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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec    Date: 02/19/2013 11:09:24

Good Morning.

Today is our 4,153rd 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: 2,177
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,080

We find this morning's Cost of War passing through:

$ 1, 424, 994, 850, 000 .00


Since yesterday was President's day, we'll do something a little different today.

How many Presidents wore the uniform?



Barack Obama None

George W. Bush Texas Air National Guard First Lieutenant Stateside service during Vietnam War (1968–1973).

Bill Clinton None

George H. W. Bush United States Naval Reserve Lieutenant World War II (1942–1945) Distinguished Flying Cross

Ronald Reagan United States Army Reserve, United States Army Air Corps Captain Stateside service during World War II (1942–1945); Army Reserve (1937–1942)

Jimmy Carter United States Navy Lieutenant World War II at the United States Naval Academy Sea duty and stateside service 1946-1953 during the Korean War

Gerald Ford United States Naval Reserve Lieutenant Commander World War II (1942–1945; combat on USS Monterey, discharged in 1946)

Richard Nixon United States Naval Reserve Commander World War II (1942–1945)

Lyndon B. Johnson United States Naval Reserve Commander World War II received Silver Star medal after airplane he was riding in was attacked by enemy aircraft

John F. Kennedy United States Navy Lieutenant World War II received Navy and Marine Corps Medal and Purple Heart

Dwight D. Eisenhower United States Army General of the Army Stateside service during World War I. Served as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II (1942–1945). Visited troops in Korea in December 1952. Entire active-duty career spanned from 1915 until 1969 (excepting his two terms as president and Commander-in-Chief).

Harry S. Truman United States Army, United States Army Reserve Colonel World War I (1917–1918); was then transferred to the army reserve and retired in 1953.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Navy (Civilian) Assistant Secretary of the Navy Witnessed World War I while serving as Assistant Secretary of the Navy in France

Herbert Hoover None; however he did help guide US Marines in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion

Calvin Coolidge None

Warren G. Harding None

Woodrow Wilson None

William Howard Taft None; United States Secretary of War 1904-1908

Theodore Roosevelt United States Army Colonel Spanish–American War – only U.S. President to receive the Medal of Honor (awarded posthumously in 2001). Also a Navy Civilian, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy

William McKinley United States Army Brevet Major American Civil War. Served in the 23rd Ohio Infantry under future President Rutherford B. Hayes; fought in the Battle of South Mountain, The Battle of Antietam, and in the Valley Campaigns of 1864.

Benjamin Harrison United States Army Brigadier General American Civil War; Commanded an Infantry Brigade at the battles of Resaca, New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mountain, Marietta, Peachtree Creek and Atlanta; also Commanded a Brigade during Sherman's March to the Sea.

Grover Cleveland None

Chester A. Arthur New York State Militia Brigadier General Served as Quartermaster General before and during the American Civil War (1858–1865).

James Garfield United States Army Major General American Civil War (1861–1863; commanded an Ohio Infantry Brigade at the Battles of Shiloh and Corinth; served as Chief of Staff for General William Rosecrans at the Battle of Chickamauga; left the army to serve in the United States House of Representatives).

Rutherford B. Hayes United States Army Major General American Civil War. Served in the 23rd Ohio Infantry and commanded future President William McKinley; wounded at the Battle of South Mountain; also served at the Battle of Antietam and in the Valley Campaigns of 1864.

Ulysses S. Grant United States Army General of the Army Mexican-American War and American Civil War; served 1843-1854 and 1861-1868.

Andrew Johnson United States Army Brigadier General American Civil War; served as Military Governor of Tennessee in 1862.

Abraham Lincoln Illinois State Militia Captain Black Hawk War (served three months in 1832); see Abraham Lincoln in the Black Hawk War.

James Buchanan Pennsylvania State Militia Private War of 1812

Franklin Pierce United States Army Brigadier General Mexican-American War; commanded an Infantry Brigade at the Battle of Contreras (where he was wounded in the leg), Battle of Churubusco, and the Assault on Mexico City.

Millard Fillmore New York State Militia Major American Civil War

Zachary Taylor United States Army Major General War of 1812, Black Hawk War, Second Seminole War, Mexican-American War; entire career spanned from 1808 until 1848.

James K. Polk Tennessee State Militia Colonel Joined local militia, but never fought in any war during his service

John Tyler United States Army Captain War of 1812

William Henry Harrison United States Army Major General Northwest Indian War, War of 1812

Martin Van Buren None

Andrew Jackson Tennessee State Militia, United States Army General American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Creek War, First Seminole War

John Quincy Adams None; however he was a witness to Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 and reportedly was a non-participant in a Naval Battle between a British ship and a US ship he was on with his father during the American Revolution.

James Monroe Continental Army Major American Revolutionary War; wounded at the Battle of Trenton; depicted holding the American flag behind General George Washington in the famous painting Washington Crossing the Delaware.

James Madison Virginia militia Colonel American Revolutionary War, did not see action

Thomas Jefferson Virginia militia Colonel Administrative position, did not see action. As Governor of Virginia, fled during British raid to avoid capture

John Adams None; Adams served as chairman of the Continental Congress's Board of War (1776–1777), making him the simultaneous equivalent of today's Secretary of Defense and Chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee; was a semi-participant in a naval engagement between a British and US ship during the American Revolution.

George Washington Virginia militia, Virginia Regiment, Continental Army General of the Armies French and Indian War, American Revolutionary War


While I'm not sure it makes any difference (indeed, some of our best AND worst presidents have been veterans) it is interesting to ponder the list and think about who led us to war and peace.
 

106 comments (Latest Comment: 02/20/2013 02:31:24 by Will in Chicago)
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Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2013 13:48:49
Morning

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 13:55:56
I'd like to parse the list a bit to wore the uniform and actually saw action. Because Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Bush 43, and Johnson never saw any real combat.

Comment by BobR on 02/19/2013 14:02:22
Thanks for this list TriSec - very interesting

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 14:04:07
Good morning!

I agree with Mondo -- and 43 didn't even finish serving. Just ask Dan Rather.

Reagan was a minister of Propaganda if I recall correctly.

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 14:06:44
Good morning!

I agree with Mondo -- and 43 didn't even finish serving. Just ask Dan Rather.

Reagan was a minister of Propaganda if I recall correctly.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 14:07:54
Quote by Raine:
Good morning!

I agree with Mondo -- and 43 didn't even finish serving. Just ask Dan Rather.

Reagan was a minister of Propaganda if I recall correctly.



Yep St Ronnie of Santa Barbara was in some Special Services unit making war films.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 14:13:53
Dear America,

You have been filling out online forms for what, about 15-18 years now? WHY DON"T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THE REQUIRED FIELDS ON A FORM ARE MARKED WITH ASTERISKS?

Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 14:25:09
Morning, comrades!

Once you have a Kane's Donut, forever will it dominate your destiny.

Of course, your local mileage may vary.

(I had a few bug-eyed stares from the uninitiated out here in Worcester, and a few cut-in-half donuts because "they're huge!")

(OK, next time we're in DC, we'll have to do the local emporium for a taste-test.)


Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 14:27:19
Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 14:30:23
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 14:49:48
Quote by Raine:
Mary Sue's Bio:
She was born on February 14, 1947, received her B.S. from Huntingdon College, and M.A. from Auburn University.


She's also a former teacher.




Proving my point that having a masters degree is not proof of being smart.

Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 14:51:06
Master's in what, asshatery?



Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 14:52:08
For those not listening to the Show, if you haven't read this yet, you must do so.

America --- celebrating idiots for centuries.

Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 14:53:51
In other news, I am pleased to report that with my port out, I can once again wear my adornments. (they used to catch on the port, haven't worn my chain since August.) LIke a good Sicilian, I have the fingers and still sport a small, silver cross...plus a Florida charm.

And I've fattened up enough that my pinkie ring fits again. (You knew I'd have one, right?)



Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 15:03:03
Quote by Raine:
For those not listening to the Show, if you haven't read this yet, you must do so.

America --- celebrating idiots for centuries.



Priceless!

Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2013 15:04:30
Quote by Raine:
For those not listening to the Show, if you haven't read this yet, you must do so.

America --- celebrating idiots for centuries.


the comments are great XD


Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 15:07:04
I've changed my mind about secession, BTW.

Texas, Alabama, and the other, lesser states can all stay.

It's New England that should walk away, along with the other, smarter places.



Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 15:12:48
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
For those not listening to the Show, if you haven't read this yet, you must do so.

America --- celebrating idiots for centuries.


the comments are great XD
I've moved on to her archives. This woman is insane!


Comment by Scoopster on 02/19/2013 15:14:54
Mornin' all..
Quote by Raine:
For those not listening to the Show, if you haven't read this yet, you must do so.

America --- celebrating idiots for centuries.

Owww.. my brain is bleeding from reading that.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 15:23:25
Quote by TriSec:
I've changed my mind about secession, BTW.

Texas, Alabama, and the other, lesser states can all stay.

It's New England that should walk away, along with the other, smarter places.



"That wouldn't have been necessary if that sesesh woman hadn't started it. They never learn. You see sesesh has to be cleared away by the hand of God like the Jews of old. Now I will have to burn this town."

Every time you bring it up, I will post this quote. States to not have the right to succeed. There was a war, the anti-succession side won, remember?

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 15:28:15
I'm sure all of us can agree on this. You are a selfish bung hole when you recline your seat in coach. My tactic to make the move the seat back up is to jam my knee into their kidney.

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 15:29:21
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Quote by Raine:
For those not listening to the Show, if you haven't read this yet, you must do so.

America --- celebrating idiots for centuries.

Owww.. my brain is bleeding from reading that.
She really REALLY hates Deer.


Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 15:39:12
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Quote by Raine:
For those not listening to the Show, if you haven't read this yet, you must do so.

America --- celebrating idiots for centuries.

Owww.. my brain is bleeding from reading that.
She really REALLY hates Deer.



She is quite the twit, isn't she?

Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 15:39:54
Quote by Mondobubba:


"That wouldn't have been necessary if that sesesh woman hadn't started it. They never learn. You see sesesh has to be cleared away by the hand of God like the Jews of old. Now I will have to burn this town."

Every time you bring it up, I will post this quote. States to not have the right to succeed. There was a war, the anti-succession side won, remember?


Well, that shouldn't stop us from trying again.

A little revolution now and then is a good thing. After all, the tree of liberty needs to be refreshed with the blood of patriots and their assault weapons.

(What the hell? Sorry, we were at mum-in-law's this weekend and I handled Pop's GOP membership pin. I must have gotten some jingoism on me.)


Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 15:48:58
And there we go. I've distilled our ND statement so it fits on the back of my Scout business card. Completely unofficial and unsactioned, but fuck them.


The mission of the Boston Minuteman Council is to provide character development, citizenship training, growth in physical and mental fitness, and leadership opportunities for the young people of the Boston metropolitan area, without regard to color, race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or economic status.

Bias, intolerance and unlawful discrimination are unacceptable within the ranks of the Boston Minuteman Council.


Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 15:54:39
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by Mondobubba:


"That wouldn't have been necessary if that sesesh woman hadn't started it. They never learn. You see sesesh has to be cleared away by the hand of God like the Jews of old. Now I will have to burn this town."

Every time you bring it up, I will post this quote. States to not have the right to succeed. There was a war, the anti-succession side won, remember?


Well, that shouldn't stop us from trying again.

A little revolution now and then is a good thing. After all, the tree of liberty needs to be refreshed with the blood of patriots and their assault weapons.

(What the hell? Sorry, we were at mum-in-law's this weekend and I handled Pop's GOP membership pin. I must have gotten some jingoism on me.)



:breaths into Starbucks cup: Don't make me destroy you.

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 15:56:59
POTUS is pissed.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 15:59:38
Quote by Raine:
POTUS is pissed.



About?

Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 16:02:48
Quote by Mondobubba:

:breaths into Starbucks cup: Don't make me destroy you.


Don't worry. The system is lined up against us, anyway. I can count the number of military bases in New England on the fingers of one hand, and the National Guard belongs to the Feds, too.

With no "Well-Regulated militia" loyal to the states, there's nobody that could even enforce a secession. Wingnuts with a couple of assault rifles would be meat and drink for an APC or two, never mind tanks and A-10s.


Comment by BobR on 02/19/2013 16:07:05
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
POTUS is pissed.

About?

Not watching, but was supposed to say something about the sequester and Congress's appalling lack of action.

Comment by BobR on 02/19/2013 16:07:44
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/19/2013 16:19:52
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by Mondobubba:

:breaths into Starbucks cup: Don't make me destroy you.


Don't worry. The system is lined up against us, anyway. I can count the number of military bases in New England on the fingers of one hand, and the National Guard belongs to the Feds, too.

With no "Well-Regulated militia" loyal to the states, there's nobody that could even enforce a secession. Wingnuts with a couple of assault rifles would be meat and drink for an APC or two, never mind tanks and A-10s.



TriSec, thanks for a blog on our presidents. What matters not is military service. What matters is how a president uses the military and treats our veterans after their service.

I think that demographic change is going to hit the South, Texas in particular, very hard. More people are moving from the North and rising numbers of Hispanics and other minorities may well mean that places like Arizona and Texas will become very competitive for Democrats. So, there is hope. It may take a generation or so, but change is coming. This explains a lot of the desperation and voter fraud among the GOP -- they are stuck in the sand amid a rising tide and are unable to make moves that will allow them to survive.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 16:21:34



What? A French guy? A cheese eating surrender monkey? Americans are supposed to have a lock on nutty shit like that.

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 16:28:37
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/19/2013 16:31:19
Quote by Mondobubba:



What? A French guy? A cheese eating surrender monkey? Americans are supposed to have a lock on nutty shit like that.



Sadly, stupidity has no limits at any border.

Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 16:31:43
Da Broons do a good thing.


BOSTON (CBS) — Several Boston Bruins players, coaches and staff members visited Newtown, Conn., on Monday. It’s a town trying to find some normalcy after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December.

“We got word of it last week that we’d be going down to do that. They asked if anybody wanted to volunteer, and a bunch of people wanted to do it. There were a lot of volunteers,” Julien said. “There’s things sometimes that you have to do as an athlete or as a coach, and there’s things that you want to do. And that was something that we definitely wanted to do.”

Julien said that players played street hockey with local kids, signed autographs, posed for pictures and brought smiles to many faces.

“For us to be able to know that we’re able to give that kind of support and give them something to smile about and some hope was all we could ask for,” Julien said.




Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 16:40:16
Peeve time.

1. Ice bucket empty.
2. Ice cube trays empty (2)
3. Coffeepot empty (2)
4. Dirty coffee filter still in machine
5. Water Cooler Empty

All of these things happened on my last visit to the kitchen.

6. TriSec ninja-kicks water cooler
7. TriSec smashes coffeepots
8. TriSec leaves empty ice trays on counter.
9. TriSec shakes fist at cloud.


Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 16:40:43
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
POTUS is pissed.



About?
Take a read about it here. I was waiting for him to declare locusts and falling frogs would occur.


Comment by livingonli on 02/19/2013 16:42:10
Good morning, folks: I always love when my weekends fall on Tuesday and Wednesday: Well, at least I can get some shopping done although it's supposed to rain today since it's the only warm day this week:

Comment by livingonli on 02/19/2013 16:56:11
Listening to the stoopid from right-wing callers really makes my head hurt.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 16:57:03
Quote by TriSec:
Peeve time.

1. Ice bucket empty.
2. Ice cube trays empty (2)
3. Coffeepot empty (2)
4. Dirty coffee filter still in machine
5. Water Cooler Empty

All of these things happened on my last visit to the kitchen.

6. TriSec ninja-kicks water cooler
7. TriSec smashes coffeepots
8. TriSec leaves empty ice trays on counter.
9. TriSec shakes fist at cloud.



Didn't you forget Tri changes into this guy:

http://deltorofilms.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/the-hulk-od-2003.jpg


Comment by BobR on 02/19/2013 16:58:01
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Quote by Mondobubba:


What? A French guy? A cheese eating surrender monkey? Americans are supposed to have a lock on nutty shit like that.


Sadly, stupidity has no limits at any border.

I wonder if - before he did it - he hollered "Mon Deui - watch theese!"

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 16:59:12
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Quote by Mondobubba:


What? A French guy? A cheese eating surrender monkey? Americans are supposed to have a lock on nutty shit like that.


Sadly, stupidity has no limits at any border.

I wonder if - before he did it - he hollered "Mon Deui - watch theese!"



In a Sud accent?

Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/19/2013 16:59:21
In some good news, I have a sample lesson plan in case a place that I interviewed with recently calls me.

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 17:00:09
Quote by livingonli:
Listening to the stoopid from right-wing callers really makes my head hurt.
they are really out in force today.


Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 17:10:07
Comment by Scoopster on 02/19/2013 17:13:30
Oh yeah I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. Friend of mine from the local geek haven (aka card/board gaming shop) managed to break a glass ceiling over the weekend.

Sorry nerds.. she's taken!

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 17:17:28
What the Wha? IS everybody Gay Bi?

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 17:18:17
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh yeah I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. Friend of mine from the local geek haven (aka card/board gaming shop) managed to break a glass ceiling over the weekend.

Sorry nerds.. she's taken!



Yeah, but she a Magic player. :shudder:

Comment by Scoopster on 02/19/2013 17:20:06
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh yeah I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. Friend of mine from the local geek haven (aka card/board gaming shop) managed to break a glass ceiling over the weekend.

Sorry nerds.. she's taken!


Yeah, but she a Magic player. :shudder:

So am I.. whatcha tryin' to say there buddy?

Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2013 17:25:48
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh yeah I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. Friend of mine from the local geek haven (aka card/board gaming shop) managed to break a glass ceiling over the weekend.

Sorry nerds.. she's taken!


Yeah, but she a Magic player. :shudder:

So am I.. whatcha tryin' to say there buddy?



So what are ya saying about Geek Girls?

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 17:25:58
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh yeah I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. Friend of mine from the local geek haven (aka card/board gaming shop) managed to break a glass ceiling over the weekend.

Sorry nerds.. she's taken!


Yeah, but she a Magic player. :shudder:

So am I.. whatcha tryin' to say there buddy?



That I'm not a fan. It's no Magic in and of itself. It is the way Wizards of the Coast created the hype and frenzy around the rare cards. I find that "collectable" crap repellent.

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 17:27:03
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh yeah I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. Friend of mine from the local geek haven (aka card/board gaming shop) managed to break a glass ceiling over the weekend.

Sorry nerds.. she's taken!


Yeah, but she a Magic player. :shudder:

So am I.. whatcha tryin' to say there buddy?



So what are ya saying about Geek Girls?
::hands out inhalers to everyone ::: you are all pretty.


Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 17:27:37




Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2013 17:27:45
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh yeah I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. Friend of mine from the local geek haven (aka card/board gaming shop) managed to break a glass ceiling over the weekend.

Sorry nerds.. she's taken!


Yeah, but she a Magic player. :shudder:

So am I.. whatcha tryin' to say there buddy?



So what are ya saying about Geek Girls?
::hands out inhalers to everyone ::: you are all pretty.


<-apple


Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 17:28:15
Role playing games are only properly played with funny looking dice, miniatures, and poorly printed booklets. :mighty inhaler huff:

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 17:28:59
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh yeah I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. Friend of mine from the local geek haven (aka card/board gaming shop) managed to break a glass ceiling over the weekend.

Sorry nerds.. she's taken!


Yeah, but she a Magic player. :shudder:

So am I.. whatcha tryin' to say there buddy?



So what are ya saying about Geek Girls?
::hands out inhalers to everyone ::: you are all pretty.





Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2013 17:30:24
Quote by Mondobubba:
Roll playing games are only properly played with funny looking dice, miniatures, and poorly printed booklets. :mighty inhaler huff:


"Role". I think most prefer to call them RPG's or MMORPG's or Cosplay.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 17:30:24
WOTC has also ruined D&D. V 4.0 sucks donkey prong.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 17:31:08
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Roll playing games are only properly played with funny looking dice, miniatures, and poorly printed booklets. :mighty inhaler huff:


"Role". I think most prefer to call them RPG's or MMORPG's or Cosplay.



Oh zing! Mala you got me. A hit! A palpable hit! Well played!

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 17:32:37
Speaking of geek: Well done, Google.

Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2013 17:32:51
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Roll playing games are only properly played with funny looking dice, miniatures, and poorly printed booklets. :mighty inhaler huff:


"Role". I think most prefer to call them RPG's or MMORPG's or Cosplay.



Oh zing! Mala you got me. A hit! A palpable hit! Well played!



oh lawd

Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2013 17:33:53
Quote by Mondobubba:
Speaking of geek: Well done, Google.


when did they move Copernicus' birthday, he used to be my b-day buddy


Comment by Scoopster on 02/19/2013 17:41:48
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh yeah I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. Friend of mine from the local geek haven (aka card/board gaming shop) managed to break a glass ceiling over the weekend.

Sorry nerds.. she's taken!


Yeah, but she a Magic player. :shudder:

So am I.. whatcha tryin' to say there buddy?



That I'm not a fan. It's no Magic in and of itself. It is the way Wizards of the Coast created the hype and frenzy around the rare cards. I find that "collectable" crap repellent.

It wouldn't be so bad if Hasbro hadn't created a new ultra-rare "mythic" category a few years back. Also one of the major card retailers essentially monopolizes the market a few years ago (they bought up a buttload of inventory on highly-sought old playable cards, then created a rival tournament structure to the official one which drove the prices of all those cards, then started selling them for 10-20x what they bought 'em for). Hasbro/WOTC has started trying to abate the problem by reprinting cards and adding chase rares to pre-built decks that you can buy at Wal-Mart, but it really is crazy. A new set JUST came out and one of the rare cards skyrocketed to 30 bux already - but I pulled three of 'em in prize packs (one was a foil muahaha!)

Comment by Scoopster on 02/19/2013 17:45:09
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh yeah I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. Friend of mine from the local geek haven (aka card/board gaming shop) managed to break a glass ceiling over the weekend.

Sorry nerds.. she's taken!


Yeah, but she a Magic player. :shudder:

So am I.. whatcha tryin' to say there buddy?

So what are ya saying about Geek Girls?
::hands out inhalers to everyone ::: you are all pretty.

Nothing! Just that serious gamer girls are very rare, and that is unfortunate.

Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2013 17:48:21
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh yeah I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. Friend of mine from the local geek haven (aka card/board gaming shop) managed to break a glass ceiling over the weekend.

Sorry nerds.. she's taken!


Yeah, but she a Magic player. :shudder:

So am I.. whatcha tryin' to say there buddy?

So what are ya saying about Geek Girls?
::hands out inhalers to everyone ::: you are all pretty.

Nothing! Just that serious gamer girls are very rare, and that is unfortunate.



They aren't as rare as people think

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 17:51:57
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh yeah I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. Friend of mine from the local geek haven (aka card/board gaming shop) managed to break a glass ceiling over the weekend.

Sorry nerds.. she's taken!


Yeah, but she a Magic player. :shudder:

So am I.. whatcha tryin' to say there buddy?



That I'm not a fan. It's no Magic in and of itself. It is the way Wizards of the Coast created the hype and frenzy around the rare cards. I find that "collectable" crap repellent.

It wouldn't be so bad if Hasbro hadn't created a new ultra-rare "mythic" category a few years back. Also one of the major card retailers essentially monopolizes the market a few years ago (they bought up a buttload of inventory on highly-sought old playable cards, then created a rival tournament structure to the official one which drove the prices of all those cards, then started selling them for 10-20x what they bought 'em for). Hasbro/WOTC has started trying to abate the problem by reprinting cards and adding chase rares to pre-built decks that you can buy at Wal-Mart, but it really is crazy. A new set JUST came out and one of the rare cards skyrocketed to 30 bux already - but I pulled three of 'em in prize packs (one was a foil muahaha!)



The whole "collector" card thing infected other gaming companies as well. Steve Jackson took the awesomely epic game "Iluminati" and made a Magic style game of it. Ruined it in my opinion. SJG sucked all the fun out of the first iteration with the card game. Thankfully the original game has been brought back.

Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 17:54:02
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 17:56:34
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Roll playing games are only properly played with funny looking dice, miniatures, and poorly printed booklets. :mighty inhaler huff:


"Role". I think most prefer to call them RPG's or MMORPG's or Cosplay.



Oh zing! Mala you got me. A hit! A palpable hit! Well played!



oh lawd



You are digging the Hamlet act V scene 2 quote aren't you?

Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2013 18:02:26
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Roll playing games are only properly played with funny looking dice, miniatures, and poorly printed booklets. :mighty inhaler huff:


"Role". I think most prefer to call them RPG's or MMORPG's or Cosplay.



Oh zing! Mala you got me. A hit! A palpable hit! Well played!



oh lawd



You are digging the Hamlet act V scene 2 quote aren't you?


yes, and the melodramatic way in which I imagined you acting it out

Comment by livingonli on 02/19/2013 18:14:33
I haven't even done facebook apps in a while since I seem to have connectivity issues even with FiOS which makes doing apps difficult so I'm still debating whether to quit them completely.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 18:45:46
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Roll playing games are only properly played with funny looking dice, miniatures, and poorly printed booklets. :mighty inhaler huff:


"Role". I think most prefer to call them RPG's or MMORPG's or Cosplay.



Oh zing! Mala you got me. A hit! A palpable hit! Well played!



oh lawd



You are digging the Hamlet act V scene 2 quote aren't you?


yes, and the melodramatic way in which I imagined you acting it out


You know me too well, madam. ACTING! GENIUS!

Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2013 18:47:52
Quote by livingonli:
I haven't even done facebook apps in a while since I seem to have connectivity issues even with FiOS which makes doing apps difficult so I'm still debating whether to quit them completely.



hmmm, I've not had any connectivity issues with the FiOS, is it a hardline or wireless?

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 18:51:19
http://www.mostphotos.com/preview/365434/bus-in-ditch.jpg



What you can't see is the ground strewn with Magic cards, torn up D&D booklets, inhalers, dice and other assorted nerd paraphernalia. Otherwise this a good image of the blog today

Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 18:55:30
Quote by Mondobubba:
http://www.mostphotos.com/preview/365434/bus-in-ditch.jpg



What you can't see is the ground strewn with Magic card, torn up D&D booklets, inhalers, dice and other assorted nerd paraphernalia. Otherwise this a good image of the blog today



Glossy aviation magazines, scale models in various stages of completion, a random paper airplane, and of course open tubes of modeling glue.



Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 19:00:07
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by Mondobubba:
http://www.mostphotos.com/preview/365434/bus-in-ditch.jpg



What you can't see is the ground strewn with Magic card, torn up D&D booklets, inhalers, dice and other assorted nerd paraphernalia. Otherwise this a good image of the blog today



Glossy aviation magazines, scale models in various stages of completion, a random paper airplane, and of course open tubes of modeling glue.




Oh mah gawhd! Glossy aviation magazines. You are beyond help. Those are the worst kind of air porn!

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 19:01:16
How did I not know this?
"My first date with Susan was at an NRA 'Ladies Day On The Range' event, and that is as close as I have ever gotten to the NRA," she said.
Rachel Maddow, 2011


Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 19:06:41
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/AsthmaInhaler.jpg


Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2013 19:17:15


Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 19:19:30
Quote by Raine:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/AsthmaInhaler.jpg




:laughs so hard, has asthma attack:

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 19:41:18
Comment by livingonli on 02/19/2013 19:47:01
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by livingonli:
I haven't even done facebook apps in a while since I seem to have connectivity issues even with FiOS which makes doing apps difficult so I'm still debating whether to quit them completely.



hmmm, I've not had any connectivity issues with the FiOS, is it a hardline or wireless?

Mine is wireless since it is my laptop. I'm actually heading off to FiOS now to pick up some equipment including the cablecard for my TiVO.

Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2013 19:56:52
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by livingonli:
I haven't even done facebook apps in a while since I seem to have connectivity issues even with FiOS which makes doing apps difficult so I'm still debating whether to quit them completely.



hmmm, I've not had any connectivity issues with the FiOS, is it a hardline or wireless?

Mine is wireless since it is my laptop. I'm actually heading off to FiOS now to pick up some equipment including the cablecard for my TiVO.



could there be something wrong with the wireless router?

Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/19/2013 19:57:23
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Roll playing games are only properly played with funny looking dice, miniatures, and poorly printed booklets. :mighty inhaler huff:


"Role". I think most prefer to call them RPG's or MMORPG's or Cosplay.



Actually, most boos now have good production values. See Paizo's Pathfinder which has beat out Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast's Dungeon and Dragons line. (Pathfinder was developed with a lot of feedback from people playing the game.)

Paizo project manager Jessica Price was recently interviewed about sexism in the gaming industry, and how she has faced sexual harassment at some of the places where she worked. She states that sexism is lessening.

May the day come when bigotry of any sort is a relic of history.

Comment by Scoopster on 02/19/2013 19:57:47
Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 20:03:46
WTF?

OMG...


Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 20:14:19



:Mrs Miller: Oh, dear!

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 20:15:41

And I hope he becomes your Senator!

Now, Tri, are you going to run for his seat?

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 20:16:47
Quote by Raine:
What the Wha? IS everybody Gay Bi?
Am I the only one surprised about this?




Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 20:32:28
Quote by Raine:

And I hope he becomes your Senator!

Now, Tri, are you going to run for his seat?



No, no. There's some machinations at the local level.

Word on the street is that Mayor McCarthy is not running for re-election next time around. One of the names floated is City Councilman Tom Stanley may be interested in running.(Son of the long-standing Mayor Stanley here, he's one of the "big names" in Waltham politics.)

I was planning on another School Committee run, but should Mr. Stanley try for it, I will be gung-ho on his campaign. I've known him since our kids started kindergarten together. Mr. Stanley does double-dip...he's also a State Rep, which would free up another seat at the Statehouse. Which is an intriguing possibility.

That said, if Mr. Stanley does run, I believe he has the legs to make it to the corner office, meaning if I put my ambitions on hold to help him, I'll have coattails to ride next time.

Of course, this is all preliminary, rumour, and foil-hat territory just now.


Comment by TriSec on 02/19/2013 20:36:08
The hell of it is, I'm friends with so many members of the City Government that I actually wouldn't feel terribly comfortable challenging one of them for a seat. I have fewer allies on the School Committee (Only one, actually.)

See, I fancy myself as more a "Paul Revere" type, an organizer and networker that knows everybody, rather than being an actual elected official myself.



Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/19/2013 21:28:40
Quote by Raine:
IS Freeperville gone?

Seems to be an awful lot of "FB is down" messages there. Are they using Commodore 64s for servers?

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 21:29:23
Quote by TriSec:
The hell of it is, I'm friends with so many members of the City Government that I actually wouldn't feel terribly comfortable challenging one of them for a seat. I have fewer allies on the School Committee (Only one, actually.)

See, I fancy myself as more a "Paul Revere" type, an organizer and networker that knows everybody, rather than being an actual elected official myself.

That's not a bad place to be -- at all. I think a lot of good work gets done from that position.


Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 21:30:50
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Raine:
What the Wha? IS everybody Gay Bi?
Am I the only one surprised about this?





Ummm...yes!

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 21:33:41
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Roll playing games are only properly played with funny looking dice, miniatures, and poorly printed booklets. :mighty inhaler huff:


"Role". I think most prefer to call them RPG's or MMORPG's or Cosplay.



Actually, most boos now have good production values. See Paizo's Pathfinder which has beat out Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast's Dungeon and Dragons line. (Pathfinder was developed with a lot of feedback from people playing the game.)

Paizo project manager Jessica Price was recently interviewed about sexism in the gaming industry, and how she has faced sexual harassment at some of the places where she worked. She states that sexism is lessening.

May the day come when bigotry of any sort is a relic of history.



Will, I think you missed my point about poorly printed booklets. I was alluding to the 1st three original D&D books that came in the little white box plus the Greyhawk supplement. I am that old school about my RPGs.

Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 21:35:09
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by Raine:
IS Freeperville gone?

Seems to be an awful lot of "FB is down" messages there. Are they using Commodore 64s for servers?
That is what I was wondering.

If they are using an outside server as a host, then this should have been resolved by now.

Maybe Rim Job forgot to pay the bill?


Comment by Raine on 02/19/2013 21:35:49
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Raine:
What the Wha? IS everybody Gay Bi?
Am I the only one surprised about this?





Ummm...yes!
You knew? I swear I was totally surprised about this.


Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 21:48:58
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Raine:
What the Wha? IS everybody Gay Bi?
Am I the only one surprised about this?





Ummm...yes!
You knew? I swear I was totally surprised about this.



Didn't know, but not surprised.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 21:50:20
Quote by Raine:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by Raine:
IS Freeperville gone?

Seems to be an awful lot of "FB is down" messages there. Are they using Commodore 64s for servers?
That is what I was wondering.

If they are using an outside server as a host, then this should have been resolved by now.

Maybe Rim Job forgot to pay the bill?



I'm sure Free Republic gets much more traffic that our cozy wee blog does, yet they have a much crappier hosting service then we do, don't they?

Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/19/2013 22:11:34
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Roll playing games are only properly played with funny looking dice, miniatures, and poorly printed booklets. :mighty inhaler huff:


"Role". I think most prefer to call them RPG's or MMORPG's or Cosplay.



Actually, most boos now have good production values. See Paizo's Pathfinder which has beat out Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast's Dungeon and Dragons line. (Pathfinder was developed with a lot of feedback from people playing the game.)

Paizo project manager Jessica Price was recently interviewed about sexism in the gaming industry, and how she has faced sexual harassment at some of the places where she worked. She states that sexism is lessening.

May the day come when bigotry of any sort is a relic of history.



Will, I think you missed my point about poorly printed booklets. I was alluding to the 1st three original D&D books that came in the little white box plus the Greyhawk supplement. I am that old school about my RPGs.



I have seen them, and they were pretty poorly printed. I am not quite as old school (started with AD&D in 1981) but it is incredible to think that Gygax, Arneson and a few others started an industry from their hobby of war gaming.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 22:17:37
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2013 22:18:59
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Roll playing games are only properly played with funny looking dice, miniatures, and poorly printed booklets. :mighty inhaler huff:


"Role". I think most prefer to call them RPG's or MMORPG's or Cosplay.



Actually, most boos now have good production values. See Paizo's Pathfinder which has beat out Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast's Dungeon and Dragons line. (Pathfinder was developed with a lot of feedback from people playing the game.)

Paizo project manager Jessica Price was recently interviewed about sexism in the gaming industry, and how she has faced sexual harassment at some of the places where she worked. She states that sexism is lessening.

May the day come when bigotry of any sort is a relic of history.



Will, I think you missed my point about poorly printed booklets. I was alluding to the 1st three original D&D books that came in the little white box plus the Greyhawk supplement. I am that old school about my RPGs.



I have seen them, and they were pretty poorly printed. I am not quite as old school (started with AD&D in 1981) but it is incredible to think that Gygax, Arneson and a few others started an industry from their hobby of war gaming.



They are nerd giants. I have played D&D with a guy who was part of the original Greyhawk campaign. I have just counted massive nerd coup on you Will.

Comment by Raine on 02/20/2013 00:11:02
Quote by Mondobubba:
Mondo has a sad The Poe Toaster is never more.
I had heard that the person stopped visiting about 3 years ago.

I guess I am saying that I kinda knew this -- I thought you did as well, Mondo.


Comment by Raine on 02/20/2013 00:12:26
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by Raine:
IS Freeperville gone?

Seems to be an awful lot of "FB is down" messages there. Are they using Commodore 64s for servers?
That is what I was wondering.

If they are using an outside server as a host, then this should have been resolved by now.

Maybe Rim Job forgot to pay the bill?



I'm sure Free Republic gets much more traffic that our cozy wee blog does, yet they have a much crappier hosting service then we do, don't they?
We do have a wonderful hosting service... to this I can attest.




Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/20/2013 02:31:24
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Roll playing games are only properly played with funny looking dice, miniatures, and poorly printed booklets. :mighty inhaler huff:


"Role". I think most prefer to call them RPG's or MMORPG's or Cosplay.



Actually, most boos now have good production values. See Paizo's Pathfinder which has beat out Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast's Dungeon and Dragons line. (Pathfinder was developed with a lot of feedback from people playing the game.)

Paizo project manager Jessica Price was recently interviewed about sexism in the gaming industry, and how she has faced sexual harassment at some of the places where she worked. She states that sexism is lessening.

May the day come when bigotry of any sort is a relic of history.



Will, I think you missed my point about poorly printed booklets. I was alluding to the 1st three original D&D books that came in the little white box plus the Greyhawk supplement. I am that old school about my RPGs.



I have seen them, and they were pretty poorly printed. I am not quite as old school (started with AD&D in 1981) but it is incredible to think that Gygax, Arneson and a few others started an industry from their hobby of war gaming.



They are nerd giants. I have played D&D with a guy who was part of the original Greyhawk campaign. I have just counted massive nerd coup on you Will.



I meet E. Gary Gygax a few times at Gen Con when in Milwaukee, and attended a seminar or two with him there. He autographed a book I had and a copy of the combined adventures for the G-D-Q series. I also ate breakfast at a dinner near the MECCA center with Frank Metzner, who served at TSR as creative advisor to then chairman of the board, Gygax.

I also met Peter S. Beagle, author of the Last Unicorn, at a party that Shelagh from the old days of the blog hosted.