Category: misc

Giving thanks

I’m working today, so no turkey for me! My family will be having the traditional get-together and meal tomorrow instead. But as it’s a slow work day, I have the opportunity to take some time and put together my thoughts on this past year and how I can look back on it this Thanksgiving.

Since this time last year I’ve started this blog, which has been until recently very sporadic, but a great outlet nonetheless for me both creatively and mentally. I’ve started a new job, back in June, which has gone fairly well for me, although it’s certainly kept me busy as we’ve been on 60 hour weeks since July – but the end of that is in sight, hopefully this coming week. I’ve made a few new friends, and I’ve lost a couple too. But overall I’m very grateful for where I am in my life right now, and I’m thankful God has me where he does.

I’m also thankful for the people in my life – my family, who have always been there for me, and put up with my rambling at family dinners. For my close friends, who keep me sane and grounded through everything that happens.

On a national scale I am thankful to our president for eight years of service. I don’t agree with everything he did, but he has managed to do a fair amount of good among the bad, and he’s kept his honor doing so. I am thankful to the rough men who keep us free – the soldiers of our Armed Forces, serving all over the world. We all owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never repay. I’m thankful that I live in this blessed country, because for all its flaws and scrapes and bruises, it’s the best country this world has yet to see, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

Despite all the chaos of the world and the anticipation and fear and doubt of the coming years… there is much to be grateful for, and today I’d encourage you all to relax from focusing on all that’s bad and take a little time to appreciate the good.

Taking the rest of the day off of blogging here, and then celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow with my family. I’ll be back on Saturday. Happy Thanksgiving, all.

Update on Mumbai Hostages

Via an email from reader Dan F: Somewhere between 10 and 20 Jewish hostages are being held at the Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center in Mumbai, in addition to the others being held in the hotels. The ones targeted in hotels are mostly American, British, and Israeli, though there are also reports of Australian, Japanese, and Singaporean hostages and victims as well. Latest updates have one of the hotels being recaptured and eight hostages freed, but another hotel and the Jewish Center are still held by the terrorists.

As we head into our Thanksgiving merriment today, keep these people in mind in your prayers.

This is awesome.

No, seriously, it is.

TIKRIT, Iraq – Eighteen females in northern Iraq who were associated with Al-Qaeda in Iraq suicide bombing cells turned themselves into Coalition forces on Nov. 26.

The females were persuaded by their mullahs and fathers to cease their training in suicide operations and reconcile.

Today, these women took the first step in reconciliation by turning themselves in and signing a reconciliation pledge.

Great news, on two points: first, that these women who have been treated as slaves and property are finding the strength to rise up and say no to the terrorists pressuring them into this, indicating a real change in the attitude over there. Second, that the women were convinced by their mullahs and fathers. This is out of Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s hometown. These would be devout Shi’ites, religious leaders, who are actively decrying this terrorism for the first time that we’ve really seen over there. That alone is incredible. These women also bring with them valuable information on insurgent cells. I wish them all the best in their new lives as they move forward as – for the first time – free women.

h/t: Michael Ledeen at PJM

Praying Time

There’s been a big terrorist attack in Mumbai, India today, it’s still ongoing – latest counts say about 90 dead, hundreds wounded. Multiple buildings are burning, and there are several hostages being held – some of which are British and American citizens, apparently, the terrorists specifically were looking for westerners. The Deccan Mujahideen, a previously-unknown Islamic terror group, is claiming responsibility for the attacks… Pray for those over there to be safe, that these terrorists would fail at wreaking further havoc, that innocent lives will be spared, and that the police and army personell combating these terrorists would be strong, safe, and accurate.

Ace has ongoing coverage of the latest news on attacks.

You can see a Google map of the attacks here.

Streaming video news from the IBN.

“Religion of peace,” my arse.

The Deadliest Weapon in the World

…is a Marine and his rifle:

FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan — In the city of Shewan, approximately 250 insurgents ambushed 30 Marines and paid a heavy price for it.

[…]

After calling for close-air support, the small group of Marines pushed forward and broke the enemies’ spirit as many of them dropped their weapons and fled the battlefield. At the end of the battle, the Marines had reduced an enemy stronghold, killed more than 50 insurgents and wounded several more.

“I didn’t realize how many bad guys there were until we had broken through the enemies’ lines and forced them to retreat. It was roughly 250 insurgents against 30 of us,” the corporal said. “It was a good day for the Marine Corps. We killed a lot of bad guys, and none of our guys were seriously injured.”

Proving once again why the “insurgents” don’t stand a chance, anywhere, against our boys. And check out the full story for the goods: a young corporal, who requested to remain anonymous, took out twenty insurgents even as enemy fire landed within a foot of him. Even more impressive? He didn’t miss a single shot.

“Mess with the best…”

Hat tip: Ace