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Ask a Vet - Christmas 2013
Author: TriSec
Date: 12/24/2013 11:16:05
Good Morning.
As we prepare for our 14th consecutive Wartime Christmas, let us all pause and ponder what the future might bring.
Of course, we'll start the same way we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com. It's been a long time since I included the Iraq numbers, but I will today...for each of these totals represents a family torn apart by war for every holiday.
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4,489
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03) 4,347
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3,627
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 256
Since Operation New Dawn: 66
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 319
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,298
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,105
We find this morning's Cost of War passing through:
$ 1, 499, 598, 250, 000 .00
I've only got one story this Christmas Eve. You're probably aware that our friends at the North American Air and Space Command (NORAD) have for years "innocently" tracked Santa on their massive radar screens. The story is that back during the Cold War, a newspaper in Chicago mistakenly published the phone number as the place to call for "Santa Updates", and NORAD has been doing it ever since. (It's actually kind of cool - Javi and I have watched Santa hit the Philippines the last few Christmases, but I digress.)
But like everything else, Santa is now under threat. This year, instead of only his 8 reindeer, Santa was to have a pair of F-18s armed to the teeth as escorts.
Now, I think that's kind of cool, but I'm not an impressionable 6-year-old. In fact, I have searched long and hard for imagery of a red-flight-suited Santa sitting in a jet cockpit for a Christmas Card, but such things just don't seem to exist, even among the aviation and military enthusiast websites I tend to frequent. But that's just me.
Somewhere along Santa's flight path, a funny thing happened. There was a backlash about the fighter jets....NORAD issued a disclaimer first (They're fuel tanks!) and then gave up the idea entirely.
So, without fighter jets, and at the mercies of weather, rogues, and who-knows-what-else, we here at Ask a Vet wish Santa a safe journey to wherever our military faces daily threats in our name...may we all have a quiet and happy Christmas.
As we prepare for our 14th consecutive Wartime Christmas, let us all pause and ponder what the future might bring.
Of course, we'll start the same way we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com. It's been a long time since I included the Iraq numbers, but I will today...for each of these totals represents a family torn apart by war for every holiday.
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4,489
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03) 4,347
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3,627
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 256
Since Operation New Dawn: 66
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 319
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,298
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,105
We find this morning's Cost of War passing through:
I've only got one story this Christmas Eve. You're probably aware that our friends at the North American Air and Space Command (NORAD) have for years "innocently" tracked Santa on their massive radar screens. The story is that back during the Cold War, a newspaper in Chicago mistakenly published the phone number as the place to call for "Santa Updates", and NORAD has been doing it ever since. (It's actually kind of cool - Javi and I have watched Santa hit the Philippines the last few Christmases, but I digress.)
But like everything else, Santa is now under threat. This year, instead of only his 8 reindeer, Santa was to have a pair of F-18s armed to the teeth as escorts.
Giving Santa Claus and his reindeer a military fighter jet escort on Christmas Eve amounts to manipulative military marketing aimed at defenseless young minds, a Berkeley, Calif., child psychologist says.
NORAD, the joint U.S.-Canada military force that protects our skies as well as runs the beloved Santa Tracker each holiday season, is under fire. The reason? A video that shows Santa and his reindeer accompanied by a military fighter jet escort. The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood has criticized the video, and, in turn, the campaign has been criticized for its criticism.
“We’ve gotten some angry emails … questioning my manhood,” Josh Golin, the campaign’s associate director, told the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday. So Golin, and the campaign’s co-founder, Berkeley child and family psychologist Allan Kenner, would like the opportunity to give a full airing to their side of the controversy:
They say they are not anti-military or anti-American — but they are against any kind of advertising aimed at young, vulnerable minds.
“What’s getting lost in the controversy is the child-development piece,” Golin said. It’s easy for adults to look at the video above and say “What’s the big deal?”
“But we are talking about 4-year-olds and 6-year-olds,” Golin said. “For young children, the idea of Santa, and that there are ‘bad guys’ who might want to ‘get’ Santa, so he needs the jets, that can be very disturbing.”
He said that there was no shortage of studies that tie child-aimed advertising and media influences to a variety of ills, such as childhood obesity, violence and bullying.
Kenner said in a separate interview Wednesday that advertisers aimed to manipulate and poison defenseless young minds to create “cradle-to-grave brand loyalty.” He called it “very cynical manipulation.” And he believes the video is a sign that the military is using some of these very same methods to indoctrinate children into supporting, endorsing and perhaps even one day joining the military.
“It is essentially a marketing device for the military in search of future recruitment,” he said.
Now, I think that's kind of cool, but I'm not an impressionable 6-year-old. In fact, I have searched long and hard for imagery of a red-flight-suited Santa sitting in a jet cockpit for a Christmas Card, but such things just don't seem to exist, even among the aviation and military enthusiast websites I tend to frequent. But that's just me.
Somewhere along Santa's flight path, a funny thing happened. There was a backlash about the fighter jets....NORAD issued a disclaimer first (They're fuel tanks!) and then gave up the idea entirely.
As it has every year since 1955, the North American Aerospace Defense Command will be tracking Santa on his whirlwind journey to deliver presents to all the good little boys and girls around the world.
But he won’t be escorted by armed fighter jets.
When NORAD recently launched its yearly online Santa tracker, the site featured a video showing the jolly old elf being escorted by U.S. fighter jets “bristling with missiles,” as the Boston Globe put it.
That caused a minor earthquake in the Twitterverse about why Santa would need an armed escort. The answer: Russia.
But a NORAD spokesman confirmed to Military Times that the “missiles” are actually fuel tanks.
“Guilty as charged, we tried to give it a more operational feel this year; that was purposefully done to try to highlight our mission sets,” said Lt. Cmdr. Bill Lewis. “If you look at the second promo video we have where it talks through a mock training exercise, it really lays out what our different missions are and shows the different radar sets.”
So while NORAD will be tracking Santa’s flight this Christmas, if St. Nick gets into a tussle with some MiGs, his only defense will be the evasive capabilities of his reindeer.
So, without fighter jets, and at the mercies of weather, rogues, and who-knows-what-else, we here at Ask a Vet wish Santa a safe journey to wherever our military faces daily threats in our name...may we all have a quiet and happy Christmas.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 14:03:23
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 14:03:23
Morning 
Shouldn't the military be more concerned about escorting Krampus then Santa?
Shouldn't the military be more concerned about escorting Krampus then Santa?
Comment by 
Raine on 12/24/2013 14:16:05
good morning!
Raine on 12/24/2013 14:16:05
good morning!
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:17:38
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:17:38
Santa is over North Korea! Careful!
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:19:12
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:19:12
Phew! Santa has crossed the Yalu River and is safely in Chinese airspace! I wonder what he dropped off in Pyongyang? Zag Nut? A new tricked out AMC Pacer? Coal?
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 14:20:41
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 14:20:41
oh Mondo - have you seen Cabin in the Woods?
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:20:57
I both love and hate the Publix Christmas commercial.
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:20:57
I both love and hate the Publix Christmas commercial.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:21:23
No, but it is in my Netflix list.
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:21:23
Quote by wickedpam:
oh Mondo - have you seen Cabin in the Woods?
No, but it is in my Netflix list.
Comment by 
TriSec on 12/24/2013 14:26:45
See? This is why Santa needs F-18s!!!
TriSec on 12/24/2013 14:26:45
Quote by Mondobubba:
Santa is over North Korea! Careful!
See? This is why Santa needs F-18s!!!
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:30:27
Well played, Bobber!
BTW the Intuition Jon Boat Ale is deelish!
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:30:27
Quote by BobR:
Mondo - this is for you
Well played, Bobber!
BTW the Intuition Jon Boat Ale is deelish!
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:36:41
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:36:41
Bobber, something with a IBU of 20 is going to be mildly bitter?
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 14:38:19
just saw it - you'll like it Joss Whedon is a hollywood creative god.
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 14:38:19
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
oh Mondo - have you seen Cabin in the Woods?
No, but it is in my Netflix list.
just saw it - you'll like it Joss Whedon is a hollywood creative god.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:40:35
Oh yeah as if Santa's sleigh doesn't have a sophisticated suite of ECM that would make the Air Force blush. Santa don't need to no stinking fighter escort.
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 14:40:35
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Santa is over North Korea! Careful!
See? This is why Santa needs F-18s!!!
Oh yeah as if Santa's sleigh doesn't have a sophisticated suite of ECM that would make the Air Force blush. Santa don't need to no stinking fighter escort.
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 14:41:07
Raine on 12/24/2013 14:41:07
Road Flare Mary....
Comment by TriSec on 12/24/2013 14:52:37
TriSec on 12/24/2013 14:52:37
Well, as I expected, I'm done. Not it's just killing time until they let us go home for the day.
Comment by 
BobR on 12/24/2013 14:55:58
I used to work on the GBU-15s, troubleshooting the circuit boards. Interesting technology that was
BobR on 12/24/2013 14:55:58
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Santa is over North Korea! Careful!
See? This is why Santa needs F-18s!!!
I used to work on the GBU-15s, troubleshooting the circuit boards. Interesting technology that was
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 14:58:00
you listening to the best of?
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 14:58:00
Quote by Raine:
Road Flare Mary....
you listening to the best of?
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 14:59:14
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 14:59:14
Comment by BobR on 12/24/2013 15:03:04
As a point of reference:
Lite Beer: ~10
Am/Germ Lagers: 15-25
Pilsners: 25-45
British/American Pale Ale/Stout: 25-45
IPA: 40-70
Wheat beers: 10-20
Belgian Beers: 15-25
The Jon Boat you asked me about has this description: "An English golden ale cool-fermented to enhance its refreshing and crisp lager-like characteristics"
So it's likely a lager recipe using an ale yeast.
BobR on 12/24/2013 15:03:04
Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, something with a IBU of 20 is going to be mildly bitter?
As a point of reference:
Lite Beer: ~10
Am/Germ Lagers: 15-25
Pilsners: 25-45
British/American Pale Ale/Stout: 25-45
IPA: 40-70
Wheat beers: 10-20
Belgian Beers: 15-25
The Jon Boat you asked me about has this description: "An English golden ale cool-fermented to enhance its refreshing and crisp lager-like characteristics"
So it's likely a lager recipe using an ale yeast.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 15:06:18
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 15:06:18
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 15:07:37
In any event, it is very tasty.
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 15:07:37
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, something with a IBU of 20 is going to be mildly bitter?
As a point of reference:
Lite Beer: ~10
Am/Germ Lagers: 15-25
Pilsners: 25-45
British/American Pale Ale/Stout: 25-45
IPA: 40-70
Wheat beers: 10-20
Belgian Beers: 15-25
The Jon Boat you asked me about has this description: "An English golden ale cool-fermented to enhance its refreshing and crisp lager-like characteristics"
So it's likely a lager recipe using an ale yeast.
In any event, it is very tasty.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 15:08:20
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 15:08:20
Santa is heading to Quezon!
Comment by TriSec on 12/24/2013 15:09:25
TriSec on 12/24/2013 15:09:25
I have just been issued a donut challenge.
A cubemate of mine has presented me with a "Center Cafe" donut, allegedly "The best in the world". I have already thrown the Kane's gauntlet down.
I have inspected it and am about to bite.
A cubemate of mine has presented me with a "Center Cafe" donut, allegedly "The best in the world". I have already thrown the Kane's gauntlet down.
I have inspected it and am about to bite.
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 12/24/2013 15:17:33
Will in Chicago on 12/24/2013 15:17:33
Good morning, bloggers. I hope that everyone is well. Has anyone heard from Trojanrabbit?
As for myself, I am home today. I have been busy with the holiday retail job and following up on a lot of leads.
My sister in law's grandsons are here today. Their sister, Emily, age 3, is in the hospital with a virus.
Let me wish everyone here who celebrates the holiday a Merry Christmas.
As for myself, I am home today. I have been busy with the holiday retail job and following up on a lot of leads.
My sister in law's grandsons are here today. Their sister, Emily, age 3, is in the hospital with a virus.
Let me wish everyone here who celebrates the holiday a Merry Christmas.
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 15:24:04
I am.
Raine on 12/24/2013 15:24:04
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Road Flare Mary....
you listening to the best of?
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 15:32:20
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 15:32:20
so when do we want to open Blogger Joe?
Comment by TriSec on 12/24/2013 15:33:26
TriSec on 12/24/2013 15:33:26
And now the cafe man has his annual bowls of warnog. I picked the "armed" one.
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 15:35:44
When liv shows up?
Noon?
Living! WAKE UP!!!!
Raine on 12/24/2013 15:35:44
Quote by wickedpam:
so when do we want to open Blogger Joe?
Noon?
Living! WAKE UP!!!!
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 15:36:15
Raine on 12/24/2013 15:36:15
Did Tri bring his BJ to the office?
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 15:41:09
*shakes internet* LIV!
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 15:41:09
Quote by Raine:When liv shows up?Quote by wickedpam:
so when do we want to open Blogger Joe?
Noon?
Living! WAKE UP!!!!
*shakes internet* LIV!
Comment by TriSec on 12/24/2013 15:41:22
TriSec on 12/24/2013 15:41:22
Well, of course not silly!
I'll be home by 3pm.
I'll be home by 3pm.
Comment by TriSec on 12/24/2013 15:45:34
TriSec on 12/24/2013 15:45:34
Dammit, can we all just stop making the yuletide GAY!???
When is enough enough with you freakin' people, anyway??
Razza-Frazza-YOUNT!!!!
When is enough enough with you freakin' people, anyway??
Razza-Frazza-YOUNT!!!!
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 15:48:00
Well then we should wait until Tri gets home, What do you think, Queen of Blogger Joe?
Raine on 12/24/2013 15:48:00
Quote by TriSec:
Well, of course not silly!
I'll be home by 3pm.
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 15:48:58
Wait, Is there a war on Acronyms, now? *snort*
Raine on 12/24/2013 15:48:58
Quote by TriSec:
Dammit, can we all just stop making the yuletide GAY!???
When is enough enough with you freakin' people, anyway??
Razza-Frazza-YOUNT!!!!
Wait, Is there a war on Acronyms, now? *snort*
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 15:51:32
Raine on 12/24/2013 15:51:32
best line ....
I'm going to fire up my copy of "It's A Wonderful Life" and pretend I never saw a grown man's head inserted into the face of a 10-year-old Macaulay Culkin.
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 12/24/2013 15:52:29
velveeta jones on 12/24/2013 15:52:29
I'm here! Whew, it's a busy day with a few more grocery items to get ....
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 15:54:03
Ah Jezebel!
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 15:54:03
Quote by Raine:
best line ....I'm going to fire up my copy of "It's A Wonderful Life" and pretend I never saw a grown man's head inserted into the face of a 10-year-old Macaulay Culkin.
Ah Jezebel!
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 15:59:02
:whispers: Tri posted this on BoF last night. It still doesn't stop the awesome!
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 15:59:02
Quote by Raine:
This is for Tri.
AWESOME!
:whispers: Tri posted this on BoF last night. It still doesn't stop the awesome!
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 15:59:56
I was watching American Football...
Raine on 12/24/2013 15:59:56
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
This is for Tri.
AWESOME!
:whispers: Tri posted this on BoF last night. It still doesn't stop the awesome!
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 16:01:11
I like the one Scouts neckerchief.
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 16:01:11
Quote by Raine:I was watching American Football...Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
This is for Tri.
AWESOME!
:whispers: Tri posted this on BoF last night. It still doesn't stop the awesome!
I like the one Scouts neckerchief.
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 16:02:46
Yes, there is every kind of win in this story, The gays, the scouts and the UTAH!
WINNING TRIFECTA!
Raine on 12/24/2013 16:02:46
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:I was watching American Football...Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
This is for Tri.
AWESOME!
:whispers: Tri posted this on BoF last night. It still doesn't stop the awesome!
I like the one Scouts neckerchief.
WINNING TRIFECTA!
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 16:03:06
wow a new title to add to my growing list
If everyone's ok with 3 its okay by me. Don't think we're getting out early or anything.
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 16:03:06
Quote by Raine:Well then we should wait until Tri gets home, What do you think, Queen of Blogger Joe?Quote by TriSec:
Well, of course not silly!
I'll be home by 3pm.
wow a new title to add to my growing list
If everyone's ok with 3 its okay by me. Don't think we're getting out early or anything.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 16:05:24
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 16:05:24
Quote by Raine:Yes, there is every kind of win in this story, The gays, the scouts and the UTAH!Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:I was watching American Football...Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
This is for Tri.
AWESOME!
:whispers: Tri posted this on BoF last night. It still doesn't stop the awesome!
I like the one Scouts neckerchief.
WINNING TRIFECTA!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/24/2013 16:06:18
While Christmas is not really my holiday, I do celebrate with other members of the family who are not Jewish. (My Dad was Catholic, so this really was his holiday.) I have to run to the store a bit later, as my sister in law needs a few things for her baked mostaccioli.
Will in Chicago on 12/24/2013 16:06:18
Quote by velveeta jones:
I'm here! Whew, it's a busy day with a few more grocery items to get ....
While Christmas is not really my holiday, I do celebrate with other members of the family who are not Jewish. (My Dad was Catholic, so this really was his holiday.) I have to run to the store a bit later, as my sister in law needs a few things for her baked mostaccioli.
Comment by TriSec on 12/24/2013 16:06:34
TriSec on 12/24/2013 16:06:34
And with today's theme...Christmas in Afghanistan.
Sure changes your point-of-view, doesn't it?
In addition to relaxing on Christmas Day, Sexton said, he's particularly pleased with one item from care packages the unit has received: mouthwash.
I was excited about that, because the PX doesn't sell mouthwash, he added.
Sure changes your point-of-view, doesn't it?
Comment by velveeta jones on 12/24/2013 16:06:47
velveeta jones on 12/24/2013 16:06:47
3 would be perfect for me.... it's just before I eat and I can check in whilst we cook.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 16:07:50
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 16:07:50
Santa is heading into Bangkok. Stay away from the lady-boys, you've got work to do!
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 17:05:36
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 17:05:36
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 17:08:03
Raine on 12/24/2013 17:08:03
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 17:11:19
Why yes, yes she is. The shame of it is, she is paid large sums of money to be one.
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 17:11:19
Quote by Raine:She's a troll.Quote by Mondobubba:
Sarah Palin, STFU unless you have actually read something.
Why yes, yes she is. The shame of it is, she is paid large sums of money to be one.
Comment by 
clintster on 12/24/2013 17:49:23
clintster on 12/24/2013 17:49:23
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 17:54:16
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 17:54:16
So both you and Mala say Clint. A true psychopath would like about that.
Comment by BobR on 12/24/2013 17:55:09
39% - should I be concerned?
BobR on 12/24/2013 17:55:09
Quote by clintster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
I am 43% Psychopath
I'm only 33%.
27%
39% - should I be concerned?
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 17:57:43
I could be more sociopath - hard to say. You'll just have to trust me.
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 17:57:43
Quote by Mondobubba:
So both you and Mala say Clint. A true psychopath would like about that.
I could be more sociopath - hard to say. You'll just have to trust me.
Comment by TriSec on 12/24/2013 18:06:00
TriSec on 12/24/2013 18:06:00
You know, "unmolding" a cake makes it seem like something has gone terribly wrong...
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 18:30:15
24%
Sadly I was a Psychopath a few minutes ago. I feel bad now.
Raine on 12/24/2013 18:30:15
Quote by BobR:Quote by clintster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
I am 43% Psychopath
I'm only 33%.
27%
39% - should I be concerned?
You are warm and empathic with a heightened awareness of social responsibility and a strong sense of conscience. You like to carefully weigh up the pros and cons of a situation before you act and are generally averse to taking risks. You are very much a ‘people person’ and dislike conflict. ‘Do unto others…’ are your watchwords. But, although you avoid hurting others, those residing at the higher end of the psychopathic spectrum might not be as considerate, so stay vigilant to avoid being hurt unnecessarily.
Sadly I was a Psychopath a few minutes ago. I feel bad now.
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 18:59:26
Raine on 12/24/2013 18:59:26
The Ham is in the oven.
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 19:00:00
Raine on 12/24/2013 19:00:00
Gotta make a quick Errand -- we will both be back for the 3 o'clock unveiling!
Comment by AuntAzalea on 12/24/2013 19:09:05
Just letting Blogger Joe know that Velveeta had to rush Wolfie, her 21 year old kitty to the emergency vet for a possible tooth loss/infection (her cheek is swelling), she may miss the 3pm time for opening presents. Hopefully the vet will take care of it with antibiotics and kitty will be okay and back soon. 
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 19:10:56
No worries - hugs to Wolfie! Poor baby.
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 19:10:56
Quote by AuntAzalea:
Just letting Blogger Joe know that Velveeta had to rush Wolfie, her 21 year old kitty to the emergency vet for a possible tooth loss/infection (her cheek is swelling), she may miss the 3pm time for opening presents. Hopefully the vet will take care of it with antibiotics and kitty will be okay and back soon.
No worries - hugs to Wolfie! Poor baby.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 19:12:32
okay, granted I'm not one who's heard a lot of gun shots in her life, outside of the tv, but how do you mistake breaking glass for gunfire?
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 19:12:32
Quote by livingonli:
Another Christmas moment on Long Island
okay, granted I'm not one who's heard a lot of gun shots in her life, outside of the tv, but how do you mistake breaking glass for gunfire?
Comment by 
livingonli on 12/24/2013 19:15:03
People just go into panic especially when it's crowded.
livingonli on 12/24/2013 19:15:03
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
Another Christmas moment on Long Island
okay, granted I'm not one who's heard a lot of gun shots in her life, outside of the tv, but how do you mistake breaking glass for gunfire?
People just go into panic especially when it's crowded.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 19:25:35
Healing vib-er-ations for Wolfie!
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 19:25:35
Quote by AuntAzalea:
Just letting Blogger Joe know that Velveeta had to rush Wolfie, her 21 year old kitty to the emergency vet for a possible tooth loss/infection (her cheek is swelling), she may miss the 3pm time for opening presents. Hopefully the vet will take care of it with antibiotics and kitty will be okay and back soon.
Healing vib-er-ations for Wolfie!
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 19:29:20
That's basically when you shouldn't panic. Does no one learn anything from all those Irwin Allen movies?
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 19:29:20
Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
Another Christmas moment on Long Island
okay, granted I'm not one who's heard a lot of gun shots in her life, outside of the tv, but how do you mistake breaking glass for gunfire?
People just go into panic especially when it's crowded.
That's basically when you shouldn't panic. Does no one learn anything from all those Irwin Allen movies?
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 19:51:58
Raine on 12/24/2013 19:51:58
9 minutes and counting!!
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 19:53:27
Super ditto!
Pobre Wolfie!
Raine on 12/24/2013 19:53:27
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by AuntAzalea:
Just letting Blogger Joe know that Velveeta had to rush Wolfie, her 21 year old kitty to the emergency vet for a possible tooth loss/infection (her cheek is swelling), she may miss the 3pm time for opening presents. Hopefully the vet will take care of it with antibiotics and kitty will be okay and back soon.
Healing vib-er-ations for Wolfie!
Super ditto!
Pobre Wolfie!
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 19:54:54
Ah Roosevelt Mall... Always something fun going on there!
Raine on 12/24/2013 19:54:54
Quote by livingonli:
Another Christmas moment on Long Island
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 19:56:24
Raine on 12/24/2013 19:56:24
I have not opened my gift, but I see it was shipped by R Limbaugh and was sent from Rand Paul -- I suspect it's bootstraps....
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 19:59:57
Raine on 12/24/2013 19:59:57
Waiting wanting....waiting wanting....
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 20:00:47
IT's 3 OCLOCK! can we?
Raine on 12/24/2013 20:00:47
Comment by BobR on 12/24/2013 20:01:48
You think someone's just going to give you bootstraps?? What's the point of that? You need to go out into the woods, kill a moose with your bare hands, tan the hide, then cut the bootstraps from the leather with the moose's leg bone sharpened on a rock.
Unless you're a Republican, in which case just get a super PAC to provide them to you.
BobR on 12/24/2013 20:01:48
Quote by Raine:
I have not opened my gift, but I see it was shipped by R Limbaugh and was sent from Rand Paul -- I suspect it's bootstraps....
You think someone's just going to give you bootstraps?? What's the point of that? You need to go out into the woods, kill a moose with your bare hands, tan the hide, then cut the bootstraps from the leather with the moose's leg bone sharpened on a rock.
Unless you're a Republican, in which case just get a super PAC to provide them to you.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 20:02:04
GO! XD
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 20:02:04
Quote by Raine:IT's 3 OCLOCK! can we?
GO! XD
Comment by TriSec on 12/24/2013 20:04:28
TriSec on 12/24/2013 20:04:28
OK, OK, I'm back at the base!
Comment by BobR on 12/24/2013 20:07:46
BobR on 12/24/2013 20:07:46
Wow - TriSec knows his way to a man's heart 
George Dickel, MacAllan 12 yr, and a lovely glass for sipping.
Awesome - thanks! I will be having some Christmas cheer this evening
George Dickel, MacAllan 12 yr, and a lovely glass for sipping.
Awesome - thanks! I will be having some Christmas cheer this evening
Comment by TriSec on 12/24/2013 20:08:51
TriSec on 12/24/2013 20:08:51
A very nice gentleman in Georgia has sent me some art!
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 20:09:36
Raine on 12/24/2013 20:09:36
I love my present. It's a set of note cards and envelopes complete with a calligraphy pen.
With My Oma in the Rehab center -- this gives me inspiration to write her a few letters.
With My Oma in the Rehab center -- this gives me inspiration to write her a few letters.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 20:10:13
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 20:10:13
OMG - Scoop that was the glitteriest card eveh! It matches my nail polish XD
Love the book - so cute - "How to tell if your Cat is plotting to kill you" from the Oatmeal
Love the book - so cute - "How to tell if your Cat is plotting to kill you" from the Oatmeal
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 20:13:09
Oh, that sounds awesome!
Raine on 12/24/2013 20:13:09
Quote by wickedpam:
OMG - Scoop that was the glitteriest card eveh! It matches my nail polish XD
Love the book - so cute - "How to tell if your Cat is plotting to kill you" from the Oatmeal
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 20:13:47
ooOOoo Is it a photo of his?
Raine on 12/24/2013 20:13:47
Quote by TriSec:
A very nice gentleman in Georgia has sent me some art!
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 20:14:13
Raine on 12/24/2013 20:14:13
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
I have not opened my gift, but I see it was shipped by R Limbaugh and was sent from Rand Paul -- I suspect it's bootstraps....
You think someone's just going to give you bootstraps?? What's the point of that? You need to go out into the woods, kill a moose with your bare hands, tan the hide, then cut the bootstraps from the leather with the moose's leg bone sharpened on a rock.
Unless you're a Republican, in which case just get a super PAC to provide them to you.
Comment by TriSec on 12/24/2013 20:14:25
TriSec on 12/24/2013 20:14:25
Alright, I hate to rip and run, but my pasteles won't bake themselves. I may be on later via my device.
Comment by livingonli on 12/24/2013 20:15:44
livingonli on 12/24/2013 20:15:44
I got a ctrl-alt-del cup set from Shelagh. Strangely enough, I got her so it was a mutual exchange. I just wish I could have found some Doctor Who stuff within the blog price range. Hope she got my item since I sent it priority mail to make sure she arrived in time.
Comment by livingonli on 12/24/2013 20:16:55
livingonli on 12/24/2013 20:16:55
I better get running to the salt mine, even if it will be dead since we have no games and the Knicks are on ABC on Christmas Day so they can lose before a whole national audience.
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 20:16:55
That's great that she took part!
Raine on 12/24/2013 20:16:55
Quote by livingonli:
I got a ctrl-alt-del cup set from Shelagh. Strangely enough, I got her so it was a mutual exchange. I just wish I could have found some Doctor Who stuff within the blog price range. Hope she got my item since I sent it priority mail to make sure she arrived in time.
That's great that she took part!
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 20:20:31
See you later, Liv!
Raine on 12/24/2013 20:20:31
Quote by livingonli:
I better get running to the salt mine, even if it will be dead since we have no games and the Knicks are on ABC on Christmas Day so they can lose before a whole national audience.
See you later, Liv!
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 20:23:36
wait, you guys got each other the same thing? That's so cute XD
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 20:23:36
Quote by livingonli:
I got a ctrl-alt-del cup set from Shelagh. Strangely enough, I got her so it was a mutual exchange. I just wish I could have found some Doctor Who stuff within the blog price range. Hope she got my item since I sent it priority mail to make sure she arrived in time.
wait, you guys got each other the same thing? That's so cute XD
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 20:26:50
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 20:26:50
I think I have glitter on my face <-me trying to get it off
<-me trying to get it off
Comment by BobR on 12/24/2013 20:31:24
I think he meant they got each other as Blogger Joes
BobR on 12/24/2013 20:31:24
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
I got a ctrl-alt-del cup set from Shelagh. Strangely enough, I got her so it was a mutual exchange. I just wish I could have found some Doctor Who stuff within the blog price range. Hope she got my item since I sent it priority mail to make sure she arrived in time.
wait, you guys got each other the same thing? That's so cute XD
I think he meant they got each other as Blogger Joes
Comment by wickedpam on 12/24/2013 20:34:14
DOH!
That makes more sense XD
wickedpam on 12/24/2013 20:34:14
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
I got a ctrl-alt-del cup set from Shelagh. Strangely enough, I got her so it was a mutual exchange. I just wish I could have found some Doctor Who stuff within the blog price range. Hope she got my item since I sent it priority mail to make sure she arrived in time.
wait, you guys got each other the same thing? That's so cute XD
I think he meant they got each other as Blogger Joes
DOH!
That makes more sense XD
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 21:09:19
Raine on 12/24/2013 21:09:19
Quote by wickedpam:
I think I have glitter on my face
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 21:14:59
Mondobubba on 12/24/2013 21:14:59
How bored am I today? So bored that I have managed to go through (so far) song 289 on RS list of the 500 greatest songs.
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 21:15:05
Raine on 12/24/2013 21:15:05
If I don't see ya all later. Have a lovely evening. I do hope to see you tomorrow! 
Comment by clintster on 12/24/2013 21:16:11
clintster on 12/24/2013 21:16:11
Presidential Pez! Thank you Ms. Kelley.
Why are they all white, though?
Why are they all white, though?
Comment by livingonli on 12/24/2013 21:24:36
That is that. We did get each other.
livingonli on 12/24/2013 21:24:36
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
I got a ctrl-alt-del cup set from Shelagh. Strangely enough, I got her so it was a mutual exchange. I just wish I could have found some Doctor Who stuff within the blog price range. Hope she got my item since I sent it priority mail to make sure she arrived in time.
wait, you guys got each other the same thing? That's so cute XD
I think he meant they got each other as Blogger Joes
DOH!
That is that. We did get each other.
Comment by TriSec on 12/24/2013 21:59:58
TriSec on 12/24/2013 21:59:58
Passing through one last time...
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!
a little light reading...
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!
a little light reading...
Comment by velveeta jones on 12/24/2013 23:21:52
velveeta jones on 12/24/2013 23:21:52
Hey all. I am back and news is not good about my cat. But she has lived a very long life. We will keep her through Christmas on pain meds then, before the new year, have her euthanized. She's been with me for soooo long and she sleeps cuddled up with me, so it's gonna be hard. But I don't want her to suffer.
I'll now open my blogger joe gift. So sorry I wasn't able to be with all of you earlier.
I'll now open my blogger joe gift. So sorry I wasn't able to be with all of you earlier.
Comment by velveeta jones on 12/24/2013 23:23:27
velveeta jones on 12/24/2013 23:23:27
!! A very lovely calendar with gorgeous pictures of Washington DC. And.....
Comment by velveeta jones on 12/24/2013 23:26:52
velveeta jones on 12/24/2013 23:26:52
OMG! A really nice DC coffee mug! (Note that I said 'coffee' though I'm sure it'll get an occasional teabag inside it). 
Comment by velveeta jones on 12/24/2013 23:30:06
velveeta jones on 12/24/2013 23:30:06
Thank you Bobber, er.... secret Santee!
Comment by Raine on 12/24/2013 23:57:06
Aww Vel. 
Raine on 12/24/2013 23:57:06
Quote by velveeta jones:
Hey all. I am back and news is not good about my cat. But she has lived a very long life. We will keep her through Christmas on pain meds then, before the new year, have her euthanized. She's been with me for soooo long and she sleeps cuddled up with me, so it's gonna be hard. But I don't want her to suffer.
I'll now open my blogger joe gift. So sorry I wasn't able to be with all of you earlier.
Comment by BobR on 12/25/2013 00:39:27
Now you can think about visiting us every time you have some coffee... or tea.
BobR on 12/25/2013 00:39:27
Quote by velveeta jones:
Thank you Bobber, er.... secret Santee!
Now you can think about visiting us every time you have some coffee... or tea.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 12/25/2013 04:03:27
Scoopster on 12/25/2013 04:03:27
Why hello there! Its been a whirlwind day on the road.. I had an awesome lunch with my Jess at this asian fusion place in New Haven, then hunted through the Yale bookstore for a new writing journal (some really nice ones with etched italian leather bindings..)
Before jumping on the train to mom's place we ran into my ex at the coffee shop downtown. Damn that was.... awkward! Time has not treated her well, and apparently she hasnt changed at all - and she wasnt shy about sharing her recent flings, as if Id care or be jealous!
By the time I got to mom's there was a blizzard goin! It didnt last but we got a good 2 inches of snow so its gonna be a nice white Christmas here!
Before jumping on the train to mom's place we ran into my ex at the coffee shop downtown. Damn that was.... awkward! Time has not treated her well, and apparently she hasnt changed at all - and she wasnt shy about sharing her recent flings, as if Id care or be jealous!
By the time I got to mom's there was a blizzard goin! It didnt last but we got a good 2 inches of snow so its gonna be a nice white Christmas here!