tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265590392024-03-07T22:15:42.481-06:00Uncharted TerritoryA place where I can post my thoughts and pictures of my adventures while deployed overseas.JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-29690825901209188662007-06-04T04:04:00.000-06:002007-06-04T04:31:56.128-06:00So, um, it's been awhile...Wow, I just checked out my blog for the first time in weeks and see that my last post was 4 April. 4 April?!? Sheesh. Didn't realize I'd been away that long. I could spin a long story trying to make an excuse for why I haven't updated, but I don't see a need for that. Bottom line is that I've been busy preparing for our imminent departure from the sandbox and life has been hectic. I'm a few short weeks away from returning to Lincoln, and morale is very high, both for myself and the troopers in our unit. I'm sure most all of you know by now, but in case you hadn't heard our Squadron received a bundle of good news in that we're coming home to Nebraska about a month earlier than planned. My new goal is to be home by the 4th of July, and as it stands right now that should be doable. I can't discuss any hard dates with you all due to OPSEC, but rest assured that as soon as I can you all will know.<br /><br />Life here at Anaconda just seems to keep chugging away. We've been busy getting our replacments set up for success, and now that they are here we're trying to show them the ropes and make a clean hand off of our operations. So far the process has been smooth and efficient. I'll share with you all a couple pictures, just to prove that I'm alive.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2ZG4JteArMFyY6S7wOp_AOleP1mxlEtVVShYlB4erSCQdKDFUZgNEjtjqyoxwRGtXuYZKlk5cXJjeOBNFXdIbTlW0dlmuI6W3o2cUsurXpsNYWjo-BVHY1Vat1DPaNB7-Mr5/s1600-h/Awards+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072151999534168962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2ZG4JteArMFyY6S7wOp_AOleP1mxlEtVVShYlB4erSCQdKDFUZgNEjtjqyoxwRGtXuYZKlk5cXJjeOBNFXdIbTlW0dlmuI6W3o2cUsurXpsNYWjo-BVHY1Vat1DPaNB7-Mr5/s320/Awards+014.jpg" border="0" /></a> Receiving my end of tour award from our Squadron Commander, Lieutant Colonel Apprich.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7stttFGkium-VFBwrd9qZdDqa765_wWsm0ZdV-U5CNGEjSBAW8fcv9pLL1xBcHDh23umYIaYiliP-wkYdGZecCmCJVj_MfNnQOStYRRtyK912EHudrHGnrXMIPhfMKSASTVov/s1600-h/Awards+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072152003829136274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7stttFGkium-VFBwrd9qZdDqa765_wWsm0ZdV-U5CNGEjSBAW8fcv9pLL1xBcHDh23umYIaYiliP-wkYdGZecCmCJVj_MfNnQOStYRRtyK912EHudrHGnrXMIPhfMKSASTVov/s320/Awards+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> Chief Regan gave each of the soldiers in his section a cavalry saber as a thanks for all our hard work over the past 22 months. Thanks to Mr. Regan for his gift!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFW7OU5m1GPGvQ7XMGJUIdGCzkpU4fbetw8gkmKD08Wzuf7k8Jn6qvZ66AIWAyTe4kYqS6qzDGaTzqK_mquaBe3DcKwYcJhC0Wo8NNsV5UQKIzBd8zpJkkFDRaJFvUlURe1lPQ/s1600-h/t-wall1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072152008124103586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFW7OU5m1GPGvQ7XMGJUIdGCzkpU4fbetw8gkmKD08Wzuf7k8Jn6qvZ66AIWAyTe4kYqS6qzDGaTzqK_mquaBe3DcKwYcJhC0Wo8NNsV5UQKIzBd8zpJkkFDRaJFvUlURe1lPQ/s320/t-wall1.JPG" border="0" /></a> Posing in front of our t-wall. Tradition mandates each unit to paint a t-wall concete barrier to mark the time they spent in Iraq. I think ours turned out just fine.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-77915656157773494422007-04-01T03:18:00.000-06:002007-04-01T03:26:55.803-06:00Grandma knows best<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HiTEkMaTHeyq5aQHkXMMB5TqEofMGDY7cUyrOgw_vNl6Yc-a8XCHNcHpivamrtw6b6C7ChpU6h_fHLPtDZQu_5k3ppEa8tZq6X23W0BgFvd3eB66oJvfs8rBNjX06gvh14mV/s1600-h/grandma+candy+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048388465814590962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HiTEkMaTHeyq5aQHkXMMB5TqEofMGDY7cUyrOgw_vNl6Yc-a8XCHNcHpivamrtw6b6C7ChpU6h_fHLPtDZQu_5k3ppEa8tZq6X23W0BgFvd3eB66oJvfs8rBNjX06gvh14mV/s320/grandma+candy+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Wanted to take a moment to thank my Grandma Nancy for the huge care package she sent my way. Her box of goodies arrived a couple days ago, and my co-workers and I were impressed with the magnitude of her giving. Here is a picture of me standing next to some of the loot, which was proudly displayed for co-workers and guests to share in. Thanks Grandma!</div><br /><div></div>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-20338949193870525942007-03-28T22:14:00.000-06:002007-04-01T03:28:45.606-06:00QatarI'm back from my spring break trip to Doha, Qatar. I had quite a fun time, with plenty of relaxation and sun and a few beers mixed in as well. I was fortuante enough to take 3 different trips while I was in Qatar, including visits to a 4 story mall called the City Center (complete with ice skating rink and bowling alley), a trip to the Persian Gulf for an afternoon of sand and food by the ocean, drove SUVs through the sand dunes, ate lunch at an Iranian restraunt in downtown Doha, toured local shops and malls in Doha, enjoyed plenty of good food and slept in every day. All in all a very productive trip and a nice break from Iraq. I'll post a couple pictures for you all here, and I'll also include a link to my Facebook page which has about 60 additional pictures from my trip on it. Enjoy.<br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9R49c3hwuuf9pq1ipia8KDilfXmSa8pw7CBh02sbI123JpMgG8YuhaziRRgdDmiVfHVKVw0T1J1iRImxMJ2cUbzB2ItelXJL67r3-lLMiJFIY8Gk0UWQmgX7UJ5zR1WDSj38I/s1600-h/pass+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047198429161117122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9R49c3hwuuf9pq1ipia8KDilfXmSa8pw7CBh02sbI123JpMgG8YuhaziRRgdDmiVfHVKVw0T1J1iRImxMJ2cUbzB2ItelXJL67r3-lLMiJFIY8Gk0UWQmgX7UJ5zR1WDSj38I/s320/pass+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> Feeding camels in Doha.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozWVKUyh-NxaXIRUKYGL6zihh1ziIT-4BsV8FsUXZNGkouWGp1XUn4aHgl46th0n6WmmFbfhADs0Ea_ldh2Zp1RUbhHr-zErmqlTbW11fhySuL1_vPqlgDU4Impf7WJU74VO9/s1600-h/pass+164.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047198433456084434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozWVKUyh-NxaXIRUKYGL6zihh1ziIT-4BsV8FsUXZNGkouWGp1XUn4aHgl46th0n6WmmFbfhADs0Ea_ldh2Zp1RUbhHr-zErmqlTbW11fhySuL1_vPqlgDU4Impf7WJU74VO9/s320/pass+164.jpg" border="0" /></a> Enjoying a few cold ones with the guys.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLc9oA8GcOzfllbCG7fWs_iMFdUfQ1OYo295-d2anQ_q7EFp6cwmHGeAxk3jcuD3N_-lETfT6-mtRk3Kpz-BYudyebTA3axgIxg47kuSQQtW3Ua4-UYltDfjis3N_qb6DmtLH/s1600-h/pass+044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047198437751051746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLc9oA8GcOzfllbCG7fWs_iMFdUfQ1OYo295-d2anQ_q7EFp6cwmHGeAxk3jcuD3N_-lETfT6-mtRk3Kpz-BYudyebTA3axgIxg47kuSQQtW3Ua4-UYltDfjis3N_qb6DmtLH/s320/pass+044.jpg" border="0" /></a> This pearl is some big tourist attraction in Doha, so here is my touristy picture with the pearl. </p><p>Check <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=1480&l=b002e&id=504439764">here</a> for a ton of other pictures from my trip.<br /><br /></p>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-23005366593967040852007-03-19T03:36:00.000-06:002007-04-01T03:28:38.241-06:00Spring BreakMarch is a common time for colleges around the U.S. to give their students a mid-semester break to relax their minds and get away from classes for awhile. This time is usually referred to as spring break. For example, my girlfriend Nicki took a trip to Colorado last week, to spend time with her friends and get away from lovely Nebraska for awhile. You wouldn't think that I would be enjoying a spring break trip this year, knowing my current location and situation, but alas, you would be wrong. I'm leaving Iraq a few short days from now for my own spring break trip to exotic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qatar">Qatar</a>. The Army has this slick little pass program set up for soldiers in Iraq who need a few days away from it all. Soldiers are flown to an Army base in the country of Qatar for a 4 day pass. Soldiers are allowed to wear civilian clothes, sleep in, swim at the pool, take trips to tour the local countryside, and even drink real beer (limited to 3 drinks per night). Our Brigade wasn't planing on sending Soldiers on pass during our time in Iraq for various reasons, but after the news of the extension hit, they decided it might be a good idea to give some soldiers a break. Especially those who took their RR leave during the early months of the deployment. So long story short, my chance to take pass is here, and just happens to fall during the spring break time period, so I guess when everyone is remembering their trips to Cancun or Vegas or wherever, I can drop in that I flew to Qatar. Should be a good time. Hopefully I take lots of pictures while I'm gone, and I'll be sure to update you all upon my return.<br /><br />(For more info on Qatar, check out <a href="http://www.experienceqatar.com/">here</a> or <a href="http://www.qatartourism.com/frontpage.html">here</a>)JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-54123426884867002842007-03-10T01:15:00.000-06:002007-04-01T03:28:16.480-06:00Quick movie updateI've been staying on top of the latest movies to roll through Anaconda, as usual, and figured I would give you all a quick update on what I've seen over the past few weeks.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416449/">300</a> - awesome film. Highly anticipated. Everyone in our section had been pumped about this movie for weeks, and 300 did not disapoint. Graphic, brutal, bloody, violent - everything a guy could ask for. Zach Snyder is the genius who puts this pretty picture together. Probably not the best date movie though. If you're a fan of epics like Braveheart, Gladiator, etc. you will love 300, for sure.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0450259/">Blood Diamond</a> - this movie was superb. Really opened my eyes to how diamonds come to be. My new favorite actor, DiCaprio, turns in an Oscar-caliber performance. Well cast film that keeps you enertained throughout. Highly reccomended.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0206634/">Children of Men</a> - a visual masterpiece. The movie itself is so-so, with decent acting and an intruiging storyline. The beauty of the film itself is what sets Children of Men apart. If you're a fan of movies as an art form, you will dig this film. Not for everyone though.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472043/">Apocalypto</a> - wow. This movie blew me away. My brothers had seen this film over Christmas 2006, and came back impressed. I finally got my chance to check it out and left the theater telling anyone who would listen what an epic expierence it was. Mel Gibson presents a violent, sometimes touching film following the tale of an American native who is torn apart from his village in brutal fashion and is forced to deal with the captors who have killed his father and destroyed everything he knows. One of the best films I've seen in the past 6 months.JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-91317202696230865752007-03-02T01:57:00.000-06:002007-04-01T03:28:04.240-06:00I'm still aliveFirst things first - I apologize for the month long void of any new posts. "The Man" is still keeping me down and isn't allowing me to access blogger at work, so my ability to update this here journal are severly limited. However, that is no excuse for a lack of posting. A sharp decrease in output, sure, but not a good reason to just quit updating you all. Anyways, now that we have that out of the way...<br /><br />Life in Iraq is humming along at a decent pace. The shock, frustration and denial stages of the Iraq extension news have past, and we've all come to embrace the suck, as the folks over here would say. March is here, and this should be the toughest month to complete. Most of us can't help but be reminded every time we look at the calendar that we should be going home this month, so that's an obstacle that is tough to overcome. We're soldiers though, so we'll press on and do what we do. (That's the party line, at least). Anyways, nothing too new to report. I'm still working out and lifting weights 5 days a week. I've become more intimate with my PlayStation that I ever thought possible, and I'm currently neck deep in the planning stages of fall semester 2007 at UNL. It's been tough setting up college plans thousands of miles away from home, but the good people at UNL have been flexible so far and have shown a willingness to help me out, which is good. Hopefully it all works out well in th end.<br /><br />That's about it from here. Hopefully everyone back in the rear is surviving the deluge of snow and what not. I'll try and update this thing once a week from here on out, if everything works according to plan. Maybe even throw some pictures up, if I can. Stay tuned.JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-57279643597127793912007-01-23T02:31:00.000-06:002007-01-23T03:49:02.087-06:00Throwing salt on an open wound<a href="http://i.realone.com/assets/rn/img/8/3/5/0/13230538-13230548-large.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="191" alt="" src="http://i.realone.com/assets/rn/img/8/3/5/0/13230538-13230548-large.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So news of our <a href="http://journalstar.com/articles/2007/01/11/news/local/doc45a69c57e961b266878346.txt">extension</a> has most likely <a href="http://journalstar.com/articles/2007/01/18/news/local/doc45afb56dbc2f3737229571.txt">made the rounds </a>back home, and I'm sure most all of you are aware of the extra 4 months of fun in the sun that I've been blessed with. One of the first thing that comes to mind after hearing such news is that we'll all be missing 4 more months worth of exciting and fun events, some of which we were really looking forward to. I, for example, will be missing my Dad's wedding, my brother Jacob's high school graduation (after missing brother James' graduation last year also) and another couple months of summer fun, all of which I'll never get back. To top it all off came news today that one of my favorite bands of all time, Rage Against the Machine, is planning on <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=66ffd892-90fe-44c0-8b4c-edab6e3990f3">reuniting for a show </a>at this summer's <a href="http://www.coachella.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Coachella</span> music festival </a>in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Indio</span>, California. The performance will be the band's first gig together since September 2000. I can say with 99% <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">certainty</span> that I would be making the trip out West if I was going to be home. I could also parlay that into a visit with my cousin Amanda, who is attending college in San Diego. Instead, I'll be here in Iraq, doing good things for my country. The sacrifices of war - they are plenty. Thankfully I have this blog to vent to. </div>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-19609447815161027512007-01-13T23:25:00.000-06:002007-01-14T00:44:35.606-06:00Top 10 Movies of 2006With the movie awards season in full swing, I figured I would throw my own two cents out there and share with you all my top 10 movies of 2006. These are the 10 movies that I enjoyed the most, that captured my attention and wouldn't let go, that left me leaving the theater talking and discussing with my friends. I was going to break this list down by genre, but decided I would keep it simple and list out for you my top 10 overall favorite flicks of 2006. Needless to say, I suggest you check out each of these as soon as possible, if you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">haven't</span>' seen them all already. (For a full list of the movies I saw and reviewed here in Iraq, <a href="http://jonhanseling.blogspot.com/search/label/Movies">click here</a>).<br /><br />Honorable Mention (in no particular order): <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454921/">The Pursuit of Happyness</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0415306/">Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0775566/">The War Tapes</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475276/">United 93</a><br /><br />10. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0493430/">Jackass Number Two</a> In a strong year for comedies, this film might have made me laugh the hardest and the longest out of them all. I went in with low expectations (as you have to for most sequels) but left highly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">entertained</span> and pleased with the second effort from Johnny Knoxville and crew. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Definitely</span> not a movie everyone will enjoy, but the lengths these folks go to in order to get a laugh must be appreciated.<br />9. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0492506/">Wordplay</a> My choice for documentary of the year (with apologies to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0775566/">The War Tapes</a>). I somehow managed to drag Nicki down to the excellent <a href="http://www.theross.org/">Ross theater</a> in Lincoln to see this film when I was home on leave, based on some of the excellent reviews I had read in the press. Wordplay did not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">disappoint</span>. Who thought a movie about crossword puzzles could be so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">entertaining</span>? I thought learning about how these intricate puzzles are created was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fascinating</span>, and seeing how dedicated some folks are to the life of crossword puzzles was amazing to watch.<br />8. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482571/">The Prestige </a>This film features one of my favorite actors of today, Christian Bale. If you haven't seen any of his work before, you are missing out. The strong cast (Bale, Hugh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Jackman</span>, Scarlett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Johansson</span>, Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Caine</span>) helps carry this movie along and overcome a few plot holes along the way in an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">entertaining</span> film that was good, but not quite as good as I think it could have been.<br />7. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0424345/">Clerks II</a> Another crude comedy that I really enjoyed. I am a big fan of Kevin Smith's work, and thought that the second installment of the Clerks series returns Smith to his roots, and helps make up for recent flops such as Jersey Girl. Hopefully Smith keeps up the good work and kicks out another comedy or two soon - he has earned my respect back with this strong effort.<br />6. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0420223/">Stranger Than Fiction </a>Will Ferrell stars in this excellent, quirky comedy, and puts on my 3rd favorite Ferrell performance to date (next to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">untoppable</span> tour <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">de</span> force displays in <a href="http://www.geekroar.com/film/archives/old_school-thumb.jpg">Old School </a>and Anchorman). This film <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">surprised</span> me with just how good it was, and is probably the biggest <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">surprise</span> for me on this list.<br />5. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=thank+you+for+smoking">Thank You For Smoking </a>Nicki saw this before I did, and raved about it. I kept trying for months and months to get my hands on a copy of the DVD, and finally saw it in November. I loved the acting, the writing, the production - it was all top notch. Very well done film, and bitingly funny satire on big tobacco.<br />4. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443453/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Borat</span></a> I felt a little wrong for having this masterpiece so low on my list, but also felt a little wrong for having such a horribly obscene film so high. I'll just leave it here in the clean up spot and call it even. The comedy here is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">defiantly</span> not going up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">everyone's</span> alley, and in fact will probably cause some of you to walk out of the theater in disgust. I for one found this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">mockumentary</span> to be flat our hilarious, although my internal moral high ground tells me I'm wrong for saying so. Regardless, Sacha <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Baran</span> Cohen's performance is phenomenal and makes this film a must see. No comedy released this year (and possibly in the last 5 years) will make you laugh harder.<br />3. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0449059/">Little Miss Sunshine </a>Review after review hales this film as the top comedy of 2006, so I was almost nervous to see it in fear that it would not live up to the incredible expectations I had. Thankfully, the film does not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">disappoint</span>. Steve <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Carel</span> is fun to watch, in a role that is a polar opposite from his work on his popular TV show, The Office. Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Kinnear</span> also puts on a show as the obnoxious father of one of the most dysfunctional <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">families</span> you'll ever see. However, my favorite performance of the film belongs to the youngest actor in the whole show, Abigail <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Breslin</span>, as Olive, who is mature beyond her years. Comedy of the year? I think so, although if this is #1, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Borat</span> is 1A.<br />2. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381061/">Casino <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Royale</span></a> I'll admit it - I'm not historically a big James Bond fan. I think I've seen 2 or 3 movies in the franchise before and have never been too terribly impressed. I'm sure that will lead some to question my status as a "guy", but oh well. However, my opinion of Bond was blown away after seeing Casino <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Royale</span>, the newest installment starring Daniel Craig as a new, unproven 007. I was mesmerized by the glitz, the glam, the explosions, the fast cars, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">tremendous</span> action scenes (the opening scene in particular is jaw dropping) and of course the beautiful Bond girls. Craig is perfectly cast as 007, and his cool, calm demeanor personifies everything Bond should be.<br />1. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407887/">The Departed </a>Sometimes, a film comes along that is just destined for greatness. The ingredients are just so perfect, so well done, that it would be nearly impossible to not achieve perfection. The Departed is one of those movies. From the outstanding cast, to the iconic director, The Departed is far and away my favorite film of 2006. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Marky</span> Mark shines as the scene-stealing loud mouth Boston detective, Jack Nicholson intimidates as the gruff mafia crime lord, Matt Damon brings it as the fresh faced cop playing both sides of the fence and Martin Scorsese pulls it all together with amazing skill and grace. The owner of this movie, however, is Leonardo DiCaprio, who jumps off the screen as the undercover cop who is forced into making everyone happy but himself. I was sky high for this movie going in, and left knowing that I had added a new film to my favorite of all time list. If you appreciate film making and story telling at it's finest, combined with tremendous acting and masterful directing, then The Departed is your movie. You will not be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">disappointed</span>.JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-21724450187115240032007-01-02T02:23:00.000-06:002007-01-02T03:00:53.401-06:00Cotton Bowl<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WEvnajexQJwqHb5-d2mV-rkVV72XmvXvZI6MgIcEzouS-X0fVF0yZDerCHsMcDb2CzbSN9PKYzl03zirFTm7Va7HGvGQQD4x-U9r3_i1hgB2oAL2jUEX3TlrGevrzVyXRzYF/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015349826865116514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WEvnajexQJwqHb5-d2mV-rkVV72XmvXvZI6MgIcEzouS-X0fVF0yZDerCHsMcDb2CzbSN9PKYzl03zirFTm7Va7HGvGQQD4x-U9r3_i1hgB2oAL2jUEX3TlrGevrzVyXRzYF/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a> As Jim Morrison would say, this is the end my friend. I have to admit, this Husker football season meant more to me than any I can remember in recent memory. Sure, the years we won national titles were fun in their own obvious way, but this season was special in a different way. Being deployed to Iraq during an entire season of Nebraska football was very discouraging. I have attended over 6 seasons of Husker home games prior to this deployment, and after missing most of the 2005 home games due to our training at Camp Shelby I was pretty down about missing yet another slate of home games at Memorial Stadium. The football season, however, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. For the past 4 months I've been following the Huskers religiously, reading every news piece I can find online, tuning into every game that AFN broadcasts, even waking up at 3 a.m. to listen to a radio broadcast over the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">internet</span>. The truth of the matter is that Husker football has given me something to be excited about and take my mind of our mission from time to time and deliver a little slice of home every football <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Saturday</span>. Sure, I miss the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">excitement</span> of watching the games live or with my friends, and you better believe I'm not going to miss a single home game next year. However, without Husker football over the past 4 months I'm convinced this deployment of mine would have been night and day different. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">disappointed</span> that the season ended the way it did with two straight losses, but I'm thankful for the good times we had and I'm looking forward to next year. Can't ask for much more than that.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FM2iaubwjiTQnsS7ywjLoEzlpYOTAgIrmF6gVKJ4kDFg2qb0fEDxKUDDDqWIEb7XQXQ9qE_Vem1H5UuooUV29mr84gjkKhnj2wCSsZjTYNWHuAPeBDeY2wAyKedjRrJw-xeY/s1600-h/DSCN8034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015347163985392914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FM2iaubwjiTQnsS7ywjLoEzlpYOTAgIrmF6gVKJ4kDFg2qb0fEDxKUDDDqWIEb7XQXQ9qE_Vem1H5UuooUV29mr84gjkKhnj2wCSsZjTYNWHuAPeBDeY2wAyKedjRrJw-xeY/s320/DSCN8034.JPG" border="0" /></a> The mighty S-1 section, gathering in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Colonel's</span> office for the Cotton Bowl <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">match up</span> with Auburn.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnV0t5xb8sgjcEVYTwtVR3ElA8Ez_yrmHWGQkSGt83xukiS1rtEqW9n0IcI_viP3nRpi16OsDUaiVMF4HAFWPEvdoiNdCqq9MO1fuK_iSlt3KuK_qxSeEEvVQ_4aU69_icAJm/s1600-h/DSCN8037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015347181165262114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnV0t5xb8sgjcEVYTwtVR3ElA8Ez_yrmHWGQkSGt83xukiS1rtEqW9n0IcI_viP3nRpi16OsDUaiVMF4HAFWPEvdoiNdCqq9MO1fuK_iSlt3KuK_qxSeEEvVQ_4aU69_icAJm/s320/DSCN8037.JPG" border="0" /></a> We filled up on Pizza Hut pie and German n/a beer during the game. Not sure why I'm standing here - I think Lucky just busted off a nice gainer.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11mxe1VJxMCr5XQWhwT9wS76L5XxnDf2_N2QoJWGHnU_v38bPPcHOzOxtNK1p8jRrtZdfaSNnWRteeBVmW8keWE9RYBGqz7Ee6HzN1ZViyHbigInc50gjYpAX99FMVuEyEb6c/s1600-h/DSCN8039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015347198345131314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11mxe1VJxMCr5XQWhwT9wS76L5XxnDf2_N2QoJWGHnU_v38bPPcHOzOxtNK1p8jRrtZdfaSNnWRteeBVmW8keWE9RYBGqz7Ee6HzN1ZViyHbigInc50gjYpAX99FMVuEyEb6c/s320/DSCN8039.JPG" border="0" /></a> The touchdown to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Swifty</span> - felt good at this point. Positive vibes all around.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmle6OX9yqGYfI7bF9qHWmtcFna8vkr_1QHDfkq4ImsX4L1EznD7v6p89R0iqTRkcu9ylTP86t13P2_PyMC_olW7txaMeFJJsVbd4k2vXCHnXQiBo7wOGXBrPf3S_zG-iXstH/s1600-h/DSCN8036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015347215525000514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmle6OX9yqGYfI7bF9qHWmtcFna8vkr_1QHDfkq4ImsX4L1EznD7v6p89R0iqTRkcu9ylTP86t13P2_PyMC_olW7txaMeFJJsVbd4k2vXCHnXQiBo7wOGXBrPf3S_zG-iXstH/s320/DSCN8036.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">SFC</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Kerchal</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">bringing</span> in some more beer. I think this picture is hilarious - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Kerchal</span> has a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">mischievous</span> look on his face.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV_Am_1wjDE_38Uz-p4oVr5kIIpSCvKMSGur02ms3-v0r7UBmiT2NH4uVpVH7rofn5TTPKmn7iTst8Cx5GxETH4tvq-J8MAnAUXfVwJLG9BZ37i3Jai2-ZSVp95jc3Vx5JjiG/s1600-h/cotton+bowl+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015347224114935122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV_Am_1wjDE_38Uz-p4oVr5kIIpSCvKMSGur02ms3-v0r7UBmiT2NH4uVpVH7rofn5TTPKmn7iTst8Cx5GxETH4tvq-J8MAnAUXfVwJLG9BZ37i3Jai2-ZSVp95jc3Vx5JjiG/s320/cotton+bowl+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> The beers were pint size glass bottles. First time we'd had them. Pretty good stuff in an unusually large bottle.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-edaYRD-fNfDTkKU0JgApkYfSb1NTNDXba7KUbnp1wRbp5WxPXqnNVfOgi2wLNxFnpD9rCT_9KMbq_Pv9MTEyRKrO_09yh_rKGyq1cTlFlHgcV5w9Ih7n6Svdp2KAYex8oLP9/s1600-h/DSCN8032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015354491199599986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-edaYRD-fNfDTkKU0JgApkYfSb1NTNDXba7KUbnp1wRbp5WxPXqnNVfOgi2wLNxFnpD9rCT_9KMbq_Pv9MTEyRKrO_09yh_rKGyq1cTlFlHgcV5w9Ih7n6Svdp2KAYex8oLP9/s320/DSCN8032.JPG" border="0" /></a> I wasn't going to post this pic, because I'm fairly certain this is not my best look, but oh well. I was excited and looking forward to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">de</span>-clawing the tigers. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Unfortunately</span> for us, the Huskers couldn't take care of business in the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">nd</span> half. Time to look forward to the 2007 season.</div></div>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-51247208181881400722006-12-30T10:50:00.000-06:002006-12-30T10:59:38.490-06:00Yo Adriaaaaaaan!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf08MZts_pjaazL5h5HKA-j5Te8jFeDZnUd16Rkt4mOEQk16yPSOMrijgE840DEMiG5UhdO1vc0dhpJ5fhk-cgxnaoo6XBU2iaCDBM9-kVG2NtIvSGqFa9__mO8MPUsjNRN6c/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5014364657989914962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf08MZts_pjaazL5h5HKA-j5Te8jFeDZnUd16Rkt4mOEQk16yPSOMrijgE840DEMiG5UhdO1vc0dhpJ5fhk-cgxnaoo6XBU2iaCDBM9-kVG2NtIvSGqFa9__mO8MPUsjNRN6c/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000ICM5VM.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ"></a><br /><br /><div>It's here. My Rocky five disc box set arrived in today's mail, just in time. SPC Fleck went on a trip to Baghdad recently and returned with a copy of the new Rocky Balboa movie on DVD. So now I've got to knock out the first 5 flicks and prepare myself for the 6th. Good times.</div><br /><div>Two days away from Cotton Bowl kickoff. I plan on posting thoughts on the big game some time tomorrow, if everything falls into place. We're planning another watch party in the <a href="http://jonhanseling.blogspot.com/2006/11/buffalo-meat.html">Colonel's office</a>, although this time with an added twist. Should be a good time. Stay tuned.</div></div>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-46602885663527846762006-12-25T10:38:00.000-06:002006-12-25T11:15:14.893-06:00Christmas timeToday is Christmas day, although being over here in Iraq it pretty much feels like every other day. Now that we've crossed the threshold into our 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">th</span> month of duty here in the desert, the routine day to day schedule has turned into a groundhog day type situation: it's the same darn thing, day after day after day. On special occasions (like Christmas) you need to throw a wrench into things in order to make it feel different, more important. Our unit's favorite wrench is a good bar-b-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">que</span> party. On the evening of 24 December our unit had a Christmas grill out to celebrate the holiday. Here are the pictures to prove it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaD-1gnktC46ucK_pFpeW67d_Qc3WoK_XagQGFpzknpB80Q7cC8nxri8YY0fSK6joT6-7Z3iSa0XEIquXtESaixHQ2IMi-QHmIF4ZeXJ6glL14MspN8GnyNQ6vQTJsHkUxSZ9/s1600-h/IMG_0335.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012513866387755330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaD-1gnktC46ucK_pFpeW67d_Qc3WoK_XagQGFpzknpB80Q7cC8nxri8YY0fSK6joT6-7Z3iSa0XEIquXtESaixHQ2IMi-QHmIF4ZeXJ6glL14MspN8GnyNQ6vQTJsHkUxSZ9/s320/IMG_0335.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Grillzila, breathing fire, ready to devour whatever cut of meat we throw it's way. Awesome.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5AFRYCmbLPnBlBhPpXy-G6XXRbeFdar-ftIKqOxECFb6cG7SEMvXeJYni2z83ycOkMlwszx2waq77Cr27mVqZ5lSGCTO_d88IQgjwqWUhSjwkq4h5iZVF85s2qKs26UaVCel/s1600-h/party+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012506814051455170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5AFRYCmbLPnBlBhPpXy-G6XXRbeFdar-ftIKqOxECFb6cG7SEMvXeJYni2z83ycOkMlwszx2waq77Cr27mVqZ5lSGCTO_d88IQgjwqWUhSjwkq4h5iZVF85s2qKs26UaVCel/s320/party+012.jpg" border="0" /></a> Soldiers mingling about during the Christmas party. We even had a tree set up, with lights and candy canes and everything. Aren't we festive?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgaVJknuMSzk1Zv5LiNJBHRjdHJu3QiRZAmuHadIbrRB5_BvwmlmNWD3ZrLZE-HG6FgZK6EZaIH_P5boB2-pz0le0y_fKKxKCPtFKdvCsmwr3VqQxHmYjnGQXfISFuVQDBOUx/s1600-h/party+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012506831231324370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgaVJknuMSzk1Zv5LiNJBHRjdHJu3QiRZAmuHadIbrRB5_BvwmlmNWD3ZrLZE-HG6FgZK6EZaIH_P5boB2-pz0le0y_fKKxKCPtFKdvCsmwr3VqQxHmYjnGQXfISFuVQDBOUx/s320/party+013.jpg" border="0" /></a> Everyone gathered around the plasma to enjoy holiday classics. Currently playing in the above picture is the outstanding <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097958/">Christmas Vacation</a>. Right after this we watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038650/">It's a Wonderful Life</a>. Good times.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0Sy00rZyhROHXIpAfhyJ5LUGdqmE_1H2fAF8CPhXP4l433DfQTU73sQZBoQy5ummyR_VPy5D3s2xh3z1OC-zu4biocjr6kj_LMMVQO4Za6kBCAGltV8F98n7glJ8deL7oPo0/s1600-h/party+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012506839821258978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0Sy00rZyhROHXIpAfhyJ5LUGdqmE_1H2fAF8CPhXP4l433DfQTU73sQZBoQy5ummyR_VPy5D3s2xh3z1OC-zu4biocjr6kj_LMMVQO4Za6kBCAGltV8F98n7glJ8deL7oPo0/s320/party+009.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is my choice cut of meat for the night, a thick and juicy 1.9 pound t-bone beauty just before it's tossed onto <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Grillzila</span>. Delicious.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvdBkhObt6MTB6U54plV6QT74Ya7Hg5rF5G1b3ejabHf7q8WLScGbtm9OO9MEF0XUxcAW7rf92n2iaD0M8KVnvK_2cJ2bnxq77QEzgq33FGDl6XBD7Exdriz9n2xjpz1Rge82/s1600-h/party+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012506852706160882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvdBkhObt6MTB6U54plV6QT74Ya7Hg5rF5G1b3ejabHf7q8WLScGbtm9OO9MEF0XUxcAW7rf92n2iaD0M8KVnvK_2cJ2bnxq77QEzgq33FGDl6XBD7Exdriz9n2xjpz1Rge82/s320/party+016.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Grillzilla</span> brought her A game for the festive event. My steak was cooked to perfection.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzslhoYFzbMBgprKss8vUTF_GKewLAiimAKF7APeVBMLYzp39KcQpaB0QVDPq9IxrvOlF6emPEpkqTOMsSWPD26Irdhyzh-Pa9bgbfbQh5ZfRVrSoD9hGUYtDThIhx3HHEWCKJ/s1600-h/IMG_0355.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012507870613410098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzslhoYFzbMBgprKss8vUTF_GKewLAiimAKF7APeVBMLYzp39KcQpaB0QVDPq9IxrvOlF6emPEpkqTOMsSWPD26Irdhyzh-Pa9bgbfbQh5ZfRVrSoD9hGUYtDThIhx3HHEWCKJ/s320/IMG_0355.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">SSG</span> Johnson, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">SFC</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Kerchal</span>, SGT Kane, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">SFC</span> Washington and myself, gathered around the table enjoying our food and taking in a holiday classic on the screen.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDob8k0_0XoIUQ0IFD-xlFEsiD2BkRLsBFdxuANJCnBRYkFpPRFmcKsFnPnfODydk6kaBiJ0qzEVEB322ZfeI2A-4-ATAqiicKceVInnHdd6_Cnu8c6Hw3-T_liHHBi04amp6g/s1600-h/party+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012506857001128194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDob8k0_0XoIUQ0IFD-xlFEsiD2BkRLsBFdxuANJCnBRYkFpPRFmcKsFnPnfODydk6kaBiJ0qzEVEB322ZfeI2A-4-ATAqiicKceVInnHdd6_Cnu8c6Hw3-T_liHHBi04amp6g/s320/party+017.jpg" border="0" /></a> Close-up shot of your favorite Army man, getting ready to devour half a cow.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAd2tXV2T6TLzGGW1SE1edimZvLB_YwLdUQRFRjY4Y_D2F3MSGzMKpOxbw9mQd0HJHlyLWtJtT-seIuFrVl79fGW-rvMWcYqjRrOBMA5meFSRVuxPAYH-8XdajDOi_J8oKECV/s1600-h/party+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012507862023475474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAd2tXV2T6TLzGGW1SE1edimZvLB_YwLdUQRFRjY4Y_D2F3MSGzMKpOxbw9mQd0HJHlyLWtJtT-seIuFrVl79fGW-rvMWcYqjRrOBMA5meFSRVuxPAYH-8XdajDOi_J8oKECV/s320/party+019.jpg" border="0" /></a> The remains of my fierce battle with the t-bone. Notice the high quality fork, sans one blade. The t-bone may have won the battle, but I sure as heck won the war. Terrific.<br /><a></div></a>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-28741512313265201742006-12-22T04:45:00.000-06:002006-12-22T05:34:59.695-06:00Random musingsQuick movie update:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454970/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Turistas</span></a> I won't go into this one too much, simply because it really isn't worth my time. SGT Kane has already done a nice little job on this movie over on his site (read about it <a href="http://sackiniraq.blogspot.com/2006/12/movie-review-some-good-ones-and-one-of.html">here</a>). I think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Turistas</span> might end the year as the worst movie I've seen. I've seen a decent amount of flicks, so that's saying something. Don't waste your $8 - don't even waste your $2 at the late run theater. I would <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">recommend</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">visiting</span> the <a href="http://www.history.org/Foundation/journal/Spring04/images/quackx_dentist_sm.jpg">dentist</a> over seeing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Turistas</span>. Seriously.</li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454921/">The Pursuit of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Happyness</span></a> An unexpected winner. I have always like Will Smith's work, but this is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">definitely</span> different than your usual flashy, showy, Smith blockbuster (Independence Day, Men In Black, etc.). This movie is stripped down, and doesn't feature a star-studded supporting cast or expensive special effects. This film is all about Smith, and he delivers in spades. His co-star is his real life son, who makes a nice film debut. The movie is "based on real events", although I'm not really sure what that means these days in Hollywood. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Happyness</span> (the misspelling is explained, don't worry) is a nice uplifting holiday movie - something you could take the family to on Christmas night, for example. I highly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">recommend</span>. And kudos to Smith for taking a chance on role that he obviously cares about, instead of mailing it in with a big-budget blockbuster. Mad props.</li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0493430/">Jackass Number Two</a> I went into this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">leery</span> of the sequel money grab. Shame on me for my lack of faith. <a href="http://i.rollingstone.com/assets/rs/11/3861/images/00102788_med.jpg">Johnny Knoxville</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Bam</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Margera</span> and crew deliver with another laugh out loud, slap your thigh funny film. If you liked the first, you will love the second. I promise. One of the 2 or 3 funniest movies I've seen all year - possibly the funniest. Highly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">recommended</span>.</li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0775566/">The War Tapes </a>I bought this DVD at the bazaar. I had heard good things about this film last summer when it made the indie theater circuit and was hoping I could get my hands on the DVD. Nice little independent film following a couple National Guard soldiers like myself throughout their year long deployment to Iraq. This film won best documentary of 2006 at <a href="http://www.imdb.com/Sections/Awards/Tribeca_Film_Festival/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Tribeca</span> Film Festival</a>. Go on down to your local Blockbuster and pick this up for a quality rental and an authentic look at what Iraq is like from a soldiers point of view. </li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381061/">Casino <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Royale</span> </a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">SFC</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Kerchal</span> bought this DVD at the bazaar and the quality was superb. I loved this movie, which is saying something since I don't consider my fan much of a Bond fan, historically speaking (I know, I know - I'm disgrace of a man for saying so). I thought Daniel Craig was an awesome choice for Bond. Much better than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">ol</span> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000112/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Brosnan</span></a>. The action was fast and exciting, the girls were gorgeous, and I thought the plot and storyline held up well. A guy can't ask for much more than that. I believe this film is coming to our theater soon, and I'm already looking forward to seeing it again, in all of its big screen glory. </li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479143/">Rocky Balboa</a> I haven't seen this one yet, but I'm including it on the list simply to let you all know that I'm really looking forward to it. I've read enough <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rocky_balboa/">good reviews </a>to warrant getting my hopes up, and after reading <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/vault">this article </a>from the <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/simmons/index">Sports Guy </a>I went right on over to my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">favorite store </a>and ordered the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rocky-Anthology-II-III-IV/dp/B000ICM5VM/sr=8-1/qid=1166786926/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-5063623-4362554?ie=UTF8&s=dvd">Rocky Anthology on DVD</a>. I hope to time it just right so I can receive the boxed set, watch all 5 movies on DVD and then have Rocky Balboa show up in the theater. Wish me luck.</li></ul><p>Well that's all for now. Merry Christmas to everyone and I will check in after the holidays with some thoughts on the big Husker bowl game <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">match up</span>. </p><p></p><p></p>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-17572415801767668732006-12-19T02:23:00.000-06:002006-12-19T22:50:05.915-06:00Grandma knows best!Wanted to take an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">opportunity</span> to say thanks to my Grandparents for the awesome Christmas care package they sent my way a few days ago. Grandma put together some peanut butter cookies, some peanut brittle, and a batch of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">snicker doodles</span> to boot (my favorite). All were delivered in decorative Christmas tins. To top it all off, she even threw in a bright red stocking packed full with Salted Nut Rolls! Well done Grandpa and Grandma - I appreciate it very much!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASfu49hRH-puJPlNsCmR0INngPMJyce_PhyV0MRQkpi5nsSGTzUyM6vUvCE5apGIG5jgWu-g8-PGPjTAxmdGM1Qgq49TDkuiITZ6PnGCfZDEE-FkgfdYrGOV5BKFfynBWvbf9/s1600-h/grandma+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5009409313702350914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASfu49hRH-puJPlNsCmR0INngPMJyce_PhyV0MRQkpi5nsSGTzUyM6vUvCE5apGIG5jgWu-g8-PGPjTAxmdGM1Qgq49TDkuiITZ6PnGCfZDEE-FkgfdYrGOV5BKFfynBWvbf9/s320/grandma+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> Me with the prize - a Christmas stocking overflowing with Salted Nut Rolls. Terrific.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEQ9LJj3pj6O7vItUD8fH4dmXl6w71g2b6-sy8j4aC8PNqJRhVkSJBa0MbJ_USEfcD4cOPmohGwjONr6prZVwHvEzntRI3dsyt6nvsso0rnBgqUgXAE0VZnwsN73cKv0krsX_/s1600-h/grandma+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5009409326587252818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEQ9LJj3pj6O7vItUD8fH4dmXl6w71g2b6-sy8j4aC8PNqJRhVkSJBa0MbJ_USEfcD4cOPmohGwjONr6prZVwHvEzntRI3dsyt6nvsso0rnBgqUgXAE0VZnwsN73cKv0krsX_/s320/grandma+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> I wanted to take a picture of the tins full of homemade cookies, but before I could get that done my co-workers and I had polished them all off. So I had to settle with a picture of an empty tin - take that as a compliment Grandma!<br /><div></div>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-66662152019050310332006-12-18T08:34:00.000-06:002006-12-18T12:31:04.933-06:003 years? Holy cow...<div align="center">My how the time flies. As of today, I've been courting Nicki for exactly 3 years. I can't believe it's been that long. Craziness. To celebrate, I am posting a couple pictures of my better half and I for your viewing pleasure. Love you Nicki! <a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5009876979806310530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZowfnrbKGnCv-lCfR25r9uSicwV4Ug5GfLBEaBEHiBH8bm2TqTDbd4qHmPElfYoGJh9-eKTzwdwbjoZxVaiiifmDQHlQYEnyCmJJAXY-woihqvAqa5EdDBrY9Jk7hWENrw1A2/s320/SanAntonion2005+010.jpg" border="0" /></a> The first picture on record of the stunning couple. This was taken at Nicki's mom's house during Christmas 2003.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoztMTKYyJOVNgAWJqmAf4wiSQ6g66zGfc_Xq8qFuxED_LNuCJhj2WCi4I85fzDhQFqcPAlr7pgNRdSKProVlMH5AJiSk3pGrhVpxtOvvpxVAWbITpymM3eauakAXom4K3PJEG/s1600-h/freaking+hot.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5009876988396245154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoztMTKYyJOVNgAWJqmAf4wiSQ6g66zGfc_Xq8qFuxED_LNuCJhj2WCi4I85fzDhQFqcPAlr7pgNRdSKProVlMH5AJiSk3pGrhVpxtOvvpxVAWbITpymM3eauakAXom4K3PJEG/s320/freaking+hot.JPG" border="0" /></a> Chillin at the welcome home bash my Grandparents threw for me when I was home on leave in July.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qC2cPQktZJl4h5-YYiT90qqYkgHmQCW_8Pg5ZqcWByzGcoZJcRX0z3yPbRgrpr1TuThUQhonnyQYA8qBVZYWc2f5hjwDlF1hrMhjVyX9HZw_yFPpr24JC0YMm4N-rxoh3wSf/s1600-h/cute.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5009876992691212466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qC2cPQktZJl4h5-YYiT90qqYkgHmQCW_8Pg5ZqcWByzGcoZJcRX0z3yPbRgrpr1TuThUQhonnyQYA8qBVZYWc2f5hjwDlF1hrMhjVyX9HZw_yFPpr24JC0YMm4N-rxoh3wSf/s320/cute.jpg" border="0" /></a> We look good, right? I think so.</div>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-40294409177877154592006-12-17T13:30:00.000-06:002006-12-17T13:43:00.683-06:00It's Christmas timeChristmas is in the air, even here in Iraq. Our dining facility has had Christmas decorations up for weeks, and we've actually had a run of cold weather over the last few days, which makes it feel like winter (kinda). As we all know, Christmas just isn't Christmas without a tree. Well, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">evergreens</span> aren't very common out in the desert, so any plans of putting up a tree to celebrate the holiday season rests on family and friends back home. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fortunately</span> for me, my girlfriend Nicki's family has come through and delivered a little slice of holiday goodness to my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">roommate</span> and I. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Blazek's</span> sent a box of holiday snacks and goodies, highlighted by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">pre</span>-light Christmas tree they thoughtfully included. I wanted to put this post together as a thank-you to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Blazek's</span> for their kindness. Here is the tree, in all it's splendor.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioLSMZP4FSAzzEwfImgYArBpTRs6K-6m-tJ-Ue6bfNXxCjU1eJWmjQdrRJ9IosS-fa5AypRsIMBhPKBjgbNF4B2V21fRLlA2VJzEqbAFQseuhTcMxGPYZU9tXwglv071jzYlz/s1600-h/christmas+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5009582804611305570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioLSMZP4FSAzzEwfImgYArBpTRs6K-6m-tJ-Ue6bfNXxCjU1eJWmjQdrRJ9IosS-fa5AypRsIMBhPKBjgbNF4B2V21fRLlA2VJzEqbAFQseuhTcMxGPYZU9tXwglv071jzYlz/s320/christmas+001.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>Close up of the tree. Gorgeous, no?<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1iv1ENpGaXIbxAv6ffYMfCVvqGYlEZagvmM76HnRrAqO5jon2YT2Cw67bCUe7BLHUCfMDfY6LhMpEGvm4EGePpqfUnSwhAB2mQPu4VHGjY2IA8oJIEIx-nQZI34Obnh5MCuT/s1600-h/christmas+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5009582821791174770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1iv1ENpGaXIbxAv6ffYMfCVvqGYlEZagvmM76HnRrAqO5jon2YT2Cw67bCUe7BLHUCfMDfY6LhMpEGvm4EGePpqfUnSwhAB2mQPu4VHGjY2IA8oJIEIx-nQZI34Obnh5MCuT/s320/christmas+006.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>The tree is just so festive - it really sets off the room!<br /></p>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-23492978338849186112006-12-16T23:38:00.000-06:002006-12-17T00:06:28.850-06:00Carrie Underwood<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUaiC4FdW4U7aNv5W4Ca1697B6Sm_O9A_bbcgHUSq12WWiRNiQcRYHZZ2tkSzASdXfH6Jliu5SANqewwbOPblEf1AQ6iMFn-_QWa9COprDFLVWjrAL-fdBYmtAGiASA4FUqWm/s1600-h/autograph.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5009370238089891890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUaiC4FdW4U7aNv5W4Ca1697B6Sm_O9A_bbcgHUSq12WWiRNiQcRYHZZ2tkSzASdXfH6Jliu5SANqewwbOPblEf1AQ6iMFn-_QWa9COprDFLVWjrAL-fdBYmtAGiASA4FUqWm/s320/autograph.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season4/carrie_underwood/">American Idol </a>winner and country music star <a href="www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com/">Carrie Underwood </a>made the trip across the big blue sea to come <a href="http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/index.php?pid=129">visit some troops in Iraq</a>. She made a stop at Anaconda yesterday and <a href="http://sackiniraq.blogspot.com/">SGT Kane</a> and I were lucky enough to see her perform. Her show took place inside our movie theater, which seats less than 800 people. Due to the small size of the venue, the powers that be decided to distruibuite tickets to the event. Only those servicemembers who were fortuante enough to get their hands on a ticket would be able to see Carrie perform. Our base is home to over 20,000 people, so our odds of grabbing a ticket were slim. SGT Kane and I were optimistic we would somehow score one of the tickets, but I don't think either one of us figured we would both be lucky enough to snatch a ducket. A few things fell into place (thank you SPC Fleck and SPC Benes) that made the whole thing possible. Unfortuantley, the theater lighting is not very condusive to concerts and picture taking and what not, so most of my pictures didn't turn out all that well. I have another source for pictures though, and if that comes through I'll post some more later today. Here is a picture taken after the concert with Carrie, Kane and I and a couple other servicemembers.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuK9tijBU-Z9wda4ejoIH1aLiA9EYMTcs1_HzUKwc_kt-OpI_PDDjwhkAgScUp8TI22_4MVpE9a2U2y5qtvna3A0YnKSqKqPrTk502fFDUqGzbpmx_V3dJRJEg6Bhfxka4MSG/s1600-h/underwood+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5009367948872323106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuK9tijBU-Z9wda4ejoIH1aLiA9EYMTcs1_HzUKwc_kt-OpI_PDDjwhkAgScUp8TI22_4MVpE9a2U2y5qtvna3A0YnKSqKqPrTk502fFDUqGzbpmx_V3dJRJEg6Bhfxka4MSG/s320/underwood+035.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-4989841739007928602006-12-03T04:04:00.000-06:002006-12-03T04:54:01.560-06:00November Movie Wrap-upNothing too new to report on this end (other than that <a href="http://www.huskerpedia.com/games/2006/okla06.html">crushing defeat </a>at the hand of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Sooners</span> last night in the Big XII Championship Game, which I would rather forget) so I'm gonna mail it in with a new movie post. Enjoy.<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0453467/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Deja</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Vu</span></a> This movie stars <a href="http://img.timeinc.net/people/i/2004/04/30anniversary/sexiestman/dwashington.jpg"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Denzel</span> Washington</a>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Denzel</span> is usually a pretty reliable bet to act in quality movies. His <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000243/">body of work </a>(Glory, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Malcom</span> X, Philadelphia, The Hurricane, Training Day, Man on Fire) supports this theory, from my vantage point. So when a new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Denzel</span> flick comes to the local cinema, I usually consider it worthy of my hard earned dollar. Factor in that my current local cinema is free, and that makes any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Denzel</span> show a must-see. I went into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Deja</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Vu</span> with zero knowledge of the premise, story or cast (other than the star). I must say that I wasn't overly impressed with this movie, nor was I overly disappointed. I would have to say I'm fairly neutral on it overall. I think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Denzel</span> does a fine job, and the set-up is decent, but the movie suffers from a few flaws that pretty much kills everything for me. About half way into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Deja</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Vu</span> the audience is basically asked to suspend reality, accept that what we're being told is true (even though everyone is scratching their heads and muttering about how impossible this is) and then the rest of the way out we must continue to just enjoy the movie for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">entertainment</span>, and not for any real substance or meaning. After leave the theater, SGT Kane and I discussed a few alternative endings that could have made the movie more interesting or might have made you think a little more, but the folks in charge instead decided to stick with a fairly Hollywood ending. I can understand what they were thinking - they didn't want to leave the audience upset, and wanted to stick with the safe play. This may bring the movie a few more dollars at the box office, but if they really wanted to please <s>me</s> the audience, I think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Deja</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Vu</span> should have ditched some of the physics lessons and worked harder on a meatier plot with a less contrived ending. I think the risk would have paid off. All in all, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Deja</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Vu</span> is a decent flick and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Denzel</span> doesn't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">disappoint</span>, but nothing here is worth remembering. </li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387877/">The Black Dahlia</a> On paper, The Black Dahlia packs quite a punch. The <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000361/">director</a> is a proven winner, as he was at the helm for gems like Scarface, The Untouchables, Carrie - heck he directed the first Mission Impossible, which was alright. The cast (Josh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Hartnett</span>, Scarlett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Johansson</span>, Aaron <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Eckhart</span>, Hilary Swank) is loaded with big names. Throw all of this goodness into one melting pot and you should come out with a sure-fire gem, right? In the case of The Black Dahlia - wrong. Poor execution, shoddy acting, a confusing plot and a slow pace kill whatever high hopes this movie may have had. I'm not familiar with the story of The Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Dahilia</span> (if you want to know, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Short">go here</a>) and I'm not sure if that may have helped or not, but I'm guessing I'm not the only one who waltzed into the theater with no prior knowledge of the story. The movie is put together well, with 1940s era clothing, cars, and everything else. The problem for me was that the story just didn't flow right, and the ending left much to be desired. A little too long and weird for my tastes, and a good example of a well known director and good cast not always being able to deliver solid results. I can't even <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">recommend</span> this for a rental. If you really want to see De <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Palma</span> run a quality show, go rent <a href="http://www.blockbuster.com/online/catalog/movieDetails?movieId=36749">this</a> or <a href="http://www.blockbuster.com/online/catalog/movieDetails?movieId=30335">this</a>. You will thank me. </li></ul>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-17331680541378681622006-11-28T01:03:00.000-06:002006-11-28T06:41:54.885-06:00Buffalo MeatOur Squadron Commander is home on leave and we took advantage by throwing a Husker watch party in his office last Friday for the big NU - CU showdown. Too bad the Buffs aren't that good this year and the game wasn't very close, but it was a good time none the less. We subsituted our normal hamburger grill-out routine with pizza this time around. Things just aren't the same when our grillmaster, SSG Johnson, is not around. Anyways, here are a few pictures. Enjoy.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/575/3242/1600/huskers.buffs%20002.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/575/3242/320/huskers.buffs%20002.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was hesitant to post this photo, because it doesn't paint a very good picture with regards to how crappy it is over here. Plasma screens, plush couches, pizza hut pizza, beer - sheesh, football parties back in Nebraska aren't usually this good. Don't worry folks - this is the exception, and not the rule.<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/575/3242/1600/huskers.buffs%20004.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/575/3242/320/huskers.buffs%20004.jpg" border="0" /></a> SGT Kane, SGT Hunt and myself ran down to Pizza Hut and picked up four large pies, to go. CSM Hall chipped in and bought beer, and bam - we had ourselves a party.<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/575/3242/1600/huskers.buffs%20001.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/575/3242/320/huskers.buffs%20001.jpg" border="0" /></a> I can't even describe how weird it was to sit on a couch to watch a game. I'm telling you, it's the little things you miss when you're in Iraq.<br /><br /><em>Note: Nicki, I know you'll be upset that my gorgeous face is no where to be found in these pictures. Sorry, but I figured I would give the other guys a time to shine. Better luck next time.</em>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-63965582895742243832006-11-23T05:32:00.000-06:002006-11-23T14:24:11.282-06:00Thanksgiving<p>For thanksgiving today, a few of my co-workers have <a href="http://sackiniraq.blogspot.com/2006/11/thanksgiving-in-iraq.html">set a precedent</a> of putting out a "what I'm thankful for" post <a href="http://beans-brentsblog.blogspot.com/">on their blogs</a>. Of course, it would be rude of me to not follow suite and please my fans with a similarly themed post. However, I think it would also please my fans to see me put my own personal <s>sarcasm</s> spin on it. Because if you can't have fun with things (sappy thanksgiving posts are given no special favors) then shame on you.<br /><br />What the Hammer is thankful for:</p><ul><li>To God, who makes this all possible for me. Thank you for keeping me safe and out of harms way in the most dangerous place on earth. I am grateful.</li><li>I appreciate our chow hall, for going all out with an awesome Thanksgiving day meal. I felt like I was back at the farm chowing down ... until I scooped up some mashed potatoes off of my plastic plate with my plastic spoon. Kudos also for feeding me a steady diet of <a href="http://www.fosterfarms.com/images/products/products_large/95024.jpg">corn dogs </a>during the week. Delicious.</li><li>I'm thankful for <a href="http://nebraska.rivals.com/">Huskers Illustrated</a> and their ability to keep me up to speed with all of the latest and greatest in Husker news. To be honest, I'm probably more knowledgable about Husker football this season than in any season I can remember. </li><li>TV shows on DVD. I'm not sure who came up with the idea of putting TV shows on DVD, but whoever he/she is - you're my hero. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wire-Complete-Third-Season/dp/B000FTCLSU/sr=1-1/qid=1164278347/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-5063623-4362554?ie=UTF8&s=dvd">The Wire</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Office-Season-Two-Roger-Nygard/dp/B000GETTKM/sr=1-1/qid=1164278431/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-5063623-4362554?ie=UTF8&s=dvd">the Office</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sopranos-Season-Part-1/dp/B000BO7DWI/sr=1-1/qid=1164278394/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-5063623-4362554?ie=UTF8&s=dvd">Sopranos</a>, etc. You have kept me entertained and entranced during my time in Iraq. </li><li><a href="http://espn.go.com/">Sports</a>. I could write a whole post about my unhealthy/passionate allegiance to grown men playing games, but the important thing is that between college football, NFL, MLB, college basketball, golf, etc. - I am never short of articles to read, games to watch and topics to debate in the office. The deployment would be crawling by without your assistance.</li><li>Twizzlers and <a href="http://jonhanseling.blogspot.com/2006/10/thank-you-salted-nut-roll.html">Salted Nut Rolls</a>. My mid afternoon snack just wouldn't be the same without the help of these two wonderful snacks. Gracias. </li><li>An awesome job. I sit at a desk in a hard building with a/c. The only injuries I have to watch out for are paper cuts. Things could be much, much worse.</li><li>My 5th gen 30 gig<a href="http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?family=iPod"> iPod</a>. Music is my life blood, and the iPod has blown my mind with it's ability to meet my every musical need. I commend you Apple. Now, if you're <a href="http://technology.guardian.co.uk/weekly/story/0,,1954154,00.html">iPod phone </a>is as cool as it sounds, I will really, really owe you big </li><li>Last but not definatley not least I'm most thankful for Nicki, my rock of a girlfriend. She has to deal with my phone calls at all hours of the day and is forced to put up with an Army boyfriend who (once this deployment is over with) will have spent more of our relationship away from home in the Army than he has at home with her. Thanks for putting up with it all Nichile - you're the best.</li></ul><p>Well, that's all I have off the top of my head right now. Hopefully everyone is able to spend the holiday with loved ones and if you're traveling to do so, stay safe on the busy roads. From the sound of it NE will be blessed with unusually warm weather and no snow, so go outside and toss a football or something and enjoy that weather. I've added some photos from today's thanksgiving blowout at the dining facility below. Enjoy.<br /></p><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/575/3242/1600/43835/Picture%20016.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/575/3242/320/847755/Picture%20016.jpg" border="0" /></a> Props to Benes for taking this photo at our Thanksgiving meal today. The look I'm giving is the universal "oh crap, Beans is taking my picture" face. Nice. </p><p><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/575/3242/1600/541093/Picture%20017.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/575/3242/320/166651/Picture%20017.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pretty much the same photo as the one above, except not as dark so you can see more of the chow hall. It's not usually decorated like this with the fancy ice sclupture centerpieces and everything - they really pulled out all of the stops for us. This time around I'm rocking the "geez Beans, another picture?" face. Smooth.</p>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-45872909188772412512006-11-20T12:54:00.000-06:002006-11-20T13:04:02.389-06:00me = internet celebrityStop what you're doing and <a href="http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2006/11/qa_with_husker_fans_in_iraq.html">click here right away </a>for a pulitzer-prize worthy Q&A session. Jason Siffring and the boys over at <a href="http://bigrednetwork.com/">Big Red Network </a>have made internet celebrites of yours truly and my co-worker and workout accomplice, SGT Kane. Kane gives you all of the dirty details of how this article went down, so head <a href="http://sackiniraq.blogspot.com/2006/11/bigred-network-ohio-state-vs-usc.html">over here for his take</a>. Now that I'm famous and all I think the Army should send me home right away so I can begin a high-dollar publicty tour and start taking offers from publishers for a book deal. After that we can pursue my dream of becoming a graduate assistant on <s>Billy C</s> Coach Callahan's staff.JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-73747285946969634902006-11-17T13:23:00.000-06:002006-11-18T11:57:32.377-06:00Video game crazinessWhile some of <a href="http://sackiniraq.blogspot.com/">my peers </a>in the soldier-in-Iraq-with-a-blog business cover <a href="http://jony-burnometer.blogspot.com/index.html">hard-hitting news stories </a>like the shift of power on Capital Hill, I tend to favor less publicized yet just as worthy subjects. Today's post is a perfect example.<br /><br />Video games are something that everyone in almost any walk of life is familiar with. The younger generation has grown up with Nintendo, Sega and Sony PlayStation. The older generation had Atari and other ancient forms of pixelated pleasure. Even the oldest of folks have had their lives touched by video games - maybe by walking the aisles at your local Best Buy trying to pick up that hot new title your grandchildren have on their Christmas wish list. Well, with another holiday season upon us, video games are once again a hot commodity. This holiday season is seeing an unusually high amount of video game lust, thanks to the launch of two new gaming systems - the <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/www.playstation.com">Sony PlayStation 3</a> and the <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/wii.nintendo.com">Nintendo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Wii</span></a>. I've seen a few articles on the national scene covering the legions of dedicated fans of both systems literally <a href="http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=businessNews&storyID=2006-11-17T172122Z_01_N15172989_RTRUKOC_0_US-SONY-PLAYSTATION.xml&WTmodLoc=NewsHome-C3-businessNews-3">camping out </a>in front of their local <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">electronics</span> retailers in hopes of getting their pasty white hands on these hot new gaming systems. The Nintendo system is looking to have larger launch numbers of their system (meaning more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Wiis</span> will be produced and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">available</span> for purchase) thus making them desirable, but not quite as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">frighteningly</span> desirable as the PlayStation 3. Camping out in front of the local Best Buy or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Wal</span>-Mart for a new gaming system is nothing new. However, I think the dedication, shortage of PS3's available (which has sometimes led to <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2006/11/17/news/companies/playstation_craziness/index.htm?cnn=yes">violence</a>) and passion displayed by some fans is unprecedented. A man in Connecticut <a href="http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-6136556.html">was actually shot </a>while waiting in line for his own PS3. I read <a href="http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/11/17/top_story/extras/doc455d1fb669fdf301128961.txt">this article </a>today in the Lincoln Journal-Star about local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Lincolnites</span> who are camping out at Best Buy for the new system, and couldn't help but chuckle after reading this paragraph.<br /><br /><em>Back a few tents, 43-year-old Chris Wear was crossing fingers. He had not realized until 10:30 Wednesday night that people were already camped outside of Best Buy.“I was like, ‘Oh crap,’” he said. “I threw everything in the vehicle and ran out the house.”He arrived 36th in line. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Th</span>e rumor was that Best Buy had only 34 systems to sell, but that six more might be arriving Thursday night.</em><br /><br />Wow. In most cases you would hope that a 43-year-old man would be doing other, more important things than camping out in front of the local electronics store for a gaming system - say maybe working for a living to support his family, or something like that. I would like to think that he is showing this dedication in order to suprise his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">childre</span>n with an unexpected Christmas score, but I get the impression this is more likely the sad story of a man with nothing more exciting in his life than the launch of a new PlayStation. My only hope is that 20 years from now you all won't be reading my name in the Journal-Star as some crazed fan waitin for t<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">he lat</span>est and greatest technology.<br /><br /><em>Note: I don't know the aformentioned Chris Wear, so Chris if you read this understand I'm not trying to poke fun or question your priorities. I'm just trying to make a point and write a compelling story.</em>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-62328586643810623142006-11-15T05:47:00.000-06:002006-11-15T06:10:30.371-06:00Return to sender...Way, way back on the 1st of June, I decided to send my lovely girlfriend Nicki a little present. She was a fan of the <a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/desperate/index.html">Desperate Housewives </a>TV show, and so being the generous boyfriend I am I purchased the first two seasons of the show on DVD from the Iraqi bazaar. I then rolled on down to our local post office to send off my gift. Again, this was on 1 June, 2006. Well, I waited and waited and waited, but Nicki never reported receiving the package. I came home on leave in July, and the package still hadn't come. August went by, September past by - still no package. Well, at this point I felt comfortable making the assumption that Nicki would never see that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Housewives-Complete-First-Season/dp/B00079FUI6/sr=8-2/qid=1163592385/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/102-5063623-4362554?ie=UTF8&s=dvd">Desperate Housewives boxed set</a>. Of course she was distraught and crying in sadness, but we both found a way to move on and put the tragedy of the whole deal behind us. I've since sent other items through the mail, but have made sure to pay for a couple hundred dollars worth of insurance, for the added peace of mind and to hopefully avoid another Desperate Housewives type debacle. Well fast-forward to today - 15 November, 2006. A full five and a half months since I sent the ill-fated DVD boxed set Nicki's way. What do you suppose I received in today's mail?<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/575/3242/1600/return%20to%20sender%20001.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/575/3242/320/return%20to%20sender%20001.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here she is - the package that probably has more miles on it than a 1992 Honda Civic. 5 and a half months! Craziness.<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/575/3242/1600/return%20to%20sender%20003.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/575/3242/320/return%20to%20sender%20003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Apparently</span>, there was a mix up with where exactly Nicki was living. This is kind of understandable, since she was in the process of moving from one apartment to another during this time period. That was back in August however ... where has this thing been sitting during September, October and November? </p><p>I still can't believe this package made it's way back to Iraq. I assumed it was long, long gone. Well, now I will re-label it, roll on down to the local post office and send this package of goodness off on it's way once again. </p>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-1163519233763791162006-11-14T09:43:00.001-06:002006-11-14T09:43:40.889-06:00Purify celebration<a href="http://www.huskers.com//pics19/800/RR/RRAQDUEXBWDRWSM.20061112044012.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="276" alt="" src="http://www.huskers.com//pics19/800/RR/RRAQDUEXBWDRWSM.20061112044012.jpg" border="0" /></a> One of my favorite pictures of the year. Always nice to see players (especially out of state players like Maurice here, who have only been in the program a short time) show emotion. Just thought I'd share it with you. 10 days until we stomp CU...JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-1163310488394011672006-11-11T23:17:00.000-06:002006-11-14T09:43:40.781-06:00Kansas City here we come!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3874/2781/1600/purify.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3874/2781/320/purify.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263150245">Unbelievable</a>. Just when I thought all was lost, that another once-promising Husker season was about to completely fall apart, that we were going to let yet another game we dominated early get away from us and slip through our grasp ... we delivered one of the most thrilling endings to Husker game in recent memory, and quite possibly in the history of the program. I can't even describe in words how much it thrilled me to see our team, at it's lowest of low points, with the odds against them and their backs to the wall, come together on the road in a hostile environment and put together a stunning drive for the ages. The image that is burned into my memory is <a href="http://www.huskers.com//pics10/520/GB/GBSYVQQONKKSTXT.20061112043536.JPG">a shot the ABC cameras showed </a>late in the game of our bench, all on their feet, arms interlocked, just hoping, praying that our offense could regain their 1st half form and put together one last drive to steal a victory on the road that would punch our ticket to the Big 12 championship game and deliver a North division crown. To see our team come together like that when it mattered most was a thing of beauty. I think it's fair to say that our team (Billy C especially) would have come under heavy fire back in Nebraska if we let yet another early lead dissolve. Congratulations to: Barry Turner, for making the comeback possible with a huge field goal block; to Todd Pederson (who only had 10 catches on the season coming into this game - he had 7 against the Aggies) who was doing his best Jerry Rice impression on the final drive, making big catch after big catch; to Zac Taylor, who stayed cool and calm in the pocket and seemed to make all the right reads when it mattered most; and last but definitely not least - Maurice Purify. All I can really say is that Purify is a weapon that this Husker team has desperately needed, and he adds a dimension in the red zone that our offense hasn't had in years. Let's hope our team can keep this momentum going and finish off this season on a high note.JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26559039.post-1163277225744588632006-11-11T13:42:00.000-06:002006-11-14T09:43:40.621-06:00Movie timeTime for another movie review post as I sit here at my desk preparing for the Husker - Aggie showdown. Go Big Red.<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0420223/">Stranger Than Fiction </a>This was a perfect example of a movie that I knew absolutely nothing about until the title popped up on the calendar of movies being shown in November. My usual routine is pulling up unknown movies on <a href="http://www.imdb.com/">imdb</a> and doing a little research on the cast, director, etc. So when I pulled up <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/stranger_than_fiction/">Stranger Than Fiction </a>and saw that <a href="http://www.celebopedia.com/will-ferrell/images/will-ferrell.jpg">Will Ferrell </a>was the star, I was very intrigued. When I walked into the theater last night (on the same night the movie debuted in the states, I believe, which is pretty sweet) I still knew next to nothing about the film, save for the Ferrell starring role. In the movie, Ferrell's character leads a boring, non-descript life until he suddenly hears a voice in his head of a woman, who is narrating his life as he lives it. I won't go into two many details about the plot, except to say that it is definitely not your normal sophomoric comedy, and especially not your normal Ferrell comedy (Old School, Anchorman, Talladega Nights, etc) I think the best comparison I can make is that this movie is to Ferrell what <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0272338/">Punch Drunk Love</a> was to Sandler, or <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338013/">Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind </a>was to Carrey. Ferrell absolutely nails the role, and is able to carry the movie and create a lot of laughs, without the slapstick humor that he is normally associated with. I must also mention the outstanding job done by the wonderful <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0350454/">Maggie Gyllenhall </a>- she is warm and energetic and a perfect yin to Ferrell's yang. Pay special attention to the cookie scene in the bakery - awesome stuff. Ferrell and Gyllenhall are great together, and at times I just couldn't believe my eyes as I saw Ferrell come through in moments that require a delicate touch of drama - much the same way I had to rub my eyes watching Sandler steal every scene in Punch Drunk Love. I can say with confidence that Stranger Than Fiction currently tops my list as best comedy of 2006, and easily qualifies as must see material for any fan of comedies that make you think, along with fans of Ferrell's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002071/">previous work</a>. Definitely a pleasant surprise and a movie I will surely own on DVD, once it comes out.</li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418689/">Flags of Our Fathers</a> This movie rocked. I have always known next to nothing about history, which is embarrassing, but true. <a href="http://www.iwojima.com/">Iwo Jima </a>was one historical event that I thought I understood - we kicked butt, raised a flag to signal the end of the conflict, and after that we all drank fruity drinks on the beach and basked in the glow of our victory. After seeing this movie I was harshly reminded of the facts - I blow at history. The movie (based on a book of the same name) follows the story of the Marines and Navy Corpsman whose act of raising the flag over the island of Iwo Jima was forever immortalized in one classic photo. From watching the movie, I learned a couple of things: there was way, way more to the conflict after the flag was raised; the media and the people love heroes; people don't understand what war is really like unless they've been there and finally - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000142/">Clint Eastwood </a>kicks ass. The battle scenes in this movie are expertly done, and prove once again that just like fine wine Eastwood has gotten better and better with age. His work in this movie reminded me of the jaw dropping scenes created by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000229/">Spielberg</a> for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120815/">Saving Private Ryan</a>. The story was interesting and kept me involved right up until the very end. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/09/people.witherspoon.reut/index.html">Recently single </a>Ryan Phillipe and the rest of the actors cast perform well, although the story presented here is much bigger than one or two actors. Defiantly a must see for a multitude of reasons, but most notably to witness a master (Eastwood) on top of his game and for the history lesson everyone should know regarding the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Iwo_Jima">Battle of Iwo Jima</a>. </li></ul>JHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07060158657228657982noreply@blogger.com4