Feb 28, 2005
tastes like chicken
The lack of posts on TKID's blog of late is due, in part, to a particularly virulent strain of influenza that is currently in epidemic form in the Netherlands. Shortly after landing in said country, this flu knocked down ALL of the kids. It was a rough ride, but we came out on the other side with many a thought. For one, would our lights be turned off forever when we experience a similar bout of hallucinations (brought on by fever, not fungus) in coming years as the Avian flu inevitably races around the world? It's certainly possible, as death count projections for such a pandemic range from 2 to 280 million. It might be time to do like many of those Red State idiots did on the incredibly lame "Y2K" and stock up the bomb shelter with krispy kremes and kool-aid. Even that precaution probably wouldn't help, or so say the experts. Eventually, TKID4 would need to go on a beer run, and a mullet-bedecked 7/11 clerk would surely sneeze on the case of High Life, dooming all shelter-residing kids. Oh well, TKID4 knows one thing for sure: he's going to get his kicks in before the whole shithouse goes up in flames.
Giant Squids Rock
TKID4 was reading about giant squids and came across this account of a showdown between a badass squid and sperm whale:
In 1965, a Soviet whaler watched a battle between a squid and a 40 ton sperm whale. In this case neither were victorious. The strangled whale was found floating in the sea with the squid's tentacles wrapped around the whale's throat. The squid's severed head was found in the whale's stomach.
Now, this story is brought to us by lying, thieving, commie bastards. But I am hoping it is true, because this is cool. I am wondering how big that squid was to take down a 2,400,000 lb whale. Here's another story which may offer some ideas:
One night during World War II a British Admiralty trawler was lying off the Maldive Islands in the Indian Ocean. One of the crew, A. G. Starkey, was up on deck, alone, fishing, when he saw something in the water:
"As I gazed, fascinated, a circle of green light glowed in my area of illumination. This green unwinking orb I suddenly realized was an eye. The surface of the water undulated with some strange disturbance. Gradually I realized that I was gazing at almost point-black range at a huge squid." Starkey walked the length the of the ship finding the tail at one end and the tentacles at the other. The ship was over one hundred and seventy five feet long.
BTW, TKID4 loves his desk job. To hell with sailing the high seas of adventure, looking for squid and pirates. Desk jockeying is the shiznit. Throw another fax on the fire boys.
In 1965, a Soviet whaler watched a battle between a squid and a 40 ton sperm whale. In this case neither were victorious. The strangled whale was found floating in the sea with the squid's tentacles wrapped around the whale's throat. The squid's severed head was found in the whale's stomach.
Now, this story is brought to us by lying, thieving, commie bastards. But I am hoping it is true, because this is cool. I am wondering how big that squid was to take down a 2,400,000 lb whale. Here's another story which may offer some ideas:
One night during World War II a British Admiralty trawler was lying off the Maldive Islands in the Indian Ocean. One of the crew, A. G. Starkey, was up on deck, alone, fishing, when he saw something in the water:
"As I gazed, fascinated, a circle of green light glowed in my area of illumination. This green unwinking orb I suddenly realized was an eye. The surface of the water undulated with some strange disturbance. Gradually I realized that I was gazing at almost point-black range at a huge squid." Starkey walked the length the of the ship finding the tail at one end and the tentacles at the other. The ship was over one hundred and seventy five feet long.
BTW, TKID4 loves his desk job. To hell with sailing the high seas of adventure, looking for squid and pirates. Desk jockeying is the shiznit. Throw another fax on the fire boys.
Feb 15, 2005
Taj Mahals of Liberty
The Bush administration asked Congress on Monday to provide it with $82 billion in cashola labeled "Funding for the War on Terror."
The White House has earmarked $658 million of this figure to build a new embassy in Iraq.
TKID4 is normally stricken dumb and ignorant when GWB starts throwing millions, billions, and trillions around. But TKID4 is a recent home buyer, and $658 mil for a what is essentially a large mansion strikes me as a little high.
As a comparison, I looked to the most expensive real estate market in the world. London, UK. There was a recent sale in the most exclusive neighborhood of that city, Kensington Palace Gardens. Most of the 21 "homes" on that street were former embassies themselves.
18-19 Kensington Palace Gardens was recently sold to for 70m pounds or in American-speak $125 large ones. That made the property the world's most expensive private residential home. Here are the specs: 12-bedroom property, 20 car lot, marble imported from the same quarry that yielded the raw material for the Taj Mahal.
Now TKID4 is guessing that, while the U.S. embassy in Baghdad needs to be slightly bigger than the Kensington manner, it also could probably be built with lesser quality materials. In addition, the Baghdad lot probably costs 1/100th that of its fish n' chips counterpart.
So where is the $658 million figure coming from? TKID4 wonders what type of mark-up the American contractors who are going to construct this 8th wonder of the modern world will get when all is done.
Over 3.5 million people in the U.S. experience homelessness each year. TKID4 does feel the pain of Halliburton executives whose yearly bonuses ride on the outcome of the Baghdad embassy contract. But why don't we just renovate one of Saddam's old palaces for $100 million. Then we can take $538 million and provide micro-credit and zero-interest home loans to families who desperately need to get out from under the boot heels of their usurious land lords to start building equity and a life. At the very least, the money could go towards renovating the wholly inadequate public homeless shelter facilities across the U.S.
TKID4 believes that before Ambassador Worthington-Penfield-Scott Key gets his ivory handled bathroom taps in his new embassy in Iraq, Jane Smith and her six children should be able to move out of their sub-zero Buick LaSabre parked under a I-75 overpass in central Michigan and into a heated shelter.
The White House has earmarked $658 million of this figure to build a new embassy in Iraq.
TKID4 is normally stricken dumb and ignorant when GWB starts throwing millions, billions, and trillions around. But TKID4 is a recent home buyer, and $658 mil for a what is essentially a large mansion strikes me as a little high.
As a comparison, I looked to the most expensive real estate market in the world. London, UK. There was a recent sale in the most exclusive neighborhood of that city, Kensington Palace Gardens. Most of the 21 "homes" on that street were former embassies themselves.
18-19 Kensington Palace Gardens was recently sold to for 70m pounds or in American-speak $125 large ones. That made the property the world's most expensive private residential home. Here are the specs: 12-bedroom property, 20 car lot, marble imported from the same quarry that yielded the raw material for the Taj Mahal.
Now TKID4 is guessing that, while the U.S. embassy in Baghdad needs to be slightly bigger than the Kensington manner, it also could probably be built with lesser quality materials. In addition, the Baghdad lot probably costs 1/100th that of its fish n' chips counterpart.
So where is the $658 million figure coming from? TKID4 wonders what type of mark-up the American contractors who are going to construct this 8th wonder of the modern world will get when all is done.
Over 3.5 million people in the U.S. experience homelessness each year. TKID4 does feel the pain of Halliburton executives whose yearly bonuses ride on the outcome of the Baghdad embassy contract. But why don't we just renovate one of Saddam's old palaces for $100 million. Then we can take $538 million and provide micro-credit and zero-interest home loans to families who desperately need to get out from under the boot heels of their usurious land lords to start building equity and a life. At the very least, the money could go towards renovating the wholly inadequate public homeless shelter facilities across the U.S.
TKID4 believes that before Ambassador Worthington-Penfield-Scott Key gets his ivory handled bathroom taps in his new embassy in Iraq, Jane Smith and her six children should be able to move out of their sub-zero Buick LaSabre parked under a I-75 overpass in central Michigan and into a heated shelter.
Feb 11, 2005
Bar Maiden 1, International News Organizations 0
38-year-old Patricia Pokriots pulled the Rosie Ruiz of 2005 when she like, totally lied and stuff about witnessing a newborn being thrown from a moving car. Turns out, she was the baby's mother and concocted the story as a way to abandon the child and conceal her pregnancy from her family.
She was described by news sources as a barmaid who had an arrest record including an aggravated battery charge.
Arthur Miller is somewhere smiling about this.
She was described by news sources as a barmaid who had an arrest record including an aggravated battery charge.
Arthur Miller is somewhere smiling about this.
unsung heroes
The other day, when TKID2 was parking his little sissy Toyota Tercel (it's red), he tapped the bumper of a mercedes - a slick ride indeed. While looking around in panic to see if anyone witnessed the minor collision, my fear was stoked by a bumper sticker I glimpsed on the Mercedes that read "licensed terrorist hunter." Fortunately, the owner wasn't around, so I was spared the inevitable ass-whupping from the tough guy who owned the Mercedes. It got me to thinking, however, if there are genuine terrorist hunters - real American heroes - living, driving and surviving in my rundown neighborhood, are they getting the thanks they deserve? I've never been attacked by a terrorist, and I probably have this guy to thank. What do I do in return? Nothing, other than bump his car.
Today, TKID2 will tilt his glass in a toast to these unnamed, gallant heroes. Bravo, I say. So too to the brave, and equally faceless bloggers who everyday fight for our rights as consumers of unfiltered news. For example, soldier/blogger Kevin Craver at Rathergate.com - whom I like to refer to as "Gunny" - who spends several minutes each day brilliantly documenting the sins of left wing bureaucrats at CNN and CBS, what thanks does he get? Again, nothing, other than a few pats on the back in the comments section of his blog. That's flat-out wrong. Gunny Craver is a grunt in the front lines of a desperate battle for nothing less than the American way of life. To right this wrong, TKID2 is taking up a collection. Please send your credit card number to our CFO, David Lopan, at david_lopan@hotmail.com, and we'll see to it that Craver and other real American blog heroes get the reward they deserve for their endless toils.
Today, TKID2 will tilt his glass in a toast to these unnamed, gallant heroes. Bravo, I say. So too to the brave, and equally faceless bloggers who everyday fight for our rights as consumers of unfiltered news. For example, soldier/blogger Kevin Craver at Rathergate.com - whom I like to refer to as "Gunny" - who spends several minutes each day brilliantly documenting the sins of left wing bureaucrats at CNN and CBS, what thanks does he get? Again, nothing, other than a few pats on the back in the comments section of his blog. That's flat-out wrong. Gunny Craver is a grunt in the front lines of a desperate battle for nothing less than the American way of life. To right this wrong, TKID2 is taking up a collection. Please send your credit card number to our CFO, David Lopan, at david_lopan@hotmail.com, and we'll see to it that Craver and other real American blog heroes get the reward they deserve for their endless toils.
Epitaphs
Arthur Miller died today. When someone of his fame passes, it is usually front page news. His obit is sharing that page with dramatic headlines from around the world, sort of. It got TKID4 thinking about the coolest front page in history to have your obit mentioned on. For instance, here were today's headlines, along with news of the demise of Arthur Miller:
Insurgents Attack Bakery and Mosque
Abbas Heads to Gaza to Confront Militants
U.S. Refuses One-On-One North Korea Talks
Playwright Arthur Miller Dies at 89
Ailing Democrats Put Their Faith in Dr. Dean
Newborn Tossed from Car Survives
California Considers Ban On Pet Cosmetic Surgery
Here's the way TKID4 envisions the front page on the morning following his untimely and somewhat seedy demise:
Un-Cut Hitler Sex Video Broadcast During Super Bowl Halftime Show
UFO's Encircle Earth, Offer Free Rides to all "Hot Chicks"
Jim Morrison Found Living in Vermont Home Crawlspace
Brad Pitt Gives Birth to Twins
JFK Assassin Revealed: Pete Rose
TKID4 Dies After Marathon Sex Session with Rockettes Aboard International Space Station
New England Journal of Medicine: Mormons Cause Cancer
Insurgents Attack Bakery and Mosque
Abbas Heads to Gaza to Confront Militants
U.S. Refuses One-On-One North Korea Talks
Playwright Arthur Miller Dies at 89
Ailing Democrats Put Their Faith in Dr. Dean
Newborn Tossed from Car Survives
California Considers Ban On Pet Cosmetic Surgery
Here's the way TKID4 envisions the front page on the morning following his untimely and somewhat seedy demise:
Un-Cut Hitler Sex Video Broadcast During Super Bowl Halftime Show
UFO's Encircle Earth, Offer Free Rides to all "Hot Chicks"
Jim Morrison Found Living in Vermont Home Crawlspace
Brad Pitt Gives Birth to Twins
JFK Assassin Revealed: Pete Rose
TKID4 Dies After Marathon Sex Session with Rockettes Aboard International Space Station
New England Journal of Medicine: Mormons Cause Cancer
Feb 10, 2005
Tkid's Blog Authorship Revealed
TKID4, an aspiring investigative journalist, rocked the blogger world today with his announcement that fellow conservative blogger and founder of Tkid's Blog, TKID3 was in actuality a hermaphroditic troll plant of the liberal elite. According to anonymous sources, TKID3 is none other than socialist sympathizer and billionaire Arthur Billingsley. Mr. Billinsgley has not been seen in public since the late 1970's when it was rumored he underwent a botched surgery to remove one or more of his six separate sexual organs he maintained.
When Billingsley was seen in public decades ago, it was with great difficulty, as his 4'1" frame was easily missed. Friends and family said Billingsley would have to resort to biting and scratching at the knee caps of pedestrians to insure his safe transit along the busy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia streets where he grew up and ultimately earned his fortune.
Billingsley moved to Washington, DC in the early 1960's, whereupon he became a spokesman for the U.S. Department of State. Critics labeled him obtuse and evasive, especially at press conferences, where he would at times feign microphone technical problems to avoid answering tough questions. He was also accused of neglecting his duties in favor of lunch dates and was once reprimanded for attempting to bribe a foreign service exam proctor.
TKID4's stunning accusations are bolstered by the following web site registration data uncovered during an investigation into the true identity of TKID3.
Domain Name: tkidblog.blogspot.com
Registrar: Arthur Billingsley Kent-Davies AKA TKID3
Whois Server: trollslife.troll
Referral URL: http://ihavebothtypesofgenitalia.org/troll
Name Server: WSC1.JOMAX.NET
Name Server: WSC2.JOMAX.NET
Status: REGISTRAR-LOCK
Updated Date: 03-feb-2005
Creation Date: 29-dec-2004
Expiration Date: 08-jul-2009
TKID3 has not posted any additional material on his blog since this story first broke. An unnamed source within the Malaysian government stated that Billingsley is aware of the accusations and may participate in an unprecedented public press conference to refute TKID4's claims.
Developing....
When Billingsley was seen in public decades ago, it was with great difficulty, as his 4'1" frame was easily missed. Friends and family said Billingsley would have to resort to biting and scratching at the knee caps of pedestrians to insure his safe transit along the busy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia streets where he grew up and ultimately earned his fortune.
Billingsley moved to Washington, DC in the early 1960's, whereupon he became a spokesman for the U.S. Department of State. Critics labeled him obtuse and evasive, especially at press conferences, where he would at times feign microphone technical problems to avoid answering tough questions. He was also accused of neglecting his duties in favor of lunch dates and was once reprimanded for attempting to bribe a foreign service exam proctor.
TKID4's stunning accusations are bolstered by the following web site registration data uncovered during an investigation into the true identity of TKID3.
Domain Name: tkidblog.blogspot.com
Registrar: Arthur Billingsley Kent-Davies AKA TKID3
Whois Server: trollslife.troll
Referral URL: http://ihavebothtypesofgenitalia.org/troll
Name Server: WSC1.JOMAX.NET
Name Server: WSC2.JOMAX.NET
Status: REGISTRAR-LOCK
Updated Date: 03-feb-2005
Creation Date: 29-dec-2004
Expiration Date: 08-jul-2009
TKID3 has not posted any additional material on his blog since this story first broke. An unnamed source within the Malaysian government stated that Billingsley is aware of the accusations and may participate in an unprecedented public press conference to refute TKID4's claims.
Developing....
I'm taking my nukes and going home
North Korea announced today for the first time that it had nuclear arms and rejected the Bush Administration's attempts to restart disarmament.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry issued a statement: “We ... have manufactured nukes for self-defense to cope with the Bush administration’s ever more undisguised policy to isolate and stifle the (North).”
Condi Rice replied later in the day, “We have for some time taken account of the capability of the North Koreans to perhaps have a few nuclear weapons,” Rice said.
Rice also assured the North Koreans that the United States had no intention of attacking or invading the country. That's good for U.S. troops some observers say, who may find it difficult to wage war in North Korea while nuclear bombs are exploding on them.
Since 2003, the United States, North and South Korea, China, Japan and Russia have held a series of in Beijing, China to try and persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
On Thursday, North Korea said it decided not to rejoin any future talks after Rice labeled North Korea an “outpost of tyranny.”
This pronoucement affirmed Bush’s labeling of North Korea several years ago as a partner in the “axis of evil” with Iran and Iraq.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry issued a statement: “We ... have manufactured nukes for self-defense to cope with the Bush administration’s ever more undisguised policy to isolate and stifle the (North).”
Condi Rice replied later in the day, “We have for some time taken account of the capability of the North Koreans to perhaps have a few nuclear weapons,” Rice said.
Rice also assured the North Koreans that the United States had no intention of attacking or invading the country. That's good for U.S. troops some observers say, who may find it difficult to wage war in North Korea while nuclear bombs are exploding on them.
Since 2003, the United States, North and South Korea, China, Japan and Russia have held a series of in Beijing, China to try and persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
On Thursday, North Korea said it decided not to rejoin any future talks after Rice labeled North Korea an “outpost of tyranny.”
This pronoucement affirmed Bush’s labeling of North Korea several years ago as a partner in the “axis of evil” with Iran and Iraq.
Feb 9, 2005
Indiana Jones and the Tower of Babel
Harrison Ford is slated to star in the $50 million Hollywood epic film, The Taking of Fallujah, a U.S. Marine Corps unit's account of the fall of the Iraqi city several months back.
Ford will be playing none other than Lt. General Mattis, who commanded the forces which ultimately took the embattled "Fortress Fallujah."
The casting of Ford is not without controversy. Many citizens feel that Ford's anti-war stance does not jive with the rough and ready/blood and guts attitude of Gen. Mattis. In particular, the forces at "blackfive" are calling for Ford to withdraw from the filming field, with honor.
http://www.blackfive.net/main/2004/12/note_to_harriso.html
It was also announced today that a $200 million film is currently being shot in the deserts of Tanis. Entitled, The Making of the Taking of Fallujah, the film will explore the controversy surrounding the casting of Harrison Ford in the role of Lt. General Mattis for the film The Taking of Fallujah. It is rumored that the role of Ford is being played by Sean Penn.
Ford will be playing none other than Lt. General Mattis, who commanded the forces which ultimately took the embattled "Fortress Fallujah."
The casting of Ford is not without controversy. Many citizens feel that Ford's anti-war stance does not jive with the rough and ready/blood and guts attitude of Gen. Mattis. In particular, the forces at "blackfive" are calling for Ford to withdraw from the filming field, with honor.
http://www.blackfive.net/main/2004/12/note_to_harriso.html
It was also announced today that a $200 million film is currently being shot in the deserts of Tanis. Entitled, The Making of the Taking of Fallujah, the film will explore the controversy surrounding the casting of Harrison Ford in the role of Lt. General Mattis for the film The Taking of Fallujah. It is rumored that the role of Ford is being played by Sean Penn.
Up close and anti-personnel
Be sure to click on the high resolution .JPG file for Lt. General "Mad Dog" Mattis. TKID4 just got a clean copy for future enshrinement above his mantle, right next to the stuffed 10-point and his bullet-riddled American flag. You see, he's into the starched collar type.
http://www.usmc.mil/genbios2.nsf/0/35E4CF7347323B108525680800620EED?opendocument
http://www.usmc.mil/genbios2.nsf/0/35E4CF7347323B108525680800620EED?opendocument
a fallen warrior
One of our fellow brave bloggers engaged in the war on mainstream media bias has gone silent. Jeff Gannon (an alias), a DC-based reporter for www.talonnews.com, quit last night after salacious details about his personal life were revealed. We've long been impressed that Gannon, who admits to using a fake name, was able to wrangle White House press passes despite the fact that he writes for a blog, one that is supported by an avowed Texas Republican activist. White House spokesman Scott McClellan recently admitted that no other members of the blogosphere have been given access to White House press conferences. For the last two years, Gannon has asked McClellan and President Bush himself many questions/comments with a conservative tilt. Bush and co. were often able to use Gannon to steer clear of tough questions from the boring old "real" journalists.
Gannon came under fire for lobbing a softball question at President Bush, in which he took a shot at Democrats, during a recent, nationally-televised press conference. In the ensuing heat, Gannon was outed as James Guckert, a shadowy character who hosts several websites with gay themes (hotmilitarystud.com) and seeming connections to male prostitution. For a summary, see media citizen's story.
The bad guys even dug-up a hot photo of Gannon/Guckert.
Claiming the need to protect his family, Gannon quit last night.
God speed, Jeff/James. We are outraged that just because you had a false identity and a covert, swinging night life, and regularly took shots at gays despite your own apparent orientation, they took away your right to chew-up large chunks of time during rare Bush press conferences. You fought a good fight, but the powers of darkness are too strong. We'll miss you. Love, TKID4
Gannon came under fire for lobbing a softball question at President Bush, in which he took a shot at Democrats, during a recent, nationally-televised press conference. In the ensuing heat, Gannon was outed as James Guckert, a shadowy character who hosts several websites with gay themes (hotmilitarystud.com) and seeming connections to male prostitution. For a summary, see media citizen's story.
The bad guys even dug-up a hot photo of Gannon/Guckert.
Claiming the need to protect his family, Gannon quit last night.
God speed, Jeff/James. We are outraged that just because you had a false identity and a covert, swinging night life, and regularly took shots at gays despite your own apparent orientation, they took away your right to chew-up large chunks of time during rare Bush press conferences. You fought a good fight, but the powers of darkness are too strong. We'll miss you. Love, TKID4
Feb 8, 2005
G.I. Craver, Real American Tourister
Following the tuff guy comments of talking head blogger Kevin Craver, made in support of Gen. Mattis, TKID4 decided to review Mr. Craver’s war record. Anyone with the guts and machismo displayed by Mr. Craver in his article surely cultivated those traits on the battlefields of Fallujah, Tikrit or Mosul. Here's what TKID4 discovered:
In January of 2002, Kevin was planning to visit his brothers in Washington, DC, and Princeton, NJ, when his U.S. Army National Guard Unit, based in Aurora, IL, was called up for deployment. The assignment: An eight-month tour of duty in Europe.
His vacation plans shattered, he reported to training for his deployment.
Craver lamented, “Instead, that whole week was a drill. I had to get my shots and get my paperwork in order to show who gets money if I get blown into a million pieces.”
He was now a member of Charlie Company, First Battalion, 178th Infantry, part of the U.S. Army 66th Brigade. According to Craver, he and his company were “trouble shooters,” adding “We find trouble and we shoot it. We’re the guys that do the dirty work. We make wars as personal as a punch in the face.”
Before deployment, Craver was commended for his heroism displayed during war games staged in the Mojave Desert. He discussed the training. “We got dropped off in the wrong place under attack,” Craver said. “We had to be on top of a hill at a certain time for this attack. These guys humped nine kilometers. We took a hill under fire...Our CO got a standing ovation from the regular Army guys.”
War-Torn Europe
Craver was based out of Heidelberg, Germany. He and his comrades were always on alert however, and were told they could deployed anywhere in Europe at anytime. At the time, he felt his mission in Europe would involve security and counter terrorism.
“Security is an active kind of job such as search and seizure or rapid reaction teams,” he said.
While stationed in Heidelberg, Kevin sent this heart-wrenching email to a more civilized place, his home in the States:
From: Kevin Craver
Date: Fri, Jun 21, 2002, 9:00am (CDT+7)
Hey, all:
Again, sorry about not dropping a line sooner. I received your package -- thanks for the re-supply of gumballs. I've restarted the annoying habit of chewing my fingernails to shreds, unfortunately. I went about two months without doing it. Nothing much to report here aside from the usual day-to-day craziness. Actually, one guy got moved because they thought he was indeed going crazy (that and he kept punching people out over an extremely ugly female PFC), but no other section 8s.
I'll be heading to Normandy in a week, marking my third trip to France (after Paris and Strasbourg). But in a month or so we'll be heading home, on or about early August we'll be released, barring any kind of catastrophe. It's time to go again. I'm not blowing you folks off, but aside from small trips, this job is really not worth reporting about. I'll catch you guys later,
- K
Second Deployment
Craver had just returned from Europe, having displayed incredible sightseeing bravery among the battlefields of Verdun, Omaha Beach, and the Somme when news came that he was to be re-deployed.
This time, the assignment would be even tougher. He was going to a third world shit hole: Louisiana.
His unit was based in the backwoods of central Louisiana, at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, LA. It was here that Craver trained fellow troops for duty in Iraq.
The men and women in Craver's unit played the "bad guys," AKA the Iraqi insurgents. Troops simulated life and death in Iraq nonstop over five days. Dramatic photos of life at Fort Polk can be seen here:
http://www.nwherald.com/ExtraSection/289940252439255.php
(WARNING: Contains graphic scenes of fake blood)
Next Deployment
The Future for Mr. Craver is unclear. There appears to be no standing down for the U.S. military at present in Iraq or Afghanistan. As Carver learned in Europe, nothing is for certain in the Army. One day you may be sun bathing on a Normandy beach, the next day, sampling wines in a Parisian Bistro. But one thing is for certain, wherever he goes, TKID4 knows Craver will have Internet access and a story to tell.
In January of 2002, Kevin was planning to visit his brothers in Washington, DC, and Princeton, NJ, when his U.S. Army National Guard Unit, based in Aurora, IL, was called up for deployment. The assignment: An eight-month tour of duty in Europe.
His vacation plans shattered, he reported to training for his deployment.
Craver lamented, “Instead, that whole week was a drill. I had to get my shots and get my paperwork in order to show who gets money if I get blown into a million pieces.”
He was now a member of Charlie Company, First Battalion, 178th Infantry, part of the U.S. Army 66th Brigade. According to Craver, he and his company were “trouble shooters,” adding “We find trouble and we shoot it. We’re the guys that do the dirty work. We make wars as personal as a punch in the face.”
Before deployment, Craver was commended for his heroism displayed during war games staged in the Mojave Desert. He discussed the training. “We got dropped off in the wrong place under attack,” Craver said. “We had to be on top of a hill at a certain time for this attack. These guys humped nine kilometers. We took a hill under fire...Our CO got a standing ovation from the regular Army guys.”
War-Torn Europe
Craver was based out of Heidelberg, Germany. He and his comrades were always on alert however, and were told they could deployed anywhere in Europe at anytime. At the time, he felt his mission in Europe would involve security and counter terrorism.
“Security is an active kind of job such as search and seizure or rapid reaction teams,” he said.
While stationed in Heidelberg, Kevin sent this heart-wrenching email to a more civilized place, his home in the States:
From: Kevin Craver
Date: Fri, Jun 21, 2002, 9:00am (CDT+7)
Hey, all:
Again, sorry about not dropping a line sooner. I received your package -- thanks for the re-supply of gumballs. I've restarted the annoying habit of chewing my fingernails to shreds, unfortunately. I went about two months without doing it. Nothing much to report here aside from the usual day-to-day craziness. Actually, one guy got moved because they thought he was indeed going crazy (that and he kept punching people out over an extremely ugly female PFC), but no other section 8s.
I'll be heading to Normandy in a week, marking my third trip to France (after Paris and Strasbourg). But in a month or so we'll be heading home, on or about early August we'll be released, barring any kind of catastrophe. It's time to go again. I'm not blowing you folks off, but aside from small trips, this job is really not worth reporting about. I'll catch you guys later,
- K
Second Deployment
Craver had just returned from Europe, having displayed incredible sightseeing bravery among the battlefields of Verdun, Omaha Beach, and the Somme when news came that he was to be re-deployed.
This time, the assignment would be even tougher. He was going to a third world shit hole: Louisiana.
His unit was based in the backwoods of central Louisiana, at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, LA. It was here that Craver trained fellow troops for duty in Iraq.
The men and women in Craver's unit played the "bad guys," AKA the Iraqi insurgents. Troops simulated life and death in Iraq nonstop over five days. Dramatic photos of life at Fort Polk can be seen here:
http://www.nwherald.com/ExtraSection/289940252439255.php
(WARNING: Contains graphic scenes of fake blood)
Next Deployment
The Future for Mr. Craver is unclear. There appears to be no standing down for the U.S. military at present in Iraq or Afghanistan. As Carver learned in Europe, nothing is for certain in the Army. One day you may be sun bathing on a Normandy beach, the next day, sampling wines in a Parisian Bistro. But one thing is for certain, wherever he goes, TKID4 knows Craver will have Internet access and a story to tell.
Army girls gone wild
By now, most everybody has heard about the pics the New York Daily News ran of the mudwrestling party thrown by U.S. troops at Camp Bucca, a prison camp in Southern Iraq at which four Iraqi detainees were recently shot to death in a riot. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4244421.stm
The saucy mud tussle, which featured thong and bra clad Army babes, reminds TKID4 of that great mudwrestling scene in "Stripes." Needless to say, we here at TKid's Blog wholeheartedly approve of this sort of exhuberance among our fighting women (not so much among our fighting men).
However, the mudwrestling bash raises concerns about the recent tough-guy talk by Gen. James Mattis (featured earlier on this site), who said he enjoys shooting people and "brawling." We worry, is this the sort of brawling Gen. Mattis loves? We hate to picture the wrinkled general rolling around in a g-string.
On a related note, one of our fellow blogs, the liberal-media bias bashers at www.rathergate.com, brilliantly stepped-up to defend Gen. Mattis. http://www.rathergate.com/index.php?p=552
Here's some of what they had to say:
"For the record, this soldier stands with Gen. James Mattis – if I am in a war zone and some Afghan wife-beater or a member of the Taliban’s misogynistic 'morality police' try to take me out, I too would take pleasure in popping them a new navel right between the eyes.
Any MSM journalist who would not feel some sense of justice or pleasure killing, say, one of the animals who declared war on this nation on Sept. 11, 2001, is beneath my contempt.
Sorry I’m in such an ass-kicking mood. I’ve been training all day today on weapons systems – the .50-caliber machine gun, squad automatic weapon, M9 pistol, Mk19 automatic grenade launcher – and it’s not even noon. This afternoon I certify on calling in artillery fire. Yeah!!
Gen. Mattis, if you want an embedded journalist who isn’t a dumbass, give me a call."
I found these brave words not only inspiring, but breathtakingly eloquent. In fact, I'm so proud reading this passage that I'm currently shedding tears onto my keyboard. We're with you. Go get 'em! Here's to spreading liberty and freedom and the American Way! And if they won't take it, third-eye them! HooAhhhahh!
The saucy mud tussle, which featured thong and bra clad Army babes, reminds TKID4 of that great mudwrestling scene in "Stripes." Needless to say, we here at TKid's Blog wholeheartedly approve of this sort of exhuberance among our fighting women (not so much among our fighting men).
However, the mudwrestling bash raises concerns about the recent tough-guy talk by Gen. James Mattis (featured earlier on this site), who said he enjoys shooting people and "brawling." We worry, is this the sort of brawling Gen. Mattis loves? We hate to picture the wrinkled general rolling around in a g-string.
On a related note, one of our fellow blogs, the liberal-media bias bashers at www.rathergate.com, brilliantly stepped-up to defend Gen. Mattis. http://www.rathergate.com/index.php?p=552
Here's some of what they had to say:
"For the record, this soldier stands with Gen. James Mattis – if I am in a war zone and some Afghan wife-beater or a member of the Taliban’s misogynistic 'morality police' try to take me out, I too would take pleasure in popping them a new navel right between the eyes.
Any MSM journalist who would not feel some sense of justice or pleasure killing, say, one of the animals who declared war on this nation on Sept. 11, 2001, is beneath my contempt.
Sorry I’m in such an ass-kicking mood. I’ve been training all day today on weapons systems – the .50-caliber machine gun, squad automatic weapon, M9 pistol, Mk19 automatic grenade launcher – and it’s not even noon. This afternoon I certify on calling in artillery fire. Yeah!!
Gen. Mattis, if you want an embedded journalist who isn’t a dumbass, give me a call."
I found these brave words not only inspiring, but breathtakingly eloquent. In fact, I'm so proud reading this passage that I'm currently shedding tears onto my keyboard. We're with you. Go get 'em! Here's to spreading liberty and freedom and the American Way! And if they won't take it, third-eye them! HooAhhhahh!
Feb 6, 2005
Meat Axe to Grind
VP Dick Cheney's bed side manner has served that terminally ill patient known as the "little guy" with candor and strength. He didn't pull any punches today when he announced that the adminstration would cut or eliminate 150 federal programs in the new budget, but added, the budget was not prepared with a "meat ax."
"We are being tight," Cheney said. "This is the tightest budget that has been submitted since we got here."
The good news: There are plenty of increases for military and homeland security.
The bad news: The budget seeks savings from about 150 programs, including environmental protection, American Indian schools, Medicaid, and the federal-state health program for the poor and disabled as well as Amtrak.
Cheney stated on Sunday, "It's not something we've done with a meat ax, nor are we suddenly turning our back on the most needy people in our society."
Tell that to the one legged-ricketts stricken Sioux indian child who has to hop to his underfunded school through a cloud of acid rain b/c the train service was cut, Dick.
"I think you'll find once people sit down and have a chance to look at the budget that it is (a) fair, reasonable, responsible, serious piece of effort," Cheney said.
It's a serious piece of something.
"We are being tight," Cheney said. "This is the tightest budget that has been submitted since we got here."
The good news: There are plenty of increases for military and homeland security.
The bad news: The budget seeks savings from about 150 programs, including environmental protection, American Indian schools, Medicaid, and the federal-state health program for the poor and disabled as well as Amtrak.
Cheney stated on Sunday, "It's not something we've done with a meat ax, nor are we suddenly turning our back on the most needy people in our society."
Tell that to the one legged-ricketts stricken Sioux indian child who has to hop to his underfunded school through a cloud of acid rain b/c the train service was cut, Dick.
"I think you'll find once people sit down and have a chance to look at the budget that it is (a) fair, reasonable, responsible, serious piece of effort," Cheney said.
It's a serious piece of something.
Pennies from Heaven
TKID4 has big news. He just won a Scientific Game Promo Lottery!!! That's right, I'm rich biatches!!! Don't believe me huh? Typical. Well just read the following email I got, suckas....
AWED INTERNATIONAL LOTTO.BV PROMO/PRIZE AWARD DEPARTMENT.
ADDRESS: KRUISLAAN 408, 1098 SJ, AMSTERDAM - THE NETHERLANDS.
REF: AIL/7585021-47/03
BATCH: 3879/75937467/HM
ATTENTION:
RE / AWARD NOTIFICATION / PROCESSING ADVICE: AL
We are pleased to inform you of the announcement today, 4th February, 2005 of winners of the SCIENTIFIC GAME PROMO LOTTERY; THE NETHERLANDS /
INTERNATIONAL, PROGRAMS held on 9th April,2004. Your email address
attached to ticket number 89-02897893, with serial number 95020 drew the lucky numbers 14-21-33-42-49-63, and consequently won the lottery in the 1st category. You have therefore been approved of a lump sum pay out of US$500,000.00 (FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATE DOLLARS) in credited to file REF NO. AIL/7585021-47/03. This is from total prize money of US$2,500,000.00 shared among the international winners in our 1st -5th categories. All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn form 25,000 company email addresses and 30,000,000 individual email addresses from Australia, New Zealand, America, Europe, North America and Asia as part of International Promotions Program, which is conducted annually. CONGRATULATIONS! Your fund is now in custody of a financial Security company insured in your FILE REFERENCE. Due to the mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep this award strictly from public notice until your claim has been processed and your money remitted to your account. This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming or unscrupulous acts by participants of this program. This lottery program was promoted by our group of philanthropist headed by Mr. Bill Gates. We hope with part of your prize, you will participate in our end of year high stakes US$10,000,000 million Dollars International Lottery.
To begin your claim, please contact your file/claim officer:
MR. PAUL ANDRAS,of AWED INTERNATIONAL LOTTO.BV
(AMSTERDAM - THE NETHERLANDS).
On TEL: 0031-.620-677-376 Fax: 0031-206964994
Please be informed that NON RESIDENCE of THE NETHERLANDS will be required to procure an Affidavit of lotto claim papers/Court clearance certificate from the Court prior to award payment policy of the Gaming Board of Netherland and required by the paying Financial Security Company.
Please be aware that your Paying Authority will Effect Payment Swiftly upon satisfactory Report, Verifications and validation provided by this
processing Agent. For due processing and remittance of your winning prize to designated account of your choice, please treat as urgent.
Remember, all prize money must be claimed not later than 20th April, 2005. After this date, all funds will be returned as unclaimed.
NOTE: In order to avoid unnecessary delay and complications, please remember to quote your reference and batch numbers in every one of your
correspondences with your agent. Furthermore, should there be any change of your address, do inform your claims agent as soon as possible.
PLEASE NOTE THAT EVERY REPLY SHOULD BE SENT AS AN E-MAIL ATTACHMENT TO ENHANCE ELIGIBLE VIEW.
Congratulations once again from our team of staff and thank you for being part of our promotional program. Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is AUTOMATICALY DISQUALIFIED.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ann Robert
(Lottery Coordinator
There it is. My ticket to financial freedom. Needless to say, I just went ahead and bought a plane ticket to Amsterdam, leaving in 10 days. Also, I called Mr. Paul Andras, who was referenced in my prize email. He was a very nice gentleman. I couldn't make out much of what he said, but I was able to understand that I was to overnight express mail a copy of my passport, last bank statement, and blood type to his Amsterdam offices for prize verification. It's just my luck the kinkos next door to me was fire bombed last night, so I will have to get that out to him on Monday.
Paul blessed my family and said we would have a fortuitous and lasting partnership. Sounds good to me. He also said if anyone else was interested, there was extra prize money that needed to be awarded. All we need to do is send a Western Union money order of $10,000 for processing and license fees.
I am very excited to meet Paul and his wife, Baku Baku. She apparently is Dutch/Russian and very attractive. Paul said we could all party after I handed over to him my passport and AMEX travelers checks amounting to no less than $5,000 US.
I almost forgot, some jerk warned me that this might be a scam. Well for you jealous critics, read the email above. This prize is sponsored by one Mr. Bill Gates. He wouldn't put his name on anything that wasn't above board. Cheers everyone. Wish me luck.
TKID2
AWED INTERNATIONAL LOTTO.BV PROMO/PRIZE AWARD DEPARTMENT.
ADDRESS: KRUISLAAN 408, 1098 SJ, AMSTERDAM - THE NETHERLANDS.
REF: AIL/7585021-47/03
BATCH: 3879/75937467/HM
ATTENTION:
RE / AWARD NOTIFICATION / PROCESSING ADVICE: AL
We are pleased to inform you of the announcement today, 4th February, 2005 of winners of the SCIENTIFIC GAME PROMO LOTTERY; THE NETHERLANDS /
INTERNATIONAL, PROGRAMS held on 9th April,2004. Your email address
attached to ticket number 89-02897893, with serial number 95020 drew the lucky numbers 14-21-33-42-49-63, and consequently won the lottery in the 1st category. You have therefore been approved of a lump sum pay out of US$500,000.00 (FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATE DOLLARS) in credited to file REF NO. AIL/7585021-47/03. This is from total prize money of US$2,500,000.00 shared among the international winners in our 1st -5th categories. All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn form 25,000 company email addresses and 30,000,000 individual email addresses from Australia, New Zealand, America, Europe, North America and Asia as part of International Promotions Program, which is conducted annually. CONGRATULATIONS! Your fund is now in custody of a financial Security company insured in your FILE REFERENCE. Due to the mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep this award strictly from public notice until your claim has been processed and your money remitted to your account. This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming or unscrupulous acts by participants of this program. This lottery program was promoted by our group of philanthropist headed by Mr. Bill Gates. We hope with part of your prize, you will participate in our end of year high stakes US$10,000,000 million Dollars International Lottery.
To begin your claim, please contact your file/claim officer:
MR. PAUL ANDRAS,of AWED INTERNATIONAL LOTTO.BV
(AMSTERDAM - THE NETHERLANDS).
On TEL: 0031-.620-677-376 Fax: 0031-206964994
Please be informed that NON RESIDENCE of THE NETHERLANDS will be required to procure an Affidavit of lotto claim papers/Court clearance certificate from the Court prior to award payment policy of the Gaming Board of Netherland and required by the paying Financial Security Company.
Please be aware that your Paying Authority will Effect Payment Swiftly upon satisfactory Report, Verifications and validation provided by this
processing Agent. For due processing and remittance of your winning prize to designated account of your choice, please treat as urgent.
Remember, all prize money must be claimed not later than 20th April, 2005. After this date, all funds will be returned as unclaimed.
NOTE: In order to avoid unnecessary delay and complications, please remember to quote your reference and batch numbers in every one of your
correspondences with your agent. Furthermore, should there be any change of your address, do inform your claims agent as soon as possible.
PLEASE NOTE THAT EVERY REPLY SHOULD BE SENT AS AN E-MAIL ATTACHMENT TO ENHANCE ELIGIBLE VIEW.
Congratulations once again from our team of staff and thank you for being part of our promotional program. Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is AUTOMATICALY DISQUALIFIED.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ann Robert
(Lottery Coordinator
There it is. My ticket to financial freedom. Needless to say, I just went ahead and bought a plane ticket to Amsterdam, leaving in 10 days. Also, I called Mr. Paul Andras, who was referenced in my prize email. He was a very nice gentleman. I couldn't make out much of what he said, but I was able to understand that I was to overnight express mail a copy of my passport, last bank statement, and blood type to his Amsterdam offices for prize verification. It's just my luck the kinkos next door to me was fire bombed last night, so I will have to get that out to him on Monday.
Paul blessed my family and said we would have a fortuitous and lasting partnership. Sounds good to me. He also said if anyone else was interested, there was extra prize money that needed to be awarded. All we need to do is send a Western Union money order of $10,000 for processing and license fees.
I am very excited to meet Paul and his wife, Baku Baku. She apparently is Dutch/Russian and very attractive. Paul said we could all party after I handed over to him my passport and AMEX travelers checks amounting to no less than $5,000 US.
I almost forgot, some jerk warned me that this might be a scam. Well for you jealous critics, read the email above. This prize is sponsored by one Mr. Bill Gates. He wouldn't put his name on anything that wasn't above board. Cheers everyone. Wish me luck.
TKID2
Feb 5, 2005
Fish and Broken Hips
Tony Blair created a committee to review the incredible failings of the British Intelligence services regarding Iraq's alleged possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction. The committee was charged with investigating "the accuracy of intelligence on Iraqi WMD up to March 2003, and to examine any discrepancies between the intelligence gathered, evaluated and used by the Government before the conflict, and between that intelligence and what has been discovered by the Iraq Survey Group since the end of the conflict."
TKID4 gave Tone-Loc credit at the time for bringing transparency to the British Government. Then he saw a photo of the committee.
http://www.butlerreview.org.uk/index.asp
Why does this look more like a middle-aged Brit swingers convention locked out of their rooms at Fawlty Towers than a top level oversight panel? Two of the guys look to have died under the PM Wilson administration, but nobody told them. Then there is the stereotypical brit with the biggest goddamn eyebrows in the world, not to mention he's a dead ringer for Ed Asner.
TKID4 knows better than to judge a man by his looks or pulse rate. So he reviewed the committee member bios. Here is a sampling:
Rt Hon The Lord Butler of Brockwell, KG., GCB., CVO.
Lord Butler of Brockwell became Master of University College, Oxford following his retirement as Secretary of the Cabinet and Head of the Home Civil Service in January 1998. Born in 1938, he was educated at Harrow School and University College, Oxford, where he read Greats and played rugby for the University.
In 1961 he joined the Treasury where he served as Private Secretary to the Financial Secretary in 1964 and Secretary of the Budget Committee from 1965 to 1969. He was a Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Edward Heath from 1972 to 1974, and Mr Harold Wilson from 1974 to 1975. In 1975 he returned to the Treasury as an Assistant Secretary, and then became Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Margaret Thatcher from 1982 to 1985. In 1988 he was appointed as Secretary of the Cabinet and Head of the Home Civil Service.
He was knighted (KCB) in 1988, and became GCB in 1992. In 1998 he was created a Life Peer and in 2003 he was awarded the Knight of the Garter (KG). In 1999 he was a member of the Royal Commission on Reform of the House of Lords.
Lord Butler, who is married with three children, has just finished many years as Chairman of the Governors of Dulwich College. His leisure activities include golf and such other competitive games as he can still manage.
First of all, what is with all the titles? KCB, KG, CVO...What does a guy in the Americas have to do to get a groovy set of titles like that?
TKID don't see much experience with weapons, paramilitary operations, Islam, middle eastern languages, comparative politics, or electronic warfare. But the "right honourable Lord" did play rugby in the 50's and "can still manage" to play golf. Thank St. George for that.
TKID knows we all feel safer knowing Lord Butler is on the case. Keep in mind he is the committee chair, so take my word for it, the other members qualifications go downhill from here.
But wait, TKID should hold his opinions until all the intelligence...errr...facts are in. Lord Butler agrees, and has asked each one of us to answer the call and provide his committee, c/o the Greater London Geriatric and Cadavor Drop-Off Clinic, all the top secret clandestine Iraqi WMD program intelligence we have. So, in addition to "taking oral evidence from a number of witnesses at its own invitation" the committee "invites anyone who has information that might assist it in considering its remit to submit evidence by 31 March 2004." TKID2 told me he just went through his pile of late 90's skin mags. He didnt turn up any sarin gas.
Anyways, we missed the deadline. TKID4 might as well shelve this photo of Saddam riding an anthrax-tipped scud bare back. Lord Butler's deadlines must be kept to.
Media queries relating to the Butler Review should be directed to Cabinet Office Press Office, telephone 020 7276 0436/0174. Ask for Lord Butler directly. Or his embalmer.
TKID4 gave Tone-Loc credit at the time for bringing transparency to the British Government. Then he saw a photo of the committee.
http://www.butlerreview.org.uk/index.asp
Why does this look more like a middle-aged Brit swingers convention locked out of their rooms at Fawlty Towers than a top level oversight panel? Two of the guys look to have died under the PM Wilson administration, but nobody told them. Then there is the stereotypical brit with the biggest goddamn eyebrows in the world, not to mention he's a dead ringer for Ed Asner.
TKID4 knows better than to judge a man by his looks or pulse rate. So he reviewed the committee member bios. Here is a sampling:
Rt Hon The Lord Butler of Brockwell, KG., GCB., CVO.
Lord Butler of Brockwell became Master of University College, Oxford following his retirement as Secretary of the Cabinet and Head of the Home Civil Service in January 1998. Born in 1938, he was educated at Harrow School and University College, Oxford, where he read Greats and played rugby for the University.
In 1961 he joined the Treasury where he served as Private Secretary to the Financial Secretary in 1964 and Secretary of the Budget Committee from 1965 to 1969. He was a Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Edward Heath from 1972 to 1974, and Mr Harold Wilson from 1974 to 1975. In 1975 he returned to the Treasury as an Assistant Secretary, and then became Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Margaret Thatcher from 1982 to 1985. In 1988 he was appointed as Secretary of the Cabinet and Head of the Home Civil Service.
He was knighted (KCB) in 1988, and became GCB in 1992. In 1998 he was created a Life Peer and in 2003 he was awarded the Knight of the Garter (KG). In 1999 he was a member of the Royal Commission on Reform of the House of Lords.
Lord Butler, who is married with three children, has just finished many years as Chairman of the Governors of Dulwich College. His leisure activities include golf and such other competitive games as he can still manage.
First of all, what is with all the titles? KCB, KG, CVO...What does a guy in the Americas have to do to get a groovy set of titles like that?
TKID don't see much experience with weapons, paramilitary operations, Islam, middle eastern languages, comparative politics, or electronic warfare. But the "right honourable Lord" did play rugby in the 50's and "can still manage" to play golf. Thank St. George for that.
TKID knows we all feel safer knowing Lord Butler is on the case. Keep in mind he is the committee chair, so take my word for it, the other members qualifications go downhill from here.
But wait, TKID should hold his opinions until all the intelligence...errr...facts are in. Lord Butler agrees, and has asked each one of us to answer the call and provide his committee, c/o the Greater London Geriatric and Cadavor Drop-Off Clinic, all the top secret clandestine Iraqi WMD program intelligence we have. So, in addition to "taking oral evidence from a number of witnesses at its own invitation" the committee "invites anyone who has information that might assist it in considering its remit to submit evidence by 31 March 2004." TKID2 told me he just went through his pile of late 90's skin mags. He didnt turn up any sarin gas.
Anyways, we missed the deadline. TKID4 might as well shelve this photo of Saddam riding an anthrax-tipped scud bare back. Lord Butler's deadlines must be kept to.
Media queries relating to the Butler Review should be directed to Cabinet Office Press Office, telephone 020 7276 0436/0174. Ask for Lord Butler directly. Or his embalmer.
Feb 3, 2005
Tuff Guys
The Marine Corps issued an apology of sorts today for the comments of one of its own. Lt. Gen. James Mattis, a former commander of the First Marine Division was holding an impromptu discussion about the war in Afghanistan at a recent conference of defense contractors in California and remarked, "You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil ... you know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them."
In response, the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Michael Hagee, issued a written statement wherein he praised Lt. Gen. James Mattis' military service and said that Mattis was only discussing the "unfortunate and harsh realities of war."
Mattis added, "Actually, it's a lot of fun to fight. You know it's a hell of a hoot. I like brawling."
TKID2 is glad to see that someone in the military finally has the balls to tell it like it is. Frankly, we need more testosterone-injected moronic rants from our Lt. Generals in charge of combat operations overseas.
I searched for some quotes from some other U.S. Generals and ran across one from U.S. Grant.
"It has been my misfortune to be engaged in more battles than any other general on the other side of the Atlantic; but there was never a time during my command when I would not have chosen some settlement by reason rather than the sword."
What a bunch of pansy crap. You know what Lt. General Mattis would say about this. Probably something like, "Guns good go boom...veil-heads...kill now...hoot hoot..hoot."
Semper Stultus
In response, the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Michael Hagee, issued a written statement wherein he praised Lt. Gen. James Mattis' military service and said that Mattis was only discussing the "unfortunate and harsh realities of war."
Mattis added, "Actually, it's a lot of fun to fight. You know it's a hell of a hoot. I like brawling."
TKID2 is glad to see that someone in the military finally has the balls to tell it like it is. Frankly, we need more testosterone-injected moronic rants from our Lt. Generals in charge of combat operations overseas.
I searched for some quotes from some other U.S. Generals and ran across one from U.S. Grant.
"It has been my misfortune to be engaged in more battles than any other general on the other side of the Atlantic; but there was never a time during my command when I would not have chosen some settlement by reason rather than the sword."
What a bunch of pansy crap. You know what Lt. General Mattis would say about this. Probably something like, "Guns good go boom...veil-heads...kill now...hoot hoot..hoot."
Semper Stultus
Feb 2, 2005
The Age of Web Page Neglect
TKID 4 has been noticing the amazing amount of web pages that are neglected. It appears that the enthusiasm of the late 90's/early 00's is waning. Dot.commers are not tending to their pages with the same purpose. Odds are, in one hour of real web surfing, you will come upon several of these derelict posts.
There are several tell-tale signs of neglect. One is the "Last Updated On..." script normally located at the bottom of the page. I saw one last week dated August of 2000.
Then there is the page with all the awards posted, such as "Voted Top 200 Site." That fad died out in the late 90's, after I discovered that you could steal those awards and post them on your own web site.
The hit counter can evidence problems. If your site was established in 2000, but there are only 50 hits (the majority being from the page operator) it likely has fallen into disrepair.
Every once in a while you will find evidence of neglect in the actual context of the page. This is perfectly displayed here:
http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/twarda/home.html
This is a fan page for the "Frugal Gourmet" AKA Jim Smith. Someone who had been locked in a closet for a year or two would find this page and be happy to know that Jim Smith was "happily retired and living in Seattle, Washington." Imagine one's shock that, after reading this, they surfed upon this news article:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2001976403_smith10.html
That's right. Jim died last summer.
This particular example of neglect is striking because the web page author assumedly was a fan of Jim Smith and wanted to express his/her fan appreciation by taking time to create a web page about the chef. However, when an important event in Jim's life like his DEATH occurs, three is no mention anywhere.
TKID4's point is that creating a web page is a responsibility. Just ask TKID1, who takes at least 4 minutes out of each day to stop at the tkidblog reststop before proceeding down the information superhighway on his way to bustychesterton.com/milf.
There are several tell-tale signs of neglect. One is the "Last Updated On..." script normally located at the bottom of the page. I saw one last week dated August of 2000.
Then there is the page with all the awards posted, such as "Voted Top 200 Site." That fad died out in the late 90's, after I discovered that you could steal those awards and post them on your own web site.
The hit counter can evidence problems. If your site was established in 2000, but there are only 50 hits (the majority being from the page operator) it likely has fallen into disrepair.
Every once in a while you will find evidence of neglect in the actual context of the page. This is perfectly displayed here:
http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/twarda/home.html
This is a fan page for the "Frugal Gourmet" AKA Jim Smith. Someone who had been locked in a closet for a year or two would find this page and be happy to know that Jim Smith was "happily retired and living in Seattle, Washington." Imagine one's shock that, after reading this, they surfed upon this news article:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2001976403_smith10.html
That's right. Jim died last summer.
This particular example of neglect is striking because the web page author assumedly was a fan of Jim Smith and wanted to express his/her fan appreciation by taking time to create a web page about the chef. However, when an important event in Jim's life like his DEATH occurs, three is no mention anywhere.
TKID4's point is that creating a web page is a responsibility. Just ask TKID1, who takes at least 4 minutes out of each day to stop at the tkidblog reststop before proceeding down the information superhighway on his way to bustychesterton.com/milf.
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