Dawood Khan's Blog

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Last Stop in Kabul

In Afghanistan, culture, Kids, Travel on February 28, 2010 at 12:14 pm

I flew to Kabul to out process the company and depart for home.  First day back, I relaxed.  Chilled out a bit.  I set up a tour with the Afghan Logistics Service (ALS).  ALS is a company in Kabul that provides everything–Logistics services,  Security, Vehicles, Tours, Cars.  Anything you might need when setting up in country.  They also provide a “mini-cab” service.  They’ll take you anywhere in the city for 7 bucks.  They’re a pretty handy company to have around in Kabul.  I’ve used them quite a bit.

While working for MPRI, we’re only supposed to go to authorized areas.  The Green Zone, ISAF, KIA, etc.

I can’t do it.  I have to get out and see things.  How can you experience life with those “granny” rules?  MPRI is concerned with lawsuits and such.  I don’t care.  I want to do what I want to do.  Rules be damned.

I called ALS and set up a tour of Kabul.  The primary site I wanted to visit was the Bagha Babur.  The Garden of Babur Khan.  Babur Khan was a minor Prince in Central Asia.  He came to the throne of Ferghana when he was 13 or 14.  Young!  He was a scion of both Timurlane and Genghis Khan.  That’s a serious blood line.  He started out not so well.  He captured Samarkand and had it taken back twice.  The Uzbeks were a riddle that he wasn’t quite powerful enough to solve in his youth.  His Kingdom Ferghana was also usurped by his half brother while he was in Samarkand.  He left his 6 open and his half brother took advantage and left him a homeless bandit prince.

Later, he was offered the throne of Kabul when the King there died with no heir.  It was important to keep the bloodline of Genghis and Tumr on the throne.  He took the throne and used it as a base to forge an empire.  The Moghul Empire.  He carved his empire using modern technology.  He was the first to bring fire arms to bear in battle in Central Asia.  He purchased that technology from the Turks and used it to create Hindustan which is the approximate area covering what we today know as Kabul to Peshawar down to New Delhi and Agra today.  He named it Hindustan and called himself the Moghul Emperor after the Persian word for Mongol.

Babur Khan was a Muslim.  As a descendant of Genghis, though, he never forgot his roots and still openly courted the favor of the Great Blue Spirit of his homeland and the same deity or spirit whom Genghis worshiped.  The Mongols felt a great kinship with the land and nature.  This was reflected in the Moghul brand of Islam.  Babur also learned about the Hindu religion of his new Empire and took an interest in the animism, Sikhs and Buddhism of his Empire as well.  Like Genghis, he was open to different voices where God was concerned.

Having read about Babur Khan and his trek from Herat to Kabul through the Mountains of what is today Ghor province, I wanted to visit his Gardens.  Babur died in Agra, but, his wish was to be buried in Kabul.  His son, Humayun, had his body preserved in ice and transported back to Kabul where he was laid to rest in his favorite garden spot.  Today, this site is known as the Bagha Babur.

Like everything else, Bagha Babur was destroyed by the ravages of the Mujahideen Warlords in the post Soviet Era.  Instead of celebrating peace and the defeat of the Soviets, the Warlords became factional and turned on each other like animals.  No city suffered more than Kabul.  Doostum, Rabbani, Massoud, Hekmetyar and others fought for control of Kabul.  They bombed, rocketed, looted, raped and pillaged.  Many people hate the warlords today for these crimes against the Afghan people.

The warlords then, of course, lost everything to the taliban and most fled the country like cowards.

Recently, UNESCO and the Agha Khan Foundation repaired the garden and the walls of the Bagha Babur.  It was nicely done.  Even so, one can still see scars on the structures.  Bullet holes and nicks in various places on the Shah Jahan Mosque and the various grave stones in the Tomb area.  Like everything else in Afghanistan, funds are short and everything has a ragged quality to it.  Bagha Babur is no exception.  It’s a magnificent garden and tomb.  Hundreds of years of history.  We almost lost it all.  Thanks to UNESCO and Agha Khan, though, the people of Afghanistan have an important piece of their history to share with each other and the world.

I also drove around other parts of the city.  We drove out to the Palaces and the Kabul Museum in Darulaman.  The Darulaman Palace is all but destroyed as you can see from the pictures.  Another legacy of the Warlords.

The city of Kabul was virtually untouched as the Soviets withdrew.  Not until the Warlords started fighting each other did Kabul feel the ravages of modern war.  These are the same folks whom we (the US) supported during the Afghan War against the Soviets.  Later we imposed these same Warlords on the people of Afghanistan.  Many of them are no better than and in some cases worse than the Taliban.  I suppose you could say that they are “our” taliban.

Lastly, we cruised up to TV mountain where one can take photos of both sides of the city.  It was a cloudy, dusty day.  So my photos aren’t great.  Even so, they give one an idea of the dusty, central Asian city of Kabul.

Note:  Shah Jahan is the man who built the Taj Mahal.  He is the Grandson of Babur Khan.

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Vandy Unable to Surmount the Great Wall!

In Sports, UK Basketball on February 22, 2010 at 8:54 pm

Vandy guard Jenkins proves unable to shoot over the defensive presence that is John Wall.

In the closing seconds of the game, Jenkins attempts a 3 point shot.  John Wall gets a piece of it and the shot is off the mark.  More last second heroics by Wall who had made the winning shots for Kentucky only seconds earlier.

This Kentucky Team refuses to lose.  The swagger is definitely back at Kentucky.

GO BIG BLUE!!!

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Kentucky’s Finest

In culture, Humor on February 22, 2010 at 12:24 am

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Farewell Party

In Afghanistan on February 21, 2010 at 6:17 pm

I planned a Farewell Party for my guys (and me, of course).

I had Shoaib bring in a Kabob guy from downtown Herat.  Had the whole Afghan Kabob platter.  Cucumbers, tomatoes, lamb, beef and chicken.  Nan (Afghan bread).  Apples and Oranges.  Soda and water.  The meat was grilled right there on Camp Zafar by the Kabob shop owner.  He knew he had to get it right because of our guests.  I don’t reckon it would be good for his business to piss off the Regional Police Commander.  lol

That morning (18 Feb), Shoaib was dropped off downtown.  He picked up the fruit, drinks, the kabob shop guy with all of his supplies and meats and such.  Yama drove them all to the gate.

At about 1030, I headed for Camp Zafar.  15 minutes later, Shoaib calls from the gate.  The ANA (Afghan Army) didn’t want to cooperate.  They wouldn’t let the kabob guy into the base.  I jumped into one of our vans and raced to the gate.  We were running late.  I had expected everything to be set up and smokin’ by 1030.  I rolled up to the gate like the Po Po in Miami Vice and started my routine.  Talking loud.  Shaking hands and walking straight through to where Shoaib was being held up outside the main gate.  I stormed up to the ANA sentry and loudly proclaimed:  “Hey, these guys are with me!”  I pushed them all to the gate and started walking that way myself.

No problem.  It’s fairly easy to deal with the ANA if you are an American.

Finally, my man was on the scene and ready to start cooking.

Fortunately, the ANP are always late.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen them on time.  It’s that whole “insha’allah” mentality.  Things happen according to God’s will and timeline.  It’s just part of dealing with Muslims in general.

We got the kabob guy set up and cooking.  I had told Shoaib to have different types of meat.  I wanted an Afghan style party.  All we needed was for someone to get up in the middle and dance and we’d have been on it.

MG Ak and COL Zahir arrived with about 20 ANP Officers and the security detail at 1200 hours. We greeted them at the side of our class room building and brought them inside to start the party.

I got everyone seated and then stood in the middle to get everyone’s attention.  It was time to give out certificates to my guys ~ Milton, Wahid, Farhad and Shoaib.  I gave a short opening remark then brought my guys in along with MG AK and Al, our MPRI Team Leader, and we gave each of them a Certificate.  I also gave Milton an Afghan Flag on a marble mount with Herat, Afghanistan 2007 ~ 2010 inscribed on it.

I gave a little speech in effect saying that all of my success was due to these guys and that it was an awesome opportunity for me to have worked with them and the ANP as well as all of the MPRI team members.  Over all, Afghanistan has been an excellent experience for me.  I feel honored to have been able to take part in this grand adventure in some small capacity.

MG Ak stepped up next and presented me with another Cert and a beautiful carpet that I’ll probably have framed and hang at home.  It depicts the Minarets and the Ghowharashad Masjid.  It’s quite colorful as well.  I liked it.  He gave a little speech and saying that he’d enjoyed our time together and that I was a true member of the team and had become a part of the Afghan family.  So much so that they had given me the nickname “Dawood Khan.”  Everyone got a laugh out of that.  He presented Milton with a Cert as well and talked him up a bit.

Milton spoke a bit after that.  Thanking everyone for the successes out here and saying that the Herat Team was his favored place of the teams with which he had worked.  And this is true.  We’ve had our squabbles.  Some ongoing.  For the most part, though, we’ve got on like family.  To include the squabbles.  lol  Some of it reminds me of sibling rivalry.  Some of us just want to do the job.  We don’t care about recognition or awards.  Some want to be heroes and want to be recognized as such.  All part of the game.

We had a good group out here.  And it was a joy to work with these guys.

I gave a few last remarks and then said; “Alright, time to eat!”

Then I walked out and started pushing the guys to get the food in to our guests.

At some point, I sat down to eat with MG Ak.  We talked about my plans after Afghanistan.  He asked me if I’d be coming back at some point.  I told him that I didn’t plan to do so, but, that only God knows the future.  Of course, sometime during the conversation he told me to take care of my health because I’d gotten a bit heavy since I’d been here.  lol  I laughed and told him that Unny was making me join a gym in Bangkok.  He got a kick out of that.  As always, he asked after family.  Wanted to make sure that I was keeping in touch with Momma.  I told him that, of course, I was.

I have to say that Shoaib did a most excellent job with arranging everything.  The guy has been key to all my endeavors out here.  I’m lucky to have had such a great friend and co-worker.  Gods blessings.

Everyone ate.  We joked.  Laughed.  It was a good time.

I stood up to ask MG AK for a last picture together.  Called COL Zahir over for the pic.

As soon as MG AK stood, the whole of the ANP stood and started filing out.

We took pics with the General.  All of us together.  Before COL Zahir got away, I grabbed him for one last photo.  He started talking about Bangkok and told MG Ak that I was soon to be married.  lol  MG Ak asked me about Unny.  I showed him a picture of her.  He complimented her effusively saying how pretty she was and that I should take care of her.  Not let her get away.  Get married and have a family.  I told him that this was in my plans.

Then we said farewell for a final time.  MG AK wished me well in my future endeavors and told me to give greetings and his thanks to my Mother for sending him such a “fine young man” to mentor his Officers.  COL Zahir started joking on me and we exchanged a few last jibes.

Then it was over.  As sudden as it started.  In with a bang, out with a bang.

It was a great end to my time here in Herat.

That night and the next day, all of the MPRI guys kept stopping by to tell me that it was a great party and they had appreciated being a part of it.

They had to be a part of it, though.  They were part of my time here.  It’s only fitting that they be in on the end.

I’ve had a great time here in Herat.  It’s been a joy to work here with my American colleagues as well as the ANP and ABP.  They’ve been a great bunch and have helped to make this “tour of duty” extremely rewarding for me.

Below are photos of the event.  There are a bunch, though.  lol  Enjoy and Khoda hafiz.

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a comment or two…

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Walking around Camp Stone on a Friday morning

In Afghanistan, culture, Thailand, thinking out loud, Travel, Unny on February 19, 2010 at 2:01 pm

Art for Unny's Bangkok Cafe

I walked over the bazaar to say a final farewell to a friend.  Hossein sells bootleg DVDs at Coalition Camps all over Herat.  I’ve run into him all over the place.  Primarily at the RTC, Camp Stone and Camp Arena.  I’ve seen him tooling around downtown Herat once or twice as well.  We struck up a friendship of sorts over the past couple of years.  So I stopped by to say farewell.

While I was doing that, I ran into the Tea Pot.  Unny wants to have a small cafe in Bangkok.  So I figured it would make a nice piece to display at such a place.  I picked it up for her.  It’s inlaid with turquoise, lapis and some kind of red stone.  I like it.  It’s a nice little piece that I think she’ll like as well.  It’s decorated with figures from Hindu and Buddhist mythology which ties in nicely with Thailand.  Garuda is front and center in the picture.

The other pics are just random shots taken as I waswalking about the bazaar area and the camp.

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We Are The World ~ Haiti

In Afghanistan, culture, Music, Politics, Spirituality, thinking out loud, Travel on February 17, 2010 at 12:01 am

Personally, I like it.  They updated it and signed on artists who will ensure great sales.

I don’t get the criticism of this effort. I liked the hip hop portion of the song.  This is a more contemporary tune with current music stars.  That will only help sales.

Anything that is done will be criticized by someone, though.

The only thing that I don’t like about the song is that it highlighted how out of touch I am with the States these days.  I didn’t know who half of the artists were.  I was amazed at the voices of Jennifer Hudson and Celine Dion.

I wish the endeavor success and I hope that the monies raised go towards helping the right people.

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Cheating Kansas ~ Recorded for Posterity

In Sports, thinking out loud on February 16, 2010 at 11:49 am
http://www.collegeinsider.com/indy06/images/bill_self1.JPG

WHAT? Me Cheat? No way? Darrel Arthur changed those transcripts. I knew nothing about it. Who's Derrick Rose? Memphis what? Huh? What? What?

http://josephmathieu.blogspot.com/20…l-history.html

Brandon Rush commits to Kansas basketball program. Rush narrowed his college choices to Illinois and Oklahoma. Rumors are that he couldn’t qualify at Illinois or Oklahoma. He decided he would have to enter the draft straight from high school as he couldn’t qualify at a D1 university, except it looked as though he wouldn’t be a first round selection, something his brother already had happen to him. His brothers talked him out of it. Two weeks after school started he got into KU and even though he at times carried a 0.0 GPA in high school managed to get a 3.6 at KU while missing the first two weeks of classes. This strangely coincided with the same time frame which their compliance department was noted to be severely understaffed and inadequate by the NCAA and academic fraud was occurring.

Sherron Collins commits to Kansas amidst various media reports that he was steered by his coach Anthony Longstreet, (More on Longstreet in a future post), considered by Chicago Public League coaches as the new Landon “Sonny” Cox for his ability to recruit players to Crane. Scheduled visits promised to various other schools are abruptly canceled. Afterward, Longstreet, without being prompted or even accused of taking money, bizarrely challenged local sportswriters to “get the proof, produce the canceled check.” Thereafter, Longstreet refused to ever speak again on the subject. He explained, “Right now, I’ve been told to be quiet because
this stuff is getting too ugly.”

Darnell Jackson is ruled ineligible by NCAA Eligibility Committee for nine games for receipt of $5,000 in benefits from a Kansas booster over a three year period while being recruited by Kansas.

A cbssportsline.com article suggests that J.R. Giddens is also ultimately wrapped up in the Darnell Jackson scandal, questioning: “Did Don Davis also have a “relationship” with Jackson’s best friend and former AAU teammate, J.R. Giddens, the McDonald’s All-American who signed with Kansas in 2003? Because if the answer is yes, Kansas has a big, big, big problem.”

2005-2006 Season
Kansas loses to Nevada at home, 72-70, falling to a record of 2-3 for the first time in over 30 years. After the game, ESPN TV cameras captured an exchange between Kansas University assistant coach Joe Dooley and 19 year old Nevada player Nick Fazekas. When Fazekas
held out his hand to shake Dooley’s in an apparent show of sportsmanship, Dooley instead screamed “F*** YOU!!!!” directly at Fazekas. Afterward, Coach Bill Self reprimanded Dooley stating: “Obviously, in a hotly contested game like this one, emotions were high after the game. Coach Joe Dooley responded in an inappropriate manner to an exchange with a Nevada player.” Coach Dooley added: “I have great respect for the Nevada team. They played well tonight. I
responded in a negative manner to something that was said to me following the game. I certainly apologize to the Nevada program and this is not the manner in which Kansas basketball should be represented.”

Reports surface regarding an NCAA investigation into potential violations involving Kansas freshman Brandon Rush. The potential violations centered around Rush’s involvement with an agent and possible payment of travel expenses by NBA teams the previous summer during Rush’s workouts with the teams.

The NCAA suspends Brandon Rush after the NCAA determined that he had improperly received benefits from an agent after applying for the 2005 NBA draft. An appeal by Kansas is granted within one day and Rush is re-instated without missing any games.

Kansas loses to in-state rival Kansas State at home, 59-55.

Micah Downs announces he is transferring from the Kansas basketball program.

Following up the once in the last 20 year accomplishment of losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Self manages to again accomplish this feat by losing to Bradley, 77-73. Considerable pressure mounts as “win at all costs” goes into full effect when the fan base begins to call for his firing.

2006 Off-season
Christian Moody becomes the first Jayhawk player since the 1980s to not be eligible for his graduation checks from alumni, as the pending investigation causes KU to cease such open forms of paying their players. Later, his agent writes a note requesting video of him missing free throws to lose a game to Missouri be taken down from youtube.com as he feels it is hindering his client from finding gainful employment.

The NCAA responds that KU failed to demonstrate Institutional control and that the minor violations self reported in basketball in KU’s report do not seem to be all-inclusive.

KU is placed on probation for major violations across multiple sports and for Lack of Institutional Control. The committee seems impressed with KU’sKU didn’t detect or report
violations in a timely manner, which resulted in them being able to claim a statue of limitations on many violations and go unpunished), however they are still charged with:
•Illegal payments given to potential recruits
•Illegal payments given to current players with the approval of coaching staff
•Illegal payments given to players after eligibility is exhausted
•Providing illegal transportation to recruits Providing illegal clothing and other benefits to recruits
•Providing illegal transportation to family members of recruits
•Making special arrangements to facilitate a vehicle for family members of recruits.
•Academic Fraud
•Failure to report violations
•Failure to employ a compliance auditor
•Negligence to provide adequate oversight
•Lack of Institutional Control

KU is placed on three years probation including reduction in the total of grants-in-aid award in the men’s basketball program to no more than 12 during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons. Also reduced the total of official paid visits by a total of eight from the maximum number allowed during the 2006-07 and 2007-8 academic years, dissociation of a representative of the university’s athletics interest for a period of four years, and annual compliance reporting required. innovative strategy of eliminating the middleman (by electing to not maintain a compliance department, Summation: probation and a reduction in 2 scholarships to be taken in the years KU chooses for the above violations.

CJ Giles is suspended indefinitely.

Giles re-instated to team, then 5 days later kicked off team for misdemeanor battery to his girlfriend.

2006-2007 Season
Despite what most consider Self’s best coaching job to date, he is under enormous pressure as the NCAA tournament get underway as most feel a repeat of the last two years will cost him his job. Self’s Jayhawks do advance before being knocked out by UCLA, 68-55.

2007-2008 Season
Brandon Rush arrested for failing to appear in court. The hearing is ultimately delayed until after the basketball season.

Self begins to be courted by Oklahoma State to take over their head coaching vacancy. KU beings to make a strong push to retain Self despite the distraction it is causing.

The beneficiaries of a historic collapse by Memphis, who led by nine points with two minutes to play and could have done about five different things to ensure KU had no chance of getting back in the game, KU wins its second national title of the modern era. They are the first team ever to win a championship while on probation for cheating, and every player on KU’s roster who played more than 21 minutes in the championship game had a shady story surrounding them.
2008 offseason
Self claims he wants to stay at Kansas, but won’t rule out talking to OSU. He elects to stay at KU.
Reports surface that Darell Arthur, KU’s leading scorer in the championship game, did not actually pass high school and passed through the NCAA clearinghouse by submitting fraudulent transcripts. If ruled ineligible, per NCAA rules KU would be required to forfeit all games in which Arthur was a participant, which would result in KU being the first ever 40 loss team in a single season, the worst season in the history of the NCAA.

Listing of NCAA rules he was in clear violation of:

10.1 UNETHICAL CONDUCT
Unethical conduct by a prospective or enrolled student-athlete or a current or former institutional staff member (e.g., coach, professor, tutor, teaching assistant, student manager, student trainer) may include, but is not limited to, the following:
(d) Knowingly furnishing the NCAA or the individual’s institution false or misleading information concerning the individual’s involvement in or knowledge of matters relevant to a possible
violation of an NCAA regulation;

(g) Failure to provide complete and accurate information to the NCAA or institution’s admissions office regarding an individual’s academic record (e.g., schools attended, completion of coursework, grades and test scores)

10.4 DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Prospective or enrolled student-athletes found in violation of the provisions of this regulation shall be ineligible for further intercollegiate competition, subject to appeal to the Committee on
Student-Athlete Reinstatement for restoration of eligibility. (See Bylaw 10.3.2 for sanctions of student-athletes involved in violations of 10.3.) Institutional staff members found in violation of the provisions of this regulation shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as set forth in Bylaw 19.5.2.2 of the NCAA enforcement procedures, whether such violations occurred at the
certifying institution or during the individual’s previous employment at another member institution.

14.01.3.3 Unethical Conduct.
A prospective or enrolled student-athlete who is found to have engaged in unethical conduct (see Bylaw 10.1) shall be ineligible for intercollegiate competition in all sports.

14.11.1 Obligation of Member Institution to Withhold Student-Athlete from Competition.
If a student-athlete is ineligible under the provisions of the constitution, bylaws or other regulations of the Association, the institution shall be obligated to apply immediately
the applicable rule and to withhold the student-athlete from all intercollegiate competition. The institution may appeal to the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement for restoration of the student-athlete’s eligibility as provided in Bylaw 14.12 if it concludes that the circumstances warrant restoration.

June, 2008. A judge rules in favor of the woman Sherron Collins sexually assaulted in an elevator in May of 2007, granting damages in excess of $75,000. She accused him of exposing himself and rubbing against her on May 18, 2007, in an elevator at a University of Kansas apartment complex. Collins does not show up to court.

Ronnie Chalmers, no longer the son of a KU player after Mario declares early for the NBA draft, vacates the Director of Basketball Operations position.

While living in university paid for housing prior to being eligible for scholarship benefits, 18 year old Markieff Morris drunkenly shoots a lady with a BB gun from his dorm room window. No action is taken.

Two weeks after school starts (shades of Brandon Rush before them), the Morris twins are cleared to play basketball for KU. “While it may have taken a bit longer than we had hoped, the important thing is that the process worked,” Self said regarding having them take classes in
Lawrence.

Dallas School District re-opens case regarding Arthur not really being a college eligible player. Ashmore, Arthur’s Math teacher said when Arthur was failing Algebra I as a freshman in the fall of 2002, his coach asked for leniency. Ashmore said when he refused, Arthur was
abruptly moved to another class. A closer examination of Arthur’s grades reveal that his English III grades of 75, 60, 70 and 65 don’t actually add up to a 70 as is reflected on his transcript. In fact, the average should be 67.5, meaning he should have failed the course that is needed to graduate. “Like I said, he [Arthur] just kind of checked out that third six weeks,” Yourse, his English teacher said. Melanie Kidd was Arthur’s theater arts teacher in the fall of 2004.
She said she remembers Arthur failed the course during the final six weeks. Arthur made a grade of 50, she said. According to his transcripts, Arthur’s grades for the last six weeks of theater arts are also missing. A block of grades from Arthur’s Algebra II were also
missing on the transcript from the fall semester of 2005. All that is present is a final grade, which was changed from “failing” to a passing grade of 70 nine months later in September the following year. NCAA officials have confirmed that if Arthur never officially graduated, his eligibility at Kansas is something that may have to be investigated. My question is: are they investigating it?

2008-09 Season
During a ‘no contact period’ as defined by NCAA rules, Self pays a visit to John Wall, the #1 unsigned recruit in the nation. To demonstrate his respect for NCAA rules states in front of a witnesses:
Self: “I’m not supposed to be talking to you, and you know that, but I just wanted to tell you that was a great win.”

Confirmation comes in the Darell Arthur case that his grades were artificially changed and that his ‘graduation’ from high school wasn’t legit.

This is all on record.  Yet, KU is still a National Champion for one of these years.

And Memphis has had their wins vacated.

The NCAA up to their usual shenanigans.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/2420710481_3a2a846f4c_o.jpg


http://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/02/sports/ncaa-acts-against-kansas.html?pagewanted=1

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Nahida, Jalil an Ali ~ Last Visit

In Afghanistan, Kids, thinking out loud, Travel, Unny on February 14, 2010 at 3:00 pm

http://hereticdhammasangha.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/peace-out.jpg?w=705&h=701

It was the last time that I’ll see them.  A bittersweet moment that left me feeling a bit melancholy.

I drove over to the RHQ to see them one last time. I pulled in and saw them sitting out in front of their little store.  We waved to them as we passed into the RHQ. I had a little bit of business to conduct inside the RHQ.  I wanted to get some Certificates signed by General Ak to present to my guys on Thursday when we have our little Hail and Farewell.  Shoaib and I sat with the General for a bit.  He signed our Certs and we chatted for a bit.  He told me that he was going to get me a gift for Thursday.  We joked a bit and then said our farewells.

After that, we went and visited with COL Zahir for a bit.  He was all harried and had a cold.  So he was cursing everything and grumpy until everyone left his office.  We chatted for a bit and laughed and joked for a bit.  Then I had to get going.  I told my boss that I’d not be long out and about.

Funny thing.  Jonathan called me while I was there and cursed at me for being out so close to departure.  He doesn’t want to party alone in Dubai.  haha

Finally, it was time to see the kiddies.  We drove out of the RHQ and turned left into the parking lot where there family store is located.  I jumped out.  As I was pulling the bags out of the back of the SUV, Ali and Jalil came running over.  Nahida, reserved as usual, stayed by the door of the mud brick store which her father built.  I grabbed everything out of the SUV and carried it to the store.  I held out the Kangaroo bag and the Mickey Mouse bag to give the boys a choice as to their preference.  Ali chose the Kangaroo bag.  Ali picked the Mickey Mouse bag.   Next, I opened the big bag with all of the girl stuff that Unny, Orawan and Emmy had sent.

Odd to think that these items came from so far away.  Bangkok and Australia.  Such distance and worlds that couldn’t be more different than Afghanistan.

I took out the things in the bag and showed them to Nahida.  Her eyes lit up as I showed her the sandals that Unny sent.  She seemed to love the pajamas that were sent by Orawan.  The favored item, though, was what I’d forgotten in the SUV.  As I was showing her all of hair thingies, I remembered the Barbie Doll that was in my back pack.  I walked over and pulled it out.  The biggest smile I’ve seen on Nahida broke on her face.  I think that one really made her happy.  The pajamas ~ she loved them.  The shoes ~ Nahida didn’t want to hand them back to me so that I could put them back in the bag.  The Doll, though, she lit up and her smiled beamed as bright as Polaris.  It was a lovely moment.

Nahida doesn’t smile a whole lot.  She’ll break in a smile, but, it quickly goes away.  A flash of brilliance just as quickly vanished.  Seeing that smile come out for the Doll really made my day.  As I’m sure the Doll and assorted other goodies made her day.

As you can tell from the pics, I tried to get them to do that John Wall dance.  lol  Not too successful there.  But it was cute.

After we talked for a bit.  I told them that this would be my last visit.  They didn’t understand at first because Ali asked me when I’d be coming again.  So I pulled Shoaib in and told him to make them understand that I was leaving Afghanistan.  It was a little emotional  I knew I’d get a little emotional once I got to that moment.  I’m a little girly like that sometimes.  lol  I didn’t, however, think that I’d damn near start to cry.  It was funny for me.  Shoaib made fun of me a bit.  He teased me for looking like I was going to cry.  I told him;  “Hell, I couldn’t help it.  I’ve grown close to those cute little bubbas.”

I’ve been asked by a couple of people about adopting Nahida or Jalil or Ali.  The subject has been brought up with the father.  I asked about taking Nahida to the States to put her in school.  A fairly affluent couple from Scandinavia asked about adopting or simply sponsoring Ali and Jalil for European citizenship/schooling.  The Father will not do it.  It’s a shame.  Those kids could have a great life and excellent opportunities if their Father would allow it.  He said that he wants to keep his family together.  Who can blame him.  Not I.

The other side of that is that families are economic units in Afghanistan.  All of the children are earners of some sort.  Whether it be bringing in money for odd jobs or working the shop that their father built or begging on the streets.  They all bring in money to the family.  Lose one and the whole family loses money.  To lose three would be a fairly large dent in the family economic situation/ability to earn.  Even so, I know that he’s been offered money to allow the children to go outside of Afghanistan.

Whatever his reasons, Baba jan wants his family to stay together.

Last note.  I think Nahida thinks that Unny is as beautiful as I think she is.  She asked me for another picture while I was there.  So I gave up my last pic of Unny to her.  I’ll have to get more printed.  I like to look at Unny from time to time and see her brilliant smile.  I think I’ll take all of the pictures on my wall and have Shoaib take them to Nahida.  I’ve got them posted all around my room.  I’ll not need the pics for much longer as I’ll have her.

I hope the Gods watch over my little children here in Afghanistan.  I know I’ll think of them from time to time and wonder how they are.  I wish there were a way to keep in touch.  I will always feel blessed to have had these little people in my life.  Even for so short a time.  As I left, I gave the boys a big hug and swung them around one last time.  It’s taboo to do such a thing to Nahida, so, I just shook her hand.  I told them to take good care of themselves and to be brave and strong in life.

Khoda Hafiz Nahida, Jalil and Ali…

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Our Constitution and laws exist to protect this Nation

In Politics, Quotes, thinking out loud on February 13, 2010 at 12:05 am

http://www.tom-hanna.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/he-did-it.jpg

“And let me say this, with respect to those who wish to harm us, I believe that our Constitution and laws exist to protect this Nation – they do not grant rights and privileges to enemies in wartime. In dealing with terrorists, our tax dollars should pay for weapons to stop them, not lawyers to defend them.”-Senator Scott Brown

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Pictures from the Road ~ Gozarah District and the Farah-Herat Road

In Afghanistan, culture, Travel on February 13, 2010 at 12:01 am

Enjoy!

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Gifts from Amrikkiya

In Afghanistan, Kids, thinking out loud, Uncategorized, Unny on February 12, 2010 at 12:08 am

Since the Larry Vaught article a few people sent messages via email that they were sending gifts for my kids.  The first box arrived on Wednesday night.  I called and asked the military for a ride to the RHQ and took the gifts to Nahida, Jalil and Ali.  They were so excited to receive the toys and other items.  It was a cool day for all of us.

This particular box was from a friend from WildcatNation ~ PsychoCat.   Thanks to PsychoCat, I was finally able to give some real girly stuff to Nahida.  Like I said earlier, I’m clueless as to what a girl might want. Nahida loved the gifts and so did the boys. We played frisbee together for about a half hour and then I watched as the boys wrestled and tried to go all John Cena on me. lol Their words, not mine. I barely know who John Cena is…

I want to get these pics posted and I’m tired.  So since a picture speaks a thousand words…

Nahida is so much more vibrant in person than these pics portray.  She’s just super shy.  A lot of it is cultural.  I showed her a picture of my girlfriend Unny and told her that Unny said hello and that she (Nahida) was “such a pretty little gal.”  You should have seen her smile when I told her that.  So cute.  She seemed extremely reluctant to give it back to me.  So I gave it to her.  She kept looking at it.  Then she’d put it in her pocket and then take it out again for a peek.  She asked Shoaib to tell me that Unny was “besyar makbullah.”    I laughed and smiled and told her that I agreed.

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Classic Coach K Moment!

In Humor on February 11, 2010 at 12:45 am

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RKKU1Z3K3BM/Rm3PzC_cIUI/AAAAAAAAAFk/9UEgTMTeJHE/s400/joeonJeapordy.jpg

On Jeopardy, the topic was something like “College Movies.” Each answer contained the name of a college.

The clue was something to the effect of  “Coach K should be very familiar with this movie.” The correct answer was “What is ‘The Dukes of Hazard?’”

However, the contestant responded with “What is Jackass?”

Awesome!  The Dude had to be a UNC or Kentucky Alum.

Wherever he went to school, he definitely learned well.

http://tarheelmania.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/coachksayssuckit.jpg?w=604

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Burqa, Burqa, Mohammad, Hijab!

In Afghanistan, culture, islam, Middle East, Religion, Stupidity, thinking out loud on February 8, 2010 at 4:51 pm

The dumbest bit of fabric ever devised by an evil group of patriarchal assholes!

For these woman, like the women in Afghanistan and other countries where the rights of girls and women are being stripped away under the pretext of religious piety, feminism is a life and death matter. A spectacular example is the life and near-death of Malalai Joya.

She had committed no crime, had set up an orphanage and a health centre, been elected to parliament, but for her affront to the dignity of the new male-dominated institutions, for calling it a sanctuary for “warlords and theocrats” and comparing it to a zoo, she was thrown out of office by a majority vote of parliament, threatened with death, abandoned by the government, forced to move from safe house to safe house. She has survived two assassination attempts.

She is also banned from flying. To get to Australia she had to leave home under the all-enveloping burqa – a garment she describes as “disgusting” – travel by van to the Pakistan border, then by another van to a city in Pakistan, then fly to Bangkok, then to Sydney. The journey took almost three days. As the most outspoken woman in Afghanistan, she lives with the constant risk of murder.

On April 12 a leading Afghan feminist and member of the regional parliament in Kandahar, Sitara Achakzai, was abducted and then murdered by Taliban gunmen.

Any man who is for this bit of oppressive fabric is an uneducated lout and, most probably, a bigot.  Any woman who has a positive view of the burqa or hijab is a self hating, propaganda  laden soul who has no idea of her own potential as a human being.  God did not intend for half of humanity to be covered and marginalized or he’d have not blessed women with the intelligence that is so obviously present in their gender.

The UN and every other so called humanitarian organization should be ashamed of themselves for not doing all that they can to stamp out this stain  on human dignity.

Some Muslim women argue that they wear the hijab out of a desire to appear humble before God.  It is their personal beliefs that motivate them to wear the hijab (veil).  This is all good and well for those Muslim women who have a choice.   The problem is with the millions of poor, uneducated women who do not have the same choices and opportunities as these women.

On the other hand, we have the women in places like Afghanistan and the Sinai who are forced to wear the hijab and the burqa.  These women do not have a choice.  These women are subjugated by the medieval minds of men who have no respect for women and see them as only a vessel for their seed in the production of offspring.

It is all good and well that educated women from privileged backgrounds in the Middle East, other predominantly Islamic countries and the West have the choice as to whether to wear the hijab or not.  The unfortunate outcome of their donning the hijab, though, is that said decision is used by oppressive forces and backward, patriarchal madmen to enslave the minds and to physically oppress of millions of women in Central Asia, the Middle East and India.  These men use Islam, the hijab and the burqa as a means to keep their boot heals squarely across the neck of women in all of the lands of Islam.  To women who are forced to wear these garments, the hijab and the burqa are not a symbol of humility in the face of God, but, a symbol of systematic rape, oppression and violence.

Islam is like any other religion.  There exists both beauty and ugliness within the pages of all religious books.  Evil men and women pick and choose the verses and suras which back their decrepit and despotic philosophies in order to further their personal wealth and twisted designs.  Good men and women use those words and phrases from these books which advance the cause of humanity towards a better tomorrow.

Until all Muslim women have the freedom of choice to wear the hijab, I believe it is the duty of all peoples to take a stance against the use of the veil for ill intent.  This obligation is especially incumbent upon Muslim women whose Sisters in Islam are the primary victims of this particular form of oppression.  This is a choice that Muslim women have to make.  I agree that the hijab when it is worn in free choice is an idea of beauty.  Humility before God (for those who believe in these religions) is an appeal to the grace of humanity.  It is, indeed, a beautiful act.  The problem is that millions of men across the Muslim world use the hijab and the burqa not as an appeal to God but as a tool of personal power and in acts of narcissism and nihilism.  These acts are in direct contravention to the Qu’ran, the Bible and the will of God.  To deny or ignore these acts and the suffering of these women is to deny reality.  Muslim women must stand together on this issue.  The oppression of one is the oppression of all.

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Louisville Snow Panic!

In Stupidity, thinking out loud, Travel on February 6, 2010 at 10:31 pm

I remember growing up in Louisville and when the snows came there was always an air of panic.

Everyone would run down to Kroger to buy Milk and Bread.

Never understood it.

Later, when I was working out at Fort Knox, I owned a Camaro. I’d drive home from work in a “snowstorm.” I had a Camaro with bald tires in one snow storm. The funniest thing is that I drove home to the Crescent Hill area from Fort Knox. I can’t count the number of 4WD SUVs that I passed stuck on the side of the road.

Louisville is insane when it snows.

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The US Navy Drill Team ~ WOW!

In Military on February 5, 2010 at 12:05 am

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Another Excellent Cartoon Commentary on Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, Central Asia, islam, Military, Politics on February 4, 2010 at 11:52 am

Rape and Murder: The Tools of Karzai Democracy

The Karzai Government is corrupt and beholden to Thugs, Thieves and scandalous, corrupt Mullahs who want to force medieval religious “values” on the common people as they use Islam to rape the country.  These thieving scoundrels use Islam as a tool of rape, plunder and intimidation.  They use their power in the government and their association with the United States to empower themselves and to bully the people.  They use rape and murder to intimidate any voice which rises in defense of the people of Afghanistan.

The worse thing about this situation is that it is American money and influence which allows this situation.  Rumsfield, Cheney, Bush and, now, the Obama Administration are keeping these men in power.  These scum are the anti-thesis of Democracy.  They are Taliban lite and in some cases, they are worse than the Taliban.  They have become so under the protection and with the help of the US and NATO forces.

We empower these corrupt “leaders” and allow them to use Democracy as a guise under which they protract a decrepit despotism that they started after the fall of  King Zahir Khan.

America is not spreading Democracy in this region.  We are doing the very opposite.  It’s shameful.

We should be supporting the Malalai Joyas of Afghanistan.  Instead, we are supporting the evil, murdering and raping despotic Warlords who are democratic only in the sense that they mouth the word from time to time.

IT IS SHAMEFUL!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZxKAf8oOwtI/SwErpucIgUI/AAAAAAAAfAo/kGWJ1hu-i-U/s320/joya.jpg

http://www.blackcommentator.com/345/345_images/345_cartoon_afganistan_and_vietnam_large.gif

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America ~ Exporting Democracy

In Afghanistan, Central Asia, culture, Politics on February 3, 2010 at 9:31 pm

http://www.rawa.org/temp/runews/data/upimages/cartoon_peter_brookes.jpg

This is the basic accomplishment in Afghanistan after 8 long and deadly years.

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DeMarcus Cousins for President!

In Sports, UK Basketball on February 2, 2010 at 5:34 pm

Big Cuz slams on Long Beach State

DeMarcus Cousins doesn’t answer questions after games so much as he holds court.

The gregarious freshman center is as refreshingly unfiltered as head coach John Calipari is polished. Blunt and direct, Cousins is unapologetically honest whether the topic is his sometimes eccentric postgame attire or his ability to attract controversy wherever he goes.

Yes, Cousins thinks he may be the best center in the Southeastern Conference. Yes, he believes the referees swallow their whistles sometimes when the ball is in his hands. Yes, he may have pushed a South Carolina student out of the way while trying to get off the court last week, but he didn’t punch him as at least one reporter claimed.

Hey, it’s all a part of the game when you’re “Big Cuz,” one of the handful of monikers Cousins goes by.

“I’m just doing my part,” Cousins said from behind his nonprescription black-rimmed glasses, part of what he calls his “Peter Parker” swag.

And he’s playing his part as well as any player in the country.

Cousins is a GREAT College Player.   Period.  Only a fool would deny this.  Yes!  He has a bit of an edge.  It’s an edge that Kentucky has been sorely missing throughout the Tubby “Never to High, Never too Low” Smith Era.  Not since Jamaal Magloire was recruited by Pitino has a Kentucky Baller had the attitude that’s needed to reign supreme.  Not only in Rupp Arena, but, in the SEC.

The past few years of BCG and Tubby saw Florida and Vandy come in with their chumps.  These “chumps” punked Kentucky to the tune of 5 wins AT RUPP ARENA.  Unheard of when Pitino was here.  Rupp was rolling over in his grave and screaming lamentations of disbelief.

That was then.  This is now.

The era of Big Cuz and the Great Wall.  Eric Bledsoe.  Patrick Patterson.

Finally!  Warriors on the Court.  Take no prisoners athletes who will their way to a win if the fickle Gods of Basketball aren’t favoring them.

DeMarcus Cousins is exactly what Kentucky Basketball has been missing.  He’s a character.  He’s a record breaking Beast.  He’s the King of the Bluegrass.

I love the Kid and I hope I get to shake his hand at the SEC Tournament.

GO BIG BLUE!

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Afghanistan ~ Pushtoon Culture, Pedophilia and Homosexuality

In Afghanistan, culture, islam, Middle East, Religion, thinking out loud, Travel on February 1, 2010 at 12:05 am
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The "chaste and glorious" love of the Pushtoon version of Islam. Kuni Bacha!

Afghan Men Struggle With Sexual Identity, Study Finds

An unclassified study from a military research unit in southern Afghanistan details how homosexual behavior is unusually common among men in the large ethnic group known as Pashtuns — though they seem to be in complete denial about it.

As if U.S. troops and diplomats didn’t have enough to worry about in trying to understand Afghan culture, a new report suggests an entire region in the country is coping with a sexual identity crisis.

An unclassified study from a military research unit in southern Afghanistan details how homosexual behavior is unusually common among men in the large ethnic group known as Pashtuns — though they seem to be in complete denial about it.

The study, obtained by Fox News, found that Pashtun men commonly have sex with other men, admire other men physically, have sexual relationships with boys and shun women both socially and sexually — yet they completely reject the label of “homosexual.” The research was conducted as part of a longstanding effort to better understand Afghan culture and improve Western interaction with the local people.

The research unit, which was attached to a Marine battalion in southern Afghanistan, acknowledged that the behavior of some Afghan men has left Western forces “frequently confused.”

The report details the bizarre interactions a U.S. Army medic and her colleagues had with Afghan men in the southern province of Kandahar.

In one instance, a group of local male interpreters had contracted gonorrhea anally but refused to believe they could have contracted it sexually — “because they were not homosexuals.”

Apparently, according to the report, Pashtun men interpret the Islamic prohibition on homosexuality to mean they cannot “love” another man — but that doesn’t mean they can’t use men for “sexual gratification.”

The group of interpreters who had contracted gonorrhea joked in the camp that they actually got the disease by “mixing green and black tea.” But since they refused to heed the medics’ warnings, many of them re-contracted the disease after receiving treatment.

The U.S. army medic also told members of the research unit that she and her colleagues had to explain to a local man how to get his wife pregnant.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Pashtun_girl_template.jpg/175px-Pashtun_girl_template.jpg

This lovely young girl is unclean? According to the Pushtoon version of Islam she is. Amazing!

The report said: “When it was explained to him what was necessary, he reacted with disgust and asked, ‘How could one feel desire to be with a woman, who God has made unclean, when one could be with a man, who is clean? Surely this must be wrong.’”

The Pashtun populations are concentrated in the southern and eastern parts of the country. The Human Terrain Team that conducted the research is part of a military effort to learn more about local populations.

The report also detailed a disturbing practice in which older “men of status” keep young boys on hand for sexual relationships. One of the country’s favorite sayings, the report said, is “women are for children, boys are for pleasure.”

The report concluded that the widespread homosexual behavior stems from several factors, including the “severe segregation” of women in the society and the “prohibitive” cost of marriage.

Though U.S. troops are commonly taught in training for Afghanistan that the “effeminate characteristics” of Pashtun men are “normal” and not an indicator of homosexuality, the report said U.S. forces should not “dismiss” the unique version of homosexuality that is actually practiced in the region “out of desire to avoid western discomfort.”

Otherwise, the report said, Westerners could “risk failing to comprehend an essential social force underlying Pashtun culture.”

http://www.globalgayz.com/images/afgdancerpainting.jpg

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/mullah_omar.jpg

Mullah Omar ~ Boy Bugger Extraordinaire

Fortunately, I work in a predominantly Tajik area.  The Tajiks call these little boy buggers “Qandaharis.”  Because they say that all of the men down in the Southeast love to capture little boys and keep them for sex (I cleaned that up.  They’re much more graphic about it).  It’s pretty much common knowledge here.  The Pashtuns may be in denial about it, but, the Tajiks aren’t and  make fun of them all the time.

The call them all kuni bacha’a which pretty much translates to “boy buggers.”  lol

Not news to me.  lol

The Egyptians say the same thing about the Arabs of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.  Isn’t Saddam famous for having made a similar statement about Saudi Arabia.

Aside from that, anal sex is pretty common in the lands of Islam because of the importance of female virginity.  The vagina must be pristine with hymen intact at the time of  marriage.  Apparently, though, the anal cavity and sphincter muscle can worn to hell and back.  lol

Hooking up for Man Love Thursday!

What a strange bunch.  It’s Arab culture.  The Pashtuns are more heavily influenced by the Arabs.  The Tajiks are influenced more by China, Asia and Russia.

I’m going to show this to my terps.  They’ll laugh their butts off.

Of course, they’re all Tajik.

Here’s an interesting link for additional information.


http://www.zmong-afghanistan.com/images/anglo_afghan1.jpg

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