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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 07/02/2013 10:14:36
Good morning.
Today is our 4,286th 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: 2,241
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,098
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
$ 1, 452, 481, 900, 000 .00
We'll head back to Iraq this morning. Since we've left, the media (and indeed, even us here at AAV) have rarely looked in the rear-view mirror at the entire sorry affair. But if you've been paying attention, then you know that sectarian violence continues, and dozens of people are still getting killed every week. In addition to our casualty figures, Antiwar.com also keeps a running total of the goings on back in Baghdad. Check the original for additional links and more details.
But even as Iraq seems to be backsliding into chaos, perhaps we've learned from that and are starting to take steps to prevent the same thing from happening in Afghanistan when we leave. The date is creeping ever closer, and as it does, Afghanis are taking on more responsibilities for governing themselves. There has been an effect; the US has listed the fewest casualties in five years.
But of course, leaving isn't easy. It is a military operation too, and requires just as much forethought and planning as an invasion. In the tiniest of comparisons, think of it like going on a trip. I just went to Nantucket with the Boy Scouts, and getting there took a number of weeks of planning by the troop leadership, the logistics of organizing the troop and all our gear to get there, and of course, all our personal gear too. But when we left....throw all my stuff in my pack, jam everything back into the troop kit, and we'll sort it all out when we get home. Withdrawing from combat on the scale of Afghanistan requires a little more effort.
With Independence Day in the offing, we should pause this week to ponder what our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines continue to do on a daily basis on our behalf. Perhaps we might not agree with the politics behind it all, but out there in the foxholes that matters little. "Coming Home" is no longer an abstract concept, but indeed at long last it's something tangible on the horizon.
Today is our 4,286th 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: 2,241
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,098
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
We'll head back to Iraq this morning. Since we've left, the media (and indeed, even us here at AAV) have rarely looked in the rear-view mirror at the entire sorry affair. But if you've been paying attention, then you know that sectarian violence continues, and dozens of people are still getting killed every week. In addition to our casualty figures, Antiwar.com also keeps a running total of the goings on back in Baghdad. Check the original for additional links and more details.
Although no soccer players or fans were reported among today’s casualties, one of the bombings targeted a cafe. In recent days, several cafes screening international soccer matches were the focus of bloodshed. Overall, at least 55 people were killed and 53 more were wounded today.
A suicide bomber killed 23 people and wounded 28 more at a funeral in Muqdadiya.
In Baquba, a suicide bomber attacked a cafe, where he killed 10 people and wounded 22 more. A civilian was shot dead at a market.
The bodies of eight Sahwa members were found in an orchard after the men were snatched from various homes around Meshahda.
A roadside bomb in Hamdaniya killed a soldier and wounded two more.
Gunmen killed a policeman in Falluja.
In Qayara, gunmen killed a Hadhir councilman and his cousin, while a third person was wounded. A sticky bomb killed an employee of the oil ministry.
Two leading al-Qaeda members were killed during a raid in Adhaim.
In Baiji, a policeman was gunned down.
A military operation in Duquq left an Ansar al-Sunna leader and a soldier dead.
A civilian was gunned down in Mosul.
But even as Iraq seems to be backsliding into chaos, perhaps we've learned from that and are starting to take steps to prevent the same thing from happening in Afghanistan when we leave. The date is creeping ever closer, and as it does, Afghanis are taking on more responsibilities for governing themselves. There has been an effect; the US has listed the fewest casualties in five years.
KABUL, Afghanistan — The shift to Afghan security forces leading in combat and the ongoing reduction of U.S. troops here drove American combat deaths to their lowest number in five years for the first half of 2013.
“Afghan National Security Forces are primarily the units in contact with enemy forces, rather than ISAF personnel,” Lt. Tamarac Dyer, a spokeswoman for the U.S.-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) wrote in an emailed response to questions about casualties.
In the first six months of the year, 72 Americans were killed in combat in Afghanistan, according to iCasualties.org., a website that tracks military deaths. The last year when the number of dead was for the comparable period was 2008. Then, 66 Americans died from January through June, and 155 were killed in the full year. The worst year for U.S. troops was 2010, when 499 Americans died. Fatalities have totaled more than 2,200 since the war began in 2001.
The nearly 12-year-old war has had time to develop patterns, and the number of deaths in the second half of any given year have often been higher. This year, , though, insurgents will have fewer targets: U.S. troops are expected to accelerate their withdrawal after the summer, and the current force of about 68,000 troops is scheduled to be cut in half by the end of December.
With Afghans in the lead, U.S. forces’ exposure to danger also has been sharply reduced. Increasingly, U.S. troops and their NATO allies are working on large, heavily secured bases, training and mentoring Afghan security forces, rather than patrolling the countryside.
The U.S.-led international coalition has been trimming its forces in advance of the full pullout of combat troops by the end of 2014. Military advisers are expected to stay, but their number has not yet been determined.
But of course, leaving isn't easy. It is a military operation too, and requires just as much forethought and planning as an invasion. In the tiniest of comparisons, think of it like going on a trip. I just went to Nantucket with the Boy Scouts, and getting there took a number of weeks of planning by the troop leadership, the logistics of organizing the troop and all our gear to get there, and of course, all our personal gear too. But when we left....throw all my stuff in my pack, jam everything back into the troop kit, and we'll sort it all out when we get home. Withdrawing from combat on the scale of Afghanistan requires a little more effort.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE JOYCE, Afghanistan – This is what leaving looks like. This base in southern Kunar province is overrun with a mad crush of soldiers and equipment preparing to hit the long road home.
During the troop surge that began in 2010, FOB Joyce housed double the number of soldiers that have been based here in recent months. Now, as neighboring outposts have been shuttered or handed over to Afghan forces, the base is once again experiencing a surge of people and machines.
Beginning in late May, the base’s population exploded from 300 to more than 600 soldiers as four smaller com-bat outposts shut down in one month. Two companies were joined by three more, and the base’s five Security Force Assistance Teams doubled to 10.
The facility handled a similar number of soldiers during the surge ordered by President Barack Obama in 2009 involving 33,000 reinforcements that officially ended with their withdrawal in September. While there were enough buildings to house the incoming units, base officials said it took a significant effort to make them habitable again.
The units will continue to operate from Joyce until the beginning of July, when they will begin to move to larger bases on their way back to the United States. The base is scheduled to be turned over to the Afghan National Army just weeks later, said Capt. Timothy Walton, a company commander with the 1st Combat Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, and the officer in charge of preparations for the Americans’ departure.
U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters make nightly visits to the base to airlift equipment under the cover of darkness. Shipping containers too heavy to be slung under helicopters are packed into armed convoys that leave on a daily basis. About 400 to 500 containers have been moved out, and many more will come, Walton said.
“On top of all that, we are not only keeping up the advisory mission, but we are also preparing the base for the ANA,” he said. “It can be a challenge to balance the operational requirements with moving out.”
For the average soldier living and working at Joyce, the constant packing and shipping are only a few of the changes.
By late June, the base had yet to shift to serving prepackaged Meals, Ready to Eat, but lunches were restricted to sandwiches, soup and salad. Some food items often ran out.
Since May, soldiers have been tasked to take over almost all jobs that had been done by contractors, including kitchen, dining and laundry duties, as well as responsibility for running the recreation hall and Internet cafe.
In addition to the new responsibilities, the hundreds of extra people on base often mean long lines at the dining hall and generators that struggle to keep up with the additional needs.
Units take turns as food servers and laundry attendants, but more specialized jobs are often difficult to fill, Walton said. The base’s 68 generators need nearly constant attention in the scorching summer heat, but when it comes to fielding enough trained mechanics to maintain them, “we often fall short,” he said.
All the changes and close quarters have made some troops even more excited to leave when the 1st Brigade Combat Team rotates home this summer.
Staff Sgt. George Rodriguez, a member of an advisory team, said FOB Joyce is housing more soldiers than it can handle.
“All the little things may seem petty, but it adds up and you can really start getting cabin fever,” he said.
In general, Walton said, the base’s occupants have stepped into their new roles with few problems.
“There have certainly been growing pains, but I don’t think they mind when they understand the purpose of all of this,” he said.
With Independence Day in the offing, we should pause this week to ponder what our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines continue to do on a daily basis on our behalf. Perhaps we might not agree with the politics behind it all, but out there in the foxholes that matters little. "Coming Home" is no longer an abstract concept, but indeed at long last it's something tangible on the horizon.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 12:57:38
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 12:57:38
Morning mon peeps.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 12:59:10
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 12:59:10
A man is on his first visit to Boston, and he wants to try some of that delicious New England seafood that he'd long heard about. So he gets into a cab, and asks the driver,"Can you take me to where I can get scrod?" The driver replies, "I've heard that question a thousand time, but never in the pluperfect subjunctive.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 13:01:24
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 13:01:24
Did you hear about the jurisprudence fetishist? He got off on technicality.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 13:20:31
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 13:20:31
:tugs at collar: Tough room! :mops flop sweat:
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 13:58:36
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 13:58:36
Why do engineers confuse Halloween and Christmas?†A: “Because Oct. 31 = Dec. 25
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 13:58:58
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 13:58:58
Why do engineers confuse Halloween and Christmas?†A: “Because Oct. 31 = Dec. 25
Comment by 
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 14:08:08
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 14:08:08
Morning 
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:13:25
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:13:25
Hiya Mala. 
Comment by 
Scoopster on 07/02/2013 14:14:24
Scoopster on 07/02/2013 14:14:24
Mornin' all.. 
I'm very annoyed by my state assembly today. Now we can drive around with a "Choose Life" license plate on your car while you buy semi-auto rifles and extended magazines.
I'm very annoyed by my state assembly today.
Now we can drive around with a "Choose Life" license plate on your car while you buy semi-auto rifles and extended magazines.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2013 14:15:44
I hate those plates as much as I hate the stupid tea trash "don't tread on me" ones
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 14:15:44
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
I'm very annoyed by my state assembly today.
I hate those plates as much as I hate the stupid tea trash "don't tread on me" ones
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:16:08
Sounds like Florida, but with Narragansett beer, Scoop.
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:16:08
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
I'm very annoyed by my state assembly today.
Sounds like Florida, but with Narragansett beer, Scoop.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2013 14:16:55
hey
okay, so I didn't get the Halloween joke
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 14:16:55
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hiya Mala.
hey
okay, so I didn't get the Halloween joke
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:18:42
Florida has a John Lennon plate. Well actually Florida has an ass-load of specialty plates. Here's the gallery.
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:18:42
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
I'm very annoyed by my state assembly today.
I hate those plates as much as I hate the stupid tea trash "don't tread on me" ones
Florida has a John Lennon plate. Well actually Florida has an ass-load of specialty plates. Here's the gallery.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:20:55
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:20:55
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Hiya Mala.
hey
okay, so I didn't get the Halloween joke
We use the Decimal base (shorthand DEC) for our number system. Octal is another base system (shorthand OCT) if you convert Decimal 25, it is equivalent to OCT 31
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2013 14:25:33
we have a bunch too but the designs are really kind of boring - I like the one you have
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 14:25:33
Quote by Mondobubba:
I've got this one.
we have a bunch too but the designs are really kind of boring - I like the one you have
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2013 14:28:42
still flying way over my head
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 14:28:42
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Hiya Mala.
hey
okay, so I didn't get the Halloween jokeWe use the Decimal base (shorthand DEC) for our number system. Octal is another base system (shorthand OCT) if you convert Decimal 25, it is equivalent to OCT 31
still flying way over my head
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:40:29
I have it for my mom, mother-in-law and my friend Elaine.
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:40:29
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
I've got this one.
we have a bunch too but the designs are really kind of boring - I like the one you have
I have it for my mom, mother-in-law and my friend Elaine.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:44:22
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:44:22
So, where's M&D and Unca Tri? :headscratch:
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:45:53
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 14:45:53
Rene Descartes walks into a bar and proceeds to order many drinks. The bartender says to him a while later, seeing he is completely inebriated, ‘I think you’ve had enough.’ Descartes slurs, ‘I think not!’ Then he disappears.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2013 14:54:21
hard to say - Tri could be blocked at work, Raine could be having computer issues or sleeping, and Bobber could be working
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 14:54:21
Quote by Mondobubba:
So, where's M&D and Unca Tri? :headscratch:
hard to say - Tri could be blocked at work, Raine could be having computer issues or sleeping, and Bobber could be working
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 15:08:04
What is more important than 4F? Nothing if you ask me. Good friends, good times!
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 15:08:04
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
So, where's M&D and Unca Tri? :headscratch:
hard to say - Tri could be blocked at work, Raine could be having computer issues or sleeping, and Bobber could be working
What is more important than 4F? Nothing if you ask me. Good friends, good times!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/02/2013 15:12:14
Will in Chicago on 07/02/2013 15:12:14
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I hope that the transition back home from Afghanistan goes well for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
In the good news, I mentioned on the blog last night that my Virginia teaching license statement of eligibility arrived. So, I can apply for jobs with something that will give me a license upon being hired in Virginia.
TriSec, I hope that the transition back home from Afghanistan goes well for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
In the good news, I mentioned on the blog last night that my Virginia teaching license statement of eligibility arrived. So, I can apply for jobs with something that will give me a license upon being hired in Virginia.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2013 15:13:29
I know, they're such slackers
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 15:13:29
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
So, where's M&D and Unca Tri? :headscratch:
hard to say - Tri could be blocked at work, Raine could be having computer issues or sleeping, and Bobber could be working
What is more important than 4F? Nothing if you ask me. Good friends, good times!
I know, they're such slackers
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2013 15:15:19
Yay!
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 15:15:19
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I hope that the transition back home from Afghanistan goes well for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
In the good news, I mentioned on the blog last night that my Virginia teaching license statement of eligibility arrived. So, I can apply for jobs with something that will give me a license upon being hired in Virginia.
Yay!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/02/2013 15:21:37
After someone gets up later, I will scan the letter in and update a few sites. In the mean time, I am checking elsewhere.
Will in Chicago on 07/02/2013 15:21:37
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I hope that the transition back home from Afghanistan goes well for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
In the good news, I mentioned on the blog last night that my Virginia teaching license statement of eligibility arrived. So, I can apply for jobs with something that will give me a license upon being hired in Virginia.
Yay!
After someone gets up later, I will scan the letter in and update a few sites. In the mean time, I am checking elsewhere.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 15:39:58
From the Rational Wiki entry on meth. This is funny because the use Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wildside" as footnote.
Trust me, that is really funny.
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 15:39:58
Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug which causes your car to end up on blocks and your trailer to get really messy. Also referred to as "crank," "crystal meth," "glass," "ice," or "speed," its users often embark on binges lasting as long as two or three weeks, with no sleep. The crash is very painful, although a little Valium might help.
From the Rational Wiki entry on meth. This is funny because the use Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wildside" as footnote.
Trust me, that is really funny.
Comment by 
clintster on 07/02/2013 15:48:59
Awesome news, Mike! How long did the process take?
clintster on 07/02/2013 15:48:59
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I hope that the transition back home from Afghanistan goes well for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
In the good news, I mentioned on the blog last night that my Virginia teaching license statement of eligibility arrived. So, I can apply for jobs with something that will give me a license upon being hired in Virginia.
Awesome news, Mike! How long did the process take?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/02/2013 16:14:14
I applied back in early May. So, not too bad.
Will in Chicago on 07/02/2013 16:14:14
Quote by clintster:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I hope that the transition back home from Afghanistan goes well for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
In the good news, I mentioned on the blog last night that my Virginia teaching license statement of eligibility arrived. So, I can apply for jobs with something that will give me a license upon being hired in Virginia.
Awesome news, Mike! How long did the process take?
I applied back in early May. So, not too bad.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/02/2013 16:19:39
Will in Chicago on 07/02/2013 16:19:39
Quote by clintster:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I hope that the transition back home from Afghanistan goes well for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
In the good news, I mentioned on the blog last night that my Virginia teaching license statement of eligibility arrived. So, I can apply for jobs with something that will give me a license upon being hired in Virginia.
Slightly puzzled by the reference to Mike, but glad I got the license.
Awesome news, Mike! How long did the process take?
Comment by 
livingonli on 07/02/2013 16:24:40
livingonli on 07/02/2013 16:24:40
Good day, folks.
Comment by clintster on 07/02/2013 16:37:41
Awesome. And I just realized that my phone changed your name on me. AutoCorrect sicks duck.
clintster on 07/02/2013 16:37:41
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by clintster:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I hope that the transition back home from Afghanistan goes well for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
In the good news, I mentioned on the blog last night that my Virginia teaching license statement of eligibility arrived. So, I can apply for jobs with something that will give me a license upon being hired in Virginia.
Awesome news, Mike! How long did the process take?
I applied back in early May. So, not too bad.
Awesome. And I just realized that my phone changed your name on me. AutoCorrect sicks duck.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 16:43:33
Just one dick, or a bag of dicks?
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 16:43:33
Quote by clintster:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by clintster:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I hope that the transition back home from Afghanistan goes well for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
In the good news, I mentioned on the blog last night that my Virginia teaching license statement of eligibility arrived. So, I can apply for jobs with something that will give me a license upon being hired in Virginia.
Awesome news, Mike! How long did the process take?
I applied back in early May. So, not too bad.
Awesome. And I just realized that my phone changed your name on me. AutoCorrect sicks duck.
Just one dick, or a bag of dicks?
Comment by clintster on 07/02/2013 16:48:01
A whale bug of them. Syracuse, fink this shop!
clintster on 07/02/2013 16:48:01
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by clintster:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by clintster:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I hope that the transition back home from Afghanistan goes well for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
In the good news, I mentioned on the blog last night that my Virginia teaching license statement of eligibility arrived. So, I can apply for jobs with something that will give me a license upon being hired in Virginia.
Awesome news, Mike! How long did the process take?
I applied back in early May. So, not too bad.
Awesome. And I just realized that my phone changed your name on me. AutoCorrect sicks duck.
Just one dick, or a bag of dicks?
A whale bug of them. Syracuse, fink this shop!
Comment by livingonli on 07/02/2013 18:13:34
livingonli on 07/02/2013 18:13:34
Lizz is filling in for Michelangelo Signiroile on Sirius XM's OutQ channel (channel 109) today.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2013 18:32:43
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 18:32:43
Okay, now I'm starting to worry - any one heard from Raine, Bob or Tri?
Comment by 
Raine on 07/02/2013 18:36:35
Raine on 07/02/2013 18:36:35
Hey there! I'm alive.
Forgot to mention that on Friday when the blig storms blew into Alexandria, so did the winds....
When we got home Sunday Night -- it seems as tho the wind (and ensuing rains water) Blew open one of the basement windows. So -- basically it rained into the basement the entire weekend.
So today the carpet crew came in and ripped out the padding in the basement and we are waiting for the carpet to dry. It's a mess.
My mood?
The amounts of fucks I could or not give is immeasurable.
Forgot to mention that on Friday when the blig storms blew into Alexandria, so did the winds....
When we got home Sunday Night -- it seems as tho the wind (and ensuing rains water) Blew open one of the basement windows. So -- basically it rained into the basement the entire weekend.
So today the carpet crew came in and ripped out the padding in the basement and we are waiting for the carpet to dry. It's a mess.
My mood?
The amounts of fucks I could or not give is immeasurable.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2013 18:39:22
Glad to hear ya'll are okay!
Oh wow! And we had some amazing rains this past weekend. Did it ruin anything besides the rug? Doesn't your desk sit by that window?
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 18:39:22
Quote by Raine:
Hey there! I'm alive.
Forgot to mention that on Friday when the blig storms blew into Alexandria, so did the winds....
When we got home Sunday Night -- it seems as tho the wind (and ensuing rains water) Blew open one of the basement windows. So -- basically it rained into the basement the entire weekend.
So today the carpet crew came in and ripped out the padding in the basement and we are waiting for the carpet to dry. It's a mess.
My mood?
The amounts of fucks I could or not give is immeasurable.
Glad to hear ya'll are okay! Oh wow! And we had some amazing rains this past weekend. Did it ruin anything besides the rug? Doesn't your desk sit by that window?
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2013 18:42:47
It was the other window, and I lost some of my artwork, tht is about it.
My heart is broken over that. everything else is fine.
At least the basement will be super clean after this. I have to take Linda to the store, I'll be back later. Between this helping Linda while Niki was sick and then the funeral I am just spent. I am emotionally drained.
Raine on 07/02/2013 18:42:47
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Hey there! I'm alive.
Forgot to mention that on Friday when the blig storms blew into Alexandria, so did the winds....
When we got home Sunday Night -- it seems as tho the wind (and ensuing rains water) Blew open one of the basement windows. So -- basically it rained into the basement the entire weekend.
So today the carpet crew came in and ripped out the padding in the basement and we are waiting for the carpet to dry. It's a mess.
My mood?
The amounts of fucks I could or not give is immeasurable.
Oh wow! And we had some amazing rains this past weekend. Did it ruin anything besides the rug? Doesn't your desk sit by that window?
It was the other window, and I lost some of my artwork, tht is about it.
My heart is broken over that. everything else is fine.
At least the basement will be super clean after this. I have to take Linda to the store, I'll be back later. Between this helping Linda while Niki was sick and then the funeral I am just spent. I am emotionally drained.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2013 18:45:36
oh no!
Get some rest - watch something light and fluffy when you get back
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 18:45:36
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Hey there! I'm alive.
Forgot to mention that on Friday when the blig storms blew into Alexandria, so did the winds....
When we got home Sunday Night -- it seems as tho the wind (and ensuing rains water) Blew open one of the basement windows. So -- basically it rained into the basement the entire weekend.
So today the carpet crew came in and ripped out the padding in the basement and we are waiting for the carpet to dry. It's a mess.
My mood?
The amounts of fucks I could or not give is immeasurable.
Oh wow! And we had some amazing rains this past weekend. Did it ruin anything besides the rug? Doesn't your desk sit by that window?
It was the other window, and I lost some of my artwork, tht is about it.
My heart is broken over that. everything else is fine.
At least the basement will be super clean after this. I have to take Linda to the store, I'll be back later. Between this helping Linda while Niki was sick and then the funeral I am just spent. I am emotionally drained.
oh no!
Get some rest - watch something light and fluffy when you get back
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 19:22:02
Well that sucks a big garbage back of dicks. Not a fun way to spend the day.
I've had to deal with that sorta stuff myself, two words: slab leak. Not fun.
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 19:22:02
Quote by Raine:
Hey there! I'm alive.
Forgot to mention that on Friday when the blig storms blew into Alexandria, so did the winds....
When we got home Sunday Night -- it seems as tho the wind (and ensuing rains water) Blew open one of the basement windows. So -- basically it rained into the basement the entire weekend.
So today the carpet crew came in and ripped out the padding in the basement and we are waiting for the carpet to dry. It's a mess.
My mood?
The amounts of fucks I could or not give is immeasurable.
Well that sucks a big garbage back of dicks. Not a fun way to spend the day.
I've had to deal with that sorta stuff myself, two words: slab leak. Not fun.
Comment by 
BobR on 07/02/2013 19:40:47
For numbering bases, each digit represents the square of the previous digit (moving right to left), so for "normal" base 10:
1 = 1
10 = 10
100 = 10 x 10
1000 = 10 x 10 x 10
So in base 8 (Octal or "OCT" for short for the purpose of this joke), the column values are:
1 = 1
10 = 8
100 = 8 x 8 (or 64)
1000 = 8 x 8 x 8 (or 512)
so 1010 in Octal = 520 in decimal
For this joke:
Decimal 25 = (2 x 10) + (5 x 1)
Octal 31 = (3 x 8) + (1 x 1)... which is 25 in decimal...
BobR on 07/02/2013 19:40:47
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Hiya Mala.
hey
okay, so I didn't get the Halloween jokeWe use the Decimal base (shorthand DEC) for our number system. Octal is another base system (shorthand OCT) if you convert Decimal 25, it is equivalent to OCT 31
still flying way over my head
For numbering bases, each digit represents the square of the previous digit (moving right to left), so for "normal" base 10:
1 = 1
10 = 10
100 = 10 x 10
1000 = 10 x 10 x 10
So in base 8 (Octal or "OCT" for short for the purpose of this joke), the column values are:
1 = 1
10 = 8
100 = 8 x 8 (or 64)
1000 = 8 x 8 x 8 (or 512)
so 1010 in Octal = 520 in decimal
For this joke:
Decimal 25 = (2 x 10) + (5 x 1)
Octal 31 = (3 x 8) + (1 x 1)... which is 25 in decimal...
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2013 19:46:59
wow! that was a long way to go to get the joke, have I ever mention that I suck at math?
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 19:46:59
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Hiya Mala.
hey
okay, so I didn't get the Halloween jokeWe use the Decimal base (shorthand DEC) for our number system. Octal is another base system (shorthand OCT) if you convert Decimal 25, it is equivalent to OCT 31
still flying way over my head
For numbering bases, each digit represents the square of the previous digit (moving right to left), so for "normal" base 10:
1 = 1
10 = 10
100 = 10 x 10
1000 = 10 x 10 x 10
So in base 8 (Octal or "OCT" for short for the purpose of this joke), the column values are:
1 = 1
10 = 8
100 = 8 x 8 (or 64)
1000 = 8 x 8 x 8 (or 512)
so 1010 in Octal = 520 in decimal
For this joke:
Decimal 25 = (2 x 10) + (5 x 1)
Octal 31 = (3 x 8) + (1 x 1)... which is 25 in decimal...
wow! that was a long way to go to get the joke, have I ever mention that I suck at math?
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 19:57:58
Thanks, Dad!
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 19:57:58
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Hiya Mala.
hey
okay, so I didn't get the Halloween jokeWe use the Decimal base (shorthand DEC) for our number system. Octal is another base system (shorthand OCT) if you convert Decimal 25, it is equivalent to OCT 31
still flying way over my head
For numbering bases, each digit represents the square of the previous digit (moving right to left), so for "normal" base 10:
1 = 1
10 = 10
100 = 10 x 10
1000 = 10 x 10 x 10
So in base 8 (Octal or "OCT" for short for the purpose of this joke), the column values are:
1 = 1
10 = 8
100 = 8 x 8 (or 64)
1000 = 8 x 8 x 8 (or 512)
so 1010 in Octal = 520 in decimal
For this joke:
Decimal 25 = (2 x 10) + (5 x 1)
Octal 31 = (3 x 8) + (1 x 1)... which is 25 in decimal...
Thanks, Dad!
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 20:22:26
Mondobubba on 07/02/2013 20:22:26
Math nerdism killed the blog? Hell yeah! 
Comment by BobR on 07/02/2013 20:26:07
I guess I did suck all the humor out of it...
BobR on 07/02/2013 20:26:07
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Hiya Mala.
hey
okay, so I didn't get the Halloween jokeWe use the Decimal base (shorthand DEC) for our number system. Octal is another base system (shorthand OCT) if you convert Decimal 25, it is equivalent to OCT 31
still flying way over my head
For numbering bases, each digit represents the square of the previous digit (moving right to left), so for "normal" base 10:
1 = 1
10 = 10
100 = 10 x 10
1000 = 10 x 10 x 10
So in base 8 (Octal or "OCT" for short for the purpose of this joke), the column values are:
1 = 1
10 = 8
100 = 8 x 8 (or 64)
1000 = 8 x 8 x 8 (or 512)
so 1010 in Octal = 520 in decimal
For this joke:
Decimal 25 = (2 x 10) + (5 x 1)
Octal 31 = (3 x 8) + (1 x 1)... which is 25 in decimal...
wow! that was a long way to go to get the joke, have I ever mention that I suck at math?
I guess I did suck all the humor out of it...
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2013 20:32:30
Raine on 07/02/2013 20:32:30
Back... 
Good news is Linda went shopping and tomorrow she is going to grill tomorrow with her family.
Good news is Linda went shopping and tomorrow she is going to grill tomorrow with her family.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/02/2013 20:35:57
oh no you didn't there are aspects of the whole thing that are funny
wickedpam on 07/02/2013 20:35:57
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Hiya Mala.
hey
okay, so I didn't get the Halloween jokeWe use the Decimal base (shorthand DEC) for our number system. Octal is another base system (shorthand OCT) if you convert Decimal 25, it is equivalent to OCT 31
still flying way over my head
For numbering bases, each digit represents the square of the previous digit (moving right to left), so for "normal" base 10:
1 = 1
10 = 10
100 = 10 x 10
1000 = 10 x 10 x 10
So in base 8 (Octal or "OCT" for short for the purpose of this joke), the column values are:
1 = 1
10 = 8
100 = 8 x 8 (or 64)
1000 = 8 x 8 x 8 (or 512)
so 1010 in Octal = 520 in decimal
For this joke:
Decimal 25 = (2 x 10) + (5 x 1)
Octal 31 = (3 x 8) + (1 x 1)... which is 25 in decimal...
wow! that was a long way to go to get the joke, have I ever mention that I suck at math?
I guess I did suck all the humor out of it...
oh no you didn't
there are aspects of the whole thing that are funny
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2013 20:37:41
Raine on 07/02/2013 20:37:41
Dear Edward Snowden:
You are still a citizen of the USA, and a passport revocation is not a conviction. A government issues a passport and as such has the right to revoke them. Perhaps you would have preferred a bilateral revocation?
Signed Raine
No really:
You are still a citizen of the USA, and a passport revocation is not a conviction. A government issues a passport and as such has the right to revoke them. Perhaps you would have preferred a bilateral revocation?
Signed Raine
No really:
"Although I am convicted of nothing, it has unilaterally revoked my passport, leaving me a stateless person. Without any judicial order, the administration now seeks to stop me exercising a basic right. A right that belongs to everybody. The right to seek asylum."
Comment by Raine on 07/02/2013 20:39:26
Oh and one more thing, Mr. Snowden -- you and you alone chose to go to Russia:
He placed himself on the cross and now wants the world to take him down.
Raine on 07/02/2013 20:39:26
Quote by Raine:
Dear Edward Snowden:
You are still a citizen of the USA, and a passport revocation is not a conviction. A government issues a passport and as such has the right to revoke them. Perhaps you would have preferred a bilateral revocation?
Signed Raine
No really:"Although I am convicted of nothing, it has unilaterally revoked my passport, leaving me a stateless person. Without any judicial order, the administration now seeks to stop me exercising a basic right. A right that belongs to everybody. The right to seek asylum."
"This kind of deception from a world leader is not justice, and neither is the extralegal penalty of exile," Snowden stated. "These are the old, bad tools of political aggression. Their purpose is to frighten, not me, but those who would come after me."