February 16, 2008
H & I Fires:* 16 Feb 2008
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
Time to add a new caveat, because from email it's not clear to some folks (mind you, if you don't read this it won't matter...) Being an open post, people (collectively, the Denizens) other than I post in the H&I. They sign their work (most of the time) - keep that in mind when you want to flame someone in email please - if it doesn't say "The Armorer" or "John" then I didn't write it! And honestly - if you don't like something said or posted... leave a comment, and hash it out (within the context of The Rulez which are clearly posted on the comment form, I would add).
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Well, the folks at the AP are either the masters of tongue in cheek understatements, or they are shilling for Palestinian terrorists. The headline: Islamic Jihad activist, family killed
If this guy was an "activist", what does that make Osama Bin Laden? The reincarnation of Carry Nation? Just sayin'.
Favorite part. The other Islamic Jihad "activists" are promising retaliation against Israel for something that looks like an unfortunate "activist" "work accident".
On a serious note, if I were an actual "activist" like someone who worked for human rights watch, or animal rights or even "save the planet" types, I would be a little ticked off that the AP was labeling a guy, who led a violent organization and was responsible for many bombings, an "activist". Those type of "activists" are fair game for imprisonment and possible shooting, bombing through air raids and other methods of demise. Now that all "activists" are equal, does that mean we can finally send the Code Pink folks to Gitmo?
I'm just sayin'.
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Calling all stars! Calling all stars! The military is looking for a few good entertainers. Robin Williams and Kid Rock just completed their sixth tours to the front lines and WWE has taken it to the mat just as many. They are posting adverts for some other folks to step up and give our guys and girls "a few good laughs". .
Ollie North on the 2nd Amendment and Kay Hutchinson's amicus to the court.
Speaking of guns, Mayor Bloomberg and a few others are at it again. They are working on a database of "illegal guns" to share amongst different organizations and cities. They did not detail to any degree exactly which "illegal guns" they were going to target. Guns used in criminal activities and subsequently inventoried in police property as evidence? Or, are we talking about whenever they decided a gun is "illegal" by some arbitrary standard they set?
The NRA makes an important statement on the subject:
"All Mayor Bloomberg and his fellow mayors seem to do is hold press conferences," said NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam. Referring to Rudy Giuliani, he added, "Mayor Bloomberg's predecessor managed to cut crime in New York simply by enforcing the laws on the books without all these press availabilities."
I guess that means the NRA would have endorsed Rudy for President if he'd gotten the nomination.
Why "two Americas" doesn't really exist any more. The buying power of the "lower fifth" is twice what they make. As one economist noted, the difference now is that everyone can own a TV, a car, washers and dryers, DVD layers, cell phones and computers.
That the phrase "Novus Ordo Seculorum" below the Roman numerals for 1776 at the base of the pyramid translates as "A New Order of the Ages" that began with independence and does not imply the United States will be the lynchpin of a sinister "New World Order."
I guess that blows the entire story line of Will Smith's movie, "Wild, Wild West". and the Antonio Banderas remake of the Legend of Zoro
What will Obama do when there is no Hillary Firewall? You know, since everyone has been giving him the big "pass" on the media and acting like he's the second coming of MLK or something. And, the blogosphere hasn't really gotten around to tearing him and his policies apart beyond making fun of all the swooning that's been going on.
How about Obama as Milli Vanilli?
-Kat
Not all Americans are ugly...
This is a good little story about a vivid memory of an American P-51 and its pilot by a fellow who was 12 years old in Canada in 1967. It also gives me a good post to use a picture Neffi sent me some time ago. The match isn't perfect... but the spirit is the same.
For a better view of the picture - click here: One of these things is *not* like the others!
It was noon on a Sunday as I recall, the day a Mustang P-51 was to take to the air. They said it had flown in during the night from some U.S. Airport, the pilot had been tired. I marveled at the size of the plane dwarfing the Pipers and Canucks tied down by her. It was much larger than in the movies. She glistened in the sun like a bulwark of security from days gone by.
The pilot arrived by cab, paid the driver, and then stepped into the flight lounge. He was an older man; his wavy hair was gray and tossed. Looked like it might have been combed, say, around the turn of the century.
His flight jacket was checked, creased and worn - it smelled old and genuine. Old Glory was prominently sewn to its shoulders. He projected a quiet air of proficiency and pride devoid of arrogance. He filed a quick flight plan to Montreal (Expo-67, Air Show) then walked across the tarmac.
After taking several minutes to perform his walk-around check the pilot returned to the flight lounge to ask if anyone would be available to stand by with fire extinguishers while he "flashed the old bird up. Just to be safe."
Though only 12 at the time I was allowed to stand by with an extinguisher after brief instruction on its use -- "If you see a fire, point, then pull this lever!" I later became a firefighter, but that's another story.
The air around the exhaust manifolds shimmered like a mirror from fuel fumes as the huge prop started to rotate. One manifold, then another, and yet another barked -- I stepped back with the others. In moments the Packard-built Merlin engine came to life with a thunderous roar, blue flames knifed from her manifolds. I looked at the others' faces, there was no
concern. I lowered the bell of my extinguisher. One of the guys signaled to walk back to the lounge. We did.
Several minutes later we could hear the pilot doing his preflight run-up. He'd taxied to the end of runway 19, out of sight. All went quiet for several seconds; we raced from the lounge to the second story deck to see if we could catch a glimpse of the P-51 as she started down the runway. We could not.
There we stood, eyes fixed to a spot half way down 19. Then a roar ripped across the field, much louder than before, like a furious hell spawn set loose---something mighty this way was coming. "Listen to that thing!" said the controller. In seconds the Mustang burst into our line of sight.
Its tail was already off and I t was moving faster than anything I'd ever seen by that point on 19. Two-thirds the way down 19 the Mustang was airborne with her gear going up. The prop tips were supersonic; we clasped our ears as the Mustang climbed hellish fast into the circuit to be eaten up by the dog-day haze.
We stood for a few moments in stunned silence trying to digest what we'd just seen. The radio controller rushed by me to the radio. " Kingston tower calling Mustang?" He looked back to us as he waited for an acknowledgment.
The radio crackled, "Go ahead Kingston ." "Roger Mustang. Kingston tower would like to advise the circuit is clear for a low level pass." I stood in shock because the controller had, more or less, just asked the pilot to return for an impromptu air show!
The controller looked at us. "What?" He asked. "I can't let that guy go without asking. I couldn't forgive myself!"
The radio crackled once again, " Kingston, do I have permission for a low level pass, east to west, across the field?" "Roger Mustang, the circuit is clear for an east to west pass." "Roger, Kingston , I'm coming out of 3000 feet, stand by."
We rushed back onto the second-story deck, eyes fixed toward the eastern haze. The sound was subtle at first, a high-pitched whine, a muffled screech, a distant scream. Moments later the P-51 burst through the haze. Her airframe straining against positive Gs and gravity, wing tips spilling contrails of condensed air, prop-tips again supersonic as the burnished bird
blasted across the eastern margin of the field shredding and tearing the air.
At about 400 mph and 150 yards from where we stood she passed with the old American pilot saluting. Imagine. A salute! I felt like laughing, I felt like crying, she glistened, she screamed, the building shook, my heart pounded.
Then the old pilot pulled her up and rolled, and rolled, and rolled out of sight into the broken clouds and indelibly into my memory.
I've never wanted to be an American more than on that day. It was a time when many nations in the world looked to America as their big brother, a steady and even-handed beacon of security who navigated difficult political water with grace and style; not unlike the pilot who'd just flown into my memory.
He was proud, not arrogant, humble, not a braggart, old and honest, projecting an aura of America at its best. That America will return one day, I know it will.
Until that time, I'll just send off this story; call it a reciprocal salute, to the old American pilot who wove a memory for a young Canadian that's lasted a lifetime.......
H/t, Bob W. The back-story to Neffi's pic is in the Flash Traffic/Extended Entry!
Alice in Wonderland On the Fall of the Islamic Republic of Iran
[Kat]
What do men in a (true) repressive, patriarchal society fear the most?
I urge you to read it. Some of it is unintentionally humorous.
When you're done, check the highlights in flash traffic where, in accordance with Sharia law, the truth can only be unveiled.
Brought to you by "Alice in Wonderland".
February 15, 2008
H&I Fires* 15 FEB 2008
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
Time to add a new caveat, because from email it's not clear to some folks (mind you, if you don't read this it won't matter...) Being an open post, people (collectively, the Denizens) other than I post in the H&I. They sign their work (most of the time) - keep that in mind when you want to flame someone in email please - if it doesn't say "The Armorer" or "John" then I didn't write it! And honestly - if you don't like something said or posted... leave a comment, and hash it out (within the context of The Rulez which are clearly posted on the comment form, I would add).
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For those who think the state of U.S. politics is disgraceful, just try on another country's politicians for size - on the topic of Afghanistan. The editorial writers at the National Post get my vote for Line of the Day with this one:
Say what you want about the [virulently socialist and pacifist] NDP, they are at least ramrod-straight-up about their total lack of spine.
The quality of political thought and debate in Canada on the issue of the Afghan mission is simply deplorable. We have one party (forming the current government) that says it's for the mission, but is willing to put a firm end-date on it no matter whether the Afghans are ready or not, and is willing to make our continued participation beyond February 2009 contingent upon the help of another 1,000 fighting troops from another nation. We have the official opposition (the Liberals showcased in the editorial linked above) all over the map. And we have two other opposition parties who want to pull our troops out of Kandahar yesterday, alliances and commitments be damned. It's enough to make me gag. - Damian
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Once a Marine, always a Marine. "The only problem was I run out of bullets," Picket said. H/t, Roachman.
Changing subjects, since Congress is getting all interested in Baseball... the Umpires are getting interested in National Policy! H/t, Toluca Nole
Oh! Meet "Nubs" and his Jarhead. Nubs walked 70 miles through a war zone to find his Marine. H/t, Kevin. -the Armorer
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Chuck Simmins, on Life In Iraq Today. -the Armorer
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Someone you should know. Two of them, actually.
Two recently-passed survivors of "The Great Escape," from New Zealand and Australia.
This “Great Escape”, as it became known and popularized by the movie of the same name, was an incredible example of ingenuity and determination on the part of Allied airmen resolved to escape from a camp designed explicitly to prevent escape. Of the two hundred intended escapees, only 76 got away when the exit point of their tunnel was discovered by a guard who chose that exact spot to relieve himself while on roving patrol.. All but three of those who got out were recaptured and, of those 50 were shot by the Gestapo, at Hitler's direction.
Flight Lieutenant Michael Shand
Flight Lieutenant William Fordyce
I'd say "Make a hole there, Fliers inbound to Fiddler's Green!" except these two already know how to make a hole to get somewhere.
Therefore, now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam.
H/t, Murray.
Space Junk
DoD To Engage Decaying Satellite
An uncontrollable U.S. experimental satellite which was launched in December 2006 is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere between the end of February and early March. Because the satellite was never operational, analysis indicate that approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kgs) of satellite mass will survive reentry, including 1,000 pounds (453 kgs) of propellant fuel (hydrazine), a hazardous material.
Although the chances of an impact in a populated area are small, the potential consequences would be of enough concern to consider mitigating actions. Therefore, the President has decided to take action to mitigate the risk to human lives by engaging the non-functioning satellite. Because our missile defense system is not designed to engage satellites, extraordinary measures have been taken to temporarily modify three sea-based tactical missiles and three ships to carry out the engagement.
Based on modeling and analysis, our officials have high confidence that the engagement will be successful. As for when this engagement will occur, we will determine the optimal time, location, and geometry for a successful engagement based on a number of factors. As the satellite's path continues to decay, there will be a window of opportunity between late February and early March to conduct this engagement. The decision to engage the satellite has to be made before a precise prediction of impact location is available.
Contact with hydrazine is hazardous. Direct contact with skin or eyes, ingestion or inhalations from hydrazine released from the tank upon impact could result in immediate danger. If this operation is successful, the hydrazine will then no longer pose a risk to humans.
The U.S. government has been and continues to track and monitor this satellite. Various government agencies are planning for the reentry of the satellite. In the event the engagement is not successful, all appropriate elements of the U.S. Government are working together to explore options to mitigate the danger to humans and to ensure that all parties are properly prepared to respond. In the unlikely event satellite pieces land in a populated area, people are strongly advised to avoid the impact area until trained hazardous materials (HAZMAT) teams are able to properly dispose of any remaining hydrazine.
Hmmm. When I read the headline, I thought to myself - "Huh? We're going after Cuba?"
Then I read the release, and my reaction was When? Where? Will I be able to see it? I wanna see it! I wanna I wanna I wanna!
However, not being an orbital math whiz, I'm guessing that if I *can* see it, here in the middle of the lower 48, that would probably not be a good thing.
Oh - and I also think we're doing this as much to demonstrate we *can* do it, as because of any inherent hazard. Which would indicate a high level of confidence that we'll succeed.
Speaking Of the Barbary Pirates
[Kat]
Marines give famed Mameluke Swords to the Barbary Pir....er...Anbar Awakening Sheiks.
The Marines recently presented the Mameluke swords. The Mameluke sword is the prized emblem of Marine officers and a reminder of the cooperation between Arab forces and expeditionary Marines in the fight against Barbary Pirates in 1805.
Now you know why abu Tariq wrote in his diary that al Qaeda was dying in Anbar.
More in flash traffic
When Ideology Meets Reality or What It Takes To Lead A Nation
[Kat]
Well off the track of discussing border security, but shortly to return, in the post on voting for McCain to keep from being subjugated by the Obamanation (pun intended), Kevin of the Paulians appears and expresses his very deep distrust of Senator McCain and his refusal to support him. The Princess of Crabbiness, defending her man (she's partial to sailors and other see going fellows), jumps in and notes Obama's stance on Palestine and Israel. In short, Obama thinks the Israelis are meanies and the Palestinians have been suffering unbearably so he will withdraw any restrictions on aid that the Bush Administration has put in place.
Kevin whips out his Paulian Constitutionalism and states that Israel has a right to exist, but should defend itself without our assistance, being a big boy state and all. Also, that we should not be paying any money to the Palestinians for anything. An idea that I could nearly agree on. The Palestinians, of course.
[continued in flash traffic]
February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day, SWWBO!
This will obviously be up top all day. Everything else new is below this.
H&I Fires* 14 FEB 2008
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
Time to add a new caveat, because from email it's not clear to some folks (mind you, if you don't read this it won't matter...) Being an open post, people (collectively, the Denizens) other than I post in the H&I. They sign their work (most of the time) - keep that in mind when you want to flame someone in email please - if it doesn't say "The Armorer" or "John" then I didn't write it! And honestly - if you don't like something said or posted... leave a comment, and hash it out (within the context of The Rulez which are clearly posted on the comment form, I would add).
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Looks like someone in the BUNDESWEHR is not sufficiently motivated.
Oh and I don't know what happened with the link I linked at Kat's excellent post yesterday. But here is the God-Awful Puppy-Hater. Talk about someone fresh, with new ideas, and proponent of change.
BOQ
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John Hawkins over at Right Wing News has some political Valentine's Day cards, if you're still needing to get one... -the Armorer
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Stupid Cop Tricks. Deputy dumps quadriplegic out of chair because he won't... stand up. According to the article, the department leadership isn't circling the wagons, but is digging in - and termination is on the table. The victim, Brian Sterner, is taking a pretty even strain...
"This deputy, she looked at me and didn't believe I was a quadriplegic, I guess," Sterner said. "And, she walked behind me with those handles on the back of the hospital-grade wheelchair and just dumped it straight forward."
Read the rest here. H/t, the Munchkin Wrangler, via Say Uncle.
And here's a cop who needs to take some vacation. Maybe he can relax during his suspension. Hey - I like cops. I was one, briefly. My cousin is one. But I don't like cops like this guy. He needs to unwind. Trust me, I know it's frustrating, dealing with stuff like that day after day - that's part of the job, and something you've got to rise above. -the Armorer
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Hillary's response to the Obama video. Wow (and no, that's not a positive "wow"). H/T Joel. - FbL
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The Thunder Run recently met up with Lt Nixon an LT in the USN who blogs from the Green Zone at Lt. Nixon Rants.
[Excerpt]
As someone who is there, can you provide us more insight into the real source of the violence in Iraq? -
Most of the violence in Iraq is competing tribes, sects, and groups fighting for control of power coupled with a lot of criminal Soprano-style mob activity thrown in the mix. The coalition is kind of in the middle of all of this, and that's why it is so important that all Iraqis work towards a national solution that brings about peace and some hope for economic prosperity. People tend to kill each other less when they are gainfully employed. Al-Qaeda in Iraq has the ability to ignite sectarian violence as seen with the Samarra Mosque bombing in 2006. Attacks like this and suicide bombing atrocities produce the need for Shi'ite or Sunni militias to protect their neighborhoods....
Read More...
David M
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Newsflash: Canadian soldiers are just as likely to seek help for mental health issues as the average Canadian civilian. Story to be strewn across newspapers country-wide. Ooops, make that half the story. *SIGH* - Damian
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Last night at the Battle Update Brief...
For those of you who have *ever* conducted a BUB, sat in a BUB, or [squinty eyed glare] been the *target* of a BUB, you'll die laughing.
Well, maybe not you guys who've been the *targets* of a BUB. For you guys, let this just be a lesson on how the *rest* of us were seeing things.
So, click here, make sure you're sound is on... and sit in on the BUB.
H/t, Jim C.
Something about this picture...
...asks more questions than it answers.
As an added bonus, here's a fascinating little photo-essay on the raising of a BT-5 from the bottom of the Neva River at the site of the fighting at the Nevskij Bridgehead.
They also got a KV-1 and a T-38 Amphibian Tank.
February 13, 2008
H&I Fires* 13 FEB 2007
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
Time to add a new caveat, because from email it's not clear to some folks (mind you, if you don't read this it won't matter...) Being an open post, people (collectively, the Denizens) other than I post in the H&I. They sign their work (most of the time) - keep that in mind when you want to flame someone in email please - if it doesn't say "The Armorer" or "John" then I didn't write it! And honestly - if you don't like something said or posted... leave a comment, and hash it out (within the context of The Rulez which are clearly posted on the comment form, I would add).
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Some political analysts have predicted that Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic presidential nominee, regardless of whether or not she wins the primaries/caucuses. She could do it by getting the outlawed Florida and Michigan delegates seated. The question is, how in the world she could accomplish that without 3/4ths of the party coming down on her head? Well, she's found the cover she needs--the NAACP of all things: "It's for the minorities." Cynicism and power play extraordinaire. I hope Denver police are well-trained in riots and crowd control...
Lex illuminates the mind of a traitor/dupe, and commenters take up a discussion of honor.
Denizen Sgt. B is blogging again. - FbL
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If Fuzzy will let up for a minute so I can sneek in here...
First, Bill scored an Instalanche for his "50 Years of Math" post - and Reynold's minions have been going gangbusters in the comments.
Second, besides stomping on me, Fuzzybee has been stomping on the MSM for "burying the lede" - taking issue with the thrust of articles about how the Myrmidons of the US Military are raiding psychiatric hospitals and detaining their administrators... without mentioning the fact that it might all be tied to the recent Baghdad Pet Market bombing, where the bombers were likely just as much victims as the others - and that hospital might be a key piece of the puzzle. To get the whole story - click here and visit Fuzzilicious Thinking. -the Armorer
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Iowahawk takes on the Archbishop of Canterbury, paining Chaucer in the doing... H/t, Jim C. -the Armorer
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AMF, Imad Mughniyeh!
Imad Mughniyeh, a senior but shadowy Hezbollah commander accused by the United States and Israel of masterminding suicide bombings, hijackings and hostage-takings that spanned 25 years, was killed by a car bomb in the Syrian capital of Damascus, the Shiite Muslim group and other officials said Wednesday..........Although Hezbollah has always denied a role, the United States accused him of orchestrating two bombings of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut -- in 1983 and 1984 -- killing 72 people. Among the victims was Robert Ames, then the CIA's top Middle East expert. Even more devastating were the suicide truck bombings organized against U.S. Marines and French paratroopers in Beirut in October 1983. Together, those attacks killed 300 people.Enjoy your 72 virgins!....kisses love Maggie
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Pelosi once again disparages progress in Iraq--"The gains have not produced the desired effect, which is the reconciliation of Iraq. This is a failure. This is a failure." And once again, the Iraqi parliament proves her wrong.- FbL
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If you didn't check back, you can catch the diminuendo of the Move America Forward/Code Pink counter demonstrations at Berkeley by reading the full up version at Andrea Shea-King's place, The Radio Patriot. -the Armorer
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Speaking of the Ayatollah of Canterbury, Chris Taylor pens an open letter to Eli