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Ask A Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 11/05/2013 11:18:30
Good Morning.
Today is our 4,412th 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:
We find this morning's Cost of War passing through:
$ 1, 486, 409, 725, 000 .00
We will start today in Afghanistan. With a nickname of "Graveyard of Empires", they've had a long history of destroying and humiliating bigger, better, and more powerful enemies. Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and now We have learned this lesson by hard default. But Afghanistan has an even older enemy, and it's one from within. It's rarely been talked about, but it's never gone away...and it's appearance is one of surprising beauty.
Yes, it is the humble poppy. More have been lost to the product of this plant in Afghanistan than in any war, or so I say. (Hey, it works for Fox.)
While this one isn't our legacy, it's just part of the greater misery that is Afghanistan. We complain about being at war for over a decade; they've been at this for over a century.
But since this is ostensibly a column about American veterans, let's check in on our guys and see what's going on. Many troops returning from war have memories that they don't want; my own departed uncle never told us about some of the things that he did during the big one, and I only heard some of the stories after his passing, but I digress. Perhaps the hardest thing soldiers can do is to talk about their experiences....many programs have been put in place to help with PTSD and other things, but perhaps one of the most innovative is outdoor therapy along the Appalachian Trail.
Finally this morning, have you noticed the calendar? I shouldn't have to tell you that holiday planning is in full swing...Jack Skellington has done his bit, and now Santa stands at the ready! Oh, and there's some thing in the place with the turkey and the flaven. It pains me to have to report that some military families are looking at scaling back or skipping Thanksgiving entirely. Not because their loved ones are away, but because they can't afford it. It's something we tend not to think about; bachelor officers live in the barracks and get three squares a day, but once they're married and have a family, shouldn't they get a living wage, too?
Don't forget to vote today.....and don't forget about Veteran's Day next Monday!
Today is our 4,412th 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:
We find this morning's Cost of War passing through:
We will start today in Afghanistan. With a nickname of "Graveyard of Empires", they've had a long history of destroying and humiliating bigger, better, and more powerful enemies. Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and now We have learned this lesson by hard default. But Afghanistan has an even older enemy, and it's one from within. It's rarely been talked about, but it's never gone away...and it's appearance is one of surprising beauty.
Yes, it is the humble poppy. More have been lost to the product of this plant in Afghanistan than in any war, or so I say. (Hey, it works for Fox.)
...Herat’s heroin highway begins in Iran, where tens of thousands of impoverished Afghans go to seek work every year. Grinding labor, long hours and the sorrow of being separated from families, coupled with cheap, easily available heroin, lead many to start using. Some addicts say their Iranian employers even encourage drug use to create a more pliable workforce.
The drug trade runs both ways, down 80 miles of asphalt that lead from Herat to the Iranian border. Opium comes from Afghanistan, but precursor chemicals, used to produce heroin, also come from Iran for use in labs deep in Taliban-held territory, according to Herat province counternarcotics chief Ghulam Jailani Daqiq. Daqiq said more than 40 percent of the illegal drugs smuggled out of Afghanistan crosses the Iranian border, then continues on to Turkey and Europe.
The human cost of the trade, he said, can be seen in the migrant workers who often come back to Afghanistan broke and hooked.
“Unfortunately, they went to Iran to find work, and the only thing they brought back was addiction,” Daqiq said.
Funding has not kept pace with the problems, according to local doctors and government officials. Addicts face long waiting lists to get into treatment programs in Herat province, which has just 275 beds in eight detoxification clinics. There is also a lack of qualified doctors. Part of the problem is a centralized Kabul administration far removed from distant provinces like Herat, Wahidi said.
“People making policy in the center don’t know local problems,” he said.
The lucky few who get treatment face a tough 45-day regimen, quitting cold turkey and dealing with the horrors of withdrawal with only basic medicine to treat symptoms (Afghan clinics do not use methodone). The program is followed up with six months of outpatient treatment.
At a 50-bed clinic down a dirt side street in Herat, recovering addicts, almost all of whom were using heroin or other opiates, are put through a combination of motivational meetings, boot camp and detox. Many of the basic duties at the clinic, such as cooking and cleaning, are divided up among patients, all of whom are confined to the premises except for tightly supervised weekly outings into the city.
They wear the same navy blue tunics, all sport short haircuts (discipline, routine and a neat appearance are pillars of the treatment), and most have similar personal stories. A search for a living in Iran turned into a nightmare of addiction.
On the first floor, newer patients still dealing with withdrawal symptoms shuffle through the neatly kept rooms, getting checkups and resting much of the day. On a recent visit, one brand-new arrival lay curled on a bed, staring at the wall, seemingly paralyzed by withdrawal. The atmosphere lightens on the upper floors, where patients have made it past withdrawal and are in the latter stages of inpatient treatment — they do chores and play foosball in a game room.
Part of the treatment is getting addicts to speak openly about their struggles. Najibullah, a 46-year-old father of 12, said he used heroin for 25 years before coming to the clinic. He went broke and sold his property and his family fruit farm to feed his drug habit.
“I was tired of it, my heart was tired of it, my wife and kids were unhappy with me,” he said. “I lost everything.”...
While this one isn't our legacy, it's just part of the greater misery that is Afghanistan. We complain about being at war for over a decade; they've been at this for over a century.
But since this is ostensibly a column about American veterans, let's check in on our guys and see what's going on. Many troops returning from war have memories that they don't want; my own departed uncle never told us about some of the things that he did during the big one, and I only heard some of the stories after his passing, but I digress. Perhaps the hardest thing soldiers can do is to talk about their experiences....many programs have been put in place to help with PTSD and other things, but perhaps one of the most innovative is outdoor therapy along the Appalachian Trail.
You can try alcohol or drugs — prescription or otherwise — to quell your feelings and tame your nightmares, or retreat to a dark basement and live like a recluse to cope. A shocking number have taken their lives.
“In the military, you learn to flip mental switches. You go from life in a normal society to life on the battlefield, and with every deployment, that switch can begin to short circuit,” says former Marine Capt. Sean Gobin.
The Veterans Affairs Department says 20 percent of returning veterans have post-traumatic stress. Instead of throwing medication at the problem, one group of veterans turned to the Appalachian Trail for a decidedly different therapeutic regimen.
After Gobin returned home from his third combat deployment, he went for a walk — a long walk — along the 2,186 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. As he followed the white-painted blazes from Georgia to Maine, he says he was walking the war out of his system and preparing for a new life outside of the military.
The Appalachian through-hiker, Earl Shaffer, did the same thing in 1948 after returning from World War II.
Gobin completed his own trek, then created the Warrior Hike “Walk Off the War” program, partnering with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to support combat veterans as they attempt to hike the trail’s entire length.
Last March, 14 Warrior Hikers left Springer Mountain, Ga., with their eyes set on reaching Mount Katahdin in Maine six months later.
They represented all four military branches, women and men ages 26 to 50. They received equipment and supplies needed to complete the hike, plus town support from veterans and hiking organizations along the trail and help with job opportunities upon completion of the hike.
On the trail, the Warrior Hikers scaled peaks, traversed ridges and forded streams as they hauled their bodies and packs across 14 states. They endured the typical long-distance hiking challenges — sore knees, deep snow in the southern mountains, intense heat waves and long rainy stretches. But they also struggled with appendicitis, kidney stones, sprained ankles and norovirus.
“I think back on many of the climbs I did in the Marine Corps — 25-mile death marches, walking until I thought my feet would fall off,” said retired Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Steve Clendenning. “But I did not do it every day like the trail. This was harder.”
Finally this morning, have you noticed the calendar? I shouldn't have to tell you that holiday planning is in full swing...Jack Skellington has done his bit, and now Santa stands at the ready! Oh, and there's some thing in the place with the turkey and the flaven. It pains me to have to report that some military families are looking at scaling back or skipping Thanksgiving entirely. Not because their loved ones are away, but because they can't afford it. It's something we tend not to think about; bachelor officers live in the barracks and get three squares a day, but once they're married and have a family, shouldn't they get a living wage, too?
About two out of three middle-class military families plan to scale back their Thanksgiving celebrations this year out of economic concerns, according to a survey by a corporation that assists troops with financial planning.
The survey by Texas-based First Command Financial Services tracked this response from 62 percent of commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers at staff sergeant rank and higher — a nine-point increase over a similar poll last year.
A battery of economic threats for the military have emerged this year including the recent government shutdown, debates over raising the debt ceiling, cutbacks known as sequestration and plans to downsize the military.
The families cited several ways of being more frugal this year. Some 29 percent vowed to reduce traveling, 23 percent would stick to a set budget and 22 percent said they would spend less on food.
“We have seen a drop in feelings of financial security month to month and a drop in confidence in the ability to retire comfortably,” says Scott Spiker, First Command CEO.
Don't forget to vote today.....and don't forget about Veteran's Day next Monday!
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Raine on 11/05/2013 13:49:48
Raine on 11/05/2013 13:49:48
Good Morning! 
Back from voting! I was very happy to see that we had to wait about 5-7 minutes before we could vote. Turnout looked pretty good from our poling station!!
I almost wrote in Bobr for Sheriff....
Back from voting! I was very happy to see that we had to wait about 5-7 minutes before we could vote. Turnout looked pretty good from our poling station!!
I almost wrote in Bobr for Sheriff....
Comment by 
wickedpam on 11/05/2013 14:11:07
wickedpam on 11/05/2013 14:11:07
Morning 
I have Voted!
I have Voted!
Comment by 
TriSec on 11/05/2013 14:12:41
TriSec on 11/05/2013 14:12:41
Hi all. Happily voted - #2 in my precinct this morning.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 11/05/2013 14:13:12
Scoopster on 11/05/2013 14:13:12
Mornin' all.. 
I have voted today as well, although I don't think online polls count.
I have voted today as well, although I don't think online polls count.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 14:14:22
I really pray that after today we'll never hear from Cuccinelli again.
Raine on 11/05/2013 14:14:22
We already know that Ron Paul's an extremist bigot (anti-Semite, racist, homophobe, etc.). Here he talks about states being able to nullify federal law, thus taking us back to the leadup to the Civil War. Paul also claims that the 2nd Amendment is all about being able to fight back against the "overbearing federal government," not about "shooting rabbits." On and on with the insanity. "Get rid of every tax." (so much for roads, schools, the military, police, firefighters, etc.) He also says that taxes involved in Obamacare are "evil." Another gem: "Those who want big government are authoritarians; they believe in the use of force and they believe they're all wise."
P.S. Note Ken Cuccinelli and Republican Party of Virginia chair Pat Mullins standing right behind Paul and nodding/clapping at all this insanity and extremism. That really says it all. As Brian Coy of the DPVA points out, this video shows "just how far off the Tea Party deep end the Republican ticket has fallen in the closing hours of this campaign. Virginia needs mainstream leadership that's focused on jobs, not on nullification rants and bizarre conspiracy theories."
I really pray that after today we'll never hear from Cuccinelli again.
Comment by 
BobR on 11/05/2013 14:20:51
I'm your worst nightmare - a hippie with a badge...
BobR on 11/05/2013 14:20:51
Quote by Raine:
Good Morning!
Back from voting! I was very happy to see that we had to wait about 5-7 minutes before we could vote. Turnout looked pretty good from our poling station!!
I almost wrote in Bobr for Sheriff....
I'm your worst nightmare - a hippie with a badge...
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 14:23:30
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 14:23:30
oh look at all you guys exercising your right of franchise unimpeded. :sniffle:
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 14:31:10
Raine on 11/05/2013 14:31:10
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
Good Morning!
Back from voting! I was very happy to see that we had to wait about 5-7 minutes before we could vote. Turnout looked pretty good from our poling station!!
I almost wrote in Bobr for Sheriff....
I'm your worst nightmare - a hippie with a badge...
Comment by Scoopster on 11/05/2013 14:32:46
You know that reminds me.. we have fuckin' Voter ID here in Rhode Island, and it goes into effect next year.
Scoopster on 11/05/2013 14:32:46
Quote by Mondobubba:
oh look at all you guys exercising your right of franchise unimpeded. :sniffle:
You know that reminds me.. we have fuckin' Voter ID here in Rhode Island, and it goes into effect next year.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 14:35:13
Raine on 11/05/2013 14:35:13
Quote by Mondobubba:
oh look at all you guys exercising your right of franchise unimpeded. :sniffle:
Comment by TriSec on 11/05/2013 14:37:53
TriSec on 11/05/2013 14:37:53
Except I'm sorry to report my voting experience this morning.
I waltzed in to the polling station, greeted the workers that I knew, we chattered briefly about the races, then I rattled off my street and last name.
I was handed a paper ballot and a marker, I filled in the circles, then gave them my street and last name again before hand-feeding the sheet into the machine.
I missed the photo ID, fingerprinting, witness, affidavit, and trans-vaginal ultrasound in order to vote.
Again, I'm sorry.
I waltzed in to the polling station, greeted the workers that I knew, we chattered briefly about the races, then I rattled off my street and last name.
I was handed a paper ballot and a marker, I filled in the circles, then gave them my street and last name again before hand-feeding the sheet into the machine.
I missed the photo ID, fingerprinting, witness, affidavit, and trans-vaginal ultrasound in order to vote.
Again, I'm sorry.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2013 14:38:15
ours does too - this is the last year I'll only use my voter id card to vote sadly
wickedpam on 11/05/2013 14:38:15
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Mondobubba:
oh look at all you guys exercising your right of franchise unimpeded. :sniffle:
You know that reminds me.. we have fuckin' Voter ID here in Rhode Island, and it goes into effect next year.
ours does too - this is the last year I'll only use my voter id card to vote sadly
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 14:38:34
Raine on 11/05/2013 14:38:34
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 14:40:25
Damn Commie!
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 14:40:25
Quote by TriSec:
Except I'm sorry to report my voting experience this morning.
I waltzed in to the polling station, greeted the workers that I knew, we chattered briefly about the races, then I rattled off my street and last name.
I was handed a paper ballot and a marker, I filled in the circles, then gave them my street and last name again before hand-feeding the sheet into the machine.
I missed the photo ID, fingerprinting, witness, affidavit, and trans-vaginal ultrasound in order to vote.
Again, I'm sorry.
Damn Commie!
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2013 14:41:28
wickedpam on 11/05/2013 14:41:28
Sad thing is that is looks like the state house is going to go more crazy repub thanks to the heavy repub districts in the south and west of the state.
Comment by BobR on 11/05/2013 14:45:11
They'll need veto-override numbers if McAullife makes it in.
BobR on 11/05/2013 14:45:11
Quote by wickedpam:
Sad thing is that is looks like the state house is going to go more crazy repub thanks to the heavy repub districts in the south and west of the state.
They'll need veto-override numbers if McAullife makes it in.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2013 14:46:32
true - not sure they'll get that many
right now I'd be happy to have Bob Marshall and Jackson Miller gone.
wickedpam on 11/05/2013 14:46:32
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
Sad thing is that is looks like the state house is going to go more crazy repub thanks to the heavy repub districts in the south and west of the state.
They'll need veto-override numbers if McAullife makes it in.
true - not sure they'll get that many
right now I'd be happy to have Bob Marshall and Jackson Miller gone.
Comment by TriSec on 11/05/2013 14:56:36
TriSec on 11/05/2013 14:56:36
Changing gears, being in the healthcare industry in Massachusetts, I get the dispatches from the Mass Health Connector. This may interest you all:
And:
Thanks, Romney?????
Open Enrollment Update
• As of October 31st, we have received a total of:
o 38,055 applications initiated and 13,069 applications e-signed
o 65,610 total calls received
o 98,063,988 total website hits and 6,088,536 page views
o 422,482 total unique visitors
• As of October 29th we have received 69 dental applications
And:
Update on Commonwealth Care Transition Efforts
Beginning Monday, November 4th, Commonwealth Care members who need to reapply for new coverage will begin receiving the attached notice informing them that the program is ending December 31st, 2013. Please note these notices will be sent using a staggered approach, Monday through Friday between November 4th and December 2nd.
As you know, the Commonwealth Care population that must reapply includes the following:
• All individuals ages 19-20, with income 155.1-300% FPL;
• Citizens and Qualified Aliens, above age 21, with income 138.1-300% FPL; and
• Aliens with Special Status, above age 21, with income 0-300% FPL.
Members who fall outside of the above criteria will be automatically transitioned into MassHealth and will not receive a termination notice. Instead, this population will be sent an upgrade notification during the month of December. They do not need to reapply.
Thanks, Romney?????
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 15:08:46
Raine on 11/05/2013 15:08:46
Thanks Obama -- I love this skit!
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 15:17:27
keep an eye on this open thread throughout the day.
Raine on 11/05/2013 15:17:27
Quote by wickedpam:
Sad thing is that is looks like the state house is going to go more crazy repub thanks to the heavy repub districts in the south and west of the state.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 15:21:07
Raine on 11/05/2013 15:21:07
â€@PostRoz
With caveats about notoriously unreliable Election Day anecdotal reports: poll reports suggest turnout may not be as dismal as some thought.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2013 15:24:22
will do
wickedpam on 11/05/2013 15:24:22
Quote by Raine:keep an eye on this open thread throughout the day.Quote by wickedpam:
Sad thing is that is looks like the state house is going to go more crazy repub thanks to the heavy repub districts in the south and west of the state.
will do
Comment by Scoopster on 11/05/2013 15:31:18
Scoopster on 11/05/2013 15:31:18
Comment by TriSec on 11/05/2013 15:31:52
Seriously, somebody needs to sue that fuck.
TriSec on 11/05/2013 15:31:52
Quote by Scoopster:
Rand Paul caught plagiarizing for the third AND fourth time.
Seriously, somebody needs to sue that fuck.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 15:35:30
I don't think Rand Paul is all that bright.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 15:35:30
Quote by Scoopster:
Rand Paul caught plagiarizing for the third AND fourth time.
I don't think Rand Paul is all that bright.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 15:37:34
Can't remember where I wrote it but I believe the number is now 8 instances.
Raine on 11/05/2013 15:37:34
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Scoopster:
Rand Paul caught plagiarizing for the third AND fourth time.
Seriously, somebody needs to sue that fuck.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 15:38:04
Come on, at least we found something he's good at.
Raine on 11/05/2013 15:38:04
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
Rand Paul caught plagiarizing for the third AND fourth time.
I don't think Rand Paul is all that bright.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2013 15:38:42
didn't you have a bunch in yesterday's blog?
wickedpam on 11/05/2013 15:38:42
Quote by Raine:Can't remember where I wrote it but I believe the number is now 8 instances.Quote by TriSec:Quote by Scoopster:
Rand Paul caught plagiarizing for the third AND fourth time.
Seriously, somebody needs to sue that fuck.
didn't you have a bunch in yesterday's blog?
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 15:42:20
New ones have come out this morning:
Raine on 11/05/2013 15:42:20
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Can't remember where I wrote it but I believe the number is now 8 instances.Quote by TriSec:Quote by Scoopster:
Rand Paul caught plagiarizing for the third AND fourth time.
Seriously, somebody needs to sue that fuck.
didn't you have a bunch in yesterday's blog?
In an op-ed article he wrote for The Washington Times in September on mandatory minimum prison sentences, Mr. Paul, a Republican, appears to have copied language from an essay that had previously run in The Week magazine.
That article, written by Dan Stewart, an editor for The Week, included this sentence: “America now jails a higher percentage of its citizens than any other country, including China and Iran, at the staggering cost of $80 billion a year.†It was posted to the web on Sept. 14.
On Sept. 20, Mr. Paul wrote this: “America now jails a higher percentage of its citizens than any other country, including China and Iran, at the staggering cost of $80 billion a year.â€
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 15:43:07
OOps, the buzzfeed article is the same issue. I have try to find what I read earlier.
Raine on 11/05/2013 15:43:07
Quote by Raine:New ones have come out this morning:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Can't remember where I wrote it but I believe the number is now 8 instances.Quote by TriSec:Quote by Scoopster:
Rand Paul caught plagiarizing for the third AND fourth time.
Seriously, somebody needs to sue that fuck.
didn't you have a bunch in yesterday's blog?In an op-ed article he wrote for The Washington Times in September on mandatory minimum prison sentences, Mr. Paul, a Republican, appears to have copied language from an essay that had previously run in The Week magazine.
That article, written by Dan Stewart, an editor for The Week, included this sentence: “America now jails a higher percentage of its citizens than any other country, including China and Iran, at the staggering cost of $80 billion a year.†It was posted to the web on Sept. 14.
On Sept. 20, Mr. Paul wrote this: “America now jails a higher percentage of its citizens than any other country, including China and Iran, at the staggering cost of $80 billion a year.â€
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 15:44:12
So he's good at being a dumb-ass we knew that already. Give him a participation ribbon.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 15:44:12
Quote by Raine:Come on, at least we found something he's good at.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
Rand Paul caught plagiarizing for the third AND fourth time.
I don't think Rand Paul is all that bright.
So he's good at being a dumb-ass we knew that already. Give him a participation ribbon.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 15:49:03
Raine on 11/05/2013 15:49:03
You know, Rand Paul is truly starting to look like his TOTALLY not racist father who totally never knew anything that was written in his newsletters.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 15:54:44
Apple doesn't fall far from not-taking-any-personal-responsibility tree.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 15:54:44
Quote by Raine:
You know, Rand Paul is truly starting to look like his TOTALLY not racist father who totally never knew anything that was written in his newsletters.
Apple doesn't fall far from not-taking-any-personal-responsibility tree.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 15:59:14
Raine on 11/05/2013 15:59:14
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 16:03:41
Raine on 11/05/2013 16:03:41
There are 5 here in this graphic -- plus todays revelation: 
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 11/05/2013 16:04:30
It appears he represents his constituency, people like Hal Sparks notwithstanding - low / no information voters.
Is that insulting enough?
trojanrabbit on 11/05/2013 16:04:30
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
Rand Paul caught plagiarizing for the third AND fourth time.
I don't think Rand Paul is all that bright.
It appears he represents his constituency, people like Hal Sparks notwithstanding - low / no information voters.
Is that insulting enough?
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 16:11:13
Raine on 11/05/2013 16:11:13
This caller can't be for real.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2013 16:12:03
wickedpam on 11/05/2013 16:12:03
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2013 16:13:46
wickedpam on 11/05/2013 16:13:46
oh dear, accidental comedy gold
erhmagawd
erhmagawd
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 16:15:33
Raine on 11/05/2013 16:15:33
He's an asshole -- and I cannot believe that they are going to reelect this horrible, nasty, abrasive excuse for a man. 
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 16:16:36
Can I get a herpderp.
Raine on 11/05/2013 16:16:36
Quote by wickedpam:
oh dear, accidental comedy gold
erhmagawd
Comment by trojanrabbit on 11/05/2013 16:17:53
trojanrabbit on 11/05/2013 16:17:53
So I loaded some movies (including her favorite, Rudy) and some other shows onto Mrs Rabbit's Kindle and I brought them to her last night so we could watch together. No real attention span, after a few minutes she was done. Oh well, I tried.
Came home last night to all the PCs off and my string lighting that runs around the entertainment center, down the hall and into the bedroom dark. Must have had a power failure during the day. Since I got the new Despison router, I can't seem to get all of the wireless stuff working. Neither our Kindles or the wife's laptop or the printer. Got something to do with the encryption, no encryption - fine. WEP - fine. WAP - forget it. Somehow got the Kindles to work, but still no printer. Guess I'll just have to hard wire it.
Couldn't get the lighting to work either. Looks like its MicroSD card that holds the light show got blasted. At least I hope that's all that happened, the project engineer wasn't in today to check the light controller out. I've got a string of lights around the entertainment center that changes colors through 8 colors, then one light chases down the hallway that sometimes a cat will chase, the bedroom lights have a color twinkle effect. Just enough background light at night. I missed it last night.
Came home last night to all the PCs off and my string lighting that runs around the entertainment center, down the hall and into the bedroom dark. Must have had a power failure during the day. Since I got the new Despison router, I can't seem to get all of the wireless stuff working. Neither our Kindles or the wife's laptop or the printer. Got something to do with the encryption, no encryption - fine. WEP - fine. WAP - forget it. Somehow got the Kindles to work, but still no printer. Guess I'll just have to hard wire it.
Couldn't get the lighting to work either. Looks like its MicroSD card that holds the light show got blasted. At least I hope that's all that happened, the project engineer wasn't in today to check the light controller out. I've got a string of lights around the entertainment center that changes colors through 8 colors, then one light chases down the hallway that sometimes a cat will chase, the bedroom lights have a color twinkle effect. Just enough background light at night. I missed it last night.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 16:27:43
You can't seem to catch a break, Rabbit!
At least she's got the kindle, even if it is for a just a few moments.
Raine on 11/05/2013 16:27:43
Quote by trojanrabbit:
So I loaded some movies (including her favorite, Rudy) and some other shows onto Mrs Rabbit's Kindle and I brought them to her last night so we could watch together. No real attention span, after a few minutes she was done. Oh well, I tried.
Came home last night to all the PCs off and my string lighting that runs around the entertainment center, down the hall and into the bedroom dark. Must have had a power failure during the day. Since I got the new Despison router, I can't seem to get all of the wireless stuff working. Neither our Kindles or the wife's laptop or the printer. Got something to do with the encryption, no encryption - fine. WEP - fine. WAP - forget it. Somehow got the Kindles to work, but still no printer. Guess I'll just have to hard wire it.
Couldn't get the lighting to work either. Looks like its MicroSD card that holds the light show got blasted. At least I hope that's all that happened, the project engineer wasn't in today to check the light controller out. I've got a string of lights around the entertainment center that changes colors through 8 colors, then one light chases down the hallway that sometimes a cat will chase, the bedroom lights have a color twinkle effect. Just enough background light at night. I missed it last night.
At least she's got the kindle, even if it is for a just a few moments.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 16:35:59
Raine on 11/05/2013 16:35:59
They are going to post the audio to the ermergerhd *hack * herp derp caller!
Comment by BobR on 11/05/2013 16:43:33
This is encouraging:
BobR on 11/05/2013 16:43:33
Quote by Raine:
Election live blog
This is encouraging:
Ebony Strange, 35, doesn’t like Ken Cuccinelli’s strong anti-abortion positions, or the efforts by some in Virginia’s Republican Party to limit certain types of contraception. Those stances and other women’s issues, she said, were the main reasons she voted a straight Democratic ticket.
“Who are the American people you’re trying to talk to?†Strange asked rhetorically, during an interview outside the River Oaks precinct in heavily Democratic eastern Prince William County.
Thelma Dodson, a 77 year-old retiree voting in Sterling, several miles to the north, echoed Strange’s statements.
Dodson, who brought her grandson to vote for the first time at Claude Moore Recreation Center, wore a hat decorated with the names and pictures of the Democratic candidates. She was supporting Terry McAuliffe, she said, because women’s rights are of utmost importance to her.
“Cuccinelli shouldn’t be in women’s bedrooms or their medical care,†Dodson said. “That’s for women to decide for themselves.â€
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 16:54:12
This was very cool too!
Raine on 11/05/2013 16:54:12
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
Election live blog
This is encouraging:Ebony Strange, 35, doesn’t like Ken Cuccinelli’s strong anti-abortion positions, or the efforts by some in Virginia’s Republican Party to limit certain types of contraception. Those stances and other women’s issues, she said, were the main reasons she voted a straight Democratic ticket.
“Who are the American people you’re trying to talk to?†Strange asked rhetorically, during an interview outside the River Oaks precinct in heavily Democratic eastern Prince William County.
Thelma Dodson, a 77 year-old retiree voting in Sterling, several miles to the north, echoed Strange’s statements.
Dodson, who brought her grandson to vote for the first time at Claude Moore Recreation Center, wore a hat decorated with the names and pictures of the Democratic candidates. She was supporting Terry McAuliffe, she said, because women’s rights are of utmost importance to her.
“Cuccinelli shouldn’t be in women’s bedrooms or their medical care,†Dodson said. “That’s for women to decide for themselves.â€
Earlier this year, Takoma Park became the first community in the nation to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in municipal elections. Today is the first such election since the change, and officials say about 90 16- and 17-year-olds have registered to cast their ballots.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 16:59:44
Raine on 11/05/2013 16:59:44
Ted Cruz is a Cubanadian!
Comment by 
livingonli on 11/05/2013 17:03:44
livingonli on 11/05/2013 17:03:44
Good day, folks. Staggered out of bed and this is the first year voting in my new location. Some state ballot questions and the local Suffolk Country-Huntington Township races here.
Comment by livingonli on 11/05/2013 17:05:34
livingonli on 11/05/2013 17:05:34
I have a few local seats with only one candidate on the ballot running unopposed who's endorsed by every political party (running as both R and D).
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 17:12:30
I can't stand when that happens!
Glad you voted !!!
Raine on 11/05/2013 17:12:30
Quote by livingonli:
I have a few local seats with only one candidate on the ballot running unopposed who's endorsed by every political party (running as both R and D).
I can't stand when that happens!
Glad you voted !!!
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 17:14:49
Raine on 11/05/2013 17:14:49
More good news:
In Fairfax, similar numbers to last year
In Fairfax, voter turnout at some precincts matched the numbers seen during last year’s election.
About 600 voters had come through the Chain Bridge precinct by 10:30 a.m., about the same as last year, said David Lynn Rampy, chief election officer at the precinct. He predicted turnout might be around 30 percent.
Shortly before noon at the Langley precinct, chief election officer Amanda Romana Bridges said they had seen about 500 voters, similar to last year.
“It’s been steady,†she said.
Comment by TriSec on 11/05/2013 17:26:17
TriSec on 11/05/2013 17:26:17
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 17:28:30
Lawyers have to do some shitty things sometimes.
Raine on 11/05/2013 17:28:30
Quote by TriSec:
Her client's actions? You mean this is a woman defending this?
<-- mind boggles.
Comment by livingonli on 11/05/2013 17:34:39
I haven't voted yet, but I will. I only woke up at 11 AM.
livingonli on 11/05/2013 17:34:39
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
I have a few local seats with only one candidate on the ballot running unopposed who's endorsed by every political party (running as both R and D).
I can't stand when that happens!
Glad you voted !!!
I haven't voted yet, but I will. I only woke up at 11 AM.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 17:38:54
OH! Well get hopping kimosabe!
Raine on 11/05/2013 17:38:54
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
I have a few local seats with only one candidate on the ballot running unopposed who's endorsed by every political party (running as both R and D).
I can't stand when that happens!
Glad you voted !!!
I haven't voted yet, but I will. I only woke up at 11 AM.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 17:58:14
Raine on 11/05/2013 17:58:14
Got this from a Dem campaign operative in the Hampton Roads area
"Largest dem precincts in Hampton roads were above 60 percent of 2009 turnout by noon. Good signs."
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2013 18:03:40
wickedpam on 11/05/2013 18:03:40
so about the people who want to secede and form a North Colorado - do we as a United States even want a North Colorado? I mean to we even need one? Then again if they succeed can we have a state of Northern Virginia?
Comment by TriSec on 11/05/2013 18:11:04
I'll not quote the gentleman from Florida on this, but it is in the Constitution - a state cannot split up into two or more states. This one is dead on arrival.
Unless they want war, of course.
TriSec on 11/05/2013 18:11:04
Quote by wickedpam:
so about the people who want to secede and form a North Colorado - do we as a United States even want a North Colorado? I mean to we even need one? Then again if they succeed can we have a state of Northern Virginia?
I'll not quote the gentleman from Florida on this, but it is in the Constitution - a state cannot split up into two or more states. This one is dead on arrival.
Unless they want war, of course.
Comment by TriSec on 11/05/2013 18:13:25
TriSec on 11/05/2013 18:13:25
Here it is, IV-3:
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2013 18:34:59
dang it!
wickedpam on 11/05/2013 18:34:59
Quote by TriSec:Quote by wickedpam:
so about the people who want to secede and form a North Colorado - do we as a United States even want a North Colorado? I mean to we even need one? Then again if they succeed can we have a state of Northern Virginia?
I'll not quote the gentleman from Florida on this, but it is in the Constitution - a state cannot split up into two or more states. This one is dead on arrival.
Unless they want war, of course.
dang it!
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 18:44:06
Like West Virginia.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 18:44:06
Quote by TriSec:
Here it is, IV-3:
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
Like West Virginia.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 18:45:40
without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
Colorado splitting is pretty dead on arrival.
Raine on 11/05/2013 18:45:40
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Here it is, IV-3:
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
Like West Virginia.
Colorado splitting is pretty dead on arrival.
Comment by TriSec on 11/05/2013 18:54:06
TriSec on 11/05/2013 18:54:06
The Constitution does not specify whether or not the other 49 states can get together and expel someone, though.
(West Virginia - note the previous reference to war.)
(West Virginia - note the previous reference to war.)
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 19:02:29
Lotsa crazy in this #Virginia twitter stream. I understand it's to be expected but things like this:
What?
The fuh does these even mean? 
But this.... THIS is my favorite:
Raine on 11/05/2013 19:02:29
Lotsa crazy in this #Virginia twitter stream. I understand it's to be expected but things like this:
@TheSoulfulVixen @mikeyb310 Don't Let THEM Detroit #Virginia ad: http://bit.ly/18vZZsx < POWERFUL anti-McAuliffe ad! #TeaParty
What? #Virginia Voters need to know Governors cannot overturn decisions of the #SupremeCourt or ban #FDAapproved drugs @TerryMcAuliffe #MISPOKE!
But this.... THIS is my favorite:
â€@randyalanhump 15m
The #GOPEstablishment is secretly blocking #Cuccinelli in #Virginia. #Conservatives #letsroll! Vote for #Cuccinelli!
Comment by BobR on 11/05/2013 19:08:26
The GOP establishment in VA decided to forgo primaries this year and hand-picked the Cooch. So putting him on the ballot is somehow secretly blocking him?
wut?
BobR on 11/05/2013 19:08:26
Quote by Raine:
But this.... THIS is my favorite:â€@randyalanhump 15m
The #GOPEstablishment is secretly blocking #Cuccinelli in #Virginia. #Conservatives #letsroll! Vote for #Cuccinelli!
The GOP establishment in VA decided to forgo primaries this year and hand-picked the Cooch. So putting him on the ballot is somehow secretly blocking him?
wut?
Comment by BobR on 11/05/2013 19:10:19
Is it just me, or does Big Al look a LOT like the backward-talking Dancing Man from Twin Peaks?
BobR on 11/05/2013 19:10:19
Quote by Raine:
Might have to go here!
Is it just me, or does Big Al look a LOT like the backward-talking Dancing Man from Twin Peaks?
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 19:44:25
Just looked up how West Virginia became a state. They didn't exactly follow the Constitution.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 19:44:25
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Here it is, IV-3:
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
Like West Virginia.
Just looked up how West Virginia became a state. They didn't exactly follow the Constitution.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 19:44:57
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 19:44:57
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
Might have to go here!
Is it just me, or does Big Al look a LOT like the backward-talking Dancing Man from Twin Peaks?
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 20:03:42
I've heard the Cooch or one of his surrogates spout that Detroit line. If I recall, on of those surrogates was Bobby "Kenneth The Page" Jindel. What does that mean? I dunno.
The one from McAuliffe on The Cooch and the sodomy thing. But still not very coherent.
The last one is just a friggin hoot!
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 20:03:42
Quote by Raine:
Lotsa crazy in this #Virginia twitter stream. I understand it's to be expected but things like this:@TheSoulfulVixen @mikeyb310 Don't Let THEM Detroit #Virginia ad: http://bit.ly/18vZZsx < POWERFUL anti-McAuliffe ad! #TeaPartyThe fuh does these even mean?#Virginia Voters need to know Governors cannot overturn decisions of the #SupremeCourt or ban #FDAapproved drugs @TerryMcAuliffe #MISPOKE!
But this.... THIS is my favorite:â€@randyalanhump 15m
The #GOPEstablishment is secretly blocking #Cuccinelli in #Virginia. #Conservatives #letsroll! Vote for #Cuccinelli!
I've heard the Cooch or one of his surrogates spout that Detroit line. If I recall, on of those surrogates was Bobby "Kenneth The Page" Jindel. What does that mean? I dunno.
The one from McAuliffe on The Cooch and the sodomy thing. But still not very coherent.
The last one is just a friggin hoot!
Comment by TriSec on 11/05/2013 20:09:19
Hmm, I seem to be having exactly the same conversation as Mondo, yet somehow without Mondo participating.
TriSec on 11/05/2013 20:09:19
Quote by Mondobubba:
Just looked up how West Virginia became a state. They didn't exactly follow the Constitution.
Hmm, I seem to be having exactly the same conversation as Mondo, yet somehow without Mondo participating.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 20:16:39
I was reading about this in Wikipedia during lunch. Very interesting. Since those counties that made up WVa said to Richmond, hell no we are Virginia and up and left the state. The gummit they set in Wheeling was recognized as the legitimate gummit of Virginia by the Feds.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 20:16:39
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Just looked up how West Virginia became a state. They didn't exactly follow the Constitution.
Hmm, I seem to be having exactly the same conversation as Mondo, yet somehow without Mondo participating.
I was reading about this in Wikipedia during lunch. Very interesting. Since those counties that made up WVa said to Richmond, hell no we are Virginia and up and left the state. The gummit they set in Wheeling was recognized as the legitimate gummit of Virginia by the Feds.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 20:22:57
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 20:22:57
Well, somebody didn't like "Ender's Game."
Here’s my vote on the boycott: “Ender’s Game†is a big, stinking pile of crap, so you shouldn’t see it. If it were a good movie, I would almost certainly tell you the opposite.
Comment by BobR on 11/05/2013 20:50:15
BobR on 11/05/2013 20:50:15
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Just looked up how West Virginia became a state. They didn't exactly follow the Constitution.
Hmm, I seem to be having exactly the same conversation as Mondo, yet somehow without Mondo participating.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 20:51:16
Raine on 11/05/2013 20:51:16
NAME THAT PANDA: The National Zoo's panda cub will soon have a name, and you can have a say in the matter. The zoo opened an online poll to allow voters to choose from five options: http://bit.ly/186oPvK
SQUEEker!
SQUEEker!
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 20:53:20
Boo! There isn't an option for other.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 20:53:20
Quote by Raine:
NAME THAT PANDA: The National Zoo's panda cub will soon have a name, and you can have a say in the matter. The zoo opened an online poll to allow voters to choose from five options: http://bit.ly/186oPvK
SQUEEker!
Boo! There isn't an option for other.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 20:54:22
The lack of logic is astounding, huh? RPVA could have had a primary -- instead they just had a convention.
Raine on 11/05/2013 20:54:22
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
But this.... THIS is my favorite:â€@randyalanhump 15m
The #GOPEstablishment is secretly blocking #Cuccinelli in #Virginia. #Conservatives #letsroll! Vote for #Cuccinelli!
The GOP establishment in VA decided to forgo primaries this year and hand-picked the Cooch. So putting him on the ballot is somehow secretly blocking him?
wut?
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 20:55:58
Ya know, after looking at the pic... I;m more inclined to call him duuuude...
Raine on 11/05/2013 20:55:58
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
NAME THAT PANDA: The National Zoo's panda cub will soon have a name, and you can have a say in the matter. The zoo opened an online poll to allow voters to choose from five options: http://bit.ly/186oPvK
SQUEEker!
Boo! There isn't an option for other.
Ya know, after looking at the pic... I;m more inclined to call him duuuude...
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 20:57:10
Yeah, that feller looks a little wasted.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 20:57:10
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
NAME THAT PANDA: The National Zoo's panda cub will soon have a name, and you can have a say in the matter. The zoo opened an online poll to allow voters to choose from five options: http://bit.ly/186oPvK
SQUEEker!
Boo! There isn't an option for other.
Ya know, after looking at the pic... I;m more inclined to call him duuuude...
Yeah, that feller looks a little wasted.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 21:04:58
UPDATE: 3:20 p.m. -- Fox News has addressed the problem via Twitter, calling it an "internal production problem."
nothing to see here, move along.
Raine on 11/05/2013 21:04:58
Quote by Scoopster:
STUFF YO!
UPDATE: 3:20 p.m. -- Fox News has addressed the problem via Twitter, calling it an "internal production problem."
nothing to see here, move along.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 21:06:30
Fox news this afternoon:
Raine on 11/05/2013 21:06:30
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
STUFF YO!
UPDATE: 3:20 p.m. -- Fox News has addressed the problem via Twitter, calling it an "internal production problem."
nothing to see here, move along.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 21:10:22
Kevin Bacon's first movie.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2013 21:10:22
Quote by Raine:Fox news this afternoon:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
STUFF YO!
UPDATE: 3:20 p.m. -- Fox News has addressed the problem via Twitter, calling it an "internal production problem."
nothing to see here, move along.
Kevin Bacon's first movie. 
Comment by livingonli on 11/05/2013 22:57:22
livingonli on 11/05/2013 22:57:22
I still wonder why we in NY don't have the "I voted" stickers like other states.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2013 23:16:45
Don't tell anyone, but I know why.
NY is actually fiscally responsible. Also, they don't need to prove that they voted!
Raine on 11/05/2013 23:16:45
Quote by livingonli:
I still wonder why we in NY don't have the "I voted" stickers like other states.
Don't tell anyone, but I know why.
NY is actually fiscally responsible. Also, they don't need to prove that they voted!
Comment by 
clintster on 11/05/2013 23:43:40
THAT GUM YOU LIKE IS BACK IN STYLE
(strange backwards dancing)
clintster on 11/05/2013 23:43:40
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
Might have to go here!
Is it just me, or does Big Al look a LOT like the backward-talking Dancing Man from Twin Peaks?
THAT GUM YOU LIKE IS BACK IN STYLE
(strange backwards dancing)