I'm the village idiot, I don't have anything to do with this pathetic little opera, I just felt like passing through!
Smittie So, it’s been a week. I’ve gone through all the initial in processing stuff; finance, medical, dental, etc. I’ve been deemed suitable for sending to war, though I can only wonder at the criteria used. I got four shots. Fortunately, I didn’t have to repeat the smallpox experience for which I am very grateful. That … Read more
So, I finally got my official, from the President, pack your crap, you’re going to Iraq, involuntary mobilization orders. This past Thursday I showed up, as ordered. For the most part it was a non-event. Several of the other soldiers teased me about joining late but in large part, I simply fell in step with … Read more
I upgraded from 4.12 to 4.2. The upgrade from 3.5 to 4.12 went flawlessly. So, this should be a simple thing, right? All the templates for my blog are gone. I did exactly that same thing I did when I upgraded from 3.5 to 4.12. Copied the files to the MT4 directory on my server. … Read more
I graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in 1978. One of the many things I will miss as a result of the upcoming deployment is my 30 year reunion. I’m actually rather bummed about that. I was looking forward to going. I was looking forward to talking to old class mates and hearing what life … Read more
Obama, just returning from his trip to the Middle East and Europe, said recently that he was told by Iraqi leaders that nation does not want an open-ended presence of U.S. combat forces and that now is an appropriate time to start planning for a reorganization of troops in Iraq. He also noted that the … Read more
“That triggered then a concern that maybe our visit was going to be perceived as political,” Obama said. “The last thing that I want to do is have injured soldiers and the staff at these wonderful institutions having to sort through whether this is political or not or get caught in the crossfire between campaigns. … Read more
The Obama Campaign’s favorite magazine, The New Yorker, ran an article this month that carried what I think might become a very prophetic headline; OBAMA’S IRAQ PROBLEM (digg story). Now, the story talks about the controversy surrounding Mr. Obama’s 16 month withdrawal plan. However, I think that when we look at Mr. Obama’s rhetoric on … Read more
“It is not going to be a political speech,” said a senior foreign policy adviser, who spoke to reporters on background. “When the president of the United States goes and gives a speech, it is not a political speech or a political rally. ”But he is not president of the United States,“ a reporter reminded … Read more
Salinas Rodeo 2008 Originally uploaded by smittie Went to the Salinas Rodeo. Second year in a row. I love the rodeo. aloha
I am a member of the 445 Civil Affairs Battalion, US Army Reserves. We have known for some time now that we would be mobilizing. Over the past few months the command has been hammering out the details of exactly how that process would play out. At the end of June we recieved pre-mobilization active … Read more