!
What a good idea! Saw this on Flickr. When you end up in a hellcab, document that sucka!
Monday, June 13, 2005
Interesting and Helpful: The Kids Are Alright
Who is this brilliant freelance writer I keep hearing about?
Friday, June 10, 2005
Quote of the day
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Birthday week event #3
I get the day off for my bday so i made a trip to my favorite store...
Thank you for using easyedgeSM Picture Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.
Thank you for using easyedgeSM Picture Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.
Interesting: Why flirt?
This came up at the game Monday night and Tuesday night, so I figured I should find a response from professionals.
Helpful: Travelzoo.com
Ooo, this might be perfect for Lollapalooza. I'll have to think about this one.
Interesting: 5 Questions
For this game, Jairy asked me 5 Questions, and I answer them here. If you'd like to play, too, just leave a comment.
A bit of background: I lived at Jair's apartment for a few months in college, and they were some of the best times I've had.
1. What was the funniest joke I played on you in college?
Well, there was that time after I graduated when I went out to go drive to work and found that someone moved my car in the middle of the night and filled it with empty pizza boxes. That was a hoot. But, of course, the best would have to be when you left a trail of french fries leading from my room to the kitchen, where you were giggling like mad. I should note that I will always keep a markerboard up in the kitchen of every house I live in, thanks to you. Your drawing of me on the box of Puppy Chow was inspiring.
2. Do you still clip coupons?
Trader Joe's doesn't take coupons, so I don't abuse the Sunday paper like I used to back in the day, but I definitely will wait for bargains or special deals when going out to eat, booking flights, or buying stuff like toilet paper or aluminum foil at the drugstore. I feel like saving a dollar here or there allows me to afford to splurge on things like concerts and Cubs games.
3. Which political issue gets you the hottest under the collar?
I think it's probably health insurance at this point. Everyone gets sick eventually, so to have a system where only people with full-time jobs get the best medical coverage seems ridiculous. I'm hoping that the big problems GM is having will force them to lobby for government-financed health insurance. There's a good reason every other country does it that way: our system is stupid.
4. What was your favorite episode of This American Life and why?
Ooh, is that a tough question. TAL has been a part of our life here for so long now. I'm not sure I have a favorite, but there are two that stick out.
**1 The episode where they spent 24 hours talking to people at the Golden Apple Diner here in Chicago. Click the link above and search "Golden Apple" to find the episode and listen on Real Player. The diner is right by our old apartment, and when Cindy and I listened to the show it really gave us a deeper understanding of this crazy city we had chosen to live in.
**2 All of the Thanksgiving Poultry episodes, but especially the story about the performance artist who used a chicken in his act and kept it in his apartment. Search "Poultry Slam 98" and listen for Act One. Hysterical. This episode also spawned, thanks to one of Cindy's bizarre dreams, a conversation about "Marc Anthony's corn niblets." Don't ask.
5. Do you have any nerdy hobbies? For instance, I work jigsaw puzzles. Do you do anything like this?"
You mean besides blogging? (heh.) I think my nerdiest hobby is my obsession with current events. I read the newspaper every morning and have to pry myself away from the lure of witty political writing on the internet. I also really like playing Scrabble, especially while drinking wine.
A bit of background: I lived at Jair's apartment for a few months in college, and they were some of the best times I've had.
1. What was the funniest joke I played on you in college?
Well, there was that time after I graduated when I went out to go drive to work and found that someone moved my car in the middle of the night and filled it with empty pizza boxes. That was a hoot. But, of course, the best would have to be when you left a trail of french fries leading from my room to the kitchen, where you were giggling like mad. I should note that I will always keep a markerboard up in the kitchen of every house I live in, thanks to you. Your drawing of me on the box of Puppy Chow was inspiring.
2. Do you still clip coupons?
Trader Joe's doesn't take coupons, so I don't abuse the Sunday paper like I used to back in the day, but I definitely will wait for bargains or special deals when going out to eat, booking flights, or buying stuff like toilet paper or aluminum foil at the drugstore. I feel like saving a dollar here or there allows me to afford to splurge on things like concerts and Cubs games.
3. Which political issue gets you the hottest under the collar?
I think it's probably health insurance at this point. Everyone gets sick eventually, so to have a system where only people with full-time jobs get the best medical coverage seems ridiculous. I'm hoping that the big problems GM is having will force them to lobby for government-financed health insurance. There's a good reason every other country does it that way: our system is stupid.
4. What was your favorite episode of This American Life and why?
Ooh, is that a tough question. TAL has been a part of our life here for so long now. I'm not sure I have a favorite, but there are two that stick out.
**1 The episode where they spent 24 hours talking to people at the Golden Apple Diner here in Chicago. Click the link above and search "Golden Apple" to find the episode and listen on Real Player. The diner is right by our old apartment, and when Cindy and I listened to the show it really gave us a deeper understanding of this crazy city we had chosen to live in.
**2 All of the Thanksgiving Poultry episodes, but especially the story about the performance artist who used a chicken in his act and kept it in his apartment. Search "Poultry Slam 98" and listen for Act One. Hysterical. This episode also spawned, thanks to one of Cindy's bizarre dreams, a conversation about "Marc Anthony's corn niblets." Don't ask.
5. Do you have any nerdy hobbies? For instance, I work jigsaw puzzles. Do you do anything like this?"
You mean besides blogging? (heh.) I think my nerdiest hobby is my obsession with current events. I read the newspaper every morning and have to pry myself away from the lure of witty political writing on the internet. I also really like playing Scrabble, especially while drinking wine.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
No bleacher babes
No way in these cheap seats...
Thank you for using easyedgeSM Picture Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.
Thank you for using easyedgeSM Picture Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.
Birthday week event number 2
Down 2 to 1 in the fifth. Can we come back?
Thank you for using easyedgeSM Picture Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.
Thank you for using easyedgeSM Picture Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Birthday week event number 1
Down 4 to 0 in the 7th...can we come back?
Thank you for using easyedgeSM Picture Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.
Thank you for using easyedgeSM Picture Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Interesting: Spamusement
For your weekend enterntainment, check out these poorly-drawn cartoons inspired by actual spam subject lines. I especially like this one.
Look out next week as Indigo and I play "5 Questions," Craig Kilborn style.
Look out next week as Indigo and I play "5 Questions," Craig Kilborn style.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
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