A Snowy Day in Flower Mound, Texas

Christmas, Christmas time is near.

From Military.com, come these suggestions for remembering the troops and their families this holiday season.

Marines, Sailors Now Accepting Donations for Toys For Tots

Marines and Sailors around the world are working together during the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) "Toys for Tots" 2006 campaign, underway from now until Dec. 18 in all 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. For more information, including finding your local Toys for Tots campaign office, visit the Toys for Tots Foundation website.


Care Packages Top One Million

The USO will soon be distributing its one millionth Operation USO Care Package. Initiated in 2001 by the USO of Metropolitan Washington, the Operation USO Care Package program distributes care packages to servicemembers deploying to Afghanistan, Iraq and other overseas locations, as well as troops arriving and departing on rest and recuperation (R&R) flights. Care packages can contain prepaid international calling cards, refreshments, disposable cameras, toiletries, compact discs and other items requested by service men and women. To support the Operation USO Care Package program, visit http://www.usocares.org/ or call 1-877-USO-GIVE and specify the donation is for Operation USO Care Package.

Give Exchange Certificates to Deployed Troops

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) operates 53 PX/BX facilities throughout Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Even the most basic operation provides access to toiletries, phone cards and cold drinks. Any American can provide these and many more items to deployed troops by ordering a lightweight "Gift from the Homefront" gift certificate for less than it costs to send a 1-pound package. With the PX/BX certificates, troops can pick up toothpaste, socks or even Burger King Whoppers when they want them. "Gifts from the Homefront" are not only redeemable at exchanges throughout Iraq and Afghanistan, but can also be used at any of the 187 name brand fast food outlets AAFES operates in the contingency theater. To order PX/BX certificates, visit http://www.aafes.org/ or call (877) 770-4438.

Send Packages to Troops, Families

Just in time for the holidays, Operation Homefront has launched "eCarePackage," an online service that allows citizens to send care packages to deployed troops and their families. Servicemembers and families can register on http://www.ecarepackage.org/ and visitors can "adopt" them based on common interests. Then visitors select individual items to create a customized care package for their chosen servicemember or family and include a personal message. Operation Homefront's team of volunteers takes the order, boxes the selected items and ships them directly to the servicemember or family -- always protecting their identity and physical location. For more information, visit http://www.ecarepackage.org/.


Volunteers, Donations Sought for Children's Christmas Tour

As the holidays draw near, the Hampton Roads (Va.) Chief Petty Officer Association (HRCPOA) is calling out to the khaki community throughout the mid-Atlantic region to help them bring Christmas cheer to children from the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (VHBG). Every Christmas for the last 11 years, the HRCPOA has brought children from the VHBG in Richmond to Naval Station Norfolk to enjoy a ship tour and Christmas party. VHBG is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian children's home providing residential care and supportive services to children with special needs. The next HRCPOA holiday event planning meeting will take place at the Anchor Station Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. Anyone interesting in participating is welcome. Donations can be dropped off at the Anchor Station anytime.

May You be Blessed on this Thanksgiving Day

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

On Thanksgiving Day, I sometimes think back on those times when I was alone on this day, as a young soldier (19 years old), thousands of miles from home or when I was a single parent, in another state from where I was born, without my children, my brothers, sisters and parents to give thanks with-and for.

This year Thanksgiving Day falls on my Dad's birthday. He passed away a few years ago. My mother is gone, as well. I miss them.

My sisters and one brother live in another state. My next oldest brother is alone in South Texas, sick with the flu and facing a divorce. I feel his pain and loneliness very deeply.

The kids are grown.

I am no longer 19.

But, I feel blessed and I know that I have much to be thankful for.

I mentioned some personal history, so that anyone who reads this will feel blessed and thankful on this day for all that they have and so that they will appreciate the friends and family that celebrate with them. So many today have so little to be thankful for. Pray for them. Do for them, what you can.

I am posting a link here, for a nice little movie that may prompt some thoughtfulness about what you have to be thankful for.

Bless you all.

What a wonderful f*&king idea!

Sorry, I realize that the title is a little crude. But, I couldn't resist it.
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Nov 19, 2006 9:22 pm US/Eastern

Anti-War Activists Plan 'Global Orgasm For Peace'
(CBS/AP) SAN FRANCISCO

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Two peace activists have planned a massive anti-war demonstration for the first day of winter.

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But they don't want you marching in the streets. They'd much rather you just stay home.

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The Global Orgasm for Peace was conceived by Donna Sheehan, 76, and Paul Reffell, 55, whose immodest goal is for everyone in the world to have an orgasm Dec. 22 while focusing on world peace.

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"The orgasm gives out an incredible feeling of peace during it and after it," Reffell said Sunday. "Your mind is like a blank. It's like a meditative state. And mass meditations have been shown to make a change."

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The couple are no strangers to sex and social activism. Sheehan, no relation to anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan, brought together nearly 50 women in 2002 who stripped naked and spelled out the word "Peace."

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The stunt spawned a mini-movement called Baring Witness that led to similar unclothed demonstrations worldwide.

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The couple have studied evolutionary psychology and believe that war is mainly an outgrowth of men trying to impress potential mates, a case of "my missile is bigger than your missile," as Reffell put it.

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By promoting what they hope to be a synchronized global orgasm, they hope to get people to channel their sexual energy into something more positive.

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The couple said interest appears strong, with 26,000 hits a day to their Web site, www.globalorgasm.org.

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"The dream is to have everyone in the world (take part)," Reffell said. "And if that means laying down your gun for a few minutes, then hey, all the better."

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I found the following at Lone Star Times.com.

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In Palestine–

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I had an orgasm once…When I cut off a Jew’s head.

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In Darfur–

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We are starving, homeless and hunted…An orgasm might be a nice change of pace!

Thanks for the suggestion, San Francisco peace protesters!

You liberals need to remember...

when you don the new helmet and camo gear, that you wanted Democrats in office to make things all better. Here's news to delight and amaze you:

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Rep. Rangel Will Seek to Reinstate Draft
By JOHN HEILPRINThe Associated PressSunday, November 19, 2006; 4:11 PM

WASHINGTON -- Americans would have to sign up for a new military draft after turning 18 if the incoming chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee has his way.

Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., said Sunday he sees his idea as a way to deter politicians from launching wars and to bolster U.S. troop levels insufficient to cover potential future action in Iran, North Korea and Iraq.

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A military draft to keep politicians from going to war. Right.

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The Rest of the Story

Air Force Special Tatics Officers

So much is made of other special operations soldiers, that the Air Force STO's are often overlooked and mostly unknown to the general public. I feel that the everyone in the military deserves our gratitude and appreciation for their service. But, I have a profound respect for any special operations warrior. They have unique abilities and an unmatched dedication to each other and to the completion of their mission.

Air Force has its own version of Rangers
STOs have to go through tough training
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - His eyes rolling back as his lungs filled, rescue swimmers brought Nathan Carlson to the side of a dive pool. He refused to leave the water because that would have signaled the end of his dream of being an elite special tactics officer, the Air Force's version of the Navy SEALS or Army Rangers.

Carlson and seven other men recently began a grueling weeklong course hoping to be selected to start the two-and-a-half-year STO training program. Only two would make the cut.

The men would go for days on a few hours of sleep and have to fight their bodies and minds as they pushed themselves beyond limits while enduring psychological tests.

"This is their ticket to the special forces game," said Capt. Frank Rodriguez, a training officer with extensive combat experience. "The level of intensity they show us during this week is the level of intensity they need to show through the entire process."

But surviving physical and mental strains aren't enough. Officers in one of the least publicized of the military's special forces also need serious academic skills. Many have engineering degrees.
70 strong

Those who make it through the audition will travel with SEAL or Ranger teams behind enemy lines to set up air traffic control, scope out landing zones and do high-tech reconnaissance. There are 70 STOs (pronounced "stows") in the Air Force. Because they do front-line combat jobs, they are an all-male force.

Capt. Dennis Cook, an Army Ranger at Camp Rudder on Eglin Air Force Base, where Rangers go through their final and most difficult training, said STOs have long been among the elite special forces

The Rest of the Story

An additional link:
US Air Force Special Operations Forces

Be My Guest

I received this in an e-mail. I thought that I would share it.

This is my concession speech to my Democratic friends!!

BE MY GUEST

The election is over
The talking is done

My party lost
Your party won

So let us be friends
And let arguments pass

I'll hug my elephant
You kiss your ass.....

"We've got the votes."

So said Rep. John Murtha, when interviewed by Chris Matthews. But, most of his fellow Democrats didn't agree and selected Rep. Steny Hoyer, as House majority leader. This had to upset Nancy Pelosi, who had hand picked Murtha and pressed for his selection as majority leader. I guess neither one of them is as powerful as they think that they are. However, I'm sure that their arrogance remains undiminished. I read the entire interview and was amazed that Murtha's arm did not tire from the constant patting of himself on his back. Congradulations, Rep. Hoyer, on your selection as House majority leader and my thanks for your twenty five years of service to your country.

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A portion of the interview:

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MATTHEWS: Are you going to win?

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MURTHA: We’re going to win, we’ve got the votes.

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MATTHEWS: You’ve got them?

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MURTHA: We’ve got the votes.

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MATTHEWS: Eyeball to eyeball, you’ve got them?

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MURTHA: Eyeball to eyeball.

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MATTHEWS: OK, let’s go. What’s the difference here, for the average person watching right now. Whether you win, as you say you will, or Steny Hoyer wins for the race for majority leader in the House?

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MURTHA: Well the difference is the policy question about the war. When I spoke out two weeks later, he said “It would be chaos if we left. If we reduced our presence in Iraq, it would be chaotic.” And he went on to criticize that policy, never signed onto my resolution. So there was a vast difference between what he did and what I said. I appeared 143 times on these national shows talking about Iraq, about the lack of progress and the need to redeploy our troops.

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And then finally the White House has invited me down to talk to them about my recommendations about what needs to be done. So I think I’d be the strongest voice of what I consider the most important, single issue during the election campaign.

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The Rest of the Interview.

It's a windy day in Dallas-Ft. Worth.

So, of course I took pictures of leaves. The first picture was taken of leaves
blown onto my front porch. I'm not sure that I want to sweep them off.

You read it here first!

Well, maybe it was second. I don't know. But, I had posted on 11/08, that Joe Lieberman was a gentleman (in my opinion) and wouldn't it serve those Democrats right, who had treated Lieberman so poorly, if Joe switched parties. I know that it would piss these guys off. Switching parties would make the Senate 50/50 and throw the deciding vote to Vice-President Cheney.

Today, I read this:

Lieberman refuses to close door on switching parties
November 12, 2006
HARTFORD, Conn. --Sen. Joe Lieberman on Sunday repeated his pledge to caucus with Senate Democrats when the 110th Congress convenes in January, but refused to slam the door on possibly moving to the Republican side of the aisle.

Asked on NBC's "Meet the Press" if he might follow the example of Sen. Jim Jeffords of Vermont, who left the Republicans in 2001 and became an independent, ending Republican control of the U.S. Senate, Lieberman refused to discount the possibility.
"I'm not ruling it out but I hope I don't get to that point," he said. "And I must say -- and with all respect to the Republicans who supported me in Connecticut -- nobody ever said, 'We're doing this because we want you to switch over. We want you to do what you think is right and good for our state and country,' and I appreciate that."

The Rest of the Story

"Until the Last Insurgent Begs for Mercy."

Pushing Little Children in Husaybah

Viral Videos - 08/02/06 09:20 AM, 84,406 views

A soldier from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines uploaded this music video documentary of Operation Steel Curtain from Husaybah, Iraq. The music is System of a Down's "Pushing Little Children."

Veterans Day 2006

I thought that I should take the time to remember and honor my family on this Veterans Day.

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My father's father was a Pennsylvania National Guardsman and Marine for six years leading up to the start of WWI. I didn't have an picture that I could scan and post today, so, I used the poster below. He was named after Presidents Harrison and McKinley. He passed that name onto my father.

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My father was a WWII Navy Seabee, who repaired runways on islands in the South Pacific, making them usable for the advance on Japan. His brother was a Navy Corpsman. He repaired the injured who took those islands. My father is in the photo below, that was taken on my parents wedding day.

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I was in the Army from 1965-1967. I was fortunate enough not to have been sent to Viet Nam. But, I strongly identify with those who did. I sometimes cry for them.

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My oldest son is the young man in uniform, in the last picture below. The man in the photo with him is a survivor of Mogadishu, Somalia ('Black Hawk Down'). Both warriors are Bronze Star winners. I am proud to say that my son has two Bronze Stars. I am sure that he would be embarrassed to know that I have mentioned that. In fact, he didn't tell me. I had to get that, by looking at the ribbons he is wearing in the picture.

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I expect that there are many American families with similiar histories. My profound thanks to them all, for their distinguished service to their country.

Hug a Vet Today.

Please, remember the contribution of the American veteran today.

"Gee, let's all make fun of someone's appearance!"

I received that comment regarding the Hillary image in the post below. I had received that joke in an e-mail. The comment made me wonder if liberals were more polite, in that they never made fun of anyone's appearance. See below, for the answer:

In keeping with the picture mocking our country's Vice-President, I'll close with this verse from the New Testament:

“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”

Oh, one more thing! Regarding the comment, "There are no hookers in Chappaqua.", here's a link (ironically, the story is dated Sept. 11, 2001).

Bill Clinton Jogging

Bill Clinton started jogging near his new home in Chappaqua.

But on each run he happened to jog past a hooker standing on the same street corner, day after day.

With some apprehension he would brace himself as he approached her for what was most certainly to follow. "Fifty dollars!" she would cry out from the curb.

"No, Five dollars!", fired back Clinton . This ritual between Bill and the hooker continued for days.

He'd run by and she'd yell, "Fifty dollars!" And he'd yell back,"Five dollars!"

One day however, Hillary decided that she wanted to accompany her husband on his jog!As the jogging couple neared the problematic street corner, Bill realized the "pro" would bark her $50 offer and Hillary would wonder what he'd reallybeen doing on all his past outings. He realized he should have a darn good explanation for the junior Senator.

As they jogged into the turn that would take them past the corner, Bill became even more apprehensive than usual. Sure enough, there was the hooker!

Bill tried to avoid the prostitute's eyes as she watched the pair jog past.

Then, from the sidewalk, the hooker yelled...

See what you get for five bucks!?"

Looking out the window, as I drove home today.

The Latest From Russ Vaughn

Another Kerry Purple Heart? (a poem)

A question lurking in my brain
Since last week’s Turkey shoot;
Do we honor Big John’s bitter pain;
From that big hole in his foot?
After all he has a history
Of injuries self-inflicted;
And by now it’s not a mystery,
He’s Purple Heart addicted.

Big fool at a big convention,
Salutes a room of fellow fools,
Disregarding past dissension,
Treasonous trampling of the rules;
He thought we vets were easily sold
By his phony Purple Hearts;
That we’d forgive the lies he’d told,
Just dimwit, dense old farts.

Yeah, John believes that we’re all dumb,
From sixties to the present,
Dull pawns beneath his Brahmin thumb,
Every fighting man’s a peasant.
Not for us peons mystery hats,
From Cambodian faux incursions;
No, we’re just ignorant boonie rats,
To Big John, just dumb diversions.

Last week John Kerry boldly stood,
Sharp quip within his quiver;
A line might have been really good,
But he was too dumb to deliver.
So I call upon our president,
That one, you know’s, not smart?
To award what’s need is evident,
A Kerry Dumb Ass Purple Heart.

Russ Vaughn 11 7 06

Congratulations to Joe Lieberman,

who not only beat the Republicans, he beat the party who once nominated him for Vice President, only to ultimately betray him. Joe Lieberman is a man of principle. He deserves more respect than the Democrats have given him lately. I wonder what the Democrats would do if he switched to Republican?

Vote! Vote! Vote!

VOTE!

Men and women, Americans all, have died so that you could have the

privilege of voting.

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It is very important, regardless of political affiliation that you vote.

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Do it for them.

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Do it for you.

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Do it for your country.

Chili Cook-Off

Note: Please take time to read this slowly.

If you pay attention to the first two judges, the reaction of the third judge is even better. For those of you who have lived in Texas, you know how true this is.

They actually have a Chili Cook Off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the San Antonio City Park. Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chili Taster named Mark, who was visiting from Springfield, ILMark: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy and besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted."

Here are the scorecard notes from the event:

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CHILI # 1 - MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI...

Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.

Judge # 2 - Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.

Judge # 3 (MARK) -- Holy crap. What the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.

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CHILI # 2 - AUSTIN 'S AFTERBURNER CHILI…

Judge # 1 -- Smokey, with a hint of pork. Slight, jalapeno tang.

Judge #2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.

Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted togive me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.

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CHILI # 3 - FRED'S BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI...

Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick.

Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers.

Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting drunk from all of the beer.

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CHILI # 4 - BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC...

Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.

Judge # 2 – Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish orother mild foods not much of a chili.

Judge # 3 -- I felt something! scraping across my tongue, but was unableto taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the barmaid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 300-LB woman is starting to look HOT! Just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?

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CHILI # 5 LISA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER...

Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.

Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admitthe cayenne peppers make a strong statement.

Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off.It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming.

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CHILI # 6 - VERA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY...

Judge # 1 – Thin, yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance ofspices and peppers .

Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.

Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I pooped on myself when I farted and I'm worried it will eat through the chair No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. I can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my rear end with a snow cone.

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CHILI # 7 - SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI...

Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili, with too much reliance on canned peppers.

Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can ofchili peppers at the last moment. I should take note that I am worriedabout Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursinguncontrollably.

Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing it's too painful. I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.

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CHILI # 8 - BIGTOM'S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI...

Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too boldbut spicy enough to declare its existence.

Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor feller, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili?

Judge # 3 - No Report

I Hate to See Him Go.

Not really. Saddam is a very evil man.

The Video of the verdict announcement.

What Were They Thinkin' ?

I think that they have both lost their minds and I don't believe that he was kidding around.

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US university president poses with 'suicide bomber'

By MICHAEL FREUND JERUSALEM POST CORRESPONDENT

The president of one of the leading universities in the United States last week posed for photographs with a student dressed as a suicide bomber, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
In copies of photos obtained by the Post, University of Pennsylvania president Dr. Amy Gutmann is seen standing with engineering student Saad Saadi at the annual Halloween costume party held at the president's home.

Saadi is seen with a keffiyeh around his head, a toy Kalashnikov rifle in hand and six plastic sticks of dynamite strapped to his chest. Gutmann beams alongside him, dressed as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, a character from L. Frank Baum's novel The Wizard of Oz.

The Rest of the Story

Fall Foto Editing

I took a few pictures on the way home from work today and edited them for fun. It was dreary and grey day, so, the pictures aren't as vibrant as I would like them to be.

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Fall in North Texas