Carmichael's Position

Move Over Murtha, Pelosi and Reid, There's a New Democratic Party Spokesman in Town!

And his name is Ayman al-Zawahri!  The second in command, behind Osama Bin Laden.

Quoting directly from the MoveOn.org, Code Pink, Democratic Party HQ talking points memo, the Democratic party spokesman, al-Zawahri...

"...in a new audiotape released on a militant Web site early Friday [said] that five years of U.S. occupation of Iraq brought only "failure and defeat," which the Bush administration will pass on as a "problem" to the next American president.

In the recording, Ayman al-Zawahri alleged that by acting on the advice of his top commanders in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, and halting further U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq until after July, U.S. President George W. Bush was "covering up for the failure" of his Iraq policies...."

..."Bush declared that he will grant Petraeus all the time he needs, a ridiculous show to cover up for the failure in Iraq and to allow Bush to evade the decision to withdraw the forces, which is an admission of the failure of the crusader invasion of Iraq, by passing the problem on to the next president..."

Hmmm... And here I though all this type of talk was nothing more than Leftist Amerikan, presidential debate propaganda.  Well! Now I'm convinced, if anyone knows how to cut the head off of the Bullshit, it's Al Gore Qaeda!

And in another show of Solidarity with the Democratic Party and specifically the Obama camp, Ahmed Yousuf, the terrorist organization Hamas' top political adviser in the Gaza Strip had this to say:

"We like Mr. Obama, and we hope that he will win the elections,"... "I understand American politics and this is the season for elections and everybody tries to sound like he's a friend of the Israelis," he said. All that would change if Obama would get elected. "I hope Mr. Obama and the Democrats will change the political discourse.... I do believe [Obama] is like John Kennedy, a great man with a great principle. And he has a vision to change America to make it in a position to lead the world community, but not with humiliation and arrogance,"

All this was stated before meeting the former President Jimmy Carter to discuss how to best neuter Israel.

At Least Your Mother Named You Appropriately... Dick!

I would normally confess that I cannot believe I missed this when published on April 11th... but then again since when to I make a habit of reading the intellectually bankrupt opinion section of the New York Times?

In a piece of shit written by Dick Cavett (yes that Dick Cavett) he takes on the oratory skills of General Petraeus and Ambassador Cocker in their recent testimony before Congress on the progress in Iraq.  Now I too have been critical of public figures oft ignorance of proper oratory, our current sitting president leaps to mind.  However, even if I were to critique someone who's politics I disagreed with (Al Gore and his three step inflection cadence) I would try to focus on the technical aspects of the presentation.  I would not stoop to the insulting degree the "Oh So Perfect" DICK.... Cavett did in penning the following paragraph:

I can’t look at Petraeus — his uniform ornamented like a Christmas tree with honors, medals and ribbons — without  thinking of the great Mort Sahl at the peak of his brilliance. He talked about meeting General Westmoreland in the Vietnam days. Mort, in a virtuoso display of his uncanny detailed knowledge — and memory — of such things, recited the lengthy list (”Distinguished Service Medal, Croix de Guerre with Chevron, Bronze Star, Pacific Campaign” and on and on), naming each of the half-acre of decorations, medals, ornaments, campaign ribbons and other fripperies festooning the general’s sternum in gaudy display. Finishing the detailed list, Mort observed, “Very impressive!” Adding, “If you’re twelve.”

FRIPPERIES!  FRIPPERIES????  You SOB!  for those of you who do not want to waste your time looking it up, Fripperies are "Something trivial or nonessential".

What is it with Liberal Elitist Media Cretins of your ilk that cannot recognize that these Fripperies, are conferred, not handed out freely!  These ribbons, epaulettes, insignia all convey immediately to the KNOWLEDGABLE the service rendered by the one wearing them.  One does not have to know the details of the actions taken by the wearer, to recognize that the Bronze Star!  Is not given for a good one liner right before the commercial break!  You try earning one.. DICK!

And as for your reference to ... “Very impressive!” Adding, “If you’re twelve.” 

Or maybe... Just Maybe!!!...  If you were raised to respect sacrifice?  Dedication to Duty?  Honor? Courage? Commitment? Bravery? Selflessness?  All words of which you appear to be completely ignorant... DICK!

Here's some of what is on the General's Chest (an Oak Leaf signifies additional times the medal was awarded, and "V" device signifies "Valor" in Combat):

  Defense Distinguished Service Medal

  Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster)

  Defense Superior Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster)

  Legion of Merit (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters)

  Bronze Star (with “V” Device)

  Defense Meritorious Service Medal

  Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)

You sanctimonious venal elitist... You sicken me!  I used to find you mildly amusing.  Now that you have unveiled your true colors in your contempt for men like General Petraeus and by proxy all men and women in uniform, I have no use for you or your opinion.  Go sip your Gin and Tonic at the local MoveOn cocktail party cracking malicious mean spirited grammatically accurate vocabulary rich jokes at the Military's expense.  But understand this... those who serve in the Armed Forces get paid to protect YOU and YOUR fellow liberal intellectual's FREEDOMS... All other Americans, they protect because they want to!

Nice... DICK!

Daily Show Interviews Code Pink! Telling... Very Telling!

An interesting take on the Marines in Berkeley...

The following clip was called to my attention by my good friend Linda, via her father Richard who currently resides in Berkeley and is admittedly not on the same political side of the fence where I choose to reside.  Richard and Linda evidently had been discussing my earlier post about the Mayor and City Council wanting no part of your United States Marine Corps and declaring them personas non grata in the city of Berkeley and even going so far as to grant Code Pink a designated parking space immediately in front of the recruiting station.

I have no idea what either of their (Linda or Richard's) positions are on the subject and there are times I choose not to find out... friends and politics can be a lot like farts and church, best not to combine the two.  But knowing both of them, I'm sure they had a thoughtful and intellectual discussion regarding the climate in Berkeley.

Anyway, as I mentioned at the top of this post Linda and Richard evidently thought I would find the following clip from the "Daily Show" entertaining if not poignant.  I did (on both accounts) and would like to share it with you here.

 

I would also like to share with you a response to an earlier Code Pink Editorial Attack against our Brothers in Green, written by Capt. Richard Lund USMC.  It illustrates an interesting dichotomy between the perception of Peaceful Protesting Intellectuals (so accurately portrayed in the Daily Show video) and the supposed mindlessly violent warmongering Marines... I leave it to you to decide:

An Open Letter to Code Pink

By Richard Lund

While the protest that you staged in front of my office on Wednesday, Sept. 26th, was an exercise of your constitutional rights, the messages that you left behind were insulting, untrue, and ultimately misdirected. Additionally, from the comments quoted in the Berkeley Daily Planet article, it is clear that you have no idea what it is that I do here. Given that I was unaware of your planned protest, I was unable to contest your claims in person, so I will therefore address them here. First, a little bit about who I am: I am a Marine captain with over eight years of service as a commissioned officer. I flew transport helicopters for most of my time in the Marine Corps before requesting orders to come here. Currently, I am the officer selection officer for the northern Bay Area. My job is to recruit, interview, screen, and evaluate college students and college graduates that show an interest in becoming officers in the Marine Corps. Once they’ve committed to pursuing this program, I help them apply, and if selected, I help them prepare for the rigors of Officer Candidate School and for the challenges of life as a Marine officer. To be eligible for my programs, you have to be either a full-time college student or a college graduate. I don’t pull anyone out of school, and high school students are not eligible.

I moved my office to Berkeley in December of last year. Previously, it was located in an old federal building in Alameda. That building was due to be torn down and I had to find a new location. I choose our new site because of its proximity to UC Berkeley and to the BART station. Most of the candidates in my program either go to Cal or to one of the schools in San Francisco, the East Bay, or the North Bay. Logistically, the Shattuck Square location was the most convenient for them.

Next, you claim that I lie. I have never, and will never, lie to any individual that shows an interest in my programs. I am upfront with everything that is involved at every step of the way and I go out of my way to ensure that they know what to expect when they apply. I tell them that this is not an easy path. I tell them that leading Marines requires a great deal of self-sacrifice. I tell them that, should they succeed in their quest to become a Marine officer, they will almost certainly go to Iraq. In the future, if you plan to attack my integrity, please have the courtesy to explain to me specifically the instances in which you think that I lied.

Next, scrawled across the doorway to my office, you wrote, “Recruiters are Traitors.” Please explain this one. How exactly am I a traitor? Was I a traitor when I joined the Marine Corps all those years ago? Is every Marine, therefore, a traitor? Was I a traitor during my two stints in Iraq? Was I a traitor when I was delivering humanitarian aid to the victims of the tsunami in Sumatra? Or do you only consider me a traitor while I am on this job? The fact is, recruitment is and always has been a part of maintaining any military organization. In fact, recruitment is a necessity of any large organization. Large corporations have employees that recruit full-time. Even you, I’m sure, must expend some effort to recruit for Code Pink. So what, exactly, is it that makes me a traitor?

The fact is this: any independent nation must maintain a military (or be allied with those who do) to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. Regardless of what your opinions are of the current administration or the current conflict in Iraq, the U.S. military will be needed again in the future. If your counter-recruitment efforts are ultimately successful, who will defend us if we are directly attacked again as we were at Pearl Harbor? Who would respond if a future terrorist attack targets the Golden Gate Bridge, the BART system, or the UC Berkeley clock tower? And, to address the most hypocritical stance that your organization takes on its website, where would the peace keeping force come from that you advocate sending to Darfur?

Finally, I believe that your efforts in protesting my office are misdirected. I agree that your stated goals of peace and social justice are worthy ones. War is a terrible thing that should only be undertaken in the most dire, extreme, and necessary of circumstances. However, war is made by politicians. The conflict in Iraq was ordered by the president and authorized by Congress. They are the ones who have the power to change the policy in Iraq, not members of the military. We execute policy to the best of our ability and to the best of our human capacity. Protesting in front of my office may be an easy way to get your organization in the headlines of local papers, but it doesn’t further any of your stated goals.

To conclude, I don’t consider myself a “recruiter.” I am a Marine who happens to be on recruiting duty. As such, I conduct myself in accordance with our core values of honor, courage, and commitment. I will never sacrifice my honor by lying to anyone that walks into my office. I will never forsake the courage that it takes to restrain myself in the face of insulting and libelous labels like liar and traitor. And, most importantly, I will never waver from my commitment to helping individuals who desire to serve their country as officers in the Marine Corps.

Captain Richard Lund is the United States Marine Corps’ officer selection officer for the northern Bay Area.

Nuff said!

What was I Thinking... Of Course Obama Can Save The World! Besides... "He Makes Manure Taste Good!"

My buddy Tommy defended his political stances the other day after receiving a somewhat unfair and somewhat juvenile (sorry I was impersonating the candidates and talking heads I see and hear on TV and radio) lambasting from me and my bride about the concerns we have about Senator Obama becoming president.  Fair enough... Tommy and I agree to disagree.  I do not think he is an idiot for his beliefs and values, nor do I see him as incompetent or shallow or uninformed, not by a long shot.  He is a thoughtful contemplative rational man.  We simply take the same information and derive different solutions to the problems facing the world.   Tommy is an "Earthling" first who happens to be an American Citizen.  Believe me, I do understand that philosophical premise and have no qualms if your view is that way. Me?... I'm an American first in my mind, I do not apologize for that, and unlike some I have always been proud to be an American!

Have I always been proud of the actions of other Americans?... Nope! Not by a long shot!  But on the whole I think we do ok!  My liberal brothers would probably say I have my head in the sand, and can't I see the catastrophic harm America is bringing to the world in our Imperialistic Arrogance? 

Simple... Nope, I do not! 

In Barak (no mention of his middle name) Obama, I see another Jimmy Carter coming, one who promises "Change" declaring that the sitting administration and Party (In Carter's Time it was the Ford Administration-- the unfortunate follow-on to the Nixon Administration Republicans in a war weary nation) is Evil incarnate and has done NOTHING positive.  NOTHING mind you!  I am one who believes history will illustrate otherwise once the partisans go away much like they have with both the Nixon and the Ford Administrations. 

So along comes the "Change Messiah," who, using hope and inspiration, will save us from those evil Americans Republicans.  Obama lets fly with promises like farts at a 8-bean Chili Cook-off!  And many of them have the same lingering smell.  He is an idealist in a party that covets Utopian Communes, where ALL the world will willingly "Play Nice," where everyone is a "Special Interest Group", just like everyone else!  Where evil ideas like competition, and free enterprise are banned from the lexicon!  Artisans, muses, and narcissistic intellectuals rule the day!  Fair is the LAW!!! Peace is everywhere because obviously caring loving Liberals who understand and accept alternate views lifestyles would not pose a threat to anyone ever again.  Peace would blossom and flourish like those heady days at Haight and Ashbury.

As a Speech Communication Degree holder, I have a great appreciation for Barak's oratory and rhetorical skills.  He is indeed a damn sight better at presenting prepared text than our current sitting president, and I too long for the days when our elected leaders could string a sentence together using real words.

But for the most part his orations lack substance (hmmm imagine that with a politician) and I would really respect the candidate who came forward and said... "Ya know, right wrong or indifferent, we are in Iraq now, we did this and we have an obligation to make that country a stable prosperous land.  We will not abandon you, we will stand side by side with those seeking peaceable solutions.  Improvements have been made and we will work to expand those while striving to eliminate any negative effects of our presence.  Abu-Ghraib was a travesty and does not represent America, American Values, or 99.99% of our Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors or Marines!  It represents idiocy in human beings, and that is all!!!  It was not a product of the Bush administration, it was the product of poor leadership, and stupidity.  Its a good thing no-one will ever do anything stupid while Obama is President!  He Promises!!!

Anyway... I'm not going to tick away at Tom's premises, as Tom states he has his beliefs, and I have mine... they are different, we see through a different lens and different experiences we bring to the table.  We'll continue to discuss our views and try to remain civil in our discourse.  And our discourse always goes better with Guinness!  Here's to you Tom.  For hanging 'em in the breeze for all the world to punch at.

William F. Buckley Jr. (1925-2008) Farewell...

One of my favorite writers, commenter and thinkers has passed, and the world will be a lesser place for it.

Bill Buckley founded one of the stalwarts of conservative thought and commentary with the publication of National Review in 1955.  And from that time has provided our citizenry excellent mentorship in the ways of Conservative Thinking.

Some of my favorite quotes are from this man.  Here are but a few:

• “Liberals claim to want to give a hearing to other views, but then are shocked and offended to discover that there are other views.”
• “Back in the thirties we were told we must collectivize the nation because the people were so poor. Now we are told we must collectivize the nation because the people are so rich.”
• “It had all the earmarks of a CIA operation; the bomb killed everybody in the room except the intended target!”
• “Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.”
• “I'd rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University.”

All continue to have merit... especially in today's desert of political rhetoric, void of intellect, creativity and substance.

You will be missed Bill -- albeit more so by those of us on the right... those on the left on the other hand are just bummed the news of your passing interrupted the Oprah show!  Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Goodnight Bill...

4.72 Miles Per Second!

Well that ought to put it in perspective! 

And if that doesn't work for you... try 24,933 FEET! per "One Mississippi!"

That is how fast the non-functioning NRO Satellite ("US 193") was traveling this evening when the USS Lake Erie (CG-70) firing a modified SM-3 "Standard" missile scored a HIT on it!

Oh, did I mention that was from over 133 vertical miles away?!!! 

Bravo Zulu Crew of the USS Lake Erie! 

The DOD press release follows:

---

DoD Succeeds In Intercepting Non-Functioning Satellite

A network of land-, air-, sea- and spaced-based sensors confirms that the U.S. military intercepted a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite which was in its final orbits before entering the earth's atmosphere.

At approximately 10:26 p.m. EST today, a U.S. Navy AEGIS warship,  the USS Lake Erie (CG-70), fired a single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) hitting the satellite approximately 247 kilometers (133 nautical miles) over the Pacific Ocean as it traveled in space at more than 17,000 mph. USS Decatur (DDG-73) and USS Russell (DDG-59) were also part of the task force.

US NAVY Photos:

The objective was to rupture the fuel tank to dissipate the approximately 1,000 pounds (453 kg) of hydrazine, a hazardous fuel which could pose a danger to people on earth, before it entered into earth's atmosphere.   Confirmation that the fuel tank has been fragmented should be available within 24 hours.

Due to the relatively low altitude of the satellite at the time of the engagement, debris will begin to re-enter the earth’s atmosphere immediately. Nearly all of the debris will burn up on reentry within 24-48 hours and the remaining debris should re-enter within 40 days.  

Now that is Skeet Shooting!  PULL!

US Marines Not Welcomed in Berkeley California

I put this on the Tailhook Daily Briefing also:

"The Marines don't belong here, they shouldn't have come here, and they should leave..." 

This is not a quote from some Afghani rebel, or some Iraqi insurgent.  No, these are the words of the MAYOR! of Berkeley California (still a United States city last I checked...)

Seriously though, is anyone really surprised by this? 

From the Contra Costa Times:

Berkeley Council Says Marine Recruiting Center is not Welcome

BERKELEY, Calif.—Local officials in this liberal city say it's time for the U.S. Marines to move out.

The City Council voted 8-1 Tuesday to tell the Marines their downtown recruiting station is not welcome and "if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome guests."...

Not surprising to many readers of my site, our Marines are pretty accustomed to the status of "Uninvited and Unwelcomed Guests". Seldom however is this the prevailing opinion anywhere between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans! 

But wait there's more!

...In a separate item, the council voted, also 8-1, to give protest group Code Pink a parking space in front of the recruiting office once a week for six months and a free sound permit for protesting once a week.

..."I believe in the Code Pink cause. The Marines don't belong here, they shouldn't have come here, and they should leave," said Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates....

I commented on another of my favorite blogger's site on this subject, "Wouldn't this equate to giving a 'Reserved' parking space to the Neo-Nazis outside of a synagogue?

The entire Bay Area of the great state of California has melded into a melting pot of pacifists and the more vile, "passive aggressive's" toward those who CHOOSE to defend the freedoms we all enjoy in our great nation.

Must be nice to relax in the Barko-Lounger of freedom provided by those who serve!  And then snipe at those who do!

But alas I would not worry about our Brother's in Green.  They are fairly used to, and conditioned to be amidst Hostile Situations!

I think Chesty said it best:

It is a good thing our Marines understand Semper Fidelis because the self proclaimed intellectuals of Berkeley obviously need to study up on their Latin.

Good Night Chesty Wherever You Are...

Illegal Immigrants to Receive Rebate Funds Too! Remember Folks, You Read it Here First!

Remember last week when I was a bit critical of our Lawmakers use of the word "REBATE" referring to the economic stimulus handout coming not to soon to a mailbox near you?  [Link] I said, fully intending it to be somewhat tongue in cheek,

"For those who did not pay any income tax, you will be receiving a "Hand-Out" of $300.00 negotiated by the "Government knows best" Socialist Democratic Party Leaders Infamous.  As a purchase of your vote in the upcoming election.  Negotiations are still in process to insure that all "Undocumented Residents" are compensated as well (remember, your vote matters too!)..."

I meant that as a somewhat sarcastic stab at our nation's Socialist Democrat party and their willingness to "Accept" not just "Tolerate" every special interest known to man and beast (and vegetable and mineral... many of which are voting members of the Democrat party too.) And cater accordingly.

Well, fast forward to today and the following headline from the Politico:

Lou Dobbs alert: Illegal immigrants may get rebates

"In their bipartisan zeal to quickly cut a deal on an economic stimulus bill, GOP lawmakers overlooked something that will certainly inflame the conservative base _ illegal immigrants could receive a tax rebate check from the government.

The text of the House passed bill contains language making "non resident aliens"  -illegal immigrants-  ineligible for the tax rebates. But every year, hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants use individual taxpayer identification numbers, known as ITINs, to file income tax returns with the IRS. These ID numbers are used instead of Social Security numbers. There are no exact statistics for how many illegal immigrants file tax returns, but this New York Times story from last year details the significant increase in use of ITINs.  This story also lays out the issue.

Immigration advocates point out that many legal immigrants use ITINs, so it would be impossible to outlaw rebates for everyone who uses this form of ID in tax returns.

And our Colorado Representative Ken Salazar expressed the following, illustrating his complacency relating to Illegal Immigration in the United States:

"The reality is that those who filed a tax return will be eligible" for tax rebates of $600 to $1,200, said Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Colo.). "This [issue] has not been addressed" by the senators writing the bill.

Wow!  This is screwed up in so many ways!   A humorous metaphor escapes me.

The Future of Screen Interaction Technology

Computer,TV, HDDVD, what ever your poison, this is the next technological step in the process.

http://www.perceptivepixel.com/

Video:

We are already seeing advanced touch screen technology in Apple iPhones and iPods and Microsoft's Surface.  But expect the explosion over the next coupla!  Find your investments where you can!

JungleGrub is Now in Costco!

Now there is something to cheer about!

Many of you know I have been assisting Steve and Teresa Brandt, the founders of Organic Nutrition mostly in the form of some gentle business cheerleading and encouragement as well as building the JungleGrub News Blog for them. 

Well through Steve's dedication and perseverance JungleGrub Snack Bars are now available a select COSTCO stores in Southern California (sorry to the rest of my national readership... although I'm sure Steve and "T" won't mind if you go to your local COSTCO manager and request they too begin to stock JungleGrub... just say'n).

 

For those of you who do not know...

JungleGrub Snack Bars are the brain child of Steve and Teresa Brandt, two exceptionally brilliant and determined people!  And these bars are AWESOME!

           

What's so special about JungleGrub? 

Well, for starters... these bars were from the ground up created with kids in mind! That's why they are certified USDA organic.

That means nothing has been genetically altered or fed growth hormones and of course grown without the use of pesticides.  Bottom line - its straight forward food. When you see the USDA logo it should put you at ease that you won’t find things like High Fructose Corn Syrup in the ingredients.

And unlike other nutritional snack bars these do not taste like the bottom of your Gym Shoe with the texture of a Roofing Shingle!  No!  JungleGrub is sweet, fruity, appetizing and best of all easy to eat!  When you bite into a JungleGrub you can actually sink your teeth into one... you don't have to take out insurance on your teeth as you try to visegrip your way through them!

The other cool thing about JungleGrub is that each bar is currently only 100 calories!  That equates to just 15 minutes bowling, 30 minutes playing Frisbee, 18 minutes golfing or playing 13 hands of cards.  More importantly these bars help you accomplish these types of activities rather than require these types of activities!

For example, here's the nutritional label for Berry Bamboozle (my favorite)

More details can be found here: Link

So if you happen to live in So Cal and want to try some of these outstanding bars for yourself, or get some for your kids... BTW... They are great Lunchbox stuffers and Gym Bag stuffers for those of you pursuing your New Year's Resolutions!... Just head on down to your closest Costco on the date listed below and visit the JungleGrub Endcap!  You could even meet Steve and "T"!

PLEASE COME AND INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO BUY PRODUCT AND SUPPORT THE EVENTS!

• Week 1 January 3rd – 6^th
• Location: San Juan Capistrano
• Address: 33961 Doheny Park Rd,
• San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
• http://www.priceviewer.com/costco_locations/429-California.html
• Week 2 January 10th – 13th
• Location: Tustin 2 (there are 2 stores in Tustin)
• Address: 2700 Park Ave,
• Tustin, CA 92782
• [no link available for this new store]
• Week 3 January 17th-20th
• Location: Laguna Market Place
• Address: 27220 Heather Ridge Rd.,
• Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
• http://www.priceviewer.com/costco_locations/690-California.html
• Week 4 January 24th-27th
• Location: Irvine
• Address: 115 Technology Dr,
• Irvine, CA 92618
• http://www.priceviewer.com/costco_locations/454-California.html

For those of you not in SoCal, JungleGub is also available on Amazon.com [LINK].

"Vista continues to improve..." Duh, can't help but to!

From my friend Glenn Berry from his Blog "Glen Berry's SQL Server Performance"...

If you are running Windows Vista, you should consider applying these two updates from Microsoft.

First is the December 2007 Windows Vista Application Compatibility Update that fixes lots of issues with 3rd party and Microsoft applications.  Second is "An update that improves the performance, responsiveness, and reliability of Windows Vista is available", which fixes issues with hibernation and improves disk I/O performance (by up to 15%).

Windows Vista continues to improve and mature.

Duh...  It can't help but to improve!  Am I going to download the updates?  You bet!  Like a cancer patient going to Mexico in hopes of the miracle cure, I am praying that the upgrade will miraculously convert my OS to XP or MAC OS "Leopard"! And like those desperate afflicted souls, I too am anticipating I will be disappointed in the outcome, and my Vista infliction will continue.  Hmmm, wonder what the side effects will be?  

In this political year where perception is EVERYTHING!  Microsoft is losing the Perception War of quality and usability.  Hell, Window's ME is looking appealing compared to Vista!  I have been, as well as thousands of others, very frustrated with "Vista."  It is cumbersome, slow, hogs the RAM, and I too have run into numerous incompatibility problems relating to installation and reinstallation of various software applications! 

I just bought a Toshiba Satellite X205 T7100 1.8 w/2 gig of RAM.  It has Vista Home Premium on it.  Ohhh for XP!  I have a severe case of "Buyer's Remorse," and I'm telling you my next computer acquisition is going to be a MAC!  If I'm going to have to relearn an OS, it might as well be a GOOD OS!

Christmas at the Carmichael's

Heheh... Sounds a little odd but thanks to October 6th this year, Ginger and I combined (and of course her name change) now makes us the "Carmichaels"...

Cool...

We're here in Colorado this year enjoying this festive occasion with some very close friends.  Unfortunately family is spread all around the nation this day.  But they are certainly with us in spirit.

This Christmas day is just beginning, the promise of a "WHITE CHRISTMAS" has already been delivered... boy has it been delivered!  Here's a taste... What was forecast for 1-2" of light snow is now 7-9" and still snowing!

We're fortunate enough to be the ones hosting the dinner this year in our new house, so I do not have to experience the white knuckle adventures of the roads today.

We certainly wish you all could enjoy the holiday with us too... There is always an open invite!  And as cold as it is outside today... inside is quite warm and toasty.  Here's what Christmas looks like this year at Casa De Carmichael.

 

And of course... Your lovely Hostess... And my Beautiful Bride, Ginger...

      MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May all of your Christmas dreams come true...  And a special thanks to all of the Men and Women in Uniform who cannot be here with us this day, please know you are all in our hearts, and prayers!  We certainly hope you are all finding ways to bring a little Christmas cheer to wherever you are...  Knowing our Military, I'm sure it is being achieved... God Bless!

Recognized for CUTTING DOWN the US FLAG?!!!

Damn Right!

Somewhere I missed this story when it happened back in October... Of course I could have been doing something else at the time... like "getting married."

But here's the poop for those others of you who missed the story.   Evidently an establishment in the Reno NV area was flying a Mexican flag OVER the US flag!  Supposedly the shop owner was flying the flags in this manner as a form of solidarity in the wake of raids on 11 area McDonald's restaurant leading to the arrest of more than 50 undocumented workers.

The flag flying garnered the attention of the local media and a news crew was dispatched to "get to the bottom" of things (and probably provide an excellent soapbox for the shop owner's protest).  Well what the News Crew captured that day was certainly unexpected... but in YHS view heart warming!  Here's the video: [link]

That's Army Veteran Jim Brossard taking ACTION!  That flag and what it represents deserves respect!  And men like Brossard recognize this, they've fought for our honor and still do!  There is NOTHING wrong with being an AMERICAN!  We do not have to apologize and constant Kowtow to every slap in the face we receive.  Yes the store owner has every right to mount a protest, but flying the American Flag in the United States in this fashion is Illegal!... for a reason! 

"If I hadn't done that, then I'm afraid it wouldn't have gotten done," he said. "I was ready and fully willing to accept any consequences, legally or any other, that might have come in my direction."

And I'm with Jim in that I think if you are willing to treat Old Glory without respect, you've lost your privilege to have her!

And it looks like the members of the USS Intrepid Association feel the same way... Because in a small ceremony Jim Brossard was presented with another US Flag, one that has flown proudly over the USS Intrepid.

GERALDA MILLER
RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
Posted: 11/21/2007

Veterans who served on the U.S.S. Intrepid aircraft carrier presented Jim Brossard with a certificate and flag for cutting down a U.S. flag that was flying beneath a Mexican flag at a Reno bar.

"To fly the American flag underneath the Mexican flag, it just defies everything," said Wayne Erven, West Coast representative of the U.S.S. Intrepid Association Inc. "Our flag goes on top. That's the honor we give our flag."

Erven of Pleasanton, Calif., gave Brossard the appreciation Tuesday at the James D. Hoff Peace Officer Memorial in Idlewild Park.  (Photo Caption:  Wayne Erven, center, prepares to give a flag that flew over the U.S.S. Intrepid in New York earlier this year to Jim Brossard, left. Looking on at right is Daryl Saldausky of Reno. Erven and Saldausky are members of the U.S.S. Intrepid Association Inc. Photo Credit: David B. Parker/RGJ)

"To go and pull that down, you've got more guts than brains maybe," Erven told Brossard.

And I find it also disturbing that...

Bob Fulkerson, state director for the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, said Brossard does not deserve to be rewarded for stealing property.

Uh... Try the word "Rescuing" or "Protecting the Honor of..." there Bob!

"I think what they're doing is rewarding criminal behavior, and they're rewarding violent behavior," Fulkerson said. "To me, that goes against our Constitution. That goes against the values of our country."

Uh... Yeah.... Well I guess I should consider the source...

Bravo Zulu Mr. Brossard!

New Gig at NuEnergen

Yesterday was my first day at NuEnergen.  And as with any new beginning it was mostly dedicated to establishing the infrastructure required to do my job; e-mail, IM, phone, "Where's the Head" you know the important things.

This looks like it is going to be a great experience.  Already I am digging into our contractual arrangements with our customers so I can insure we are taking care of them operationally.  We've got some great names in that corral.

Which leads me to answer the question many of you have asked of me.  What does NuEnergen (and you) do?

NuEnergen is an Energy Management Consulting Firm, we specialize in

• Energy Procurement
• Demand Response
• Renewable Energy Certificates

I will be wearing many hats here, primarily I am responsible for taking care of our customers, insuring they receive the service they expect along with the accurate reporting they need.  Oh and of course, the savings we are seeking on energy procurement.  Additionally I will be assisting on everything from Sales & Marketing to our IT and Web needs.  Good thing I won't be too busy!

I'll be writing more about NuEnergen and what we do as the weeks progress, but it is definitely a burgeoning industry and we appear to be in the right markets.  Time will obviously tell.

Many of you who know me are also well aware of my politics, which leads to a few more questions in your minds about "Carbon Footprints" - Green Energy- and Greenhouse Gas reductions and how I fit into that.

More on that to come.  I owe it to a friend of mine to actually dedicate a few more brain cells to addressing the perceived philosophical contradiction. 

Stay tuned...

Now There's a Milestone the MTV Generation Can be Proud to Call Their Own!

In the news today... from Breitbart.com

U.S. Sets Record in Sexual Disease Cases

ATLANTA (AP) - More than 1 million cases of chlamydia were reported in the United States last year—the most ever reported for a sexually transmitted disease, federal health officials said Tuesday.

"A new U.S. record," said Dr. John M. Douglas Jr. of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More bad news: Gonorrhea rates are jumping again after hitting a record low, and an increasing number of cases are caused by a "superbug" version resistant to common antibiotics, federal officials said Tuesday.

Syphilis is rising, too. The rate of congenital syphilis—which can deform or kill babies—rose for the first time in 15 years.

And yes, I do think our focus on Pop-Culture and the MTV (a)morality code has a lot to do with it.  Does that exonerate individuals from having to accept the responsibility for their actions?  Nope... I'm just not as hopefully optimistic as Dr. Khalil Ghanem when he expressed, "Hopefully we will not see this turn into a trend..."  Yeah... It's probably more of a "Fad." 

This is why I have problems with how the "War" is reported.

I'm sure the AP, CNN, NBC the NYT and the usual suspects in the media were as giddy as a 5 year old waiting for Santa's visit on Christmas, waiting in grotesquely eager anticipation for the number 853 to arrive!  Knowing they would be able to publish the following headline!

"2007 Is Deadliest Year for US in Iraq"

BAGHDAD (AP) - The U.S. military on Tuesday announced the deaths of five more soldiers and one sailor, making 2007 the deadliest year for U.S. troops despite a recent downturn, according to an Associated Press count.

At least 853 American military personnel have died in Iraq so far this year—the highest annual toll since the war began in March 2003, according to AP figures.

The grim milestone passed despite a sharp drop in U.S. and Iraqi deaths here in recent months...

"Sharp Drop..." here's just how sharp! [From the Department of Defense]

 

And I might add that is with a significant increase in the number of Americans in country beginning in June!  Remember the much criticized "Surge" that had failed according to "Give-up" Harry?

Why the drop off?  Well it would appear based on IED explosions (what killed the 5 that triggered the "Headline Alarm!") the US and coalition forces have begun to succeed in their efforts to get to the cowards before they get to us!

Yes, it is truly tragic to have lost 853 Americans in the efforts to bring freedom to the people of Iraq, but to leverage their deaths to advance the questionable slant of the left and their media lap-dogs is a disgrace!

Look at the "Trend!"  our efforts are dramatically IMPROVING!!! or would that be detrimental to the nay-sayers and surrenderists? 

Now, excuse me... I have to go lick my cat's butt to get this taste out of my mouth!

That Sox!

Well... that's that...  Damn it has been tough being a Padre and now a Colorado Rockies Fan. 

But to be honest... Kudos have to go to the Red Sox.  They simply outplayed the Rockies.  Anyone who claims an 8 day layoff did not negatively affect the HotRocks is fooling themselves! 

The Rockies and Clint Hurdle will obviously claim otherwise... they are a CLASS ACT afterall... but streaks are all about momentum!

Thanks Rockies for getting there and bringing all your fans, be they fair weather, or fully dedicated... you did indeed bring some joy to us here this year!  Baseball in October is Fun! 

Here's to October Baseball next year!

The difference between throwing your metals over the wall and leaving your STARS at The WALL... Character!

Why I have the utmost respect for people like General Peter Pace and ... well... notsomuch for the likes of John Kerry...

When General Pace left his position as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, primarily because those in Congress didn't approve of his "Take Charge and Move Out" mentality regarding war fighting. What did he do?  ... He paid his respects to his men!   In a way we can all be proud of...  now that's a LEADER!

Extracted from Neptunus Lex article:

I wanted to share with you what we saw in Washington DC last week. After the mid-term brief we toured the Mall and made the usual stops at the WWII Memorial, the Wall, Lincoln Memorial, etc. At the Vietnam Wall we saw something unbelievable. We noticed three small index cards at the base of the Wall. I knelt down for a closer look and noticed that a 4-star general’s rank was pinned to each card. The cards were personally addressed and said:

“These are Yours- not mine!
With Love and Respect,
Your Platoon Leader,
Pete Pace
1 Oct”

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs had laid down his rank for his boys who died in Nam just the day before! I later found out that 1 Oct was also the same day he stepped down as chairman.

More of the Story Here: [LINK]

Update on My Sister's Forthcoming Breast Cancer 3-day Walk for the Cure!

You remember my sister...Kelly.

Well, a few months ago I mentioned that she was participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk for the cure in Atlanta on October 12-14th.  I am super proud of my sister's dedication to this more than worthy cause.  I asked in that post a few months ago (and followed up again with this one) that you, my readers, if you felt so compelled, to please help my sister surpass her donation goal of $3,000.00 initially.  I thought at the time this was an understated goal.  Kelly soon realized that I was right as donations began to come in.  She raised her requested goal to a more reasonable $5,000.00. 

Well... Thanks to your gracious donations Kelly's fund raising efforts are now at $7,500.00!!!!  And she could not be more thrilled!  You have to understand... My sister is not one to ask for much, she is a pretty self sufficient person on God's Green Earth, and this request, albeit for a worthy cause did not come easy for her...  But SHE DID IT!  And I couldn't be prouder! 

But more importantly I am proud of you my readers for answering the call!  Especially Clay and Cari, and Scott and Kristi.  And Kathy for your "Sister in Survival" moral support.  It means a lot to me and to Kelly.  But more importantly your donations will mean a lot to thousands who thanks to your efforts and contributions may one day overcome that Bastard, Cancer!

Thank You all!!!  You are tremendous!

Also, it is not to late to donate if you would like.  Once again simply click the image below and follow the instructions.

Thank you again for all of your support in Kelly's pursuit to help!

The Instrument Has Yet to be Built That Can Measure My Disdain for People Like Brian De Palma

Evidently this knucklehead so hates American Troops in the Field that he will go to great lengths to associate an isolated vile incident perpetrated by a gang of dirtbags who just so happened to be in the US Army.

VENICE (Reuters) - A new film about the real-life rape and killing of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl by U.S. soldiers who also murdered her family stunned the Venice festival, with shocking images that left some viewers in tears.

"Redacted", by U.S. director Brian De Palma, is one of at least eight American [?] films on the war in Iraq due for release in the next few months and the first of two movies on the conflict screening in Venice's main competition.

Inspired by one of the most serious crimes committed by American soldiers in Iraq since the 2003 invasion, it is a harrowing indictment of the conflict and spares the audience no brutality to get its message across.

De Palma, 66, whose "Casualties of War" in 1989 told a similar tale of abuse by American soldiers in Vietnam, makes no secret of the goal he is hoping to achieve with the film's images, all based on real material he found on the Internet. [so it must be true! ed.]

"The movie is an attempt to bring the reality [who's reality?]of what is happening in Iraq to the American people," he told reporters after a press screening.

"The pictures are what will stop the war. One only hopes that these images will get the public incensed enough to motivate their Congressmen to vote against this war," he said.

Abeer Qasim Hamza al-Janabi was gang raped, killed and burnt by American soldiers in Mahmudiya, south of Baghdad, in March 2006. Her parents and younger daughter were also killed.   Continued...

There is plenty of blame to be distributed in the particular case. That de Palma has chosen to leverage this tragic and vile incident in his campaign to demonize all things associated with the Iraq War and the US Military and as a representation of the behavior of "US Soldiers" is utterly contemptuous!

Remember the recruitment phrase leveraged by the US Army at the time?  "An Army of One!"  No marketing phrase could better represent these vermin who were and are still individuals, who still have free will.  They inconsiderately wear the uniform and are too STUPID to recognize the whole that they in turn represent!  In my mind, this is one of the most inexcusable and most extreme failings of the US Army, that of not instilling a more resilient sense of DUTY, HONOR, and COUNTRY in the minds of its recruits.  Morality is not a word we need to shy away from, it needs