Monday, May 16, 2011
Cats in tanks
Cats in Tanks from Whitehouse Post on Vimeo.
Some people have to much time on their hands, language warning may not be safe for work, depending of course where you work....
Tanknutters will note that the music is from Kelly's Heros.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
No Remorse
I was debating with some friends and their family about whether killing Osama Bin Laden was the right thing to do (On facebook no less...) The other people felt that killing him was just wrong. Sorry but I think it was right, deserved and useful.
Now there are not a lot of people I wish dead, and most of those I have wished are dead, there are only a couple remaining on my list, Joseph Kony of the LRA is certainly one of them. There are no doubt a few others out there that I would wish dead if I knew about them or knew more. Even the majority of the Taliban I don't wish dead, although I think having Mullah Omar dead would further the chances of a lasting peace. I respect those that fight for a cause and then are ready to lay down arms when there is a chance to do so.
Osama Bin Laden (OBL)came from a rich family, he had many choice in front of him to do good or harm, he chose harm. OBL could have turned his anger into something useful and built schools and hospitals in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the same way that Greg Mortenson of CAI did. Had OBL done that, he would be alive and regarded as a hero, a great Muslim and would have furthered his goal of a greater Umma far more than what he has done. OBL used the Pastun code of hospitality to protect him, instead of either giving himself up or showing he was no longer in Afghanistan he allowed the Taliban to suffer a major defeat, I suspect there is little real love for AQ within the ranks of the Taliban, the cost of hosting them was to high. OBL felt he was more important than all of the Taliban and the people of Afghanistan, it's clear he would saciface anyone to protect himself.
In history certain people become prime motivators, creating an effect far beyond their own capabilities, Hitler certainly was one of these and OBL had a similar ability to motivate his followers. He also had access to his own wealth, connections to a wealthy but guilt-ridden Arab upper class and was fortunate( for him) to appear on the worlds stage just as the Internet flourished. OBL was smart enough to realize the usefulness of the Internet for his agenda and it has become one of AQ primary tools to get their message out and recruit.
OBL saw the USA and the house of Saud as the prime enemies of his dream of greater Islamic caliphate. He understood the Arab culture and how to exploit it and he thought of the US as weak, corrupt and unable to defeat him. Like others before him, he failed to realize the latent strengths of the US and the will of it's people. The odd thing also is that a Muslim in the US is far freer to practice their faith, then in the majority of Islamic countries.
OBL declared Jihad (Holy war) on the US and caused great suffering in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, ME and North America. What I find odd about the Islamic fundamentalists is that they declare Holy war on the US and then are upset it responds to that declaration with deadly force, what exactly are they expecting the US to do? Perhaps they have the average Muslims so browbeaten, they can't believe that people will stand up to them? OB was a legitimate target, killed in a war of his own creation.
People argue that killing him changes nothing and that AQ will live on. They are both correct and wrong. AQ will live on like a Hydra growing a new head, it is possible that the new head will have an effect like OBL, but it's unlikely the circumstances that existed with OBL will repeat themselves, to much has changed. (for more on a replacement see the Long War Journal) the Arab street has spoken against the Arab (and others) regimes and the pent up anger is being directed elsewhere. Few of the AQ replacements will have access to the upper class of Saudi and the millions that resides their. AQ in Iraq and Afghanistan has shown itself to be excessively brutal and totally uncaring of civilian causalities and in fact kills civilians on purposes. the killing also sends a message and that is: You attack us, we will not forget and will not give up. It means that anyone who plans on carrying out these attacks must live in hiding and fear for the rest of their lives.
I went to Malaysia on Oct 2001 to marry my wife, many Muslims celebrated OBL and 911. when asked how how I felt about OBL, I responded that AQ wanted to kill me, my family and would happily kill them to make it happen. When I go back now, there is no mention of him, the one joy I get out of the long period to track him down is the realization that he witnessed his power and influence fall away, before being killed. A difference between the SEALS and AQ is that AQ would have killed everyone in that house, slowly if they had the chance. The SEALS killed only those who were a threat and a target.
Finally my reasons I wanted him dead is that he made this personal, OBL wanted me and my family dead, it's not that he knew me, but I was a target for him and the death of my family and self was his goal. If you think I am wrong, just look at these videos and remind yourself that these were average people going to work on a average day. This could have been me, my wife, you or a member of your family. So yes I am happy the bastard is dead, I won't even pretend to be noble and every time I take a leak off the side of a boat I know with satisfaction that I will be pissing on his grave.
Now there are not a lot of people I wish dead, and most of those I have wished are dead, there are only a couple remaining on my list, Joseph Kony of the LRA is certainly one of them. There are no doubt a few others out there that I would wish dead if I knew about them or knew more. Even the majority of the Taliban I don't wish dead, although I think having Mullah Omar dead would further the chances of a lasting peace. I respect those that fight for a cause and then are ready to lay down arms when there is a chance to do so.
Osama Bin Laden (OBL)came from a rich family, he had many choice in front of him to do good or harm, he chose harm. OBL could have turned his anger into something useful and built schools and hospitals in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the same way that Greg Mortenson of CAI did. Had OBL done that, he would be alive and regarded as a hero, a great Muslim and would have furthered his goal of a greater Umma far more than what he has done. OBL used the Pastun code of hospitality to protect him, instead of either giving himself up or showing he was no longer in Afghanistan he allowed the Taliban to suffer a major defeat, I suspect there is little real love for AQ within the ranks of the Taliban, the cost of hosting them was to high. OBL felt he was more important than all of the Taliban and the people of Afghanistan, it's clear he would saciface anyone to protect himself.
In history certain people become prime motivators, creating an effect far beyond their own capabilities, Hitler certainly was one of these and OBL had a similar ability to motivate his followers. He also had access to his own wealth, connections to a wealthy but guilt-ridden Arab upper class and was fortunate( for him) to appear on the worlds stage just as the Internet flourished. OBL was smart enough to realize the usefulness of the Internet for his agenda and it has become one of AQ primary tools to get their message out and recruit.
OBL saw the USA and the house of Saud as the prime enemies of his dream of greater Islamic caliphate. He understood the Arab culture and how to exploit it and he thought of the US as weak, corrupt and unable to defeat him. Like others before him, he failed to realize the latent strengths of the US and the will of it's people. The odd thing also is that a Muslim in the US is far freer to practice their faith, then in the majority of Islamic countries.
OBL declared Jihad (Holy war) on the US and caused great suffering in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, ME and North America. What I find odd about the Islamic fundamentalists is that they declare Holy war on the US and then are upset it responds to that declaration with deadly force, what exactly are they expecting the US to do? Perhaps they have the average Muslims so browbeaten, they can't believe that people will stand up to them? OB was a legitimate target, killed in a war of his own creation.
People argue that killing him changes nothing and that AQ will live on. They are both correct and wrong. AQ will live on like a Hydra growing a new head, it is possible that the new head will have an effect like OBL, but it's unlikely the circumstances that existed with OBL will repeat themselves, to much has changed. (for more on a replacement see the Long War Journal) the Arab street has spoken against the Arab (and others) regimes and the pent up anger is being directed elsewhere. Few of the AQ replacements will have access to the upper class of Saudi and the millions that resides their. AQ in Iraq and Afghanistan has shown itself to be excessively brutal and totally uncaring of civilian causalities and in fact kills civilians on purposes. the killing also sends a message and that is: You attack us, we will not forget and will not give up. It means that anyone who plans on carrying out these attacks must live in hiding and fear for the rest of their lives.
I went to Malaysia on Oct 2001 to marry my wife, many Muslims celebrated OBL and 911. when asked how how I felt about OBL, I responded that AQ wanted to kill me, my family and would happily kill them to make it happen. When I go back now, there is no mention of him, the one joy I get out of the long period to track him down is the realization that he witnessed his power and influence fall away, before being killed. A difference between the SEALS and AQ is that AQ would have killed everyone in that house, slowly if they had the chance. The SEALS killed only those who were a threat and a target.
Finally my reasons I wanted him dead is that he made this personal, OBL wanted me and my family dead, it's not that he knew me, but I was a target for him and the death of my family and self was his goal. If you think I am wrong, just look at these videos and remind yourself that these were average people going to work on a average day. This could have been me, my wife, you or a member of your family. So yes I am happy the bastard is dead, I won't even pretend to be noble and every time I take a leak off the side of a boat I know with satisfaction that I will be pissing on his grave.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
big cats and pumpkins
No matter the size of the cats, you can see the same behaviours. although I don't think Zeus would think much of swimming.
LOL
The kids have all their little texting codes...like BFF, etc.
So here are some codes for seniors use:
ATD - At the Doctor's
BFF - Best Friend's Funeral
BTW - Bring the Wheelchair
CBM - Covered by Medicare
CUATSC - See You at the Senior Center
FWIW - Forgot Where I Was
GGPBL - Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low
GHA - Got Heartburn Again
IMHO - Is My Hearing-Aid On?
LMDO - Laughing My Dentures Out
LWO - Lawrence Welk's On
OMMR - On My Massage Recliner
OMSG - Oh My! Sorry, Gas
ROFL...CGU - Rolling on the Floor Laughing...Can't get Up!
TTYL - Talk to You Louder
WAITT - Who Am I Talking To?
WTP - Where's the Prunes
WWNO - Walker Wheels Need Oil
Hope these help!
GGLKI - Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking in!
Thank you Roberta for this.
So here are some codes for seniors use:
ATD - At the Doctor's
BFF - Best Friend's Funeral
BTW - Bring the Wheelchair
CBM - Covered by Medicare
CUATSC - See You at the Senior Center
FWIW - Forgot Where I Was
GGPBL - Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low
GHA - Got Heartburn Again
IMHO - Is My Hearing-Aid On?
LMDO - Laughing My Dentures Out
LWO - Lawrence Welk's On
OMMR - On My Massage Recliner
OMSG - Oh My! Sorry, Gas
ROFL...CGU - Rolling on the Floor Laughing...Can't get Up!
TTYL - Talk to You Louder
WAITT - Who Am I Talking To?
WTP - Where's the Prunes
WWNO - Walker Wheels Need Oil
Hope these help!
GGLKI - Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking in!
Thank you Roberta for this.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wow what a week!
First of all I get the news that US navy Seals has killed Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, good riddance you scumbucket, I hope you are paying a hefty price for the blood on your hands. I hope enough Muslims have learned that this guy and his buddies (Omar hopefully you are next) are more that willing to spill Muslim blood in their pursuit of Jihad. Anyone that saw what Al-Qaeda in Iraq was doing to average people knows what I am talking about.
I agree this is not the end, but the end of the beginning, AQ is a Hydra and will grow new heads, but if you can chop the heads quick enough, the successor bring less and less to the table, till finally no one is willing to be the head except the real nutbars and they will be sure to alienate the people they depend on, leading to the draining of the methporic sea that Mao spoke of. I also agree that releasing the pictures is a waste of time and tossing his body into the sea is a great idea. Time for him and his story to fade away.
While I am digesting the news above, the 41st election in Canada was underway, I helped out my candidate and his awesome team on the final day, door knocking, picking up voting lists and scrutinizing the polling stations. It was pretty clear knocking on doors that people were fed up with elections, so it was no surprise to me when I finished at the polling station to hear the Conservatives sweeping to a good majority. The icing on the cake was the NDP putting the boots to the Bloc with the NDP F troop smashing long term BQ types, OUCH! man that is going to leave a mark! I'm not a great fan of the current NDP, but I will take them over the Bloc any day, at least we and the NDP agree on a Canada, even if it looks different. Funny this is the only election that my Dad and I can congratulate each other on. He is hardcore NDP and I am the "blacksheep " of the family!
Iggy has been in a death spiral for awhile so not surprising he failed to get in. The only sour note was the realization that we will have to live with the screeching of Elizabeth may for the next 4 years. Harper gave a great speech and a heartfelt thanks to his family and wife. I don`t envy them, anyone who has had parents who were politicians knows how little time there is for family, for the PM, his family will have no time to themselves for the next 4-10 years.
As for the NDP, well what an interesting kettle of fish we have here. Jack is going to be busy running his daycare, I mean caucus and will need all the help from his veterans to keep this mob in line. This is make or break for the NDP, they have 4 years to show Canada what they can do, and people will be taking a hard look at the party and it`s rather whacky policies. A move to the centre will likely cost them support from their current base. Plus he also has to appease his new Quebec base, with MP's that will have little pull to get things done. I predict jack is going to have ulcers.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The defination of Faith
When the Pope is asked to define faith, he points to the Vancouver Canuck's fans.
Update: That was a close one, their faith restored, the faithful once again march toward the holy mount were the Chalice can be seen glinting in heavenly sunlight.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter
Happy Easter
Now I hope that our whimsical celebration of this day by having our kids and their friends go crazy hunting Easter eggs and stuffing themselves on chocolate and cupcakes does not so offend our christen friends that they will declare us as blasphemous and sentence us to death....oh yea wrong religion, they grew out of that some time ago. To bad others haven't.
I like to also wish happy Passover to our Jewish friends and wish them a safe holiday.
My Nephew Neil supervising the madness
However I am still wondering how a Rabbit (who is a mammal, not commonly known for laying eggs) who poops out chocolate eggs can work it's way into our culture and what relationship it has with Christ's Resurrection? I pity the theologians of the future explaining that!
Update
This just adds to the confusion
Hop trailer
Saturday, April 23, 2011
My first Landrover still going strong
This was my first Landrover. It's a 1968 Series IIA 88 model. 88 refers to the wheelbase length. This truck was sold by Clark Simpson's motors to BC Hydro who used it for their line crews. You can tell BC Hydro trucks by the PTO winch on the front and the way the 2 piece tailgate had been fixed together and altered to a 1 piece door.
I bought it around 1977-78 from Wright marine supplies. I drove this truck hard, had lots adventures and some misadventures in it. I am still alive today because of the remarkable "Safe Working Angle" of these trucks, other trucks would have rolled on me. It was a good vehicle to learn on, cheap to fix and you can handcrank them, which was good as I was to broke to get a better battery.
in the summer I would take the top off and drive around with the windshield down. Driving on the highway like that I saw a dot ahead of me, seconds later the dot turned out to be a bumblebee that did a head on into my forehead, leaving a nice little bruise, the bumblebee did not fare as well.
Two features that I can spot on this truck is the shovel on the wing and two hooks for sandchannels on the side, both installed by myself. The fellow who owns it, installed a new frame and rebuilt the motor. However I notice that several temporary fixes I did are still in place, pretty funny to say the least. I sold this truck around 1988 to the current owners dad, who gave it to him. I replaced it with a 109 5 door, which I will chat about in another post.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
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