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Author: TriSec    Date: 12/11/2007 11:40:10

Good Morning.

Today is our 1,728th 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): 3887
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 3748
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3427
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3028
Since Election (1/31/05): 2450

Other Coalition Troops: 306
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 469



We find today's cost of war standing at:

$ 476, 075, 050, 000.00


and for comparison's sake, I ran across this tidbit last night on a WWII trivia site:
From 1941 to 1945, a total of 17,955,000 Americans were medically examined for induction into the armed forces. Some 6,420,000 (35.8 percent) were rejected as unfit because of some physical disability. Altogether, 16,112,566 Americans served their country in World War 11. A total of 38.8 percent (6,332,000) were volunteers. In all, 405,399 American service men and women gave up their lives in a war that cost the US $288 Billion Dollars.




Turning not to our troops this morning, but their civilian counterparts, I heard on MSNBC last night about a new scandal breaking within the Halliburton/KBR corps. How's gang-raping a fellow American sound?
A Houston, Texas woman says she was gang-raped by Halliburton/KBR coworkers in Baghdad, and the company and the U.S. government are covering up the incident.

Jamie Leigh Jones, now 22, says that after she was raped by multiple men at a KBR camp in the Green Zone, the company put her under guard in a shipping container with a bed and warned her that if she left Iraq for medical treatment, she'd be out of a job.

"Don't plan on working back in Iraq. There won't be a position here, and there won't be a position in Houston," Jones says she was told.

In a lawsuit filed in federal court against Halliburton and its then-subsidiary KBR, Jones says she was held in the shipping container for at least 24 hours without food or water by KBR, which posted armed security guards outside her door, who would not let her leave.

"It felt like prison," says Jones, who told her story to ABC News as part of an upcoming "20/20" investigation. "I was upset; I was curled up in a ball on the bed; I just could not believe what had happened."

Finally, Jones says, she convinced a sympathetic guard to loan her a cell phone so she could call her father in Texas.

"I said, 'Dad, I've been raped. I don't know what to do. I'm in this container, and I'm not able to leave,'" she said. Her father called their congressman, Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas.

"We contacted the State Department first," Poe told ABCNews.com, "and told them of the urgency of rescuing an American citizen" -- from her American employer.

Poe says his office contacted the State Department, which quickly dispatched agents from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad to Jones' camp, where they rescued her from the container.

According to her lawsuit, Jones was raped by "several attackers who first drugged her, then repeatedly raped and injured her, both physically and emotionally."

Jones told ABCNews.com that an examination by Army doctors showed she had been raped "both vaginally and anally," but that the rape kit disappeared after it was handed over to KBR security officers. (continued...)



As the US continues its descent, folks around the world are starting to notice. No less a light then Bishop Desmont Tutu has weighed in...and he's called our treatment of detainees akin to apartheid. Remember when we used to fight against this? One of my first political acts was a years-long boycott of Shell gasoline back in the 80s.
ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu has accused the United States and Britain of pursuing policies like those of South Africa's apartheid-era government by detaining terrorism suspects without trial.

At an event to commemorate the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDR) today, the Nobel laureate said the detention of suspected al-Qaeda and Taliban members at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was a "huge blot on a democracy".

"Whoever imagined that you would hear from the United States and from Britain the same arguments for detention without trial that were used by the apartheid government," Archbishop Tutu said.

Archbishop Tutu is chairman of the Elders, a group of prominent international statesmen that includes former US president Jimmy Carter, anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela and his Mozambican-born wife, Graca Machel.

The group is spearheading a campaign to get one billion people to sign a pledge reaffirming the principles of the UNDR, passed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948.

Archbishop Tutu, who helped lead the struggle to overthrow white minority rule in South Africa, said he was surprised so many Americans had accepted the argument that the Guantanamo detentions were necessary because of national security.

"It is exactly what the apartheid government used to say here," the Anglican cleric said.

His remarks come amid a growing outcry over alleged abuses at Guantanamo, which was used as a mass detention centre for suspected violent Islamic radicals in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the US.

Critics have said the US is circumventing international law by holding detainees without charge, often for years, and violated their human rights with forced confessions and torture tactics.

President George W. Bush said the detentions are lawful, humane and necessary as part of its fight against extremists in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world.




There's a lot to think about today...but let's not forget the troops, either. I believe tonight is the 7th night of Hannukah, and Christmas and Kwanzaa are right around the corner. It's not too late to send an email to a homesick soldier overseas.

I'll see you inside!
 

187 comments (Latest Comment: 12/12/2007 02:53:53 by livingonli)
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Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 13:18:28
That story about the woman being raped is just sick. Why the fuck would the army turn the evidence over to the company that was trying to cover it up in the first place?



Grrrr....

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 13:52:46
Good morning. I just some very sad news from the familia de Raine, My Gross Tanta Martha has went away. She was very sick for quite sometime, and I guess she was finally called home. She was 92 :( My Mother will be telling my Oma in a little while, after she wakes up. I will be talking to my Gorss Uncle Henri later on today when his son tells him the news. Tanta MArtha was an amazing woman, and Ienjoyed growing up feeling like I had a second grandmother in her. She was funny, strong willed and always made me feel special.

Comment by velveeta jones on 12/11/2007 13:59:55
SERIOUSLY DISTURBING! WHAT THE F*CK!! I guess the moral of the story is: keep your rape kit on you, don't let anyone near it! Maybe we should just issue female military and workers there own rape kits as part of their gear? Packaged like an MRE? Or, a better idea: get rid of the scum that are committing crimes!

Comment by velveeta jones on 12/11/2007 14:02:31
Oh, Raine, sorry about your loss. And on the holiday's no less! {HUGS}

Comment by TriSec on 12/11/2007 14:17:30
Quote of the day:



Assuming either the Left Wing or the Right Wing gained control of the country, it would probably fly around in circles.

Pat Paulsen



Morning, comrades. I'm in meetings starting at 9:30 up until noon, so this is it from the New England wing today. (barring an appearance from the magnificent :star:, of course.)



<--- for the Atlanta contingent.



Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 14:27:21
Thanks guys. I just got off the phone with my mom. She is doing well. (she said the medication is working wonders!)



The thing that sucks the most about this is that I won't be able to get upstate.



:( Thanks for the Hugs...

Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 14:28:14
Quote by velveeta jones: SERIOUSLY DISTURBING! WHAT THE F*CK!! I guess the moral of the story is: keep your rape kit on you, don't let anyone near it! Maybe we should just issue female military and workers there own rape kits as part of their gear? Packaged like an MRE? Or, a better idea: get rid of the scum that are committing crimes!
F8ckers... the whole stroy is just a complete outrage.



Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 14:29:32
Kevin Bacon: not a good kisser when he was in college.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:30:46
Good morning everyone.



My condolonces Raine. Too bad you can't get up there.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:31:06
I should have logged in as myself, huh? Jeepers.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:31:42
Quote by BobR: Kevin Bacon: not a good kisser when he was in college.
Altho posting as Bobber by mistake made thsi post very funny!



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 14:33:50
The other part New England contingent here!

Magnificent? Why, thank you Tri. . .



Sorry to hear about your loss Raine. It's sad to lose a strong woman that you care for.



Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:35:45
Yay! Craig Crawford...HE sounds like the guy on South PArk that says... MMMMkay... The super skinney teacher... mmmkay? mmmkay.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:37:19
Quote by Raine: Yay! Craig Crawford...HE sounds like the guy on South PArk that says... MMMMkay... The super skinney teacher... mmmkay? mmmkay.


Mr. Mackey, tell us about drugs?



Drugs are bad. MMMMkay.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 14:37:31
Quote by Raine: Yay! Craig Crawford...HE sounds like the guy on South PArk that says... MMMMkay... The super skinney teacher... mmmkay? mmmkay.




I was just thinking "Wow. His voice is soothing."

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:39:05
Huckabee has become even more devisive than Tom Tancredo, I believe. GOOD. Most people in this country will not stand for what huckabee has wrought.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:39:44
Quote by starling310:
Quote by Raine: Yay! Craig Crawford...HE sounds like the guy on South PArk that says... MMMMkay... The super skinney teacher... mmmkay? mmmkay.




I was just thinking "Wow. His voice is soothing."


hmmm kaaay.. :smacks lips:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:40:15
The system ate my homework.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:41:00
Don't forget, he's usually on Olbermann's show discussing politics.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:43:22
I don't want Hillary to get the nomination. I want a liberal.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:43:25
http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/Images/Mr._Mackey.gif


Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:44:06
Quote by livingonli: Don't forget, he's usually on Olbermann's show discussing politics.


Momma needs to ask him to drop in a good word....

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:47:54
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by Raine: Yay! Craig Crawford...HE sounds like the guy on South PArk that says... MMMMkay... The super skinney teacher... mmmkay? mmmkay.


Mr. Mackey, tell us about drugs?



Drugs are bad. MMMMkay.


:rofl:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/raine1967/ribbon-1.jpg


Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:49:20
I likee my participation ribbon.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:50:49
Chuck Norris is a pretty big celeb... :rofl:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:50:58
If they think celebrity endorsments don't work, why is Huckabee hitching to that Chuck Norris endorsment?

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 14:51:55
Quote by Raine: Chuck Norris is a pretty big celeb... :rofl:


Everyone's watched that fitness equipment infomercial he's in with Christie Brinkley.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:56:15
for the entire republican pool of candidates.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 14:58:25
Quote by livingonli: If they think celebrity endorsments don't work, why is Huckabee hitching to that Chuck Norris endorsment?
cuz he wants to kiss Christie brinkley!



Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 15:01:17
Dear God, please help me blow this critter to smithereens.





Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 15:02:21
MOrning! :hug:



Sorry to hear about your Tanta! :hug:

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 15:10:02
I have no clue what he's saying

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:17:13
Thanks again everyone. you guys are the best.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:18:06
Quote by livingonli: Dear God, please help me blow this critter to smithereens.







Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:18:23
:rofl:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 15:23:49
Quote by Raine:
Quote by livingonli: Dear God, please help me blow this critter to smithereens.







Well played.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 15:36:12
Has Kevin from DC sent complaint letters to 3WT for not airing the show in the morning.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 15:40:01
Those right-wingers are awfully uncomfortable when confronted by facts.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:40:59
Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:41:53
Can we quarentine ignorant hateful republicans?

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:43:03
Wow according to Huckabee, I am deep doo doo. F*cking Fred!!!

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 15:43:28
Quote by livingonli: Has Kevin from DC sent complaint letters to 3WT for not airing the show in the morning.




I've kinda emailed the PD from that station, he said they are still looking for a better time slot for the show. Told him live would be best.



Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 15:44:06
Quote by Raine: Wow according to Huckabee, I am deep doo doo. F*cking Fred!!!




did I miss something?



Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 15:44:57
How does Huckabee feel about burning witches at the stake?

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:45:47
HEARTBREAKING?!?!?!?! That the Rapists DEATH HAD BECOME POLITIZIED? What about the WOMENWHO WERRE TERRORIZED BY Dumiond???????????????

:rage:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 15:46:26
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by livingonli: Has Kevin from DC sent complaint letters to 3WT for not airing the show in the morning.




I've kinda emailed the PD from that station, he said they are still looking for a better time slot for the show. Told him live would be best.



Put Glenn Beck's show at night, it's crappy and can live with the endless pre-emptions (especially during baseball season).

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 15:46:37
I still love that weird bumper. Makes me think of the munsters and old 60's surf movies.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 15:48:54
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine: Wow according to Huckabee, I am deep doo doo. F*cking Fred!!!




did I miss something?





F*ckin Frank is a code word that is used in situations of mild to moderate frustration, or anger.

I met a man named Frank at a party. . . the conversation turned to politics. . . he treated me like a 6 year old and pretty much refused to let me talk. On the way home I was tlaking to my girlfriend about it and just blurted out "F*ckin Frank!



It stuck.



I couldn't fit in a parking space one day. "F*ckin Frank!

F*ckin' Frank! It's cold out!



Etc. . . .

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 15:51:32
Ed in Chicago! :banana:

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 15:55:04
Quote by starling310:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine: Wow according to Huckabee, I am deep doo doo. F*cking Fred!!!




did I miss something?





F*ckin Frank is a code word that is used in situations of mild to moderate frustration, or anger.

I met a man named Frank at a party. . . the conversation turned to politics. . . he treated me like a 6 year old and pretty much refused to let me talk. On the way home I was tlaking to my girlfriend about it and just blurted out "F*ckin Frank!



It stuck.



I couldn't fit in a parking space one day. "F*ckin Frank!

F*ckin' Frank! It's cold out!



Etc. . . .






OOohhhhhhh I get it.

Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 15:55:17
WOW - Rudy sounds REALLY stutter-y...



OMG! :rofl:

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:56:05
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine: Wow according to Huckabee, I am deep doo doo. F*cking Fred!!!




did I miss something?

According to Huckster, people who are not married we don't fit into the christina mold, bob and I.



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 15:56:44
Quote by wickedpam:



OOohhhhhhh I get it.




Use it at your discretion!

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 15:59:43
on the phone with my Uncle... :(

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 16:08:05
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine: Wow according to Huckabee, I am deep doo doo. F*cking Fred!!!




did I miss something?

According to Huckster, people who are not married we don't fit into the christina mold, bob and I.





Well then neither did any of the apostles. I'm probably worng but isn't marriage a relatively new concept?



Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 16:12:04
I have to turn that down everytime they play that version of Silent Night

Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 16:14:14
Quote by wickedpam: I have to turn that down everytime they play that version of Silent Night


Unlike some fart songs, it's kind of hard to follow the melody.



Now THAT'S not something I say everyday.... :thud:

Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 16:21:49
new XMAS AudiCons:

XMAS_shooteye:

XMAS_fudge:

XMAS_hohoho:



and just for good measure:

tell_me_anything:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 16:22:15
Time to head out for my annual eye exam. I think I may need separate reading glasses now. God, I'm getting old.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 16:24:33
Okay I'm going to share my fave critter story -





I did the brownies/girl scout thing in elementary school and went camping with my troop and best friends for the first time ever. It was a large cabin in the woods, there was a large room on the main floor, complete with large moose head on the wall who's eyes followed you every where, for all the girls to sleep in sleeping bags. Downstairs in the basement was a kitchen and large dinning room for everyone to eat.



The first night we were there I was going downstairs with one of the troop leaders to help set up the kitchen and put the food away. Any way, it was dark by this time and you had to walk outside to the basement stairs to get to the kitchen.



All of a sudden out of the corner of my eye I saw something big furry and reddish brown come walking up to us. It was a big surpise to me to see an animial of any sort out there and I didn't wait for positive id.



I screamed "BEAR!" and took off! I don't think my feet touched the ground until I ran into the basement door.



Upstairs I could hear the troop leader busting a gut and I peeked out to see what was so funny.



My bear turned out to be a very friendly Irish Setter. I have yet to live that down.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 16:25:47
Hey Bob and Tri - did ya'll get my email yesterday?

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 16:31:40
I killed the blog sharing one of my many childhood embrassments didn't I. :kickcan:

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 16:34:09
Tri, the Mrs. Tri just gave me the very best laugh of the day.

Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 16:34:36
Quote by wickedpam: Hey Bob and Tri - did ya'll get my email yesterday?


I did.



And no, you didn't break the blog... I am buried in salt...

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 16:36:08
Okay good - just making sure all emails have been received :)

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 16:43:36
Still on the phone...

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 17:05:35
still talking to Uncle... :cry:

Comment by velveeta jones on 12/11/2007 17:05:48
Back from taking my wife to work and mailing alllll our xmas cards! Plus, had to work on my secret santa gifty-poo! TeeHee.



Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 17:08:19
Quote by Raine: still talking to Uncle... :cry:


Tante Martha discussions... she was a great woman.

Comment by TriSec on 12/11/2007 17:19:52
Quote by wickedpam: Hey Bob and Tri - did ya'll get my email yesterday?






Yes, was a response needed?





Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 17:30:06
:cry:



I feel like such a wuss.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 17:32:36
Why put signs on things like printers? NO ONE READS THEM ANYWAY!

F*ckin' Frank!

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 17:32:47
Quote by wickedpam: I killed the blog sharing one of my many childhood embrassments didn't I. :kickcan:


OMG!!!! I was on he phone when you posed this. I think this is one of the most hilarious scout stories I have read in years!!!





Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 17:35:20
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by wickedpam: Hey Bob and Tri - did ya'll get my email yesterday?






Yes, was a response needed?







I was just making sure everyone got an email :)



Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 17:40:04
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam: I killed the blog sharing one of my many childhood embrassments didn't I. :kickcan:


OMG!!!! I was on he phone when you posed this. I think this is one of the most hilarious scout stories I have read in years!!!







On the same trip my mom slid down a river bank and twisted her ankle and tree root smacked her in the leg. My best friend Michelle was crying thinking we wouldn't be able to go home cause mom couldn't move for a day. She was fine later and we were able to get home just fine.



It was a fun trip - great memories and all :D



Me and camping do not go hand in hand, I like my modern convencies and all, like a hair dryer.



That story ranks up there with the mud fight at the farm incident.



Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 17:40:57
Quote by starling310: Why put signs on things like printers? NO ONE READS THEM ANYWAY!

F*ckin' Frank!






Have you been in my office?

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 17:43:23
Quote by starling310: Why put signs on things like printers? NO ONE READS THEM ANYWAY!

F*ckin' Frank!
:south park voice: You bastards!!!

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 17:45:31
Quote by Raine: :cry:



I feel like such a wuss.




P'shaw! 'Tis a sad event. :hug:

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 17:46:06
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam: I killed the blog sharing one of my many childhood embrassments didn't I. :kickcan:


OMG!!!! I was on he phone when you posed this. I think this is one of the most hilarious scout stories I have read in years!!!







On the same trip my mom slid down a river bank and twisted her ankle and tree root smacked her in the leg. My best friend Michelle was crying thinking we wouldn't be able to go home cause mom couldn't move for a day. She was fine later and we were able to get home just fine.



It was a fun trip - great memories and all :D



Me and camping do not go hand in hand, I like my modern convencies and all, like a hair dryer.



That story ranks up there with the mud fight at the farm incident.

or...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/raine1967/Image003.jpg


Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 17:51:02
Quote by Raine: :south park voice: You bastards!!!




Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 17:53:22
My cats can do Calculus. They are very smart.



----> Farley

----> Sophie

Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 17:56:12
Thom is having the same conversation I've had with atheists.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 17:56:20
Still one of THE funniest stories!

Comment by TriSec on 12/11/2007 18:05:35
Gawd, funny camp stories? Can't say I've got many. Given the nature of my troop, most of our stories are about dodging calamity, or vile body functions or something like that. (Note: Never eat dry Tang. Ever!)



Lessee....There was the time that we were out getting firewood, and my brother decided to climb a pine tree...I started snapping off branches at the bottom so he couldn't get back down, then all of a sudden, the branch he was standing on (about ten feet up) let go, and down he came in a heap. That was pretty good. Another time, we had a kid up another tree, and all the wood he was throwing down we heaped at the base of the tree and set it on fire, or the time the same kid was up yet another tree and tied a rope to the top and we all started trying to pull it down before he climbed back down.



Oh, the hot dog incident! We were host unit for a Camporee, and the adults were having the camp dignitaries in for supper on Saturday night. My patrol was on the other side of a row of trees. Anyway, we had hotdogs and beans, and one of the kids just screamed "I hate Hotdogs!" and hummed his partially-chewed dog over the line of trees.



Seconds later, the adult corps came screaming around the tree with smoke pouring out of their ears. The dog had landed square in the coffee cup of the Council President. Later, we dug a big hole and put the kid in it and threw dirt on him.



Oh, this was the same trip we were playing capture the flag and were explicitly warned not to go over the fence into the minefield....(this was at Fort Devens, back when New England used to have military bases)



I still fondly recall one time at Mt. Monadnock...we were down in a low spot, with the junior leaders up on the rise. Anyway, there was this blast of heat and I hear someone yell "Grease Fire!!!" So, I turned around and there was a 20 foot pillar of flame coming out of their frying pan. So much for breakfast...



Oh, I could go on, but just to name a few: The blizzard of '81, the lighter in the fire, the lake of fire, the wall of fire, the magic fire lay incident, the exploding lantern... (sensing a theme yet? my troop likes fire.)

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 18:14:20
Tri! :spit:

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 18:14:26
Terry Jeffries! You're out of your league! :rolleyes2:

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 18:18:24
Did that guy just say they celebrate Christmas all around the world? I think they would disagrue in most of the middle east and parts of Africa at the very least.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 18:24:25
Since we're sharing, here is my embarassing childhood memory.



My brother, parents, and I were on a camping trip in New Hampshire and had stopped in to visit with Mom's college friend, Betty. Betty and her husband had a house in the woods and several kids. The kids were excited to show us their rope swing! So, off we went.

In their yard, there was a gigantic tree with a rope tied to it. Across from that tree was another gigantic tree, with a fort. While hanging onto the rope you were to leap from the tree fort porch and head towards gigantic tree #1. The thrill came when you would push off the tree with your feet and head back out into the atmosphere, as if flying.

Young Starling watched Big Brother do it. He experienced no problems. Therefore, I felt it was safe. I climbed up to the porch, they handed me the rope and off I went.

Through the air, I picked up speed, heading towards gigantic tree #1.

I forgot to put my feet out.

*SMACK*

Face plant into the tree ensued. My Mom said I looked like the Road Runner slamming into the tree and the sliding down.

We can laugh about it now. :waiting:

Comment by TriSec on 12/11/2007 18:29:15
Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 18:32:07
Isn't it great when you can look back on those really humliating parts about being a kid and just laugh :rofl:

Comment by TriSec on 12/11/2007 18:41:05
Well, there was this time that I owned a 1970s vintage banana-bike.



I hated the thing; I was convinced it was trying to kill me.



Anyway, one day we took it up on the cliff behind the school and I "accidentally" pushed it over.



My father did not ask to see the wreckage when I told him I had an accident and needed a new bike...





Comment by MMB on 12/11/2007 18:56:17
Raine I am sorry for your loss. I am glad you have great memories to make you smile when your sad. Also BobR i read the post about your Mom I hope she is ok. I will keep you both in my thoughts and wish you the strength to get through the hard spots in the road of life.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 19:02:11
What's with the ice? What happened to the days of snow storms?



Ice!



F*ckin Frank!

Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 19:17:28


I guess they know it works! :rofl:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 19:32:50
Back from the eye doctor and errands. My vision hasn't changed that significantly since last time, so I won't need a new prescription right now, but he did create a modified one to compensate for my difficulty in reading small type which is the only real problem I have.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 19:41:28




: chris farley : That was awesooooome!



Comment by TriSec on 12/11/2007 19:48:17
Well, it looks like we're hanging pantookas from the ceiling and piling pankunas on the floor tonight!



http://www.muchado.org/jackattack/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/cindy-lou-i.jpg


Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 20:05:08
Time to go head off to the salt mine again.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 20:38:15
Oof...first caller and Randi's already yelling.



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 20:41:42
Oh My God...seriously? Oprah is an issue now?



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 20:47:07
I speak on the phone differently at work than I do on the phone at home. . . it's got nothing to do with race.





I don't really see where Randi is going with this argument.



:shrug:

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 20:48:59
Ha! These callers are surprised that Randi doesn't want to listen to them.



:rofl:



Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 20:49:00
Everyone has a professional voice and a regular voice.



Randi is giving me a headache :thud:

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 20:51:02
No, Randi there's nothing wrong with how I behave at home. . . I think 99% of people have a "Work Etiquette" that differs from their Etiquette in their home.



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 20:53:07
Quote by wickedpam: Everyone has a professional voice and a regular voice.



Randi is giving me a headache :thud:




I was starting to thinking I was ranting alone.



I agree with you Mala, at least in Corporate America anyway.



I just don't get why she's making this an issue. It's weird.





Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 20:58:14
I've got a friend, who is very light skinned black. She was adopted by an extremely waspy family. . . Dad works in DC as a Foreign something or other. Mom is a professor.

This friend occassionally will say "Don't make me turn 'The Black' on!" I don't know. I never got offended by that because I get what she means. . .



Ugh...this is a non-issue Randi. MOVE ALONG!

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:02:40
So that church shooter actually killed himself.

So, much for the Security Guards theory that "God, guided her when she fired the gun. . . "



Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 21:03:25
I am back for a bit. This has been a suck afternoon. So what is randi up to?

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:04:23
Hey Raine. . . how ya doin?





Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:06:20
Besides giving Mala a headache, Randi is basically saying "that was not Oprah this weekend....She was talking like a Black Preacher and that's not who she is. . . "



But, then she turned it into "If you act differently at home then you do at work, then you're being inauthentic and maybe there's something wrong with how you're acting at home...."





Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 21:07:44
Quote by starling310: So that church shooter actually killed himself. So, much for the Security Guards theory that "God, guided her when she fired the gun. . . "
The story is still that she shot the guy... so I am skeptical on the whole thing. I think it is a way to clato clear the guard. and please, can you esxplain to me why a church needs an ARMED GUARD?

Comment by wickedpam on 12/11/2007 21:08:09
Please if I acted at work like I did at home, I would be here in my sweats, no makeup and I'd have TV in my office.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 21:11:33
OOOH I see what you guys are talking about. Randi didn't like how oprah talked?

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 21:13:05
OOOH I see what you guys are talking about. Randi didn't like how oprah talked. Fuckin A, Oprah is a BLACK WOMAN! Talk the way you are Oprah! This is a non issue.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 21:17:08
Quote by starling310: Hey Raine. . . how ya doin?





bummed, but ok. I should not be surprised, but ...I am... I seem to have been forgotten about in the family chain of things. Mom said she would call me back after they told Oma, and als, no phone call. I have not been able to contact them... no answer on the one number I actually do have.





:kickcan:

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 21:22:45
perusing les Blog... my goodness! you guys made me look like a regular normal boring kid!!! (except for the time I had on some snow goggle and decided to scrare my mom by putting my face and lips on the (what I would soon come to learn) frozen window pane... OUCH!

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 21:25:01
IF Oprah wants to talk like a black preacher I say go for it. personally it sounded like oprah was just being oprah. Randi is just jealous I think. (she wanted Oprah to back Joe Biden...)

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:26:02
Quote by Raine: OOOH I see what you guys are talking about. Randi didn't like how oprah talked. Fuckin A, Oprah is a BLACK WOMAN! Talk the way you are Oprah! This is a non issue.




I think that she thinks there shouldn't be a "black way" of talking or whatever...but, there kind of is. Just like there is often a "way" gay men talk. Maybe that's a bad analogy.



BUT, I think all of us have many facets of our personality....some people see all of them and some see only 1. But, they are all part of me. . . it's not phony. Phony is being against marriage and then blowing some guy in the men's room. Or something....not that it ever happens.



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:27:50
Quote by Raine: IF Oprah wants to talk like a black preacher I say go for it. personally it sounded like oprah was just being oprah. Randi is just jealous I think. (she wanted Oprah to back Joe Biden...)




I think an interesting part of the conversation would be will any other candidate get a "black celebrity" endorsement?

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 21:28:22
HOLY crap. Is Randi reading our blog?

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 21:29:56
OMG, Randi just pulled the WHITE racism card?!?!?! not cool at all.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:30:17
SO F*CKING WHAT RANDI! Jesus!



Has Randi never heard the rule in entertainment; "Know your audience!"

For Randi to say, "But, it's Iowa..." Yes it is. And, the people of Iowa walked into that stadium wanting to be inspired. Oprah knew that and did what she needed to inspire them. Period. It's not disingenuous. It's Oprah "knowing her audience."

I could care less about Oprah. I could care less about Obama. But, Oprah did not get to where she is today, by not knowing her audience.



Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 21:31:10
Quote by wickedpam: Please if I acted at work like I did at home, I would be here in my sweats, no makeup and I'd have TV in my office.


:rofl:



Actually what happens in the media is that anyone who speaks on radio or TV in a professional capacity is told that a "Midwestern" voice is preferred, meaning that you should talk without an accent. Which should also mean there is no trace of ethnicity. For example, Thom Hartmann speaks with a radio voice from his own training whereas with Randi, she still speaks with a slight New York Jewish accent (Lynn Samuels on Sirius has an even stronger accent than Randi). I did radio in college and the one thing in my favor was that I never had a strong Long Island accent, and what little I had was purged years ago.



I think I wanted to rip my hair out during that whole argument between Randi and the callers because it wasn't getting anywhere.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:34:17
So, I'd be curious if Randi acts exactly the same in public as she does when she is sitting behind her microphone. I doubt it.



Celebrities, Politicians, Public Figures? They have personas....no one sees their entire truth except their close friends and family. Some personas are closer to the reality than others, but you mean to tell me if I was walking down the street and bumped into James Gandolfini, he'd be Tony Soprano?



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:36:57
PUHLEASE Randi! You wanted to make an issue where there isn't one. And, now you can't handle your listeners disagreeing with you!



Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 21:37:20
So the world got so much better today that we can have randi slam on Oprah? I guess they found those CIA Tapes, and IRaq is finished, and bush adnmitted to all his crimes and Huckabee is no longer a bigot, and mitt realized that he might have screwed up on the immigration thing and Rudy knows he is wrong about Judy and all the fema trailers have been replaced and oh Cheney was found to be impeachable... oh... anything else that is FAR more important that Oprah's language skills? :grumble:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 21:39:24
Quote by Raine: So the world got so much better today that we can have randi slam on Oprah? I guess they found those CIA Tapes, and IRaq is finished, and bush adnmitted to all his crimes and Huckabee is no longer a bigot, and mitt realized that he might have screwed up on the immigration thing and Rudy knows he is wrong about Judy and all the fema trailers have been replaced and oh Cheney was found to be impeachable... oh... anything else that is FAR more important that Oprah's language skills? :grumble:


Randi's just pissed that Biden's not doing well.



GO KUCINICH!

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 21:39:33
HEy Randi... Hillary isn't black.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:42:45
She was being a facet of herself. What the F*ck is the problem!?!?!

Does Randi know her personally? She may talk that way at her church, or with her family, or whatever. Who the hell cares?

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:43:13
OMG...Randi is working me into a lather with this NON-FRIGGING-ISSUE!

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:44:20
Oh please. Condoleeza Rice is from the "Black, Segregated South" and she doesn't talk like Martin Luther King because that's not "who she is."



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:46:21
How can people say "She wasn't herself." HEEELLLLOOO! WE DON'T KNOW OPRAH PERSONALLY. We know the part of her personality that "she puts out there."



God...talk about Celebrity Obsession.



Randi. You don't know Oprah. MOVE ON!



Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 21:46:38
Quote by starling310: Oh please. Condoleeza Rice is from the "Black, Segregated South" and she doesn't talk like Martin Luther King because that's not "who she is."



She's W's "work wife". Or is that Harriet Mieres?

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:49:43
It wasn't "her" because she was inspired and excited! Just like it wasn't "Howard Dean" when he screamed because he got caught up in trying to yell over the crowd.



OMG...Randi pisses me off lately!



Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 21:52:54
That giant sucking sound is Randi's ego.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:55:40
Quote by livingonli: That giant sucking sound is Randi's ego.






:rofl:

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 21:58:45
Quote by Raine:
Quote by starling310: Hey Raine. . . how ya doin?





bummed, but ok. I should not be surprised, but ...I am... I seem to have been forgotten about in the family chain of things. Mom said she would call me back after they told Oma, and als, no phone call. I have not been able to contact them... no answer on the one number I actually do have.





:kickcan:




:(



Sorry....that sucks.





Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:11:44
I think Randi has learned a valuable lesson: Being a sycophant will only lead to disappointment.



: pat pat :



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:17:07
*ding* *ding* *ding*



Know your audience. Thank you.



I think she did...and, I think she KNEW that they wanted to be inspired!



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:18:01
I bet if I had called and made that point I would get shouted down. Why? Because I am a woman.



Period.



F*ckin Frank!

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:20:08
And, I'm : billy idol : bloggin' with myself. . . :prince:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 22:23:53
Quote by starling310: And, I'm : billy idol : bloggin' with myself. . . :prince:


Get down with your bad self.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:37:05
:thud:

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:37:30
Some people need to pay 'da bills Randi.



Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 22:40:29
:cry: I just got off the phone with Oma. I miss her so much! She actually said for me to say to all my friends that she says hello and thanks you all for being my friend. :cry:

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:40:51
Why do they act?



Well, Dennis Kucinich isn't acting. Where is he in the polls?



They act, because the collective "we" buy it.



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:42:24
Quote by Raine: I just got off the phone with Oma. I miss her so much! She actually said for me to say to all my friends that she says hello and thanks you all for being my friend. :cry:




Aw! Tell her she's welcome for us being your friend.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 22:43:58
Quote by Raine: I just got off the phone with Oma. I miss her so much! She actually said for me to say to all my friends that she says hello and thanks you all for being my friend. :cry:


That is so sweet. Send her our regards.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:45:23
HA! HA! She's annoyed by the subject that she brought up. :rofl:



LEARN YA!



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:47:13
Well, Randi I've heard your british accent. It's not good.



Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 22:47:35
Not kidding. She asked if I was alone today. I told her I was talking to friends online. She said, and I quote: "that is nice dear. I am glad they are your friends and tell them I am happy that they are your friends..." I love my Oma.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:47:53
The problem is that you were saying "She was talking too black" and I think that rubbed people the wrong way.



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:49:03
I dated a British woman, and being an actor and a "mimic" I could NOT help but imitate her....



Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:49:39
Quote by Raine: Not kidding. She asked if I was alone today. I told her I was talking to friends online. She said, and I quote: "that is nice dear. I am glad they are your friends and tell them I am happy that they are your friends..." I love my Oma.




:wub2:



That's cute!

We are your friends!! :hug:

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 22:50:10
Quote by starling310: I date a British woman, and being an actor and a "mimic" I could NOT help but imitate her....



Charlie Rangel!

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 22:50:22
Quote by starling310: HA! HA! She's annoyed by the subject that she brought up. :rofl: LEARN YA!
True DAT!

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 22:51:28
Where does "Oma" come from?



Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 22:51:41
I consider Raine my friend and I've even met her in "real life". New York in April of '06 and of course that weekend in DC back in September of '06. Ah, good times indeed.

Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 22:54:36
I just wish I hadn't gotten mixed up with the meet-up location back in September of '05 so I wasn't wandering aimlessly.



At least I have a cell phone now.

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 22:56:31
Quote by starling310: The problem is that you were saying "She was talking too black" and I think that rubbed people the wrong way.


Comment by livingonli on 12/11/2007 22:58:05
Got early dinner break. See y'all in a bit.

Comment by velveeta jones on 12/11/2007 22:59:00
What? Velveeta just got back and found out...............she has friends??



Oh Boy!

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 23:00:01
I am driving home now. Later y'all.





Oh, was that "too southern?"

:doh:

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 23:01:00
Liv got a cell phone!!!



Oh, and yes... Liv... :hug:

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 23:02:24
I'm wondering. . . Is Bill Richardson "pandering" if he speaks Spanish?



:shrug:





Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 23:04:52
Quote by starling310: Where does "Oma" come from?



It is the German word for Grandmother... Tante is the german word for Aunt, and Gorss is the german word for great. My Tante Martha was my great Aunt, sister to my Oma. And truly, We still use those terms. Except my Tante's grndaughter. my cousin Patty... She actaully calls My Mom *Tia Carlotta* (which in english would be Aunt Charlotte... )



:wacko: if you could make sense of all of that!!

Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 23:05:40
Quote by starling310: Where does "Oma" come from?



German for Grandma

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 23:06:16
Quote by livingonli: I consider Raine my friend and I've even met her in "real life". New York in April of '06 and of course that weekend in DC back in September of '06. Ah, good times indeed.


you have to have a good time wherever you are. And there are more to come!

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 23:07:28
Quote by starling310: I'm wondering. . . Is Bill Richardson "pandering" if he speaks Spanish?



:shrug:





Si senorita, y esta muy bueno!

Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 23:09:23
Quote by velveeta jones: What? Velveeta just got back and found out...............she has friends??



Oh Boy!


Oh sista, you and the Mrs. are SO gonna find out what kinda friends you have when the ATL contingent scrapes together enough gas money to drive north!!! :party:

Comment by BobR on 12/11/2007 23:09:57
Quote by livingonli: I consider Raine my friend and I've even met her in "real life". New York in April of '06 and of course that weekend in DC back in September of '06. Ah, good times indeed.


and we have photographic evidence to prove it!





Comment by Raine on 12/11/2007 23:15:57
Jeff Farious is playing the Martin Luther *I have a dream* speech... gives me goosbumps Every time. Brings tears to my eyes.

Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 23:16:34
Quote by Raine:
Quote by starling310: Where does "Oma" come from?



It is the German word for Grandmother... Tante is the german word for Aunt, and Gorss is the german word for great. My Tante Martha was my great Aunt, sister to my Oma. And truly, We still use those terms. Except my Tante's grndaughter. my cousin Patty... She actaully calls My Mom *Tia Carlotta* (which in english would be Aunt Charlotte... )



:wacko: if you could make sense of all of that!!




Mmmhm...I will run this by my official German friend to see if it passes muster.



HA!





Comment by starling310 on 12/11/2007 23:17:25
Quote by Raine: Jeff Farious is playing the Martin Luther *I have a dream* speech... gives me goosbumps Every time. Brings tears to my eyes.




Oh...he was just

"pandering" to all those black people who wanted pfffsstt equal rights. Cookoo!

:rolleyes2:

Comment by velveeta jones on 12/11/2007 23:58:38
Quote by Raine:
Quote by velveeta jones: What? Velveeta just got back and found out...............she has friends??



Oh Boy!


Oh sista, you and the Mrs. are SO gonna find out what kinda friends you have when the ATL contingent scrapes together enough gas money to drive north!!! :party:




I'll clean the yard from old cars and get the still a-ready!!

Comment by livingonli on 12/12/2007 00:20:07
Quote by BobR:
Quote by livingonli: I consider Raine my friend and I've even met her in "real life". New York in April of '06 and of course that weekend in DC back in September of '06. Ah, good times indeed.


and we have photographic evidence to prove it!





Oh, boy.



I know it's just not my cameo in the YouTube video.

Comment by Raine on 12/12/2007 00:28:50
Quote by velveeta jones:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by velveeta jones: What? Velveeta just got back and found out...............she has friends??



Oh Boy!


Oh sista, you and the Mrs. are SO gonna find out what kinda friends you have when the ATL contingent scrapes together enough gas money to drive north!!! :party:




I'll clean the yard from old cars and get the still a-ready!!


:party:!

Comment by Raine on 12/12/2007 00:31:13
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by BobR:
Quote by livingonli: I consider Raine my friend and I've even met her in "real life". New York in April of '06 and of course that weekend in DC back in September of '06. Ah, good times indeed.


and we have photographic evidence to prove it!





Oh, boy.



I know it's just not my cameo in the YouTube video.
Naw... just what happens when you love the Raintini's! No harm, no foul, and nothing to : redface: about. Truly.



(besides... BobR said PHOTO graphic... not PORNO graphic! )



Comment by Raine on 12/12/2007 00:34:04
Quote by starling310:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by starling310: Where does "Oma" come from?



It is the German word for Grandmother... Tante is the german word for Aunt, and Gorss is the german word for great. My Tante Martha was my great Aunt, sister to my Oma. And truly, We still use those terms. Except my Tante's grndaughter. my cousin Patty... She actaully calls My Mom *Tia Carlotta* (which in english would be Aunt Charlotte... )



:wacko: if you could make sense of all of that!!




Mmmhm...I will run this by my official German friend to see if it passes muster.



HA!



Das es good! (ask said German friend if they know of anything called Platte Deutsch... )



My Grandmother speaks that. Not real High brow, I can tell you that. ;)

Comment by livingonli on 12/12/2007 00:39:51
Quote by Raine: Naw... just what happens when you love the Raintini's! No harm, no foul, and nothing to : redface: about. Truly.



(besides... BobR said PHOTO graphic... not PORNO graphic! )





'

Indeed. Too many Raintini's just made me sleepy.



Will we have some of the homemade brew next time?

Comment by livingonli on 12/12/2007 00:59:08
AAR canned Kent Jones. He is gone after Friday's show.

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/12/2007 01:21:41
ughh what day, Bactrim sucks rhino!

Comment by livingonli on 12/12/2007 01:24:46
What happened, Mondo?

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/12/2007 01:54:16
Quote by livingonli: What happened, Mondo?






Sulfa drugs, Livin' sulfa drugs. :thud:

Comment by TriSec on 12/12/2007 02:25:09
Quote by livingonli: AAR canned Kent Jones. He is gone after Friday's show.




Skimming...



WHAT????



Or are they preparing for Rachel to make the leap to TV?







So, I guess AAR just isn't worth listening to anymore. I better not let it be known how much I like Ring of Fire, or they'll start eviscerating that show, too.



F*ckers.





Comment by livingonli on 12/12/2007 02:53:53
There's still Thom Hartmann. Too bad Laura Flanders show is a shell of its former self.



I thought Mark Green was supposed to be the big liberal, but he has been doing more to water down AAR than any of the other idiots who have been in charge.