About Us
Mission Statement
Rules of Conduct
 
Name:
Pswd:
Remember Me
Register
 

Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec    Date: 04/08/2008 10:38:08

Good Morning.

Today is our 1,847th day in Iraq.

We'll start this morning as we always do, with the latest casualty figures courtesy of Antiwar.com:

American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4023
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 3884
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3562
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3164
Since Election (1/31/05): 2586

Other Coalition Troops: 309
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 491



We find this morning's cost of war passing through: $509,415,025,000.00



Looking at the news this morning, all the talk about draw-downs, and rotations, and standing down as they stand up appears to be all sound and fury signifying nothing. A secret report leaked to The Guardian (UK) indicates we'll be there a long, long, time...


A confidential draft agreement covering the future of US forces in Iraq, passed to the Guardian, shows that provision is being made for an open-ended military presence in the country.

The draft strategic framework agreement between the US and Iraqi governments, dated March 7 and marked "secret" and "sensitive", is intended to replace the existing UN mandate and authorises the US to "conduct military operations in Iraq and to detain individuals when necessary for imperative reasons of security" without time limit.

The authorisation is described as "temporary" and the agreement says the US "does not desire permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq". But the absence of a time limit or restrictions on the US and other coalition forces - including the British - in the country means it is likely to be strongly opposed in Iraq and the US.

Iraqi critics point out that the agreement contains no limits on numbers of US forces, the weapons they are able to deploy, their legal status or powers over Iraqi citizens, going far beyond long-term US security agreements with other countries. The agreement is intended to govern the status of the US military and other members of the multinational force.

Following recent clashes between Iraqi troops and Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi army in Basra, and threats by the Iraqi government to ban his supporters from regional elections in the autumn, anti-occupation Sadrists and Sunni parties are expected to mount strong opposition in parliament to the agreement, which the US wants to see finalised by the end of July. The UN mandate expires at the end of the year.

One well-placed Iraqi Sunni political source said yesterday: "The feeling in Baghdad is that this agreement is going to be rejected in its current form, particularly after the events of the last couple of weeks. The government is more or less happy with it as it is, but parliament is a different matter."

It is also likely to prove controversial in Washington, where it has been criticised by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who has accused the administration of seeking to tie the hands of the next president by committing to Iraq's protection by US forces.

The defence secretary, Robert Gates, argued in February that the planned agreement would be similar to dozens of "status of forces" pacts the US has around the world and would not commit it to defend Iraq. But Democratic Congress members, including Senator Edward Kennedy, a senior member of the armed services committee, have said it goes well beyond other such agreements and amounts to a treaty, which has to be ratified by the Senate under the constitution.

Administration officials have conceded that if the agreement were to include security guarantees to Iraq, it would have to go before Congress. But the leaked draft only states that it is "in the mutual interest of the United States and Iraq that Iraq maintain its sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence and that external threats to Iraq be deterred. Accordingly, the US and Iraq are to consult immediately whenever the territorial integrity or political independence of Iraq is threatened."

Significantly - given the tension between the US and Iran, and the latter's close relations with the Iraqi administration's Shia parties - the draft agreement specifies that the "US does not seek to use Iraq territory as a platform for offensive operations against other states".

General David Petraeus, US commander in Iraq, is to face questioning from all three presidential candidates on Capitol Hill today when he reports to the Senate on his surge strategy, which increased US forces in Iraq by about 30,000 last year.

Both Clinton and Democratic rival Barack Obama are committed to beginning troop withdrawals from Iraq. Republican senator John McCain has pledged to maintain troop levels until the country is secure.



Of course, our mere presence in Iraq is having a calming effect, as the latest spike in the number of attacks clearly shows...

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/04/08/world/0408-for-MILITARY.jpg


BAGHDAD — After an overall decline in attacks against civilians and American and Iraqi security forces in Baghdad over the past several months, the number more than doubled in March from the previous month, according to statistics compiled by the American military in Baghdad.

The sharp increase in overall attacks, to 631 in March from 239 in February, reflects new strikes against the Green Zone, the heavily fortified headquarters for Iraq’s central government and the American Embassy here, as well as renewed fighting in the Sadr City district of Baghdad between Shiite militias and Iraqi government and American forces.

Violence in Sadr City first flared more than a week ago after Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki started a poorly coordinated military campaign to retake the southern port city of Basra from Shiite militias. The fighting has had repercussions in other Shiite enclaves across the country, but nowhere is it as severe as in Sadr City.

Nearly all of the increase came in attacks against American and Iraqi security forces, which rose to 562 in March from 177 in February. Attacks against civilians in the capital remained relatively unchanged: 69 in March from 62 in February.

However, another yardstick, the number of civilian deaths tracked by the Iraqi government, shot up last month after several months of decline. Iraqi officials recorded 472 civilian deaths in Baghdad in March, a 43 percent increase over February. That increase is believed to have been caused mainly by battles between security forces and the Shiite militias.

The attack data, which was prepared by the American military division in Baghdad, indicate that despite those clashes, the sectarian violence between Sunni and Shiite groups is still down considerably from the peak levels last summer.

The latest military statistics are not classified and were provided to The New York Times in response to a request for information about the security situation in the Iraqi capital.

The increased violence in Baghdad is likely to figure in Congressional testimony in Washington on Tuesday by Gen. David H. Petraeus, the top American commander in Iraq, and Ryan C. Crocker, the American ambassador here.

Critics of the Bush administration’s Iraq policy will probably cite the attack data to argue that the American troop increase in Baghdad has not achieved the hoped-for decline in violence. In recent days, Shiite militias have repeatedly struck the Green Zone, killing American soldiers and civilians there...




Lastly this morning...we'll turn to our friends at IAVA. The burden of endless war is borne heaviest by the troops and their families. After WWII, millions of former soldiers were educated, homes were bought, and warriors were turned into scholars, husbands, fathers, businessmen and more. The powers that be have branded the warron terra to be no less noble an affair than freeing the world of fascism, so shouldn't returning veterans be entitled to the same things their grandfathers had? Some in Congress think so, and a new GI Bill is underway to update the benefits and provide for veteran's futures. IAVA has provided a list of supporters of the new GI Bill. I see senators listed from Illinois and New York, but guess what state is missing from this list?

And if your representatives aren't on the list, make sure you let them know.



 

156 comments (Latest Comment: 04/08/2008 18:44:47 by BobR)
   Perma Link

Share This!

Furl it!
Spurl
NewsVine
Reddit
Technorati

Add a Comment

Please login to add a comment...


Comments:

Order comments Newest to Oldest  Refresh Comments

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 13:12:20
Good Morning Everyone. Yes, I see Arizona is missing from thtat list as are BOTH senatators from Georgia and there are only 2 reps shown from this state.



Shameful.



I will be letting them know. Thanks Tri.

Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 13:22:52
Morning, Folks... :coffee:

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 13:26:30
Good morning everyone.

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 13:27:23
Hmmm, there are two blogs today! Velveeta is confused....... where to post?





Hey!! Thats "odd" my two RW tool Senators, Dole and Burr, are not supporting the bill either.........

I'm shocked.........SHOCKED I tell ya................





Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 13:29:15
So, was Bill-O trying to put Ed Schultz up there with the far superior Mike Malloy?

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 13:29:17
If Ed Schults is far left, then I am so far left I have come all around the circle to the right... :wacko:

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 13:31:22
:cheese: RWH will be putting up a daily read each day, a lot like what Will in Chicago does over at UNN. HE has been doing this over at Crooks and Liars for a long time and he has been kind enough to start cross posting it over here.





So we will be having that post, and then we will be carrying on with our usual daily posts as well.



HE is a good friend of ours irl and I am pretty happy that he is here!





Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 13:32:23
Tri, did you hear that James Dobson is coming to Boston?

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 13:34:54
Watching C-SPAN.



Until around 11.......... then I need to take kitty-cat to the vet. She's not doing to good.



:(

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 13:38:43
Quote by velveeta jones:

Watching C-SPAN.



Until around 11.......... then I need to take kitty-cat to the vet. She's not doing to good.



:(


Awww....

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 13:40:37
Goodness, days like today make it VERY difficulty for me to listen to RWWorld. These people are so ludicrous. Totall misinformation.

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 13:41:05
Brown Recluse Spider?!?!?! ACK!



Those are bad spiders!

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 13:41:35
I wish Dick Morris would choke on a prostitute's toenail.

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 13:41:54
:( wassamatter with the Kitty?

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 13:43:37
Do ya'll have C-SPAN on? Petraus looks like he's getting his balls squeezed by Chairman Levin!



:lol:

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 13:43:57
Did anyone read the excerpt from the new book about John McCain in which he lovingly calls his wife a see you next Tuesday? In FRONT of reporters? it happened in 1992

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 13:45:17
Quote by Raine:

:( wassamatter with the Kitty?




Unknown......... hence the visit to the vet.



She's kinda sweaty........ I'm not sure I've ever seen a cat sweat!! I'm hoping its just a cold.

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 13:46:01
I tune into C-SPAN and I get a speech from Grampa McBush.

Comment by TriSec on 04/08/2008 13:48:10
Quote by livingonli:

Tri, did you hear that James Dobson is coming to Boston?




Sounds like fun. I hadn't heard anything....



But he is broadcast daily right here on our wingnut radio station, WEZE...





Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 13:51:37
Quote by livingonli:

I tune into C-SPAN and I get a speech from Grampa McBush.




Yep............ He's talking about how important it is to stay...... Iran will influence...

blah, blah blah.



Jesus, Mary and Joseph! We'd still be in VietNam if Grandpa McNasty had his way.

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 13:55:52
Gee, it makes it sound like Bush and Pooty-Poot are a little gay for each other.

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 13:57:02
God.



If Bush does this with Iran, I think I might finally lose my mind.

Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 13:59:10
Morning :hug:

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 13:59:16
Glenn Beck was runner-up on last night's worst person because he had James Inhofe and they both suggested that the polar bears should die off.





Mfaye, how crazy is that guy?

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:01:36
OK, McCain said this on the senate Floor?!?!



WTF?



Are they campaigning or doing senate work!?!?

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 14:01:41
Good morning Mala.

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:02:43
I wonder what is going to happen with the Torch relay in San Fran tomorrow.



:nervous:

Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 14:08:02
Heyya Liv and everyone :D

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:08:09
Shane-O! :clap:



(you have been busy busy busy this week, huh?)

Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 14:08:40
Very cute Shane-O :lol:

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:11:04
Just becuase it is so damn cute:





http://soe.ucdavis.edu/ms0607/180Sec1/HamannR/website/lorax.jpg


Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:11:46
Liberal confession:







I love karaoke bars...

Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 14:12:08
Morning.



Quote by velveeta jones:

Until around 11.......... then I need to take kitty-cat to the vet. She's not doing to good.



:(




Oh no...Velveeta, I'm sorry.





BTB. . . Green960 has the entire Randi Rhodes vid posted....not edited for their purposes. eh hem. I am going to watch that after Momma.



Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 14:12:32
So, would anyone want to do Karakoe in DC? Especially after a couple of drinks.

Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 14:15:48
Cunilingus? ?







What? WHAT?

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:15:48
Cindy...

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:18:50
About Hillary's New Top Pollster...



“I don’t want there to be a thermonuclear climax,” he said. “Senator Clinton is committed to having a united Democratic Party at the end of this process. Senator Obama is committed to having a united Democratic Party at the end of this process. And we will have a united Democratic Party at the end of this process.”




thermonuclear climax?!?!?!?!



I had one of those once or twice... nothing wrong with that!



But seriously... I hope he is right that this won't happen. Mark Penn isn't really gone at all from the campaign... If anything I see a battle of the Egos between these two people.

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 14:19:29
Quote by starling310:

Cunilingus? ?







What? WHAT?


Ears perk up.

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:21:09
Wow all these happy Marriage stories this morning...





Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 14:24:37
Quote by livingonli:

So, would anyone want to do Karakoe in DC? Especially after a couple of drinks.






I never been to one, could be fun so long as other people sing.



Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 14:27:09
Didn't George Takai(sp) put out an album a long time ago?

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 14:27:44
Sam Seder's older dumber brother.

Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 14:28:31
Quote by velveeta jones:





Unknown......... hence the visit to the vet.



She's kinda sweaty........ I'm not sure I've ever seen a cat sweat!! I'm hoping its just a cold.


I had a dog that started "sweating", but that was after all her fur fell out. It was a skin condition caused by diabetes.



I hope that's not the case. It was a pain giving a dog insulin shots; I can't imagine doing that to a cat...

Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 14:29:13
Quote by Raine:

Wow all these happy Marriage stories this morning...





I could tell a happy one... :wub2:

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 14:30:01
Call me nutty...........



but don't you think the our Iraqi Ambassador (Crocker, in this case) should be a Muslim? I mean, if we are going to occupy a country - our Ambassador should have a much better understanding of Islam.



He sounds like he's had the "cliffnotes" version of Islam!

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 14:30:30
BobR, did you see my reply in the DC meet-up blog?

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 14:33:29
Quote by livingonli:

So, would anyone want to do Karakoe in DC? Especially after a couple of drinks.




:rofl:



Aunt Azalea and I will remain sober............ and take pictures!!! (For blackmail purposes at a later date).







Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 14:33:48
I wouldn't say any new friendships were formed on the SMS live blog unless that person came over here and started hanging out with us.

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:35:49
on hold...

Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 14:36:22
Quote by velveeta jones:

Quote by livingonli:

So, would anyone want to do Karakoe in DC? Especially after a couple of drinks.




:rofl:



Aunt Azalea and I will remain sober............ and take pictures!!! (For blackmail purposes at a later date).







I'm bummed that I can only come Saturday and Sunday.

I am going to try and get there early, so I can have a full day!!!

DAMMIT!





Comment by m-hadley on 04/08/2008 14:37:44
Quote by livingonli:

Glenn Beck was runner-up on last night's worst person because he had James Inhofe and they both suggested that the polar bears should die off.





Mfaye, how crazy is that guy?




Sorry folks, big storm here last night so my boyz (doggies) didn't sleep, so neither did their mom, so I'm just now getting to work :yawn:

Jim "No Homos in my family" Inhofe is a constant embarrassment to the state of Oklahoma (which is saying something considering that our other senator is Tom "Giant lesbians have invaded our schools" Coburn and more recently the idiot Sally "Gays are more threatening than terrorists" Kern) Ugh, wish I could move, but I do love my job Mornin' everybody!

Cheers,

mfaye

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:40:15
Quote by livingonli:

I wouldn't say any new friendships were formed on the SMS live blog unless that person came over here and started hanging out with us.


give it time...

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 14:41:11
Good morning mfaye. Don't let the salt mine get you down.

Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 14:41:46
Raine!

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:42:09
:P







Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 14:42:12
Raine! with the jokes and the FLAVEN!

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 14:42:13
Wow! Faye............. you make Oklahoma sound so............ charming..............



:lol:

Comment by m-hadley on 04/08/2008 14:42:30
Raine - bringing the Hillary sniper funny :clap:

Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 14:42:33
*pays off snipers*

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 14:43:03
Did I just zone out and miss Raine's call.



Damn cold's making me light-headed.

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 14:43:11
Dammit! I can't hear ...........



BREAKING!!



PROTESTERS SHOUTING AT C-SPAN!!!!!!



BRING THEM HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 14:43:46
I have been called a "C U next Tuesday." There is really no response for that.



It's just and then you stand there kind of like this ---->

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 14:44:06
Wow!! It took cops a loooooooonnnnng time to get to the protesters. Almost as if, they agreed with them!

Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 14:44:29
Quote by BobR:

*pays off snipers*






Awww...Bobber. Hopeless Romantic!



Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 14:45:09
Someone please post Raine's call! I'm listening to the C-SPAN thingy.

Comment by Shane-O on 04/08/2008 14:45:11
Raine! With the

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:45:22
Quote by velveeta jones:

Wow!! It took cops a loooooooonnnnng time to get to the protesters. Almost as if, they agreed with them!
AWESOME!!!



Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 14:45:49
Quote by velveeta jones:

Quote by livingonli:

So, would anyone want to do Karakoe in DC? Especially after a couple of drinks.




:rofl:



Aunt Azalea and I will remain sober............ and take pictures!!! (For blackmail purposes at a later date).









Like this one?





http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g37/Wicked_Pam/misc/Martini-1.jpg


Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 14:46:11
Quote by velveeta jones:

Wow!! It took cops a loooooooonnnnng time to get to the protesters. Almost as if, they agreed with them!






The longer this war goes, the more people agree with the protestors.



Was it Code Pink?

Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 14:47:54
Quote by livingonli:

BobR, did you see my reply in the DC meet-up blog?


I did.



Party on Wayne...



Party on Garth...



Excellent...

Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 14:48:00
Quote by starling310:

I have been called a "C U next Tuesday." There is really no response for that.



It's just and then you stand there kind of like this ---->






That's something I have yet to be called - I'm thinking the proper response is

Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 14:48:30
Quote by starling310:







Awww...Bobber. Hopeless Romantic!



or just hopeless... :D

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 14:49:24
Quote by livingonli:

Quote by velveeta jones:

Wow!! It took cops a loooooooonnnnng time to get to the protesters. Almost as if, they agreed with them!






The longer this war goes, the more people agree with the protestors.



Was it Code Pink?


Unknown. It was a man who began shouting during the question phase. He shouted "Bring them home" about 6 or 7 times before security got to him. As if they were moving in slo-motion!!



Camera stayed on the Panels and didn't show him.



Earlier, I saw someone stand up behind Petraus - way back- and had a pink sign, but it was too dark to read.



Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 14:50:26
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by velveeta jones:

Quote by livingonli:

So, would anyone want to do Karakoe in DC? Especially after a couple of drinks.




:rofl:



Aunt Azalea and I will remain sober............ and take pictures!!! (For blackmail purposes at a later date).









Like this one?





http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g37/Wicked_Pam/misc/Martini-1.jpg


I already know of one picture of me that could be used as blackmail from the last DC meet-up.

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:51:01
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by starling310:

I have been called a "C U next Tuesday." There is really no response for that.



It's just and then you stand there kind of like this ---->






That's something I have yet to be called - I'm thinking the proper response is
I have been called that... I said thanks. You have no idea how hard I worked to be called that word, if you think you just insulted me you are gonna have to try a LOT harder.



After watching the Vagina Monologues, the word changed forever for me.

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 14:51:31
Let me just say that only one person ever called Velveeta a "c u next tuesday" to her face. I'm not sure if I broke his nose, but it did bleed........... a lot.



:D

Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 14:55:11
Liv - I don't think I have that pic, I bet BG or Bob has it though.

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:55:19
Don't get me wrong, the CUnext2'sday word is not a nice one, but I refuse to let people use it to degrade me anymore.



I know the power of the word... I chose I guess to take it back from the haters. Like I said, I recommend renting the HBO special, The Vagina Monologues.



AWESOME in every way.



Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:56:44
Quote by wickedpam:

Liv - I don't think I have that pic, I bet BG or Bob has it though.
I have it, but my main computer is down for the count... I could check the photobucket... HOWEVER... I would NOT use it for blackmail... Sorry Liv, it's too funny...





:hug:



Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 14:57:21
Quote by livingonli:

Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by velveeta jones:

Quote by livingonli:

So, would anyone want to do Karakoe in DC? Especially after a couple of drinks.




:rofl:



Aunt Azalea and I will remain sober............ and take pictures!!! (For blackmail purposes at a later date).









Like this one?





http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g37/Wicked_Pam/misc/Martini-1.jpg


I already know of one picture of me that could be used as blackmail from the last DC meet-up.
How can one use truth as blackamil?



:rofl:



Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 14:58:56
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by starling310:

I have been called a "C U next Tuesday." There is really no response for that.



It's just and then you stand there kind of like this ---->






That's something I have yet to be called - I'm thinking the proper response is
I have been called that... I said thanks. You have no idea how hard I worked to be called that word, if you think you just insulted me you are gonna have to try a LOT harder.



After watching the Vagina Monologues, the word changed forever for me.




:clap:



It rendered me a bit speechless...mostly because I wasn't expecting it.

But, BRAVO!



Along the same lines, the Paint Studio where I used to work had a sign in the workshop that said "You say Bitch like it's a bad thing."

:D

Comment by m-hadley on 04/08/2008 15:00:24
Quote by velveeta jones:

Wow! Faye............. you make Oklahoma sound so............ charming..............



:lol:




Velveeta,

In all fairness, Tulsa does have a large, vocal, and active GLBT community. We openned the sixth largest LGBT center in the country here in Tulsa last year. So there are things and people that make living here bearable. Plus we have loads of PowWows and other Native events, museums, good restaurants and nice parks. Otherwise I don't think I would have lasted seven years which is how long I've lived here. Do you live in Ashville, North Carolina? I think I caught that when you called into the show last week. What's that town like? Just curious. Looking forward to meeting you in just a few weeks :D

Cheers,

mfaye



Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:00:31
LIV... you are tempting me to post them... this is your LAST chance....

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 15:01:04
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

Liv - I don't think I have that pic, I bet BG or Bob has it though.
I have it, but my main computer is down for the count... I could check the photobucket... HOWEVER... I would NOT use it for blackmail... Sorry Liv, it's too funny...





:hug:



I remember you linked to it on AAP way back when. What about the picture you tried to take of me with Bob at the hotel pool/bunny farm.

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 15:02:25
I do want to see the picture of us at the pool/bunny farm.

Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 15:03:25
The show I am in right now ends with "Glenn Close" saying to me "You're a f*cking c*nt." It never fails; every night there are *gasps* in the audience.

Interesting.





Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:04:25
Quote by starling310:

Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by starling310:

I have been called a "C U next Tuesday." There is really no response for that.



It's just and then you stand there kind of like this ---->






That's something I have yet to be called - I'm thinking the proper response is
I have been called that... I said thanks. You have no idea how hard I worked to be called that word, if you think you just insulted me you are gonna have to try a LOT harder.



After watching the Vagina Monologues, the word changed forever for me.




:clap:



It rendered me a bit speechless...mostly because I wasn't expecting it.

But, BRAVO!



Along the same lines, the Paint Studio where I used to work had a sign in the workshop that said "You say Bitch like it's a bad thing."

:D
Ahh... BITCH.



Another word I thank people for. Seriously. I worked really hard for a lot of things in my life. If I get called a bitch, I know I got under someones skin. My work is done.



I consider myself a good bitch of the North. Now I am working on the South. :P







Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 15:05:45
Faye, right outside Asheville, but listen on its station.



Many hippies live here................ the smell is strong of hippies and hillbillies!! Phew!!



:lol:

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:05:54
Quote by livingonli:

I do want to see the picture of us at the pool/bunny farm.
I don't have it on the photobucket... I do have this, tho:





http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/raine1967/IMG_1123.jpg


Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 15:07:33
Aren't those bunnies adorable?

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 15:08:09
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q151/velveeta_jones/cartoons/pic28318.jpg


Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 15:08:50
Quote by m-hadley:





Velveeta,

In all fairness, Tulsa does have a large, vocal, and active GLBT community. We openned the sixth largest LGBT center in the country here in Tulsa last year. So there are things and people that make living here bearable. Plus we have loads of PowWows and other Native events, museums, good restaurants and nice parks. Otherwise I don't think I would have lasted seven years which is how long I've lived here. Do you live in Ashville, North Carolina? I think I caught that when you called into the show last week. What's that town like? Just curious. Looking forward to meeting you in just a few weeks :D

Cheers,

mfaye



I wonder if my brother's ex-wife has been there? She and her partner live in OK City (or thereabouts).

Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 15:09:10
Quote by Raine:

Ahh... BITCH.



Another word I thank people for. Seriously. I worked really hard for a lot of things in my life. If I get called a bitch, I know I got under someones skin. My work is done.



I consider myself a good bitch of the North. Now I am working on the South. :P









Taking the power of words back!



I've got a t-shirt that I made. . .

"Homophobia is so gay.

People sometimes give me crap because "I am using gay in a derogatory sense."

Ummm...numb skull, that's the point! It's satire. I takes all of the sting out of it.



Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 15:11:06
RW tool Lie-berman is mono-talking. Blah, blah.......... "why can't we all just agree...... its all going sooooo well".



:rolleyes:

Comment by shelaghc on 04/08/2008 15:12:24
Quote by Raine:

Quote by livingonli:

I do want to see the picture of us at the pool/bunny farm.
I don't have it on the photobucket... I do have this, tho:





http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/raine1967/IMG_1123.jpg






BUNNIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 15:12:39
wow Shane-O: That sounded like it took a lot of work!

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:13:47
Wheelchairs in swamps...

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 15:13:48
Off to the vet.



See's ya'lls later..........

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:14:47
Later :xfingers:

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:15:15
That tree Keith fell out of was about 3 feet tall!!!

Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 15:15:34
New from FAO Schwartz: The "My First Detox Kit".... :lol:

Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 15:15:45
:::: healing vibes to kitty cheese ::::::



Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 15:16:19
Quote by Raine:

Quote by livingonli:

I do want to see the picture of us at the pool/bunny farm.
I don't have it on the photobucket... I do have this, tho:





http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/raine1967/IMG_1123.jpg






The Bunnies!

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:17:06
Heya :ireland:!



Those bunnies were living on the roof of the hotel we stayed in in DC last time we went! They had a rickety bunny house that looked like a little barbie camaro car should have been up on blocks in the front yard. IT was amazing!

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:17:45
Quote by BobR:

New from FAO Schwartz: The "My First Detox Kit".... :lol:


That is SO special...

Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 15:19:49
:: jim, indian voice :: ...papa don't preach... :rofl:

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:20:27
Drywall contractors stalk Wolf Blitzer

Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 15:21:06
Anderson Cooper's stalker? Clearly no GAYDAR!





Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 15:21:25
Later Vel - hugs to kitty!

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:22:13
Quote by starling310:

Anderson Cooper's stalker? Clearly no GAYDAR!



yehah. Totally...







Comment by shelaghc on 04/08/2008 15:22:33
Shelagh's feeling pretty good today. Got my taxes done and will be *flush* so I can finally buy the couch of my dreams and, hopefully, a 32" widescreen TV set.



Yeah, I know rampant commercialism. But I've never owned a new couch and the last new TV I bought was back in the 80s.



Now I just have to find someone to help get the couch home!



Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 15:26:10
Raine with more funny :lol:

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:26:16
:rofl:

Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 15:27:15
Quote by Raine:

Heya :ireland:!



Those bunnies were living on the roof of the hotel we stayed in in DC last time we went! They had a rickety bunny house that looked like a little barbie camaro car should have been up on blocks in the front yard. IT was amazing!




It was the crackbunny house.



Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 15:28:02
Quote by shelaghc:

Shelagh's feeling pretty good today. Got my taxes done and will be *flush* so I can finally buy the couch of my dreams and, hopefully, a 32" widescreen TV set.



Yeah, I know rampant commercialism. But I've never owned a new couch and the last new TV I bought was back in the 80s.



Now I just have to find someone to help get the couch home!





The furniture place won't deliver?



Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 15:28:29
Quote by shelaghc:

Shelagh's feeling pretty good today. Got my taxes done and will be *flush* so I can finally buy the couch of my dreams and, hopefully, a 32" widescreen TV set.



Yeah, I know rampant commercialism. But I've never owned a new couch and the last new TV I bought was back in the 80s.



Now I just have to find someone to help get the couch home!



If you buy it new, most furniture places include delivery



Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 15:29:00
Hate anyone that's not black???





Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:29:42
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Raine:

Heya :ireland:!



Those bunnies were living on the roof of the hotel we stayed in in DC last time we went! They had a rickety bunny house that looked like a little barbie camaro car should have been up on blocks in the front yard. IT was amazing!




It was the crackbunny house.

OMG...



Yes... The place was hopping...



Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:33:50
Quote by starling310:

Hate anyone that's not black???







Sad that we still listen to this shite in this day and age.

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:34:28
MARK PENN HAS NOT LEFT THE CAMPAIGN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:36:17
OK, I am going to go one step further.



Mark penn is Slovenley.





A little pride man, you are in a presidential campaign. Wear a tie, brush your hair, and trim those brows.



He looks disgusting.

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:41:37






For the Mark Penn comment. I did not mean to offend. I do however feel that ANY person in the forefront of running a campaign should TRY to look decent in front of the camera.

Comment by shelaghc on 04/08/2008 15:41:48
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by shelaghc:

Shelagh's feeling pretty good today. Got my taxes done and will be *flush* so I can finally buy the couch of my dreams and, hopefully, a 32" widescreen TV set.



Yeah, I know rampant commercialism. But I've never owned a new couch and the last new TV I bought was back in the 80s.



Now I just have to find someone to help get the couch home!





The furniture place won't deliver?




They will deliver for an additional fee, but the one consistant complaint I saw about this furniture place is their delivery service. Never when they say they will and usually *very* late. So, I'll save myself the fee and get it home when I want it.



Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 15:44:19
Quote by shelaghc:

Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by shelaghc:

Shelagh's feeling pretty good today. Got my taxes done and will be *flush* so I can finally buy the couch of my dreams and, hopefully, a 32" widescreen TV set.



Yeah, I know rampant commercialism. But I've never owned a new couch and the last new TV I bought was back in the 80s.



Now I just have to find someone to help get the couch home!





The furniture place won't deliver?




They will deliver for an additional fee, but the one consistant complaint I saw about this furniture place is their delivery service. Never when they say they will and usually *very* late. So, I'll save myself the fee and get it home when I want it.







Hmmm- I when I bought my couch and chair I told them I was paying in full and in cash and talked them into free delivery. I've learned to hagle over stuff like that - I figure it never hurts to ask.



Comment by shelaghc on 04/08/2008 15:47:08
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by shelaghc:

Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by shelaghc:

Shelagh's feeling pretty good today. Got my taxes done and will be *flush* so I can finally buy the couch of my dreams and, hopefully, a 32" widescreen TV set.



Yeah, I know rampant commercialism. But I've never owned a new couch and the last new TV I bought was back in the 80s.



Now I just have to find someone to help get the couch home!





The furniture place won't deliver?




They will deliver for an additional fee, but the one consistant complaint I saw about this furniture place is their delivery service. Never when they say they will and usually *very* late. So, I'll save myself the fee and get it home when I want it.







Hmmm- I when I bought my couch and chair I told them I was paying in full and in cash and talked them into free delivery. I've learned to hagle over stuff like that - I figure it never hurts to ask.







If they didn't have a bad rep for delivery, I might haggle. But another consideration is that most places deliver during the day. I'm still doing the temp thing so if I have to receive a daytime delivery I have to miss potential work. Besides, once I pay for it, I want it home ASAP. *g*



I've lived without any kind of couch for over two months now. Only chairs in the living room are a papasan and a rocking chair. I want to streeeeeeetch out!



Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 15:49:03
Shelagh - I can understand that :D

Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 15:53:27
Sounds like Jim and Chris read my blog from last week... :D

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 15:55:19
Stretching out is one of the ultimate pleasures of life.



Congrats





Comment by starling310 on 04/08/2008 15:56:28
Quote by shelaghc:





I've lived without any kind of couch for over two months now. Only chairs in the living room are a papasan and a rocking chair. I want to streeeeeeetch out!





Ugh..I went 2 years without a couch....I know the feeling.



Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 15:56:39
Quote by BobR:

Sounds like Jim and Chris read my blog from last week... :D


Do we know if producerchris still lurks here as well as at their blog.

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 16:02:19
Quote by livingonli:

Quote by BobR:

Sounds like Jim and Chris read my blog from last week... :D


Do we know if producerchris still lurks here as well as at their blog.
well I think they are more concerned, understandably so, with the SMS blog... but I don't think stopped lurking.



He knows where the love is...







Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 16:06:49
you know, this whole thing about the Polyganist sect they keep talking about.. WHY are they not saying that Warren Jeffs is a member of the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints?



He is a fundie. A Mormon Fundie, yes, But a fundie.



IT is a Fundamentalist Christian based religion.













Comment by shelaghc on 04/08/2008 16:11:05
FYI - here's my couch:



http://pics.livejournal.com/shelaghc/pic/0009kepd




Sort of a combo between a sofa and a chaise.



Ain't it neat?



Peal me a gwape!

Comment by TriSec on 04/08/2008 16:12:39
*snort*



"Fundies"



People that live and work around the Bay of Fundy?





Well, that's what I hear, anyway.





Comment by shelaghc on 04/08/2008 16:12:56
Quote by starling310:

Quote by shelaghc:





I've lived without any kind of couch for over two months now. Only chairs in the living room are a papasan and a rocking chair. I want to streeeeeeetch out!





Ugh..I went 2 years without a couch....I know the feeling.





I definitely feel your pain!

Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 16:22:45
Quote by shelaghc:

FYI - here's my couch:



http://pics.livejournal.com/shelaghc/pic/0009kepd




Sort of a combo between a sofa and a chaise.



Ain't it neat?



Peal me a gwape!


Wow - that looks a little like a fainting couch too!

Comment by velveeta jones on 04/08/2008 16:28:44
Kitty update:



She's on anti-biotics.......... possible little sniffles. High fever. But we think she'll be okay!!



Whew!

Comment by livingonli on 04/08/2008 16:30:58
What is with Air America running an ad for Ben Stein's anti-evolution movie with praise from Rush Limbaugh and Michael Medved. Do they actually expect a progressive will buy this crap?



Hey, VJ, glad to hear about the kitty. Give her some healing vibes. ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 16:54:48
Quote by BobR:

Quote by shelaghc:

FYI - here's my couch:



http://pics.livejournal.com/shelaghc/pic/0009kepd




Sort of a combo between a sofa and a chaise.



Ain't it neat?



Peal me a gwape!


Wow - that looks a little like a fainting couch too!
I think it is beautiful! Seriously, I love it. I have always wanted one!



A chaise!





http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/raine1967/IMG_1018.jpg


Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 16:56:14
Quote by velveeta jones:

Kitty update:



She's on anti-biotics.......... possible little sniffles. High fever. But we think she'll be okay!!



Whew!
That is wonderful news.



~~~~~~~~ Healing Kitty Vibes ~~~~~~~~~~




Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 16:58:15
Quote by livingonli:

What is with Air America running an ad for Ben Stein's anti-evolution movie with praise from Rush Limbaugh and Michael Medved. Do they actually expect a progressive will buy this crap?
Who do you hold responsible?



I think that the sales dept will take money from anyone.



Those that are buying the time are maybe wasting the money, that is with the assumption that AAR is still progressive... :grumble:



Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 17:05:01
Quote by Raine:

What did everyone think of Absolut Vodka's new ad?



HEre is the image:



http://media.monstersandcritics.com/articles/1398461/article_images/absolutad.jpg




To be honest - I'm a little offended by it.



Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 17:06:42
Let me try this again... What do y'all think of this Vodka ad?



I think it is a bit of a F*ck you to America myself...
http://media.monstersandcritics.com/articles/1398461/article_images/absolutad.jpg


Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 17:07:43
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Raine:

What did everyone think of Absolut Vodka's new ad?



HEre is the image:



http://media.monstersandcritics.com/articles/1398461/article_images/absolutad.jpg




To be honest - I'm a little offended by it.

I don't know what the hell they were thinking. IT DID piss me off as well...







Comment by TriSec on 04/08/2008 17:09:05
Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 17:09:18
I know it was an ad that was directed towards Mexico, but damn. This is some serious Sh*t Stirring

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 17:11:05
Quote by TriSec:

Why, it's opening day at Fenway Park! New blog open!



Woohoo!



Did you see last night that KO picked the Bo sox to be in the World Series this year?!



Ok, I will say it over there... On my way... :D











Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 17:11:26
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Raine:

What did everyone think of Absolut Vodka's new ad?



HEre is the image:



http://media.monstersandcritics.com/articles/1398461/article_images/absolutad.jpg




To be honest - I'm a little offended by it.

I don't know what the hell they were thinking. IT DID piss me off as well...









First off it has nothing to do with the brand or vodka.

Second, it's not even the ads they usually do where somehow the shape of the bottle was there. Those can be really clever.

Third, it does seem like an FU to the US.

Fouth, they are jumping on a very sore subject for a lot of Americans.



If they wanted to lose market I think they achieved that.



Comment by shelaghc on 04/08/2008 17:12:25
Quote by Raine:

Quote by BobR:

Quote by shelaghc:

FYI - here's my couch:



http://pics.livejournal.com/shelaghc/pic/0009kepd




Sort of a combo between a sofa and a chaise.



Ain't it neat?



Peal me a gwape!


Wow - that looks a little like a fainting couch too!
I think it is beautiful! Seriously, I love it. I have always wanted one!



A chaise!





http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/raine1967/IMG_1018.jpg






If there's an American Freight near you, they might have it. That's where I'm getting mine - if I can find someone with a frickin' truck! All my usual sources are either busy or their trucks aren't available.



:(



btw, this place would have been my second choice had I not found the local one from American Freight. It's positively gorgeous, but the delivery charges would have sent my total costs up to over $500.







Comment by wickedpam on 04/08/2008 17:14:30
Quote by Raine:

I know it was an ad that was directed towards Mexico, but damn. This is some serious Sh*t Stirring






True and they have apologized, but really don't market hate.

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 17:17:29
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Raine:

I know it was an ad that was directed towards Mexico, but damn. This is some serious Sh*t Stirring






True and they have apologized, but really don't market hate.
Thanks for that link Mala.



Glad they made apologies. This was a bonehead move. I can't boycott them, becuase well I never drank them...



So stupid. Why inflame this stuff?



Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 17:21:11
Saxby Chambliss is speaking at the hearings... he has pretty much given Patraeus and Crocker a nice oily back rub...

Comment by Raine on 04/08/2008 17:22:21
HE jsut said that if Americans don't see the progress being made in Iraq, then we are not paying attention...





Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 18:03:32
Quote by shelaghc:



If there's an American Freight near you, they might have it. That's where I'm getting mine - if I can find someone with a frickin' truck! All my usual sources are either busy or their trucks aren't available.



:(



btw, this place would have been my second choice had I not found the local one from American Freight. It's positively gorgeous, but the delivery charges would have sent my total costs up to over $500.





I know that some of the Home Depots near us rent trucks by the half day. Pretty reasonable too...

Comment by shelaghc on 04/08/2008 18:17:23
Quote by BobR:

Quote by shelaghc:



If there's an American Freight near you, they might have it. That's where I'm getting mine - if I can find someone with a frickin' truck! All my usual sources are either busy or their trucks aren't available.



:(



btw, this place would have been my second choice had I not found the local one from American Freight. It's positively gorgeous, but the delivery charges would have sent my total costs up to over $500.





I know that some of the Home Depots near us rent trucks by the half day. Pretty reasonable too...




I've looked into that in the past. You have to buy something from Home Depot that's large enough that you need a truck.



And, of course, I'm now waffling between two couches.

Couch #1

http://pics.livejournal.com/shelaghc/pic/0009kepd/s320x240




And couch #2

http://pics.livejournal.com/shelaghc/pic/0009pa4z/s320x240




Couch #1 can be had locally for about $425 including tax. Delivery would be $70 bringing the total to just under $500. Of course, I can probably find a friend locally to help me pick it up and get it home the same day.



Couch #2 is about $450 (no tax since it would be an out of state purchase), but the delivery charges bring the total to $547.



Price difference is just about $75 - which, with the tax refund, is not a problem.



Couch #1 is from American Freight - no familiarity with the company or their merchandise.



Couch #2 is from Home Decorators which a friend tells me is a good company to deal with.



Couch #1 has a back making it good for more than one person sitting on it who might want to lean back.



Couch #2 is most definitely a chaise - okay for one, but not two people leaning back.



Both are about the same length, couch #2 is just a few inches longer.



FYI - American Freight has only one of couch #1 left. If they sell out, I'll have to wait until they get it back in again.



Anyone want to weigh in with an opinion? Part of me almost wants couch #2 just because of the reference from a friend.

Comment by BobR on 04/08/2008 18:44:47
Quote by shelaghc:





I've looked into that in the past. You have to buy something from Home Depot that's large enough that you need a truck.



And, of course, I'm now waffling between two couches.

Couch #1

http://pics.livejournal.com/shelaghc/pic/0009kepd/s320x240




And couch #2

http://pics.livejournal.com/shelaghc/pic/0009pa4z/s320x240




Couch #1 can be had locally for about $425 including tax. Delivery would be $70 bringing the total to just under $500. Of course, I can probably find a friend locally to help me pick it up and get it home the same day.



Couch #2 is about $450 (no tax since it would be an out of state purchase), but the delivery charges bring the total to $547.



Price difference is just about $75 - which, with the tax refund, is not a problem.



Couch #1 is from American Freight - no familiarity with the company or their merchandise.



Couch #2 is from Home Decorators which a friend tells me is a good company to deal with.



Couch #1 has a back making it good for more than one person sitting on it who might want to lean back.



Couch #2 is most definitely a chaise - okay for one, but not two people leaning back.



Both are about the same length, couch #2 is just a few inches longer.



FYI - American Freight has only one of couch #1 left. If they sell out, I'll have to wait until they get it back in again.



Anyone want to weigh in with an opinion? Part of me almost wants couch #2 just because of the reference from a friend.


Couch #1 looks like it might be sturdier, but couch #2 looks like it might have better padding (I also like the styling better). The extra back on couch #1 doesn't really seem to be high enough to make much of a difference. If a "friend" is there, they could always lean back on you ;)



Personally, I would never buy a couch without sitting on it first, but that's just me.