A time to . . . contrast . . .

Here's a good post by one of our Soldiers in Iraq. She has a blog called 1000 Words from Iraq. She talks about the differences between American soldiers and the terrorists they fight. It gives you a more reasoned perspective than what you generally hear in the mainstream media.

A time to. . .

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Don't Thank Me -- Thank My Recruiter

Ken at RebelRouser (now reporting as NastyDawg) invited me to join his group blog, Don't Thank Me. This blog has contributors from all aspects of the military -- active military, veterans, military families, and contractors (me). I'm looking forward to posting with the rest of the group -- but I'm mostly looking forward to reading their posts. Please go take a look . . .

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Good words about America

Sarah over at trying to grok posted a link to a very interesting article about America and how it has influenced (dominated, really) the world in many different ways. It's a long article (consisting of five parts), but it is a good read . . .

America enjoys view from the top

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Merry Christmas, everyone!

And, for the record, do you see the white stuff on the roof, in the grass and on the window ledges in the picture below? It is snow. Something we rarely get in this part of Texas -- especially around Christmas time!


It's OFFICIAL -- we have a White Christmas!

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Sorry I've been gone so long . . .

Sorry it's been so long since I posted last. I felt sure that I would have a lot of time when my Christmas vacation started on the 17th . . . Well, that didn't quite work out that way. We have been way busy getting ready for Christmas!

However, we did take some time out to go to the Holiday in the Park at Six Flags yesterday evening. It was a lot of fun. Several rides were open, and they even had a snow hill to sled down. Lots of Christmas lights and several Christmas holiday displays and performances going on there.

And, of course, we've had snow today. Not a lot, but it has been nice.

I'll type more later. Gotta go for now.

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Marine Corps News

Here's an interesting article about our Marines in Iraq and how they are learning more about the culture, history, and struggles of the Iraqi people. This is worth reading. . .

Marines gratified by Iraqis' gratitude

Crichton on Science & Public Policy

Interesting discussion of science and public policy by Michael Crichton.

Aliens Cause Global Warming

Rumsfeld's Burden

Rebel Rouser has an interesting rebuttal to various criticisms levelled at our Secretary of State concerning armor and preparedness for war. The post below contains some rough language, but it is written by a man who just got out of the Army a few months back. Rough language aside, RR makes some excellent points, and provides a different perspective than what we hear every night on the news, or read in the paper. Highly recommended reading.

Military 101 by the Rebel Rouser

Power Line: A word from Major Phelps, USMC

Here's a little story about and quick email from a US Marine officer who writes about sacrifice, responsibility, and doing a job that needs doing. It's worth the time to read it . . .

Power Line: A word from Major Phelps, USMC

MSNBC - 'Who the Devil Really Was'

Here's a cautiously optimistic article about Iraq. It is also in the 'mainstream' media -- something of a surprise, that. Just click on the link, it's not long . . .

Fareed Zakaria - 'Who the Devil Really Was'

Iraqi teachers educate American families

Here's some news from Iraq that is good for a change.

See this article from The Kentucky New Era.

The President That You Never Hear About

I actually had an idle moment here at work, and found this interesting piece of information about our Commander-In-Chief. I've heard other rumors about this, but this is the first time I've actually seen something like this in print.

BLACKFIVE: The President That You Never Hear About

Support Your Troops

This is a web page on the 1st Infantry Division site. It provides many options for us to show support for our Troops.

1st Infantry Division Support Your Troops

TexasBug's "Yellow Ribbons or Phone Cards?" post

I'd like to refer you to this site. TexasBug brings up a real need for our wounded and recovering troops -- the need for phone cards. These men and women are spending the holidays away from home in a hospital and are recovering from wounds incurred while defending all of us. It's worth a look see. We can all afford a few phone cards and a stamp.

Spirit of America

Another very worthy cause. Apparently there is some competition in the blogging community about drumming up support for SoA. I haven't had time to look into the competition, but intend to during the holiday break. Please check it out!

Spirit of America

Remembering Pearl Harbor

National Geographic has a very well-done website about the Pearl Harbor attack 63 years ago. For my parents, and those of their generation, this was a life-changing day -- even moreso than 9/11/2001 was to us. In remembrance of that day, and how it changed the world, please go check this out.

National Geographic: Remembering Pearl Harbor

Christmas Party Weekend

Friday afternoon, C and I left our daughters in Mom's excellent care and set out for a long-anticipated weekend at the Gaylord Texan. Traffic was pretty much horrible and it took us 2.5 hours to get there. Because we were running so late, I had to call and cancel our dinner reservations at the Old Hickory Steakhouse.

Once there though, life slowed down . . . and we found ourselves enjoying just being a couple with very little in the way of schedule. We ended up ordering room service and spending a quiet evening in each others' company.

Saturday morning we set out for the Grapevine Mills Mall. It was big, and got quite crowded as the day went on, but we had a lot of fun just walking around looking and doing some Christmas shopping.

Saturday evening was the company party. It was a very well-done affair, and we had a great time enjoying the entertainment and visiting with friends.

Sunday morning we checked out, came home, bid Mom a fond farewell (she was unable to stay longer), and took the girls to a Christmas tree farm where we picked out and cut down the best Christmas tree on the property.

As soon as we arrived home, we started decorating the tree and the house. We're not done yet, but we're enjoying it all.

I'll post some pictures soon.

Science & Technology News

It just figures, doesn't it? I wanted a hybrid before they were cool, but it didn't work out. Now hybrids are cool and there is no way that we can get one without a 6-8 month wait -- perhaps longer.

Batteries, Parts Delay Hybrid Car Production

Farewell to Cpt. Sean Sims - a fellow Aggie

Please read this.

The Bryan-College Station Eagle > A&M News

Anybody there?

I don't see any comments, so I'm assuming nobody has actually visited this web log, as yet. Well, I have a joke for you that I found on another bloggers site (Patriot Paradox).

President Bush and the Pope sailing down the Potomac in the presidential yacht. The Pope's hat blows off onto the water. President Bush gets out of the yacht and walks on the water to retrieve the Pontiff's hat.Next day's NYT headline: "Bush Can't Swim!" -- Posted by: Hank at November 30, 2004 07:16 PM

I got a good chuckle from it . . .

Treats for Troops!

I heard about this on the radio. You can adopt a soldier and buy him or her a bunch of Christmas goodies. You might want to look it over. Treats for Troops! care package, military care packages, care package for troops