Stars and Stripes reports that AAFES is raising the gas prices in Germany next month by 2 cents per gallon.
In the article, it says that AAFES' press release says the price is based on the Department of Energy's national price surveys through 20 Feb rising to $2.30 from $2.28 the previous month. Then the cost of dispensing gas in a foreign country is added on.
Uh huh.
So this month, it's "the cost of dispensing gas in a foreign country."
Let's take a peek, shall we?
First, there's this article on MSNBC that gas prices DROPPED as of 21 Feb. The reference? The Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration.
And it is still interesting that AAFES, which is supposed to provide services tax-free, bases it's prices on an average which includes taxes.
Anyway, my monthly rant on being ripped off by our friendly, local government monopoly.
27 February 2006
26 February 2006
What Can You Say?
Exactly what can you say when you see images like this from our anti-war demonstrators?
One thing that I've never understood about those who protest - while they tend to protest for peace and less violence, you'll still see signs such as "Kill Bush" or other signs such as those below. How do you reconcile the two ideas in your belief system?
One thing that I've never understood about those who protest - while they tend to protest for peace and less violence, you'll still see signs such as "Kill Bush" or other signs such as those below. How do you reconcile the two ideas in your belief system?
24 February 2006
Speedometer Limbo
In Germany, many Americans love to take advantage of the autobahns and their famous lack of speed limits.
However, on base driving can be quite the opposite.
First, some basic info. Speeds in Germany are measured in kilometers per hour. Speeds in the States are measured in miles per hour. These are not the same. For simplicity's sake, KPH is .6 of MPH. For example, 30 KPH = 18 MPH (roughly).
Now, driving around the states, residential neighborhoods often have speedlimits of 25 or 30 MPH. Reasonable.
It seems that the numbers were copied over here, if not equally.
Most speeds on base are 30 KPH (18 MPH). Housing areas are 20 KPH (12 MPH). Look at your speedometer... can you see these low numbers?
No?
Tough. You can (and yes, I've known it to happen) be cited for speeding for even just 1-2 KPH over the limit... that's right, as low as .5 MPH over the limit.
But, playing Speedometer Limbo is just beginning.
Our post has a new security entrance complex. There are two speed limit signs that caught my attention. The first is one that slows you to 10 KPH (6 MPH). My truck's speedometer only goes as low as 20 KPH, so it's already lost the limbo. If it weren't for my GPS, I'd not know if I'm speeding.
But I said two signs. As you leave the complex, there's a speed limit posted of 5 KPH (3 MPH)!!!!
Now, since most speedometers don't even twitch at 5 KPH, there's a very handy-dandy radar gun with display to show you if you're speeding. Myself? I have to ride the brakes to try to not speed. Of course, I don't always need the radar gun... as long as someone is walking faster than me, I think I'm not speeding. :)
So, that's Speedometer Limbo... how (s)low can YOU go?
However, on base driving can be quite the opposite.
First, some basic info. Speeds in Germany are measured in kilometers per hour. Speeds in the States are measured in miles per hour. These are not the same. For simplicity's sake, KPH is .6 of MPH. For example, 30 KPH = 18 MPH (roughly).
Now, driving around the states, residential neighborhoods often have speedlimits of 25 or 30 MPH. Reasonable.
It seems that the numbers were copied over here, if not equally.
Most speeds on base are 30 KPH (18 MPH). Housing areas are 20 KPH (12 MPH). Look at your speedometer... can you see these low numbers?
No?
Tough. You can (and yes, I've known it to happen) be cited for speeding for even just 1-2 KPH over the limit... that's right, as low as .5 MPH over the limit.
But, playing Speedometer Limbo is just beginning.
Our post has a new security entrance complex. There are two speed limit signs that caught my attention. The first is one that slows you to 10 KPH (6 MPH). My truck's speedometer only goes as low as 20 KPH, so it's already lost the limbo. If it weren't for my GPS, I'd not know if I'm speeding.
But I said two signs. As you leave the complex, there's a speed limit posted of 5 KPH (3 MPH)!!!!
Now, since most speedometers don't even twitch at 5 KPH, there's a very handy-dandy radar gun with display to show you if you're speeding. Myself? I have to ride the brakes to try to not speed. Of course, I don't always need the radar gun... as long as someone is walking faster than me, I think I'm not speeding. :)
So, that's Speedometer Limbo... how (s)low can YOU go?
23 February 2006
Follow-Up to No Decency
In my recent post, No Sense of Decency, I posted how Cindy Sheehan is coming to Landstuhl.
From the organizers of her trip, American Views Abroad, you can see the flyer announcing her trip.
Or, I'm including it here. Especially interesting, besides the viewpoints included, are the numerous errors... plus, look at her schedule of whom she's meeting with. Wonderful.
Cindy Sheehan is coming to Europe!
Together with Cindy, we will start
‘Camp Casey Landstuhl/ Ramstein’ in Germany
on the weekend of March 11&12, 2006!
Cindy will be with us at Camp Casey Landstuhl/Ramstein to call attention to the fact that Germany is the Europe’s logistical hub for the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and others threatening Iran and the Middle East.
Germany has the power to stop the further use of U.S. bases in Germany for illegal wars and criminal methods of warfare – the power and the right to JUST SAY NO!
Landstuhl is the location of the huge U.S. military hospital in Europe. Almost all the U.S. soldiers wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are brought here. Every day, there more injured are flown in—about 30,000 since March 2003. Those who die here are not included in the official lists of the fallen. The corpse of Cindy’s son Casey was preserved here before being sent to the U.S. In Ramstein (only 3 km from Landstuhl) is the air base from which U.S. soldiers stationed in Germany are sent to the wars, along with supplies and ammunition from organized in Germany. There are about 130 atom bombs stocked in Ramstein, and the air base is currently being enlarged. There were more CIA rendition flights here than anywhere else in Europe!
Cindy Sheehan is a former math teacher and a housewife, and mother from California. Her son Casey was killed in Iraq on April 4, 2004. On August 6, 2005, Cindy got as close to President Bush’s summer residence ranch in Crawford, Texas, as allowed and challenged him to answer the question, for what “noble cause” her son had died. Bush did not come out. Cindy refused to leave her position at the side of the road until the end of August, when Bush departed for Washington.
Camp Casey, Texas. In August, 2005, about 10,000 people went to Crawford to support or oppose Cindy. For weeks, the supporters camped out in tents along the Texas roads in temperatures of 30°C; they named this “Camp Casey,” which came into being with the support and leadership of The Crawford Peace House, Veterans for Peace, Gold Star Famlies for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Military Famlies Speak Out, Not in Our Name, and Code Pink. Camp Casey became not only a site of protest, but also a place of music, love, fun...like a cross between Woodstock and Selma, Alabama. Bush still has not answered Cindy’s question.
Camp Casey continues. At the end of August, many from Camp Casey joined The Bring Them Home Now Tour of three bus caravans going North, South and East to 28 states, 58 cities, and over 200 hundred events, which was supported by peace and labor groups throughout the U.S. The busses converged on Washington DC on Sept. 21 for the Sept. 24 demonstration, the largest since the war on Iraq began. The organizations which supported Camp Casey continue to work together and meet in Crawford at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter (when Bush returns to his ranch) to organize further events across the country.
U.S.“ambassador for peace.” Since December, Cindy has become a sort of ambassador for the majority of U.S. citizens who want U.S. troops withdrawn from Iraq. She has already been received by important government officials in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, and Italy.
Major Florian Pfaff, a U.S. Iraq veteran against the War, and U.S. peace activists from all over Europe will be coming with Cindy to Landstuhl and Ramstein. The German Major Florian Pfaff said NO to the German participation in the war on Iraq. In the spring of 2003, he refused orders to prepare software for the German military that might have been used in the Iraq War. In 2005 a high court in Germany fully acquitted Major Pfaff on the grounds that his reason for refusing to assist in an aggressive war was in accordance with the German constitution.
HELP START Camp Casey Landstuhl/Ramstein
“Just say NO!” – where resistance really counts!
Getting there: many options, whether by public transport or by car. If possible, paint peace slogans or put flags or banners on your car, so the people of Landstuhl and Ramstein and the U.S. Military will know why you’ve come!
Contact for Busses: Marion von Hofacker (MAPC-AVA) – marion.hofacker@t-online.de ++49 (08178) 3379.
Maps: http://www.stadtplan.net/index.asp?direct=brd/rheinland_pfalz/landstuhl/home.html
Overnight stays; Those who want to stay over any night from Friday, March 10, through Tuesday, March 13, can reserve a room in the numerous hotels in Landstuhl and the surrounding area or in a nearby youth hostel (very inexpensive!) Landstuhl Hotel Directory: http://www.landstuhl.de/landstuhl/tourismus/hotelverzeichnis.html
The U. S. peace organization, American Voices Abroad (AVA), has already reserved many beds in youth hostels.
Contact for reserved beds: Tim Slater (MAPC-AVA) – T.Slater@nadeshda.org ++49 (0821) 729-2233
Gifts for the wounded in the U.S. hospital in Landstuhl:
On March 11, we want to bring gifts for to show our solidarity to the soldiers wounded in the Iraq War. If you can, please bring a small gift, such as a book (in English), home baked goods, flowers, etc.
Press Contact and Information: Elsa Rassbach (AVA) – goava@tiscali.de ++49 (030) 326 015 40
Annette Dietrich (FIW) – pfalzscout@aol.com ++49 (0172) 1357105
V.i.S.d.P MAPC Richard Forward Preysingstr. 16, 81667 München
EVENTS IN GERMANY AND IN FRANCE WITH
CINDY SHEEHAN & MAJOR FLORIAN PFAFF
March 8, 2006 Washington, Berlin, Paris, and Cities World-wide Intl. Women’s Day
Cindy Sheehan and women all over the world give the Code Pink petition to U.S embassies and other government offices. Join us at www.womensaynotowar.org.
March 9, 2006 Frankfurt – Press Conference (Major Pfaff will not be present.)
Contact: Elsa Rassbach, American Voices Abroad (AVA)Military Project and
Code Pink Germany Organizing Committee
++49 (030) 32601540 goava@tiscali.de
Aachen – Panel Discussion
Contact: Otmar Steinbicker, Aachen Peace Prize
++49 0241)9967001 steinbicker@aachener-friedenspreis.de
March 10 Aachen – Reception of the Mayor & Press Conference
Contact: Otmar Steinbicker
++49 (0241)9967001 steinbicker@aachener-friedenspreis.de
March 11 & 12 Landstuhl & Ramstein – “Camp Casey“ Events
Contact: Elsa Rassbach
++49 (030) 32601540 goava@tiscali.de
Contact: Annette Dietrich, Friedensinitiative Westpfalz
++49 (0172) 1357105 pfalzscout@aol.com
March 13 Paris – Press Conference & Various Events
Contact: Francois Calaret, Agir Contre La Guerre (ACG )and for Mouvement pour la Paix (MPP)
++33 (0660) 375988 fcalaret@club-internet.fr
Contact: Julie Wornan, Americans Against the War, France (AAW-AVA)
++33 (01) 42043583 j.wornan@libertysurf.fr
March 14 Strasbourg – Press Conference & Hearing European Parliament
(Only two hours from Landstuhl – visitors are welcome!)
Contact: Michael McGee, American Voices Abroad (AVA)
++33 (0609) 318270 wind-energy@evc.net
Contact: Martina Weitsch, Quaker Council for European Affairs und für Intergroup for Peace Initiatives, European Parliament
++32 (02) 2343064 mweitsch@qcea.org
March 15 Berlin – Press Conference & Various Events
Contact: Elsa Rassbach
++49 (030) 32601540 goava@tiscali.de
From the organizers of her trip, American Views Abroad, you can see the flyer announcing her trip.
Or, I'm including it here. Especially interesting, besides the viewpoints included, are the numerous errors... plus, look at her schedule of whom she's meeting with. Wonderful.
Cindy Sheehan is coming to Europe!
Together with Cindy, we will start
‘Camp Casey Landstuhl/ Ramstein’ in Germany
on the weekend of March 11&12, 2006!
Cindy will be with us at Camp Casey Landstuhl/Ramstein to call attention to the fact that Germany is the Europe’s logistical hub for the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and others threatening Iran and the Middle East.
Germany has the power to stop the further use of U.S. bases in Germany for illegal wars and criminal methods of warfare – the power and the right to JUST SAY NO!
Landstuhl is the location of the huge U.S. military hospital in Europe. Almost all the U.S. soldiers wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are brought here. Every day, there more injured are flown in—about 30,000 since March 2003. Those who die here are not included in the official lists of the fallen. The corpse of Cindy’s son Casey was preserved here before being sent to the U.S. In Ramstein (only 3 km from Landstuhl) is the air base from which U.S. soldiers stationed in Germany are sent to the wars, along with supplies and ammunition from organized in Germany. There are about 130 atom bombs stocked in Ramstein, and the air base is currently being enlarged. There were more CIA rendition flights here than anywhere else in Europe!
Cindy Sheehan is a former math teacher and a housewife, and mother from California. Her son Casey was killed in Iraq on April 4, 2004. On August 6, 2005, Cindy got as close to President Bush’s summer residence ranch in Crawford, Texas, as allowed and challenged him to answer the question, for what “noble cause” her son had died. Bush did not come out. Cindy refused to leave her position at the side of the road until the end of August, when Bush departed for Washington.
Camp Casey, Texas. In August, 2005, about 10,000 people went to Crawford to support or oppose Cindy. For weeks, the supporters camped out in tents along the Texas roads in temperatures of 30°C; they named this “Camp Casey,” which came into being with the support and leadership of The Crawford Peace House, Veterans for Peace, Gold Star Famlies for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Military Famlies Speak Out, Not in Our Name, and Code Pink. Camp Casey became not only a site of protest, but also a place of music, love, fun...like a cross between Woodstock and Selma, Alabama. Bush still has not answered Cindy’s question.
Camp Casey continues. At the end of August, many from Camp Casey joined The Bring Them Home Now Tour of three bus caravans going North, South and East to 28 states, 58 cities, and over 200 hundred events, which was supported by peace and labor groups throughout the U.S. The busses converged on Washington DC on Sept. 21 for the Sept. 24 demonstration, the largest since the war on Iraq began. The organizations which supported Camp Casey continue to work together and meet in Crawford at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter (when Bush returns to his ranch) to organize further events across the country.
U.S.“ambassador for peace.” Since December, Cindy has become a sort of ambassador for the majority of U.S. citizens who want U.S. troops withdrawn from Iraq. She has already been received by important government officials in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, and Italy.
Major Florian Pfaff, a U.S. Iraq veteran against the War, and U.S. peace activists from all over Europe will be coming with Cindy to Landstuhl and Ramstein. The German Major Florian Pfaff said NO to the German participation in the war on Iraq. In the spring of 2003, he refused orders to prepare software for the German military that might have been used in the Iraq War. In 2005 a high court in Germany fully acquitted Major Pfaff on the grounds that his reason for refusing to assist in an aggressive war was in accordance with the German constitution.
HELP START Camp Casey Landstuhl/Ramstein
“Just say NO!” – where resistance really counts!
Getting there: many options, whether by public transport or by car. If possible, paint peace slogans or put flags or banners on your car, so the people of Landstuhl and Ramstein and the U.S. Military will know why you’ve come!
Contact for Busses: Marion von Hofacker (MAPC-AVA) – marion.hofacker@t-online.de ++49 (08178) 3379.
Maps: http://www.stadtplan.net/index.asp?direct=brd/rheinland_pfalz/landstuhl/home.html
Overnight stays; Those who want to stay over any night from Friday, March 10, through Tuesday, March 13, can reserve a room in the numerous hotels in Landstuhl and the surrounding area or in a nearby youth hostel (very inexpensive!) Landstuhl Hotel Directory: http://www.landstuhl.de/landstuhl/tourismus/hotelverzeichnis.html
The U. S. peace organization, American Voices Abroad (AVA), has already reserved many beds in youth hostels.
Contact for reserved beds: Tim Slater (MAPC-AVA) – T.Slater@nadeshda.org ++49 (0821) 729-2233
Gifts for the wounded in the U.S. hospital in Landstuhl:
On March 11, we want to bring gifts for to show our solidarity to the soldiers wounded in the Iraq War. If you can, please bring a small gift, such as a book (in English), home baked goods, flowers, etc.
Press Contact and Information: Elsa Rassbach (AVA) – goava@tiscali.de ++49 (030) 326 015 40
Annette Dietrich (FIW) – pfalzscout@aol.com ++49 (0172) 1357105
V.i.S.d.P MAPC Richard Forward Preysingstr. 16, 81667 München
EVENTS IN GERMANY AND IN FRANCE WITH
CINDY SHEEHAN & MAJOR FLORIAN PFAFF
March 8, 2006 Washington, Berlin, Paris, and Cities World-wide Intl. Women’s Day
Cindy Sheehan and women all over the world give the Code Pink petition to U.S embassies and other government offices. Join us at www.womensaynotowar.org.
March 9, 2006 Frankfurt – Press Conference (Major Pfaff will not be present.)
Contact: Elsa Rassbach, American Voices Abroad (AVA)Military Project and
Code Pink Germany Organizing Committee
++49 (030) 32601540 goava@tiscali.de
Aachen – Panel Discussion
Contact: Otmar Steinbicker, Aachen Peace Prize
++49 0241)9967001 steinbicker@aachener-friedenspreis.de
March 10 Aachen – Reception of the Mayor & Press Conference
Contact: Otmar Steinbicker
++49 (0241)9967001 steinbicker@aachener-friedenspreis.de
March 11 & 12 Landstuhl & Ramstein – “Camp Casey“ Events
Contact: Elsa Rassbach
++49 (030) 32601540 goava@tiscali.de
Contact: Annette Dietrich, Friedensinitiative Westpfalz
++49 (0172) 1357105 pfalzscout@aol.com
March 13 Paris – Press Conference & Various Events
Contact: Francois Calaret, Agir Contre La Guerre (ACG )and for Mouvement pour la Paix (MPP)
++33 (0660) 375988 fcalaret@club-internet.fr
Contact: Julie Wornan, Americans Against the War, France (AAW-AVA)
++33 (01) 42043583 j.wornan@libertysurf.fr
March 14 Strasbourg – Press Conference & Hearing European Parliament
(Only two hours from Landstuhl – visitors are welcome!)
Contact: Michael McGee, American Voices Abroad (AVA)
++33 (0609) 318270 wind-energy@evc.net
Contact: Martina Weitsch, Quaker Council for European Affairs und für Intergroup for Peace Initiatives, European Parliament
++32 (02) 2343064 mweitsch@qcea.org
March 15 Berlin – Press Conference & Various Events
Contact: Elsa Rassbach
++49 (030) 32601540 goava@tiscali.de
22 February 2006
No Sense of Decency
I'm all for dissent. I even encourage it. It's fundamental to our society and our country.
But.
There's also decency and decorum.
In the 23 February issue of Stars and Stripes, there's a story about Cindy Sheehan. Apparently, she's bringing her protests and "Camp Casey" to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
That's right, the first stopping point for anyone who's wounded downrange is going to be protested by Cindy Sheehan.
In the article, the organizers say that they're there to show support and solidarity for the troops.
Right.
The say they're going to tour the facility and passing out books and homemade goods. But LRMC says they've received no such requests. Yup.
This is just despicable behavior. Ranks almost up there with protesting funerals.
(Wonder if she'll wear a t-shirt?)
But.
There's also decency and decorum.
In the 23 February issue of Stars and Stripes, there's a story about Cindy Sheehan. Apparently, she's bringing her protests and "Camp Casey" to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
That's right, the first stopping point for anyone who's wounded downrange is going to be protested by Cindy Sheehan.
In the article, the organizers say that they're there to show support and solidarity for the troops.
Right.
The say they're going to tour the facility and passing out books and homemade goods. But LRMC says they've received no such requests. Yup.
This is just despicable behavior. Ranks almost up there with protesting funerals.
(Wonder if she'll wear a t-shirt?)
A Must Read
I first came across this book through "Stars and Stripes" doing a book review. So, I bought a copy and mailed it to Ellicia (this was before our rollercoaster began). I was hoping it'd inspire and uplift her.
It has come to do the same for me.
The book is A Year of Absence (available on Amazon by clicking the link). It tells the story of the deployment of the 1st Armored Division's deployment to Iraq - from the point of view of six of the wives.
As I've said before, and often, many times the true struggle of the deployment... the real fight is not on the battlefield, but at home. Marriages are stressed, often broken; children lose touch with their parents; relationships change; and there is always the fear that the last goodbye was the final goodbye.
The 1st AD's deployment was a memorable one. It was just after the war ended and when we still were arrogant enough to think it'd be a short war, and the deployment was expected to be a few months... And it ended up being more. This is the deployment where Soldiers actually came home only to be sent back again (sometimes after only 1 night at home, sometimes, never quite making it back.) It was a trial on all sides.
And the stories of these wives will touch your Heart. Those spouses who've experienced deployments will find your stories in theirs. Those of us who've gone downrange may learn more about our spouses that we never knew before. And those supporting us back home - you'll learn where a lot of the support is truly needed. The troops get tons of support - the spouses are often alone in the wilderness.
I strongly encourage the reading of this book. It's not a large book; it's worth your time.
Give it as gifts to friends... share it. It'll open your mind, your eyes... and your Heart.
It has come to do the same for me.
The book is A Year of Absence (available on Amazon by clicking the link). It tells the story of the deployment of the 1st Armored Division's deployment to Iraq - from the point of view of six of the wives.
As I've said before, and often, many times the true struggle of the deployment... the real fight is not on the battlefield, but at home. Marriages are stressed, often broken; children lose touch with their parents; relationships change; and there is always the fear that the last goodbye was the final goodbye.
The 1st AD's deployment was a memorable one. It was just after the war ended and when we still were arrogant enough to think it'd be a short war, and the deployment was expected to be a few months... And it ended up being more. This is the deployment where Soldiers actually came home only to be sent back again (sometimes after only 1 night at home, sometimes, never quite making it back.) It was a trial on all sides.
And the stories of these wives will touch your Heart. Those spouses who've experienced deployments will find your stories in theirs. Those of us who've gone downrange may learn more about our spouses that we never knew before. And those supporting us back home - you'll learn where a lot of the support is truly needed. The troops get tons of support - the spouses are often alone in the wilderness.
I strongly encourage the reading of this book. It's not a large book; it's worth your time.
Give it as gifts to friends... share it. It'll open your mind, your eyes... and your Heart.
Sadly, We've All Observed This
Perhaps this is apocryphal, and perhaps this is just another "stir-it-up" e-mail that's circling the world.
Except that we've seen this. You know you have. Think about it.
And that's just a crying shame.
So, without any other comment, I'll pass on what was passed on to me.
(Hattip to Yankee Sailor.)
-=-=-=-=-=-
The Contrast Between Red and Blue
Something happened Friday afternoon that brought many of the differences between Red Staters and Blue Staters that I observed over the last few months back to mind.
My wife was out running errands in the minivan with the three Agents of Chaos (my boys, 6, 4, and a most terrible 2) in downtown Newport, RI. Now, the minivan still has Virginia plates, and there were three key items on the back that really make it stand out: a Support the Troops ribbon, a Navy ribbon and a W ’04 sticker. It was the last item that really interested her harasser.
After loading the Agents of Chaos in the van at the pizza place, my wife departed for the dry cleaners. Not long after, she noticed a man in a white pickup driving aggressively to keep up with her. Now, my wife spent the first thirty years of her life in Boston, so I’m sure this knucklehead really had to work to keep up with her.
The man’s following closely and swerving behind the minivan. My wife’s getting nervous. The eldest Agent of Chaos is too, and is pressing my wife for an explanation. After a few blocks of this, the man finally crosses the double yellow line (in front of the Newport Police Station, no less) to try and get around her and she pulls to the side to let him by. For those of you that know anything about Boston drivers, this in itself is quite an accomplishment.
Does the man drive by? Nope, he stops alongside the minivan.
Does he give a mere hand gesture indicating “who’s #1?” Nope, he rolls down the window and starts screaming.
What ensued was an extended, high-decibel ideological diatribe about the Republican Party and the ancestry of the Commander-in-Chief.
By now, my wife is shaking and the eldest Agent of Chaos is screaming from the back of the van, “IS HE GOING TO KILL US?”
When I heard about this a couple of hours later, I pressed my wife to file a police report, but she doesn’t want to relive it. Additionally, she doesn’t really have many useful details to report, and we’re departing shortly for the other side of the world, so I doubt the Newport Police could or would do much about it. In the end, I acceded to her wishes to forget about it, with the exception of the following sea story.
I left the “Mighty Warship” last fall and was stashed in Millington, Tennessee, for about a month at the Navy Personnel Command. When I arrived in Tennessee I discovered that the only jacket I had was my green flight jacket, which is covered with patches from the ships on which I’ve served and operations in which I’ve participated. Wearing that jacket around Memphis was quite an eye opener. Three or four times a week someone would shake my hand and tell me how much they appreciate American servicemen and women. Often they would buy me a drink and even pick up the tab for a meal in gratitude.
Even more telling was when I flew to Boston, via Atlanta, to go to a wedding over a weekend. I left work at lunch and chose to travel in uniform to save time. Since I was a Sailor, the agent at the ticket desk in Memphis declined to charge me for an overweight bag. A stranger bought me a cup of coffee on the way to the gate. When I was in Atlanta for a three hour layover, about a dozen others approached me to say thanks, a few bought me beers, and one, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major, paid for my lunch.
In the hour I waited in the airport in Boston, only one person said anything, and he identified himself as a Vietnam vet and spoke in a whisper, apparently afraid to offend the Blue State thought police. Sad.
Except that we've seen this. You know you have. Think about it.
And that's just a crying shame.
So, without any other comment, I'll pass on what was passed on to me.
(Hattip to Yankee Sailor.)
-=-=-=-=-=-
The Contrast Between Red and Blue
Something happened Friday afternoon that brought many of the differences between Red Staters and Blue Staters that I observed over the last few months back to mind.
My wife was out running errands in the minivan with the three Agents of Chaos (my boys, 6, 4, and a most terrible 2) in downtown Newport, RI. Now, the minivan still has Virginia plates, and there were three key items on the back that really make it stand out: a Support the Troops ribbon, a Navy ribbon and a W ’04 sticker. It was the last item that really interested her harasser.
After loading the Agents of Chaos in the van at the pizza place, my wife departed for the dry cleaners. Not long after, she noticed a man in a white pickup driving aggressively to keep up with her. Now, my wife spent the first thirty years of her life in Boston, so I’m sure this knucklehead really had to work to keep up with her.
The man’s following closely and swerving behind the minivan. My wife’s getting nervous. The eldest Agent of Chaos is too, and is pressing my wife for an explanation. After a few blocks of this, the man finally crosses the double yellow line (in front of the Newport Police Station, no less) to try and get around her and she pulls to the side to let him by. For those of you that know anything about Boston drivers, this in itself is quite an accomplishment.
Does the man drive by? Nope, he stops alongside the minivan.
Does he give a mere hand gesture indicating “who’s #1?” Nope, he rolls down the window and starts screaming.
What ensued was an extended, high-decibel ideological diatribe about the Republican Party and the ancestry of the Commander-in-Chief.
By now, my wife is shaking and the eldest Agent of Chaos is screaming from the back of the van, “IS HE GOING TO KILL US?”
When I heard about this a couple of hours later, I pressed my wife to file a police report, but she doesn’t want to relive it. Additionally, she doesn’t really have many useful details to report, and we’re departing shortly for the other side of the world, so I doubt the Newport Police could or would do much about it. In the end, I acceded to her wishes to forget about it, with the exception of the following sea story.
I left the “Mighty Warship” last fall and was stashed in Millington, Tennessee, for about a month at the Navy Personnel Command. When I arrived in Tennessee I discovered that the only jacket I had was my green flight jacket, which is covered with patches from the ships on which I’ve served and operations in which I’ve participated. Wearing that jacket around Memphis was quite an eye opener. Three or four times a week someone would shake my hand and tell me how much they appreciate American servicemen and women. Often they would buy me a drink and even pick up the tab for a meal in gratitude.
Even more telling was when I flew to Boston, via Atlanta, to go to a wedding over a weekend. I left work at lunch and chose to travel in uniform to save time. Since I was a Sailor, the agent at the ticket desk in Memphis declined to charge me for an overweight bag. A stranger bought me a cup of coffee on the way to the gate. When I was in Atlanta for a three hour layover, about a dozen others approached me to say thanks, a few bought me beers, and one, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major, paid for my lunch.
In the hour I waited in the airport in Boston, only one person said anything, and he identified himself as a Vietnam vet and spoke in a whisper, apparently afraid to offend the Blue State thought police. Sad.
Online Search Squad
Thought I'd enlist some help from all of you in the online nether-world...
Looking for a bookcase that meets the following requirements:
Looking for a bookcase that meets the following requirements:
- Can be ordered online
- No wider than 24"
- Taller is better
- Preferably darker wood
- Can be shipped APO (or, if necessary, internationally)
Suggestions?
21 February 2006
Upcoming Schedule
While running blood tests today, we chatted with our friendly Herr Doktor.
Starting Wednesday, we only have two more treatment cycles to go. That'll take us through the next six weeks.
After that, we have a three week recovery period, whereupon we next move to the surgery.
After the surgery, comes radiation treatment. This will be five times a week for five weeks.
Then, reconstructive surgery.
Final tests.
And hopefully, it'll all be over.
:)
Starting Wednesday, we only have two more treatment cycles to go. That'll take us through the next six weeks.
After that, we have a three week recovery period, whereupon we next move to the surgery.
After the surgery, comes radiation treatment. This will be five times a week for five weeks.
Then, reconstructive surgery.
Final tests.
And hopefully, it'll all be over.
:)
20 February 2006
Going Into Hiding
While reading a recent news story, Ellicia and I realized we'll need to go into hiding soon... or face arrest.
Apparently, we may have violated Thomas' human rights.
When asked about it, Thomas replied, "I don't know, Daddy... I still can't tell my rights from my lefts!"
Ellicia added, "Anyone pulling down my son's pants to check, I'll show them human rights violations!"
Apparently, we may have violated Thomas' human rights.
When asked about it, Thomas replied, "I don't know, Daddy... I still can't tell my rights from my lefts!"
Ellicia added, "Anyone pulling down my son's pants to check, I'll show them human rights violations!"
19 February 2006
At Least She's Honest About It
Early this evening, hours after the kids had been put to bed, and shortly before we were about to turn in, we hear a piercing, blood-curdling scream from the girls' room.
Naturally, E moseyed down the hall to check.
All was well. K was asleep and M was happily playing (quietly) in bed. When asked if she'd screamed, she admitted doing so. When asked why...
"Because my sister is asleep."
Naturally, E moseyed down the hall to check.
All was well. K was asleep and M was happily playing (quietly) in bed. When asked if she'd screamed, she admitted doing so. When asked why...
"Because my sister is asleep."
17 February 2006
What Are We Teaching Our Kids?
I'm infuriated. Have you seen this? No, probably not.
Recently, there was a resolution brought before the University of Washington Student Senate. You can read it here. Essentially, it was to honor COL G. "Pappy" Boyington, USMC. You may, or may not, remember him from WW2, when he commanded the famous "Black Sheep" squadron. He went on to be awarded the Medal of Honor. He was an American Hero.
Should be an easy resolution to pass? Perhaps not on the campuses of American universities.
Read the transcripts of the Senate meeting. Specifically, it can be found at the bottom of page 4 through page 8.
The resolution was DEFEATED. Why? Well, let's look at some of the comments raised:
Jill Edwards doesn't believe that a Marine is the type of person to be honored as an example of the type of person UW wants to produce.
Ashley Miller feels that there are already too many monuments to rich white men.
Just lovely.
Recently, there was a resolution brought before the University of Washington Student Senate. You can read it here. Essentially, it was to honor COL G. "Pappy" Boyington, USMC. You may, or may not, remember him from WW2, when he commanded the famous "Black Sheep" squadron. He went on to be awarded the Medal of Honor. He was an American Hero.
Should be an easy resolution to pass? Perhaps not on the campuses of American universities.
Read the transcripts of the Senate meeting. Specifically, it can be found at the bottom of page 4 through page 8.
The resolution was DEFEATED. Why? Well, let's look at some of the comments raised:
Jill Edwards doesn't believe that a Marine is the type of person to be honored as an example of the type of person UW wants to produce.
Ashley Miller feels that there are already too many monuments to rich white men.
Just lovely.
14 February 2006
Thomas Grows Just a Bit More
He's standing in the crib now. And, he confidently grabs at the mobiles. So, down they come. The crib can be lowered no more.
Just a sign he's growing just a bit more... The crib looks less "baby"...
Sigh.
Just a sign he's growing just a bit more... The crib looks less "baby"...
Sigh.
Would It Be Easier to Own Stock in Exxon?
Was reviewing some items from last week and it hit me that in less than a week, I'd gone through approximately 380 liters of gas (about 100 gallons). Wow.
In Other News...
While due to OPSEC I won't get into specific details... it's not long now. I'm excited, and so is Ellicia.
We can't wait to see the unit home. Banners are going up in apartment windows all over post. And on fences...
One window even has a ribbon done in yellow christmas lights. Very creative.
Place is starting to get a tense, tenuous festive atmosphere to it.
We can't wait to see the unit home. Banners are going up in apartment windows all over post. And on fences...
One window even has a ribbon done in yellow christmas lights. Very creative.
Place is starting to get a tense, tenuous festive atmosphere to it.
The Liberated Husband
Recently, Betty Friedan, often considered the founder of the "feminist" movement, died.
And more recently, I have come to a new understanding of feminism and the liberation of women.
One of the key concepts was that women didn't have to stay in the home... they could have a family and a career.
For several months now, I've had the blissful pleasure of being a stay-at-home dad. Not only have I earned a newfound respect for all the work Ellicia (and other mom's) go through keeping homes running straight, but I've discovered the true meaning of feminism.
Over the several months, I've often had the thought that continuing my duty in Afghanistan (or even returning to work) would have been easier than my new duties. And thus, the revelation. I don't think feminism was about wanting more freedom to join the workplace as it was wanting the freedom to escape the house.
And I don't blame them.
Seventeen years to go... (but then, as our parents will be quick to note, I hear you're never truly free of your children...)
And more recently, I have come to a new understanding of feminism and the liberation of women.
One of the key concepts was that women didn't have to stay in the home... they could have a family and a career.
For several months now, I've had the blissful pleasure of being a stay-at-home dad. Not only have I earned a newfound respect for all the work Ellicia (and other mom's) go through keeping homes running straight, but I've discovered the true meaning of feminism.
Over the several months, I've often had the thought that continuing my duty in Afghanistan (or even returning to work) would have been easier than my new duties. And thus, the revelation. I don't think feminism was about wanting more freedom to join the workplace as it was wanting the freedom to escape the house.
And I don't blame them.
Seventeen years to go... (but then, as our parents will be quick to note, I hear you're never truly free of your children...)
13 February 2006
Olympics Live... or Not.
Had an interesting thought with Ellicia today...
It's amusing (at least to us).
Here we are in Germany, just a few hours from the Olympics (oh, wouldn't it have been interesting to go...), and in the same time zone.
Yet, for our TV channels, we get tape delay!
Because AFN (Armed Forces Network) gets its programming from the states (in this case, NBC), then we get tape delay...
hahaha
It's amusing (at least to us).
Here we are in Germany, just a few hours from the Olympics (oh, wouldn't it have been interesting to go...), and in the same time zone.
Yet, for our TV channels, we get tape delay!
Because AFN (Armed Forces Network) gets its programming from the states (in this case, NBC), then we get tape delay...
hahaha
10 February 2006
Count Is Up
Well, on schedule, after getting into the hospital, Ellicia's counts are back up to a nice 3100, and her fevers are gone (after maxing at 39... um, roughly 104).
We've elected to finish the chemo. No sense giving the cancer time to recover. To make my drill sergeants proud... when it comes to cancer... we "KILL, KILL, KILL!"
Also, we're going to try a new type of booster drug next time around... doc says it's more expensive, so we'd like to pass on our thanks to all the wonderful taxpayers out there. We appreciate it.
Also, as long as she's in the hospital, they ran some x-rays... and as far as our doc can tell, the lung cancer cells do not appear to be visible... So, progress is being made!
On the home front, cooked dinner tonight...
Also, we have significant snow... which is kind of a shame as Ellicia was looking forward to it. Makes driving back and forth interesting...
Tired... very tired... sigh.
We've elected to finish the chemo. No sense giving the cancer time to recover. To make my drill sergeants proud... when it comes to cancer... we "KILL, KILL, KILL!"
Also, we're going to try a new type of booster drug next time around... doc says it's more expensive, so we'd like to pass on our thanks to all the wonderful taxpayers out there. We appreciate it.
Also, as long as she's in the hospital, they ran some x-rays... and as far as our doc can tell, the lung cancer cells do not appear to be visible... So, progress is being made!
On the home front, cooked dinner tonight...
Also, we have significant snow... which is kind of a shame as Ellicia was looking forward to it. Makes driving back and forth interesting...
Tired... very tired... sigh.
09 February 2006
Back In the Hospital Again
Today's count was 700... after two boosters yesterday. Doc is putting her back in the hospital again.
Yay.
He's also broaching the idea of moving her surgery up to give her a break from the chemo.
Not sure yet what we think of that. On the pro-side, it does give her body a break, but...
It also gives the cancer a break from the chemo onslaught. Also, it means the tumor to be cut out will be bigger (not that it really matters, it's going to be an ugly surgery anyway...)
Decisions, decisions... since she's hospitalized, our good Doctor is going to take the time to do x-rays and even a CT scan. Might as well see where all these fun and games has gotten us.
Yay.
He's also broaching the idea of moving her surgery up to give her a break from the chemo.
Not sure yet what we think of that. On the pro-side, it does give her body a break, but...
It also gives the cancer a break from the chemo onslaught. Also, it means the tumor to be cut out will be bigger (not that it really matters, it's going to be an ugly surgery anyway...)
Decisions, decisions... since she's hospitalized, our good Doctor is going to take the time to do x-rays and even a CT scan. Might as well see where all these fun and games has gotten us.
08 February 2006
800
Today her count is 800. Doc has worried looks on his face. He doesn't like this. It dropped from 1900 Monday to 800 today, with two booster shots.
He went ahead and gave her TWO doses of the booster shot today.
We'll go back tomorrow for another count.
She doesn't look good. It's going to be a long night... she's already fighting off the infections that her body is susceptible to right now with a weakened system... has nausea, headaches, fevers...
Sigh.
He went ahead and gave her TWO doses of the booster shot today.
We'll go back tomorrow for another count.
She doesn't look good. It's going to be a long night... she's already fighting off the infections that her body is susceptible to right now with a weakened system... has nausea, headaches, fevers...
Sigh.
06 February 2006
Trying To Stay Ahead of the Curve
Well, our good Doctor is smart... as we've come to realize, Ellicia does not do well with the chemo treatments. Almost each time, it shocks her system to the point she's hospitalized because her white blood cell count drops so low. This time, we're starting her booster injections early and monitoring the count even more closely.
As of today, it's 1900 (low, and dropping). Tomorrow, I'll give her a booster shot at home, and then we'll count again on Wednesday.
Hope this works!
As of today, it's 1900 (low, and dropping). Tomorrow, I'll give her a booster shot at home, and then we'll count again on Wednesday.
Hope this works!
05 February 2006
Kid For Sale
While shopping today, I spoke with the missus... and received startling news.
Seems one of our pride and joys got into a bit of trouble. Whilst playing with her friends, she took a stick and beat and dragged it along the side of a friend's car.
Yep, we had the same reaction.
We got lucky. Nice thing about this time of year in Germany is the amount of dirt on the cars - apparently, the dirt serves as a great buffer against kids whose brains have drained from their heads.
It buffed out.
I commend our friend for having the self-control to not exterminate our young vandal on the spot, especially since he was in the car when she did it.
When asked why, she gave the classic "I don't know" and also that they were playing "policeman" and she being the policeman (sorry, PC thugs, I'm not using 'policewoman' here), she decided to arrest him. Lovely.
She's only seven... We can't wait to see what's coming down the road.
Meanwhile, our middle precious gift from God has forgotten her toilet training. Yep, the 3 year old is back in diapers. Near as we can determine, it's her way of "expressing" herself with all the changes in Mommy lately. Would rather she find a different expression...
And then there's Thomas... our last hope...
(For Star Wars fans out there, it cracks Ellicia and myself up, when the girls are bad, to walk up to Thomas, hold our hands to our heads like two Princess Leia-style honeybuns, and say, "Help me, Obi-Thomas... you're our only hope!" Guess you have to be there, or be nuts, for that one...)
So, anyone want to buy a future juvenille delinquent? :)
Seems one of our pride and joys got into a bit of trouble. Whilst playing with her friends, she took a stick and beat and dragged it along the side of a friend's car.
Yep, we had the same reaction.
We got lucky. Nice thing about this time of year in Germany is the amount of dirt on the cars - apparently, the dirt serves as a great buffer against kids whose brains have drained from their heads.
It buffed out.
I commend our friend for having the self-control to not exterminate our young vandal on the spot, especially since he was in the car when she did it.
When asked why, she gave the classic "I don't know" and also that they were playing "policeman" and she being the policeman (sorry, PC thugs, I'm not using 'policewoman' here), she decided to arrest him. Lovely.
She's only seven... We can't wait to see what's coming down the road.
Meanwhile, our middle precious gift from God has forgotten her toilet training. Yep, the 3 year old is back in diapers. Near as we can determine, it's her way of "expressing" herself with all the changes in Mommy lately. Would rather she find a different expression...
And then there's Thomas... our last hope...
(For Star Wars fans out there, it cracks Ellicia and myself up, when the girls are bad, to walk up to Thomas, hold our hands to our heads like two Princess Leia-style honeybuns, and say, "Help me, Obi-Thomas... you're our only hope!" Guess you have to be there, or be nuts, for that one...)
So, anyone want to buy a future juvenille delinquent? :)
02 February 2006
Treatments... It's Not Fair
It seemed so cruel. We're back on the ground less than 24 hours, and already, she's plugged back up getting poisoned again.
She's a trooper.
And I'm proud of her.
Good news seems to be that the treatment cycle will end after six cycles... We'd thought 10, but... six sounds good. This was #4, so we're almost there...
And then?
And then... we'll see what's next. Surely there'll be the surgery to introduce a new asymmetricalness to her, and more scans, and tests, and... and we hope we got it all.
Stay tuned.
She's a trooper.
And I'm proud of her.
Good news seems to be that the treatment cycle will end after six cycles... We'd thought 10, but... six sounds good. This was #4, so we're almost there...
And then?
And then... we'll see what's next. Surely there'll be the surgery to introduce a new asymmetricalness to her, and more scans, and tests, and... and we hope we got it all.
Stay tuned.
After Action Review
Wow, what a wonderful trip it was. I think it did some genuine good for Ellicia.
First off, we are still amazed at how a trip that had literally nothing (ok, there were two eensy-teensy appointments) scheduled could feel so busy. From the get-go, it felt like we were always going somewhere.
I look back and am still touched by my father meeting me at the airport... I don't think I'll ever forget how he looked. Love you, Dad.
And the smile on Ellicia's mom's face when she first got to see her...
or her Grandmother's face.
Her best friend's.
My mother's.
And all of the fussing over Thomas, who is destined to be a devilish ladies man. What a flirt!
We stuffed ourselves silly over all of our favorite restaurants.
We savored the sights of our old stomping grounds, and what'd changed... and what hadn't.
And discovered that "home" seemed to have moved. We felt like out-of-towners... and discovered how much we were missing Germany. There's something to be said for the German rigidness and strictness of life - driving is so much safer (when you drive like a German... driving like an American in Germany gets you killed).
What a trip... can we do it again?
First off, we are still amazed at how a trip that had literally nothing (ok, there were two eensy-teensy appointments) scheduled could feel so busy. From the get-go, it felt like we were always going somewhere.
I look back and am still touched by my father meeting me at the airport... I don't think I'll ever forget how he looked. Love you, Dad.
And the smile on Ellicia's mom's face when she first got to see her...
or her Grandmother's face.
Her best friend's.
My mother's.
And all of the fussing over Thomas, who is destined to be a devilish ladies man. What a flirt!
We stuffed ourselves silly over all of our favorite restaurants.
We savored the sights of our old stomping grounds, and what'd changed... and what hadn't.
And discovered that "home" seemed to have moved. We felt like out-of-towners... and discovered how much we were missing Germany. There's something to be said for the German rigidness and strictness of life - driving is so much safer (when you drive like a German... driving like an American in Germany gets you killed).
What a trip... can we do it again?
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