The 2007 Approach

Today is the last day of 2006. Every year is an eventful year in world events; this has been an especially eventful year for me. In a lot of ways, I feel as if I'm barely recognizable when compared to the intrepid blogger whose last post of 2005 was a Fly Report.

I intend to be slightly more ambitious in 2007, and that includes blogging. As part of my continuing ambitions, I'm hoping to use TSTF as a vehicle for expanding my own understanding and awareness of international news, political, and security issues. However, this is only one of several ambitious projects I'm hoping to embark upon in the coming weeks.

Having spent roughly thirteen days in my old stomping grounds, I'm preparing tonight to head back to Zoo Station in the morning; I hope to write more on this in the coming days. I've not yet completed my list of resolutions for the upcoming year, but I intend to post these no later than the evening of 01st January 2006. In the mean time, I hope that everyone who reads this post will take the time to leave a few of their goals and ambitions for the upcoming year in the comments section. I'm honestly curious to see what each of you plan to do with the new year.

In retrospect, 2006 was a very difficult and trying year for me in every aspect; that having been said, I believe that true greatness comes from our responses to the challenges we encounter. Am I saying that I've become truly great? Yes... Which is to say, I'm more satisfied with the person I am now than I was a year ago. Calendar year 2006 now stands as a completed challenge, and I anticipate many more rewarding challenges as we enter 2007.

Stay tuned, folks; the best this Fly has to offer is yet to come.

Prelude

You walk out into the sports hall, the lights go down, it's a whole different scene. Light in motion, light in motion, lights up the motion and the sound. It's hard to walk away, when you could have it all; we could have it all... Could have it all someday.

But, love, we'll shine like a burning star, fallen from the sky, tonight. And, love, we'll fall like a burning star, falling from the sky, tonight.

Laziness is Business as Usual

I had expected to get a lot more written while I was up here for my two weeks of holiday. I still intend to get that post about North Korea written up and posted; hopefully tonight, as it's unlikely to be a late one. In my defense, here is a partial list of the folks who I've seen while I've been home.

Anachronism

Shamrock

Ariadne

Carol (former co-worker)

Timber Ghost (former co-worker)

Company Ink (former co-worker)

a Cassie and a Cassy (not at the same time, just ironic)

Stephanie, Young Nathan, Jared, Christine and Joel (Socratics)

Desert Rat Tim

Father Time

Professor Augustus (college mentor)

Heidi and her mom (high school buddy)

Mormon Buddha and Mrs. Mormon Buddha (college buddy)

Lieutenant Colonel Spook (college mentor)

Big Red and Mrs. Big Red (college buddy)

Furious D, Mrs. D, and Baby D (college buddy)

Shelben and Miss Tina (from the radio station)

Squinky (middle school friend)

Super Dave (college buddy)

As I mentioned above, this isn't even a comprehensive list, though there are many others who I would have liked to have seen. I didn't even make time to drive all the way up to Metropolis, which means that I didn't get a chance to see the Dark Horse Sandal Man or The Frenchman. (Also, I think April must have black-listed me or something.) In the next twenty-four hours, the plan calls for meetings with:

M@

Gus and Saint Jen

Christie (college buddy)

the Novus Matriarch and my mother's mother

I think I've probably added a few pounds while I've been here; it's fairly rare to get together for a walk, or to browse through a book store. It seems like every meeting we have with each other involves food in some way. Yesterday I had a breakfast with Furious D five or ten miles west of College City, lunch with Father Time in Hometown, then an appointment for tea back in College City, then an appointment for dinner with M@ (which he totally flaked out on, seriously). Once I get back to Zoo Station, I feel that I shall have no choice but to start actually exercising, as I've said for months that I was going to do. I see it as sort of a slow process.

Once I arrived in Zoo Station eight months ago, I had no time to do all of the things I wanted to do; instead, I went to work, returned to the Station, and did the things I had to do. As I've settled into my routine, I've been able to reliably add things like writing, reading, checking the news, checking my Bible readings, et cetera. Every day, I have a list of things to do that reads as follows:

PT (exercise)

Bible (read one chapter per day)

News (world news: Fox, CNN, BBC)

Read (preferably a book, sometimes Internet)

Write (blogging, journaling, letters)

Work (I can cross this off by showing up)

I have gotten to the point where I'm accomplishing every item on that list on a daily basis, save for the first item. Scheduling is tough, but I think that I can start making this happen; and indeed, I need to start making this happen, not because I'm getting fat and old and out of shape, but because I need to do so for my job and for my future jobs and health. I'm making a point of establishing good habits during this first post-university chapter of my life: good credit, (relatively) good eating habits, reading and writing instead of absorbing television, et cetera. Aside from continuing education (which is in the works), formal physical training (vice the highly physical nature of my job) is the last step in the process of establishing the good habits that I want to follow for the rest of my life.

It's just two days before I pack up my crap and return to Zoo Station. The last couple of weeks haven't been as comprehensive as I would have liked, but they've still been productive. And now, even though I don't have to meet M@ in Capital City for another three hours, I'd better get my Bible chapter and news headlines read and keep moving.

Sweet, if I'd made out a list for this week, I'd have been able to cross off "writing" already today.

Fly Report: 29th December 2006

Good morning. Carthago delenda est.

It's 50° Fahrenheit with clouds and wind in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 24° Fahrenheit with afternoon snow showers.

The average price of oil is $59.97 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.96 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: very cool.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 21 - the Ten Commandments. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh, though admittedly little progress has been made during the sojourn to Hometown.

Still shaken, still in pain; you put me back together again.

Fly Report: 28th December 2006

Good morning. The king called up his jet fighters, he said you better earn your pay; drop your bombs between the minarets, down the Casbah way.

It's 43° Fahrenheit and fair in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 30° Fahrenheit with snow.

The average price of oil is $60.41 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.96 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 20 - the Ten Commandments. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

I was broken and bent out of shape, I was naked in the clothes that you made.

Number One Excellent News Update

I still intend to do those targeted news posts, but due to technical difficulties at the family compound, they'll have to wait a while. There's so much current news that needs to be posted that I've decided to assemble a quick and dirty news update for you folks.

A Sunni tribe in the Anbar province of Iraq are reportedly hunting down al Qaeda terrorists. If this story can be taken at face value, then it's a great thing; one must wonder, however, if this might actually be an attempt to eliminate rival factions or something. If it is a legitimate hunt for al Qaeda terrorists in Iraq, the fact that Iraqis are starting to fight back against the insurgency could be a very positive sign in the continuing development of the new Iraq. In the same vein, this story about a slain soldier's parents' trip to Iraq is worth reading.

My pontiff, Bono, has been given an honorary knighthood by the British Empire for his contributions to music and charity.

Something to keep careful watch of is the increasing power of Gazprom, Russia's state-owned petroleum congomerate. Russia retains some political influence on the world stage, primarily through its permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council and its G8 membership. In a bid to regain political influence, the Russian Federation is exerting more international financial control through arms dealing, nuclear fuel sales, and petroleum exports, the latter being the most public face of the Russian economy at this point in time. As the international political landscape grows increasingly fractured, Russia (and China) have become increasingly influential (and worrisome) by providing whatever marginalized states want, for a price.

A report about Iran's declining oil revenues is worth reading, and if I have an opportunity in the near future to do a post about the continually unfolding situation in Iraq, I'll probably reference it.

For those of you who haven't been following continuing developments in Somalia, the radical Islamist militia known as the Council of Islamic Courts recently declared war on Ethiopia, a largely (but not majority) Christian nation. Ethiopia has responded by joining forces with the legitimate Somali government and pushing the Islamists back, nearly to the capital of Mogadishu. Basically, Somalia is still a god-forsaken war zone, though there's one thing we haven't heard much about lately... Somali pirates!

I was going to post the BBC article to the final story, but it's so skewed that I can't bring myself to do so; instead, we'll go to the Fox News article. Former American President Gerald Ford, one of the most respectable politicians this nation has ever known, has died at the age of ninety-three.

Alright, folks, I've got people to see, and only a few more days here in Hometown to see them. Be aware.

Fly Report: 27th December 2006

Good morning. There's no substitute for friendship... And a Ruger P89.

It's 36° Fahrenheit and fair in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 37° Fahrenheit with afternoon rain and snow.

The average price of oil is $60.65 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.96 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 19 - the Ten Commandments are tomorrow! The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

I'm going nowhere, where I am it is a lot of fun; they're in the desert to dismantle an atomic bomb.

Fly Report: 26th December 2006

Good morning. Linda was mine 'til the time that I found her holding Jim; loving him. Sue came along, loved me strong, that's what I thought; me and Sue, that died, too.

It can't possibly be 111° Fahrenheit in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 40° Fahrenheit with afternoon snow showers.

The average price of oil is $61.84 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.96 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: lame.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 18. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

Love is clockworks and cold steel, fingers to numb to feel.

Stuff Fly Wants: December 2006

Field Gear

British special forces style rucksack (available at Silverman's in London, item number 35116) - £89.99

British SAS smock (available at Silverman's in London, item number 22001) - £90.00

British Desert DPM trousers and shirt

MARPAT Desert Utilities - $67.90

Six Color Desert Utilities - $39.90

Tiger Stripe Utilities - $39.90

U.S. Marine Corps green sweat-wicking uniform T-shirts (3)

U.S. Army ACU tan sweat-wicking uniform T-shirts (3)

UDT/SEAL Team Swimmer Trunks, two, size 36 - $35.95 apiece

Ka-Bar USMC Fighting Knife - $70.83

Spec Ops Brand Light Sheath Deluxe (Tan)

Spec Ops Brand 40MM Pouch (Tan)

Arcteryx Echo Pack (Black or Crocodile)

Miscellaneous Clothing

Royal Marines T-Shirt - £10.96

More Cowbell T-Shirt - $17.99

Position Wanted: Pope T-Shirt - $20.00

Clan Cleland tartan kilt and kilt pin - $400.00-$700.00

Doc Martens steel-toed boots

Household Items

Xbox DVD Movie Playback Kit - $29.99

Union Jack

Amazing Pasta Maker - $39.95 [click me]

Walther PPK

Orkney satellite image

Roman Mainz Gladius

Sheep Skin Rug - price unknown

The Maxim Coffin Coffee Table - $4135.00

Books

Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab - $7.99

The Alphabet of Manliness by Maddox - $15.95 (Amazon price $10.85)

Goldfinger by Ian Fleming - $13.00 (Amazon price $10.79)

Entertainment

MI-5 Volume 4 - $79.98 (Amazon price $55.99)

Best of Chris Isaak (CD & DVD) - $24.98 (Amazon price $22.99)

James Bond Ultimate Collection - Volumes 1, 2, 3, and 4 - $359.92 (Amazon price $234.52)

24 - Seasons 1, 2, 3, and 4 - $269.92 (Amazon price $154.53)

Space Above and Beyond - Complete Series - $41.99 (Amazon price $36.98)

Reno 911! - Season 2 - $39.98 (Amazon price $31.99)

Firefly - Complete Series - $49.98 (Amazon price $24.97)

Kids in the Hall - Seasons 1, 2, 3, and 4 - $179.90 (Amazon price $155.98)

The Life of David Gale - $9.99

Gladiator Extended Edition - $39.98 (Amazon price $29.99)

We Were Soldiers - $12.98 (Amazon price $9.74)

Apocalypse Now Redux

Gattaca - $14.94 (Amazon price $10.99)

Blade Runner - $19.98 (Amazon price $9.97)

Switchfoot - Nothing is Sound - $18.99 (Amazon price $13.99)

Switchfoot - The Legend of Chin - $11.98

Remy Zero - The Golden Hum - $18.98 (Amazon price $14.99)

Stephanie Schneiderman - Touch Down - $15.99

Stephanie Schneiderman - Live at Kung Fu Bakery - $15.98

Go-Go's - Return to the Valley of the Go-Go's - $31.98

Dire Straits - Alchemy - $27.98 (Amazon price $24.99)

Mystical Chants of Carmel by the Carmelite Monks - $18.95

Fly Report: 25th December 2006

Good morning. A week without you, thought I'd forget; two weeks without you and I still haven't gotten over you yet.

It's 41° Fahrenheit in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 31° Fahrenheit with clouds.

The average price of oil is $62.04 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.96 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 18. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

Dies irae... Dies irae...

Fly Report: 22nd December 2006

Good morning. Now it's time to prove that you've come back here to rebuild.

It's 52° Fahrenheit and cloudy in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 28° Fahrenheit with snow.

The average price of oil is $62.44 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.96 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: extremely cool.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 16. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

When I try to sing this song I, I try to stand up, but I can't find my feet.

Najaf Handover

For the record, here's another sign of progress in Iraq: American troops handing control of the Najaf Province over to Iraqi security forces.

Accuracy in Reporting

I'd just like to thank my many loyal readers, who allowed me to keep saying "up nearly two dollars since yesterday's report" for a solid week and a half without pointing out to me that I hadn't pulled the line from my Fly Report template. That was really super.

Depending on what plans creep up on me for tonight, I may start working on (or even finish) the first in that series of reports on various aspects of international relations and security. In the mean time, I have some errands to run and a lunch appointment with Lieutenant Colonel Spook.

Stay classy, readers.

Fly Report: 21st December 2006

Good morning. I'm a connoisseur of feminine pulchritude.

It's 50° Fahrenheit and cloudy in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 31° Fahrenheit with sunshine.

The average price of oil is $62.30 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.96 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 15. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

No one is guaranteed a tomorrow.

Arrivée

I've arrived back in Hometown. For the next few days, blogging will be sporadic (save for Fly Reports); however, I'll be spending 24th and 25th December in near-total solitude, with nothing but Guinness, a good book, movies, and myself. During that time, I'm hoping to put together of those targeted posts that I haven't had time to work on recently (one on NATO with references to Afghanistan, one on North Korea for chickenhawk, and one on the declining pacifism of Germany and Japan).

My social calendar is already filling up fast, which will be a great development since my life at Zoo Station is fairly solitary. I may also try to get some photography in at the beach (or wherever else inspires me). I'm reachable through my mobile or through E-Mail.

Fly Report: 20th December 2006

Good morning. I have no armor left; you've stripped it from me.

It's 41° Fahrenheit with partial clouds in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 32° Fahrenheit with sunshine.

The average price of oil is $62.98 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.97 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 14. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

Don't achieve or grieve without leave.

Fly Report: 18th December 2006

Good morning. I love you; I've loved you all along.

It's 39° Fahrenheit and partly cloudy in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 27° Fahrenheit with sunshine.

The average price of oil is $62.56 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.95 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool. The current photo at the Orkneyjar Photoblog is no longer online.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 14. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

I went with nothing but the thought you'd be there, too, looking for you.

Wandering On

One of my favorite U2 songs (in fact, one of the most beautiful songs ever made) is The Wanderer, released in 1993 on the Zooropa album. The original version of the song featured Johnny Cash on lead vocals.

Johnny Cash died on 12th September 2003, a day when I was doing a morning show on college radio at [Generic University] in order to fill dead airtime. I played The Wanderer, as it was the only Cash song that we could find anywhere in the station (and I happened to have brought it, not even knowing the song was on the Zooropa album). Although Cash's cover of the Nine Inch Nails song Hurt has come to be regarded as his epitaph, I truly feel that The Wanderer is every bit as appropriate.

While searching YouTube to see if there was a video for the song, I discovered a clip of U2 performing a tribute version of the song for a CBS special. Their version, with The Edge on backing vocals, is every bit as good as the original version. Go check it out.

Seventeen Consecutive

Seventeen consecutive days. That's how many days until I head back to work. I have completed my obligations involving gainful employment for the calendar year 2006. I will not work again until 2nd January, 2007. Don't worry, Fly Reports will keep appearing every weekday.

Here are a few things worth noting.

A few weeks ago, as part of my continuing process of professional education at work, I qualified to drive the CUCV and the HMMWV, better known as the "Humvee" or "Hummer". In theory, I could actually pull my military license and show it to women. What woman, other than every woman I've ever dated in the past, would be able to resist me after hearing me say those six magic words: "I'm licensed to drive a Humvee"?

I'm planning to take more pictures tonight or tomorrow at Goldstone. I've put together a matrix of different camera options, and my plan is to check all of the boxes off; that way, I should wind up with at least a few pictures that turn out well, and hopefully some variations. It's a good opportunity to study different film effects... If I can get any of them to turn out. If I can, then they should be some pretty excellent pictures. I may also try to get some night pictures of Joshua Trees... Or maybe I'll save that for my first photographic expedition of 2007.

I'm very satisfied with my Xchair. The one hangup is that it's cold enough at Zoo Station these days that it's tough to sit in without some blanket support; however, I've taken several naps in it, and it's very comfortable. If you're looking for a piece of furniture that's mobile, modular, space-saving, comfortable, or any combination thereof, I highly recommend this chair.

In spite of my busy schedule, I've gotten through two chapters of Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh. I've found it to be very engaging. Karsh's thesis (that Islam is imperialistic by its very nature, as opposed to being imperialistic as a response to Western influence) is an interesting one, and while I'm holding out judgment, his first chapter on Muhammed raises some very interesting points about the economic, social, and political background and how they may have influenced Muhammed's words and actions. Having studied Islamic history in college, and having needed a review, I can honestly say that the second chapter was an excellent refresher on the history of Islam from the death of Muhammed in 632 to the establishment of the Abbassid Dynasty in 750. I look forward to seeing where Karsh's arguments lead.

It pains me to say that the Orkneyjar Photoblog has been shut down. Sigurd Towrie was exeeding his allotted bandwidth, so the beautiful photos had to go. I may suggest to Mr. Towrie that he start a Flickr account.

Well, I have various tasks to complete in preparation for yet another triumphant return to Hometown. I'll try to post a news update either today or tomorrow.

Pain

To quote Monty Python:

Help! Help! I'm being repressed!

Ugh.

Fly Report: 15th December 2006

Good morning. I'm conversationally anal retentive?

It's 41° Fahrenheit with light rain in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 51° Fahrenheit with clouds and wind.

The average price of oil is $62.74 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.96 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool. The current photo at the Orkneyjar Photoblog is no longer online.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 12. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

Contradiction is balance.

Fly Report: 14th December 2006

Good morning. We've got to install microwave ovens.

It's 45° Fahrenheit, cloudy, and windy in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 41° Fahrenheit with clouds.

The average price of oil is $62.15 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.97 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: extremely cool. The current photo at the Orkneyjar Photoblog is unavailable.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 11. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

Reject your weakness.

A Brief Thought

I don't remember whether it's in the Quran, the Hadith, or the Sunnah, but somewhere Muslims received some sort of indication that martyrs would receive seventy-two virgins when they reach Paradise.

For some reason, I was just thinking: what if the situation is a complete misinterpretation on the part of radical Muslims? For example, Christians in Europe and the Americas during the colonial period misinterpreted the Bible, believing that it condoned, or justified, or excused slavery. In reality, such an interpretation took the Bible completely out of its historical context.

What if the situation is the same with the whole thing about seventy-two virgins? What if, instead of a reward, this is meant as some sort of punishment? I'm probably just rambling and neglecting to think this through, but the thought struck me, and since I haven't posted anything for the past few days (and thus, haven't satisfied the writing requirement on my daily "To Do" list) I figured I'd put it on digital "paper".

G'night.

Fly Report: 13th December 2006

Good morning. I'll kill that Mr. Burns! And, uh... Wound, that Mr. Smithers!

It's 45° Fahrenheit and rainy in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 43° Fahrenheit with afternoon showers.

The average price of oil is $61.13 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.97 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool. The current photo at the Orkneyjar Photoblog is unavailable.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 10. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

I can't live with or without you.

Fly Report: 11th December 2006

Good morning. I guess it's fitting that I was in the Navy, because I appear to have become everybody's anchor.

It's (unavailable)° Fahrenheit and rainy in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 39° Fahrenheit with morning snow.

The average price of oil is $62.06 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.96 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool. The current photo at the Orkneyjar Photoblog is not new.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 8. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

I still haven't found what I'm looking for.

An Unwinding Rotation

Back in May, I posted a rotation. I find myself with a little bit of time to write, but very little to write about (save for news updates, and I want a little bit of time before I worry about doing one of those); thus, here is another rotation.

Audio

The Joshua Tree by U2

Twice the Speed of Life by Sugarland

Enjoy the Ride by Sugarland

The Best of Chris Isaak by Chris Isaak

Discozone by O-Zone

Video

Zoo TV Live from Sydney

Spooks Season 1

Battlestar Galactica Season 2.5

Team America: World Police

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Print

Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh

Rainbow Six by Tom Clancy (on deck)

On Guerilla Warfare by Ernesto Guevara (professional development reading only; Guevara was megalomaniacal hack)

Projects

mentally preparing for a two day drive home and a two day drive back to Zoo Station in a week and a half

re-preparing equipment for the field

attempting to stay sane

exercising badly-atrophied Arabic language skills

photographing Goldstone

Thinking

"It would be incomparably convenient if I could develop the ability to ignore women altogether."

"I never in a million years thought that I'd come anywhere close to listening to country music."

"Quo vadimus?"

Fly on Iraq

It's Friday night at Zoo Station, and although I have to work tomorrow, I have an evening to myself. I plan to get some reading done, hopefully two chapters, to make up for the two chapters I missed out on reading over the last couple of days due to my work schedule and due to incessant telephone calls from various individuals. First, though, there are a few things worth noting.

There have been a lot of news stories that I've wanted to post about lately; in fact, I'm considering the option of doing a weekly international security review. At any rate, I may or may not get a news review put together tonight, but I wanted to address today's comment by Father Time.

Is The Fly ducking the Iraq Study Group report?

Hmmm!

I haven't been "ducking" the Iraq Study Group's report; I've honestly been too busy to comment. Although long-time readers of this blog will know what my feelings on the subject are, I may as well post them. Not surprisingly, I think that the "results" of what should really be called the Iraq Surrender Group are ridiculous. The situation in Iraq is horrible, and there seems to be no end in sight. Claiming that the situation is beyond recovery is not the solution. Claiming that we should be seeking help and assistance from Iran and Syria is not the solution. Claiming that there is no longer a viable military solution, as Dr. Kissinger did, is not the solution. Claiming that the situation in Iraq is worse than a civil war, as Kofi Annan did, is not a solution. The Iraq Study Group is just like the 9/11 Commission: worthless political chicanery, attempting unsuccessfully to masquerade as legitimate policy analysis. In fact, high-ranking Iraqi leaders are saying so, calling the group's report "unrealistic and inappropriate".

There is no question that I'm in favor of applying new strategies if they'll help improve the situation. Strategies must change as the situation changes, and we can not employ the same strategy that we used in 2003, or 2004, or 2005 as we prepare to enter 2007. New solutions and approaches are appropriate as new challenges emerge. That having been said, Iraq is not the quagmire that Democrats and anti-Bush lunatics have been declaring it since 2003. There are a lot of bad things happening in Iraq; but there are also a lot of good things happening in Iraq (read about one here) that are getting little or no news coverage at all. The Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police are slowly rising to the challenges before them. Iraqi elections, legitimate ones in which the citizens finally have an authentic say in the political process, have a higher percentage of voters than American elections do. The Iraqi government now has diplomatic relations with former enemies, like Iran, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. People are ready, willing, and able to criticize President Bush, erroneously chant party lines about "no weapons of mass destruction" or "no ties to terrorism", ad malign our courageous military personnel. What about these victories, and the slow but tangible progress being made in the conflict?

The bottom line for me is that the Iraq Study Group is little more than a political circus act aimed at criticizing proactive (and somewhat successful, although flawed) policies aimed at killing a legitimate and horrible threat to America's national security. It accomplishes nothing, and its recommendations are not only ignorant, but amount to nothing less than the same surrender-with-dignity policy that cost us a decisive win in Vietnam.

In the near future, I intend not only to post continuing news updates (I'm still trying to catch up from the deployment back-log), but also some targeted posts on Afghanistan, Japan and Germany, NATO, and a long-awaited post on North Korea that I promised to chickenhawk months ago... But as you can probably imagine, they may take me a while.

Fly Report: 08th December 2006

Good morning. I guess it's fitting that I was in the Navy, because I appear to have become everybody's anchor.

It's (unavailable)° Fahrenheit and rainy in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 42° Fahrenheit with sunshine.

The average price of oil is $63.16 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.96 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool. The current photo at the Orkneyjar Photoblog is not new.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 5. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

You're dangerous; you don't know what you want.

Recent Activity

A few things, just to keep y'all informed.

A few weeks ago I noted that I'd bought a Grundig shortwave radio. On Tuesday evening, I was able to pick up Radio Deutsche Welle, based in Bonn, Germany and China Radio International based in Beijing while I had some down time at work. I know it's simple science, but I still think it's astonishing. Previously, I've picked up Radio Australia (consistently), Voice of America News, Radio Japan, and various stations in Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish, and even one in Arabic.

Last night on my way back to Zoo Station, I drove through Goldstone and took some pictures of some of the dishes. I took the film to Walmart and tried to get it developed in an hour. Big mistake. They developed the film, and in their limited experience (and intelligence), they didn't look at the actual negatives, only what was on the screen. I'll admit that the pictures wound up being overexposed (which is good, it gives me some information to work with for my second attempt), but honestly: look at the friggin' negative. So I looked at the negatives, told them that I could see exactly what was supposed to be on there, and could they just print the pictures anyway and I'd pay for them. Is that so terribly difficult?

When I was at Walmart last night, I bought a few things; a couple of things were purchased again when I went to pick up the (finally) finished pictures today. I bought Team America: World Police and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. I also picked up a new kettle (mine's going under, and doing it fast), two pairs of pajama pants (sweet merciful glaven, these are going to save my life this winter), and two zip-up hooded sweatshirts.

Well, that's all I can think of for now, but I'd just like to reiterate: sometimes, I can't believe how much I rule.

Fly Report: 07th December 2006

Good morning. It was the heat of the moment.

It's 45° Fahrenheit and partly cloudy in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 38° Fahrenheit with sunshine.

The average price of oil is $62.64 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.97 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool. The current photo at the Orkneyjar Photoblog is not new.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 4. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

It's no secret that our world is in darkness tonight.

Fly Report: 06th December 2006

Good morning. A look from you and I would fall from grace, and that would wipe the smile right from my face.

It's 43° Fahrenheit with rain in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 34° Fahrenheit with light snow.

The average price of oil is $62.70 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.97 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool. The current photo at the Orkneyjar Photoblog is not new.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 3. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

In my dream, I was drowning my sorrows; but my sorrows, they learned to swim.

When Parents Visit

How ironic that the Onion would have this blurb up during the week in which my parents come to visit and see my flat for the first time since they helped me move all of my stuff in. Luckily, my rent is lower, and my flat is bigger, than the guy in the article stub.

In addition to my Xchair, which arrived late last week (and will be reviewed by the end of the week), my parents brought me a La-Z-Boy and a four-pack of Guinness logo pint glasses. For my part, I was able to show them around base and take them through to see the dishes at Goldstone, and pay for dinner. That's a great feeling.

I'm getting ready now to have a pre-work breakfast with my dad before I leave for work and the parents leave for Las Vegas. More tonight.

Fly Report: 05th December 2006

Good morning. I never meant to be so bad to you; one thing I said that I would never do.

It's 45° Fahrenheit with light rain in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 36° Fahrenheit with morning snow showers.

The average price of oil is $63.41 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.98 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool. The current photo at the Orkneyjar Photoblog is not new.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 2. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

In my dream, I was drowning my sorrows; but my sorrows, they learned to swim.

Fly Report: 04th December 2006

Good morning. In retrospect, it probably would have been difficult to be married to someone who thinks that root beer tastes like mouthwash.

It's 48° Fahrenheit and rainy in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 34° Fahrenheit with partial clouds.

The average price of oil is $63.18 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.98 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: not loading, and I can't be bothered. The current photo at the Orkneyjar Photoblog is new.

Today's scripture reading is Exodus 1. The Fly is reading Islamic Imperialism by Efraim Karsh.

You say you want diamonds and a ring of gold; but all I want is you.

News at the Speed of Fly

Here's another news update. I'm making progress in backtracking through my list!

A California diocese of the Episcopal Church has taken additional steps toward secession from the denomination. This is in response to a dramatic increase in open and unabashed heresy in recent years.

British troops in Afghanistan continue to complain about insufficient supplies and equipment, including armored vehicles, and even ammunition.

Keeping things light, a Japanese broadcaster has set the Guinness world record for most weekly hours on the air. Do yourself a favor, and go look at the picture of this guy. Hilarious!

And last but not least, lately I've heard a number of claims about how the United States "created" Osama bin Laden. The latest claim was a rumor that bin Laden had trained at Fort Knox. This is all patently absurd, and since I've heard this drivel so frequently lately, I'm reposting this article by Richard Miniter, which goes into excellent detail in disproving the claim that the CIA ever supported bin Laden.

Right then. More later.

Archaeology Watch Update

I'll have a news update for you folks tomorrow. In the interim, here's an Archaeology Watch update.

A device known as the Antikythera Mechanism was discovered more than a century ago in a Roman shipwreck. Scientists now believe that the device is an analog computer used to calculate and display astronomical cycles. This information has been published in the science journal Nature.

Archaeologists in Egypt will be excavating and preserving pharaonic tombs in Luxor. Unfortunately, this will require the demolition of the existing village of Qurna and the relocation of several thousand families to a new site several kilometers away.

And finally, crews have discovered a Roman sarcophagus beneath a church near Trafalgar square. (BBC) The sarcophagus and its headless occupant date back to around 410 AD; researchers speculate that the head may have been removed by Victorian-era workers who were installing a swer system adjacent to the burial site. The sarcophagus is being moved to the Museum of London.

More news tomorrow morning.

The Last Kazakh Samurai

Good grief, it's December. Who let that happen?

A former TSTF reader/commentator has a brother who's working as a missionary to Kazakhstan. Last night she sent me a link to a video that he and his buddies made over there that's been posted on Youtube: The Last Kazakh Samurai.

Fly Report: 01st December 2006

Good morning. In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

It's 48° Fahrenheit and partly cloudy in Kirkwall. In Cody, the forecast calls for a high of 22° Fahrenheit with snow.

The average price of oil is $62.79 per barrel. The exchange rate is $1.97 for £1, or £0.51 for $1.

Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is: cool. The current photo at the Orkneyjar Photoblog is not new.

Today's scripture reading is 2 Timothy 2. The Fly is reading "From Russia, With Love" by Ian Fleming.

You give me something I can feel.