A system of licensing and registration is the perfect device to deny gun ownership to the bourgeoisie.” — Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
The Right to Bear Arms Shall NOT be Infringed
In Uncategorized on March 10, 2012 at 7:38 pm
Militia in the War for Independence
Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.’
~ Thomas Jefferson
FIREARMS REFRESHER COURSE
1. An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.
2. A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
3. Colt: The original point and click interface.
4. Gun control is not about guns; it’s about control.
5. If guns are outlawed, can we use swords?
6. If guns cause crime, then pencils cause misspelled words.
7. Free men do not ask permission to bear arms.
8. If you don’t know your rights, you don’t have any.
9. Those who trade liberty for security have neither.
10. The United States Constitution (c) 1791. All Rights Reserved.
11. What part of ‘shall not be infringed’ do you not understand?
12. The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.
13. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.
14. Guns only have two enemies; rust and politicians.
15. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.
16. You don’t shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.
17. 911: Government sponsored Dial-a-Prayer.
18. Assault is a behavior, not a device.
19. Criminals love gun control; it makes their jobs safer.
20. If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson.
21. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.
22. You have only the rights you are willing to fight for.
23. Enforce the gun control laws we ALREADY have; don’t make more.
24. When you remove the people’s right to bear arms, you create slaves.
25. The American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.
Muslims in the Military
In Uncategorized on February 19, 2011 at 12:01 am
I work with a guy who served for over 20 years in the US Army. Did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Retired as a CW3. Currently, he’s right here with me. He’s on my team here in Afghanistan. He’s my senior mentor. Hard working guy who does anything I ask of him.
Great guy and I love the dude to death.
As a matter of fact, I was telling one of my co-workers that I’m thankful that they put him on my team a year ago.
He’s also a Muslim.
The suggestion that all Muslims should be put out of the Military is simply fear based.
I’ll admit. At one time, I felt this way. I was angry. Thought they were all loonies. Hell, I was all for bombing Mekkah.
Then I started working with Muslims. I learned again what I knew already before 9-11. Most Muslims are just ordinary people living ordinary lives.
All Muslims should not have to pay for the insane acts of a minority. No matter how large that minority. Labeling all Muslims based on the actions of a few is pure and simple bigotry. I don’t like Christianity and think that the same lunacy exists therein that exist in Islam. It hasn’t manifested itself in the same way as it has in Islam. Yet, I believe it is there. What if I demanded that all Christians should be booted from the military?
Christians would go nuts.
Same thing. Exactly the same thing.
I have met hundreds and maybe thousands of Muslims who are simple and ordinary folks. All they want is to live their lives and provide a good and decent life for their children. What most of the Muslim world lacks is a decent education and opportunities.
Hating all Muslims is not the way to go. Aiming a rifle or bombs at all Muslims is not the way to go.
It simply is not.
Targeting the right people is the way to go. Educating the masses is the way to go. Halting our support of the hideous and ridiculous criminal regime in Saudi Arabia is the way to go. Building schools and hospitals and universities in the Muslim world is the way to go.
If we start building for the future in these areas and in 20 or 30 years, the recruiting grounds for terrorism goes away. This is a program needed every bit as much as the invasion of Iraq or Afghanistan. Yet, we spend billions killing folks and a pittance on educating them.
First step, though, is to take out the House of Saud. As long as we are in bed with them, we are in bed with the greatest enemy of freedom and liberty. Saudi Arabia is supposed to be the guardian of Islam, Yet, it is Islams greatest mortal foe. The Wests love affair with Saudi Arabia is akin to sleeping with a viper. More closely, it’s like sleeping in a nest of vipers.
I am for banning any Wahhabi Muslim from entering the United States and for deporting any who are here and rooting them out of our military. It’s a cult of death and ignorance.
(This does not mean that I have changed my mind on the burqa, hijab or chadori. These chains of ignorance should be banned from Islam. They’re a throw back to darkness and a medieval attitude that has no business in a Democratic-Republican Nation.)
down at the RHQ 17 Nov 2009
In Uncategorized on February 18, 2011 at 12:06 am
Gave what might be my last class today. Planning on rolling out of here on or about 1 March and heading to Kentucky for about a month before I move semi-permanently to Bangkok (1 year, 2 years or forever…) with my gal Unny. Before I move over there, I gotta give my Momma some love for a couple of weeks. She’s put up with me being over here for long enough. I gotta give Momma some Momma Time!
This morning though. Seems everything went wrong. I got an email from George with my truck tax voucher. So I decided to download it so that I could print it out later. I downloaded it. Slammed in my memory stick. Thought to myself; “I better not forget this.” Put the tax voucher on my my stick. Walked right out of my hooch sans memory stick.
The memory stick with the class that I was scheduled to give today at the RHQ.
I jump on board the MRAP for the 20 minute ride to the RHQ.
Arrive at the RHQ. Take off my Body Armor. Unload my gear. Hand off my laptop and one eye to my terps. They set up the classroom for me. I walk in and they ask me for my memory stick. I start checking my pockets fearing the worst. Of course, it’s in my laptop back at my hooch. We start calling everyone and their mother to get us a download of the class from the Terp shack on Camp Zafar. We’re finally able to get someone ont he phone. Wahid and Shoaib explain to Mustafa from where he can download the class. They tell us 20 minutes and they’ll have it to us.
I start the class with an open discussion. Hoping that I can keep it going for 20 minutes or long enough for my class to arrive and throw it up on the wall with our one–eye. I should have known. No discussion with AFghans is short. It takes at least 20 minutes to say a proper hello. I tell my guys (Wahid, Farhad and Shoaib) that they should just abbreviate hte ceremony by saying “Hello Five Times” when they greet each other. About 20 minutes later, the memory stick arrives. Somehow, Mustafa has sent us the wrong class.
Oh well, time to suck it up and go with what I know. Luckily, I know this log stuff backwards and forwards. If I was one of those apes who reads slides, I’d be screwed. lol
I give the class. It’s all good. We have a nice discussion. Maybe they’ve learned something. Maybe they haven’t. They seemed into it as we had a pretty good discussion. I like this format and think we should have used it a bit more in my time here.
COL Zahir, COLl Aminullah, COL Zahan and LTC Latif all stand up and give little “thank you, God Bless, God Protect You” speeches to us for coming and giving the class. I get 10 invites to tea and for tours of the town. More invites to come to supper at their homes. Most of these guys, I’ve worked with for two and a half years. It feels a bit like a re-union. Kinda sad to be leaving all of this warm friendship behind. They all make me promise to get down to their offices one more time before I depart. I tell them that I’ll do my best. COL Aminullah says; “Don’t leave like that. It’s bad. Come and say goodbye to us.” Such a warm and friendly atmosphere with the guys with whom I’ve worked with over the past couple of years.
I’ll miss it.
After class, I have to stop by and see my kids. They’re all out there playing. As I round the corner, they spot me and yell at me. I don’t know if they know my name or not. lol But I’ve finally got all four of theirs down.
Nahida, Jalil, Ali and Wazir. Cutest little kids in Central Asia. I purchased a little doll to give to Nahida. And more of the balloons for the boys. I give them cookies, candy and muffins. I won’t lie. It feels nice to do this. Give these kids a little bit of friendship and it helps it feel normal over here for a few minutes when they’re smiling at me and happy and giggling. Makes me feel happy and warm and fuzzy. Just something small. Brings a smile to their faces as we sit there and laugh together. Little Jalil has taken to hugging me. In the pics, he’s the one with his arm around my shoulders. Nahida has even loosened up a bit and smiles more naturally now. It’s nice to be normal for a minute or two.
Wahid snaps our pics and I take pics of them individually. Memories, I suppose.
It was a nice visit.
Our time is up. We head back to the trucks. Wahid, Farhad and Shoaib head home for the day. Nice morning for all of us.
When we get back to base, I strike gold. Someone has dropped off a goodie box at the Chapel. It’s full of small pillows and some teddy bears. I snatch up a couple of them. I’ll take them and give them to the kids tomorrow. More smiles and more laughs. Who could ask for anything better. Smiles and laughter from children. Small, much too short moments of bliss for me in Afghanistan.
Soon, though. I’ll get my package. I’ve ordered them all kids size UK sweatshirts. lol And a UK knit beanie for Nahida. She’ll be cute all dressed up in UK blue. lol All three of them will be. And I’ll definitely get pics of that. I’ll have to post them to my blog once I leave contract. lol It’ll be cute and good for a few laughs with the kids.
Christmas is right around the corner. They don’t celebrate Christmas. Probably have no idea what it is. But they’re going to get a small taste of it in 2009.
I hope you all are doing well out there.
Peace and Khoda Hafiz…Dave
The Liberty Limited — A Christmas Story
In Uncategorized on December 9, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Reprinted from the Philadelphia Daily News. 2005
AND NOW, in time for the holidays, I bring you the best Christmas story you never heard.
It started last Christmas, when Bennett and Vivian Levin were overwhelmed by sadness while listening to radio reports of injured American troops.
“We have to let them know we care,” Vivian told Bennett.
So they organized a trip to bring soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital to the annual Army-Navy football game in Philly, on Dec. 3.
The cool part is, they created their own train line to do it.
Yes, there are people in this country who actually own real trains. Bennett Levin – native Philly guy, self-made millionaire and irascible former L&I commish – is one of them.
He has three luxury rail cars. Think mahogany paneling, plush seating and white-linen dining areas. He also has two locomotives, which he stores at his Juniata Park train yard.
One car, the elegant Pennsylvania, carried John F. Kennedy to the Army-Navy game in 1961 and ’62. Later, it carried his brother Bobby’s body to D.C. for burial.
“That’s a lot of history for one car,” says Bennett.
He and Vivian wanted to revive a tradition that endured from 1936 to 1975, during which trains carried Army-Navy spectators from around the country directly to the stadium where the annual game is played.
The Levins could think of no better passengers to reinstate the ceremonial ride than the wounded men and women recovering at Walter Reed in D.C. and Bethesda, in Maryland.
“We wanted to give them a first-class experience,” says Bennett. “Gourmet meals on board, private transportation from the train to the stadium, perfect seats – real hero treatment. “
Through the Army War College Foundation, of which he is a trustee, Bennett met with Walter Reed’s commanding general, who loved the idea.
But Bennett had some ground rules first, all designed to keep the focus on the troops alone:
No press on the trip, lest the soldiers’ day of pampering devolve into a media circus.
No politicians either, because, says Bennett, “I didn’t want some idiot making this trip into a campaign photo op. “
And no Pentagon suits on board, otherwise the soldiers would be too busy saluting superiors to relax.
The general agreed to the conditions, and Bennett realized he had a problem on his hands.
“I had to actually make this thing happen,” he laughs.
Over the next months, he recruited owners of 15 other sumptuous rail cars from around the country – these people tend to know each other – into lending their vehicles for the day. The name of their temporary train?
The Liberty Limited .
Amtrak volunteered to transport the cars to D.C. – where they’d be coupled together for the round-trip ride to Philly – then back to their owners later.
Conrail offered to service the Liberty while it was in Philly. And SEPTA drivers would bus the disabled soldiers 200 yards from the train to Lincoln Financial Field, for the game.
A benefactor from the War College ponied up 100 seats to the game – on the 50-yard line – and lunch in a hospitality suite.
And corporate donors filled, for free and without asking for publicity, goodie bags for attendees:
From Woolrich, stadium blankets. From Wal-Mart, digital cameras. From Nikon, field glasses. From GEAR, down jackets.
There was booty not just for the soldiers, but for their guests, too, since each was allowed to bring a friend or family member.
The Marines, though, declined the offer. “They voted not to take guests with them, so they could take more Marines,” says Levin, choking up at the memory.
Bennett’s an emotional guy, so he was worried about how he’d react to meeting the 88 troops and guests at D.C.’s Union Station, where the trip originated. Some GIs were missing limbs. Others were wheelchair-bound or accompanied by medical personnel for the day.
“They made it easy to be with them,” he says. “They were all smiles on the ride to Philly. Not an ounce of self-pity from any of them. They’re so full of life and determination. “
At the stadium, the troops reveled in the game, recalls Bennett. Not even Army’s lopsided loss to Navy could deflate the group’s rollicking mood.
Afterward, it was back to the train and yet another gourmet meal – heroes get hungry, says Levin – before returning to Walter Reed and Bethesda.
“The day was spectacular,” says Levin. “It was all about these kids. It was awesome to be part of it. “
The most poignant moment for the Levins was when 11 Marines hugged them goodbye, then sang them the Marine Hymn on the platform at Union Station.
“One of the guys was blind, but he said, ‘I can’t see you, but man, you must be f—ing beautiful!’ ” says Bennett. “I got a lump so big in my throat, I couldn’t even answer him. “
It’s been three weeks, but the Levins and their guests are still feeling the day’s love.
“My Christmas came early,” says Levin, who is Jewish and who loves the Christmas season. “I can’t describe the feeling in the air. “
Maybe it was hope.
As one guest wrote in a thank-you note to Bennett and Vivian, “The fond memories generated last Saturday will sustain us all – whatever the future may bring. “
God bless the Levins.
And bless the troops, every one. *
Article by Ronnie Polaneczky 2005
Read more: http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/ronnie_polaneczky/Heres_a_Yule_story_that_ought_to_be_a_movie.html?page=2&c=y#ixzz17aRwZRlP
Watch sports videos you won’t find anywhere else
An amazing story of generosity.
Islamic Rage Boy ~ He Never Tickled Hasim’s Thighs!
In islam, Middle East, Religion, Stupidity, thinking out loud, Uncategorized on April 27, 2010 at 12:05 amMuslims ~ Outraged by Anything since 700AD.
Thai New Year ~ Songkran in Bangkok
In Uncategorized on April 23, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Songkran is the Thai New Year. It’s also known as the Water Festival.
I arrived about 3 days before Songkran began this year. My first Songkran in Thailand. It’s a wild experience. Fun. There was an air of fellowship in the celebration. Easy to sit back and sink into the occasion.
I called up my boy Arik and planned a walkabout. We decided to explore the areas on the Chao Phraya near Wat Arun and the Santa Cruz Church. We stopped at Wat Arun first. I didn’t take a lot of pics there. I’d been there so many times before that I have hundreds of photos of the Temple of Dawn. While we were there, we ran into a group Child Monks in the temple proper. I snapped a few photos as did Arik.
Next we moved on to the Temples down the river. I don’t know the name of this Temple, but, it has one of the biggest Buddha statues that I’ve seen anywhere in Asia inside of a building. It is a site to behold. Beautiful. Majestic. Worthy of a place of worship and reflection. A note on Buddhhists. They do not worship Buddha as a God. They pay homage to him as the first Bodhisattva to teach the path to enlightenment. When you see Buddhists bowing before Buddha, they are paying homage and respect to the Buddha for his teachings which are called the Dharma or Dhamma. What these folks are murmuring or repeating is as follows:
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sammbuddhassa
which is Pali for:
Homage to the exalted one, perfectly enlightened by himself.
We wandered around the Temple for a bit as Arik admired all of the pretty girls in the Temple area. I, of course, averted my eyes and thought only pleasant thoughts of Unny~my beautiful girlfriend. lol
As we walked out of the Temple complex, we entered into a group of vendors selling local foodstuffs and drinks. Arik and I bought some pork sala pao which are little round breads filled with pork stuffing or whatever you choose — pork, beef, shrimp, veggie. They’re tasty to the max. Aroi mak mak. We made our way over to another vendor selling drinks and both of us purchased a Pepsi with ice. As we sat there, Arik struck up a conversation with the vendors. They were a daughter, mother, father team who had been running that stall for years on the same spot. Such nice folks. We sat and talked to them for a good while before we decided to move on.
I wanted to explore the local area.
We ventured on towards the Santa Cruz Church. I knew that the church was there. Though it was a mystery as to how a Catholic Church wound up there in Bangkok. Concidentally, there is a Mosque not too far down the river. Arik and I entered an alley way that was reminiscent of the Chinese hutongs on Beijing. Dark, narrow lanes lined with houses and storefront/houses. People everywhere. Talking, napping, watching TV, eating lunch, selling their wares…all fo the daily activities that comprise the lives of these folks. We passed Chinese lookiing facades. Plain gates. Gates adorned with photos of the King and Queen. Doors open and ajar. Doors decorated with chinese art and caligraphy. Older women and men napping on benches. Cats meowing at us as we passed wanting to be petted or fed. We passed an open area full of Roosters crowing at the noon day sun. It was a panoply of actiivity and life. Thoroughly enjoying and invigorating.
Of course, it was Songkran. As we made our way through the cuts and shoots of this microcosm of Thai life, we came upon Thai folks celebrating. Folks such as the little girl and her father pictured below with the white paste on their faces. Water splashing everywhere. The locals all sent good wishes our way. Alternately wishing us a Happy Songkran or Sawatdee Bee Mai (Happy New Year)! I felt privileged to be able to take part in this local celebration. Everyone was happy and celebrating. Not a grumpy or sulky soul to be seen.
Eventually, we passed through the narrows and came upon an open street. There was a group of Khun Thai (Thai People) gathering with musical intruments ~ drums and cymbols, mostly– making ready to march down to their neighborhood temple. They were accompanied by two or three military men and at least one monk. They stopped for us to take a few pictures of them. Arik obliged and started snapping away. They seemed happy to have their moment recorded.
After watching them march down the street a ways, Arik and I pushed on to Santa Cruz.
We stopped at the Church and snapped some photos. I caught that cat napping and took it’s photo. He seemed to me to be the mascot or guardian of the area. Lounging about uninvolved and unbothered. Lazy and relaxed. Looking as if we were trespassing upon his majesterial perch. He urged us on with a look and we obliged.
After surveying the church and the immedate area. We decided that we were thirsty again. Around the corner, there would be a small storefront or vendor. In Southeast Asia, there always is. You can count on it.
We coursed through a narrow alley and came upon a group of young Thai men celebrating. Beer and whiskey flowing. They shouted to us. Happy Songkran. One of them asked Arik to take his picture. Arik obliged him. Ariks first picture came out blurry. The sun was going down and the young man was a bit on the drunk side of the night. He kept moving. Low light and movement guarantees blur unless you have an excellent flash. Even then it can be iffy. He asks Arik why he took such a bad photo with such an expensive camera. What he said was; “Damn, you suck. Taking bad pictures with such an expensive camera.” There were a few older ladies sitting about and they all started chattering about the exchange and laughing at us. I couldn’t help but laugh along.
The yong man walked on.
Arik and I walked on behind him.
When we reached the main road, the young fellow was standing there with a group of friends. They were throwing water at passersby as is the fashion of Songkran. We were offered drinks and food by the group and wound up staying for a good two hours with them. Snapping photos and talking and laughing and smiling. Celebrating in Thai style. A fun experience.
Our day was a success. We experienced Songkran. Took some pretty good photos. Plenty of laughs and smiles to go around.
After a while, I called Unny. She and her friend Bupe met us at Khaosarn Road. We drank a bit more and celebrated and were thoroughly soaked by the end of the night. A little excitement occurred when two groups of drinks interrupted the celebrating with a mini-riot. They threw beer bottles back and forth. With all of the Red Shirt activity of the previous days, many of the folks around us panicked. Scared teenagers cowering in the corners of Khaosarn. The party was interrupted. I grapped Unny, Bupe and Arik and we moved on down the street.
Even with the sort lived violence, it was a good night and a good end to a good night.
Smiles and laughter all around us.
Peace and happy belated Songkran.
As you can tell from the photos near the middle of the group, the Thai folks with whom we were celebrating had tattooes of Mary and Jesus. They were Catholic Thais. I asked them if they were Catholic. One of them answered; “80%!” He mentioned Buddha and the Whiskey as the reason for the lacking 20%. lol We took that picture together because I thought it was hilarious. Here is a White guy from America with a tat of Buddha and a Thai fellow in Thailand with a tat of Mary, mother of Jesus. It doesn’t get more ironic than that. They were a cool group of people. Welcoming. Open. Straightforward. And they “partied like rockstars!”
Satan College won their 4th NCAA Basketball Championship today
In Uncategorized on April 6, 2010 at 10:18 am
How disgusting?
DUKE SUX!!!
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.
Help for Haiti ~ Red Cross, UPS, American Airlines
In Uncategorized on January 15, 2010 at 6:11 pmUPS is shipping anything under 50 lbs for free to Haiti. You can send food, clothes, or shoes…and American Airlines is taking doctors and nurses to Haiti for free. Please call 
212-697-9767
. Spread the word…Red Cross needs Creole speaking volunteers for a 24hr phone bank…. Call Mr. Wilfrid @ 305-776-6900 ASAP…Please Repost
See this link for further information on “Texting” donations.
Apparently the UPS and AA deals were a hoax. Some sick individuals out there.
Lord Shiva ~ Destroy Us, Renew Us!
In Uncategorized on December 17, 2009 at 12:12 am
MAHA MRITYUNJAYA MANTRA
Aum Trayambakam Yajamahe,
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam;
Urva Rukamiva Bandhanaan,
Mrityor Mokshiye Maamritat.ॐ त्रियम्बकं यजामहे, सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनं
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मोक्षिय मामृतात्OM triyambakam yajāmahe sugandhim pushTivardhanam,
urvārukamiva bandhanān mrrityormokshiya māmrritāt.Summary of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
We worship Shiva – The Three-Eyed (tryambakam) Lord (yajamahe);
Who is fragrant (sugandhim) and nourishes (pushti) and grows (vardhanam) all beings.
As the ripened cucumber (urvarukamiva) is automatically liberated (bandhanaan) (by the intervention of the “farmer”) from its bondage to the creeper when it fully ripens;
May He liberate us (mokshiya) from death (mrityor), for the sake of immortality (maamritaat).We pray to Lord Shiva whose eyes are the Sun, Moon and Fire
May He protect us from all disease, poverty and fear
And bless us with prosperity, longevity and good health.
Lord Shiva is referred to as tryambakam, the three-eyed one, because his third-eye has been “opened” by the powers of penance and meditation. The third eye is said to be located in the space between the eyebrows, and is “opened” when one experiences spiritual awakening. So, when we pray to Lord Shiva, we are in essence asking for his blessings and assistance in opening our third eye of spiritual knowledge. The natural consequence of this awakening is that we will be led towards spiritual liberation or moksha, and attain freedom from the cycles of death and rebirth. The goal of chanting this mantra is to spiritually “ripen” so that we can free ourselves Lord Shiva can free us from our bondage to all the material things that bind us!
Shiva (pronounced /ˈʃiːvə/; Sanskrit: शिव, Śiva; IPA: [ˈɕivə]; meaning “Auspicious one”), also known as Rudra (the “Feared One”) or “‘The Destroyer” is a major Hindu god and one aspect of Trimurti. In the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism, Shiva is seen as the Supreme God. In the Smarta tradition, he is one of the five primary forms of God.[2][3]
Followers of Hinduism who focus their worship upon Shiva are called Shaivites or Shaivas (Sanskrit Śaiva).[4] Shaivism, along with Vaiṣṇava traditions that focus on Vishnu and Śākta traditions that focus on the goddess Devī are three of the most influential denominations in Hinduism.[3]
Shiva is usually worshipped in the form of Shiva linga. In images, he is generally represented as immersed in deep meditation or dancing the Tandava upon Maya, the demon of ignorance in his manifestation of Nataraja, the lord of the dance.
In some Hindu denominations[which?], Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva represent the three primary aspects of the divine, and are collectively known as the Trimurti. In this school of religious thought, Brahma is the Creator, Vishnu is the maintainer or preserver, and Shiva is the destroyer or transformer.[5] Lord Shiva has the most number of temples in Tamil Nadu and he is considered to be the god of South India. There are thousands and thousands of songs about Lord Shiva sung by the 63 Nayanmaars in Tamil.
Charge Bayonets!
In Uncategorized on November 29, 2009 at 12:06 am
; 
COL (RET) Lewis L. Millett received the Medal of Honor during the Korean War for leading what is reported to have been the last major bayonet charge by an Amerocan. COL (RET) Millet passed on Nov 14.
His Medal of Honor citation states in part:
“Despite vicious opposing fire, the whirlwind hand-to-hand assault carried to the crest of the hill. His dauntless leadership and personal courage so inspired his men that they stormed into the hostile position and used their bayonets with such lethal effect that the enemy fled in wild disorder.”
During the attack, CPT Millet charged machine gun emplacements, hurled grenades into bunkers and laid down suppressing fire as he led two platoons to rescue a third platoon which had been pinned down by enemy fire. He was wounded by grenade fragments but refused to be evacuated until after the platoon was relieved and the objective secured.
Our Heroes should be remembered.
After World War II, Millett attended Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, for three years before being called up to serve in Korea. Over a decade later, in the 1960s, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Park College (now known as Park University) in Missouri.[2]
By February 7, 1951, Millett was serving in Korea as a captain and commander of Company E of the 27th Infantry Regiment. On that day, near Soam-Ni, he led his company in an assault on an enemy position atop Hill 180. When one platoon became pinned down by heavy fire, Millett took another platoon forward, joined the two groups, and led them up the hill. Wielding his bayonet and throwing hand grenades, Millett yelled encouragement to his soldiers throughout the hand to hand fight. Upon reaching the top of the hill, his men stormed the enemy position and forced the opposing soldiers to withdraw. Although wounded in the shin by grenade fragments, Millett refused to be evacuated until the position was secured.[3][4] Historian S.L.A. Marshall described the attack as “the most complete bayonet charge by American troops since Cold Harbor.”[2]
For his leadership during the assault, Millett was awarded the Medal of Honor. The medal was formally presented to him by President Harry S. Truman in July 1951.[1] He was also awarded the Army’s second-highest decoration, the Distinguished Service Cross, for leading another bayonet charge in the same month.[3]
The Medal of Honor is the highest U.S. military decoration awarded to individuals who, while serving in the U.S. armed services, have distinguished themselves by conspicuous gallantry and courage at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty. Each recommendation for this decoration must incontestably prove that the act of bravery or self-sacrifice involved obvious risk of life and, if the risk hadn’t been taken, there would be no
just grounds for censure. The award is made in the name of congress and is presented by the President of the United States. Originally authorized by congress in 1861, it’s sometimes called the “Congressional Medal of Honor.”
COL Millet was one bad ass dude. Read his wiki page (lined above) and if you aren’t impressed, you’re Superman or braindead.
Ann Margeret and her Gentlemen
In Uncategorized on November 27, 2009 at 12:15 am
Ann Margeret and her Gentlemen
Viet Nam 1966
Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to
sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o’clock for the 7:30 signing.When I got there after work, the line went all the way a
round the bookstore, circled the parking lot and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.
Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the
photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI’s so far from home. Ann Margret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard’s turn.He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, ‘I understand. I just wanted her to see it.’
She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and
she said, ‘This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for ‘my gentlemen.”
With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren’t too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he’d like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke down in tears. ‘That’s the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,’ he said.
That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I’ll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.
It’s a nice story and, according to snopes.com, a true story.
Brett Favre: Iraqi Secret Weapon
In Uncategorized on November 22, 2009 at 12:01 am> Iraqi detainees taunt Wisconsin soldiers about Brett Favre
By MJD
If you happen to be a Packers fan who is sick and tired of hearing about Brett Favre(notes), and you’re thinking of joining the National Guard and going overseas to get away from it all, stop. It’s not going to work. The detainees in Baghdad are going to be just as vicious as the Vikings fans you know.
A Wisconsin National Guard unit charged with keeping watch over detainees in Baghdad decided to put up Packers colors and logos all around the camp. The prisoners noticed, started asking questions and suddenly, Favre became an unwitting ally.
From 620WTMJ’s Jay Sorgi (subbing in for the injured Waylon Manning):
“They know Favre by name,” said First Lieutenant Tim Boehnen, who is from New Richmond, Wis.
“One of the big words they know now is shenanigan. They’ll constantly talk about ‘Favre shenanigans,’ ‘He’s so good for the Vikings,’ and ‘The Packers have got to really feel bad about that one.’ “
[...] “They obviously then started up the conversations, and started talking about Brett Favre. They soon learned about Favre going to the Vikings, and things just started going downhill from there.”
In retaliation, I think our troops should make the detainees watch ESPN’s Week 4 Monday Night Football contest between the Vikings and Packers, including pre- and post-game shows. They’ll never want to mention Favre again.
That’s gotta be one of the funniest stories of all time.
Racism and Bigotry
In Uncategorized on November 20, 2009 at 12:01 am
I’m tired of people whining when they think that I am calling them a racist or bigot. If you are the type of person who cuts the word “Hope” from this picture and replace it with the world “Nigger.” If you are the type of person who creates or forwards emails that purposely denigrate whole groups of folks based on false information or misinformation.
If you participate in these types of activities, I’m not calling you a racist or a bigot. Your actions and words are an admission of your guilt and your true feelings. Don’t whine to me when I dispute the lies and ignorance of these actions and words.
Here’s a bit of a wake up call for all of you. Not all Muslims are terrorists or want to push Sharia on the world. Not all Black people are unemployed and on welfare. There are Muslims serving in the military and who have served in the military honorably. I work with a Muslim right now who is a true American and one of the better human beings whom I have had the pleasure to know in my life. These folks love America and what she represents in the World. If you disagree with Obama over policy, that’s fine. I do as well. If you hate Obama because he’s black or you think he’s a Muslim, you’re an ignorant racist/bigot. Period.
If you are a racist or a bigot, please move to Waziristan. Many folks in that region are as ignorant, bigoted and racist as are you. I don’t want your ignorance in my America.
Buddhism ~ The Four Vows
In Uncategorized on November 16, 2009 at 12:01 amHowever innumerable sentient beings, I vow to save them.
However inexhaustible the passions, I vow to extinguish them.
However immeasurable the dharmas, I vow to master them.
However incomparable the Buddha’s truth, I vow to attain it.
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought.
If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him.
If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought,
happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him. “
What is Essential in Life besides Unny?
In Uncategorized on November 15, 2009 at 3:10 pmBesides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials. ~ Lin Yutang
“However inclined one may be to regard the Chinese as strange, peculiar, fantastic, or impossible, for no other reason than that one has never been fortunate enough to gain their friendly, intimate acquaintance, the reading of Mr. Lin’s book will very soon dissipate any notion of uncertainty and assure one of the truth[s] of the Confucian statement, that ‘Within the four seas all men are brothers.’” “The East Speaks to the West,” The New York Times review of “My Country and My People” 8 December, 1935
Nadal Hasan: Terrorist who was Recruiting al Qaeda
In Uncategorized on November 10, 2009 at 12:05 am
Nadal Hasan wasn’t being recruited by al Qaeda. He was actively seeking membership in that organization himself. This guy is the worst sort of traitor. He should be hanged publicly. There is no doubt that he is guilty. He should be executed.
U.S. intelligence agencies were aware months ago that Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan was attempting to make contact with people associated with al Qaeda, two American officials briefed on classified material in the case told ABC News.
It is not known whether the intelligence agencies informed the Army that one of its officers was seeking to connect with suspected al Qaeda figures, the officials said.
Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R-MI), the ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, said that he requested the CIA and other intelligence agencies brief the committee on what was known, if anything, about Hasan by the U.S. intelligence community, only to be refused.
In response, Hoekstra issued a document preservation request to four intelligence agencies. The letter, dated November 7th, was sent to directors Dennis Blair (DNI), Robert Mueller (FBI), Lt. Gen Keith Alexander (NSA) and Leon Panetta (CIA).
Hoekstra said he is “absolutely furious” that the house intel committee has been refused an intelligence briefing by the DNI or CIA on Hasan’s attempt to reach out to al Qaeda, as first reported by ABC News.
“This is a law enforcement investigation, in which other agencies—not the CIA—have the lead,” CIA spokesman Paul Gimigliano said in a response to ABC News. ” Any suggestion that the CIA refused to brief Congress is incorrect.”
Investigators want to know if Hasan maintained contact with a radical mosque leader from Virginia, Anwar al Awlaki, who now lives in Yemen and runs a web site that promotes jihad around the world against the U.S.
In a blog posting early Monday titled “Nidal Hassan Did the Right Thing,” Awlaki calls Hasan a “hero” and a “man of conscience who could not bear living the contradiction of being a Muslim and serving in an army that is fighting against his own people.”
According to his site, Awlaki served as an imam in Denver, San Diego and Falls Church, Virginia.
The Associated Press reported Sunday that Major Hasan attended the Falls Church mosque when Awlaki was there.
The Telegraph of London reported that Awlaki had made contact with two of the 9/11 hijackers when he was in San Diego.
He denied any knowledge of the hijacking plot and was never charged with any crime. After an intensive investigation by the FBI , Awlaki moved to Yemen.
People who knew or worked with Hasan say he seemed to have gradually become more radical in his disapproval of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On Sunday, Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) called for an investigation into whether the Army missed signs as to whether Hasan was an Islamic extremist.
“If Hasan was showing signs, saying to people that he had become an Islamist extremist, the U.S. Army has to have a zero tolerance,” Lieberman told Fox News Sunday.
This is the weakness of our society. Scum like this guy will use our tolerant culture to commit murder and mayhem.
