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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 11/26/2013 11:12:43
Good Morning.
Today is our 4,433rd day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,290
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,105
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
$ 1, 492, 086, 375, 000 .00
We'll start overseas this morning. While it's already faded from the headlines here in the United States, the suffering continues in the central islands in the Philippines. Survivors there face a daily struggle for food, water, and shelter, and any and all aid from all senders is gratefully welcomed.
But 70 years ago, these same islands were a battlefield, and the two powers of the day hammered at each other for control of the people and the strategic resources in the area. Now those same two powers are fighting a battle of a different kind.
According to family lore, my own grandfather cursed the Japanese with his last breath from his deathbed...perhaps a massive humanitarian mission will help to erase the still-lingering postwar bitterness many Asian countries still feel towards Japan. Time will tell.
And then there's the United States. We've been a longtime ally of the Phillippines, for both good (liberation and rebuilding after WWII) and bad (supporting Marcos for decades). As a result, we have a lot of military resources placed there for whatever reason. Of course, the United States doesn't do anything altruistic anymore; the military is probably exploiting our opportunities there as we speak.
Ah right, I forget that we were an Imperial Power once too. Maybe the humanitarian effort could rehabilitate both our Empires on the island of Leyte.
Today is our 4,433rd day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,290
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,105
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
We'll start overseas this morning. While it's already faded from the headlines here in the United States, the suffering continues in the central islands in the Philippines. Survivors there face a daily struggle for food, water, and shelter, and any and all aid from all senders is gratefully welcomed.
But 70 years ago, these same islands were a battlefield, and the two powers of the day hammered at each other for control of the people and the strategic resources in the area. Now those same two powers are fighting a battle of a different kind.
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Almost 70 years after fighting what may have been the biggest naval battle in history, U.S. and Japanese forces are back in the same area — this time as allies working together to help the typhoon-ravaged Philippines.
“This area of the Philippines is where the U.S. fought some of the most important battles of World War II,” Rear Adm. Mark C. Montgomery, commander of the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group, said during a visit to the battered city of Tacloban on Friday.
Nearby, a contingent of Japanese soldiers worked alongside U.S. Special Operations troops at Tacloban Airport.
“This is where MacArthur landed,” Montgomery said, referring to Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s Oct. 20, 1944, “return” to Palo, just over eight miles from Tacloban on Leyte island.
The Battle of Leyte Gulf, off Tacloban, involved more than 200 ships, including 12 aircraft carriers and 200,000 sailors, according to historical accounts.
Many of the airfields that the U.S. military is using to support the relief effort were built by U.S. or Japanese forces during the war.
According to Joint Task Force 505 — the headquarters overseeing the U.S. relief effort — nearly 850 U.S. personnel are on the ground in the Philippines with 6,200 more offshore in the USS George Washington Strike Group. An extra 1,000 Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are expected to arrive in about three days.
Almost 1,200 Japanese Self-Defense Forces personnel will soon be working alongside the Americans here, conducting medical activities and helping move supplies in Cebu, Manila and Tacloban, according to a Japanese Joint Staff Office spokesman; 100 are on the ground, with the rest expected to arrive soon.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships, including the destroyer Ise, transport vessel Osumi and supply vessel Towada, are heading for the Philippines. Japan has also deployed three CH-47s, three UH-1s and 2 SH-60s, two KC-767s, seven C-130s and one U-4 aircraft.
“This is the largest deployment of SDF [Self Defense Force] personnel to an international disaster relief activity,” the spokesman said.
Japan will also provide $52.1 million in disaster assistance, according to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to family lore, my own grandfather cursed the Japanese with his last breath from his deathbed...perhaps a massive humanitarian mission will help to erase the still-lingering postwar bitterness many Asian countries still feel towards Japan. Time will tell.
And then there's the United States. We've been a longtime ally of the Phillippines, for both good (liberation and rebuilding after WWII) and bad (supporting Marcos for decades). As a result, we have a lot of military resources placed there for whatever reason. Of course, the United States doesn't do anything altruistic anymore; the military is probably exploiting our opportunities there as we speak.
Last week I wrote about the potential for the Obama administration’s Asia-Pivot strategy to inflame anti-colonialist sentiment. I lamented that Washington tries simply to get around this popular opposition to the military surge in East Asia instead of acknowledging that people don’t like to be occupied by foreign militaries.
Cynically, the U.S. has exploited the suffering of the typhoon in the Philippines in order to gain leverage in negotiations with Manila over increased U.S. military presence there. The relief operations performed by U.S. forces are seen as helping to “lubricate” the deal for basing rights, which are one piece of a broader plan to contain a rising China.
According to Robert Farley at The Diplomat, the process of “establishing forward U.S. bases in the Philippines…has moved slowly, largely because of domestic concerns in Manila about a military U.S. presence.”
“Fortunately for U.S. strategic interests (if not the victims of the storm),” Farley writes, “the U.S. Navy’s support in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan may win sufficient goodwill to overcome local opposition to a renewed U.S. military role.”
That is as plain an example of exploitation as you’re going to get. The fact that Filipinos hesitate to welcome the U.S. back onto permanent bases, after kicking us out at the end of the Cold War, should not be belittled. The 1899-1902 U.S. war and occupation of the Philippines was a vicious colonial experiment waged for cynical geopolitical interests. Inclusive estimates that account for excess deaths related to the war say there were as many as 1 million casualties. Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos were locked up in concentration camps, where poor conditions and disease killed thousands.
Ah right, I forget that we were an Imperial Power once too. Maybe the humanitarian effort could rehabilitate both our Empires on the island of Leyte.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Raine on 11/26/2013 13:53:27
Good Morning!
Raine on 11/26/2013 13:53:27
Good Morning!
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 14:13:30
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 14:13:30
Morning. A gloomy icky day here. 
At least it isn't cold. 
At least it isn't cold.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 14:21:01
It's ikky here too.
blergh....
Raine on 11/26/2013 14:21:01
Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning. A gloomy icky day here.
It's ikky here too.
blergh....
Comment by 
BobR on 11/26/2013 14:23:30
BobR on 11/26/2013 14:23:30
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 14:24:54
Ugh. Cold and raining. We need a storm cloud emoticon.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 14:24:54
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning. A gloomy icky day here.
It's ikky here too.
blergh....
Ugh. Cold and raining.
We need a storm cloud emoticon.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 11/26/2013 14:52:57
Scoopster on 11/26/2013 14:52:57
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 14:53:23
Raine on 11/26/2013 14:53:23
I know that hindsight is 20/20 but I still have to wonder that had Virginia elected Deeds for governor, his son may have hat a chance to get the healthcare he needed.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 11/26/2013 14:57:20
wickedpam on 11/26/2013 14:57:20
Morning 
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 14:59:11
Here in Florida, Deeds the Younger would have been Baker Acted.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 14:59:11
Quote by Raine:
I know that hindsight is 20/20 but I still have to wonder that had Virginia elected Deeds for governor, his son may have hat a chance to get the healthcare he needed.
Here in Florida, Deeds the Younger would have been Baker Acted.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 14:59:54
What's that?
Raine on 11/26/2013 14:59:54
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
I know that hindsight is 20/20 but I still have to wonder that had Virginia elected Deeds for governor, his son may have hat a chance to get the healthcare he needed.
Here in Florida, Deeds the Younger would have been Baker Acted.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 15:01:50
Raine on 11/26/2013 15:01:50
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:04:21
The Baker Act, esplained. Better than I could!
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:04:21
Quote by Raine:What's that?Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
I know that hindsight is 20/20 but I still have to wonder that had Virginia elected Deeds for governor, his son may have hat a chance to get the healthcare he needed.
Here in Florida, Deeds the Younger would have been Baker Acted.
The Baker Act, esplained. Better than I could!
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:05:21
That's kinda awesome!
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:05:21
Quote by Raine:
NYC kinda rocks! World’s Largest Landfill Will Soon Be NYC’s Biggest Solar Plant
That's kinda awesome!
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 15:09:31
Anyone who ever dove from Long ISland to Jersey via Staten Island knows that was pretty much hell to drive thru -- it was a dead spot -- I am always amazed driving there now to see HOW MUCH it has changed.
This is a really great story about how things CAN be changed even when it looks impossible.
Raine on 11/26/2013 15:09:31
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
NYC kinda rocks! World’s Largest Landfill Will Soon Be NYC’s Biggest Solar Plant
That's kinda awesome!
This is a really great story about how things CAN be changed even when it looks impossible.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 15:14:19
Thanks for that information. It would be nice to see something like that here.
Gs Deeds was only held for 6 hours -- and that wasn't enough time (or perhaps CSB was negligent) to find a bed for him.
I suspect 72 hours could be abused -- but 6 hours certainly wasn't enough time.
Deeds was kinda milquetoasty about the ACA when he was running, but I believe he would have opted into the medicaid expansion and the state exchanges.
Community health centers are being built and I believe they will provide mental health assistance as well.
It's really sad, I think.
Raine on 11/26/2013 15:14:19
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:What's that?Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
I know that hindsight is 20/20 but I still have to wonder that had Virginia elected Deeds for governor, his son may have hat a chance to get the healthcare he needed.
Here in Florida, Deeds the Younger would have been Baker Acted.
The Baker Act, esplained. Better than I could!
Thanks for that information. It would be nice to see something like that here.
Gs Deeds was only held for 6 hours -- and that wasn't enough time (or perhaps CSB was negligent) to find a bed for him.
I suspect 72 hours could be abused -- but 6 hours certainly wasn't enough time.
Deeds was kinda milquetoasty about the ACA when he was running, but I believe he would have opted into the medicaid expansion and the state exchanges.
Community health centers are being built and I believe they will provide mental health assistance as well.
It's really sad, I think.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:17:44
It can be abused. When my brother was living with me, he was Baker Acted. His depression was very deep. He didn't need to be held for 72 hours though.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:17:44
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:What's that?Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
I know that hindsight is 20/20 but I still have to wonder that had Virginia elected Deeds for governor, his son may have hat a chance to get the healthcare he needed.
Here in Florida, Deeds the Younger would have been Baker Acted.
The Baker Act, esplained. Better than I could!
Thanks for that information. It would be nice to see something like that here.
Gs Deeds was only held for 6 hours -- and that wasn't enough time (or perhaps CSB was negligent) to find a bed for him.
I suspect 72 hours could be abused -- but 6 hours certainly wasn't enough time.
Deeds was kinda milquetoasty about the ACA when he was running, but I believe he would have opted into the medicaid expansion and the state exchanges.
Community health centers are being built and I believe they will provide mental health assistance as well.
It's really sad, I think.
It can be abused. When my brother was living with me, he was Baker Acted. His depression was very deep. He didn't need to be held for 72 hours though.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/26/2013 15:18:27
wickedpam on 11/26/2013 15:18:27
I so love it when other people think they know how to do my job try to tell me what how to do thing.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:18:34
Drove by there once. It was about 25 years ago. Nightmare is a good word.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:18:34
Quote by Raine:Anyone who ever dove from Long ISland to Jersey via Staten Island knows that was pretty much hell to drive thru -- it was a dead spot -- I am always amazed driving there now to see HOW MUCH it has changed.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
NYC kinda rocks! World’s Largest Landfill Will Soon Be NYC’s Biggest Solar Plant
That's kinda awesome!
This is a really great story about how things CAN be changed even when it looks impossible.
Drove by there once. It was about 25 years ago. Nightmare is a good word.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 15:19:33
Raine on 11/26/2013 15:19:33
Deeds was a little too timid about HCR.
I want to make it clear that I am not victim blaming here, I do believe that had he been elected governor, he would have opted in to the state exchanges and the expansion.
That is my point -- he may have had more resources for his son. I take issue that he should have run as a progressive, not here in Virginia -- but as I said, hindsight 20/20.
I want to make it clear that I am not victim blaming here, I do believe that had he been elected governor, he would have opted in to the state exchanges and the expansion.
That is my point -- he may have had more resources for his son. I take issue that he should have run as a progressive, not here in Virginia -- but as I said, hindsight 20/20.
Comment by 
TriSec on 11/26/2013 15:21:55
TriSec on 11/26/2013 15:21:55
Morning, comrades.
All the resources are in place - we commence the attack in 48 hours.
BTW, any vodka aficionados out there? I have purchased a bottle of Ketel One at the recommendation of my RW friend. Whoa.
<-- Yeehaw!
All the resources are in place - we commence the attack in 48 hours.
BTW, any vodka aficionados out there? I have purchased a bottle of Ketel One at the recommendation of my RW friend. Whoa.
<-- Yeehaw!
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:24:53
I'm a Gray Goose man meself. I'll have to try Ketel One.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:24:53
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades.
All the resources are in place - we commence the attack in 48 hours.
BTW, any vodka aficionados out there? I have purchased a bottle of Ketel One at the recommendation of my RW friend. Whoa.
I'm a Gray Goose man meself. I'll have to try Ketel One.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/26/2013 15:25:04
Ketel One is pretty damn good stuff. And I'm not a vodka drinker!
Scoopster on 11/26/2013 15:25:04
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades.
All the resources are in place - we commence the attack in 48 hours.
BTW, any vodka aficionados out there? I have purchased a bottle of Ketel One at the recommendation of my RW friend. Whoa.
Ketel One is pretty damn good stuff. And I'm not a vodka drinker!
Comment by Scoopster on 11/26/2013 15:26:23
Scoopster on 11/26/2013 15:26:23
Pope Francis rails against capitalism, calls it 'idolatry of money'
Jeez is this a socialist or WHAT!
Jeez is this a socialist or WHAT!
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 15:27:20
I think we found something good about Florida here!
Raine on 11/26/2013 15:27:20
Quote by Mondobubba:
It can be abused. When my brother was living with me, he was Baker Acted. His depression was very deep. He didn't need to be held for 72 hours though.
I think we found something good about Florida here!
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 15:28:24
VERY good stuff.
Raine on 11/26/2013 15:28:24
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades.
All the resources are in place - we commence the attack in 48 hours.
BTW, any vodka aficionados out there? I have purchased a bottle of Ketel One at the recommendation of my RW friend. Whoa.
Ketel One is pretty damn good stuff. And I'm not a vodka drinker!
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:29:11
There are some things about Florida that don't suck.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:29:11
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
It can be abused. When my brother was living with me, he was Baker Acted. His depression was very deep. He didn't need to be held for 72 hours though.
I think we found something good about Florida here!
There are some things about Florida that don't suck.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 15:33:21
Ketel One has a bit of a bitter (not in a bad way -- think hoppy beer) profile kicking up that freshness profile. Gray goose is smoother and more earthy tasting, IMO.
Both are very good.
Raine on 11/26/2013 15:33:21
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades.
All the resources are in place - we commence the attack in 48 hours.
BTW, any vodka aficionados out there? I have purchased a bottle of Ketel One at the recommendation of my RW friend. Whoa.
I'm a Gray Goose man meself. I'll have to try Ketel One.
Both are very good.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:35:55
Those wacky Brits!
I'll hazard a guess and says they've done a better job of labeling the states than the average Murrican would do in labeling shires.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:35:55
Those wacky Brits! I'll hazard a guess and says they've done a better job of labeling the states than the average Murrican would do in labeling shires.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:40:56
Yes, the Goose is very smooth. We likes it. We keeps our precious in a friendses freezer so the alky landlord won't drink it. We will be visiting the precious on Thursday! :gollum:
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:40:56
Quote by Raine:Ketel One has a bit of a bitter (not in a bad way -- think hoppy beer) profile kicking up that freshness profile. Gray goose is smoother and more earthy tasting, IMO.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades.
All the resources are in place - we commence the attack in 48 hours.
BTW, any vodka aficionados out there? I have purchased a bottle of Ketel One at the recommendation of my RW friend. Whoa.
I'm a Gray Goose man meself. I'll have to try Ketel One.
Both are very good.
Yes, the Goose is very smooth. We likes it. We keeps our precious in a friendses freezer so the alky landlord won't drink it. We will be visiting the precious on Thursday! :gollum:
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:44:24
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 15:44:24
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 11/26/2013 15:45:08
Will in Chicago on 11/26/2013 15:45:08
Good morning, bloggers!!
I hope that everyone is well. TriSec, I hope that the Philippines gets a lot of help even if the tragedy is no longer a headline story on the national news.
As for myself, it looks like I will really not be doing anything for Thanksgiving -- except going to work for my holiday job that night. As it will be the first night of Chanukah, I will make some latkes and light the candles before I deal with shoppers.
I hope that everyone is well. TriSec, I hope that the Philippines gets a lot of help even if the tragedy is no longer a headline story on the national news.
As for myself, it looks like I will really not be doing anything for Thanksgiving -- except going to work for my holiday job that night. As it will be the first night of Chanukah, I will make some latkes and light the candles before I deal with shoppers.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 15:50:45
I think they did a better job than Americans at labeling our own states!
I loved this one: They need to close the border to Nickelback, STAT
(and Jesse Pinkman in the same image)
Raine on 11/26/2013 15:50:45
Quote by Mondobubba:
I'll hazard a guess and says they've done a better job of labeling the states than the average Murrican would do in labeling shires.
I loved this one: They need to close the border to Nickelback, STAT
(and Jesse Pinkman in the same image)
Comment by wickedpam on 11/26/2013 15:56:20
Lots of Utah's was interesting
wickedpam on 11/26/2013 15:56:20
Quote by Raine:I think they did a better job than Americans at labeling our own states!Quote by Mondobubba:
I'll hazard a guess and says they've done a better job of labeling the states than the average Murrican would do in labeling shires.
I loved this one: They need to close the border to Nickelback, STAT
(and Jesse Pinkman in the same image)
Lots of Utah's was interesting
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 15:56:51
I'm of two thoughts here.
1) What is up with this guy?
2) I think he's showing us how low the bar was/is for Catholicism.
Either way -- I think he's dragging the Catholic church forward. That's a good thing.
Raine on 11/26/2013 15:56:51
Quote by Scoopster:
Pope Francis rails against capitalism, calls it 'idolatry of money'
Jeez is this a socialist or WHAT!
I'm of two thoughts here.
1) What is up with this guy?
2) I think he's showing us how low the bar was/is for Catholicism.
Either way -- I think he's dragging the Catholic church forward. That's a good thing.
Comment by BobR on 11/26/2013 15:57:48
That's probably on par with most U.S. schoolkids these days
BobR on 11/26/2013 15:57:48
Quote by Mondobubba:
I'll hazard a guess and says they've done a better job of labeling the states than the average Murrican would do in labeling shires.
That's probably on par with most U.S. schoolkids these days
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 15:58:13
One gun is too many for that G Zimm.
Raine on 11/26/2013 15:58:13
Quote by Mondobubba:
This is the total of G. Zizzle's arsenal? He is under-armed by Florida standards.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 16:02:38
Very true. My dry sarcasm failed.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 16:02:38
Quote by Raine:One gun is too many for that G Zimm.Quote by Mondobubba:
This is the total of G. Zizzle's arsenal? He is under-armed by Florida standards.
Very true. My dry sarcasm failed.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 16:09:52
No it didn't.
To be quite honest that he had THAT many arms at her house after all of this says he REALLY has head issues.
Raine on 11/26/2013 16:09:52
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:One gun is too many for that G Zimm.Quote by Mondobubba:
This is the total of G. Zizzle's arsenal? He is under-armed by Florida standards.
Very true. My dry sarcasm failed.
To be quite honest that he had THAT many arms at her house after all of this says he REALLY has head issues.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/26/2013 16:11:26
Will in Chicago on 11/26/2013 16:11:26
Courtesy of the Nation, here is an article to use for ammunition at your Thanksgiving dinner in case someone complains about "gubbmint healthcare." Inequality is (Literally) Killing America.
Only a few miles separate the Baltimore neighborhoods of Roland Park and Upton Druid Heights. But residents of the two areas can measure the distance between them in years—twenty years, to be exact. That’s the difference in life expectancy between Roland Park, where people live to be 83 on average, and Upton Druid Heights, where they can expect to die at 63.
Underlying these gaps in life expectancy are vast economic disparities. Roland Park is an affluent neighborhood with an unemployment rate of 3.4 percent, and a median household income above $90,000. More than 17 percent of people in Upton Druid Heights are unemployed, and the median household income is just $13,388.
It’s no secret that this sort of economic inequality is increasing nationwide; the disparity between America’s richest and poorest is the widest it’s been since the Roaring Twenties. Less discussed are the gaps in life expectancy that have widened over the past twenty-five years between America’s counties, cities and neighborhoods. While the country as a whole has gotten richer and healthier, the poor have gotten poorer, the middle class has shrunk and Americans without high school diplomas have seen their life expectancy slide back to what it was in the 1950s. Economic inequalities manifest not in numbers, but in sick and dying bodies.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 16:19:40
Raine on 11/26/2013 16:19:40
Please Weather channel -- stop this naming storms nonsense.
That said, this kinda sucks. I have a few friends that are handlers. One friend was trained to do so for the first time.
That said, this kinda sucks.
"New York City could see sustained winds between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts between 30 and 40 mph," said weather.com meteorologist Alan Raymond.
City rules dictate that the giant balloons that characterize the parade can't take flight if sustained winds exceed 23 mph, or gusts exceed 34 mph, according to CBS2 New York.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 16:20:32
I thought they were going to take more guns out than that. You are correct, one is too many for G-Zizzy.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 16:20:32
Quote by Raine:No it didn't.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:One gun is too many for that G Zimm.Quote by Mondobubba:
This is the total of G. Zizzle's arsenal? He is under-armed by Florida standards.
Very true. My dry sarcasm failed.
To be quite honest that he had THAT many arms at her house after all of this says he REALLY has head issues.
I thought they were going to take more guns out than that. You are correct, one is too many for G-Zizzy.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 16:30:55
Raine on 11/26/2013 16:30:55
Did the SMS show post this Drunk Uncle Hank article? I want it. I need it.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 16:45:40
If it isn't a cyclonic storm caused by tropical low pressure, it doesn't get a name.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 16:45:40
Quote by Raine:
Please Weather channel -- stop this naming storms nonsense.
That said, this kinda sucks.I have a few friends that are handlers. One friend was trained to do so for the first time."New York City could see sustained winds between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts between 30 and 40 mph," said weather.com meteorologist Alan Raymond.
City rules dictate that the giant balloons that characterize the parade can't take flight if sustained winds exceed 23 mph, or gusts exceed 34 mph, according to CBS2 New York.
If it isn't a cyclonic storm caused by tropical low pressure, it doesn't get a name.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 17:14:55
Raine on 11/26/2013 17:14:55
Ways you know you have awesome neighbors:
You get a text message asking *need extra neck or giblets?*
You get a text message asking *need extra neck or giblets?*
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/26/2013 17:22:14
Nice, I am looking at maybe making some chicken Thursday. Also, checking for mid year openings in teaching and other things.
Will in Chicago on 11/26/2013 17:22:14
Quote by Raine:
Ways you know you have awesome neighbors:
You get a text message asking *need extra neck or giblets?*
Nice, I am looking at maybe making some chicken Thursday. Also, checking for mid year openings in teaching and other things.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/26/2013 17:34:43
Will in Chicago on 11/26/2013 17:34:43
Raine, add this to your files on stories from Virginia about Obamacare saving lives: Obamacare saved my son's life.
Yes, my eyes watered a bit while reading it.
Yes, my eyes watered a bit while reading it.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/26/2013 17:51:00
Will in Chicago on 11/26/2013 17:51:00
The Supreme Court is going to hear the Hobby Lobby case.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/26/2013 17:53:53
Why did Hobby Lobby have to turn out to be such assholes? I liked there stores. *sigh*
wickedpam on 11/26/2013 17:53:53
Quote by Will in Chicago:
The Supreme Court is going to hear the Hobby Lobby case.
Why did Hobby Lobby have to turn out to be such assholes? I liked there stores. *sigh*
Comment by wickedpam on 11/26/2013 18:04:43
Attention! Blogger Joe has been activated!
wickedpam on 11/26/2013 18:04:43
Attention! Blogger Joe has been activated!
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 18:05:52
you forgot
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 18:05:52
Quote by wickedpam:
you forgot
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/26/2013 18:07:04
Apparently, their ownership wants to have their stores reflect their beliefs. Also, they do not have anything for Chanukah, even in their stores in largely Jewish communities. (Never mind the fact that a certain itinerant rabbi and carpenter would have known about the holiday and likely celebrated it.)
Will in Chicago on 11/26/2013 18:07:04
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Will in Chicago:
The Supreme Court is going to hear the Hobby Lobby case.
Why did Hobby Lobby have to turn out to be such assholes? I liked there stores. *sigh*
Apparently, their ownership wants to have their stores reflect their beliefs. Also, they do not have anything for Chanukah, even in their stores in largely Jewish communities. (Never mind the fact that a certain itinerant rabbi and carpenter would have known about the holiday and likely celebrated it.)
Comment by BobR on 11/26/2013 18:15:16
sign me up!
BobR on 11/26/2013 18:15:16
Quote by wickedpam:
sign me up!
Comment by 
livingonli on 11/26/2013 18:17:23
livingonli on 11/26/2013 18:17:23
Refresh isn't working on Firefox again. Just like how it doesn't display audiocons.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/26/2013 18:18:45
I wish there wasn't a spending limit.. because this happened!
Scoopster on 11/26/2013 18:18:45
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
sign me up!
I wish there wasn't a spending limit.. because this happened!
Comment by wickedpam on 11/26/2013 18:34:16
Oh, I did forget that one!
wickedpam on 11/26/2013 18:34:16
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
you forgot
Oh, I did forget that one!
Comment by wickedpam on 11/26/2013 18:34:49
wickedpam on 11/26/2013 18:34:49
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
sign me up!
Comment by wickedpam on 11/26/2013 18:36:00
Any time ya'll want me to change the spending limit let me know what's good
wickedpam on 11/26/2013 18:36:00
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
sign me up!
I wish there wasn't a spending limit.. because this happened!
Any time ya'll want me to change the spending limit let me know what's good
Comment by TriSec on 11/26/2013 18:42:59
TriSec on 11/26/2013 18:42:59
Pie #1 hitting the oven.
You know when you taste a raw apple slice to see if you got the spices and sugar right and your eyes roll back up into your head?
That is the kind of pie we have here.
You know when you taste a raw apple slice to see if you got the spices and sugar right and your eyes roll back up into your head?
That is the kind of pie we have here.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 19:10:40
Me want too, Scoop.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 19:10:40
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
sign me up!
I wish there wasn't a spending limit.. because this happened!
Me want too, Scoop.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 19:36:23
I did too.
I actually heard a representative of the company say that birth controls are abortificants on the radio this afternoon.
Raine on 11/26/2013 19:36:23
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Will in Chicago:
The Supreme Court is going to hear the Hobby Lobby case.
Why did Hobby Lobby have to turn out to be such assholes? I liked there stores. *sigh*
I actually heard a representative of the company say that birth controls are abortificants on the radio this afternoon.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 19:53:30
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 19:53:30
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 19:57:11
People really need to understand how birth control works before they are allowed to discuss it. Seriously. The only one "birth control" that is an abortificant is RU 486 and that is not sold in the US. All the other products prevent implantation of fertilized eggs from becoming implanted.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 19:57:11
Quote by Raine:I did too.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Will in Chicago:
The Supreme Court is going to hear the Hobby Lobby case.
Why did Hobby Lobby have to turn out to be such assholes? I liked there stores. *sigh*
I actually heard a representative of the company say that birth controls are abortificants on the radio this afternoon.
People really need to understand how birth control works before they are allowed to discuss it. Seriously. The only one "birth control" that is an abortificant is RU 486 and that is not sold in the US. All the other products prevent implantation of fertilized eggs from becoming implanted.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 20:03:13
Ayn Rand is his true god -- Paul rAYN has is own false prophet.
Raine on 11/26/2013 20:03:13
Quote by Mondobubba:
So how does Paul Ryan square this circle?
Ayn Rand is his true god -- Paul rAYN has is own false prophet.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 20:04:11
Raine on 11/26/2013 20:04:11
Wow, I just hear that Lara Logan was suspended for the Beghazi story on 60 minutes.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 20:05:59
Self correct: **Taking a leave of Absence**
Raine on 11/26/2013 20:05:59
Quote by Raine:
Wow, I just hear that Lara Logan was suspended for the Beghazi story on 60 minutes.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 20:06:21
Self correct: **Taking a leave of Absence**
Raine on 11/26/2013 20:06:21
Quote by Raine:
Wow, I just hear that Lara Logan was suspended for the Beghazi story on 60 minutes.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 20:13:14
Mmm hmmm.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 20:13:14
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
So how does Paul Ryan square this circle?
Ayn Rand is his true god -- Paul rAYN has is own false prophet.
Mmm hmmm.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 20:15:29
I was just reading about this here.
I'd like to see the truth come out about this. I;m still not too sure.
Raine on 11/26/2013 20:15:29
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
So.. umm... yeah this just got complicated.
I'd like to see the truth come out about this. I;m still not too sure.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 20:21:28
I just have to ass, after watching the NBC video, Something is fishy here.
If the waitress DID do this, you'd think she wouldn't have agreed to be re-interviewed.
I'd like to see the restaurants accounts about this.
Raine on 11/26/2013 20:21:28
Quote by Raine:I was just reading about this here.Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
So.. umm... yeah this just got complicated.
I'd like to see the truth come out about this. I;m still not too sure.
If the waitress DID do this, you'd think she wouldn't have agreed to be re-interviewed.
I'd like to see the restaurants accounts about this.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/26/2013 20:29:51
There's a bunch of speculation in the comments on DU/DKos about this thing.. a good number of them thinking the restaurant management is lying to cover up wage theft or credit card fraud. I really don't know what to think.
Scoopster on 11/26/2013 20:29:51
Quote by Raine:I just have to ass, after watching the NBC video, Something is fishy here.Quote by Raine:I was just reading about this here.Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
So.. umm... yeah this just got complicated.
I'd like to see the truth come out about this. I;m still not too sure.
If the waitress DID do this, you'd think she wouldn't have agreed to be re-interviewed.
I'd like to see the restaurants accounts about this.
There's a bunch of speculation in the comments on DU/DKos about this thing.. a good number of them thinking the restaurant management is lying to cover up wage theft or credit card fraud. I really don't know what to think.
Comment by BobR on 11/26/2013 20:34:33
*sigh*... :takes of jacket and glasses... rolls up sleeves:
1) That's something to be proud of?
2,3) Agreed
4) Gotta say Maryland and the Carolinas do a mean frogmore stew (also known as low country boil).
5) Pfft... There is good locally made ice cream everywhere.
6-8) No argument
9) Canadian is better
10) um...
11-12) whatever
13) NY Italian ice rocks it over frozen lemonade
14) Upstate NY defines apples.
15) whatever
16) Nathans on Coney Island are the best hot dogs in the world
17) well duh
18) LOL - not even close
19) You can have 'em
20) Utz are the best chips in the world
21) Maybe, but only because of Tim Horton's, NOT Dunkin Donuts.
BobR on 11/26/2013 20:34:33
Quote by Mondobubba:
Tri & Scoop!
:Saunters out of room before fights break out:
*sigh*... :takes of jacket and glasses... rolls up sleeves:
1) That's something to be proud of?
2,3) Agreed
4) Gotta say Maryland and the Carolinas do a mean frogmore stew (also known as low country boil).
5) Pfft... There is good locally made ice cream everywhere.
6-8) No argument
9) Canadian is better
10) um...
11-12) whatever
13) NY Italian ice rocks it over frozen lemonade
14) Upstate NY defines apples.
15) whatever
16) Nathans on Coney Island are the best hot dogs in the world
17) well duh
18) LOL - not even close
19) You can have 'em
20) Utz are the best chips in the world
21) Maybe, but only because of Tim Horton's, NOT Dunkin Donuts.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 20:46:41
Raine on 11/26/2013 20:46:41
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Tri & Scoop!
:Saunters out of room before fights break out:
*sigh*... :takes of jacket and glasses... rolls up sleeves:
1) That's something to be proud of?
2,3) Agreed
4) Gotta say Maryland and the Carolinas do a mean frogmore stew (also known as low country boil).
5) Pfft... There is good locally made ice cream everywhere.
6-8) No argument
9) Canadian is better
10) um...
11-12) whatever
13) NY Italian ice rocks it over frozen lemonade
14) Upstate NY defines apples.
15) whatever
16) Nathans on Coney Island are the best hot dogs in the world
17) well duh
18) LOL - not even close
19) You can have 'em
20) Utz are the best chips in the world
21) Maybe, but only because of Tim Horton's, NOT Dunkin Donuts.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/26/2013 20:49:05
Scoopster on 11/26/2013 20:49:05
HEY.. DON'T DIS THE DEL'S! 
It's a totally different animal than italian ice. Both are worthy.
It's a totally different animal than italian ice. Both are worthy.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 20:53:57
Buzzfeed is served!
Delicious lard cooked Utz chips are perfection.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 20:53:57
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Tri & Scoop!
:Saunters out of room before fights break out:
*sigh*... :takes of jacket and glasses... rolls up sleeves:
1) That's something to be proud of?
2,3) Agreed
4) Gotta say Maryland and the Carolinas do a mean frogmore stew (also known as low country boil).
5) Pfft... There is good locally made ice cream everywhere.
6-8) No argument
9) Canadian is better
10) um...
11-12) whatever
13) NY Italian ice rocks it over frozen lemonade
14) Upstate NY defines apples.
15) whatever
16) Nathans on Coney Island are the best hot dogs in the world
17) well duh
18) LOL - not even close
19) You can have 'em
20) Utz are the best chips in the world
21) Maybe, but only because of Tim Horton's, NOT Dunkin Donuts.
Buzzfeed is served! Delicious lard cooked Utz chips are perfection.
Comment by BobR on 11/26/2013 20:56:53
I am not fond of "kettle cooked" chips. It's like chewing on broken china. Same goes for pita chips.
I prefer my chips extra thin.
BobR on 11/26/2013 20:56:53
Quote by Scoopster:
BTW if you haven't had these yet. get them
I am not fond of "kettle cooked" chips. It's like chewing on broken china. Same goes for pita chips.
I prefer my chips extra thin.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 21:03:30
Regarding #14 --
If you are gonna use Cider House Rules as proof that you have the best apples --
You lose.
I grew up in NYS Apple country -- I would put our cider up to Maine's any day.
And after this fall -- I'd call Virginia/Maryland neck & neck with NY.
Dear New England, kindly keep your paws off our Apple cider donuts.
and 
An ex Pat-New Yorker
Raine on 11/26/2013 21:03:30
Quote by Mondobubba:
Tri & Scoop!
:Saunters out of room before fights break out:
If you are gonna use Cider House Rules as proof that you have the best apples --
You lose.
I grew up in NYS Apple country -- I would put our cider up to Maine's any day.
And after this fall -- I'd call Virginia/Maryland neck & neck with NY.
Dear New England, kindly keep your paws off our Apple cider donuts.
and An ex Pat-New Yorker
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 21:06:27
I like this brand.
I also like the Utz ones.
Thing is, I can't eat them more than a small bag a time. The noise is very very loud in my head.
Raine on 11/26/2013 21:06:27
Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:
BTW if you haven't had these yet. get them
I am not fond of "kettle cooked" chips. It's like chewing on broken china. Same goes for pita chips.
I prefer my chips extra thin.
I also like the Utz ones.
Thing is, I can't eat them more than a small bag a time. The noise is very very loud in my head.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/26/2013 21:09:42
Having lived in PA for a very long time I highly recommend
These
wickedpam on 11/26/2013 21:09:42
Quote by Raine:I like this brand.Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:
BTW if you haven't had these yet. get them
I am not fond of "kettle cooked" chips. It's like chewing on broken china. Same goes for pita chips.
I prefer my chips extra thin.
I also like the Utz ones.
Thing is, I can't eat them more than a small bag a time. The noise is very very loud in my head.
Having lived in PA for a very long time I highly recommend
These
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 21:10:01
OK, I'll give it a shot.
With vodka.
Raine on 11/26/2013 21:10:01
Quote by Scoopster:
HEY.. DON'T DIS THE DEL'S!
It's a totally different animal than italian ice. Both are worthy.
OK, I'll give it a shot. With vodka.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 21:31:26
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 21:31:26
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
HEY.. DON'T DIS THE DEL'S!
It's a totally different animal than italian ice. Both are worthy.
With vodka.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 21:32:46
These are the spawn of Satan. They dropped out of his ass crack.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 21:32:46
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:I like this brand.Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:
BTW if you haven't had these yet. get them
I am not fond of "kettle cooked" chips. It's like chewing on broken china. Same goes for pita chips.
I prefer my chips extra thin.
I also like the Utz ones.
Thing is, I can't eat them more than a small bag a time. The noise is very very loud in my head.
Having lived in PA for a very long time I highly recommend
These
These are the spawn of Satan. They dropped out of his ass crack.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 21:33:02
These are the spawn of Satan. They dropped out of his ass crack.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 21:33:02
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:I like this brand.Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:
BTW if you haven't had these yet. get them
I am not fond of "kettle cooked" chips. It's like chewing on broken china. Same goes for pita chips.
I prefer my chips extra thin.
I also like the Utz ones.
Thing is, I can't eat them more than a small bag a time. The noise is very very loud in my head.
Having lived in PA for a very long time I highly recommend
These
These are the spawn of Satan. They dropped out of his ass crack.
Comment by TriSec on 11/26/2013 21:40:52
TriSec on 11/26/2013 21:40:52
Sorry, #14 - Only because Johnny Appleseed of LUNENBURG, MA planted them there. I drive through the "apple belt" every day on my way to Worcester. I'll see your cider and raise you an apple donut any day of the week, posers.
Comment by TriSec on 11/26/2013 21:43:51
Del's is a great pleasure whenever we travel to Quonset Point for an airshow on a hot June day...
TriSec on 11/26/2013 21:43:51
Quote by Scoopster:
HEY.. DON'T DIS THE DEL'S!
It's a totally different animal than italian ice. Both are worthy.
Del's is a great pleasure whenever we travel to Quonset Point for an airshow on a hot June day...
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 21:49:39
Whatever. Could it be possible, just possible that upstate NY's non-rocky, undepleted nutrient rich soil could be more hospitable for Malus domestica than that of New England? Hmmmm?
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 21:49:39
Quote by TriSec:
Sorry, #14 - Only because Johnny Appleseed of LUNENBURG, MA planted them there. I drive through the "apple belt" every day on my way to Worcester. I'll see your cider and raise you an apple donut any day of the week, posers.
Whatever. Could it be possible, just possible that upstate NY's non-rocky, undepleted nutrient rich soil could be more hospitable for Malus domestica than that of New England? Hmmmm?
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 22:08:32
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 22:08:32
Oh Johnny Appleseed was born in Leominster, Massachusetts, but practiced horticulture in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana Illinois and the northern counties of West VA.
More about JA
More about JA
Comment by BobR on 11/26/2013 22:08:57
Six states produce the majority of apples in the U.S.. I see NY... but for some strange reason MA is not on the list...
BobR on 11/26/2013 22:08:57
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Sorry, #14 - Only because Johnny Appleseed of LUNENBURG, MA planted them there. I drive through the "apple belt" every day on my way to Worcester. I'll see your cider and raise you an apple donut any day of the week, posers.
Whatever. Could it be possible, just possible that upstate NY's non-rocky, undepleted nutrient rich soil could be more hospitable for Malus domestica than that of New England? Hmmmm?
Six states produce the majority of apples in the U.S.. I see NY... but for some strange reason MA is not on the list...
Comment by BobR on 11/26/2013 22:10:18
BobR on 11/26/2013 22:10:18
And let's not forget the Empire apple was developed at Cornell University, and named after the state in which it was created.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 22:43:46
When I think of apples, I think Washington state and New York. Not necessarily in that order. Oh and Michigan.
Mondobubba on 11/26/2013 22:43:46
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Sorry, #14 - Only because Johnny Appleseed of LUNENBURG, MA planted them there. I drive through the "apple belt" every day on my way to Worcester. I'll see your cider and raise you an apple donut any day of the week, posers.
Whatever. Could it be possible, just possible that upstate NY's non-rocky, undepleted nutrient rich soil could be more hospitable for Malus domestica than that of New England? Hmmmm?
Six states produce the majority of apples in the U.S.. I see NY... but for some strange reason MA is not on the list...
When I think of apples, I think Washington state and New York. Not necessarily in that order. Oh and Michigan.
Comment by Raine on 11/26/2013 23:50:16
Let's talk about Johnny.
he was born in LUNENBURG, MA -- but he certainly didn't plant his seeds there.
Raine on 11/26/2013 23:50:16
Quote by TriSec:
Sorry, #14 - Only because Johnny Appleseed of LUNENBURG, MA planted them there. I drive through the "apple belt" every day on my way to Worcester. I'll see your cider and raise you an apple donut any day of the week, posers.
he was born in LUNENBURG, MA -- but he certainly didn't plant his seeds there.
Comment by Raine on 11/27/2013 00:04:08
Edited.
I do not appreciate being called a poser. I grew up around orchards and apple farmers. We did not pose.
Apple drops make amazing cider.
Raine on 11/27/2013 00:04:08
Quote by Raine:Let's talk about Johnny.Quote by TriSec:
Sorry, #14 - Only because Johnny Appleseed ofLUNENBURG, MALEOMINSTER, MA planted them there. I drive through the "apple belt" every day on my way to Worcester. I'll see your cider and raise you an apple donut any day of the week, posers.
he was born in LUNENBURG, MA -- but he certainly didn't plant his seeds there.
Edited.
I do not appreciate being called a poser. I grew up around orchards and apple farmers.
We did not pose. Apple drops make amazing cider.
Comment by Raine on 11/27/2013 00:06:57
They are called apple cider donuts, Sir. Surely everyone knows this.
Raine on 11/27/2013 00:06:57
Quote by TriSec:
Sorry, #14 - Only because Johnny Appleseed of LUNENBURG, MA planted them there. I drive through the "apple belt" every day on my way to Worcester. I'll see your cider and raise you an apple donut any day of the week, posers.