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Open thread
- By Phillip Brownlee
- Posted March 3, 2006 at 1:38 p.m.
- Filed under Uncategorized
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146 Comments
I am curious as to what my fellow bloggers are reading right now.
I am currently reading the following:
Twilight in the Dessert: The Coming Saudi Oil Shock and the World Economy by Matthew Simmons
I also recently finished “God Doesn’t Shoot Craps”; an entertaining and rather quirky novel by Richard Armstrong.
V.L.R.B!!
If that NASA guy talking about global warming that bush is trying to shut up writes a book, I want to read that.
A book by Michael Brown would be good too.
I’ve been meaning to read the “Art of War” anyone here know anthing about it?
I have had it with the traitors in DC! It is time to bring our troops home from overseas and put them on the blasted border!
Dave Montgomery, Star-Telegram (Fort Worth), Mar. 2, 2006
WASHINGTON—State and federal law enforcement officers appeared before senators Wednesday to paint a horrific picture of life on the Southwest border, telling of violent assaults, running gunbattles, brazen cross-border incursions and threatened contract killings of U.S. officers.
The hearing, co-chaired by Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., prompted calls for a border crackdown to combat what Kyl described as “bad, nasty, dangerous people.”
U.S. Border Patrol Chief David Aguilar showed slides of battered agents, telling senators that his officers increasingly fall victim to attacks by assailants firing weapons, hurling rocks or pursuing the agents with vehicles. One current weapon of choice, he said, is a “Molotov rock”—a rock wrapped in fabric then set ablaze.
Val Verde County Sheriff A. D’Wayne Jernigan, head of the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition, said in written testimony that authorities have received information that Mexican drug rings plan to kill as many U.S. police officers as possible in an attempt to intimidate U.S. authorities.”http://www.amren.com/mtnews/archives/2006/03/sections_of_mex.php
Viva La Raza Blanco!!
Books I’m reading:
_Turning Angel_ by Greg Iles – commercial trash, but entertaining commercial trash. He usually has a physician protagonist – this book no exception. The author has a brother who is a doctor – he writes believable physician characters.
_Not by Genes Alone: How Culture Transformed Human Evolution_ by Peter J. Richerson and Robert Boyd – About the interaction of culture and evolution.
_Oceans of Kansas: A Natural History of the Western Interior Sea_ by Michael J. Everhart – an avocational palentologist’s (this guy worked at Boeing many years) treatment of our marine pre-history.
Looks like Mexico can’t truck the illegals in fast enough. Must be why INS has a ‘catch and release’ policy and no jails to hold them. Maybe tent cities should be set up, our use the vacant military bases Bush wanted to give the oil co’s.
JR, The Art of War is an awesome read, especially the latest translation (from a K-State professor).While it’s not in the same league as the Bible, I would definitely call it a life-changing book.I only wish I’d read it about 10 years before I actually did.
Thanks the info mrc.
Uh…..life changing? I have some idea of the book. It aint gonna change me into a warlord or….worse, back into a Republican is it?
The Mythmaker – the story of Saul and how he founded a religion.
Unfortunately, working 60+hrs/week and keeping up with journals etc tends to keep me from reading as much as I would like.
Also the Dinosaur Heresies by Bakker.
How about a thread “What has been the biggest scandal in the past decade and why? ” Or, would that be too broad a topic?
I’m reading Marriage, a History. And Harry Potter, naturally. And I’ve been trying to read through the entire Bible since January. I’ve got a LONG ways to go.My health care ethics professor recommened “A President of Good and Evil: The Ethics of George W Bush”. That sounds interesting.
I want a blog about Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream. I think I’ll go post a request 26 times in all of the threads.
Malcolm X
Hey XXX,
Here’s my post from the other thread:
OK children,
Here’s the rules! Anybody can make their own rules, but these are the rules.
March 16th, 4pm to 7pm.
Shelter #1 East side Lake Afton.
I’ll provide hamburgers, buns and condiments.
Everyone else bring a side dish.
Let me know by Sunday night if you’re coming.
If we don’t at least have ten by Sunday night we’ll have it someplace else. I’m not renting a shelter for J.R. and me.
Hank
Let me know if you’re attending.
Posted by: Hank | March 03, 2006 at 07:45 PM
Hey DD,
I’m a rich capitalistic Republican, in the spirit of true socialism, them that has should pay for them that hasn’t. What you’re suggesting is capitalism. I organize and y’all pay. I will accept donations.
My email is live, also you can post your intentions here if you want.
Hank
Posted by: Hand Price | March 03, 2006 at 04:17 PMProbably should’t post this in too many places – tracking down the RSVPs could get difficult if this is all over the place.
Aw, bugger. You guys be sure to take pictures for me! I won’t be back in Kansas until the end of march.Hank, thanks for taking the initiative to set this up.
Dear JR,
There are several translations of the “Art of War”. I’ve read a couple. You can get one at almost any book store. Some are better than others in that they explain the philosophy as you read along.
I am a voracious reader. Usually in the process of reading three books at a time. Right now my ‘bathroom book’ is “How To Cheat Your Friends at Poker”.
In the family room I’m working through “How to Draw Anything”. I took up oil painting a few years ago and I’ve finally come to the conclusion that if you can’t draw, oil painting is a bitch.
My beddy-bye book (the one I use to put my self to sleep) is currently “The First Five Pages” which is a how-to book on writing.
I collect antique religious books, naval history books (mostly about submarines) and history books in general.
Hank
I am reading a couple now. The first is “The Greatest Game Ever Played”, a true story about Francis Ouimet, an American amatuer golfer who upset the pros to win the US Open. The other is “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis, the great Christian writer. His “Tales of Narnia” are now being produced into movies.
Hank, I also collect old books. Mine are on golf instruction and history.
Life is grand. :) Enjoy it! :)
I’m happy!
By the way, I started but have not finished “Earth in the Balance” by Al Gore. It is a compelling read. I recommend it. But it is very long.
From a former thread:
Borrowing from Mitch Albom, “The five people you most want to meet at the blogger get-together”(order does not represent ranking)
ksfarmgrrl – she probably has more “Haze” stories than I do.
ProudLib – I’m sure I can convince him to better leverage his writing talent.
Joe Williams – anyone as optimistic as Joe would have to be interesting to meet.
Rage – I would like to figure out what he does for a living.
Ben Huie – anyone who irritates Nathan as much as Ben seems to, is worth meeting
Posted by: Darwin’sDisciple | March 03, 2006 at 04:12 PM
Ian, I just started “What’s The Matter With Kansas”.
Outlander, do you play golf?
The Gospel of John
I read ‘Earth In The Balance’ several years ago. It’s incredibly stupid, written by an insane man.
Hank
Hank,
Is it confrimed that the get together is on the 16th of March? If so, I won’t be able to attend as I will be on patrol in Arizona, on the border as part of the Minuteman Project. Damn it!
V.L.R.B!!
Thanks Hankathan. Your take on “Earth in the Balance” tells me all I need to know.
Previuosly I saw you sir as insane, or evil in your slavish undoubtedly selfserving support of george bush.
Your deluded take on “Earth in the Balance” tells me all I need to know as regards the blog “meet up”
I’ll not eat in any shelter you fund sir. I’ll not break bread with the likes of you. Certainly, I would not eat of any food that you would “generously” provide.
There is no point in meeting with these people. I propose a meet up of the liberal posters. I further recommend that the right wingers not be invited.
I’ll save ya a beer and a burger!
My last post wasfor Ian!
Sounds like a party for 2 “hank” you and Nathan
Triple X is coming!
XXX will read the threads. He will see why I’m not coming. And my guess is your triumphant claim that “triple X is coming ” will be seen by him as your using his name to frot YOUR event.
Um, JR…you’ve done some pretty tough talking over the life of this blog. I’d think you’d jump at the chance to meet Hank face to face.
In his venue eating his food?
No thanks.
Let’s understand something folks. We’re all different kinds of people with different opinions. Hank , Nathan, Outlander, Todd, et al, havs some pretty screwed up opinions that I dissagree with. That’s no reason for a hate trip.
As a famous American once said, “I dissagree with what you say, but I will die to defend your right to say it”.
I really do think that J R is scared. He’s already admited to being afraid of meeting my boy and me at lunch.
I don’t write anything here that I wouldn’t say to your face. Guess that doesn’t apply to averyone!
If its my venue and my food, I said I’d accept contributions! Let him pay his fair share for the shelter and bring his own food. It’s obviously not his pride that’s keeping him away, it’s his shame.
Hank
Well on my part Hankathan there was some doubt as to just who was you and who was your son.
This is a confusion that I felt along with others. And that confusion does continue.
As to fear? Sir or sirs, my email and identity are well known to this forum. As mentioned above, it is your identity or identities and your honesty that is held in question…..not mine.
I stated loudly and publicly my doubts to you and your involvement in this event. If my concerns were not of some concern to you, you would not have even answered me, let alone made me an issue. But you did do that. And in doing so you attacked my pride……equating it with shame.
It is not that I am afaid to face you “sir” far from it. ( and despite the lies you post I have often attempted to contact your “live” email address” to no avail) I simply choose not to partake of ANYTHING you choose to offer me in a place and format that YOU choose.
Let’s review how this “meet up” got started.
CF called “your son” out.
It rolled down hill until you got in charge of the place, the time and the food. I do not think that my refusal to sit and eat with my enemy makes me “afraid”.
Word to the wise hank? Don’t hire out that shelter. Being conservative as you are with your money, youandnatahn and xxx as a party of three is a waste of money.
—–
J R,Only a fool limits himself to people of his own beliefs. Were I in Kansas for that weekend, I would go just to meet some new people.
Blogging about politics is one thing, having a social gathering is something else entirely. To think that hank, Nathan, etc, are fools or idiots because you don’t like their politics is assinine. If your only contact with the world is politics, I fell for you. If you judge a man solely on his politics, I feel for you. If your only friends are those who share your political beliefs, I feel for you.
There is a couple in Washington, made up of an exterme right winger and an avowed liberal. They get along famously. Know who I’m talking about? Lifes a whole lot more than Bush & company.
Open blog,, Ok here is topic it will appease many and contain subject that interest several. How tired are you getting of Bush and the spin? Me personally, I have gotten quite tired of how it is plain he is clueless and will remain so. Every day brings another assault on my intelligence, yet the two sides one supporting his agenda and the other pointing to him having an agenda that is not in the best interest of the country. Do not move, has not changed or grown. It is like a house on fire on the east side and one person shouting that the house is on fire and the fire department should be call and another person say it is not the house on fire but a wiener roust! With the rest of the world living on the West side and totally not paying any attention to the smoke and flames. So either the house (country) will burn to the ground, or the picnic diner will be on the table soon. But in the mean time the number of people grabbing buckets or setting up the buns are not growing. As one who is getting tired of looking at the flames in the windows, I will be glad when the house is nothing but a pile of smoking ash. At least it will be over and I can put my bucket down and grab the shovel to start the clean up.
Actually J R,
CF didn’t call my son out. I kinda called him out. Where is CF? I haven’t heard from him since we’ve got serious about the picnic.
As far as you go, the last time my boy and I agreed to meet you for lunch, you declined. I believe you said you didn’t want to get beat up in public. Scared. Even though there has never been anything in my posts that would ever lead anyone to believe that my boy and I are violent, you are scared. It must be a really scarey world you live in!
As far as our little picnic goes, I organized it because, believe it or not, there seemed to be some inerest in meeting each other. I’ve got a few emails apologizing for not being able to attend. I don’t consider anyone on this BLOG (or anyone else) my enemy. However, when somebody considers me an enemy I do take it serious.
I don’t really care, I feel sorry for your boy. I wonder how long before he realizes his dad is a bitter nut.
I feel sorry for you too. One of my proudest moments was about 10 years ago when I watched my son graduate Marine boot camp in San Diego. I feel sorry for any man that will miss that honor and I think you will. I think you’ll miss a lot in your bitter little life.
Now, if only you were just too ‘proud’ to pester us with your delusions!
I wish you well, I’m done with you.
Hank
Hank,I will plan on coming to the picnic for a least a little while. Do you have a list of people whom you know won’t be there?
Read Earth in the Balance (autographed copy) some time ago. Found it to be a bit over-simplified but that is understandable. Also a bit conservative based on current knowledge.
I’ll be there, I’m looking forward to meeting with the ones who choose to show up. I agree with JM, it’s stupid to limit yourself to only the people who believe the way you do, exposing yourself to different beliefs, cultures, and lifestyles is an opportunity to grow and learn.I’ll bring the baked beans.
PS JR, I know you may find it hard to believe, but Hank and Nathan are really nice guys!
Dear DD,
So far five have aggreed to come, and five have declined. Coming so far:
DamoonNathanXXXHankDarwin’s Disciple
Gracefully declining:
IanBen HueyJ RAnd two others that have emailed me, so I’ll honor their privacy.
If any of the attendees are bringing guests or family members, signifigant others or pets, let me know so I’ll know how many hamburgers to get. All are welcome!
I’ll send a personal invite to the editors later, it would be fun to have some of them attend so we could thank them, harrass them or whatever.
Hank
Dear Ben,
One of the problems I had with the book, other than abolishing internal combustion engines, was his failure to address nuclear power in any meaningful way. If I remember it was barely mentioned.
Also, we have the ability to remove the oil from shale and liquify coal. If I remember, neither of these options were dealt with. All in all, I felt it was more of a political book pandering to his base rather than anything meaningful or useful.
Hank
DD–
Did you used to post under your first name?
Hank – I agree with you on nuclear but not on shale/coal. I used to work in that area and the carbon problem is there IN SPADES.
My take on nuclear: take all the decommissioned warheads and back-mix the weapons-grade material with depleted uranium. That does two things – ruins it for weapons use and makes it good for fuel use.
Swords into Plowshares. Nuclear power with zero “NET NEW” nuclear waste.
Dear Ben,
I couldn’t aggree with you more! We currently have enough bomb grade enriched uranium 235 to supply all of our commercial electric power needs into the next century!
You don’t have to back mix it for reactors though, the last reactor I operated had bomb grade uranium in the fuel modules. I know what you mean though, however, processing it in to fuel nowadays makes it pretty much impractical for ever being a bomb.
As far as shale oil and coal liqification, I was using that merely as examples of current techknowledgy that is available for us to become independent of the ragheads.
Hank
Did any of you see where Bushytail traded India our nucular secrets for their Mangoes?Why does India need a nucular industry if it isn’t for wepons use? All their electricity is produced using coal.
Pakistan and India are in a dispute over Cashmere and both sides, India and Pakistan have a balance of nuclear weapons.
Bush, like a good little Israeli flunky, is busy over in India upsetting the balance of power.
Israel needs India to “take out” Pakistan’s nukes. Bush is not in India on a vacation.
Walker, Bravo on your excellent post.
JR,you should print out Walker’s post and read and re-read it till you wear it out. You limit yourself if you only deal with people who believe as you do (sounds lika a very small group). And much as I hate to agree with Hank, I smell fear. You talk pretty tough. I’d say your bluff has been called. Looks to me like you’ve been “outed”.
Damoon, a blogger whose opinion I greatly respect, says Hank and Nathan are good people. I for one, look forward to meeting them, along with other bloggers on these threads. While Hank’s politics may suck, he seems a likable sort otherwise. I think it speaks well of him that he would offer to take the lead organizing this.
Hank’s venue and food? Oh, hell yes! Hank, I like my burgers medium well.
JR, I would have liked to meet you, too.
I have never been in favor of this “see who has the bigger manhood” thing by meeting in person.
“You wouldn’t say that to me in person,” the right-wingers whine.
Yes, I would. What are you going to do, shoot me with your gun?
I’m not interested in meeting any of the right-wingers, anymore than I’m interested in meeting Rush “I Addicted and Divorce Thrice” Limbaugh or Ann “I Look like a woman but I’m really a Man” Coulter.
If I want to meet crazy weirdos, I’ll go talk to my Congressmen . . .
BTW, Thanks Eagle for the complete news black out on Barack Obama speaking in Kansas last night.
Good thing I went. Relying on the “liberal media” I wouldn’t even know he were here . . .
Dear ProudLib,
Is that your official R.S.V.P.? Let me know, I’m keeping a list and I’ll scratch the tofu burgers.
We’ll miss ya,
Hank
Hank, I think I will be able to make it. Let me know as the time gets closer and I will bring some of the chow. Believe it or not, I am a really good cook!! My email is live too, but put something in the subject about the blog, ’cause I dont always open mystery emails.
I have come to know JR through email, and I think he is a pretty swell guy. I am sorry he wont be there, but I would never call him chicken. He is an independent thinker and I like his posts a lot. I hope he changes his mind :)
I am happy to meet others too, even if I dont agree with them. Ben, I am really sorry you wont be there. And even though I dont agree with Ian’s postings, I am sorry he wont be there. Sometimes he shows a sweet and funny side, but he quickly covers it up with an outrageous post. Sorry Ian, you are busted. I bet you do love your kinder and your dogs.
I would love to meet Rage too. And Walker, I am sorry you wont be there either. I think it will be worth the drive. I hope outlander and todd and the Joe’s (williams and blow) show up. And Gertie. And especially kansassam.
Come on folks, attend if you can. Dont let those “multiple personality” name tags keep you away. I sure hope the WE people show up too. Sans notebooks of course!
And last, but not least, MOTHER, please grace us with your presence. No party is complete without an old band biotch.
Hank, could we just not say grace before dinner? Or if we do, can we say “ramen” too? LOLOLOLOLOL
I am reading a book that I consider to be profound. It is “Presence” by Peter Senge, Betty Sue Flowers, Otto Scharmer and Joe Jaworski. It is about moving communities of people and the field of the future. I highly recommend it.
I am also re-reading a classic called “Productive Workplaces” by Marvin Weisbord. It is subtitled “organizing and managing for dignity, meaning, and community.” It is more than just about workplaces, but about people in groups and moving them toward effectiveness.
I think I said before I am working on a restaurant project out here, so I also reading Restaurants For Dummies and Guerilla Marketing…again!
“Did you used to post under your first name?”
Yes.
ks girl – what is the date/time again? Maybe I can get there for the finale.
Ah, okay.
I got your e-mail. Will respond pretty soon.
If anyone wants to meet me, they can come to the anti-war march and rally at Minisa Park on the 18th of March . . . I’ll be carrying a sign with a picture of Bush with blood on his hands.
Ben, I think it is 4-7pm, but I would hang around longer to meet you. And to clean up. A woman’s work is never done….
Dear ProudLib,
Seems like we are doomed to never meet. The 18th of March is my tater planting day.
Hank
PL,It is indeed a shame you refuse to meet people of different persuasion. I, for one, if I could make it would be there in a heartbeat, and, I assume, politics would be the last thing on my mind.
Hell, some of us musician type people could bring guitars, drums, etc., play some rock and blues, and have MOTHER do her thing on the dance floor. Who needs politics when you’re rockin’ and rollin’?
Life has got to be a boring one-sided hang up, bro.
March 16 – the day after tax deadlines. Seems fiting somehow …
PL, I am sorry you wont be there. I wanna shake the hand of someone who is fearless in the face of nonsense, who writes such great posts, and who isnt afraid to stand up against the righties.
I will miss you.
PL, I read an article in the WE online about Obama. Was it not in the print edition?
I am really ticked that I won’t be able to attend but somebody has to protec our borders because the traitors in DC won’t. I am sure that everyone will be broken up over my absence. I was looking forward to claiming the title of biggest shrub hater on the blog! lol
In any event, I wish you all a great time. Also, my offer to host a Cuban style pig bbq with lots of mohitos, brew, and Guinness stand and should be fun once the weather warms up a bit.
V.L.R.B!!
Ian, I will pull a kinky hair out of my teeth just for you.
Hot damn . . . if it’s going to be March 16th, I can be there. I’ll make a special from here in MO. Tell the WE to bring the reporters.
XXX, we be jammin.
Walker, bring it on Bro! You know there’s always room for you here at the “boar’s nest”. Do you suppose they’re ready for both of us?
Is anybody ready for both of us?
New Element Discovered
The recent hurricane and gasoline issues helped prove existence of a new element. In early October [2005] a major research institution announced discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element has been named “Governmentium.”
Governmentium (Gv) has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton like particles called peons. Since Gv has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of Gv causes one reaction to take over four days to complete, when it would normally take less than a second!
Gv has a normal half-life of 4 years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium’s mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Gv is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as Critical Morass.
When catalyzed with money, Gv becomes Administratium (Am) – an element which radiates just as much energy as Gv since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons
No forest products were used in the creation of this email. However, billions of electrons were horribly inconvenienced.
All
Been too busy to post the last couple of days. I’m SURE y’all have missed my willingness to say whatever passes through my head when it passes through my head.
Thursday the 16th for Das Party? Shoot. I’m supposed to be in Austin during that week, and not back until the 17th. Let me figure out drive times/schedule/etc, and see if I can make this work.
I am willing to hang with a bunch of willfully misled folks, even WeBlog Wingnuts such as y’all, and to say to Nathan’s face what I say to/about him on this blog. But I’m not sure the timing is going to work.
Hank,I have to ask off my night job, but I’m gonna try to make it.Please keep me posted.Sorry I didn’t respond sooner, but I was kinda sick yesterday.
CF, I have missed you very much.
I am also really jealous that you are going to Austin. You know the bumper sticker they have there? “On Earth as it is in AUSTIN”. For the record, it is a nine hour drive from Wichita to Austin.
I really hope you can make it to the gathering.
KS-f-g. 7 hours tops.
Austin city limits rocks!
“I have never been in favor of this ’see who has the bigger manhood’ thing by meeting in person.”
P.L.,It may have started the way you characterize above, but I was amazed at how it quickly evolved into a more social rather confrontational ocassion.
There will be more of us from the non-dark side (Ian, I mean that in a Stars Wars kind of way), I’m betting. You would add to our majority.
Did you see the link above where Hank confesses to being an oil painter? I bet the next thing we’ll learn is that he drinks light wines, eats cheese, and is teaching his parrot to speak French.
This event will be held on my birthday and I am making the sacrifice of having to spend less time with Republican members of my extended family who make me ill during Thanksgiving. I’m willing to make this great sacrifice for this cause.
Our gathering would not be complete without you. Please reconsider.
Well, shoot, DD. If CF goes, I might be able to make it.
I also have a guitar . . . you guys all know “Kumbayah,” right?
(Just kidding. Liberals don’t really sing that song–we just get accused of singing it.)
PL, CYA there.
ksfarmgrrl,
Thanks for the sentiments. What do you make of Bush’s sending those four AC-130U ‘Spooky’ gunships to Iraq: U.S. Army retreat insurance, the prelude to an Iran assault, or a counter-Sadr/Sistani weapon? I don’t know if you’re a fan, but Steve Gilliard has an AWESOME thread on the subject. Whatever it is, makes me nervous as hell.
stevegilliard.blogspot.com
Ben Huie,
7 hours? Really? Good by me. Makes things more plausible. But what I don’t need are any more speeding tickets.
And yes, J M Walker, Austin City Limits DOES rock. Recently saw the episode with Beck backed up by the Flaming Lips: SO awesome.
OK peoples,
Just got back from an Emporia speed run. Here’s the latest.
Attending:
DamoonNathanXXXHankDarwin’s DescipleksfarmgrrlBen Huey (maybe toward end, save a beer and burger)J M WalkerCF (trying)ProudLib (maybe if CF makes it)
Graciously declines:
IanBen Huey (maybe not, save room for his beer and burger)J RGertie
Let me know if this is correct.
If ProudLib doesn’t bring her sign, I won’t wear my ‘Camp Getmo’ T-Shirt. I don’t have a parrot.
Let me know if any signifigant others, wifes, girlfriends, boyfriends, children, pets or security is coming with you so I’ll know how many burgers to bring.
Looks like the first annual BLOG bash picnic is a go!
Hank
This is great. I just got back from drill.
I think the icing on the cake would be for a WE editor to come and hang out too.
Even though I don’t agree with some of you on many topics I am just here to exchange ideas and have fun.
I have a liberal friend who I argue with more than any of you and he and I are still buddies.
Hey dad, maybe now is a good time to upgrade your grill?
Hank,I will be coming by myself. Again, appreciate your efforts on this.
I am doubting any WE people would show up. I would be most interested in meeting Phillip from the group. I have always thought that he strives to be above partisan stuff.
I’ll talk to Joyce about a new one. My old grill hasn’t been the same since that last cajun recipe for armadilla.
Pa
Actually, I have a big old Weber grill, charcoal.
With a name like Hank, I can’t keep thinking that you’re a propane salesman . . .
Gona be kinda crowded in that “Boars nest”.Your going to have to sleep on computer parts.
I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, sorry some can’t make it (I was hoping you could make it Gertie, I’m REALLY excited you can come Lib AND Ksgirl!!)Hank, I hope you bring your puppy to show off, he’s a beaut! Is Joyce coming?I might drag my ‘ole man along if he promises to behave himself.
You know how gov’t officials are always talking about a “recent surge in violence” in Iraq?
And editor at the democraticunderground googled it and this is what he got–it’s long, but that’s the point, isn’t it?
******
2003
September 3, 2003: Meanwhile, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and French President Jacques Chirac were to meet in Germany on Thursday to discuss ways for the West to respond to the recent surge in violence in Iraq and the Middle East.
October 31, 2003: Ansar is believed to be channelling into Iraq the foreign fighters who are behind a recent surge in violence in the country, officials say.
November 3, 2003: Bush blamed loyalists to ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and foreign terrorists for the recent surge in violence in Iraq.
2004
March 4, 2004: A wave of bomb attacks in Baghdad and Karbala killing at least 171 people earlier this week has highlighted the difficulties in rebuilding the country and restoring peace. But Mr Blair, speaking after a meeting in Rome with his Italian counterpart, Silvio Berlusconi, said the recent surge in violence in Iraq did not constitute civil war.
April 14, 2004: U.S. President George W. Bush held a major news conference at the White House on 13 April in the middle of the deadliest month for Americans in Iraq since Baghdad fell a year ago. He spoke of the recent surge in violence there, but urged his countrymen not to lose faith. He also said he would adhere to the 30 June deadline for handing over sovereignty to Iraqis.
April 15, 2004: Pace said the recent surge in violence in Iraq is being driven by “terrorists” who see the June 30 deadline for turnover of sovereignty approaching rapidly and are petrified by the promise of democracy.
April 26, 2004: Lt. Gen. David Barno, the top American commander in Afghanistan, said Monday that the military has seen a recent surge in violence, but that most attacks were directed against soft targets, such as civilians or isolated Afghan security outposts.
May 12, 2004: Despite the prison abuse scandal and the recent surge in violence in Iraq, a majority of the public (53%) continues to support keeping troops in Iraq until a stable government is established
May 25, 2004: In his speech to the Army War College here, Bush warned that “there are difficult days ahead and the way forward may sometimes appear chaotic.” Yet he vowed the handover would take place on schedule and that the US-led coalition would not be defeated by insurgents blamed for the recent surge in violence.
June 24, 2004: Compelled by the recent surge in violence, US Central Command (CentCom) has informally asked Army planners for as many as 25,000 more troops in Iraq, the Baltimore Sun reports.
July 22, 2004: Despite a recent surge in violence, including kidnappings, car bombings and assassinations, senior U.S. and Iraqi officials gave a relatively optimistic assessment on Wednesday of the security situation in Iraq since the transfer of political authority from U.S. to Iraqi authorities June 28.
July/August, 2004: In the short term, ongoing help will be required with the maintenance of security within the country. The response to the recent surge in violence must emphasise political solutions and not be just a simple deployment of military power.
September 9, 2004: “The recent surge in violence has been especially surprising because in the weeks after the transfer of power there was a phase that, for Iraq, felt to some almost like a lull.”
September 17, 2004: The assessments, made before the recent surge in violence in Iraq and the US military death toll there topping 1000, appear to conflict with Bush’s upbeat description of the US-led effort to stabilise and democratise Iraq.
September 22, 2004: The Iraqi leader also said that despite a recent surge in violence in Iraq, it is “very important for the people of the world really to know that we are winning, we are making progress in Iraq, we are defeating terrorists.”
December 18, 2004: Mosul has experienced a recent surge in violence. On Friday, a car carrying Turkish security guards was attacked in the city, in Iraq’s far north near the Turkish border, and four people were killed, one of them decapitated.
2005
January 4, 2005: The incident marks the most senior assassination since the death in May of Governing Council president Abd al-Zahra Uthman Muhammad and should be seen within the context of the recent surge in violence ahead of national and provincial elections slated for 30 January.
January 17, 2005: The area around Kut has seen a recent surge in violence. In a separate attack, two Iraqi provincial government auditors were shot to death late Sunday after armed gunmen stopped their car in Suwaira, about 25 miles southeast of Baghdad, an official at a Kut hospital said.
March 2, 2005: Most of the victims were Shiites, the targets of a recent surge in violence, most notably a series of suicide bombings and other attacks that killed nearly 100 people during the Shiite religious commemoration known as Ashoura.
April 27, 2005: But he added it was too early to say if a recent surge in violence amounted to a concerted campaign, and insisted that US-backed forces were “winning”.
May 10, 2005: The most-recent poll, conducted by CNN, USA Today, and Gallup, interviewed 1,006 adults between April 29 and May 1, 2005, before the recent surge in violence.
May 16, 2005: The insurgents’ choice of adversary is unusual. But the recent surge in violence, at least, follows a time-tested pattern.
May 19, 2005: A senior U.S. military official told reporters Wednesday that the recent surge in violence in Iraq followed a meeting in Syria last month of associates of the Jordanian insurgent leader Abu Musab Zarqawi.
May 20, 2005: It’s unclear how much of the recent surge in violence stems from tribal leaders, but as Metz points out: “Local elites recognize that in a secular, modernized Iraq, their power would be challenged.”
May 23, 2005: Even despite the recent surge in violence, in some areas — downtown Mosul, for example — Iraqi forces have begun limited independent operations.
June 17, 2005: It is also believed to be the main hideout of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Jordanian militant whose al Qaeda-linked group has carried out many of the deadliest attacks in Iraq and who U.S. forces believe is behind a recent surge in violence.
June 20, 2005: Mr. President, we were told that you planned to sharpen your focus on Iraq. Why did this become necessary? And given the recent surge in violence, do you agree with Vice President Dick Cheney’s assessment that the insurgency is in its last throes?
August 4, 2005: His comments came as the 15-nation council unanimously adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution condemning a recent surge in violence in Iraq that has killed hundreds, …
August 12, 2005: But a recent surge in violence and reports of growing public hostility to the Japanese presence are prompting many to question the prospects for continued humanitarian assistance there.
September 13, 2005: It’s unclear how much of the recent surge in violence stems from tribal leaders, but as Metz points out: “Local elites recognize that in a secular, modernized Iraq, their power would be challenged.”
September 17, 2005: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, has reportedly said the recent surge in violence is in retaliation for a coalition offensive against the group’s stronghold in the northern city of Tal Afar.
October 31, 2005: The fresh U.S. effort to crack down on insurgents followed a recent surge in violence caused by the passing of the new Iraqi constitution in a referendum held earlier this month.
2006
January 7, 2006: US officials have sought to downplay a recent surge in violence that on Thursday alone claimed the lives of more than 115 Iraqis and 11 US servicemen.
January 8, 2006: The recent surge in violence is “an anomaly” and Iraq is not on the verge of civil war, the top US commander there said yesterday, after one of the country’s bloodiest days since the fall of Saddam Hussein.
February 1, 2006: Recently, five other members of Congress and I sat on a C-130 transport plane surrounded by soldiers going from Kuwait to Baghdad. The backdrop is a recent surge in violence.
February 4, 2006: Dozens of bodies have been discovered in various parts of Baghdad gagged, bound and shot repeatedly in the past week, amid recent surge in violence, which analysts have repeatedly described as initial stages of an open-ended civil war between Iraq’s ethnic groups.
March 1, 2006: AP reports that he was giving an unusually frank assessment of the stakes in the country’s recent surge in violence.
March 4, 2006: The top U.S. commander in Iraq said yesterday that he hopes to make an assessment this spring about whether to reduce the number of American troops in Iraq. But Pentagon officials speaking anonymously said a recent surge in violence there has dampened hopes that force levels can be cut anytime soon.
Dear Damoon,
If you bring your ol’ man Joyce will come.
Probably won’t bring my puppy. Are you talking about the beardie or the Schnauzer? Joyce has a new Schnauzer puppy.
Hank
What with folks bringing their spouses and significant others, it’ll be like having Al-Anon meeting along with AA.
And frankly, given what a big fractious rabble this promises to be, I think the Eagle would be missing an opportunity not to tout the fact that it plays host to the most participatory of Knight-Ridder reader blogs. Well, the #2, anyway. (hint, hint)
North Guy, my couch sleeps pretty good as Walker will attest. And you know I don’t keep computer parts in the living room. You gotta go to the dining room to find that stuff. The hard drives on the coffee table are just for show, lol.
A question for the resident gun freaks.I bought a new 30-06 at the gun show today. Anybody know where I might go to snap in the scope? Are there any rifle ranges around Wichita?
Public range at Lake Afton and one at Cheney Lake. Nathan knows their hours.
You and Nathan should get along great, he’s an armorer in the Marines!
Hank
XXX,
I was at the gun show for an hour or so. How doe a million rouns a minute sound to you? lol
Metal Storm: Ultimate Killing Machine?written by Gary Nurenberg, Tech Live on Monday, January 14, 2002New gun tech could result in weapon that fires up to a million rounds per minute.
Most guns fire by mechanically moving bullets into a chamber, one at a time. While gun designers have developed ways to speed up this process, there has always been a theoretical limit to how fast a gun can mechanically load.
One of the Navy’s fastest rapid-fire artillery guns, the Phalanx, uses a single-chamber design and can fire thousands of rounds per minute.
But now, an Australian company called Metal Storm says it has designed weapons that can fire at a rate of up to a million rounds per minute. The gun uses an array of dozens of chambers and fires electronically.
American and Australian defense officials have taken notice. They are funding research into the new type of gun.
Metal Storm believes it will revolutionize weaponry with new designs that strip most moving parts from guns and substitute electronics for centuries-old mechanical firing methods.
It is the barrel that is the key in Metal Storm weapon design. Put three dozen barrels together as weapons designers have done, and the resulting “pod” fires at a rate in excess of a million rounds a minute.
“It’s not a difficult thing for us, and in fact, we anticipate that some of the weapons we see coming in the future will have rates of fire well in excess of that,” said inventor Mike O’Dwyer. “I can see us firing weapons at a rate of, say, 13 million rounds a minute.”http://www.g4tv.com/techtvvault/features/35631/Metal_Storm_Ultimate_Killing_Machine.html
V.L.R.B!!
Question, what is the difference between what Hefner does,and what a polygamist does, yet we turn a blind eye to one and the other we to lock up ???? Am I not seeing something ?
Hmmmmmm where to begin…..
I just generated more attention than I ever have in my history on the blog. I thought along time today after reading the blogs this morning.
First off, if hank chooses to call me “scared” I’m ok with that. I think Hank and I have a great deal of misperceptions in our history here. We are clearly at complete odds politically. I’ll get back to that.
Before I go on, I would like to say, asI think I have many times in the threads, that I have at least some respect for every blogger that comes here. These are troubling times for this nation and this world. Anyone of any ideology that spends the time to talk policies and ideas in these times is valuable, particurly when you consider that more people know who won the last Super Bowl or American Idol, than know the cost of the war in Iraq…….or even where Iraq is. I don’t remember what thread it was, but we were recently joined by a poster called “getit”. YOung guy….ditto head….easy meat. Now while I excoriated his posts, I did welcome him to the forum and expressed to him my gratitude that a young person was interested in politics.
SO I do not take lightly the assertion that I am closed minded as to those with other ideas. Far from it. Were it not so I wouldn’t be coming here.
I also do not take lightly the assertion that I am afraid of anyone or anything. Oh I do have fears. Any sane American these days should. But the idea that I am unwilling or unable to face personally any person I engage here is absurd on its face. My email and my identity are well known.XXX You cut me deep guy. We go way back. Though we generally agree we have had occasion to be at odds with each other. That you percieved fear in me is a large part of why I am writing this evening.
When such important matters as are discussed here stay in the province of faceless, anonymous, entities; perception can become a problem. Who is who? What is their agenda? Is that poster that ticks you off for real or just someone looking to stir stuff up.
And so back to hank. Now hank you surely are aware that there was some concern as to your identity. It wasn’t just me. Now from early on hank, your trademark was to invite your opponent to lunch. For me at least, this was confusing. As I took you at face value, I was curious as to why a man 20 or more years my senior would want to put himself and me in the situation of a public brawl. I’ve no problem attacking your ideas or posts. My refusal at meeting with you “for lunch” was indeed out of fear. My perception, rightly or wrongly was that you sought some sort of physical or loud verbal public confrontation. I am just not in the habit of atttacking physically or otherwise a senior citizen ( no offense meant it is a fact) in a public forum. Then too, I did not feel we hould have much to say to each other that would not be of a disagreeable nature. I did on at least one occasion, say that I would like to meet. But confrontation was on my mind, and as I have said I did not think that wise.
Of course, this speaks again to perception, or perhaps mis-perception onmy part. It may well be that you simply wanted to exchange ideas with someone you disagree with. Your posts would tend to suggest otherwise, but it is I grant possible that you sought a meeting of the minds and not an exchage of blows with a senior citizen (again no offense meant)
Apart from your early invites to lunch, which I may have mis-interpreted. It was actually me who got the idea started to match people with posts. Some 3 weeks ago I suggested the idea of “meet your fellow blogger” blog. In this I also contacted Ksfarrmgirl. I did not imagine or even think about an actaul meet up. The opinions and posts here are so vitriolic that I did not consider that a realistic possibilty. It stil does trouble me.
Again to perception. If you look, I did post about such a meet up. I did so with humor and with consideration to my own personal opinions of the posters and their posts here. So I was not closed minded to the idea.
Given our past hank what troubled me was how you took over the idea. It may well be that you have the resources to do so and are simply being charitable. My perception (again perhaps mistaken) was that you were making the event your forum…….your food……your venue……your rules.
I may or may not be able to come. I do have an 11 year old son and I am concerned that it may not be a proper forum for him. But I am willing to concede that you may in fact be playing the gracious host. I was truly touched that Ksfarrmgirrl and XXX and others expressed a desire to meet me. I am never more pleased than when someone posts….Great post JR! And Ksfarrmgirl did promise German potato salad.
And so I will apologize if I have had mis-perceptions. And if I can, I will attend.
I think that clears up the “chicken”charge.
Jr,it certianly clears it up for me. I’m old-school, and I tend to believe that if one talks the talk, they should walk the walk. I judge men by who I can depend on to stand at my back. If I seemed a little rough on you, I appoligize. I stand by my statement that I look forward to meeting you. I look at this get together as a social gathering; not an oportunity to push my political agenda. I respectfully suggest that you do the same.
As you say, we go back a long way.Respect, my friend…
Hank, thanks for the heads-up on the range. Where I come from, we’d just go down to the river to snap in. I also have a little armory experience.
Ian, I read your link. A million rounds a minute? I can’t imagine how a thing like that would work in a helecopter. How many million rounds can you carry in a chopper? I have some experience with Vulcans (chain guns) and the logistics of that much ammo gets serious.
XXX,They might be caseless rounds. I’ve been seeing something about them in PS. Way less hassle to use, from what I understand. Elsctronically fired, and fast.
I’m reading George Orwelles 1984.
I’m curious what everyone thinks about the reclassifying of classified information that had been declassified?
well darn, I’m 2nd shift that week so wont’ be able to attend the munch. Maybe next time, it would have been nice to put faces to names
Dear J R,
An invitation to lunch is merely an invitation to lunch. I get weary of people comparing me to Hitler, calling me racist, etc., just because I’m conservative.
It makes me weary when someone ignorantly confuses my faith for stupidity.
To know me is to love me! I do not invite people to lunch to beat them up. I invite them to put a face on our relationship. If it scares them it is more telling about what is in their heart, not mine. Read the ‘Art of War’ if you believe I’m your enemy. It advises to keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer.
Now if I understand your post you are scared of maybe having to hurt a senior citizen! Now that hurts! I have the same relationship with my boy. several years ago he went from being afraid of me to being afraid of hurting me. It’s OK, it still works for me.
As far as my identity goes, I’ve never hidden it or lied about it. On several ocassions Damoon has confirmed my identity. I’m in the book. You can call me. On several ocassions my boy’s identity has been confirmed. He doesn’t hide. You and others have chosen to believe that I’m a liar about almost every thing I’ve ever posted about my personal life, with no proof or reason other than it denigrate my ideas. There is a saying, “A liar will never believe you and a thief will never trust you.”
As far as this BLOG bash goes, its ‘our’ get together, not ‘mine’. As far as I’m concerned its a public gathering and your invited. If you BLOG here you’re invited. If I knew children were coming for sure, I would bring a horse and buggy and give them rides around the lake. Your boy is invited.
We are all Americans. This is our country. It is important that we all work together to keep it free. If we let politicians, religious leaders and aluminum siding salesmen devide us for their own personal gain then we lose. It is important that we discuss things with civility. Passionately yes! But we need to remember that ultimately we are all Americans.
I am thrilled at the ovrall response to the possibility that we can all get together. Ultimately it will cause us to respect the other’s ideas and opinions more and possibly improve our ability to communicate our ideas.
I still love ya JR.
Hank
Hank, pretty good post for a republican.
Dear XXX,
I’m a Christian, I’m a husband, I’m a father, I’m an American, I am a friend, I am a neighbor, I train sheepdogs, I rescue and rehome beardies, I ride horses, I drive horses, I tithe and donate to causes that spiritually feed me, I try to give my boss an honest day’s work, I’m a pretty good poker player.
And, on occasion, I vote for a conservative if he is a republican.
Thanks for the compliment!
Hank
DD, thanks for making such a sacrifice to be there :) I’ll bring all the stories I remember (?) from my days at Ft. Hays.
Damoon, cant wait to meet you too.
Proudlib, I also think of the Hill when I see Hank’s name. I wonder if Nathan is like Bobby? I hope you will be there. If CF cant be there, XXX and I will protect you :)
Sum1…:( I am sorry you wont be there. You write great posts.
JR, as I said, I think you are a swell guy. And JR and I dont always agree either!! I am just thrilled you might be there. You know what is best for your son, but I would like to meet him too.
A comment on perceptions…I agreed to have lunch with Hank when I come to town because I want him to know I am not ashamed to be known…just not to a million internet users! I took his offer as a reaching out, and to not accept would have been against everything my dad ever taught me.
I may live to regret that, but as for the wine, cheese, and speaking French….he did agree to eat sushi with me! That clinched the deal for lunch. I know he must want to meet me if he is willing to eat blue state food. LOLOLOLOL
Can I stand off to the side and throw water balloons? I’ll fill em with thunderbird LOL!
Anybody heard from MOTHER?
If the WE editors dont want to attend…could we invite Dave Barry? I mean, what could provide more material for his next book than the surreal WE gathering in Wichita?
Dave, ya cant make this stuff up! Come see for yourself “what’s the matter with kansas”.
Ian offered to invite some of Dave’s bloggers, but I want Dave himself!! And his bloggers too, of course. All rock stars need an entourage.
Walker, I am glad you will be there, but no, you can not be above the fray this time!!
And wouldnt thunderbird harm that guitar? I can bring my axe too, but all I can play are Smoke on the Water and Inna Gadda Da Vida. Child of the 70’s ya know.
Electric or flattop? I got both, and amps. I can do smoke and inagodawhatever.
I am assuming if I did throw water balloons, I would be in the middle of the fray anyway, or maybe the lake if I wasn’t quick enough. LOL
Have you posted at Daves yeT? I can do that also. There might be a few brave souls, chuckle, chuckle.
Okay, I posted at dave’s blog and told them any were invited and to email me if they are. I’ll post here if I get feedback. Invited Dave too, but you know how those BIG stars are!
I wonder if the WE editors are watching this develop. I really don’t expect to see them on advice from their lawyers. I can see the headline now:
3 dead, 10 wounded at WE blog picnic. A good time was had by all.
LOL!!!
I’m glad you’re going to try and come, JR. Believe me, Hank is as harmless and sweet as his puppies, and he’s also a lot of fun! I’ve even seen him drive Santa around in his horse and buggy on Christmas morning. This will be a kid friendly gathering, I guarantee it!
Dear Damoon,
It was Santa you needed to be sceered of!
Hank
You got that right!!!!!!!!!!!
‘Ole Saint “Nick” is hardly a saint! LOL
This is too much fun.
I am looking forward to this. I am telling you, there should be some WE representation about this one.
At least they would get a story out of it!
I agree Nathan – they should send someone. I’ll try to get there late after work.
By the way, you and Hank should appreciate the fact that I am quite sore tonight after raking out the lawn etc. If I just did more cardio and weights regularly …
;^)
“Conservatives and liberals have cook out.”
That’s not a news story.
Sorry. It’s like “child learns to ride bike.”
It was not so much that conservatives and liberals have cook out, but their very own group of regular bloogers who are routinely at each others throats with politics get together for beer and burgers!
I am tired too Ben, it was my drill weekend. Didn’t do too much, just running around trying to get caught up with some paper work.
XXX,
They rebuilt Cheney reservoir’s range a couple of years ago.
It is only open on the weekends, has a 100 yard and 25 yard range, no shelter, just nice tables and targets.
It is also staffed by a Park’s and wildlife officer too.
I take people out there pretty regularly and teach them to shoot.
I am a Marksmanship Instructor in the Marines too.
I agree with Nathan and nominate either Scholfield or Brownlee to drop in.
March 16 – late – where at the Lake?
Too bad Tara can’t be there … hehehe …
I would have brought my habanero salsa, someone would have eaten too much and have their stomach explode, and it would be all my fault–so you see, it may be better that I can’t make it :)
I would also love to see a news story on this…sure, it’s not front page material but it deserves some coverage in WichiTalk or L&S, right?
Well I don’t think there are any other kids going to be there, at least I haven’t heard of any. So it might not be much fun for Nathan (my Nathan not Hanks) But I think that is right before spring break so I might get my mom to do the grandma thing. I don’t ask it of her too often, and sometimes she gets lonely since my Dad died.
I too am wondering about the Eagle. They must be aware of this by now. They often post excerpts from the blogs.
OH BY THE WAY EAGLE???? For your next blog excerpt I suggest using where Tara drew Nathan a picture about the Hurricane briefings. That was in the last bush/Katrina thread. CLASSIC!
But I digress.
I think it likely the Eagle may use this or at least send a photog. Ya know, to drive up interest in the blog as well as the Eagle online. Gotta be ad revenue potential there.
And that GOT ME TO THINKING. Just how many are there of us? How many regulars? How many people come and read but don’t post? Are there folks who come just to watch the food fight? It would be interesting to know. Ya listening Eagle?
Hey here’s an idea! Send Richard Crowson and he could draw a cartoon of us!
One more and then I gotta go do battle. (All this touchy-feely no controversy is gonna make me lose my edge.)
There are folks who cannot come, and folks who do not feel comfortable to come. Should we take pictures?
Tara got that in while I was carrying on.
Well said Tara. Ya listenin’ Eagle?
I think I’m in…know for sure tomorrow.
J R – I’m certain that grandma will happily babysit. I know, I’m married to one! We love having the munchkins over.
Nathan, where is the range at Cheney? I’m a transplant to Wichita and I’ve only been to Cheney twice. Like I told your Dad, I’m used to practicing on the river…isn’t 100 yards a little short for a 30-06? I’ve been shooting since I was a kid, but I learned marksmanship in the Corps. I like to shoot 300-500 meters.
100 yards is good enough to snap in a scope.
Make that XXX. I guess I need to watch that when I let a friend post on my computer, lol.
I’ve sent an invite to all of the editors, I can think of good reasons for them to either attend, or not. I’ll post directions and more info tomorrow or Tuesday.
So far this is my list:
Attending:
Damoon………bringing baked beans and………ol’ manNathan……..single Marines bring chipsXXXHank……..bringing Joyce…..Hamburgers and fixin’sDarwin’s Disciple …….coming aloneksfarmgrrlBen Huey (maybe toward end, save a beer and burger)J M WalkerCF (trying)ProudLib (maybe if CF makes it)JR…..if he can make it, maybemrcontroversy …. Maybe will know Monday
Graciously Declines:
IanBen Huey (maybe not, save room for his beer and burger)Gertie
Let me know if my list is screwed up
Hank
Ian was gracious?
Hey Kipper; who are you, skippy? Are you really Morty the K?
V.L.R.B!!
XXX,
It is on the NW tip of the reservoir.
I have been so many times I kind of forget what the roads are called and go by memory.
Depending on what direction you are coming from lets say wichita:
West on US 54Turn North on highway 17 just west of cheney.Turn right onto parrallel road (about 8 miles north of US 54)Follow that road for a bit and it will be on your left.
I can’t remember what time it opens, I usually go around 11-12 and stay till about 4-5 if it is just me and my former Army friend.
If I am taking people out they get tired and beat down by the sun and we only stay for a couple of hours.
It takes me about 30-45 minutes to teach them the basics before we even start shooting which probably doesn’t help.
They learn a bunch though.
I have names for some of the unusual people that you can find there.
Mexican snipers:
These are the guys who stay on the 25 yard range with their tricked out AR-15 type rifles with massive scopes while they just pull the trigger as fast as they can and try to hit the target.
Makes me laugh every time!
Redneck family:
You might have some guy out there with his wife and 6 kids. All with lawn chairs, spotting scopes, all sorts of pistols I would never bother owning and some type of shotgun.
They procede to shoot the shotgun over and over again while the kids are playing with the pistols here and there.
You have to keep your eyes on these guys, never know what those goofy kids will do.
Upper middle class dude with son:
This guy usually has maybe one or two really nice handgun which are in some really nice cases which he handles like fragile glass.
He has the ear muffs for him and his kid, I’m talking the works. He has those fancy see when you shoot targets…
I could go on all day, it is almost as fun watching some people as it is to shoot.
Ok, single guy who doesn’t cook here. Help me out. What can I bring to the picnic?
Bring a thing of Sam’s tater salad.
I am not single, but as often as my dear spouse cooks, you might think I was. Even after re-modeling the kitchen like she pleaded for for so long . . . sigh.
Any way, I am open to suggestions on what to bring also. I can’t bring lawyers, or guns, but could bring extra money.
Another restriction I have is that I don’t patronize Sam’s or Walmart. I know . . . I know . . . My father who has amassed more funds than I ever will in three lifetimes goes there every week.
Hank, do you have an estimate of an equitable sharing of costs?
Thanks.
Hank…NOOOOOOO! No STORE BOUGHT tater salad. I will bring real tater salad…in an ice chest for the drive LOLOLOL.
XXX, how about ice and cups? Or condiments? Or a first aid kit? :)
Pop, ice, and potato chips are always good. I agree with Frmgrl, NO STORE BOUGHT POTATO SALAD…..YUK!!!
OK, OK I’ve had second thoughts. We’ll need some paper plates, napkins and plastic ware. Maybe XXX could bring some of that stuff.
I didn’t even think! Store bought! From Sam’s! A good liberal wouldn’t even have a Sam’s card!
Hank
Hank, count me in for ice, paper plates, napkins, plastic knives, spoons, forks, plastic cups, and a couple cases of pop. Are you sure we’ll be safe passing out plastic knives? LOL!
I have a Sam’s card! it expired 3 years ago. I need to clean out my wallet.
XXX, you know what they say about bringing a plastic knife to a gun fight…BWHAHAHAHAHAHA
I also do not cook. I also do not shop Wal Mart. I also do not know what to bring if I am able to attend.
I was gonna say if I could come but that didn’t sound right.
I could bring entertainment! How a about a bush pinata and a cheney dart board…..or everyones favorite… LAWN DARTS!
Torches maybe?
Aww I’ll get my mom to throw something together maybe….
two dishes clearly labeled Democrat and Repulican….NO SHARING!
Perhaps I’ll have one of my police officer friends come in uniform to keep things civil… LOL
The young mother set her foot on the path of life. “Isthis the long way?” she asked. And the guide said: “Yes, and the way is hard.And you will be old before you reach the end of it. Butthe end will be better than the beginning.”
But the young mother was happy, and she would notbelieve that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, and gathered flowers forthem along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, “Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.”
Then the night came, and the storm, and the path wasdark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said, “Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come.”
And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, andthe children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary.But at all times she said to the children,” A little patience and we are there.”So the children climbed, and when they reached the topthey said, “Mother, we would not have done it without you.”
And the mother, when she lay down at night looked upat the stars and said, “This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage.Today, I ‘ve given them strength.”
And the next day came strange clouds which darkenedthe earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said: “Look up. Lift your eyes to the light.” And the children looked and saw above the cloudsan everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond thedarkness. And that night the Mother said, “This is the best day of all, forI have shown my children God.”
And the days went on, and the weeks and the months andthe years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent.But her children were tall and strong, and walked withcourage. And when the way was rough, they lifted her,for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said, “I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the endis better than the beginning, for my children canwalk alone, and their children after them.”
And the children said, “You will always walk with us,Mother, even when you have gone through the gates.”And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: “We cannot see her but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence……”
Your Mother is always with you…. She’s the whisperof the leaves as you walk down the street; she’s the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not well. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she’s crystallized in every tear drop.She’s the place you came from, your first home; andshe’s the map you follow with every step you take. She’s your first love and your first heartbreak and nothing on earth can separate you.
Not time, not space… not even death!
I must respectfully decline being a part of the ensuing bloodbath that would inevitably take place when you WE bloggerheads get together! :)
XXX,That was very nice. I went to college with some kids who were Navajo indians. They come from a matriarchial culture. The women run things – you know like our own culture :).
Any way, I remembered asking them why, they thought, their culture evolved that way. They said that there was a saying they had which went to the effect that a person could never really know for sure who his/her father was, but one would always know who their mother was. Made sense to me.
Another saying the Navajos had that I remember is that they always intentionally put a mistake in any rug that they weave. The reasoning was – if they made a rug that was perfect, the gods would become jealous and destroy it.
All of my projects are completely safe from the wrath of Navajo deities.
XXX, love the post. I had to put my mom in a nursing home today. Talk about hard!!!!!
DD, if women were really running things here, our country wouldn’t be in such a mess!!