On Thanksgiving, you can almost predict it. Some recipe will fail and the cook will feel like they've ruined the whole day.  Someone will have one too many drinks and say something that will leave their spouse mortified and ready to fight during the long, cold drive home.  Someone will say something innocent and someone's oversensitive feelings will be crushed leading to a grudge held for years.  There are all too many people who dread the holidays because they know that something like this will happen and all perspective will be lost.

Or you could be the Bullis family:

"There's going to be a lot to be thankful for this year," said Harold Bullis, Josh's father. "My son is alive and he's home." -source

He doesn't consider himself a hero.

"Those are the heroes over there -- over in Afghanistan, still," he said. "And when they come back in April, I'll be there waiting for them."

Bullis doesn't feel sorry for himself.

"I'm still alive and I thank God every day for that. No matter what -- even with no arms, no legs -- it doesn't matter. You can overcome anything if you put your mind to it."

He added, "There's nothing to be angry at. I knew what I signed up for. I joined the military and I went to war... I'd go back right now, just like this, if they'd let me. Unfortunately, I can't."  -source

Someone who gets it:

Among those who welcomed Bullis was Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Gabe Watson, who had heard Bullis' story.

"He's risked everything for our country and the freedoms we have," said Watson. "He's a young kid, a really young kid. I just wanted to lift up his morale."

Watson said there was a brief pause in his plans when, "I heard that he was a Minnesota Vikings fan. But he said he still likes the Cardinals. So, it was cool that I could give him a jersey and stuff like that."

There are more videos at the links below.  I hope it doesn't seem stalker-esqe to collect them all, but there are a lot of very amazing people involved in this story.   I also think it's a reminder to those of us who don't really know what a bad day is that maybe we should remember to stop, be happy to have our health, our family, and a place where we're welcomed and wanted on Thanksgiving day.

Dozens attend soldier's homecoming at Sky Harbor

Injured soldier returns home to Valley

War Hero Welcomed Home for Thanksgiving

~~Code Monkey

I should probably mention, I have not, and will not, see this film.  But, just like any other pundit (or professional film critic) I need no professional qualifications to make a decision.

Burlesque is apparently a movie about Burlesque dancers, or theater, or something.  It isn't really germane to this review.  From the few commercials I have seen, this movie does the unthinkable:  it still plays on the idea of Cher as a sex symbol (for heterosexuals.  She's apparently a major deity to the pillow biter crowd.)  What is pretty creepy about this is that Cher is sixty four years old.  Okay, most of her is 64, with various bits of silicone etc. being far younger, and less likely to decay.  Cher was born in 1946, just like Laura Bush.  Now, Mrs. Bush is a very attractive woman, but not what springs to, um, mind when I think of "sex symbol." 

Sure, 64 isn't elderly.  It really isn't even old.  But in perspective, Cher is older than transistors.She is older than microwave ovens.  She predates aluminum foil.  (Really!)  Not to mention tubeless tires, Sylvester and Tweety, Scooters, Roswell aliens, Kitty Litter, Howdy Doody (who also had less plastic), Reddi-Whip (speaking of imitation dairy) , UHT Pasteurization, The World Health Organization, The polaroid land camera, self defrosting refrigerators, the 'Peanuts' comic strip, and S & H Green stamps.  My point is, she's older than most people's memory, and almost as old as our genetic memory... not sexy.  I dug through the archives here in the bunker and have found some of the most shocking photos of Cher you may ever see.

Below is a pictue of Cher's first birthday.  Please forgive the nudity, I couldn't find any fig leaves.















Next, a picture of Cher just prior to her marriage to Sonny--Watch out for that tree--Bono.

Finally, an artist's rendering of what Cher would look like without an Army of plastic surgeons keeping her put together:

Okay, enough bagging on Ms. Plastique.

There is an even bigger reason--far bigger than Cher's nose--why Burlesque won't be in my netflix queue: it's a musical.  There are simply no good musicals which do not involve Fred Astaire, Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Doris Day, Dorothy Lamour, Gene Kelly, Kate Smith and Carmen Miranda.  The musicals of the 1940s and 1950s are the gold standards, especially the ones featuring the music of Irving Berlin.  No musical made today could possibly compare.  Mostly, I think, because they require such a HUGE WILLFUL SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF.  Never in my life has anyone suddenly burst into a song, with accompanying chorus, and choreographed dance routine, and supporting dancers.  Certainly not in High School (listen up, Gleeks and High School Musical fans.)  But in those gold-er years of Hollywood, the numbers seemed to really flow from the story in such a way as to make it believable that someone could sing, and dance, in the rain.  (And that, jazz-hands shimmy-shimmy ass-wrigglers, was dancing.  Gene Kelly, with no props but an umbrella, his hat, tap shoes, and lots and lots of rain.  And he made a scene which lasts to this day as an icon to the genre.)

All that is well and good, but Men don't watch modern musicals at the movies.  We go to watch films like Inglorious Basterds, Big Trouble, Dirty Harry, and Blade Runner.  Broadway Musicals are acceptable, providing you a) take a date, and b) the musical is called Spamalot!

In summation, the only people who the movie Burlesque will attract, are these kind:

--Chuck

I totally get this.


It works for me on a couple levels.  I'll stick with the order in the line of thought above.
First, Our First Fashion Maven.  It's nice to know she is viewed so highly for her fashion choices by Vogue.  After all, I know very few women who could pull this off (or would even be brave enough to attempt it.)

My fashion sense prettymuch ends with "don't wear plaids and paisleys together."  Michelle must have read the rulebook further.  I especially love the idea of bringing back the waist pulled up to the armpits look she is so fond of.  No need for belts, when you can just hold up your pants with gentle pressure from your triceps.

Now, for the second, and much more important topic:  Airport Screening measures.

1.  I am, because of my cool new implant, unable to be screened by the magnetometer or "peek a boo" scanner.  I HAVE TO BE GROPED.  I am thrilled to pieces that this is brought to the forefront of public awareness, because otherwise, ya'll would just stare at me as I got felt up by a barely literate three time GED failure who speaks English as a second language (and then by the TSA screeners.)  Now you get to join me in line as Officer Touchy pokes my back, because he can feel the implant beneath the skin (which hurts when poked) squeezes my wrist because the pad where they transplanted my nerves looks weird, and makes comments when he feels my junk.
2.  Make no doubt about it, this is definitely invasive, and definitely constitutes an unreasonable search.  They have NO REASON, WARRANT OR PROBABLE CAUSE to suspect me of anything, yet this federal agency has seemingly free reign to do this.  Try this litmus test:  Would you be willing to submit to this if you were stopped by a cop on the street, and had done NOTHING but walk by?  Would you be willing to submit to this every time you went to the bank?  What about if you went to a football game?  All of these are place where terrorists have attacked before, but we don't search everyone going by this way because it is UNREASONABLE AND UNWARRANTED to do so.
3.  I am not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised to find that some employees of the TSA are registered sex offenders.  I wouldn't be surprised because RSOs work in every facet of society, so TSA likely isn't any different.  Now don't you feel good getting felt up, or letting your child get felt up?
4.  I really wonder how a woman who has been raped will respond to this type of search.  I know how I will respond to someone who tries to search my daughter in this manner.
5.  I give a rat's ass about muslim women (or men) objecting to this.  After all, it's because of muslim men and women that we are being subjected to it.
6.  None of the prophylaxis measures are 100% effective.  They will never be able to GUARANTEE your protection, because it only has to fail once, and the terrorists win.  And when the terrorist does win, he will be on a plane loaded with completely unarmed people who are fixin' to join him in his martyrdom.
7.  I can't imagine it wouldn't be more cost effective, given the litigation, eventual lawsuits from leaked photos and misbehavior, and manpower required, to simply hire an Army of air marshals.  Truth is, it would be even cheaper to allow persons to become "Volunteer Air Marshals" just like volunteer firemen.  They volunteer to go through training, qualify with their weapons, receive thorough background and security checks, and can then carry weapons on airplanes.  Of course, the flaw in this is that the asshat slimeball who Murdered soldiers at Fort Hood was an Officer in the Army, and had passed rigorous screening for mental health and background, too.  Thus comes the final solution:
8.  Allow everyone who wishes to do so to carry weapons on aircraft.  The odds of a given aircraft having only one armed person would be very low, and the (even far lower) odds that one of the people on the plane would be armed and unbalanced would be resolved.  Allow the cabin crew access to weapons as well, perhaps in a dual authorization container, requiring the pilot to agree and unlock the container from inside the secure flight deck.  An armed society is a polite (and generally harder to terrorize) society.  Everywhere you go that other people congregate is a potential target for terrorists.  Think about that, and then explain why air travel deserves this special need for invasive body searches.


--Chuck

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Photo Credit UPI

Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, on October 25, 2007. While conducting a patrol as team leader with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, Specialist Giunta and his team were navigating through harsh terrain when they were ambushed by a well-armed and well-coordinated insurgent force. While under heavy enemy fire, Specialist Giunta immediately sprinted towards cover and engaged the enemy. Seeing that his squad leader had fallen and believing that he had been injured, Specialist Giunta exposed himself to withering enemy fire and raced towards his squad leader, helped him to cover, and administered medical aid. While administering first aid, enemy fire struck Specialist Giunta’s body armor and his secondary weapon. Without regard to the ongoing fire, Specialist Giunta engaged the enemy before prepping and throwing grenades, using the explosions for cover in order to conceal his position. Attempting to reach additional wounded fellow soldiers who were separated from the squad, Specialist Giunta and his team encountered a barrage of enemy fire that forced them to the ground. The team continued forward and upon reaching the wounded soldiers, Specialist Giunta realized that another soldier was still separated from the element. Specialist Giunta then advanced forward on his own initiative. As he crested the top of a hill, he observed two insurgents carrying away an American soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other. Upon reaching the wounded soldier, he began to provide medical aid, as his squad caught up and provided security. Specialist Giunta’s unwavering courage, selflessness, and decisive leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon’s ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American soldier from the enemy. Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.

I love zombie movies.

Whether it's the concept of so many oxygen thieves wiped away from the population, the idea of a world where guns are not an optional accessory or frowned upon, or the idea that twinkies are indeed a holy grail to be sought out, I dig the idea of a zombie apocalypse.

What I don't like, are the obvious flaws in thought in every movie.

1. People in comas generally WON'T wake up without medical care. No one adds water to the feeding tube, in about 3 days you're dead. Not to mention that since outbreaks would spread rapidly in hospitals (since they don't take prophylaxis against the zombie virus) your are laying undefended and helpless in bed--a veritable buffet for the walking dead. Also, waking up 28 days later means either waking up in a pile of your own poo, or waking up with a colostomy bag the size of a hefty bag. In the case of the latter, you'll need a surgeon to fix the colostomy.

2. Guns and ammo. 12 GA Shotguns are big and have stopping power. They also kick like a mule, and have bulky and heavy ammo, and 7-round (or less) magazines. Bad choice, except as a get away option. Deer rifles are a bad choice as well, unless sniping to thin the herd. Otherwise ammo is much heavier than you need to drop a zombie. The AR15 and AK 47 are acceptable choices, high-capacity magazines, readily available ammo, but if you don't already own one, after the apocalypse, good luck finding one (more on that later.) For my money, the venerable .22is the gun of choice.  Enough power to scramble a brain, high capacity magazines, ridiculously cheap, small, and light ammo, (try carrying 1,000 rounds of any other ammo), negligible recoil, decent (enough) range,  and much quieter than other guns.

3.  If you don't have a gun when the apocalypse starts, don't plan on raiding the local gun store/police department/National Guard Armory.  Those guns are either long gone, or locked up tighter than you have the means to get at them.  Also, everyone else with an inkling of survival will have the same idea, so you can expect swarms of zombies near those places.

4.  Head shots aren't all that important.  Sure, scrambling a brain is the only thing that kills a zombie, but busting a kneecap slows them down, because the mechanism is no longer there to function properly.  Same with shots to the spine, neck, and shoulders.  you may have to police up the crawlers later, but you can do that at your leisure.  Imagine a whole fence covered with severed heads, clattering their teeth every time someone walked by, but otherwise impotent.

5.  Bugs are your friend.  In mere weeks, maggots and roaches will have done more than their fair share of zombie irradiation.  Hopefully, their feasting on rotted flesh won't be a vector for carrying the virus to us, or we're totally screwed.

6. Likewise, winter is your friend as well.  Once the first good freeze sets, it's killin' spree time.  Frozen meat is STIFF.  (If you've ever pulled a pot roast out of the freezer an hour before dinner, you know what I mean.)  After the third day of below 30 temps, it's time to get something pointy and go outside to forage and scramble brains.  At best, the zombies will only be able to move as well as the mummies in old Abbot and Costello movies.

7.  Even with all the other troubles you have to worry about, you'd better get pretty far away from any nuclear reactor.  After they run out of watter in the rod-cooling pools, they are going to go boom.

8.  Speaking of getting away, you are going to need to get away from the city, and preferably away from the suburbs.  Too many zombies.  Of course, everyone else will be thinking about that, and highways will be ridiculously crowded with the living and the undead.  Best to stay away until the situation stabilizes.  So you'll need a local place to stay.  The fewer windows, the better.  Roof access is a plus.  Get water catching buckets/tarps/etc up early.  Board up the 1st floor windows from both sides, and bar the doors.  Haul in the pets (they are your loving family members, as well as an emergency food source.)  Blackout curtains (or foil) on all the windows for night time.  Keep the family in one room for sleeping, and bar that door too. 

9.  Once the main pandemonium has passed, it's time to consider moving elsewhere.  You're going to need a vehicle.  Forget about popping by the local Ferrari dealership.  Forget about building the apocalypse vehicle, surrounded by flame-throwers, flailing chains, and chainsaws. You do need a SOLID vehicle, one with large fuel tanks, and as few (and hopefully armored) windows as possible.  You don't need an RV.  You need a panel van, or something with a large enough enclosed space to sleep comfortably and haul supplies.  Find a Cargo Van, Short School Bus (lots of windows, but higher up), UPS truck, or even better, an armored van.  Since the local Brinks trucks may not be available, you need to realize some specifics about zombie driving.

• You don't need to go 100 miles an hour.  
• You do need to run over anything in your way.  
• You DO need to reinforce windows.  You don't need to be the A-team; welding an extra 10,000 pounds of chicken wire and diamond-plate on your Chevy.  Duct tape or even clear adhesive contact paper can keep a window from shattering.  
• The key is to never stop anywhere you are unable to completely secure the vehicle and observe in every direction.

10. Shopping. 
When it comes to feeding yourself, canned food is a safe bet, as is the bevy of already prepared foods on your local gas station's shelves.  You don't need to raid the local Whole Foods for Arugula.  (And since all their food is totally free-range and organic, it'll be full of worms by now, anyway.)  You will need fresh food, eventually, but not yet.  For now, get what you can and get out of the stores.  Since the buildings themselves offer some protection from the elements and if the power grid is still working, may have climate control, they may be occupied by the walking dead still.  Be safe, clear the building first, before heading for the spam and pork rinds. 
Be sure to hit up your local Bass Outfitters/Cabelas for the following:

• Any remaining guns/Ammo .22 has probably been overlooked, but they'll likely be out of elephant guns.
• Fishing gear (cane poles are preferred, for use in lakes, rivers, and surf.)
• Camping gear--sub-zero sleeping bags, tents, empty fuel cans and bottles, water bottles, jerky making stuff, a small stove, a smoker, (and a game cookbook) environmentally safe toilets and TP, and hunter's no-scent soap and deodorant.  
• Crossbows, Bows, Arrows, and Bolts.  They kill silently, and have reusable ammo (if recovered.)  If you have never used a bow, get a crossbow. 
• Axes and Hatchets and Knives.  (Sturdy buck knives and multi-tools.  forget the Rambo knife.  If it comes down to Rambo knives, you're better off as a zombie.
• Get dressed.  You are shopping here for clothes that are sturdy, warm, and durable.  Fashion is irrelevant, form is everything.  Make sure to get extra shoes, socks, boots, and gloves.
• A small generator.
• A portable weather and shortwave radio, a CB, and a GPS (zombies don't kill satellites.)  A scanner if there is one, and some good flashlights.As many batteries as you can carry, rechargables if possible, and look for a solar charger.  Try to get portable electronics that share the same battery type, as much as possible.
• If you are heading to a large body of water, (like a deep-bottom lake or quarry) then consider a boat, as large as your vehicle can easily pull.  Nothing says sleeping securely like being surrounded by deep water and high sides.  (I'm thinking cabin cruiser, not canoe.)  Just be sure not to drop anchor chains, the undead can climb up those, too.  If you must anchor, be sure to oil up the chains very well, so they can't keep a grip on them, and keep an axe nearby.  You'll need an anchor watch if you do drop anchor.

Okay, back outside, make sure the vehicle is secure and zombie-free.  Make sure the tank is full, and use the fuel in the abandoned vehicles to fill up your fuel cans and tank.  There should also be some coleman fuel (super clean kerosene) in the store, grabs a few gallons of that too.

Now that you have all of this stuff, just where do you think you're going?  You can look for other humans, but you've a 50/50 chance that you have more supplies than they do, and are just getting into a worse situation than you were in.  On the other hand, there is some safety in numbers.  Whatever you decide, do not head back into a city.  Too many zombies, period.  If you live in a climate that is inhospitable to human life without modern conveniences, you need to move.  If you are surrounded by desert, you have great fields of fire, and someone may eventually come across your shriveled husk after you've died of thirst.  You need to be somewhere that living off the land is an option, although not your first option.  You will be far better off living off the vast stores of food that have been left behind in suburbia, than you will be by trying to get by using hunter/gatherer skills that most of us left in the caves.  If you must hunt, small game will serve you better than large game, especially since small animals are dumber than big ones.  It's why you see bunnies and squirrels in the park, and (generally) not moose and bear.  Also, you likely won't have much use for a whole deer before it goes bad.  Another source of food can be found on a farm, although many have also had this idea, and farmers have this "thing" about protecting their land.  You'll be far better off if you have something to barter (like all that fuel.) Farms generally have the means to preserve food, and the know how to do it.  Farmers are far more likely to teach you how to can veggies and fruit, make jams and jellies, butcher, smoke, and store for winter.  In return, you can work your ass off for them, providing security, helping with chores, etc.  The more you bring to the table, the more likely they will be to accept you. 
If you happen upon an abandoned farm, clear it, take stock of animals and equipment and food, and clear your fields of fire.  You should be able to get through the winter with only mild discomfort, but you'll need to use those cold months to thin the herd of zombies, and stockpile for the summer months when the ones you've missed (and the newly dead) will come knocking.

--Chuck

No relation, that I know of, but how many Ziegenfi can there be who aren't in my bloodline somewhere?

--Chuck

Paula Ziegenfuss - Live at the Michigan Theatre from Coefficient Media on Vimeo.

Yesterday I went to watch the Wahiawa (Hawaii) Veteran's Day Parade, hosted by the Lions Club.

The parade started off, as it should, with a military color guard, The Commander and CSM, 25ID, and then a few Military Units, Former POWs, And veterans from the war of 1812 (apparently, some of these geezers were OLD, plus some Asians generally age like milk) till now.  There were some veteran support groups.  Then came the... others.

The lions club
The state and federal representatives (including one Maisie Horono, who Carren and I met in her office in the Capitol a few weeks ago.  She took one look at my Dress Blue Uniform (the Army Service Uniform) and immediately gushed over much she loves the Air Force.  The ASU isn't that new, and I'm pretty sure she's seen it on the many uniformed servicemembers who walk those halls daily, but I digress.)
Local elementary and middle schools
Local kids marching bands
Boy scouts
Girl scouts
Local service organizations (Rotarians, etc)
Local ethnic group organizations
Local eco tree hugging granola-eating save the planet glowball warmening retards
Everyone in a 10 mile radius who owns either a corvette, or an antique auto
Everyone with a wiener-dog
Kids from JROTC, ROTC, Navy Cadets, Civil Air Patrol, and even Marine JROTC.  Some of these kids looked SHARP.  Some looked like Cadet Reichsmarschalls (really, JROTC needs to re-think their awards system. This kids had more ribbons than Audie Murphy.) Others looked like 15 pounds of shit in a five pound sack.  Some took pride in themselves and their uniform.  Others looked like they were shot with a wrinkle gun.
Fire trucks
Ambulances


In general, the bulk of the parade (and of many parades) is NOT veterans.  It is not "honoring" them.  It is simply a long train of people who wish to be seen, and show off, on the backs of the veterans leading the parade.

Here's how, In my not so humble opinion, a Veterans Day Parade should be run:

At a time publicized in local media well ahead of Veteran's day, local Veterans meet.  The marshaling area is broken down into service (by branch) and within branch, by dates of service (Currently serving, DS Vets, VN Vets, The guy who went to Grenada, Korea Vets, WWII Vets, etc.)  These banners leading these men are carried by volunteers--boy/girl scouts, for instance.  A band, either an active duty band or a single band form a local high school is posted at the read of the formation.  the purpose of the band is to provide military music only.
Groups who wish to "support" the parade/veterans line the parade route.  Boy/Girl scouts, firemen, self-ashamed hippies, troops supporters, JROTC kids, Rotarians, Lions, Mooses, Eagles, Shriners, School kids arranged by school/grade, and all of the other people currently in the parade who are *not* veterans.  They line the streets along the route and cheer, clap, pay respect to our veterans.  Participating in the parade is limited to Veterans ONLY.  The Veterans show their pride by wearing the uniform they served in.  Charlatans who show up claiming service, awards, etc who are proven to be frauds are  crucified (by tying, not nailing) behind the grand stand, and kept there throughout the parade, to watch the real men parade by.  Afterwards, they are tarred and feathered and released.

The local government functionaries (congressmen, etc) are given NO place in the parade, unless they are veterans, and if so, will fall in to the group they served with, in uniform.  Uniforms may also be provided by service organizations, if the Veterans either don't have one from their days in the service, or if it fits poorly, or has been made into some retarded looking shirt with patches from everywhere they've been. If government officials wish to participate and demand to do so, they are handed brooms and directed to sweep the streets ahead of the servicemembers. 

Civilians are encouraged to attend the Parade.  Businesses are encouraged to close up shop--if not for the day, then during the hours of the parade.  Veterans are not to work on Veterans day--and employers should be encouraged to pay them anyway.  Any federal or state employee who is not a veteran, works on veterans day, except during the hours scheduled for the Parade.

No one is forced to attend the parade, but the parade is a good opportunity to recognize the many veterans in our communities--and only those veterans.  Any group that isn't comprised completely of veterans that marches in a veterans parade (yes, including the boy scouts that my son joined in marching yesterday) doesn't honor the Veterans. It draws attention away from them. 

Is the parade in your town about veterans, or is it about veterans plus organizations/politicians who want to be seen?

Discuss:

--Chuck

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I've given this a little thought.  What should the stupid party do now, since they own the house and the senate isn't a one-party rollover any more?

Here's a list, one that will speed up our economy, create the opportunity for businesses to expand and create jobs, and oh by the way, continue to make the evil party look stupid.

Item number one on the agenda: the First bill of the house should read:  A bill to immediately cease all funding, operations, and policies effected by the Obamacare bill.  This in and of itself will relieve businesses of their fears of having to shell out ridiculous amounts of heathcare insurance payments, alleviate the fears of government managed care, and generally increase confidence of small business owners that they can afford to hire people again.
Item two:  a bill to open up the ANWR for drilling, and an immediate opening of all offshore drilling in US waters by US companies.  (reducing dependency on foreign oil, keeping US oil industry workers employed, pisses off hippies.)  Part of this bill should also direct the EPA to develop an easily affordable plan for a state of the art modern refinery, recommended locations for each, and tell them to pound sand up their asses if they don't like it, and ALL of the EPA's funding will be removed from the budget if at least three new refineries aren't approved by June 06. 
Item three: a bill to hire US construction companies to build a wall along the southern border, which includes seismic devices to detect tunneling efforts, and funding for the ICE to enforce the immigration laws of the US along borders and with the US to find and remove illegal immigrants. (In the long run, this will actually increase tax revenues while decreasing unemployment, and help stem the flow of illegal drugs and crime across the border.  If the Mexican gummint carps about it, tell them to "ir a la arena libra hasta el culo.")
Item four:  Open near space (say, between earth and the moon) to private industry development, and designate a goal of a manned mission to Mars by 2020, a US-only space station by 2015, and a Moonshot and permanent structure on the moon by 2025.  (This will drive tech companies development and venture capitalism through the roof)
Item five:  Repeal the TARP act in its entirety, de-fund anything which hasn't already been paid for.
Item six:  Sell off GM for whatever we can get for it, pay stockholders only.
Item seven:  A bill that requires all further bills to be read on the house floor in their entirety, by one person before being put to a vote.  This should limit the length of bills, as well as the idea that the house should ever vote without reading what is in a bill.
Item eight:  A bill which shall require a balanced federal budget, and which will dedicate at a minimum, 10% of the federal budget to be directed to the principal on the federal deficit.
Item nine:  a Moratorium on the levy of all new taxes, fees, or other "hidden" revenues for a period of ten years.
Item ten:  A bill limiting the President's vacation time to two weeks per year, and official travel to not more than 30 days per year, and not more than 30 persons in the "official" party (not including security and support staff.  Official travel outside the US shall be limited to 72 hours duration, must have a value added benefit to the US people, and must be approved by the congress before travel is made.  (Meaning that official international travel of the president shall not be included in the annual budget, must be requested by the president before the congress for each trip, and the expenses for each trip must be justified and approved in advanced.
Item eleven:  All official air travel by members of congress (including the speaker of the house, senate majority and minority leaders) shall be coach fare only, on whichever airline has the most advantageous ticket price.  (no more USAF executive flights.)
Item twelve:  All USAF executive aircraft shall be sold, and the proceeds used to purchase new transport aircraft for wounded servicemembers.
Item thirteen:  All departments of the federal government (except defense) shall immediately submit an to external review for cutting costs in each department programs by 20% per year for the next two years, and 30% in people (20% in executive positions).  Defense shall make cuts equaling 10% each year for the next three years, focusing on closing programs which are under-performing or not needed, reducing personnel in GS positions above GS 10, and reducing by 25% all executive level personnel.
Item fourteen:    A bill removing all riders, additions, and other means of including pork in future bills.
Item fifteen:  A bill recognizing that the department of energy was founded by President Carter to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil, and has been a complete and total failure in that regard for the last thirty years, and as such, shall be immediately de-funded and shuttered.
Item sixteen:  a bill removing the EPA's powers to effect policy with the full weight of law, and giving the EPA the requirement to report annually to the congress their recommended policies for the congress to approve.
Item seventeen:  A bill setting priorities for the congress, which places social agenda items (i.e. steroids in pro sports) dead last.
Item eighteen:  A bill to make all public-sector unions illegal, and directing the IRS to review all union expenditures, starting with ACORN and the AFL-CIO.
Item nineteen:  A bill making all states and territories of the United States "right to work" states, and which forbids collusion among unions just as employers are forbidden to collude to fix wages and prices, and which demands that unions report their expenditures to their members, including PAC donations and supported candidates.
Item twenty:  A bill which sets internal term limits in the house to no more than eight years served, NO retirement.  Since term limits have been struck down by the supremes before, this bill will  not seek to set limits, however, all representatives serving longer than 8 years shall be removed from all committees, seats, chairs, etc.

Just a thought--some of these could actually be passed.

--Chuck

Act fast to win one of these great items in the Valour-IT auctions - these items close tomorrow (end time noted is Pacific time). Proceeds go to Valour-IT, bid now - don't miss out!

RESTREPO mini poster signed by the filmmakers 05:45:33

"Restrepo plunges viewers into the experiences of soldiers on the front lines of the Afghan War" - a feature-length documentary that chronicles the deployment of a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley. The movie focuses on a remote 15-man outpost, "Restrepo," named after a platoon medic who was killed in action. It was considered one of the most dangerous postings in the U.S. military. This is an entirely experiential film: the cameras never leave the valley; there are no interviews with generals or diplomats. The only goal is to make viewers feel as if they have just been through a 90-minute deployment. This is war, full stop. The conclusions are up to you.

"RESTREPO mini poster signed by filmmakers Tim Hetherington (recipient of four World Press Photo awards, including the World Press Photo to the Year (2008), and an Alfred I. duPont Broadcast award for his work in Afghanistan for ABC's 'Nightline') and Sebastian Junger (bestselling author of "The Perfect Storm" and "War.")

Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran Medallion 07:08:49

This coin from Eagle Crest commemorates the Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and features intricate, multi-colored designs on both sides and the words, "Democracy, Bravery, Honor, Sacrifice & Freedom"

U.S. Army Combat Infantryman Medallion 07:14:14

This coin from Eagle Crest commemorates the U.S. Army Combat Infantryman. Its green and gold face displays four Infantryman on foot. The blue and gold flip has 5 stars and a long rifle.

Personalizable US Coast Guard cross-stitch 07:42:34

Counted cross-stitch of the U.S. Coast Guard emblem suitable for personalization with name/rank and additional information (years of service, unit, etc.)(see example photo). Finished piece is designed for a 3.5" x 5" opening (mat or frame). Can be mounted with a custom-cut mat (NOT part of auction item) for dual openings in an 6x10 frame (see example photo). Auction winner will need to provide contact information in order to arrange personalization before item can be shipped.

Leadership in Action signed by author ADM Greg Slavonic 08:16:59

This auction is a copy of ADM Slavonic's upcoming book Leadership In Action. It will be released to the general public on Amazon.com in MID-NOVEMBER. This is an ADVANCED copy. ADM Slavonic will sign and ship. SPECIAL TO VALOUR-IT! Greg Slavonic has brought together several contributors for this book that would rightly be on a "Who's Who" list of our nation's most highly honored and decorated military leaders; two-, three- and four-star Generals, Admirals, Captains and Colonels, war heroes and two Medal of Honor recipients--they know what it takes to lead and to succeed. In the pages of this book, you will find something that is critical to success in life--a philosophy of leadership that you can take for your own. By reading each chapter, giving thought to what you've read and applying what you've learned in action; a discerning reader will gain a thorough understanding of what real leaders are made of--and in the learning can become one too.

Day by Day comic strip book. Signed and Numbered. 09:18:49

The first DayByDay Cartoon book collecting all of the www.daybydaycartoon.com strips from 2002-2003. This miniature coffee table book measures 7"x7", features a high gloss softcover, is 132 pages with 363 toons and is signed and numbered by creator Chris Muir.

Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes (2010, Hardcover) 12:38:18

A visceral, gripping, epic novel of the Vietnam War written by a highly decorated war veteran, MATTERHORN throbs with compelling authenticity on each of its many hundred pages. Though its topics are embedded in our cultural consciousness--napalm, Agent Orange, tortured soldier's souls, the chaos of guerrilla warfare, the impossible ethics of violence, the beauty and horrors of the jungle, loyalty, insanity, friendship, and death--MATTERHORN renders the Vietnam experience anew, boring relentlessly down on the specific kinetic reality of the time and place. Karl Marlantes writes with an intense immediacy reminiscent of Mailer's THE NAKED AND THE DEAD or James Jones's THE THIN RED LINE. MATTERHORN deserves to take its place on the short list of great works about America's engagement in Vietnam and the powerful reality of armed combat.

'This We'll Defend' Army Medallion 13:08:45

This coin from the Northwest Territorial Mint commemorates the U.S. Army. It has an Army themed front side with the words, "This We'll Defend." The flip side has the Department of the Army seal.

This weekend, the wacky guys at Ranger Up are donating 20% of their sales to Soldier's Angels Project Valour IT.

Here's the shirt I'm wearing today:

Thanks, Code Monkey!

 Great shirts (and great gifts, only 48 days till Christmas) a Great, veteran-owned and run company, and a great cause.

--Chuck

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/for/2040292382.html

Chuck

New instructions from higher:

Okay Team Army, we have crushed the competition and have already taken the objective.  The Marines are still back at the FLOT trying to figure out grid coordinates for chow.

So, our new objective is $25k. 

http://www.blackfive.net/main/2010/11/team-army-first-to-take-the-objective.html

Thank you, Team, for your donations and hard work so far.

We can do more.

If you have any other promotions running or are saving a big auction item, the contest ends next Thursday so you might want to put it up for auction tomorrow.

Thanks, again.  You guys freakin' ROCK!!!

Matt

You have to admit, this is kind of cool:


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1. Some people feel their vote won’t count so they say ‘Why vote’? 
• Lets get something straight.  Your vote counts.  If you live in Chicago, your dear granny's vote counts.  If your vote didn't count, people wouldn't bother with election fraud.  Fraud only works in close races (just ask the Honorable Al Franken.)  You can't seriously ask for a recount in a landslide.
2. Students and employees report they are too busy to take time off from work or school.
•  Most students carry 15-18 credits.  That's 15-18 hours per week of classes.  If you thing 15-18 hours a week eats up too much of your time to go vote, then I suggest you go find the student with meningitis and start giving them kisses.  If you can't tear yourself away from playing solitaire at your 9-5 to go vote, I call bullshit, because polls are open late everywhere.
3. Some Americans are not interested in voting or politics. 
• Those who are not interested in voting or politics deserve the government that is selected for them.
4. People who are ill or disabled can’t get to the polls. 
• Bullshit.  It's called an absentee ballot.  If you have a horrible cold, then go anyway.  Be sure to smear boogers all over the circle-D levers.
5. Illegal immigrants are not authorized to vote. 
• Gee, people whose first act on entering the country was to break the law and disregard our national sovereignty, who pay no taxes, are a drain on society, and contribute nothing of value to our great nation (well, okay, lettuce and tomatoes, but other than that, nothing) are disenfranchised?  Good.  They don't need to vote.  They need to get their asses back in the fields and pick me a salad, and then come cut the damn grass.
6. Many non-voters say they just don’t like the candidates. 
• You don't like the candidates?  Gee jackass, go to the primaries.  Vote then, and try to get a candidate you like elected.  Better yet, try to find others who feel like you do and make a voting bloc that can really influence the primaries.   Since it's too late for that, vote for the best choice for the country, not necessarily the perfect choice.  (Many held their nose and pulled the lever for McCain, the least retarded candidate.)
7. Some residents don’t have transportation to get to the polls. 
• ask a neighbor, call a cab, ask a friend, take the bus, ask your church, call any campaign headquarters,  If you call them, they assume you want to vote for them, and they will get you a lift to and from the polls.  If you think your vote doesn't matter, why would they do this?
8. Citizens might be out of town on vacation or business trips. 
• Early voting.  Absentee voting.  if you can plan a vacation, you can plan to get your ballot counted.
9. Forgetting to vote is a common explanation. 
• Totally understandable, what with the TV and Radio completely being hush-hush about these elections.  It's damn near a state secret*  that elections are going on.  This is a retarded excuse, and shows that some people are too goddamn stupid to be allowed to cast a vote.
• *bad example, the government can't seem to keep secrets (unless it pertains to birth certificates)
10. Many Americans complain the voting lines are too long. 

• Gasp!  The lines are too long?  These are the same people who will gladly wait in much longer lines for the latest iGadget, or to see the latest summer blockbuster from the drek-shovelers in Hollywood, queue up like cattle to be unreasonably searched by TSA, but complain because the line to cast a ballot deciding the future of our nation is too long?  Bring a damn chair.  Rent a wheelchair, so you don't have to get up when the line moves.  Get an absentee ballot (although that does require advanced planning, something the too-lazy-to-stand-in-line bunch are likely incapable of.)

There.  I think I've covered the top 10 well.  What other excuses do you hear for why people won't do their civic duty?   Post the ones you've heard (because I know you all will go vote) in the comments and I'll flay them for you.

--Chuck

I would like to think that our electorate are not one issue voters, that people honestly ask themselves before pulling the lever, "Is this what is best for the country, not just for me?" (I would love to live in a country where our politicians did so as well, but I digress.)  The fact of the matter is, most of us think in terms of "How will Candidate A benefit ME more than Candidate B" before we cast our ballot (those of you who get ballots, that is, unlike those who protect your right to cast them.)

And to an extent, I don't think there is anything wrong with voting along the lines of self-preservation and advancement, although some take it to the extreme, (remember the ObamaMoney, to be paid from his stash?)  I think voters should have a realistic expectation that their representatives should have their best interests at heart, however, I would also like a representative who does not provide opportunity for me at the cost of opportunity for other Americans (we'll call this the Murtha Model.)  Taking big money payouts from the federal trough to establish businesses and fulfill contracts, so the people of your districts have jobs, and in turn, will realize that voting for you is what keeps them employed, makes for an electorate which is now bought and paid for with their own money.

So I really do support the notion of asking yourself about how the human being or liberal progressive you are thinking of voting for will help the nation, and not just yourself.  Ask yourself if they hold a majority of the views you think are best for the direction of the country.  If candidate A is a 99% match for your views, but supports a woman's right to choose, and you are an ardent pro-life advocate, don't make the election about abortion.  If the candidate you are deciding on is a dyed-in-the-wool socialist, but you agree with them that America needs a new plan for ending the war in Iraq and Afghanistan (notice "End" vs. "Win") and you choose to cast your vote for the socialist, you are voting for everything they espouse, not just the one issue of ending wars.  You are voting for vast government spending and ownership of private corporations.  You are voting for government bailouts of corporations which have ridiculously poor business practices and models.  You are voting for a government that will pay a union before paying shareholders when it does bail out companies.  You are voting for a government that will blame every failure on the last government. 

Vote character, vote all the issues, vote conscience.  Vote what is best for the country, because our government isn't about you, it's about us.

When you go to the polls tomorrow, and you better go, because my wounds hurt to damn much for you to not go.  If you are undecided about who you should vote for, bear one thing in mind: how did the current occupant of the seats you are voting on vote with regard to the stimulus bill and the obamacare bill?

Here is why it's important:


I want this guy for my doctor
 
Hat tip, Rodger, TRKOF