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Ask A Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 11/29/2011 11:17:03
Good Morning.
Today is our 3,177th day Iraq, and our 3,705th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing wars, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4483
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 4344
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3624
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 255
Since Operation New Dawn: 55
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 319
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,845
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 973
Contractor Employee Deaths - Iraq: 1,487
Journalists - Iraq : 348
Academics Killed - Iraq: 448
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
$ 1, 284, 615, 175, 000. 00
Let's dive right in....as we get closer to the elections next year, even at a glacial pace, we'll start to see more of the required attacks on some candidates as "soft on defense" and "Not ready to be Commander-in-Chief". Funny thing, though. The GOP has been running on that platform since the Carter Administration. What would happen if the actual military had a different opinion?
Next, we'll head right for Iraq. Even though most of our front-line troops are scheduled to be back in Kuwait and on the way home in just over a month, that doesn't mean that we'll have zero presence in-country. Remember your history? I'll wait here for a minute while you Google "Hessian". King George was not above hiring mercenaries, and now it looks like these United States will use them to maintain a presence in Iraq after we "officially" leave.
Finally this morning, a subject near and dear to my heart. Of all the airshows I've been to, and all the flight demonstrations I've seen, my favorite team is the Navy's own Blue Angels. But in these strange days of budgetary battles, everything is on the table. My beloved angels can shoot down anything except the budget axe, apparently.
So once again, it seems that jets are somehow involved in the budget....since as long as we cut taxes that support the military, others can continue to fly their private jets. Maybe if Uncle Sam relented and allowed them to buy Sidewinders, they could keep an eye on the coast at the same time?
Today is our 3,177th day Iraq, and our 3,705th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing wars, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4483
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 4344
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3624
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 255
Since Operation New Dawn: 55
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 319
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,845
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 973
Contractor Employee Deaths - Iraq: 1,487
Journalists - Iraq : 348
Academics Killed - Iraq: 448
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
Let's dive right in....as we get closer to the elections next year, even at a glacial pace, we'll start to see more of the required attacks on some candidates as "soft on defense" and "Not ready to be Commander-in-Chief". Funny thing, though. The GOP has been running on that platform since the Carter Administration. What would happen if the actual military had a different opinion?
WASHINGTON — Three former top military officials slammed the Republican presidential field ahead of Tuesday night’s GOP debate on foreign policy. The Democratic-leaning former officials said the entire Republican field has been all over the map but focused on GOP front-runner Mitt Romney.
“My concern would be that he might not be credibly decisive,” Richard Danzig, who served as Navy secretary under President Bill Clinton, said of Romney on Monday. “There’s too much of a track record here of moving between positions.”
Danzig said President Obama has shown the required decisiveness throughout his presidency.
Danzig, retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark and retired Army Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton critiqued the Republican field at a news conference organized by the Democratic National Committee.
Without naming Romney, Clark swiped at the former Massachusetts governor for comments downplaying the importance of capturing or killing Osama bin Laden.
“One candidate said of Osama bin Laden, ‘It’s not worth moving heaven and earth and spending billions of dollars just trying to catch one person,’” Clark said, referring to Romney. “But like all of us, he cheered his demise.”
Andrea Saul, a Romney spokeswoman, responded by assailing Obama’s foreign policy but did not directly respond to the officials’ criticism of Romney.
“President Obama’s feckless foreign policy has emboldened our adversaries, weakened our allies, and threatens to break faith with our military,” she said.
Next, we'll head right for Iraq. Even though most of our front-line troops are scheduled to be back in Kuwait and on the way home in just over a month, that doesn't mean that we'll have zero presence in-country. Remember your history? I'll wait here for a minute while you Google "Hessian". King George was not above hiring mercenaries, and now it looks like these United States will use them to maintain a presence in Iraq after we "officially" leave.
It’s January 2012. A convoy of SUVs ferrying American diplomats to a meeting with Iraqi politicians runs over a roadside bomb. Several of the passengers inside are seriously injured. They need to be rescued, now.
But the U.S. military left Iraq on Dec. 31. Which means the only call for help has to go to a team of mercenaries employed by the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. They’re the only guys left in Iraq who are running medical evacuation operations — or any other complex air op.
The State Department has already requisitioned an army, part of the roughly 5,000 private security contractors State is hiring to protect diplomats stationed in Iraq. Now, State is hiring someone to provide a little help from the air: an “Aviation Advisor” responsible for “Search and Rescue (SAR), medical evacuations (ME), transporting Quick Reaction Forces (QRF) to respond to incidents, and provid[ing] air transportation for Chief of Mission personnel.” It’s not a familiar job for the diplomatic corps, which is why State is seeking to bring in someone from the outside.
The State Department put out this notice on Nov. 4. That’s 58 days before the withdrawal of U.S. troops. 58 days before State has the skies over Iraq to itself.
There are lots of contractors with long experience in search and rescue and other air operations. The secretive Virginia company Blackbird Technologies, staffed with U.S. special operations veterans, won an $11 million contract in 2010 to rescue missing or kidnapped U.S. troops in Iraq, one of the military’s most important missions.
Finally this morning, a subject near and dear to my heart. Of all the airshows I've been to, and all the flight demonstrations I've seen, my favorite team is the Navy's own Blue Angels. But in these strange days of budgetary battles, everything is on the table. My beloved angels can shoot down anything except the budget axe, apparently.
PENSACOLA NAVAL AIR STATION, Fla. — The Navy’s Blue Angels have been thrilling audiences for more than six decades with their acrobatic flying in fighter planes, but a new era of federal budget worries and proposed deficit cutting has some inside and outside the military raising questions about the millions it costs to produce their shows.
The Pentagon spends $37 million for the Blue Angels, whose mission is to enhance recruiting for the Navy and Marines and to be their public goodwill ambassador. That’s a fraction of the Pentagon’s $926 billion annual budget, but that’s not the point, critics say. They argue that lots of smaller programs will have to be eliminated to meet required spending reductions.
Automatic cuts triggered by the collapse of the debt supercommittee in Washington this week combined with spending reductions previously hammered out by President Obama and Congress mean that the Pentagon would be looking at nearly $1 trillion in cuts to projected spending over 10 years.
The Air Force’s Thunderbirds and the Army’s Golden Knights paratroopers also perform big public shows.
“It goes to show the scale of the Department of the Defense budget: The Defense Department always goes big,” said Laura Peterson, a spokeswoman for the Washington-based group Taxpayers for Common Sense. She said the money could be better spent on other programs. “The point is to look at all federal spending. We can no longer afford the wants; we have to look at the needs.”
But Capt. Greg McWherter, the Blue Angels’ commander, said his team fills a vital national security role by improving morale, helping with recruiting and presenting a public face for the nation’s 500,000 sailors and Marines. The Navy said about 11 million people see the squadron’s F/A-18 fighter jets scream and twist overhead during each year’s show season, from March through November.
“We still live in a country that has an all-volunteer force. Everyone that signs up to join the military does so because they were motivated and inspired; maybe it was an aunt or an uncle, maybe it was a teacher or maybe it was the Blue Angels, you never know,” he said. “It is difficult to put a price on that and on the number of young men and women inspired by a performance.”
But, he said, it helps ensure “that the Navy and the Marine Corps is strong 10 to 15 years from now.”
Loren Thompson, a military analyst with the Lexington Institute think tank, said it is very unlikely anyone in Congress would specifically target the Blue Angels because the team is so popular.
“I think any legislator who called for eliminating the Blue Angels would be digging and digging through emails filled with outrage,” he said.
But he said it is possible spending for the Blue Angels, Air Force Thunderbirds and other military promotional programs could be curtailed under a larger umbrella bill as Congress and the administration look for ways to cut federal spending.
“No provision specifically aimed at cutting the Blue Angels will ever pass, but that doesn’t mean the Blue Angels are safe from budget cuts,” Thompson said.
So once again, it seems that jets are somehow involved in the budget....since as long as we cut taxes that support the military, others can continue to fly their private jets. Maybe if Uncle Sam relented and allowed them to buy Sidewinders, they could keep an eye on the coast at the same time?
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
TriSec on 11/29/2011 12:35:27
TriSec on 11/29/2011 12:35:27
Bonus Click - via Paul R. at IAVA/Facebook.
Two months ago, Dakota Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama for his service in Afghanistan, the military's most prestigious award. On Monday, Sgt. Meyer alleged that a defense contractor has called him mentally unstable and a problem drinker, ruining his chances for a job in the defense industry.
In legal papers filed Monday, the Marine claims that BAE Systems, where he worked earlier this year, retaliated against him after he raised objections about BAE's alleged decision to sell high-tech sniper scopes to the Pakistani military. He says his supervisor at BAE effectively blocked his hiring by another defense contractor by making the claims about drinking and his mental condition.
Sgt. Meyer's complaint is likely to pose a more difficult challenge for BAE, a British company with extensive U.S. operations, than a typical employment dispute. In the September White House ceremony, Sgt. Meyer was hailed for braving enemy fire as he tried to save the lives of fellow Marines who had been trapped in a Taliban ambush.
Comment by 
BobR on 11/29/2011 13:20:03
BobR on 11/29/2011 13:20:03
I suppose if there's going to be a military presence in Iraq, it's better that they be there voluntarily as an employee of a contractor, rather than an underpaid servicemember. On the other hand, we have marines guarding embassies elsewhere in the region, so maybe I'm wrong about that.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 11/29/2011 13:29:55
wickedpam on 11/29/2011 13:29:55
Morning 
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 14:04:42
Bob, we have Marines guarding embassies everywhere. It is one of the missions of the Marines. It is considered a plum assigmnent.
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 14:04:42
Quote by BobR:
I suppose if there's going to be a military presence in Iraq, it's better that they be there voluntarily as an employee of a contractor, rather than an underpaid servicemember. On the other hand, we have marines guarding embassies elsewhere in the region, so maybe I'm wrong about that.
Bob, we have Marines guarding embassies everywhere. It is one of the missions of the Marines. It is considered a plum assigmnent.
Comment by 
Raine on 11/29/2011 14:18:48
Good morning!
Raine on 11/29/2011 14:18:48
Good morning!
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 14:23:54
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 14:23:54
:sigh: Thanks for continuing the 200+ year old propoganda that the Hessians were mercenaries. The Hessian troops were effectively temps. They were part of the military of several German states including Heese.
The Hessians did not act individually. The decisions to hire them out was made by their princes.
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 14:24:04
Raine on 11/29/2011 14:24:04
Ok, this headline made me lol.
But the writer makes a good point.
But the writer makes a good point.
The idea that private life and sexual morality should remain private is apparently a new one for Cain. For months he has been making a spectacle of his private piety. And Cain has repeatedly disparaged gay Americans by stating that the institution of marriage needs to be protected from them. Last month Herman Cain told the Christian Broadcasting Network he supports a nationwide Constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. " I think marriage should be protected at the federal level also," said Cain.
If it turns out Ginger White's claims are true, I wonder if he'll blame the government for not protecting his marriage from the gays.
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 11/29/2011 14:37:52
Will in Chicago on 11/29/2011 14:37:52
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I hope that we will see more military leaders trying to destroy the meme that the GOP is the party of the military. Considering the lack of body armor early in the Iraq War and other problems, I think that more people are realizing that the talk of the GOP leadership is hot air. (Hmm, hot air -- Maybe Mitt Romney IS a source of global warming.)
One topic that we should hear about today is the National Defense Authorization Act, S.1867. Here is a little something on it from the American Civil Liberties Union.
Somehow, I think that George Washington would be rolling over in his grave at a proposal to have the military detain American citizens without a warrant. THAT was one of the abuses of the British government in the 13 colonies. So, maybe we should say that the GOP is now the Committee to Restore the 18th Century. (Hmm, why do I see Mitt, Newt, and Cain wanting to wear crowns?)
TriSec, I hope that we will see more military leaders trying to destroy the meme that the GOP is the party of the military. Considering the lack of body armor early in the Iraq War and other problems, I think that more people are realizing that the talk of the GOP leadership is hot air. (Hmm, hot air -- Maybe Mitt Romney IS a source of global warming.)
One topic that we should hear about today is the National Defense Authorization Act, S.1867. Here is a little something on it from the American Civil Liberties Union.
Senators Demand the Military Lock Up American Citizens in a “Battlefield†They Define as Being Right Outside Your Window
Posted by Chris Anders, Washington Legislative Office at 10:46am
While nearly all Americans head to family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, the Senate is gearing up for a vote on Monday or Tuesday that goes to the very heart of who we are as Americans. The Senate will be voting on a bill that will direct American military resources not at an enemy shooting at our military in a war zone, but at American citizens and other civilians far from any battlefield — even people in the United States itself.
Senators need to hear from you, on whether you think your front yard is part of a “battlefield†and if any president can send the military anywhere in the world to imprison civilians without charge or trial.
The Senate is going to vote on whether Congress will give this president—and every future president — the power to order the military to pick up and imprison without charge or trial civilians anywhere in the world. Even Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) raised his concerns about the NDAA detention provisions during last night’s Republican debate. The power is so broad that even U.S. citizens could be swept up by the military and the military could be used far from any battlefield, even within the United States itself.
The worldwide indefinite detention without charge or trial provision is in S. 1867, the National Defense Authorization Act bill, which will be on the Senate floor on Monday. The bill was drafted in secret by Sens. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) and passed in a closed-door committee meeting, without even a single hearing.
I know it sounds incredible. New powers to use the military worldwide, even within the United States? Hasn’t anyone told the Senate that Osama bin Laden is dead, that the president is pulling all of the combat troops out of Iraq and trying to figure out how to get combat troops out of Afghanistan too? And American citizens and people picked up on American or Canadian or British streets being sent to military prisons indefinitely without even being charged with a crime. Really? Does anyone think this is a good idea? And why now?
The answer on why now is nothing more than election season politics. The White House, the Secretary of Defense, and the Attorney General have all said that the indefinite detention provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act are harmful and counterproductive. The White House has even threatened a veto. But Senate politics has propelled this bad legislation to the Senate floor.
Somehow, I think that George Washington would be rolling over in his grave at a proposal to have the military detain American citizens without a warrant. THAT was one of the abuses of the British government in the 13 colonies. So, maybe we should say that the GOP is now the Committee to Restore the 18th Century. (Hmm, why do I see Mitt, Newt, and Cain wanting to wear crowns?)
Comment by BobR on 11/29/2011 14:41:32
We should call them Royalists
BobR on 11/29/2011 14:41:32
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I hope that we will see more military leaders trying to destroy the meme that the GOP is the party of the military. Considering the lack of body armor early in the Iraq War and other problems, I think that more people are realizing that the talk of the GOP leadership is hot air. (Hmm, hot air -- Maybe Mitt Romney IS a source of global warming.)
One topic that we should hear about today is the National Defense Authorization Act, S.1867. Here is a little something on it from the American Civil Liberties Union.Senators Demand the Military Lock Up American Citizens in a “Battlefield†They Define as Being Right Outside Your Window
Posted by Chris Anders, Washington Legislative Office at 10:46am
[..]
Somehow, I think that George Washington would be rolling over in his grave at a proposal to have the military detain American citizens without a warrant. THAT was one of the abuses of the British government in the 13 colonies. So, maybe we should say that the GOP is now the Committee to Restore the 18th Century. (Hmm, why do I see Mitt, Newt, and Cain wanting to wear crowns?)
We should call them Royalists
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 15:02:11
Raine on 11/29/2011 15:02:11
Say what? American Airlines is filing for Chapter 11?
Comment by wickedpam on 11/29/2011 15:03:53
wickedpam on 11/29/2011 15:03:53
Last Call for Blogger Joe, I"ll be pulling names after 12 
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 15:06:14
Airlines do that all the time. Especially to wiggle out of union contracts.
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 15:06:14
Quote by Raine:
Say what? American Airlines is filing for Chapter 11?
Airlines do that all the time. Especially to wiggle out of union contracts.
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 15:10:23
And that is exactly what the news is reporting. They said they are sitting on a ton of cash --- but fuel and labor costs are the problem...
Raine on 11/29/2011 15:10:23
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Say what? American Airlines is filing for Chapter 11?
Airlines do that all the time. Especially to wiggle out of union contracts.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 15:13:33
Yeah I heard about them not being able to get wage concessions out of the pilots' union.
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 15:13:33
Quote by Raine:And that is exactly what the news is reporting. They said they are sitting on a ton of cash --- but fuel and labor costs are the problem...Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Say what? American Airlines is filing for Chapter 11?
Airlines do that all the time. Especially to wiggle out of union contracts.
Yeah I heard about them not being able to get wage concessions out of the pilots' union.
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 15:13:35
Raine on 11/29/2011 15:13:35
Comment by TriSec on 11/29/2011 15:24:59
TriSec on 11/29/2011 15:24:59
**updating**
Mum in Law is in the OR right now having a second stent put in. No news is good news at the moment.
Pops has survived his first night away from home; at any rate, nobody from McLean's called us to intervene or translate, so that's a no news is good news situation, too.
Mrs. TriSec is busily calling around to the various elder care establishments we fortunately already checked. One has a two-year waiting list, but a next door neighbor works there and may have some pull.
Mum in Law is in the OR right now having a second stent put in. No news is good news at the moment.
Pops has survived his first night away from home; at any rate, nobody from McLean's called us to intervene or translate, so that's a no news is good news situation, too.
Mrs. TriSec is busily calling around to the various elder care establishments we fortunately already checked. One has a two-year waiting list, but a next door neighbor works there and may have some pull.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/29/2011 15:28:39
as always in my thoughts and prayers Tri
wickedpam on 11/29/2011 15:28:39
Quote by TriSec:
**updating**
Mum in Law is in the OR right now having a second stent put in. No news is good news at the moment.
Pops has survived his first night away from home; at any rate, nobody from McLean's called us to intervene or translate, so that's a no news is good news situation, too.
Mrs. TriSec is busily calling around to the various elder care establishments we fortunately already checked. One has a two-year waiting list, but a next door neighbor works there and may have some pull.
as always in my thoughts and prayers Tri
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 15:28:47
My best wishes and thoughts to you, Mrs Tri, her extended family and Javi in this time of family crisis. I have your back, my friend.
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 15:28:47
Quote by TriSec:
**updating**
Mum in Law is in the OR right now having a second stent put in. No news is good news at the moment.
Pops has survived his first night away from home; at any rate, nobody from McLean's called us to intervene or translate, so that's a no news is good news situation, too.
Mrs. TriSec is busily calling around to the various elder care establishments we fortunately already checked. One has a two-year waiting list, but a next door neighbor works there and may have some pull.
My best wishes and thoughts to you, Mrs Tri, her extended family and Javi in this time of family crisis. I have your back, my friend.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 11/29/2011 15:34:00
Scoopster on 11/29/2011 15:34:00
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 15:38:36
sigh
Raine on 11/29/2011 15:38:36
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 15:51:03
Mmm I love a dusting of memory chips on my froth!
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 15:51:03
Quote by Scoopster:
Morning all!
Meanwhile in Tehran...
Mmm I love a dusting of memory chips on my froth!
Comment by 
livingonli on 11/29/2011 15:58:53
livingonli on 11/29/2011 15:58:53
Good morning everyone. I'm actually up before Noon today. It's been awhile since I have done that.
Comment by BobR on 11/29/2011 16:03:03
memory-chip biscotti?
BobR on 11/29/2011 16:03:03
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
Morning all!
Meanwhile in Tehran...
Mmm I love a dusting of memory chips on my froth!
memory-chip biscotti?
Comment by livingonli on 11/29/2011 16:07:30
livingonli on 11/29/2011 16:07:30
Dan Patrick is just mentioning that the Jags coach had been fired and apparently there have been rumors that the team is up for a sale and a move is being contemplated.
Comment by livingonli on 11/29/2011 16:09:46
livingonli on 11/29/2011 16:09:46
I guess the New York show as the "pilot" version doesn't count as the first Sexy Liberal show when they mention it.
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 16:11:44
I have been hearing that as well.
Raine on 11/29/2011 16:11:44
Quote by livingonli:
Dan Patrick is just mentioning that the Jags coach had been fired and apparently there have been rumors that the team is up for a sale and a move is being contemplated.
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 16:13:07
Did they call it Sexy liberal back then?
I;m still happy we went -- that show was FAR more intimate I suspect than this tour.
Raine on 11/29/2011 16:13:07
Quote by livingonli:
I guess the New York show as the "pilot" version doesn't count as the first Sexy Liberal show when they mention it.
I;m still happy we went -- that show was FAR more intimate I suspect than this tour.
Comment by livingonli on 11/29/2011 16:25:51
I do remember them calling it the "Sexy Liberal" show although are show may have been the only one with Rude Pundit.
livingonli on 11/29/2011 16:25:51
Quote by Raine:Did they call it Sexy liberal back then?Quote by livingonli:
I guess the New York show as the "pilot" version doesn't count as the first Sexy Liberal show when they mention it.
I;m still happy we went -- that show was FAR more intimate I suspect than this tour.
I do remember them calling it the "Sexy Liberal" show although are show may have been the only one with Rude Pundit.
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 16:31:18
Raine on 11/29/2011 16:31:18
I still laugh at this line from the article:
Now call me crazy, but I think it is a bit strange that a presidential Candidate with Secret service protection is taking calls from what I would assume was an unknown number.
"We texted the number and Herman Cain called us back"
Now call me crazy, but I think it is a bit strange that a presidential Candidate with Secret service protection is taking calls from what I would assume was an unknown number.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 16:32:53
Wayne Weaver (owner) has been saying that for the past couple of years. The problem is most of the Jags fans are of the fairweather variety. They don't buy tickets if the team is blowing goats. Asshats. If you are a fan, you are fan all the way, winners or losers.
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 16:32:53
Quote by livingonli:
Dan Patrick is just mentioning that the Jags coach had been fired and apparently there have been rumors that the team is up for a sale and a move is being contemplated.
Wayne Weaver (owner) has been saying that for the past couple of years. The problem is most of the Jags fans are of the fairweather variety. They don't buy tickets if the team is blowing goats. Asshats. If you are a fan, you are fan all the way, winners or losers.
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 16:33:23
Raine on 11/29/2011 16:33:23
BREAKING: @NRO reports: Cain told senior staff this morning that he is "reassessing" whether to stay in race. Will make final decision soon.
Comment by livingonli on 11/29/2011 16:33:32
Sounds like the Booty call number to me.
livingonli on 11/29/2011 16:33:32
Quote by Raine:
I still laugh at this line from the article:"We texted the number and Herman Cain called us back"
Now call me crazy, but I think it is a bit strange that a presidential Candidate with Secret service protection is taking calls from what I would assume was an unknown number.
Sounds like the Booty call number to me.
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 16:37:47
Ya know, Liv -- you may very well be correct!
Raine on 11/29/2011 16:37:47
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:
I still laugh at this line from the article:"We texted the number and Herman Cain called us back"
Now call me crazy, but I think it is a bit strange that a presidential Candidate with Secret service protection is taking calls from what I would assume was an unknown number.
Sounds like the Booty call number to me.
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 16:39:04
Raine on 11/29/2011 16:39:04
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 16:46:47
Rick Santorum
Raine on 11/29/2011 16:46:47
"I may not be the guy that the girls are initially attracted to when they walk into the dance hall, but ultimately once you get to know all the folks, I'm the one you want to take home to Mom,"
Comment by wickedpam on 11/29/2011 16:47:12
wickedpam on 11/29/2011 16:47:12
gee Chris don't say it like its the plague or something
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 16:49:51
Ya know, I'd rather have an inconsistent asshole like Newt rather than a consistent asshole like Santorum any day. Newt is far more entertaining.
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 16:49:51
Quote by Raine:Rick Santorum"I may not be the guy that the girls are initially attracted to when they walk into the dance hall, but ultimately once you get to know all the folks, I'm the one you want to take home to Mom,"
Ya know, I'd rather have an inconsistent asshole like Newt rather than a consistent asshole like Santorum any day. Newt is far more entertaining.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 16:55:40
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 16:55:40
Who do we hate?
Man City!
What do we want?
Man City to fail!
Who do we want to win?
LIVERPOOL!
I return the blog to normal chatter.
Man City!
What do we want?
Man City to fail!
Who do we want to win?
LIVERPOOL!
I return the blog to normal chatter.
Comment by TriSec on 11/29/2011 17:01:38
TriSec on 11/29/2011 17:01:38
Actually, Red Sox Nation is starting to turn on Liverpool.
There is a growing belief that a certain Mr. Luccino is spending way too much time with his shiny new toy instead of paying attention to baseball operations, but I digress.
There is a growing belief that a certain Mr. Luccino is spending way too much time with his shiny new toy instead of paying attention to baseball operations, but I digress.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:01:56
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:01:56
English Premier League killed the blog???
Me FTW!
Me FTW!
Comment by wickedpam on 11/29/2011 17:02:29
is this something anti- Manchester U?
wickedpam on 11/29/2011 17:02:29
Quote by Mondobubba:
Who do we hate?
Man City!
What do we want?
Man City to fail!
Who do we want to win?
LIVERPOOL!
I return the blog to normal chatter.
is this something anti- Manchester U?
Comment by Scoopster on 11/29/2011 17:05:17
...as was demonstrated by the consumption of Guinness and fish & chips platters in the front office.
Scoopster on 11/29/2011 17:05:17
Quote by TriSec:
Actually, Red Sox Nation is starting to turn on Liverpool.
There is a growing belief that a certain Mr. Luccino is spending way too much time with his shiny new toy instead of paying attention to baseball operations, but I digress.
...as was demonstrated by the consumption of Guinness and fish & chips platters in the front office.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:06:30
Oh but the cities share so much, gloomy depressed Celts who whinge and whine at every little move made by the owners of a beloved sports team. A gerneral pessemistic attitude about the fortunes of said teams. Why it is marriage made in sport heaven! Not to mention that SAD is endemic in both cities, even in summer.
:ducks bricks coming from the north:
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:06:30
Quote by TriSec:
Actually, Red Sox Nation is starting to turn on Liverpool.
There is a growing belief that a certain Mr. Luccino is spending way too much time with his shiny new toy instead of paying attention to baseball operations, but I digress.
Oh but the cities share so much, gloomy depressed Celts who whinge and whine at every little move made by the owners of a beloved sports team. A gerneral pessemistic attitude about the fortunes of said teams. Why it is marriage made in sport heaven! Not to mention that SAD is endemic in both cities, even in summer.
:ducks bricks coming from the north:
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:09:19
Oh I hate Man U as well. Lemme splain Manchester has not one, but two teams in the EPL. City and United. City is in first place, Uninted in second. United has a world wide pink hat fan base who know nothing about footie except United. Wayne Rooney is a thug who can't keep his pants zipped. :Man U hate ends:
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:09:19
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Who do we hate?
Man City!
What do we want?
Man City to fail!
Who do we want to win?
LIVERPOOL!
I return the blog to normal chatter.
is this something anti- Manchester U?
Oh I hate Man U as well. Lemme splain Manchester has not one, but two teams in the EPL. City and United. City is in first place, Uninted in second. United has a world wide pink hat fan base who know nothing about footie except United. Wayne Rooney is a thug who can't keep his pants zipped. :Man U hate ends:
Comment by BobR on 11/29/2011 17:09:57
yes, it was bored to death....
BobR on 11/29/2011 17:09:57
Quote by Mondobubba:
English Premier League killed the blog???
Me FTW!
yes, it was bored to death....
Comment by wickedpam on 11/29/2011 17:14:58
worldwide pink hat fan based?
hey the only reason I know the name is because of David Beckham, the movie Bend it Like Beckham and because I'm a fan of Christopher Eccelston
wickedpam on 11/29/2011 17:14:58
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Who do we hate?
Man City!
What do we want?
Man City to fail!
Who do we want to win?
LIVERPOOL!
I return the blog to normal chatter.
is this something anti- Manchester U?
Oh I hate Man U as well. Lemme splain Manchester has not one, but two teams in the EPL. City and United. City is in first place, Uninted in second. United has a world wide pink hat fan base who know nothing about footie except United. Wayne Rooney is a thug who can't keep his pants zipped. :Man U hate ends:
worldwide pink hat fan based?
hey the only reason I know the name is because of David Beckham, the movie Bend it Like Beckham and because I'm a fan of Christopher Eccelston
Comment by livingonli on 11/29/2011 17:15:57
Doesn't NESN have a deal with Liverpool? I know they re-air some Barclay matches on NESN in a similar manner to YES's deal with Arsenal. In the beginning, YES tried to cut a deal with Manchester U in the beginning but it never materialized and they eventually ended up drifting towards re-airing Arsenal matches
livingonli on 11/29/2011 17:15:57
Quote by TriSec:
Actually, Red Sox Nation is starting to turn on Liverpool.
There is a growing belief that a certain Mr. Luccino is spending way too much time with his shiny new toy instead of paying attention to baseball operations, but I digress.
Doesn't NESN have a deal with Liverpool? I know they re-air some Barclay matches on NESN in a similar manner to YES's deal with Arsenal. In the beginning, YES tried to cut a deal with Manchester U in the beginning but it never materialized and they eventually ended up drifting towards re-airing Arsenal matches
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:31:11
Pink hats: Pink Red Sox caps wore by young woman after the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004. It is a terms of derision for the fairweather fan in New England. I made Tri smile when I used it.
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:31:11
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Who do we hate?
Man City!
What do we want?
Man City to fail!
Who do we want to win?
LIVERPOOL!
I return the blog to normal chatter.
is this something anti- Manchester U?
Oh I hate Man U as well. Lemme splain Manchester has not one, but two teams in the EPL. City and United. City is in first place, Uninted in second. United has a world wide pink hat fan base who know nothing about footie except United. Wayne Rooney is a thug who can't keep his pants zipped. :Man U hate ends:
worldwide pink hat fan based?
hey the only reason I know the name is because of David Beckham, the movie Bend it Like Beckham and because I'm a fan of Christopher Eccelston
Pink hats: Pink Red Sox caps wore by young woman after the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004. It is a terms of derision for the fairweather fan in New England. I made Tri smile when I used it.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/29/2011 17:33:16
aahhhh gottcha
wickedpam on 11/29/2011 17:33:16
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Who do we hate?
Man City!
What do we want?
Man City to fail!
Who do we want to win?
LIVERPOOL!
I return the blog to normal chatter.
is this something anti- Manchester U?
Oh I hate Man U as well. Lemme splain Manchester has not one, but two teams in the EPL. City and United. City is in first place, Uninted in second. United has a world wide pink hat fan base who know nothing about footie except United. Wayne Rooney is a thug who can't keep his pants zipped. :Man U hate ends:
worldwide pink hat fan based?
hey the only reason I know the name is because of David Beckham, the movie Bend it Like Beckham and because I'm a fan of Christopher Eccelston
Pink hats: Pink Red Sox caps wore by young woman after the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004. It is a terms of derision for the fairweather fan in New England. I made Tri smile when I used it.
aahhhh gottcha
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:33:25
This Just In!
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:33:25
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by livingonli:
Dan Patrick is just mentioning that the Jags coach had been fired and apparently there have been rumors that the team is up for a sale and a move is being contemplated.
Wayne Weaver (owner) has been saying that for the past couple of years. The problem is most of the Jags fans are of the fairweather variety. They don't buy tickets if the team is blowing goats. Asshats. If you are a fan, you are fan all the way, winners or losers.
This Just In!
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:37:22
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:37:22
The jags have been sold to this guy. I expect vile racist, Islamophobic comments to appear in the local media's websites any second.
One of the "news" units of a local TV station had this to say: Team sold to Pakistan-born Englishman."
One of the "news" units of a local TV station had this to say: Team sold to Pakistan-born Englishman."
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 17:43:44
I suspect you are going to be right on this one.
Raine on 11/29/2011 17:43:44
Quote by Mondobubba:
The jags have been sold to this guy. I expect vile racist, Islamophobic comments to appear in the local media's websites any second.
One of the "news" units of a local TV station had this to say: Team sold to Pakistan-born Englishman."
I suspect you are going to be right on this one.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:55:37
I don't know if Khan is naturlized citizen or if he's got a green card, the thing is the headline should read: "Jaguars sold to Illinois businessman." But no good old Clear Channel leads with Anglo-Pakistani.
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:55:37
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
The jags have been sold to this guy. I expect vile racist, Islamophobic comments to appear in the local media's websites any second.
One of the "news" units of a local TV station had this to say: Team sold to Pakistan-born Englishman."
I don't know if Khan is naturlized citizen or if he's got a green card, the thing is the headline should read: "Jaguars sold to Illinois businessman." But no good old Clear Channel leads with Anglo-Pakistani.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:58:24
WhatEVER!
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 17:58:24
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
English Premier League killed the blog???
Me FTW!
yes, it was bored to death....
WhatEVER!
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 18:24:18
Mala, just to confuse things more, there are two other teams in the EPL in the greater Manchester area; Bolton and Wigan.
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 18:24:18
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Who do we hate?
Man City!
What do we want?
Man City to fail!
Who do we want to win?
LIVERPOOL!
I return the blog to normal chatter.
is this something anti- Manchester U?
Oh I hate Man U as well. Lemme splain Manchester has not one, but two teams in the EPL. City and United. City is in first place, Uninted in second. United has a world wide pink hat fan base who know nothing about footie except United. Wayne Rooney is a thug who can't keep his pants zipped. :Man U hate ends:
worldwide pink hat fan based?
hey the only reason I know the name is because of David Beckham, the movie Bend it Like Beckham and because I'm a fan of Christopher Eccelston
Pink hats: Pink Red Sox caps wore by young woman after the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004. It is a terms of derision for the fairweather fan in New England. I made Tri smile when I used it.
aahhhh gottcha
Mala, just to confuse things more, there are two other teams in the EPL in the greater Manchester area; Bolton and Wigan.
Comment by TriSec on 11/29/2011 19:21:43
TriSec on 11/29/2011 19:21:43
On top of all that, doesn't Man U have some kind of cross-marketing deal with the unholy spawn of Satan?
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 19:24:38
Raine on 11/29/2011 19:24:38
Seriously, having a WTF moment here:
Well that's good to know senator Klein -- but this isn't about looks....
"Lori Klein, an Arizona state Senator and Cain's Arizona state chairman, told CBS News she stands by Cain.
She says she has known him for 12 years and he's "never been anything but a gentlemen - and I am not an unattractive woman."
Well that's good to know senator Klein -- but this isn't about looks....
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/29/2011 19:31:20
Will in Chicago on 11/29/2011 19:31:20
Back finally. I am off today, but naturally I had stuff to do here and errands to run later.
Fair weather fans are common in many sports. (As a Chicago Bears fan, I have seen years when I thought the team could be beat by the scrimmage squad from the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind.)
As for the Jaguars, I hope that they will remain in Florida.
Fair weather fans are common in many sports. (As a Chicago Bears fan, I have seen years when I thought the team could be beat by the scrimmage squad from the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind.)
As for the Jaguars, I hope that they will remain in Florida.
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 19:33:19
The giants had a game like that last night. Wretched. Absolutely wretched.
I hope the team stays in Florida as well. Peeps just need to buy tickets to the games!
Raine on 11/29/2011 19:33:19
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Back finally. I am off today, but naturally I had stuff to do here and errands to run later.
Fair weather fans are common in many sports. (As a Chicago Bears fan, I have seen years when I thought the team could be beat by the scrimmage squad from the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind.)
As for the Jaguars, I hope that they will remain in Florida.
The giants had a game like that last night. Wretched. Absolutely wretched.
I hope the team stays in Florida as well. Peeps just need to buy tickets to the games!
Comment by wickedpam on 11/29/2011 19:44:46
wickedpam on 11/29/2011 19:44:46
Thom is so cheery and hopeful today 
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 19:48:15
Ain't he?
Raine on 11/29/2011 19:48:15
Quote by wickedpam:
Thom is so cheery and hopeful today
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/29/2011 19:48:43
Raine, I have seen a few Bears games over the years when I thought that the team could not beat the team from the Chicago Outhouse for the Incontinent.
While I am not a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers, I am glad to see that it is a community owned team. I think that it has the benefit of keeping a franchise in a small town and gives the fans more of a chance to participate. These days, we have rich owners who seem to view their teams as hobbies. (Don't get me started on the management of Chicago teams. I have quipped that the owners get together around New Year's Day to bet who can run their team into the ground most quickly. Hmm, that might explain a few things. )
Will in Chicago on 11/29/2011 19:48:43
Quote by Raine:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Back finally. I am off today, but naturally I had stuff to do here and errands to run later.
Fair weather fans are common in many sports. (As a Chicago Bears fan, I have seen years when I thought the team could be beat by the scrimmage squad from the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind.)
As for the Jaguars, I hope that they will remain in Florida.
The giants had a game like that last night. Wretched. Absolutely wretched.
I hope the team stays in Florida as well. Peeps just need to buy tickets to the games!
Raine, I have seen a few Bears games over the years when I thought that the team could not beat the team from the Chicago Outhouse for the Incontinent.
While I am not a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers, I am glad to see that it is a community owned team. I think that it has the benefit of keeping a franchise in a small town and gives the fans more of a chance to participate. These days, we have rich owners who seem to view their teams as hobbies. (Don't get me started on the management of Chicago teams. I have quipped that the owners get together around New Year's Day to bet who can run their team into the ground most quickly. Hmm, that might explain a few things. )
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 19:48:54
Raine on 11/29/2011 19:48:54
15 minutes till Randi. 
Comment by wickedpam on 11/29/2011 19:57:41
I realize he's trying to inform us on certain topics but geez, can he not use a 2x4 to deliver the message? Spoonful of sugar Thom, spoonful of sugar.... I'm just sayin'
wickedpam on 11/29/2011 19:57:41
Quote by Raine:Ain't he?Quote by wickedpam:
Thom is so cheery and hopeful today
I realize he's trying to inform us on certain topics but geez, can he not use a 2x4 to deliver the message? Spoonful of sugar Thom, spoonful of sugar.... I'm just sayin'
Comment by Scoopster on 11/29/2011 19:58:41
I really have no idea WHERE they could go that's a big enough market and doesn't already have a team to be honest? Las Vegas? Sacramento?
Scoopster on 11/29/2011 19:58:41
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Back finally. I am off today, but naturally I had stuff to do here and errands to run later.
Fair weather fans are common in many sports. (As a Chicago Bears fan, I have seen years when I thought the team could be beat by the scrimmage squad from the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind.)
As for the Jaguars, I hope that they will remain in Florida.
I really have no idea WHERE they could go that's a big enough market and doesn't already have a team to be honest? Las Vegas? Sacramento?
Comment by TriSec on 11/29/2011 20:22:38
TriSec on 11/29/2011 20:22:38
As I told Mondo last night....I've lived every married man's fantasy this past weekend.
In the span of 30 hours, I put my mother in law in the hospital and had my father in law committed to a mental institution.
In the span of 30 hours, I put my mother in law in the hospital and had my father in law committed to a mental institution.
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 20:26:13
Raine on 11/29/2011 20:26:13
Quote by TriSec:
As I told Mondo last night....I've lived every married man's fantasy this past weekend.
In the span of 30 hours, I put my mother in law in the hospital and had my father in law committed to a mental institution.
Comment by BobR on 11/29/2011 20:26:38
BobR on 11/29/2011 20:26:38
Quote by TriSec:
As I told Mondo last night....I've lived every married man's fantasy this past weekend.
In the span of 30 hours, I put my mother in law in the hospital and had my father in law committed to a mental institution.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/29/2011 20:28:32
I thought that fantasy was hooking up with two w....
Scoopster on 11/29/2011 20:28:32
Quote by TriSec:
As I told Mondo last night....I've lived every married man's fantasy this past weekend.
In the span of 30 hours, I put my mother in law in the hospital and had my father in law committed to a mental institution.
I thought that fantasy was hooking up with two w....
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 20:43:18
Raine on 11/29/2011 20:43:18
Can someone please explain this to me?
Really? Cause that sounds like he was giving her money.
Cain, who lives in suburban Atlanta, told his staff Tuesday that White was "a friend and he helped her financially but that nothing inappropriate took place."
Really? Cause that sounds like he was giving her money.
Comment by Raine on 11/29/2011 20:43:50
Raine on 11/29/2011 20:43:50
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by TriSec:
As I told Mondo last night....I've lived every married man's fantasy this past weekend.
In the span of 30 hours, I put my mother in law in the hospital and had my father in law committed to a mental institution.
I thought that fantasy was hooking up with two w....
Comment by TriSec on 11/29/2011 20:50:08
TriSec on 11/29/2011 20:50:08
Off to the Bean factory in a bit. Teaching a snowshoe clinic tonight.
I'm a bit amused; the 'official' script for the class is actually less well developed than the clinic I came up with myself two seasons ago.
I'm a bit amused; the 'official' script for the class is actually less well developed than the clinic I came up with myself two seasons ago.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 20:54:33
:spit: It still slays me.
Mondobubba on 11/29/2011 20:54:33
Quote by TriSec:
As I told Mondo last night....I've lived every married man's fantasy this past weekend.
In the span of 30 hours, I put my mother in law in the hospital and had my father in law committed to a mental institution.
:spit: It still slays me.
Comment by livingonli on 11/30/2011 04:13:40
livingonli on 11/30/2011 04:13:40
I heard the Caps lost again tonight with the new coach.
Comment by Raine on 11/30/2011 04:32:50
Quelle Shoque.
Raine on 11/30/2011 04:32:50
Quote by livingonli:
I heard the Caps lost again tonight with the new coach.
Comment by BobR on 11/30/2011 04:37:46
Oh - it was the slacking players and NOT the coach? Whodathunkit?
BobR on 11/30/2011 04:37:46
Quote by livingonli:
I heard the Caps lost again tonight with the new coach.
Oh - it was the slacking players and NOT the coach? Whodathunkit?