Thursday, May 31, 2007

 

last night's police drama ii


last night's police drama ii
Originally uploaded by Yakima_gulag
Just thought I'd let you know, I also had film of it here on the blog..

 

Dinner is Served!


Dinner is Served!
Originally uploaded by Yakima_gulag
Dinner kod mene

 

Last Day of May;

Kosovo Serb Leaders Accuse West of Ethnic Cleansing

http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level_English.php?cat=Politics&loid=8.0.420415322&par=0

So, some young Serbian couples decide to go West, incidentally a lot of them might have chosen to go to the West even if there were no problems in Kosovo. Serbs have been leaving Kosovo since the Great Great Migration after all....



So if the West forbids young Serbian couples to enter their countries, that violates their individual human rights, and if they allow them that's somehow 'ethnic cleansing'. A total no win situation.

No Forcible Return of Refugees to Kosovo

http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGEUR700042007



Kosovo Police Arrest 8, Raid Homes

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/31/europe/EU-GEN-Kosovo-Arrests.php



U.N. Forces in BiH Hunting War Crimina

http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=1750286&Language=en


Croatian minister under pressure over driver

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/31/europe/EU-GEN-Croatia-Ministers-Driver.php

(Death to over long headlines!)

and a couple 'Mind Improvement' stories:

Cow's Mass Grave Death Sets off Legal Row

http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,21830375-5012784,00.html

The whole thing could be mistaken for a Mujo and Haso joke...

and this is pretty sad and tasteless...

Huge Breast Implants Deform Bulgarian Pop Diva's Spine

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=81322

Oh in Spanish they have a saying to not put away your long underwear until the 40th of May... well it's the 41st of May as far as I'm concerned!





Wednesday, May 30, 2007

 

Back Home

Bosnian Prison Boss fired after Prisoner's Escape
Bosnia seeks war crime fugitive convic

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2007/05/30/bosnia_seeks_war_crime_fugitive_convict/2578/


http://news.monstersandcritics.com/europe/news/article_1311190.php/Bosnian_prison_boss_fired_after_war_criminals_escapeye

12 Arrested in Serbia for War Crimes Against Croats

http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level_English.php?cat=Security&loid=8.0.419976102&par=0

Earlier Report on Above Story

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=Rest+of+the+World&month=May2007&file=World_News2007053085416.xml

Radmanovic: Kosovo Independance Dangerous for Entire Western Balkans

http://www.tasr.sk/indeng.php?mode=single&id=NTgwNzU5Nw==

Russian and West May be Ready for Kosovo Compromise

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKL2834304920070528?rpc=401&

Turkey Takes Over Command of Multi-National Force in Kosovo

http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=178751&s=&i=&t=Turkey_Takes_Over_Command_Of_Multinational_Task_Force_In_Kosovo


I am back home, back to the fray of dealing with all the various repairs. Just not right now, I'm doing my hair, which is a major undertaking as I have a lot of hair. I woke up late. Last night my little grand daughter wasn't well so neither I nor her father got decent sleep, my daughter had to sleep because s he only gets four hours at the best of times due to her work schedule. Baker's hours are just not as nice as Banker's hours! :(. So after being the recipient of some fantastic projectile vomiting, and trying to comfort a really sick child, I slept late yesterday, and when my daughter got off work she and I did some retail therapy, and hung out here, she weeded a flower bed for me and we discovered the Lilies of the Valley are back! :) I could have killed my fiance early on when he pulled up the leaves from it to protect some chocolate he left for me. He should have KNOWN they were Lilies of the Valley! They have taken this long to really come back. It's a very long time ago that he did that!

It's hot here, I am not looking forward to any out door stuff to do. I am doing the oven and floors instead, as that will keep me indoors. I sprayed the oven with some solvent earlier and once my hair is out of the way I'll do it, then I'll do the kitchen floor.
Then

Wow, in Evensville Indiana an F-16 crashed. That just happened now.
I don't like the latest Supreme Court decision on the rights of employees to sue over pay discrimination. I think companies have WAY too damn much power anyway. No one should talk about the power of the government before they look at the power of companies to mess with employees.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

 

I had no idea that

They have wild leopards in Israel!

Check this out! It's NUTS! Via BoingBoing

Man in Underwear Wrestles Leopard

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/05/28/international/i124848D01.DTL&hw=Man+wrestles+pins+leopard&sn=001&sc=1000

Monday, May 28, 2007

 

Late Updates

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\05\29\story_29-5-2007_pg9_1">Romanian Film Wins at Cannes

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\05\29\story_29-5-2007_pg9_1

BushPutin Agree to discuss Kosovo at G-8 Summit

http://www.cbs8.com/stories/story.91616.html

http://www.blogger.com/cu_no=">Ethnic Albanians Threaten to Leave Macedonian Government

Bosnian'>http://www.stonepages.com/news/archives/002389.html">Bosnian Archeologists Fight Looters

http://www.stonepages.com/news/archives/002389.html

The Bridge on the Drina

http://www.stonepages.com/news/archives/002389.html

Alright, things differ at the dacha, please forgive the many ways this post is wierd, I can't make my own computer work here, and the son in law's computer does different stuff.
I don't know how to make it look like it does at home, sorry for the wierdness.




 

The quiet countryside....

http://www.slobodnadalmacija.com/20070528/novosti01.asp">Dalmatinci žive najduže, a Zagorci najkraće

http://www.slobodnadalmacija.com/20070528/novosti01.asp

There isn't any easy way to gset at my other news sources, but this story is of interest. I'm not surprised people from Dalmacija live longer, it's a good place to live, This isn't to say that Zagorije is bad or anything, having traveled through that area, I like it too. Probably it's diet and climate that make the difference. The climate is harsher in Zagorije in winter.

Even if you don't read Croatian, check the article out anyway because it has some nice pictures of people in the traditional Croatian clothes.

Here at the dacha, the dog was delighted that I woke up early to feed him, He ate all that he was fed. Every other time I've stayed to watch him, he hasn't eatten well, which in a funny way hurt my feelings. I think he didn't realize before that I am a member of the family, even if he realized that I mean well and wanted him to be happy. He's a very good natured dog, very friendly and loyal.

I have been watching the History Channel a lot, mostly to spare my shortwave batteries. I listened to some of my usual shows last night though.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

 

Dear Readers:

Not a huge lot of news, and not much way to get at it from the dacha, they have crazy mad firewalls that block a lot of sites I frequent, so this is it for today.

http://www.slobodnadalmacija.com/20070527/novosti01.asp

Još do 10 časnika i ministara
na popisu ratnih zločinaca

Saturday, May 26, 2007

 

Gentle Readers:

I am blogging from elsewhere, and getting things up has posed a few challenges, no just at the dacha not out of the country yet.

I have had massive yard work done, but the guy's chainsaw died while he was working on the big Siberian Elm behind the garaza, and he discovered a terrible mess of half dead white lilac bushes. I really knew he'd be sad if I didn't offer a little more for this job, it's one thing to have him work cheap, which he is, it's another thing to totally exploit the guy! So I said, 'Look, this is WAY more work than either of us thought, and I think it's only fair to pay you more. Let me arrange to make that possible and you can come finish up then.' He was glad I did that. He's given me quite a bit of discount for refering people to him. I think getting that mess out really is WAY more important than painting the place, and it's a big job, and has GOT to be done. I got the water going on that area because it's basically a really nasty fire hazard. We have some drkar in town that sets fires, and he hasn't been caught yet. Anyway, that's why I'm late this morning in setting up the blog. My wireless isn't working here, I brought my computer more so I would not worry about it in my absence, and I have call forwarding on so that if anyone wants to buy the things I put in my ad they can get hold of me. Basically one thing is sold. The book case with doors. The other one is missing some veneer, and the guy didn't want it. But he did like the one with doors so I told him I'd hold it for him and tell folks it was sold, since he actually liked it. I've seen him around school, He works out at Yakima Gulag People's Institute of Higer Re:Education.Every time I go outside the dog wants to hang out which is fine, I like the dog, he's a good dog, and the birds fly around because they don't like people in the yard. The birds all have babies right now. I should have some great chances to photograph birds here.

Friday, May 25, 2007

 

Midnight at the Sushi Bar...



Not Balkans related, but I found it cool, but what's the BABY doing out at that hour of the night? Maybe Japan is not so 'repressed' a society as I had thought! :)

 

This is too funny for words.....or maybe too pathetic for words....

Sabor in chaos over YouTube videos

http://www.boingboing.net/2007/05/25/croatian_parliament_.html

and wonderful proverbs are related in this article:

Lost and Found in Translation

http://www.smh.com.au/news/words/the-proverbial-lost-and-found-in-translation/2007/05/24/1179601562859.html

Chinese goods and the dangers involved

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10410111

Today's rant, on the subject of China, I think we in the U.S., perhaps the whole world ought to boycott Chinese goods of all kinds indefinately, first the poisonous stuff they sent for dog and cat foods, that wound up in pig and chicken food, then the anti-freeze tooth paste, jebiga, are they trying to poison us all? No seriously, they don't treat their own people any too well, and they just don't give a shit, we should boycott their cheap crap until such time as they 1. APPOLOGIZE, 2. Give proof that their goods are safe for human and animal consumption.

The other part of todays rant is I wonder WHY the Hell do we have an F.D.A. it's not doing it's job very well that stuff like this gets by them. They obviously are understaffed, or otherwise unable to do the job.

My proposal is any poisoned goods or drugs or food from other countries should result in trade sanctions immediately. I think the U.S. should also be subject to such sanctions if goods from our country are a problem, after all it has happened, the bad kidney dialysis solution a few years ago, that ended up in Croatia for example, if I were in charge in Croatia, alternate sources for this solution would be found IMMEDIATELY.

The world has admittedly become more complex in terms of commerce, and that means we need to see companies be MORE, not less trustworthy.

On a personal note: The last of the horrid Siberian Elms is going to be taken down today. It's halfway dead, an unusual situation with a Siberian Elm, that means that it ESPCIALLY should come down. The guy is coming today to finish it off. It really came to more work, and while I hate having been hit up for more money, in all fairness, it's justified. So while not exactly cheerful about it, I am not going to grumble too much either....
I want to say that I really tried to find someone to cut that stuff down when it was not so tall, and I had bad luck with finding anyone to do that job. It was always something, at least this guy has been good about showing up and doing the damn job.

Hoping all Amerikanci have a lovely Memorial Day weekend.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

 

Recomended by the Ministarstvo Kultur



Bilja Krstic, I don't know anything about her, but I love how she sings.

 

I'm not normally a WorldNetDaily Reader but....

You Need to See this

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55824

This was information publicized on the George Noory Coast to Coast broadcast last night.

It REALLY and Truely IS on the White House website, the REAL White House website, this is not a joke. This is not cute. This is not funny.

Presidential Directive

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070509-12.html

Just in case they take it down sometime soon, a copy follows for your information.

decoration
Home > News & Policies > May 2007

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 9, 2007

National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive

NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE/NSPD 51

HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE/HSPD-20

Subject: National Continuity Policy

Purpose

(1) This directive establishes a comprehensive national policy on the continuity of Federal Government structures and operations and a single National Continuity Coordinator responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of Federal continuity policies. This policy establishes "National Essential Functions," prescribes continuity requirements for all executive departments and agencies, and provides guidance for State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector organizations in order to ensure a comprehensive and integrated national continuity program that will enhance the credibility of our national security posture and enable a more rapid and effective response to and recovery from a national emergency.

Definitions

(2) In this directive:

(a) "Category" refers to the categories of executive departments and agencies listed in Annex A to this directive;

(b) "Catastrophic Emergency" means any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the U.S. population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions;

(c) "Continuity of Government," or "COG," means a coordinated effort within the Federal Government's executive branch to ensure that National Essential Functions continue to be performed during a Catastrophic Emergency;

(d) "Continuity of Operations," or "COOP," means an effort within individual executive departments and agencies to ensure that Primary Mission-Essential Functions continue to be performed during a wide range of emergencies, including localized acts of nature, accidents, and technological or attack-related emergencies;

(e) "Enduring Constitutional Government," or "ECG," means a cooperative effort among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Federal Government, coordinated by the President, as a matter of comity with respect to the legislative and judicial branches and with proper respect for the constitutional separation of powers among the branches, to preserve the constitutional framework under which the Nation is governed and the capability of all three branches of government to execute constitutional responsibilities and provide for orderly succession, appropriate transition of leadership, and interoperability and support of the National Essential Functions during a catastrophic emergency;

(f) "Executive Departments and Agencies" means the executive departments enumerated in 5 U.S.C. 101, independent establishments as defined by 5 U.S.C. 104(1), Government corporations as defined by 5 U.S.C. 103(1), and the United States Postal Service;

(g) "Government Functions" means the collective functions of the heads of executive departments and agencies as defined by statute, regulation, presidential direction, or other legal authority, and the functions of the legislative and judicial branches;

(h) "National Essential Functions," or "NEFs," means that subset of Government Functions that are necessary to lead and sustain the Nation during a catastrophic emergency and that, therefore, must be supported through COOP and COG capabilities; and

(i) "Primary Mission Essential Functions," or "PMEFs," means those Government Functions that must be performed in order to support or implement the performance of NEFs before, during, and in the aftermath of an emergency.

Policy

(3) It is the policy of the United States to maintain a comprehensive and effective continuity capability composed of Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government programs in order to ensure the preservation of our form of government under the Constitution and the continuing performance of National Essential Functions under all conditions.

Implementation Actions

(4) Continuity requirements shall be incorporated into daily operations of all executive departments and agencies. As a result of the asymmetric threat environment, adequate warning of potential emergencies that could pose a significant risk to the homeland might not be available, and therefore all continuity planning shall be based on the assumption that no such warning will be received. Emphasis will be placed upon geographic dispersion of leadership, staff, and infrastructure in order to increase survivability and maintain uninterrupted Government Functions. Risk management principles shall be applied to ensure that appropriate operational readiness decisions are based on the probability of an attack or other incident and its consequences.

(5) The following NEFs are the foundation for all continuity programs and capabilities and represent the overarching responsibilities of the Federal Government to lead and sustain the Nation during a crisis, and therefore sustaining the following NEFs shall be the primary focus of the Federal Government leadership during and in the aftermath of an emergency that adversely affects the performance of Government Functions:

(a) Ensuring the continued functioning of our form of government under the Constitution, including the functioning of the three separate branches of government;

(b) Providing leadership visible to the Nation and the world and maintaining the trust and confidence of the American people;

(c) Defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and preventing or interdicting attacks against the United States or its people, property, or interests;

(d) Maintaining and fostering effective relationships with foreign nations;

(e) Protecting against threats to the homeland and bringing to justice perpetrators of crimes or attacks against the United States or its people, property, or interests;

(f) Providing rapid and effective response to and recovery from the domestic consequences of an attack or other incident;

(g) Protecting and stabilizing the Nation's economy and ensuring public confidence in its financial systems; and

(h) Providing for critical Federal Government services that address the national health, safety, and welfare needs of the United States.

(6) The President shall lead the activities of the Federal Government for ensuring constitutional government. In order to advise and assist the President in that function, the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism (APHS/CT) is hereby designated as the National Continuity Coordinator. The National Continuity Coordinator, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), without exercising directive authority, shall coordinate the development and implementation of continuity policy for executive departments and agencies. The Continuity Policy Coordination Committee (CPCC), chaired by a Senior Director from the Homeland Security Council staff, designated by the National Continuity Coordinator, shall be the main day-to-day forum for such policy coordination.

(7) For continuity purposes, each executive department and agency is assigned to a category in accordance with the nature and characteristics of its national security roles and responsibilities in support of the Federal Government's ability to sustain the NEFs. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall serve as the President's lead agent for coordinating overall continuity operations and activities of executive departments and agencies, and in such role shall perform the responsibilities set forth for the Secretary in sections 10 and 16 of this directive.

(8) The National Continuity Coordinator, in consultation with the heads of appropriate executive departments and agencies, will lead the development of a National Continuity Implementation Plan (Plan), which shall include prioritized goals and objectives, a concept of operations, performance metrics by which to measure continuity readiness, procedures for continuity and incident management activities, and clear direction to executive department and agency continuity coordinators, as well as guidance to promote interoperability of Federal Government continuity programs and procedures with State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector owners and operators of critical infrastructure, as appropriate. The Plan shall be submitted to the President for approval not later than 90 days after the date of this directive.

(9) Recognizing that each branch of the Federal Government is responsible for its own continuity programs, an official designated by the Chief of Staff to the President shall ensure that the executive branch's COOP and COG policies in support of ECG efforts are appropriately coordinated with those of the legislative and judicial branches in order to ensure interoperability and allocate national assets efficiently to maintain a functioning Federal Government.

(10) Federal Government COOP, COG, and ECG plans and operations shall be appropriately integrated with the emergency plans and capabilities of State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector owners and operators of critical infrastructure, as appropriate, in order to promote interoperability and to prevent redundancies and conflicting lines of authority. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall coordinate the integration of Federal continuity plans and operations with State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector owners and operators of critical infrastructure, as appropriate, in order to provide for the delivery of essential services during an emergency.

(11) Continuity requirements for the Executive Office of the President (EOP) and executive departments and agencies shall include the following:

(a) The continuation of the performance of PMEFs during any emergency must be for a period up to 30 days or until normal operations can be resumed, and the capability to be fully operational at alternate sites as soon as possible after the occurrence of an emergency, but not later than 12 hours after COOP activation;

(b) Succession orders and pre-planned devolution of authorities that ensure the emergency delegation of authority must be planned and documented in advance in accordance with applicable law;

(c) Vital resources, facilities, and records must be safeguarded, and official access to them must be provided;

(d) Provision must be made for the acquisition of the resources necessary for continuity operations on an emergency basis;

(e) Provision must be made for the availability and redundancy of critical communications capabilities at alternate sites in order to support connectivity between and among key government leadership, internal elements, other executive departments and agencies, critical partners, and the public;

(f) Provision must be made for reconstitution capabilities that allow for recovery from a catastrophic emergency and resumption of normal operations; and

(g) Provision must be made for the identification, training, and preparedness of personnel capable of relocating to alternate facilities to support the continuation of the performance of PMEFs.

(12) In order to provide a coordinated response to escalating threat levels or actual emergencies, the Continuity of Government Readiness Conditions (COGCON) system establishes executive branch continuity program readiness levels, focusing on possible threats to the National Capital Region. The President will determine and issue the COGCON Level. Executive departments and agencies shall comply with the requirements and assigned responsibilities under the COGCON program. During COOP activation, executive departments and agencies shall report their readiness status to the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary's designee.

(13) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall:

(a) Conduct an annual assessment of executive department and agency continuity funding requests and performance data that are submitted by executive departments and agencies as part of the annual budget request process, in order to monitor progress in the implementation of the Plan and the execution of continuity budgets;

(b) In coordination with the National Continuity Coordinator, issue annual continuity planning guidance for the development of continuity budget requests; and

(c) Ensure that heads of executive departments and agencies prioritize budget resources for continuity capabilities, consistent with this directive.

(14) The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall:

(a) Define and issue minimum requirements for continuity communications for executive departments and agencies, in consultation with the APHS/CT, the APNSA, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Chief of Staff to the President;

(b) Establish requirements for, and monitor the development, implementation, and maintenance of, a comprehensive communications architecture to integrate continuity components, in consultation with the APHS/CT, the APNSA, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Chief of Staff to the President; and

(c) Review quarterly and annual assessments of continuity communications capabilities, as prepared pursuant to section 16(d) of this directive or otherwise, and report the results and recommended remedial actions to the National Continuity Coordinator.

(15) An official designated by the Chief of Staff to the President shall:

(a) Advise the President, the Chief of Staff to the President, the APHS/CT, and the APNSA on COGCON operational execution options; and

(b) Consult with the Secretary of Homeland Security in order to ensure synchronization and integration of continuity activities among the four categories of executive departments and agencies.

(16) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall:

(a) Coordinate the implementation, execution, and assessment of continuity operations and activities;

(b) Develop and promulgate Federal Continuity Directives in order to establish continuity planning requirements for executive departments and agencies;

(c) Conduct biennial assessments of individual department and agency continuity capabilities as prescribed by the Plan and report the results to the President through the APHS/CT;

(d) Conduct quarterly and annual assessments of continuity communications capabilities in consultation with an official designated by the Chief of Staff to the President;

(e) Develop, lead, and conduct a Federal continuity training and exercise program, which shall be incorporated into the National Exercise Program developed pursuant to Homeland Security Presidential Directive-8 of December 17, 2003 ("National Preparedness"), in consultation with an official designated by the Chief of Staff to the President;

(f) Develop and promulgate continuity planning guidance to State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector critical infrastructure owners and operators;

(g) Make available continuity planning and exercise funding, in the form of grants as provided by law, to State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector critical infrastructure owners and operators; and

(h) As Executive Agent of the National Communications System, develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive continuity communications architecture.

(17) The Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall produce a biennial assessment of the foreign and domestic threats to the Nation's continuity of government.

(18) The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall provide secure, integrated, Continuity of Government communications to the President, the Vice President, and, at a minimum, Category I executive departments and agencies.

(19) Heads of executive departments and agencies shall execute their respective department or agency COOP plans in response to a localized emergency and shall:

(a) Appoint a senior accountable official, at the Assistant Secretary level, as the Continuity Coordinator for the department or agency;

(b) Identify and submit to the National Continuity Coordinator the list of PMEFs for the department or agency and develop continuity plans in support of the NEFs and the continuation of essential functions under all conditions;

(c) Plan, program, and budget for continuity capabilities consistent with this directive;

(d) Plan, conduct, and support annual tests and training, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, in order to evaluate program readiness and ensure adequacy and viability of continuity plans and communications systems; and

(e) Support other continuity requirements, as assigned by category, in accordance with the nature and characteristics of its national security roles and responsibilities

General Provisions

(20) This directive shall be implemented in a manner that is consistent with, and facilitates effective implementation of, provisions of the Constitution concerning succession to the Presidency or the exercise of its powers, and the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 (3 U.S.C. 19), with consultation of the Vice President and, as appropriate, others involved. Heads of executive departments and agencies shall ensure that appropriate support is available to the Vice President and others involved as necessary to be prepared at all times to implement those provisions.

(21) This directive:

(a) Shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and the authorities of agencies, or heads of agencies, vested by law, and subject to the availability of appropriations;

(b) Shall not be construed to impair or otherwise affect (i) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budget, administrative, and legislative proposals, or (ii) the authority of the Secretary of Defense over the Department of Defense, including the chain of command for military forces from the President, to the Secretary of Defense, to the commander of military forces, or military command and control procedures; and

(c) Is not intended to, and does not, create any rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by a party against the United States, its agencies, instrumentalities, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(22) Revocation. Presidential Decision Directive 67 of October 21, 1998 ("Enduring Constitutional Government and Continuity of Government Operations"), including all Annexes thereto, is hereby revoked.

(23) Annex A and the classified Continuity Annexes, attached hereto, are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this directive.

(24) Security. This directive and the information contained herein shall be protected from unauthorized disclosure, provided that, except for Annex A, the Annexes attached to this directive are classified and shall be accorded appropriate handling, consistent with applicable Executive Orders.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # #



and further information:

From the Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/09/AR2007050902719_pf.html

Via Metafilter

and from 'The Progressive' which I do read....

More Information

http://progressive.org/mag_wx051807

 

Thursday, and Greetings on Cyrill and Methodus Day* Also Happy Buddha's Birthday!

Removals of War Time through 2006 BiH Citizenships On-Going

http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2578472.ece

1. I've said this before, if the West had helped early on in an effective manner, there would not have been these foreign volunteers, 2. A people under attack is going to take the help of people who are willing to help. If you are being murdered and the local gangster saves your life then you appreciate him doing that for you.

The fact of the matter is that the Bosnians did not need soldiers from abroad, the need was for weapons, and food.

Serb War Crimes Suspects Must Face U.N. Court

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/24/europe/EU-GEN-Serbia-Council-of-Europe.php

< a href="http://www.focus-fen.net/?id=n113135">Observation of May 24 Begins in Ohrid*

http://www.focus-fen.net/?id=n113135

Cyrillic Alphabet Day*

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=81074

and just because computers make it possible,

A Whole Page of Cyrillic Stuff*


http://www.ubb.bg/Service.aspx?ServiceType=2&ServiceID=67


What's Wrong With Golf in Croatia

http://uk.reuters.com/article/featuresNews/idUKL1557715420070524?rpc=401&src=052407_1405_DOUBLEFEATURE_snapshots

The fact is that no Balkans nation has a lot of flat land, and golf however lucrative isn't an efficient use of land.

Global Payments Signs Agreement with Sarajevo Bank

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?Feed=PR&Date=20070524&ID=6951927

Opinion: The Sacrifice the Troops Bill

http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20070524/cm_thenation/45198718

< herf="http://www.epicos.com/epicos/portal/media-type/html/user/anon/page/default.psml/js_panename/News+Information+Article+View;jsessionid=4DED531C1B5ACCE09DF141307BA3654D.tomcat5?articleid=77795&showfull=false">Cheaper for Croatia to Join N.A.T.O. than Not...

http://www.epicos.com/epicos/portal/media-type/html/user/anon/page/default.psml/js_panename/News+Information+Article+View;jsessionid=4DED531C1B5ACCE09DF141307BA3654D.tomcat5?articleid=77795&showfull=false

Croatia to decide between F-16 and Gripen Fighter Jets Before Joining N.A.T.O.

http://www.epicos.com/epicos/portal/media-type/html/user/anon/page/default.psml/js_panename/News+Information+Article+View;jsessionid=44107CBC8E91CB9302836CDB465CC5D8.tomcat6?articleid=77794&showfull=false

< href="http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/65907.html">Kosovo Albanians to Erect Statue of Clinton

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/65907.html

Why not, it can go with the big picture of him.

The guy who writes the Agonist continues his travels, he's in Sandzak.

Speaking the Lingo in Novi Pazar

http://agonist.org/david_lublin/20070524/speaking_the_lingo_in_novi_pazar







Wednesday, May 23, 2007

 

And a few words from Jasmina:

>Nije Gotovo

http://www.boingboing.net/2007/05/23/jasmina_teanoviae_ho.html

Not her title, I got my idea from the photo.

 

***And Now A Word From Our Sponsors:

Via Metafilter: This is an ad, for those of you unfamiliar with the Capitalist economic system, that means, something intended to sell you something. It has Mr. T and a tank, calling some soccer players 'pathetic' and throwing candy at them...what's not to like?


 

The Ministry of Joy Reccomends This Brief Historical Film...

***Comrad Jožo Bobo over at the Ministry of Joy recomends strongly that all zeks and the more educated urki watch this film.***


 

Wednesday

Why not to mess with the Turks

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/CrisesArticle.aspx?rpc=401&storyId=L22479141

12 convicted of Djindjic assasination

http://investing.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?rpc=401&type=worldNews&storyID=2007-05-23T140507Z_01_TZO321720_RTRUKOC_0_UK-SERBIA-DJINDJIC-VERDICT.xml

There was also just a brief report of this on N.P.R.

Man arrested in Mladic signs case

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/23/europe/EU-GEN-Serbia-Mladic.php

Incidentally, check out Neretva Observer, he has a rumor that Mladic may be in Florida. I don't think that's where he is, but it's an amusing rumor.

Not exactly Balkans related, but here it is...

Poll finds that Muslims in the U.S. are largely content with their situation

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/05/22/america/muslims.php


http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/CrisesArticle.aspx?rpc=401&storyId=L22479141

Canada is setting up a 'No Fly List'. Apparently they want to do something 'New and Improved' like have a way OFF the list.




ceive%2B%25E2%2582%25AC186.7%2Bmln%2Bfrom%2Beu%2Bthis%2Byear.html">


This got impossibly messed up, hit the naked http, it's about aid that Serbia may get from the E.U.
http://www.bbj.hu/main/news_26744_serbia%2Bmay%2Breceive%2B%25E2%2582%25AC186.7%2Bmln%2Bfrom%2Beu%2Bthis%2Byear.html


Chinese news source, just in case that bothers anyone.

N.A.T.O. Exercises in Croatia

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-05/23/content_6137553.htm

Oliver Dulic new speaker of Serbian parliment

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-05/23/content_6142579.htm

And a 'News of the Wierd' moment...

E-Mails to St. Anthony,

http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?rpc=401&type=entertainmentNews&storyID=2007-05-23T195617Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-299622-1.xml&archived=False


Tuesday, May 22, 2007

 

Recommended Highly by the Ministry of Joy:

***Which of course means you'd better watch this if you know what is good for you Comrade Zeks!



 

Tuesday



Renamed Belgrade street defaced with pro-Mladic posters

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/europe/news/article_1307666.php/Renamed_Belgrade_street_defaced_with_pro-Mladic_posters

HRT: Republic of Srpska’s PM threatens international community with disobedience

http://www.focus-fen.net/?id=n112885

From an Iranian new source, don't click if Karnivore concerns you...

Serbian government will fall if Kosovo becomes independant

http://www.iran-daily.com/1386/2849/html/politic.htm#s229488

This has been being said for YEARS.



Interesting article on Greek attitudes toward the U.S.

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/nikos_konstandaras/2007/05/double_standards_for_us.html


Tornados and floods destroy homes all in Bulgaria

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/22/europe/EU-GEN-Bulgaria-Tornadoes.php

When I was a kid,at school I was told that Europe NEVER had tornados! LIARS!

Sorry for the underwear ad that accompanies this story.

Immigration Figures Explode Myths

http://society.guardian.co.uk/asylumseekers/story/0,,2085635,00.html


Which is not to say nothing is happening, incidentally I know that I have at least one regular reader in Slough.

Such happenings are fodder for websites like this:

Modern Tribalist

http://moderntribalist.blogspot.com/2007/05/invasion-of-roma-gypsy-orphans-has-left.html

Who says the Blogosphere is 'Liberal'?, it's as mixed a bag as anything else...


No Big Fat Woggy Wedding For Me!

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21777585-31624,00.html

Here in the States, it'd be a scandal, but not in Avstralija!


Roma Children in Slough

http://icberkshire.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200berkshireheadlines/tm_headline=the-tragedy-of-the-roma-kids%26method=full%26objectid=19120731%26siteid=50102-name_page.html

Albania Requests Return of Antiquities from Greece

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-05/22/content_6132825.htm

NPR has had reportage of Kosovo today and will have more tomorrow.

Update of sorts: I was looking at NPR's site, to check out some stuff about Andrew Basevich,he is a conseruvative critic of the war in Iraq, and he has some useful points to make. He's not one of those rabid 'the Muslims are out to get the West' guys, he's got a very common sense take, which comes from a sound military background.

I think what he has to say is worth checking out.

The Islamic Way of War

http://www.amconmag.com/2006/2006_09_11/cover.html

Incidentally he's not saying anything I didn't tell all my friends years ago before entering the Blogosphere.



 

Impeach Gonzales Petition



Another Zek sent me this petition, please if you are American, watch the video, sign the online petition if your conscience so moves you.

Monday, May 21, 2007

 

Rainy Monday Morning

Really Interesting Article on Islam in Europe

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/05/21/sarajevo.muslims.reut/index.html

From the article:

The ECFR, which is close to the Muslim Brotherhood, posts its fatwas in Arabic on its Web site www.e-cfr.org.

The scholars said that, after the September 11 attacks and the bombings in Madrid and London, Muslims in Europe felt more isolated and sought help to reconcile faith and everyday life.

#For example, one important ECFR fatwa ruled that Western women who convert to Islam should not leave their non-Muslim husbands and children even though Islamic custom calls for this.

*The scholars contrasted what they called the "positive integration" policies in Britain and Ireland, where religious and cultural differences were respected, with stricter French policies they said aimed to erase Muslim identity.



*I personally observed that the British and the Irish are MUCH more accommodative of cultural and religious difference even than the U.S. Neither the British nor the Irish act as if they feel culturally threatened by a Muslim presence in their countries. This is not to say there never were problems, in Britain, there have been in the past serious riots and such, in Ireland, the minority of Muslims is mostly from the Indian sub-Continent, and mostly in big cities. They've carved out kind of a niche for themselves, but they associate with Irish people and there is intermarriage. There have never been problems in Ireland.

My observation of both places was that the U.S. could learn a little something from how the British and Irish deal with ethnic and religious minorities.

#One of the more interesting decisions was that if a European woman converts and she's married she doesn't have to leave her non-Muslim husband. The old rule was that there was a 3 month deadline for him to convert and then she had to leave if he didn't convert.

This is because technically speaking, Muslim women aren't supposed to be married to non-Muslim men. That is based on something in the Koran. So given that this organization has close ties to the Muslim Brotherhood I find that decision interesting

There was a sad case of an Egyptian woman whose husband was an atheist, and she was FORCED to leave him. He was a famous writer, Amnesty International became involved, it was a mess. This was back in the 1990s.


I'm kind of on a rant on the subject this morning anyway because of the Rush Limbaugh show. He really needs mental help. He's acting like American culture is so weak, so fragile that someone dressing differently, eating differently or praying differently is going to bring down everything. The same man doesn't think the earth can be affected by human influences to have things like global warming, but he thinks America is so fragile. Any country that fragile doesn't deserve to exist!


I support the troops more than you do!


By way of Mefi and then this guy Electric Escape


http://www.electric-escape.net/node/958





Sunday, May 20, 2007

 

Sunday

Serb war criminal dies in Swedish prison

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-05/20/content_6127735.htm

Today, 12:30 pm coordinated Gulag time, 'Good Morning Yakima Gulag!' at Blogtalk Radio

New Balkans blog to check out:

Balkanizer

http://blogs.tol.org/balkans/

Saturday, May 19, 2007

 

Last night's police drama


Last night's police drama
Originally uploaded by Yakima_gulag.
A still of last night's police drama

 

Today's Balkans News

Jet Lagged in Belgrad (blog)

http://agonist.org/david_lublin/20070519/jet_lagged_blogging_in_belgrade

VIEW: Appeasing Serbia — Nataša Kandic and Mabel Van Oranje



http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\05\19\story_19-5-2007_pg3_5

Mladic Sought in Raid

http://www.iwpr.net/?p=tri&s=f&o=335679&apc_state=henptri

Rapper Nas pulls out of Croatia gig, fears for safety

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/entertainment/tittletattle/article_21281635.shtml

this is a big 'OH PULEEEZE!' Croatia is a very safe place for foreign musicians including rappers.

 

Policija u Yakima Gulagu



Police drama on the next block. I heard sirens, and they stopped close so I grabbed my camera and headed for the door, on opening the door, I heard the police who were there in large numbers tell a suspect to put his hands in the air NOW'
I closed the door and filmed from the windows, probably that was stupid enough. I don't know what all was going on. The newspaper had nothing and the local English language station had no information as on Saturday morning there is no local news service.Odds are there will be something in the newspaper tomorrow, or maybe even Monday, and I'm fairly sure there will be something on Monday on the radio.

Tomorrow I will have a Live Remote installment of Blog Talk Radio, 'Morning Yakima Gulag! ' I hope to be able to interview some peace activists from the Seattle area, who are with Veterans for Peace. If nothing else you will hear what it is like to stand on the corner of 16th and Nob Hill and hold up signs for peace. I think this war is rapidly losing the Redneck vote, it's defiantly lost the Black and Latino votes...

Friday, May 18, 2007

 

baggage,


baggage,
Originally uploaded by Yakima_gulag.
This is just the sort of stuff a traveler accumulates and usually throws out. I didn't because my first trip took place when Sarajevo wasn't a real tourist destination, 3 years after the end of the war, the circumstances of my visit meant that I didn't have a chance to go get REAL souvenirs, so this stuff had to do. Anyway it's a sort of 'loose collage' and is on my wall held up by a clip board.

 

The anniversary of my favorite natural disaster:

27 years ago today Mt. St. Helens blew. The kids and I lived near to Portland, and could see it blow, but were not negatively affected much.

The Yakima Gulag was hit hard, and I know one woman who went out and all exposed skin on her body was hit by little grains of hot ash, pitting her skin forever.

She was my neighbor in the old neighborhood, before I bought this house.

The lava dome is still building, and it's actually been in a state of low-level eruption since about 2004.


One eruption that the kids and I witnessed occured during the Clark County Fair, we were at the fair grounds with friends and all of us saw the cloud and decided it would be smarter to leave because my friends had an older car, and we worried the ash might destroy t he engine. As it turned out, the ash blew elsewhere, we could have safely enjoyed the rest of the day there. Still when you have an old car and there is a HUGE cloud of ash coming out of a volcano, you don't take chances.


 
Slavic Refugees in Oregon

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070518/NEWS/705180346/1001/NEWS


PAP backs death sentance of nurses, doctor in Libya

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=20748

This insistence on political rights against conclusive scientific proof of the innocence of the nurses and the Palestinian doctor in this case is DESPICABLE!




Police raid casino, insurance company in Kosovo, arrest 3 Turks suspected of money laundering


http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/18/europe/EU-GEN-Kosovo-Raids.php

Using a VW radiator to cool a graphics card, now that is GEEKY goodness, and there's other Geek accomplishments....

Geek news from the Balkans

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=39710

This film sounds like the film I want any rabid uncompromising 'pro-lifer' to see!

Romanian Film at Cannes

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070518/film_nm/film4months_dc

In the Yakima Gulag there has been a serial pyromaniac at work. This person set a fire not far from my daughter's place of work at a time when she would have been at work, and two fires in my neighborhood, in fact if you read the post entitled 'If It Bleeds it Leads' I have film of the fire department in our Gulag putting out one of the two fires.

I hope they catch this creep or creeps, and put them away awhile.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

 
Eurovision Chickens Come Home to Roost

http://www.munster-express.ie/opinion1.htm

For the record 'Dervish' is a fairly serious New Age type Irish traditional group, not typical Eurovision fare at all. The post is very long and quite angry because the Irish are accustomed to at least placing respectably in Eurovision.

Warning: Popup ads,


Postcard Belgrade, from Time Magazine

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1622201,00.html



Exiled Monarchs

http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=9184448&fsrc=RSS

Returnee stats for Croatia

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=22580&Cr=Croatia&Cr1=

I should mention a lot of Croat returnees fit the profile, in a way it's better to be a part-time resident of Croatia, than full time, you still can have the medical benefits, and actually live someplace cheaper like Bosnia-Hercegovina.

"The article is correct that returnee stats will improve if the economy truely improves.




Islamic headscarf's comeback reveals Bosnian divisions

http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=176488

O.K. right now let's get something straight, Christians should be observing modest dress too! I get sick and tired of these articles about the symbolism of the head scarf. I am a Christian who observes modest dress. In case you didn't know, the Virgin Mary wore a scarf, all good Jewish women of her time did and many still do! In the Catholic tradition, there once was a movement called the 'Marian dress movement' It wasn't a bad thing.

REAL secularism would be to leave people alone about these matters. Anyway all a ban would do is to chase Muslim girls and women out of t he schools and gradually radicalize people.

Banning outward observances of any religion is not going to make that religion go away, all it is going to do is cause resentments.

Besides doesn't EVERYONE'S government have enough to do?



Bulgarian Reporters Hold Vigil Against Police Violence

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=80790

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

 

Wednesday

ARTS/POETRY RELATED UPDATE:

This arrived as a comment to an earlier post at this blog, since others may wish to enjoy the performances, we wanted to put this where more people will have a chance to see it, so as to help publicize the event:

Thanks for the critique I'll take everything into consideration... we'll be performing again at YVCC this weekend at 7 on Saturday...

-M. Alviso

Dear Ms. Alviso, please comment here, to let me know a specific venue, on campus, since I can't find it in the calender! Thanks! I am assuming the H.U.B.? If this is not correct please let me know! :) I want very much to help publicize the event! :) Gracias!


*Komrade*Katjuša*

Ministarstvo Informacija


This arrived by way of comments to a brief review of a performance of 'Mujeres in Motion'


Coffee Bar Located Close to U.S. Embassy in Tirana Bombed

http://www.eecho.ie/news/bstory.asp?j=219527170&p=zy95z7876&n=219527930

EU envoy seeks moves on war crime suspects

http://www.eecho.ie/news/bstory.asp?j=219527170&p=zy95z7876&n=219527930

No Balkans Nexus for Ft. Dix Six

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/usa/features/article_1304897.php/No_Balkan_nexus_to_Fort_Dix_plot


Bulgarian scientists will attempt to prove sanctuaries older than Egyptian pyramids

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=80736



Serbia, EU endorse visa facilitation and readmission agreements

http://www.focus-fen.net/?id=n112476


Tuesday, May 15, 2007

 

Good Afternoon Comrade Zeks


Bulgarian Scientist Questions Theory of Relativity

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=80704

Nelson Mandela proclaimed honorary citizen of Serbia's Capitol

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=nw20070515141425690C134108


West should tweak Kosovo plan to please Russia- ICG

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20070515-0408-serbia-kosovo-report.html

Fire Breaks Out in Top Security Prison in Serbia

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/15/europe/EU-GEN-Serbia-Prison-Fire.php

Swede suspected of giving N.A.T.O. data to Serb spy

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20070515-0440-sweden-spying-.html

N.A.T.O. Drone Crashes into Kosovo House

http://www.adn.com/24hour/world/story/3619387p-12923568c.html




Jerry Falwell Dies.

I am going to speak ill of the dead here, Jerry Falwell was like an American Ian Paisley, only Ian Paisley is a better man in my opinion because Ian Paisley has the guts to attempt to deal with his enemies in a civil way, and I think maybe he regrets some of the disaster he caused. Jerry Falwell didn't in his life, maybe as he lay dying he did, I hope so for the sake of his soul. Ever since he got on his high horse we've had a problem, a bad problem in America with American religious fundamentalists. Not every single point these people make is bad or wrong, but most of it is.



Today everything was warm but my screen, which froze, so I need to go back and get the other stories I wanted to share..

The house is ever emptier, I think I've learned how to use a cell phone at least well enough to not have too much trouble with it.

Monday, May 14, 2007

 

Red High Heel, by Trinity


Red High Heel, by Trinity
Originally uploaded by Yakima_gulag.
Sorry for how fuzzy this was, it's really a nice picture. Just work your way through the rest, there's some nice work in here.

 

If it Bleeds It Leads



this was at the 'How Berkley Can You Be' Apartements. a bunch of fire engines, and I talked to some tenants, who had to be evacuated because some young wankers decided to set a fire in a vacant apartment. The tenants were students at the Yakima Gulag Institute of Higher Re:Education, and they were yupset because they had LOTS of home work that was interupted by the little firebug wankers.

I saw this on the way back from the Department of Visual Arts exhibit, several friends of mine had work in it, and one again was awarded for her work, so I'm glad I went, besides some zek, or zeka got hold of some ajvar and put it on cream cheese and then surrounded it with crackers, so mmmm, there was a lot else that was delicious, and I enjoyed myself all around, nice art, nice food, it was all good.

I'm lazy so I'll just link to a photo from the exhibit, and you can look around in there.

laku noc komrades, oh the sports show played 'I Wish They All Could Be California Girls' covered by the Leningrad Cowboys, too weird to hear that on a straight show like a sports show!

 

Chocolates


Chocolates
Originally uploaded by Yakima_gulag.
@ Owen, I meant this picture, sorry! We don't eat baby birds here!

 

The day after Mother's Day

But wait, there's more, some English guy is calling her victory 'Balkans chicanery'!


Is Serbia's winning song a 'rip off' of an Albanian song?

http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news?id=31618

In all fairness to Serbia, and to the singer, people rip each others music off ALL the time in the Balkans! Seriously they do!

BiH's Entry,



I did not know that the singer's father wrote the present wordless national anthem of BiH, Intermeco, nor did I know this replaced the original wordless national anthem.


Nicolic steps down

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2007/05/14/serbia_ultranationalist_speaker_resigns/5218/

Mijailovic wants to stay in Sweden

http://www.thelocal.se/7302/20070514/




The country that Europe forgot...


http://www.economist.com/daily/diary/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9173421

and no we do not mean Molvania

The guide to Molvania

http://www.jetlagtravel.com/molvania/eurovision.html

Nor do we mean Molvanija

http://www.nationstates.net/12998/page=display_nation/nation=molvanija




This man needs a geography lesson!


http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article1784983.ece



Way to ride the system!

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=80649

So what did your friendly editor do on Mother's Day?

Answer: My daughter came and got me and with the whole of the extended family, there was a huge barbeque, which was a lot of fun. We had burgers, all beef hot dogs, potato salad, regular salad, and sodas.

An observation, I think the war and the president have lost the Redneck vote totally!

Maybe it was the fact the History Channel was running a documentary on Hippies.

Maybe it's that everyone knows I've been active against the war, I participate in local peace actions regularly. At first this was a scary activity, and frustrating, but now even people with the big shiny S.U.V.s are not being hostile.

One of the older men of the family is a WWII vetran, he's the oldest local member of my son-in-law's family, a man with a wicked sense of humor, the guy who brought the fart machine to thanksgiving the year my daughter was pregnant with the first of the two grand babies, and he made her laugh so hard that her mother in law chewed him out, saying 'when someone is that pregnant that kind of laughing is DANGEROUS!' My daughter however is made of stern stuff and just said 'Hey I'd be proud if I farted that loud!'
Anyway he said 'I didn't mind going to WWII, Hitler had to go, and we did some good, this thing isn't working like that, and every time I hear of some poor soldier dying it makes me want to cry' He's a tough unsentimental old guy, loving and caring but not the kind of guy you think of as crying.
Of course he got no argument from me.

The consensus was that the guys should just get into a bunch of trucks and drive out to Kuwait and get on ships and get the Hell out, just retreat, so what if we 'lose' ...

I have NEVER heard honest to God Rednecks say this, not like that.

When you lose the Redneck vote for a war, or any other thing, it's over, but especially with a war, because the back-bone of the military is Rednecks, followed by Blacks. You can't run a war if both groups lose the desire to be involved. That is where America's soldiers come from.

 

Chocolate box


Chocolate box
Originally uploaded by Yakima_gulag.
This is the box of chocolates my daughter and son-in-law gave me for Mother's Day, along with two funny cards, one from my daughter, and one from the grand babies, same as the other grandmother got...

VERY delicious! check out the next picture to see which one I ate first....

Sunday, May 13, 2007

 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Serbia Wins Eurovision

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2007/05/13/eurovision-serbia.html

Another story about Serbia's Eurovision victory

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21723137-28957,00.html

Film of the performance :



Note the girls danced sort of like belly dancers, EVERYONE was WAY more modest than Ceca! Actually this was a nice song too, Congradulations to Serbia! Nice to see some positive news instead of stories like the following...;



Extremists in Serbia attack peace gathering, injuring 10, organizers say


http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/12/europe/EU-GEN-Serbia-Extre:mists.php


And an extreme feel good story:
Bosnian Mom Attends Daughters Graduation in U.S.

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2007/05/13/news/metro/8401c2e00ed50c94862572da000cc636.txt

Thi

Saturday, May 12, 2007

 

Saturday Morning

Thousands attend burial of Bosnian war victims

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070512/wl_nm/bosnia_funeral_dc

This is the first Pyramid Update I've had in awhile:

Pyramid Update

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12402157/

Kosovo man stranded in Canada

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2007/05/11/4171488-sun.html

American University in Bulgaria Inherits Millions

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=80590

So I haven't been able to activate the cell-phone yet. Getting it charged required the help of a friend who has been using them longer than I have, so once she can come over, we'll get it going. Medjuvrijeme I have decided that I'll just use call forwarding once it's activated, so that i only put one number in my ad for the things I'm planning to sell. I found things that should have gone over to my daughters but that's o.k. I will get them there with the help of a friend once the last bit of sorting is done. I'm tired, and really need to do easier things today.

I am glad this job is nearly done!

Friday, May 11, 2007

 

Getting With the 21st Century



I am not sure what I think of having a cell phone yet. It's sitting on a counter in the kitchen, the battery has to charge before I can use it or anything.

First I had to take it out of the container, a mess of hostile plastic that had no obvious openings, I resorted to a pair of rusty scissors, and finally got at the contents. Then I had to read the ridiculously complex instructions, and worse yet, install the 'Sim card' and the battery. The 'Sim Card' supposedly goes in a 'pocket'. Actually this is a flat space with nothing pocket-like at all about it!

Installing the 'Sim Card' meant that the battery was FAR harder to install. Next there was the charger, the charger was by contrast to the rest of it simple, I just had to figure out how to get the electric prongs that go into an outlet out, they were retractable like a cat's claws. I don't normally wear nail polish, but I had put some on because I was invited to a party and wanted to look nice, I risked chipping that getting the whole thing done.

Once the thing is charged I have to log onto the site and enter endless strings of numbers to get my phone number.

I got the cell phone so I can be reached when I am out and about. People do complain that I'm hard to reach.

Fine, I need to be easier to reach in order to sell the couch, the bed, the book case, the book cupboard and the entertainment center... I could be downtown and people could call me wanting to buy these things. ...

I had so much trouble putting the damn thing together and the charging leaves me wondering if I assembled the whole thing correctly in the first place.. should it be taking so damn long?

The other reason I got it is the local use phone on campus that I sometimes use cuts you off if you don't dial fast enough. Pay phones are increasingly hard to find thanks to the fact that most people, even the homeless, have cell phones!

Update to Cell Phone Saga: I went to find a pay phone, and basically had to walk a mile, there is one on campus, but it's not working, the nearest pay phone was where I called the regular phone company, to report my problem, and then Tracfone to see what is going on with my phone. Something must be wrong. Maybe I put the damn thing together wrong. It's totally possible. I decided to wait until I hear from or see my neighbor that has a cell phone and have her help me. The helpline people said it should have given a message of 'Charge Complete' in like four hours at the most. So if I did everything right, and odds are I did, there is perhaps some defect. They swore up and down that that isn't possible when I called Tracfone. The good news is by midweek I should have things set up to have the Real Estate Agent come.

I am tired of dealing with technology that is user unfriendly.

 
It's this kind of commentary that makes the Ft. Dix case so bad.

Commentary on Ft. Dix Case

http://www.postchronicle.com/commentary/article_21280069.shtml

And from someone else who just doesn't get it...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/bronwen_maddox/article1774525.ece

Tony Blair comes in for a lot of criticism but I believe that the Kosovo intervention was right, and personally feel that the British did a good thing to help in Kosovo, and in Bosnia.

Another comment, interesting comparison,

E.U. 'Just wants to get rid of the Balkans

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/6dfcf17a-ff5b-11db-aff2-000b5df10621.html


Ethnic Albanians shocked, fear backlash from failed attack

http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070510/NEWS01/70510002/1002/NEWS01

Commentary by Natasa Kandic

http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/natasha_kandic/2007/05/natasha_kandic.html

Interesting article on female soldiers in the U.S. army

When Mom's On Duty

http://www.madison.com/tct/features/index.php?ntid=133130&ntpid=2

from Xinhua

Chinese Peacekeepers in Kosovo Get Medals

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-05/11/content_6085227.htm



Fake CDs Siezed

http://www.focus-fen.net/?id=n112106

The U.S. is definately not alone when it comes to illegal immigration..

30 Trespassers Arrested on Bulgaria-Turkey Border

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=80537

Fake Marriage Scam Busted

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1619714,00.html?xid=rss-nation

Green card marriages are not as effective a means of staying in the U.S. as in the past. I've heard of cases of NON fraudulent marriages not being enough to keep t he foreign partner in the U.S.! Especially this is true if the foreign partner has some political ties the U.S. finds objectionable, but even when no such thing is the case, families have been torn apart. I do NOT advise ANYONE to undertake a fraudulent marriage! It doesn't end well.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

 
Maybe in the grand scheme of things this isn't so very important,but I can imagine a few people are annoyed and perturbed by this story...

In Croatian language, from Slobodna Dalmacija:

Kup Franje Tuđmana Čume nosi u Beograd

http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/20070510/novosti01.asp

Dutch Diplomat May Monitor Independent Kosovo

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/CrisesArticle.aspx?rpc=401&storyId=L10705931

Brothers charged with plotting terrorism trace roots to Macedonia

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/05/10/news/terror.php

Interestingly enough, the guys have relatives in Debar, a place that Dame Rebbecca West wrote a lot about, she went on at some length about the beautiful scarves that formed part of the traditional dress of the ladies of Debar and the fine filigree work done by the silversmiths of Debar for religious art.

The statement of the one relative was pretty typically Albanian, in that he seemed to feel one can over-do it with religion.

I note that the wife of one of the suspects is from Russia, I wonder if she is Chechen, or Tatar, or maybe a member of one of the groups of ethnic Turks from Russia?

Albanian language interpreter sought for the terror suspects

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070508/NEWS/70508030/1006/NEWS

Yugoslav vs Albanian

http://www.washtimes.com/op-ed/20070508-092120-7699r.htm

The same thing bothered me about the initial reporting. Part of why the initial identification of the suspects as 'Yugoslav' bothered me is that there is that Yugoslavia no longer exists, part of it is that the statement muddies the waters a lot.

To Fellow Albanians 'An act of ingratitude

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-11/1178687637249090.xml&coll=1

Again, Albanians in America by and large are not terrorists, and are grateful for the many ways that America has helped them. There are VERY few peoples, especially in modern times who as peoples so owe their survival to America. Albanians know this, and appreciate it.

A link Prof.Gordy over at East Ethnia posted, had this comment, and it raises a valid question as far as I'm concerned!


Prof. Gordy's link: The Washington Monthly

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2007_05/011267.php

Is the fraction of Muslim extremists in the US who are actually FBI agents larger or smaller than the fraction of CPUSA members who were actually FBI agents in, say, 1953?

Posted by: Davis X. Machina on May 8, 2007 at 2:46 PM




Stones Concert Moved to Spare the Horses

http://investing.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?rpc=401&type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyID=2007-05-09T164643Z_01_L09513343_RTRIDST_0_OUKOE-UK-SERBIA-ROLLINGSTONES-HORSES.XML&WTmodLoc=HP-C13-Oddly-2

'Just don't scare the horses in the street!'

Listen the horse that was dancing in the Yakima Gulag's Cinco de Mayo celebrations was ENJOYING music that at times was far scarier than anything the Stones ever did!


Well it's a nice day out, I found the old small shortwave and put batteries in it, and YEAH! IT WORKS! I'd wondered if it did or not, because I wasn't able to make it work before. Maybe I was not pushing the right buttons. So now one of my reasons not to sleep in the former 'book room' is solved. There's only one electrical outlet in here. The other reason I don't feel as comfortable in here is the damn dogs, the Hell Hounds and some other dogs kept me awake with their constant barking.

I woke up to hear on local news outlet KIT that Tony Blair is stepping down, they carried a few moments of the beginning of his speech.

Ten years is a long time in this era.


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