Pretty boring day today. Work, lunch, nap, grocery store, dinner, laundry, dishes, change oil, bathe rabbit's poo butt, update blog, bed. Somebody stop me--all this excitement is going to kill me.
Sunday, September 30, 2001
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Saturday, September 29, 2001
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We barbequed burgers on the grill for dinner tonight. YUM! Now I'm watching one of my favorite movies, "Rock 'n' Roll High School," starring the Ramones. I know their music is silly, but I really like it. I spent 9 hours prepping stuff today at work, making up for yesterday's fiasco. Unfortunatley, I was still at the one store when the manager got there. He apologized for the mixer. If he was truly sorry, he would've made some dough. Oh, well. I should be in bed, but I don't want to go right now. It took me way too many attempts to get a decent internet connection and I didn't want to just dump it after checking my email. I'm trying to download a song with Bearshare. I hate having dial-up. It took me two hours to get one song the other day. I need to get over to my dad's house and use his cable connection.
Friday, September 28, 2001
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Man, I was so mad at work this morning I almost quit. The dough mixer at one of the stores has been broken for months. The little pin that holds the hook on (the part that mixes the ingredients) came off. We've tried JB Welding it back in its hole, but the force of mixing dough always breaks the weld. Since the store's sales have been so bad, I'm sure the manager doesn't want to tell the owner because it'll be really expensive to get it fixed. Anyway, he tried to JB Weld it again. If you've ever used that stuff, you know you have to clamp it while it dries. It expands as it dries, or something. Well, he obviously didn't since the pin sticks out about 1/4 inch too far. I had a whole mixing bowl full of ingredients ready to go and I try to put the hook on and it wouldn't go. That's when I realized he had tried to fix it. Well, I can't mix dough if I can't get the hook on. I ended up trashing the whole batch (think of how fun it was trying to get 38 pounds of wet flour and 23 pounds of water to the dumpster). Now I have to do two day's worth tomorrow (if they got it fixed). I was already torqued because they threw out some other dough because it "blew." That's when it proofs too much, becomes too airy, falls and can't be used to make pizzas. It usually happens when they pull it out of the walkin to speed up the proofing process and leave it out too long. The dough gets warm and the yeast activity goes nuts. Waste of my time when they do that. I get paid on sales, not on the dough I make. The manager of the other store I work at told me I could always make the dough at that store and truck it over to the other one. No f***ing way. If it comes to that, the idiot that caused this can do it. Once upon a time I was a loyal enough employee that I would've done it, but I won't give on this one.
I keep hearing people talk about how everyone is acting nicer to one another since the events of September 11th. I'm not seeing it. I was in Hobby Lobby today looking at stuff and people kept running into me, pushing me out of the way, etc. and not one "excuse me" from the bunch. When I excused myself to people, I was looked at like I was speaking a foreign language. Even the "thank you" and smile I issued to the clerk at 7-11 today was greeted with a scowl.
I keep hearing people talk about how everyone is acting nicer to one another since the events of September 11th. I'm not seeing it. I was in Hobby Lobby today looking at stuff and people kept running into me, pushing me out of the way, etc. and not one "excuse me" from the bunch. When I excused myself to people, I was looked at like I was speaking a foreign language. Even the "thank you" and smile I issued to the clerk at 7-11 today was greeted with a scowl.
Fri
28
Sep
2001
2001
They interviewed this guy on 850 KOA's morning news about this letter.
AN OPEN LETTER TO AMERICANS
From: Dr. Tony Kern, LTC, USAF (Ret)
Recently, I was asked to look at the recent events through the lens of military history. I have joined the cast of thousands who have written an "open letter to Americans."
14 September, 2001
Dear friends and fellow Americans,
Like everyone else in this great country, I am reeling from last week's attack on our sovereignty. But unlike some, I am not reeling from surprise. As a career soldier and a student and teacher of military history, I have a different perspective and I think you should hear it.
This war will be won or lost by the American citizens, not diplomats, politicians or soldiers.
Let me briefly explain.
In spite of what the media, and even our own government is telling us, this act was not committed by a group of mentally deranged fanatics. To dismiss them as such would be among the gravest of mistakes. This attack was committed by a ferocious, intelligent and dedicated adversary. Don't take this the wrong way. I don't admire these men and I deplore their tactics, but I respect their capabilities.
The many parallels that have been made with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor are apropos. Not only because it was a brilliant sneak attack against a complacent America, but also because we may well be pulling our new adversaries out of caves 30 years after we think this war is over, just like my father's generation had to do with the formidable Japanese in the years following WW II.
These men hate the United States with all of their being, and we must not underestimate the power of their moral commitment. Napoleon, perhaps the world's greatest combination of soldier and statesman, stated "the moral is to the physical as three is to one." Patton thought the Frenchman underestimated its importance and said moral conviction was five times more important in battle than physical strength. Our enemies are willing - better said anxious ? to give their lives for their cause.
How committed are we Americans? And for how long?
In addition to demonstrating great moral conviction, the recent attack demonstrated a mastery of some of the basic fundamentals of warfare taught to most military officers worldwide, namely simplicity, security and surprise. When I first heard rumors that some of these men may have been trained at our own Air War College, it made perfect sense to me.
This was not a random act of violence, and we can expect the same sort of military competence to be displayed in the battle to come. This war will escalate, with a good portion of it happening right here in the good ol' U.S.A. These men will not go easily into the night. They do not fear us.
We must not fear them.
In spite of our overwhelming conventional strength as the world's only "superpower" (a truly silly term), we are the underdog in this fight. As you listen to the carefully scripted rhetoric designed to prepare us for the march for war, please realize that America is not equipped or seriously trained for the battle ahead. To be certain, our soldiers are much better than the enemy, and we have some excellent "counter terrorist" organizations, but they are mostly trained for hostage rescues, airfield seizures, or the occasional "body snatch," (which may come in handy).
We will be fighting a war of annihilation, because if their early efforts are any indication, our enemy is ready and willing to die to the last man. Eradicating the enemy will be costly and time consuming. They have already deployed their forces in as many as 20 countries, and are likely living the lives of everyday citizens.
Simply put, our soldiers will be tasked with a "search and destroy mission" on multiple foreign landscapes, and the public must be patient and supportive until the strategy and tactics can be worked out.
For the most part, our military is still in the process of redefining itself and presided over by men and women who grew up with - and were promoted because they excelled in - Cold War doctrine, strategy and tactics.
This will not be linear warfare, there will be no clear "centers of gravity" to strike with high technology weapons. Our vast technological edge will certainly be helpful, but it will not be decisive.
Perhaps the perfect metaphor for the coming battle was introduced by the terrorists themselves aboard the hijacked aircraft ? this will be a knife fight, and it will be won or lost by the ingenuity and will of citizens and soldiers, not by software or smart bombs. We must also be patient with our military leaders.
Unlike Americans who are eager to put this messy time behind us, our adversaries have time on their side, and they will use it. They plan to fight a battle of attrition, hoping to drag the battle out until the American public loses its will to fight.
This might be difficult to believe in this euphoric time of flag waving and patriotism, but it is generally acknowledged that America lacks the stomach for a long fight. We need only look as far back as Vietnam, when North Vietnamese General Vo Nguyen Giap (also a military history teacher) defeated the United States of America without ever winning a major tactical battle.
American soldiers who marched to war cheered on by flag waving Americans in 1965 were reviled and spat upon less than three years later when they returned.
Although we hope that Osama Bin Laden is no Giap, he is certain to understand and employ the concept. We can expect not only large doses of pain like the recent attacks, but also less audacious "sand in the gears" tactics, ranging from livestock infestations to attacks at water supplies and power distribution facilities.
These attacks are designed to hit us in our "comfort zone" forcing the average American to "pay more and play less" and eventually eroding our resolve. But it can only work if we let it.
It is clear to me that the will of the American citizenry - you and I - is the center of gravity the enemy has targeted. It will be the fulcrum upon which victory or defeat will turn. He believes us to be soft, impatient, and self-centered. He may be right, but if so, we must change.
The Prussian general Carl von Clausewitz, (the most often quoted and least read military theorist in history), says that there is a "remarkable trinity of war" that is composed of the (1) will of the people, (2) the political leadership of the government, and (3) the chance and probability that plays out on the field of battle, in that order.
Every American citizen was in the crosshairs of last Tuesday's attack, not just those that were unfortunate enough to be in the World Trade Center or Pentagon. The will of the American people will decide this war. If we are to win, it will be because we have what it takes to persevere through a few more hits, learn from our mistakes, improvise, and adapt. If we can do that, we will eventually prevail.
Everyone I've talked to in the past few days has shared a common frustration, saying in one form or another "I just wish I could do something!" You are already doing it. Just keep faith in America, and continue to support your President and military, and the outcome is certain.
If we fail to do so, the outcome is equally certain.
God Bless America!
Dr. Tony Kern, LTC, USAF (Ret) Former Director of Military History, United States Air Force Academy
From: Dr. Tony Kern, LTC, USAF (Ret)
Recently, I was asked to look at the recent events through the lens of military history. I have joined the cast of thousands who have written an "open letter to Americans."
14 September, 2001
Dear friends and fellow Americans,
Like everyone else in this great country, I am reeling from last week's attack on our sovereignty. But unlike some, I am not reeling from surprise. As a career soldier and a student and teacher of military history, I have a different perspective and I think you should hear it.
This war will be won or lost by the American citizens, not diplomats, politicians or soldiers.
Let me briefly explain.
In spite of what the media, and even our own government is telling us, this act was not committed by a group of mentally deranged fanatics. To dismiss them as such would be among the gravest of mistakes. This attack was committed by a ferocious, intelligent and dedicated adversary. Don't take this the wrong way. I don't admire these men and I deplore their tactics, but I respect their capabilities.
The many parallels that have been made with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor are apropos. Not only because it was a brilliant sneak attack against a complacent America, but also because we may well be pulling our new adversaries out of caves 30 years after we think this war is over, just like my father's generation had to do with the formidable Japanese in the years following WW II.
These men hate the United States with all of their being, and we must not underestimate the power of their moral commitment. Napoleon, perhaps the world's greatest combination of soldier and statesman, stated "the moral is to the physical as three is to one." Patton thought the Frenchman underestimated its importance and said moral conviction was five times more important in battle than physical strength. Our enemies are willing - better said anxious ? to give their lives for their cause.
How committed are we Americans? And for how long?
In addition to demonstrating great moral conviction, the recent attack demonstrated a mastery of some of the basic fundamentals of warfare taught to most military officers worldwide, namely simplicity, security and surprise. When I first heard rumors that some of these men may have been trained at our own Air War College, it made perfect sense to me.
This was not a random act of violence, and we can expect the same sort of military competence to be displayed in the battle to come. This war will escalate, with a good portion of it happening right here in the good ol' U.S.A. These men will not go easily into the night. They do not fear us.
We must not fear them.
In spite of our overwhelming conventional strength as the world's only "superpower" (a truly silly term), we are the underdog in this fight. As you listen to the carefully scripted rhetoric designed to prepare us for the march for war, please realize that America is not equipped or seriously trained for the battle ahead. To be certain, our soldiers are much better than the enemy, and we have some excellent "counter terrorist" organizations, but they are mostly trained for hostage rescues, airfield seizures, or the occasional "body snatch," (which may come in handy).
We will be fighting a war of annihilation, because if their early efforts are any indication, our enemy is ready and willing to die to the last man. Eradicating the enemy will be costly and time consuming. They have already deployed their forces in as many as 20 countries, and are likely living the lives of everyday citizens.
Simply put, our soldiers will be tasked with a "search and destroy mission" on multiple foreign landscapes, and the public must be patient and supportive until the strategy and tactics can be worked out.
For the most part, our military is still in the process of redefining itself and presided over by men and women who grew up with - and were promoted because they excelled in - Cold War doctrine, strategy and tactics.
This will not be linear warfare, there will be no clear "centers of gravity" to strike with high technology weapons. Our vast technological edge will certainly be helpful, but it will not be decisive.
Perhaps the perfect metaphor for the coming battle was introduced by the terrorists themselves aboard the hijacked aircraft ? this will be a knife fight, and it will be won or lost by the ingenuity and will of citizens and soldiers, not by software or smart bombs. We must also be patient with our military leaders.
Unlike Americans who are eager to put this messy time behind us, our adversaries have time on their side, and they will use it. They plan to fight a battle of attrition, hoping to drag the battle out until the American public loses its will to fight.
This might be difficult to believe in this euphoric time of flag waving and patriotism, but it is generally acknowledged that America lacks the stomach for a long fight. We need only look as far back as Vietnam, when North Vietnamese General Vo Nguyen Giap (also a military history teacher) defeated the United States of America without ever winning a major tactical battle.
American soldiers who marched to war cheered on by flag waving Americans in 1965 were reviled and spat upon less than three years later when they returned.
Although we hope that Osama Bin Laden is no Giap, he is certain to understand and employ the concept. We can expect not only large doses of pain like the recent attacks, but also less audacious "sand in the gears" tactics, ranging from livestock infestations to attacks at water supplies and power distribution facilities.
These attacks are designed to hit us in our "comfort zone" forcing the average American to "pay more and play less" and eventually eroding our resolve. But it can only work if we let it.
It is clear to me that the will of the American citizenry - you and I - is the center of gravity the enemy has targeted. It will be the fulcrum upon which victory or defeat will turn. He believes us to be soft, impatient, and self-centered. He may be right, but if so, we must change.
The Prussian general Carl von Clausewitz, (the most often quoted and least read military theorist in history), says that there is a "remarkable trinity of war" that is composed of the (1) will of the people, (2) the political leadership of the government, and (3) the chance and probability that plays out on the field of battle, in that order.
Every American citizen was in the crosshairs of last Tuesday's attack, not just those that were unfortunate enough to be in the World Trade Center or Pentagon. The will of the American people will decide this war. If we are to win, it will be because we have what it takes to persevere through a few more hits, learn from our mistakes, improvise, and adapt. If we can do that, we will eventually prevail.
Everyone I've talked to in the past few days has shared a common frustration, saying in one form or another "I just wish I could do something!" You are already doing it. Just keep faith in America, and continue to support your President and military, and the outcome is certain.
If we fail to do so, the outcome is equally certain.
God Bless America!
Dr. Tony Kern, LTC, USAF (Ret) Former Director of Military History, United States Air Force Academy
Wednesday, September 26, 2001
Wed
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2001
Am I the only one who is totally annoyed with people who can't/won't try to use proper English on their blogs? I have absolutely no patience to try and decipher what someone is trying to say.
Name: LaDonna
LaDonna is the #687 most common female first name. 0.016% of females in the US are named LaDonna. Around 19,600 US females are named LaDonna!
source: namestatistics.com (no longer online)
source: namestatistics.com (no longer online)
|
LOCATION: Black Hills, SD DOB: September 11 SEX: Female |
SIGN: Virgo STATUS: Shacking Up FAV COLOR: Green |
