A little Photoshopping for the Zonkmeister:

Darth Zeejus

Posted by: caltechgirl at 11:28 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Of Ellison:

"Thou shalt take thy garbage out from thy dwelling-place when the midden-heap becometh full, and deposit it in the Great Big Rolly Thing By The Driveway. Do this, lest thy habitation become stinky: I am the Lawd.

"On the second day and on the fifth day, thou shalt roll the Great Big Rolly Thing to the boundary of thy driveway, even unto the edge of thy driveway, that the Garbage Men may come to remove it from thy dwelling-place.

"And on the first of the month, thou shalt send thy Check-Offering unto the Garbage-Men, that they may continue to do their service, and the Crap in thy Dwelling-Place shall not become as numerous as the stars in the sky. It shall be a commandment unto you from generation to generation."

Read the rest of Ellison's thoughts on modern life and it's reliance on waste removal.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 10:27 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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First up, for those of you in the SGV area, a great new blog: Foothill Cities.  FCblog focuses on local happenings and politics in the cities along the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains from Pasadena down to Pomona.  It's how I keep up with local Pasadena news.  PS-N is nowhere near as responsive or informative!

And for everyone in LA, the LAFD News and Information blog, the official blog of the Los Angeles Fire Department Media and Public Relations office.  Great informative site about major fire incidents, including details, traffic difficulties, etc.  Also a great source of info about the department and department-sponsored public events.  I wish more public service agencies would maintain similar sites (hint hint LAPD, Pasadena PD, CHP, etc.).  Recently, their coverage of the Griffith Park fire and resulting evacuations and closures was EXCELLENT.

Thumbs up to both sites!

Posted by: caltechgirl at 02:31 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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The house looks like a box tornado hit it.  Seriously.

And my brain is SO not functioning.

More after we get the internet working in the house tomorrow morning.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 02:14 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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Well, we finally closed on the house on Thursday.

According to the contract, they had to be out at 5 pm that day.  We arrive at 5:05 with a pile of new locks and a bottle of champagne.

By 8 pm ALL the locks had been changed.

Anyway, we arrived at 5:05.  To find that the MOTHERFUCKERS had had the power turned off.  And the water, too.  This is POST 5  pm on Thursday before Memorial Day.  My choices are get it turned on Friday or go camping in my new house til Tuesday.

8:00 am Friday, I called our friends at Pasadena Water and Power.  I explained my plight and told her that we had been TOLD.  EXPLICITLY. that the services would be on, and that we would merely have to call.  And what was I supposed to do with nowhere else to go before Tuesday? (we are in the process of furniture moving, and we will be actually living there starting tomorrow night).

She took pity on me, charged me a small fee for same day service (they usually will not do same-day on Friday or the day before a holiday) and told me it would be on by 7pm.

A lovely gentleman was there by noon.

He, it turns out, is the dude responsible for our service area, and was ALSO the dude who turned the power and water OFF the previous afternoon.  He told us a very interesting story.  Seems Pasadena removes the actual water and power meters from a residence if it is to be vacant more than a couple of days to prevent meter theft.  His paperwork actually asked him to remove both meters because the house was supposedly going to be empty for quite a while.

However, as he is frequently in the neighborhood, he had seen the "For Sale" sign and had seen it being taken down, so he decided to save himself some work, and left the meters behind, as he assumed (correctly) that removal of the sign meant the house had been sold.

So when he got the call from dispatch he said "I knew it" and drove right over and turned us back on.  Took him 3 minutes.

Best $40 I ever spent.  Thanks Pasadena Water and Power.

Fucking cocksuckers.  Trying to screw me over again.  I hope they rot in hell.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 12:25 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
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1 Forget about them. You've got nothing to do with them. any. more. WOO HOO! CONGRATS! So...when can we come visit? ;-)

Posted by: Amanda at May 27, 2007 06:40 AM (TRbGO)

2 You won! You're in, you've got utilities, now, just check very thoroughly for any other little surprises they might have left you. Holy crap!

Posted by: Teresa at May 27, 2007 07:38 AM (gsbs5)

3 You are now officially the "Landed Gentry". Use your new power wisely.

Posted by: Ken S, Fifth String on the Banjo of Life at May 27, 2007 04:20 PM (Yh9SA)

4 i hope you're enjoying your first weekend in your fabulous new home

Posted by: wRitErsbLock at May 27, 2007 04:50 PM (0Pi1o)

5 Congratulations on getting in and God Bless you! Now, here's to hoping the MFs live through hell on earth only to rot for eternity.

Posted by: Christina at May 27, 2007 05:31 PM (d3xGU)

6 Gasp! & phew!!! Hope you're enjoying your new home....

Posted by: Marie at May 28, 2007 07:43 AM (ocfI9)

7 Cheap SOBs. Transferring the power should be as easy as calling the power company and telling them when the new owner is taking over. There's no need to shut services off at all. When we moved into our house, we had more than two months left on the apartment lease. That worked out nicely because we had an empty house to work on. That made pulling up carpets, painting, and stripping hardwood floors 100 times easier. It was also nice to have that extra time to fix the electricity in the house. My dad and I blacked out half the house on our first day.

Posted by: Aaron at May 28, 2007 11:09 AM (SbW5B)

8 "You've got nothing to do with them. any. more." Unless you decide to sue them for breaching the terms of the sale contract, of course. Not that this is legal advice on my part, of course. ;-)

Posted by: Dave J at May 28, 2007 12:39 PM (PEbS4)

9 Yeah, just forget the MFs. Karma will catch up to them sooner or later. You just go in and enjoy your house. Umm, do you have any champagne to share with all your visitors? lol!

Posted by: Mrs. Who at May 28, 2007 01:31 PM (9FXen)

10 Whoa! I'm so happy that you were able to get those services sorted out before the Memorial Day weekend. I was sweating bullets for you for the first two paragraphs of your post. Congratulations on your new home!!! May it be very sweet .

Posted by: Anita at May 28, 2007 05:33 PM (jjxde)

11 I'm so glad you got the house! YAY!!! When we bought the place in Utah, we arrived to discover they'd left a mountain of trash in the backyard, and ripped out the drip irrigation system into the orchard and had had the water turned off to boot. Thankfully, the people who were going to be our new neighbours dragged a hose over to water the trees so they wouldn't die in the intervening month. They said they were so happy those people were gone, the neighbourhood practically threw a party!

Posted by: Ith at May 29, 2007 10:58 AM (tYAWu)

12 Why in hell are people so hateful? The point of turning off the power was. . .? Just to be shitheads? GAH. Mean people suck. AND they get bad karma -- shoved up their ass. The bad part is we just have to take that last part on faith. We never get to see it. And you just go right on and ENJOY YOUR HOME!! Love yas,

Posted by: Margi at May 29, 2007 02:07 PM (qd89Z)

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Posted by: caltechgirl at 09:15 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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Today was a good day for mother-son blogging:

Oddy shares some pie with her little man.

Bou and Bones discuss girls

Seaturtle just doesn't understand where they get it from.

VW shares pictures from PreK graduation fun

Posted by: caltechgirl at 04:26 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 You are sweet. Thanks for the linky love.

Posted by: vw bug at May 25, 2007 06:33 AM (FPOeI)

2 So appreciate the link!!! As a new blog it's quite challenging to get anyone to visit so I appreciate those of you who checked out Against the Tide. Many thanks

Posted by: Anita at May 25, 2007 02:34 PM (jjxde)

3 awww.

Posted by: Oddybobo at May 28, 2007 07:56 PM (NyFiM)

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Linky Love for Mr./Ms. 200,000!

We are 156 hits away!

Posted by: caltechgirl at 07:16 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Red Eye flights are great if you actually manage to get some sleep. You know, instead of reading books.

Also, what the holy blue f*ck is it about flying that makes you so f*cking tired and sore at the end of a flight?  Even a short flight? I swear to all the deities I can think of (including the God of Partial Credit) it was a 51 minute flight from Chicago to Detroit, and I could barely haul my cookies out to the frigging curb afterward.

I just want to go home!

Posted by: caltechgirl at 08:17 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Here's what I've been thinking about politically lately:

Fred on the UN:

I'm never particularly surprised when the United Nations seems to oppose human freedom rather than promote it. At least a third of its member nations arenÂ’t democratic themselves. Many that claim to be, are only barely so.

An organization that treats democracies and dictators equally cannot be expected to be a pure force for good. When Fidel Castro and Kim Jong Il have as much say in U.N. matters as the entire populations of Poland and New Zealand, youÂ’re going to have problems.

The immigration reform bill worked out late last week by Senate Republicans and Democrats likely will fail, former senator and possible presidential candidate Fred Thompson said here Sunday.

Thompson, speaking at the National Restaurant Association annual show, said the bill will not win the support of the American people because they don't trust senators' promises to block illegal immigrants from crossing the Mexican border into the U.S.
"Nobody believes them. It goes to the bigger issue of the lack of credibility our government has these days," said Thompson, who was greeted with hoots and applause from the 2,300 convention attendees who filled a ballroom at the McCormick Place convention center.
Thompson also was harshly critical of China, saying the military and economic threat the country poses is among the critical issues - along with untamed growth in entitlement spending - that are not being dealt with while the U.S. is fixated on the war in Iraq.

"I call it 'The Day After Iraq,' " Thompson said. "It's not a pretty picture."

He said China is "making deals with every bloodthirsty dictator they can" to feed its growing economy's need for energy.

I don't think we have too many cars on the road, but everyone who subverts the system destroys the commons and undermines the rule of law as well as respect for it. The only way to establish respect for the process of immigration in America is to insist on enforcement for the law. You simply cannot drive around with no plates and tags. If this system isn't fixed for real, then there is going to be road rage.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 07:31 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Ok, so I had been avoiding reading Dan Brown's Da Vinci code. With all of the freaking hype, I just wanted to make it go away. This, in spite of the fact that I have read all of the other novels he's written, and I love them.

The only question I have is why did no one tell me how much I would like this book sooner?

Reasons why below the fold for the 3 of you who haven't read the book and don't want spoilers. more...

Posted by: caltechgirl at 08:17 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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(you can look here for the answer and the rest of the piece if you don't want to guess)

"Whether or not the Internet can elect any particular candidate in any particular race, it's clear that all of you and our many friends across the blogosphere and the Web are part of a true information revolution. That's why so much of my effort has been focused on talking to Americans through this medium. By empowering individuals and building communities, the Internet provides a way of going around the inside-the-beltway crowd to reach people in numbers unheard of not that long ago.

I believe this direct communication and discussion is going to have an enormous impact on our political process. Our nation is facing unprecedented threats, and the challenges of globalization. We have a 70-plus trillion dollar entitlement shortfall and a government that is not effective in important ways.

To solve our problems, we have to realize that our country is pretty evenly divided along party lines. With close numbers in the House and the Senate, there will be no real reform without real bipartisanship. Too often, what we are seeing isn't an effort to find solutions, but rather insults and purely partisan politics. There are many good and responsible people in government who are willing to work together, but the level of bipartisanship needed for real progress can only be achieved when politicians perceive that the American people demand it."

h/t BethC

Run, Fred, Run!

Posted by: caltechgirl at 10:52 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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The lovely Ken S hit me with this one:

Pick out ten favorite movies, then look them up at IMDb. In the overview at the top of each movie's page, there are "Plot Keywords," usually five of them. (Plus more, if you click the link.) Take the first five, and post them. Then the rest of us get to play movie buff and see if we can guess them.

1.Anachronistic/ Jewish Humor / Nazi / Actor Playing Multiple Roles / Nazis
(none of these has much to do with the film. Huh.)

2. Christmas/ Concert Scene/ Choreographer/ Choreography/ Dancer
(this is SO EASY)

3.Badminton/ Happy Birthday To You/ Money / Dungeon / Disney Animated Feature
(good luck!)

4. Moon/ Messiah/ Wilhelm Scream / Wuxia Fiction/ Alien Civilization
(yeah, WTF????)

5. Ex Nazi / Air Base / British / Eccentric / Doomsday Machine

6. Fortune / Dysfunctional Family / Quirky / Friendship / Party
(suckers... that's a hint BTW)

7. Dirty Cop / Dock / Criminal Mastermind / Burn Victim / Manipulation

8. Catholic Church / Catholic / Roman Catholic / Blues Music / Country Music

9. Female Killer / Honeymoon / Police / San Francisco California / Serial Killer

10. Multiple Murder / Sidekick / Blind / Sam Spade / Hercule Poirot

Two Bonus, because they didn't fit in the 10:

11. Severed Arm / British Film / Corporeal Mortification / Severed Leg / British

12. Hungry / Fantasy Life / Hardship / Stylized / Enchantment

Play along in the comments, and answers will be posted tomorrow.

As for tagging, well, I'm supposed to tag 10 people, so I'll tag
Zonker,
wRitersbLock,
Mrs. Who,
Teresa,
Aaron,
Beth C,
RSM,
Christina,
Sissy,
and Richmond.

Mostly because I want to know what your favorite movies are.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 10:27 PM | Comments (25) | Add Comment
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Dear Mooreon,

You really shouldn't attempt to play big boy games until you are potty trained and no longer wail for Mommy at the drop of a hat.  Oh, and BTW, not that you care, but you can't hide behind Mommy's skirts and question her parenting skills at the same time....

Love and Kisses,

CTG

Posted by: caltechgirl at 08:53 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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(that means YOU, wRitersBlock, and you Harvey)

Chris Muir will be the guest on tomorrow's Steve H. Graham Blogtalk Radio show.

9:30pm Eastern, Wednesday May 16.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 06:37 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Ladies and Gentlemen, the wussification of America, illustrated:

Lost cause my ass.  Kudos to our troops and their commanders for pursuing the LEAST bloody war in this country's history.  Quit whining you pussies and step in and support the men and women out there who really put themselves on the line FOR YOU.

h/t Michael Totten, who found it here.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 12:02 AM | Comments (40) | Add Comment
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1 I love it when you talk politics!

Posted by: Beth at May 15, 2007 04:21 AM (7o0yk)

2 Excellent!

Posted by: Wild Thing at May 15, 2007 08:24 AM (t259v)

3 *clap* *clap* *clap*

Posted by: Janette at May 15, 2007 08:24 AM (5R+zg)

4 Love this chart!!! Who would know that from the press reports?

Posted by: Anita at May 15, 2007 09:02 AM (jjxde)

5 Glad to see four votes for raising taxes to actually support our military, but I have to wonder how many Iraq vets you folks know. I know quite a few, which might be why "the way these kids talk to me" includes fewer of the problems identified in the 14 May posting. Anita: Anyone with a brain and a knowledge of history would know those facts from press reports, but you might not know how many mercenaries (Blackwater, et al) have died. That, and the high wages those soldiers earn, are not reported. They would also know that the number of deaths is unrelated to whether the cause (creating a democratically elected government free to ally itself with anyone it chooses, or form a Shiite state sort of like Iran) is lost or not.

Posted by: CCPhysicist at May 15, 2007 10:11 AM (PKc+G)

6 Look at that -- it's all right there in blue and red!

Posted by: Marie at May 15, 2007 01:20 PM (ocfI9)

7 Beth, it would only be a non sequitur if I had been replying to your comment about politics rather than the posted assertion "Quit whining you pussies and step in and support the men and women out there who really put themselves on the line FOR YOU." At this point in time, only a minority of Americans have sacrificed anything for our troops, mostly family members. And, yes, I would cheer if we paid for this war rather than putting it all on a credit card to be paid by kids just starting school today. That is what it means to support our troops. AFAIK, the only person who agrees with me is a Republican Congressman from Michigan. What "kind" does that make him? I find it merely amusing that someone whose strongest closing argument is a series of ad hominem insults would think that the simple fact that the press regularly reports the death rate in Iraq and the fact that history books tell you that hundreds came home every week from Vietnam are anything but simple facts. You could check my memory by looking up an old newspaper or Time from 1968, but AFAIR the press reported the numbers from the official DoD press release then just like they do now. Nothing personal (or sexist) was directed at Anita. Her knee-jerk reaction is typical of many people who say things like that but then can't point to a newspaper article that claims the military death rate in Iraq is worse than Vietnam. My comments would be exactly the same if the poster was male. Don't you think she should be treated equally in a discussion? I wrote "They would also know that the number of deaths is unrelated to whether the cause (creating a democratically elected government free to ally itself with anyone it chooses, or form a Shiite state sort of like Iran) is lost or not." in response to the originally posted conclusion of "Lost cause my ass." based on that graphic from Appeal for Courage. I don't see your "reply" as relevant to either point. Were you actually reacting to my other observation about mercenaries? I only know about that because one of my engineering students told me he was thinking about leaving the army for the > 10x raise Blackwater would give him for the same work. One tour and his entire education is paid for along with a house and car. Quite a good deal, but he also told me how risky it is. As for your question: Appeal for Courage does not provide any source for any of their data. IIRC, the DoD has generally excluded accidental deaths from the numbers they report. I don't remember what the policy was during Vietnam, but I do remember that US soldiers died in Vietnam before 1964. They use August 1964 because the Tonkin Gulf Resolution is generally regarded as the declaration of war in Vietnam.

Posted by: CCPhysicist at May 15, 2007 07:35 PM (a7rwO)

8 Let's not forget to health care that these soldiers are getting on site and in military hospitals. From those there saving lives, the survival rate for those wounded are also much higher. I have talked to both vets of this war and those who survived multiple tours in Vietnam. Those members would fully agree with that report. As it was said it's in red white and blue for all to see.

Posted by: Sarah at May 15, 2007 10:38 PM (S2S0R)

9 Why aren't you over there?

Posted by: Angryflower at May 17, 2007 04:48 PM (Bss6w)

10 EXCUSE ME MA'AM! AngryFlower, there are reasons why CTG is not there. If she could, she would have probably joined up in our nation's military, but that is not physically possible. Why aren't YOU there, or are you? Oh, before you ask, I have already served this country, and have been HONORABLY DISCHARGED from the best Army in the world. That is all I have to say

Posted by: GMT at May 17, 2007 05:02 PM (r0kgl)

11 What are we fighting for? Somebody please stop that war. What for?

Posted by: I am a soldier at May 18, 2007 06:33 AM (B1l1L)

12 It always amazes non-americans the way you glorify the deaths and killings of other peoples. Could you post that graphic but include the Iraqi death toll? and about that part of "...on the line FOR YOU"... are you sure of that? or should it be "FOR THE SELECT FEW OF YOU". But im sure ill be flamed for that remark anyway, seeing the political inclination of this site, which i just stumbled upon. Please try to take off the Red/Blue/White lenses from your eyes and start seeing the world as it is, not as you see it on CNN/Fox/Whatever....

Posted by: LuckilyNotAmerican at May 18, 2007 06:37 AM (qAfKU)

13 LuckilyNotAmerican, I am American and sadly you are quite correct. I am still a proud American, for what we were, not what we have become.

Posted by: ProudAmerican at May 18, 2007 07:24 AM (LGSgL)

14 Thanks for showing this chart. Of an age where many of my friends served willingly in VietNam, I am happy to support the brave people who are protecting us now.

Posted by: Joanne at May 18, 2007 09:15 AM (9EUYf)

15 For the critics and for those who demand, "If you support the war, why aren't YOU over there?" I do support the war. I am not over there because I am 52 and have one ankle held together with screws. But my son WAS over there, and he WILL be rotating back again. He is a First Lieutenant. He experienced some very, very hairy stuff: he had four vehicles blown out from under him. He lost three of his men. He was decorated with a Bronze Star for meritorious service in combat. I.e., he should have absolute moral authority. So what does he say? "Dad, you don't end a war by leaving, regardless of what Hillary Clinton says. A war doesn't end until BOTH sides agree to end it. They don't want it to end, so it won't end: it has to be finished. "Dad, we need to be there. If we don't fight there, we'll fight here. "Dad, it's getting better. They need us there. If we leave, it will be a bloodbath." I normally don't comment on blog posts: it is like preaching to the choir (on one side), or like talking to a brick wall (on the other). But don't use that tired, crappy, useless pseudo-argument "Why aren't you over there?" on me, weasel. That dog don't hunt. _____________

Posted by: RJGatorEsq at May 18, 2007 09:20 AM (ceues)

16 LuckilyNotAmerican, Be careful what you wish for... If I take off my "Red/Blue/White lenses", I'll be able to see you for what you really are. There's no guarantee that I'll like what I see.

Posted by: Streaker at May 18, 2007 09:41 AM (/1VeP)

17 lets put up some more stats. how about the number of deployed troops to the region and the death percentage. how about the fact that we aren't fighting an organized military. when you single out numbers like you did you can twist the facts. lets get all the numbers out there.

Posted by: Tim at May 18, 2007 11:00 AM (5WoSZ)

18 Why don't we see this in the news. It's political gold!

Posted by: Uri at May 18, 2007 11:20 AM (ToS25)

19 The fact that more people died in an earlier (and arguably stupid) war doesn't make the current one any less stupid.

Posted by: Eric at May 18, 2007 11:51 AM (x75Se)

20 LickilynotAmerican, during the election in Iraq people stood in line as mortars fell to vote. That is a very powerful thing and they were willing to die for that ability. This is a process and it is one that most Iraqi's are now buying into. Al-anbar province has seen a steep decline in the violence because people have finally chosen to stand up and pick a side. I am curious in which country you live so I can get some sort of context to your point of view.

Posted by: Therapist1 at May 18, 2007 11:58 AM (AeOZo)

21 Working back up the list... Tim: Figure roughly year tours (12 for the Army, 7 for the most Marines, more Army over there). Four years. 160,000 troops(ish). So call it about 640,000 troops cycled through. 3,000 or so battle deaths... 0.4%. I dont know what the actuary tables say for that demographic. Happy now? Lucky: I think we're lucky you're not an American, too. Everybody's happy, it's just that we're not bitching to you in your home country. Angryflower: Been over there three times, heading back for a fourth. I trust that you've been to at least that many peace rallies. Or, better yet, thanked that many gold star families for their sacrifice. Not holding my breath. But I'm sure you care about the humanity. Ah, so sensitive. CCPhysicist: I didn't take your comments as particularly negative. Glad you speak to a lot of vets. Everybody fights their own war over there. I believe it's worth it, for any number of Americentric, humanistic, and realpolitik reasons. I'm baffled by the failure of folks to see the Americentric, humanistic, and realpolitik reasons for being there. Takes all kinds, but I prefer the kind that don't undermine if they can't support. Caltechgirl: Thanks for the post.

Posted by: MDC at May 18, 2007 12:01 PM (OhX3E)

22 No, MDC, Thank YOU, For your service. Be safe over there.

Posted by: caltechgirl at May 18, 2007 12:04 PM (r0kgl)

23 Anyone who supports this so called "war on terror" aka the endless war to support the military industrial complex in it quest to rule the world is completely clueless. My country has embarked on becoming an empire, but it has cost us our constitution and the values that made us a great country. These endless wars are not for anyone but the elite; this war is not fought for freedom, not democracy, or any legitimate reason at all. Wake up America; we are getting screwed along with the rest of the world. Impeach for Treason!

Posted by: Robert at May 18, 2007 12:11 PM (awWan)

24 yeah, lets support our troops. lets stick little ribbons on our gas guzzlers and wave our american flags. seriously, quit believing the neocon line of crap that says anyone who disagrees with the war is unpatriotic. you redneck f-ers are dying to go and shoot shit up anyway. Quit bitching and go kill them sand niggers. no one cares about you or them, we just care about our own miserable lives. f-you blogger assholes, enjoy being shit on... wipe. i won't be back to read you meaningless responses.

Posted by: blogcrapper at May 18, 2007 12:30 PM (rUqAM)

25 Well, blog-sis, there *IS* a downside to attention from the Puppy Blender... I know I've seen these stats somewhere before, but not on such a lovely visual aid. ;-) God bless the brave men and women over there, who have the courage and perseverance to serve our country - and who want to finish the job! -- Kat

Posted by: Kat at May 18, 2007 12:35 PM (meMqE)

26 There is no job to finish in Iraq, Mission Accomplished remember. All we are doing is buying time until we move on to the next phase of the war by illegally bombing Iran. Wake up people, this is not just, this is not moral, and this is not American. No one fighting over there is serving out country, which is a misconception. They are being taken advantage of by the elite neo-cons that have a very selfish agenda and donÂ’t care for life or liberty. They are using our honorable soldiers as pawns in a corporate war. Impeach for Treason!

Posted by: Robert at May 18, 2007 12:46 PM (awWan)

27 Hello. It's called perspective. And FWIW, my husband IS stuck over there proudly being 'taken advantage of' because as John Kerry so aptly noted, he was too stoopid to study hard and he don't read gud either so he only got a Masters degree from a very competitive skool. That durned tinfoil really hurts his head too, but he can't take it off or the mind control rays from the Pentagon just fry his 3 remaining brain cells. Waaahhhh!!!!

Posted by: Cassandra at May 18, 2007 12:57 PM (G/Ncc)

28 Luckily Lex posted you'd gotten yourself an Instalanche or I'd not have caught all this. (I read it when you first posted it.) Amazing isn't it at how times like these, the scum like 'blogcrapper' rears their ugly head and can't think of anything but vulgarity to express themselves. Their Mama must be so proud of the eloquence. How fortuitous that he/she will not be back. On the flip side, it is always good for the soul to read people like RJGatoresq. I'll be keeping his son in my thoughts in prayers as I do the rest of our men and women serving this country so honorably.

Posted by: Bou at May 18, 2007 02:05 PM (2zVEj)

29 I'd just like to point out here that the deaths of united states citizens from suicide have consistently outgrossed the deaths of united states citizens from combat etc. ir iraq as well. Therefore it seems to me that if the preservation of the lives of united states citizens and the prevention of deadly tragedies is so important to some of those posting here, shouldn't they be directing their efforts to outreach towards the suicidal? And may I suggest in specific that they focus on reforms to the family court system, in light of the strong correlation between the standard denial of equal custody to fathers and their likelihood of committing suicide? Now, I don't expect any of you to have been aware of this previously, of course, so I'm not criticizing your actions until this point. But I do expect you to change your priorities now that you do know -- because I do believe that you believe in your stated principles.

Posted by: Acksiom at May 18, 2007 02:25 PM (gfq6w)

30 It is really sad that both parties want to make this a political issue. THIS IS NOT ABOUT RIGHT OR LEFT, IT IS ABOUT RIGHT AND WRONG!.......Impeach everyone supporting this for Treason!

Posted by: Robert at May 18, 2007 02:32 PM (awWan)

31 Isn't it amazing how the worms come to the surface after a rain? Lex sent me over. God Bless our men and women in the field. A Proud Navy Mom

Posted by: babs at May 18, 2007 02:41 PM (iZZlp)

32 "Ladies and Gentlemen, the wussification of America, illustrated..." This article really made a lightbulb go off over my head. Americans shouldn't be woosies anymore! We need to double the surge, double the occupation forces to 300,000, get more troops over there to get blown up (oil is VERY expensive these days, costs money AND blood sacrifices...) Anyway, we'll simply HAVE to send more troops if we're ever going to get that wimpy death toll above the respectable 2000-per-month line, like in our good old non-wuss days of Vietnam. God bless our troops who have done practically ALL the sacrificing. If a condition for invading Iraq had been prime time TV without American Idol, America would have tarred and feathered Bush for saying go. And that's sad. Now we need to either crap or get off the pot, but unfortunately we've wasted all the toilet paper, so either way we're gonna have crap on our hands...

Posted by: JoeC at May 18, 2007 06:01 PM (qJaz7)

33 It seems that robert has his frilly panties of fascism all in a bunch. FWIW, robert I agree,We should Impeach the treasonous in the government. Let's start with Poloser and Reid and throw in JFKerry and Swim coach Kennedy. Of course the punishment of Impeachment is not strong enough, IMO we should convene a firing squad.

Posted by: unkawill at May 18, 2007 06:29 PM (YwdKL)

34 Bravo, Caltechgirl, for having the guts to speak up for common sense. To hear all these whiners on the news, you'd think the terrorists were lining our troops up against the wall and mowing them down by the thousands. My brother came back from The Land Of Very Bad Things, and he tells me, wothout the thin camouflage line, the Iraqis would be thoroughly screwed. What is very sad is, most of these soldiers think they are making a difference. The vast majority of Iraqis KNOW we are making a difference. Yet, the butt-heads that are whining on the news ever night are telling us how we are in an unwinnable war. Gee, maybe if our troops weren't so hamstrung by all the rules and regulations DC insists on piling on them, the terrorists would have packed up their Semtex and headed back to Saudia Arabia, Iran, Syria and Jordan.

Posted by: Lord Darth Beavis at May 18, 2007 11:53 PM (zAOEU)

35 Robert, "Endless wars to support the military industrial complex"? Have you forgotten about 9-11? Have you forgotten that these islamofacists have promised us "convert or die"? Have you forgotten about the millions of Iraqi's that are COUNTING on us finishing the job? Do you realise thst a withdrawl now would mean death for hundreds of thousands of Iraqis? Or are you just trotting out your tired old tripe and hoping someone as stupid as you will fall for it?

Posted by: Jim C at May 19, 2007 03:41 AM (ON55K)

36 Robert, Get over your pillow-biting, get back to work, and offer more ketchup to those in line. Study the controlled demolition of the WTC on your own time, and stop telling everyone here at work that "Bush Stole Your Dentures". Most of all, pullllease, stop playing with the tin foil. You don't need yet another hat. -SJBill

Posted by: SJBill at May 19, 2007 07:12 PM (NqlA+)

37 Wow. The freaks come out in surges, don't they? Geebus. *commence eye rolling* Thanks for posting this. And thanks to those of you who serve (or have served). You rock.

Posted by: Mia at May 21, 2007 12:24 AM (8yLzc)

38 Hey CalTech Girl. The freaks really do come out in surges don't they? The guy who has to give himself a nick 'doctor' is a hoot - he must be compensating for something. I'm GLAD to be an American and glad I can ignore most of the nonsense in the comments. Thanks for posting that CalTech Girl

Posted by: beth at May 22, 2007 06:34 PM (u79qt)

39 Wow, what a stupid chart... For every soldier dying in Iraq there are 16 wounded ones saved. In Vietnam many of them would have died of their injuries - the ratio was 3 wounded per one dead. This is no surprise, considering the advances in medical supply. Today they get a few things amputated and spend some months in the hospital but eventually they will be able to return home. So, hey, young Americans, chances are good to get out there alive! So what are you still waiting for? Join the troops! You might only be spending the next 60 years with an amputated leg, a burnt face or something worse, probably unable to live on your own.. Plus that is for an _unjustified_ war, commanded by a government that has been lying you quite a lot. Still sounds good to you? Fine with me. I guess you're too brainwashed to save yourself. Poor people..

Posted by: oh my god at May 28, 2007 10:24 AM (wyb/3)

40 On this day after Memorial Day, thank you to all the veterans who served and for all of those who gave their lives on behalf of our freedom.

Posted by: Matt Keegan at May 29, 2007 11:47 AM (qI/YT)

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When I was a student, in high school, college, and even in graduate school, I had it impressed on me that the BEST way to make a good impression on my teachers was to work hard, be polite, and keep my sh*t together.

And frankly it always seemed to me to be a good idea, especially when asking for a favor such as extra help, a letter of recommendation, or a sit-down meeting outside the classroom.

I wonder sometimes if those lessons have been lost on the next generation. (BTW, next generation?  As if.  I was there myself less than 10 years ago!)

I am the initial point of contact for students in two of our programs once they have been accepted.  Among my many jobs is testing coordinator, and so once students know that they are coming to our school, they contact me to set up placement exams.

I can't believe the way these kids talk to me.  Do they not recognize that I am one of their professors?  Do they not have any respect for my position or the impact I can have on their future careers?

Here's a brief list of do's and don'ts for those of you still in school:

DO introduce yourself to your professor and ask any questions you would like answered.

DO NOT call your professor THAT YOU HAVE NEVER MET BEFORE by his/ her first name.

DO be timely in responding to any communication from the school you will be attending

DO NOT use that response to ask for special favors or to complain about what we are asking you to do.

DO purchase your class materials and texts ahead of time

DO NOT whine at me because you couldn't get your sh*t together before class begins

DO arrive at class on time, with your notebook, and ready to listen

DO NOT eat, check your email, or text your friends in my class.  This will NOT help you get a good grade.  Listening and taking notes will.

DO your homework when assigned

DO NOT ask me for extra time because you are confused.  No one else is.

I just wish someone could tell MY students this!

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I've learned a lot of lessons from my Mom over the years. So many, in fact, that if I tried to list them, it would take me right through to Tuesday. All the little things, like sit up straight, be polite, don't chew with your mouth open. And big things too, like A$$holes usually bite themselves in the behind, and that each of us has enough strength to handle what life sends our way, no matter whether we like it or not.

But as I look over my life, I realize that I have learned many valuable lessons from some of the women in my life who are Moms, too. Each of their lives impacts mine by reminding me of the things we so often forget.

From Bou, to be aware of the quiet moments, the small incidents of everyday life, because it is those times which have the most meaning and are the most endearing.

From Christina, that Feistyness and Grace and co-exist. It's tough to balance being a lady AND a first-class smart ass, but some how she manages everyday. Also that persevering through the last 5% of the task is worth all the rewards that wait at the end.

From VW, to stop and smell the roses, and take a picture or two along the way. Those pictures and our memories are all we keep from our past.

From Beth, and the other Blue Star Moms, that courage is as important on the homefront as it is on the field of battle, and the courage at home is the mainstay of the men and women at war.

From Margi and Elizabeth, that the unlooked-for blessing is often the MOST fulfilling. Most of us would never plan to have a baby at 40, more than a decade after the last one, or walk out on a high power, high dollar job that affords us a comfortable lifestyle and professional fulfillment, but each of them has found untold wonder in the unexpected places that their lives have taken them.

And from Helen, who is not a mother yet (give her a few more months), I've learned not to judge. The girl has had an interesting life. She's done things that make people scratch their heads and cluck their tongues, but I've never known anyone who consistently makes such good choices for HERSELF. It wasn't always that way, I suppose, but it seems she has learned herself and knows herself maybe better than anyone I have ever known. I admire that, and from it I have learned that each of us has our own way, and no one else has a right to question what we know in our hearts are the right choices for ourselves.

For them and for so many more who put themselves out there every day, sharing their wit and wisdom with an unsuspecting world, thanks for everything that you do.

Happy Mothers' Day, everyone!

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See today's Friday F**k Off for details.

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Congratulations to Amanda on graduating from the University of Miami today!

Big bear hugs for the graduate!

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