tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60684922731215825372024-03-13T09:11:06.040-02:00The Doc Report: From my corner of the world to yoursThe Doc Report - An American expat living in [insert country name here] Join me with my tales of beaches and [insert local cuisine here]. I run like crazy, Forrest Gump style. docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.comBlogger734125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-83737334497764985842017-05-19T14:32:00.000-02:002017-05-21T12:27:30.349-02:002017 C&O Canal 100 Mile Endurance Run Race Report <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Six miles to go! You've got this!" With that the aid station volunteer handed me a popsicle and I barely able to move my legs I left the aid station. I looked at my watch and the first ounce of doubt crept into my mind. It would be a long six miles...<br />
<br />
The North Face Endurance Challenge 50 miler in 2015 was kind of my litmus test if I could complete a 100 miler. I felt I had it in me and the search for the best first time 100 miler began. Initially I was looking at the Burning River 100 in Ohio but the aspects of running a 100 miler in the summer didn't appeal to me. After some research I found the C&O Canal 100 and as far as first time 100 mile races go, this one was a sure fit.<br />
<br />
I read as many race reports as possible and every YouTube video from the race multiple times. After acquiring a feel for the race it was time to actually register. I won't be lying if I said I had my reservations. I finally pushed the payment button on Ultrasignup and the deed was done.<br />
<br />
My next step was planning and of course training. The race had terrible cold rain in 2016 that caused many runners to drop and I was expecting this for 2017. I've never been one for cold weather running because of the climates that I usually am in. There wasn't anything I could really do to train for cold weather but be prepared with the proper gear. I monitored the weather forecast for weeks on end.<br />
<br />
Ideally you would want a crew, even if only one person and a pacer or pacers for a 100 miler. Getting a crew was out of the question but I could try for a pacer. I put my name on the race website requesting a pacer and you could imagine my excitement when someone responded (thanks Steve!). We corresponded back and forth and even though I was thousands of miles away he gave me advice and motivated me throughout my training. Speaking of training.<br />
<br />
Sierra Leone is very hilly, along with that the roads are anywhere from decent shape to one giant pothole. Along with that there are packs of feral dogs, dust, smoke and pollution. It's not the greatest running environment. I started running a 50km (32 miles) course that was painfully boring and took me up the same hills twice. I would have to walk the hills. There are water vendors along the course so that was never a problem for me. I would do this run anywhere from 2 to 3 times a month on a Saturday. Some would say that's not enough training for a 100 miler but quite honestly the course was so boring and frustrating dealing with everything on the run that it was nearly impossible to convince myself to go out again.<br />
<br />
As time drew near to the race it became clear that I wouldn't have to worry about it being cold. In fact it would be hot! For that I was glad I was running in the heat.<br />
<br />
I made hotel and rental car reservations, packed my drop bags and I was ready to go.<br />
<br />
I went to the pre-race pasta dinner and was glad that I did. It was good to be among the other ultra runners and hear the war stories from the previous races.<br />
<br />
Now surprisingly throughout all of this I wasn't nervous. I was a bit concerned that my over confidence might come back to bite me.<br />
<br />
I knew there was going to be snacks and coffee the morning of the race so I just woke up and did some light stretching (I've never been much of a stretching guy) and headed to the race.<br />
<br />
For the race I wore my Asics shorts, Asics singlet, compression sleeves for my calves and arms, Thorlo thick running socks, Adidas hat, and Altra Torins. I also put toe caps on my problem toes and a piece of moleskin behind my ankles. I used my cheap Chinese knockoff hydration vest and to my surprise three other runners had the same vest. I didn't use a hydration bladder but used a Ultimate Direction 20oz Kicker bottles and a 20oz soft flask with a straw. I started off the race with these empty and filled them at the six mile aid station.<br />
<br />
After the race director gave us a quick brief and his traditional prayer we were off and running. The course starts off running a big loop around a field. Even though you would think that a running race we would be running, most people were walking. We had 100 miles ahead of us.<br />
<br />
After going down a hill and across the same stream twice it was onto the C&O Canal trail. The course is crushed gravel and even though my Altras are road shoes they felt pretty good (you really don't need trail shoes for this course).<br />
<br />
My plan was to run fifteen minutes and walk a minute. I had my phone in my vest pocket with my Runkeeper app giving me an audio queue every 15 minutes. I tried to stay as disciplined as possible to this routine.<br />
<br />
I was feeling pretty good for about the first 30 miles or so, and then it happened. I felt a pain in the back of my left knee. This had never happened to me before. I found I was still able to run a bit but it was getting difficult. Around mile 40 there was no more running. You are allowed to pick up your pacer at mile 60. I told my pacer to expect me around 8:00PM and more and more I realized that was a pie in the sky dream. I was very concerned that he had been waiting all of this time but to my relief he tracked my time on the web and had a good idea when to arrive. By the time I met him at mile 60 I knew I had the energy to continue but my leg was bothering me. I was too hard headed to quit and was determined to finish the race. I had one immediate goal, making the 80 mile cutoff in time. My pacer was there to assist me with that and get me through the night. We took off at a good walking pace with 20 miles to go. We didn't spend too much time at the aid stations and as the miles ticked off it was clear we would make the 80 mile cutoff but my pacer couldn't continue because of blisters and I don't blame him. We said good by at the Nolands Ferry aid station and I was off by myself with the next goal of making the 90 mile cutoff. I felt my pace slowing down ever so slightly and I was looking at my watch every five minutes (my phone had died hours ago). I knew I was going to make the 90 mile cutoff but only with minutes to spare.<br />
<br />
When I made it to the 90 mile aid station I was expecting doom and gloom but aid station volunteers don't do that. They encouraged me handed me a popsicle and I was on my way. I had made the cutoff but now will I make the final cutoff. Scenarios kept racing through my mind but I had my mind on that buckle and nothing was going to stop me.<br />
<br />
At the Keep Tryst 93.5 mile aid station I was expecting the volunteers to tell me to give it up. I looked at my watch and knew I had to continue at my current pace without slowing down the slightest to make it to the finish line in time. I didn't spend a second further at the aid station and I was gone.<br />
<br />
It was beginning to get hot and I was beginning to get hot. I was getting tired.<br />
<br />
I come across a group of Boy Scouts headed the same direction and it felt kind of funny as they all had heavy packs on and they were passing me by quite a good pace. I asked their troop leader how far I had to go and he told me five miles and I nearly died.<br />
<br />
I thought I was the last runner (yeah I know, I've been walking all this time) on the course but I come across another runner and his pacer. Their pacer encouraged me to keep up with them but I didn't think I could and then out of nowhere I got a second wind, a walking second wind, but a second wind nonetheless. My pace picked up and just kept going. The course had a orange safety cone that indicated where to cross the stream and go up the hill. Certainly that cone was going to be around the next bend, or the next bend or maybe this bend...where is that safety cone! I was beginning to think that I had missed the finish and the volunteers had removed the cone. I was beginning to freak out a bit.<br />
<br />
Then I saw it. That beautiful sweet orange safety cone. It was probably close to 500 yards away or so but to me it might as well had been 5 inches. Me and the other runner made it across the stream and now it was time to make it up the hill. This was a huge concern for me as I was tired and my legs hurt but I knew I had to do it. As it turns out it was difficult making it up the hill but I had so much excitement in me it made all of the pain vanish. At the top of the hill was a long uphill walk to the finish line.<br />
<br />
I was so happy to see so many people still there and everyone was cheering and quite a few people were shouting my name. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't crying. I also had some doubt that I had actually made the cutoff. To my surprise the race director shook my hand and congratulated me and I had officially completed my first 100 miler with seven minutes to spare.<br />
<br />
None of this would have been possible without all of the helpful friendly volunteers. They went out of their way to support the runners. They knew what you needed when you didn't. My special thanks to the lady that used the roller on my calves at Nolands Ferry and the lady that patched up my hot spots on my foot at the Keep Tryst 66 mile aid station (that saved me from getting blisters). So kind and helpful.<br />
<br />
Race Director Lance organized a great race and it's hard not to want to return next year.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com97tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-11435092326052679532012-10-09T17:13:00.002-02:002012-10-09T17:13:52.776-02:00Finished Reading<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The Bible - Various Authors<br />Paperback<br />1094 Pages<br />New International Version</span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">My 12th time reading the Bible cover to cover. I just checked to see when I finished reading the Bible last year, October 28th. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">It was a good journey through the Bible. </span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-37781995504341693072012-09-03T13:53:00.000-02:002012-09-03T13:53:15.363-02:00Certainly We Can Pick Them<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On a few jaunts outside of the apartment Chris has pointed out some tomato plants to me. Okay, I'll admit I probably didn't really notice but this one time as we were walking by she stopped and made me look and sure enough there was probably twenty or more cherry tomato plants, all dried up with plenty of ripe cherry tomatoes hanging from them (also dried up grapevines with plenty of grapes).<br />
<br />
On our way back from our walk we stopped and looked at them again, I figured somebody just didn't feel like messing with them and neither would we.<br />
<br />
So I start walking and notice Chris isn't with me, she had walked up the driveway leading to the plants and she's motioning me to follow her. The plants our on a piece of land with what appears to be an abandoned apartment. I couldn't see anybody living there. We decide to pick the tomatoes. I pull out a plastic bag and we start picking away. Just then I see a lady approaching and I tell Chris.<br />
<br />
The lady talks to us is native language and I'm telling her sorry (I actually just learned the word the previous day!) and she is saying "nema problema" (no problem). She was not upset at all. We thanked her and she started walking away as did we, she turned around and made the gesture to pick more, we both agreed that was in fact what she was trying to tell us, so we picked more.<br />
<br />
It appears she lived in a little camping trailer behind the apartments, probably a groundskeeper. The Montenegrin people are amazingly kind.</div>
docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0Podgorica, Montenegro42.442575 19.26864642.3957045 19.189682 42.489445499999995 19.34761tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-6396025908331091722012-03-05T15:36:00.004-02:002012-03-05T16:01:49.563-02:00Rock Rock Till You FROC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgmMpUW0_7eVGx78WzWP6mGZ2LLrJLJ1PfwR3pm58-WR_49BrSUteF2F6FjvoHaoUVcQKZ3hUAsKT-ldHP-ETea7dBW_hT16NrqozpAwDGws5GC4-fAlbqjza-rjnSpdBTGNj-1CSF3Yf/s1600/77.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgmMpUW0_7eVGx78WzWP6mGZ2LLrJLJ1PfwR3pm58-WR_49BrSUteF2F6FjvoHaoUVcQKZ3hUAsKT-ldHP-ETea7dBW_hT16NrqozpAwDGws5GC4-fAlbqjza-rjnSpdBTGNj-1CSF3Yf/s200/77.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716474429609514578" /></a><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">What are you talking about "Doc"? You go months without a story, and now this?</span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">And so I begin. When I finished Marine boot camp I was sent to Twentynine Palms, California to attend Marine Corps Basic Electronics School (BES), afterwards my tech school as a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 2811, telephone and switchboard repairman. We were told how lucky we were as we could all get jobs with the telephone company (yeah right). Now there were other schools on base and one of them was for MOS 2531 Field Radio Operator. Now that's pretty much what it sounds like, the guy with the radio on his back. The school they attended was the</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Field Radio Operators Course or FROC for short.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">So as we went through school we were told if at anytime we failed two tests in a row we would get dropped to FROC. Although I never witnessed it I can see some truth to it as the Marine Corps wasn't going to pay to ship you off to some other school when they already had you there.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Now a popular song at the time was by a rock band called Def </span>Leppard (sic), the song was "Rock Rock till you drop"<span style="font-size: 100%;"> During our physical training period we would go on a formation run. Someone would sing a chant and we would repeat back whatever that chant was. Something that was often sung during the runs was "Rock Rock till you FROC". Which we thought was funny.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Fast forward oh 30 years or so and here I am in Iraq. I have met several former Marine 2531 Field Radio Operators. These guys know radio like the back of their hands and paid well for it.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">I on the other hand never did get a job with the telephone company, I work with computers now.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Life is funny. </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SA1Q5lFpNSI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /></div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-83133045665747604032012-03-05T15:24:00.003-02:002012-03-05T15:46:26.109-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx2n_b4Xk0vIWaD-jspf7uanqZbYGY59lUwz8QUVMQuguxQfbbGNoVw4yFIO99gwaliz9yxp2-Phzt4ZjeYoHLVJnyNZW8UPFP61uw8LskY6EuYt_hRRC5qG0QsbwB9lqddw93eptZ2Xp/s1600/shooters.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx2n_b4Xk0vIWaD-jspf7uanqZbYGY59lUwz8QUVMQuguxQfbbGNoVw4yFIO99gwaliz9yxp2-Phzt4ZjeYoHLVJnyNZW8UPFP61uw8LskY6EuYt_hRRC5qG0QsbwB9lqddw93eptZ2Xp/s200/shooters.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716469197081554146" /></a><br />The Shooters (Presidential Agent, book 4) by W E B Griffin<div>Paperback</div><div>752 pages</div><div>Military fiction</div><div><br /></div><div>This was by far one of the longest books I've ever read. It certainly kept my attention. I think this is the second book I've read by the author.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I liked most about the book was that it revolves around my old assignment in Montevideo, Uruguay. He obviously knows the city very well, and apparently even where I worked!</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought for the most part the setting was very good, some of it seemed a little off base.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll say it's a good read for those that like military fiction.</div><div><br /></div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-4015223068105941932012-01-30T14:43:00.003-02:002012-01-30T14:46:49.563-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlJLtHyrxj8TjfD1k2S3_dEqxfyPJXJcIXQNBf6UI7TrI0mY6hW6KBu1XUHCavBQydyHYhb4XhH1ACFzrswc-mcswqjSLlCcDqrgX4CnDJS-IAb8Vhu2Kcrml8Gu7h0vAdnr8N2ZL0vgA/s1600/naked.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlJLtHyrxj8TjfD1k2S3_dEqxfyPJXJcIXQNBf6UI7TrI0mY6hW6KBu1XUHCavBQydyHYhb4XhH1ACFzrswc-mcswqjSLlCcDqrgX4CnDJS-IAb8Vhu2Kcrml8Gu7h0vAdnr8N2ZL0vgA/s200/naked.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703467437531943090" /></a><br />Naked by David Sedaris<div>Paperback</div><div>224 pages</div><div>Humor</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a very funny book, but very much on the strong rated "R" side. I wouldn't recommend this book unless you know what your getting yourself into.</div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-91259248462947183512012-01-30T14:34:00.003-02:002012-01-30T14:42:59.807-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwIiDczJWgiuQ9dw3SPGGzvTkyXD_5Q8KTizh-taaqmo264KGw2dqD26cENmSxrqVUFFoP-yadg_snTH2jo6zNIJ75xK1SVasiScX2A4IiRKV45E_npsa7oFINRwGNQutY6GR16OMTaPN/s1600/thousand_splendid_sunsets.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwIiDczJWgiuQ9dw3SPGGzvTkyXD_5Q8KTizh-taaqmo264KGw2dqD26cENmSxrqVUFFoP-yadg_snTH2jo6zNIJ75xK1SVasiScX2A4IiRKV45E_npsa7oFINRwGNQutY6GR16OMTaPN/s200/thousand_splendid_sunsets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703466323659904834" /></a><br />A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini<div>Paperback</div><div>372 pages</div><div>Drama</div><div><br /></div><div>By far one of the best books I have read in awhile. As I do a horrible job with book reviews I have copied this from Amazon:</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; ">Khaled Hosseini's bestselling debut novel THE KITE RUNNER told of the bond and betrayal that linked two young Afghani boys, and showed how their personal and political history affected their lives and the lives of their children. In his second novel A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS Hosseini shows the tenuous alliance made between two Afghan women who are both married to the same brutal older man. Miriam, an illegitimate daughter, is 15 when she is married to Rasheed. Years later he takes another wife, the orphaned 14-year old Laila. Together, the two women, subjugated by culture and circumstance, must find a way to survive and protect that most-precious of commodities: hope.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the few times I'll say not just a good read, but a must read. </div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-47397479116283838112012-01-30T14:28:00.003-02:002012-01-30T14:33:30.617-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_IK0_ZSAaxNdiYuLat2_a8eL1CY9yEOGnaTJqeMmt31ZqvrhC0vz-WbMyKnmEUIGZd_b04UMpnAqzBb5YYNUy_MCXrCpLGACB_5R7_U8c40EZ3u39-AnV6LQRTB5XSH_kU0C3LT6FjZa/s1600/nikon-d3100.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 161px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_IK0_ZSAaxNdiYuLat2_a8eL1CY9yEOGnaTJqeMmt31ZqvrhC0vz-WbMyKnmEUIGZd_b04UMpnAqzBb5YYNUy_MCXrCpLGACB_5R7_U8c40EZ3u39-AnV6LQRTB5XSH_kU0C3LT6FjZa/s200/nikon-d3100.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703463978018921282" /></a><br />Nikon D3100 For Dummies by Julie Adair King<div>Paperback</div><div>384 pages</div><div>Instructional</div><div><br /></div><div>I breezed through this book and really enjoyed it. The author does an excellent job explaining the numerous settings on the Nikon D3100. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was able to adjust my camera to take some interesting shots.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would say this is a good read for any D3100 owner.</div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-370415314667084332012-01-30T14:24:00.002-02:002012-01-30T14:27:37.656-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RjjXhi2KrxMm3ILtrXrNmRnII2C7ZRcs7YcF9NA3f30nz6aNHzeDzMFjvYQXBVMGQn1OfMfSjSSlbFGKxhXd70kDqdDAC_RGfazzZmz_MVSVBk79kVJ8cK_Uvv3hXTm5w7v0VjVAhQZs/s1600/oracle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 126px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RjjXhi2KrxMm3ILtrXrNmRnII2C7ZRcs7YcF9NA3f30nz6aNHzeDzMFjvYQXBVMGQn1OfMfSjSSlbFGKxhXd70kDqdDAC_RGfazzZmz_MVSVBk79kVJ8cK_Uvv3hXTm5w7v0VjVAhQZs/s200/oracle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703462349371605522" /></a><br />The Last Oracle: A Novel (Sigma Force, No 5) by James Rollins<div>Paperback</div><div>434 pages</div><div>Adventure Thriller</div><div><br /></div><div>Wasn't the best book I've read, wasn't the worst.</div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-11946136054099356462011-12-30T15:51:00.002-02:002011-12-30T15:54:57.429-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kghioVJdazn7_5pY8xwBDdlqBkBwPjgLP7amLl_bg9MJkPwN6-kqe34sIVm2pbr6mgxDNYQ8fs8iCxseOJ8UnZmDIf-32wvfg1z6CynBLlGRZisVS3SRNE99x5m50DJfnmzwkDrlMZVw/s1600/Report.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kghioVJdazn7_5pY8xwBDdlqBkBwPjgLP7amLl_bg9MJkPwN6-kqe34sIVm2pbr6mgxDNYQ8fs8iCxseOJ8UnZmDIf-32wvfg1z6CynBLlGRZisVS3SRNE99x5m50DJfnmzwkDrlMZVw/s200/Report.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691981316229479490" /></a><br />The Report by Jessica Francis Kane<div>Paperback</div><div>240 pages</div><div>Historical fiction</div><div><br /></div><div>Last book of the year.</div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-88126966173877028342011-12-24T09:17:00.002-02:002011-12-24T09:24:00.727-02:00What Happened To The Doc Report?I know I haven't posted anything in quite awhile. I am busy, but I do have free time at night so time isn't an excuse.<div><br /></div><div>Problem is, things here are controversial at best and I don't want to muddy the waters.</div><div><br /></div><div>I go on a small vacation soon, will post some highlights then.</div><div><br /></div><div>Merry Christmas everyone!</div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-68833547358947490582011-12-24T09:12:00.002-02:002011-12-24T09:17:20.812-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZehA33Bm9t-mcGONhbEbyZweSN5uduOFrLJ2157hl-xd0EC3N6wfyGyB25MerhxZznekbIoohJD1YCM3ahc5JnpGQmr9mn2mWfhGT6BkLni_NY6eSl5GzXmShCWi5eFha_bjD4AT6GhiJ/s1600/banquous.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZehA33Bm9t-mcGONhbEbyZweSN5uduOFrLJ2157hl-xd0EC3N6wfyGyB25MerhxZznekbIoohJD1YCM3ahc5JnpGQmr9mn2mWfhGT6BkLni_NY6eSl5GzXmShCWi5eFha_bjD4AT6GhiJ/s200/banquous.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689652347052037522" /></a><br />Banquo's Ghosts by Richard Lowry and Keith Korman<div>352 pages</div><div>Hardcover</div><div>Spy thriller</div><div><br /></div><div>This one wasn't too bad.</div><div><br /></div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-46387464164798264252011-12-24T09:06:00.002-02:002011-12-24T09:11:47.214-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUTNa-z5gGJdv_bKd0YlybgYku-ZZOmnmkFJm8MDHgaP8BkQIRJZgb-YB491e-BklKgwtV9PGOVucGj7F8Tl6JE7bcUIlJZXZZ3J5fjqtO8cnT6jz8ojVXULbOO5gZe7p1fp-_fPM_gLY/s1600/trust-no-one.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUTNa-z5gGJdv_bKd0YlybgYku-ZZOmnmkFJm8MDHgaP8BkQIRJZgb-YB491e-BklKgwtV9PGOVucGj7F8Tl6JE7bcUIlJZXZZ3J5fjqtO8cnT6jz8ojVXULbOO5gZe7p1fp-_fPM_gLY/s200/trust-no-one.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689650858388078546" /></a><br />Trust No One by Greg Hurwitz<div>352 pages</div><div>Hardcover</div><div>Crime thriller/Mystery</div><div><br /></div><div>For some reason there was several copies of this book in an office when the Army left. they all appeared brand new.</div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn't bad. A little corny.</div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-91813065592046897852011-11-19T06:01:00.002-02:002011-11-19T06:04:56.642-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkRcBkAbefnrS4Qlcly43tK4WeYoYU1SpmJInRyTT8QbO6-HL3hOsencYzCVQlv1GOrzilqWNHFQZkoRj8IILzEJTmyASN4dfhfXeRxpwM22fVoWfEbBeSnPc1wIse0cynCzxEn533I-7/s1600/MeTalkPretty.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkRcBkAbefnrS4Qlcly43tK4WeYoYU1SpmJInRyTT8QbO6-HL3hOsencYzCVQlv1GOrzilqWNHFQZkoRj8IILzEJTmyASN4dfhfXeRxpwM22fVoWfEbBeSnPc1wIse0cynCzxEn533I-7/s320/MeTalkPretty.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676614804260295426" /></a><br />Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris<div>Paperback</div><div>272 pages</div><div>Humor</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a funny book. Maybe a tad bit dark in places, maybe a little R rated in others.</div><div>Might not be for everyone.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-19897820919223396552011-11-19T05:54:00.003-02:002011-11-19T06:00:39.310-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6ZSaFVmK-P0pHsJD2ffBCpkarCDI_U8k5XhjwOj_Fp4IVsS4s6cvSvKw-hFKiuPOQY1VXHgrLgN0zGhD3KXPFPXDRCYcAv0VE4q9w5ig6xHLWYcSGQ_2fMzpk-9aN-O77Z6EILi9nsQn/s1600/corps.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6ZSaFVmK-P0pHsJD2ffBCpkarCDI_U8k5XhjwOj_Fp4IVsS4s6cvSvKw-hFKiuPOQY1VXHgrLgN0zGhD3KXPFPXDRCYcAv0VE4q9w5ig6xHLWYcSGQ_2fMzpk-9aN-O77Z6EILi9nsQn/s320/corps.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676613492657779458" /></a><br /><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span id="btAsinTitle"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Semper Fi (The Corps, Book 1) by W.E.B Griffin</span></span></h1><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" >Paperback</span></span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" >352 pages</span></span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" >Military fiction/Military history</span></span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Wasn't sure what to expect from this book. It was a bit boring. I've read other books from the author that were better.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I liked the historical accuracy of the book, but not the story line.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Not so much a good read.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-48835110196693593402011-10-28T14:14:00.003-02:002011-10-28T14:18:35.752-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; background-color: ">The Bible - Various Authors<br />Paperback<br />1094 Pages<br />New International Version</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">My 11th time reading the Bible cover to cover. I just checked to see when I finished reading the Bible last year, October 30th. I believe the year before that around the first week of November.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">It was a good journey through the Bible. <br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(169, 192, 84); "><br /></span></div></div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-26452157768809974192011-10-28T14:11:00.001-02:002011-10-28T14:11:42.684-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-ZbB4YYpD6c43QBFsHbpk8X7tXpN-_IRJrgdXLPBfmiDTtVCLVAnhbWB-09qEeeiOcW3q8wY7OoEmG5vSuhtBDACgvbVSCg7a06o10UTS1DQlOJFcv93RFP56rULs2FeKPuZFKCUqKnl/s1600/Night-Stalkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-ZbB4YYpD6c43QBFsHbpk8X7tXpN-_IRJrgdXLPBfmiDTtVCLVAnhbWB-09qEeeiOcW3q8wY7OoEmG5vSuhtBDACgvbVSCg7a06o10UTS1DQlOJFcv93RFP56rULs2FeKPuZFKCUqKnl/s1600/Night-Stalkers.jpg" /></a></div>
The Night Stalkers by Michael J Durant and Steven Hartov<br />
Hardcover<br />
352 pages<br />
Military history<br />
<br />
Not to be confused with the bad guy (Richard Ramirez), this is about a special operations helicopter unit. Think Blackhawk Down.<br />
<br />
It was a good read.</div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-67211041530494443252011-10-15T15:20:00.000-02:002011-10-15T15:20:24.013-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ysMVV1L2lhHXa7RKLG6bE2W4eWJ6arMvEM5n6WJgqVF6EqG62CYw0gZk2wsFRqERJ8T-vskJcO0OtDdAUqDwIE8qZYfIRhg5MGM4jjB2Cb5WoPJkpx6ZQm6LQaOLZCfHxlVH4pVNWBe2/s1600/WeMeantWell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ysMVV1L2lhHXa7RKLG6bE2W4eWJ6arMvEM5n6WJgqVF6EqG62CYw0gZk2wsFRqERJ8T-vskJcO0OtDdAUqDwIE8qZYfIRhg5MGM4jjB2Cb5WoPJkpx6ZQm6LQaOLZCfHxlVH4pVNWBe2/s320/WeMeantWell.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We Meant Well How I Helped Lose the Battle for the Hearts and Minds of the Iraqi People (American Empire Project) by Peter Van Buren</div>
288 pages<br />
Hardcover<br />
Nonfiction - Personal narrative<br />
First Edition<br />
<br />
The best thing I liked about this book was that the author covers many subjects that I always forget to blog about, and he does it with grit and humor.<br />
<br />
<br />
This book has gained a rather controversial status and I can see why.<br />
<br />
As with all Doc Report book corner reviews I just get to the point, it's a good read. At 288 pages, put away the TV remote for an hour each night and you'll read it in a week.</div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-41189991120515052952011-10-15T03:43:00.000-02:002011-10-15T03:43:07.717-02:00CHU CHU<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm bad, I haven't posted a Doc Report in what seems like forever. Truth be told the company frowns on blogging, especially about certain places, especially Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. It's because of security but also because things are just a tad bit sensitive here. I just have to be careful what I blog about.<br />
<br />
I mentioned before that I live in a CHU, Containerized Housing Unit, it's about 12' x 16' with a small private bathroom. The CHU's are back to back as there is another one connected to mine. When I was in Baghdad in 2005 we called them hooches and we had a shared bathroom between the hooches.<br />
<br />
All in all it's not bad, I have a dresser, a stand up closet, a television, dorm fridge, a desk, nightstand, a rug, and pretty nice pillow top twin bed mattress. I am supplied with sheets, pillow and a blanket (towels if I need them), an ironing board and a outside fold up camping chair (that I never use). <br />
<br />
The CHU's are under a big protective covering. Honestly I don't know and nobody seems to know what exactly make it a protective covering but I believe it has sheets of <a href="http://www.compositesworld.com/articles/antiballistics-better-defense-less-expense">E-glass</a> which is composed of kevlar. I can't begin to imagine how much sheet of this stuff costs, to say the least cover our entire living area. <br />
<br />
All in all, we feel safe, although as far as anyone knows the covering hasn't been "tested". I hope it passes if t does.<br />
<br />
Now along with the CHU's I live in we also have the concrete CHU's, the hotel CHU's and the dry CHU's.<br />
<br />
The concrete CHU's are a group of just that, CHU's made of concrete. They look like a group of very small hotels. It's not so good to live there as there is no wifi, half of the outdoor lights don't work, the door locks are always finicky. But on a good note they seems fairly new on the inside and you do have a private bath.<br />
I always thought people who lived in the concrete CHU's lived in the bad side of town. I never ventured over there until recently. It wasn't that scary.<br />
<br />
The hotel CHU's are also called the double decker CHU's. Why they are called the hotel CHU's, I don't know. The hotel CHU's are actual shipping containers that have been converted into a CHU. They are rather small as you can imagine. But they do have a desk and a television mounted on the wall, a tiny private bathroom and occasionally the wifi does work there. They are also called the double decker CHU's. Reason being is that they have a row of shipping containers on top of these units for protective purposes. Nobody knows what's inside them, rumor is sandbags. <br />
<br />
I have yet to see the dry CHU's here but apparently we do have some. Dry because they do not have a bathroom, at all. There is a unit with sinks, toilets and showers nearby. Most dry CHU's have two single beds. I have slept in these while waiting overnight at the Baghdad Airport.<br />
<br />
The folks in Baghdad know nothing about this as they have nice apartments with fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms with bathtubs and 50+ channels on TV (we have about eleven working channels on a good night, and most of them are Arabic).<br />
<br />
Till next time! </div>docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-13842428502469002062011-09-03T14:24:00.000-02:002011-09-03T14:24:28.928-02:00Slang Shot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is a whole new language when it comes to working in Iraq. Most of it is military jargon, but some of it was started by an anonymous person and passed on through to the next person and so on.<br />
<br />
Here are a few common ones.<br />
<br />
CHU: Containerized Housing Unit. What we live in. Basically about a 15'x15' room with a bed, dorm fridge, stand up closet, desk, dresser, tv, bathroom with shower. Just the necessities. They are side by side units as my bathroom walls shares the wall with the bathroom of the unit attached to mine.<br />
<br />
Dry CHU: The dreaded CHU without a bathroom. We don't have many, but we do have them. One must walk to an ablution unit.<br />
<br />
Wet CHU: Typical CHU with a bathroom<br />
<br />
Ablution Unit: Honestly I do not know why they are called this as the ablution means something not entirely regarding taking a shower or using the bathroom http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ablution<br />
There are a few of these scattered about with showers, sinks and bathrooms.<br />
<br />
Blue Man Group: Iraqi laborers that wear blue coveralls<br />
<br />
Thrown under the bus: What happens on a daily basis here i.e "Sorry I had to throw you under the bus". As in something unexpected thrown your way.<br />
<br />
The Donkey: Our bar that is opened one day a week. Story goes that there used to be an inflatable donkey that hung from the ceiling.<br />
<br />
Haji shops: Again, entirely the wrong name for these, but apparently totally acceptable. These are small shops that are on the base grouped together that sell clothes, electronics, carpets etc.<br />
<br />
The Oasis: Where all the haji shops are.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-13335739108011313372011-09-03T01:42:00.003-02:002011-09-03T01:46:44.864-02:00Book Corner - Finished Reading<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKgHTxaL4DPB7ipetqPcVqAV58YdKQ4bFRlTDNkxaNb6i3rJJ6mhB912Lx2fVA9LpLnK5z8WSJrbKYTKdyA1UiduxJBOyWKKk00AjnX27jGjWIp67GLcsJnv_OhogzIHda5lN2tDhzznj/s1600/berlin.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKgHTxaL4DPB7ipetqPcVqAV58YdKQ4bFRlTDNkxaNb6i3rJJ6mhB912Lx2fVA9LpLnK5z8WSJrbKYTKdyA1UiduxJBOyWKKk00AjnX27jGjWIp67GLcsJnv_OhogzIHda5lN2tDhzznj/s320/berlin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647974727325103058" border="0" /></a>
<br />The Fall of Berlin 1945 by Antony Beever
<br />Paperback
<br />512 pages
<br />War history
<br />
<br />I always enjoy a good war history book. This was packed with powerful images. The author has a series of WWII books that I just might check out.
<br />
<br />I'd say good read for history buffs.
<br />docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-83405098761201473282011-08-27T13:57:00.003-02:002011-08-27T14:15:59.603-02:00TV FunOne of the few things we have to keep up moral is satellite television in our rooms. We have seven Armed Forces Network channels (news, sports, movies etc.) and several Arabic channels with English programming, and a smattering of Arabic channels.
<br />
<br />There was an advertisement on Armed Forces Network (AFN) that they were switching to satellite and viewers had to move their satellite dishes to align with the new satellite. They provided instructions on their web site complete with a video. I printed out the instructions and watched the video. They really made it look easy. I knew otherwise.
<br />
<br />We had about a month to realign the dish, of course we waited for the day before to tackle it. The dishes were on one trailer but to align them you had to climb on the roof of another trailer about two feet away. This really made for awkward work, that and it was very hot on top of the roof.
<br />
<br />Unfortunately as soon as we loosened the bold to adjust the dish we realized tiny adjustments was going to be impossible in fact not only were we dealing with left + right adjustment, but also up and down. The channels were separated between two dishes and now all of the channels were out as we had lost the signal. Much grumbling from everyone followed.
<br />
<br />It was decided to adjust the dished at night, mainly because of the heat. Two guys on the roof, one guy watching the satellite signal and calling it out on the radio, as soon as the signal locked in, they would tighten the bolt holding the dish in place, done. At least that's the way it was supposed to be.
<br />
<br />As soon as the signal was locked in, and the guys on the roof tightened the bolt, we lost the signal.
<br />This went on over and over again for an hour. Finally over the course of two nights we locked in the signal on both dishes, everyone was happy.
<br />
<br />I had a bad feeling that something was bound to happen. Sure enough the signal on one of the dishes kept slipping Now the signal is gone on four channels, one of them being the sports channel and we are hearing it left and right from the football crowd.
<br />
<br />Nobody is motivated enough to go through this again.
<br />
<br />docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-6720224785024246922011-08-27T08:53:00.003-02:002011-08-27T09:32:17.574-02:00Another Day OffI live Saturday to Saturday here. It's my day off and I do just that. I sleep in and the only time I go to the office is to get the keys to the truck so I can go to the Iraqi shops and look around. I get some snide remarks about taking a day off, most people work seven days a week. The way I see it, the world is not going to fall apart if I take a day off. That and I'm sorry, but I'm not paid any extra for it. Is "Doc" a team player? of course. But we are limited to XX amount of overtime hours we can submit and we all work over that XX amount, I know I do. I had to work last Saturday for a few hours, my day of, will I see that as overtime? Nope.
<br />
<br />Speaking of overtime I was talking to this Department of Defense civilian (GS) when I was in Kuwait about overtime, I told her how many hours we were limited to. She is "limited" to 60 hours of overtime per pay period, down from 70, down from 80, down from unlimited. Back in the wild west days you could submit for as many hours of overtime you could claim. The wild west days are going away.
<br />
<br />We currently have free wifi Internet access, this is going away. We'll have to pay. Some of us get use of a wash and fold laundry service (me), this is going away. There has always been a rumor that we'll have to pay for meals. Yes, it's a whole new Iraq!
<br />
<br />Just returned from the Iraqi shops and they are pushing hard to sell whats on their shelves as because of a new contract they have to leave the base soon. It's sad as they provide just one little added diversion for already very bored people and of course we provide them income.
<br />
<br />Yesterday marks my third month I've been in country. My next R&R break is a little ways out, first week of November, but hoping it will get here soon. Planning on going to Dubai and staying at a nice hotel and enjoying the beach.
<br />
<br />The Army has been packing up and leaving more and more, which means more office space for us and some equipment. We recently acquired the USO building. Complete with a small movie theater and game (XBox etc.) stations, less the game systems and 32" televisions, but the movie theater has everything there.
<br />
<br />Well back to my usual day off activities, watch a movie, read and take a nap!
<br />docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-14434583656562921462011-08-20T14:50:00.002-02:002011-08-20T15:10:55.330-02:00Book Corner - Finished ReadingThree Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time
<br />by David Relin
<br />Paperback
<br />349 pages
<br />History
<br />
<br />I really though this was a feel good story about this guy building schools in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
<br />
<br />And then I Googled his book and this was one of the top results:
<br />Questions over Greg Mortenson's stories
<br /><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/04/15/60minutes/main20054397.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody">http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/04/15/60minutes/main20054397.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody</a>
<br />
<br />End of story. Not a good read.
<br />
<br />
<br />docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068492273121582537.post-25343498994452908152011-08-13T15:08:00.002-02:002011-08-13T15:23:54.640-02:00DinnerI have to apologize for letting the Doc Report fall by the wayside. I guess living in this "Groundhog Day World" doesn't provide much material to blog about. That and I just shouldn't publicly blog 99% of the stuff that goes on here. Nothing that's classified, but it would just disappoint a few folks.
<br />
<br />So there's not much to do here. Lets see, you can go to the well equipped gym, throw darts, play pool on the pool table that is outside getting dirty, watch movies, surf the net, work. Yeah, that's about it. Okay, there are some small shops that sell the assorted knock off name brand clothes, carpet and some electronics, but one visit is enough.
<br />
<br />So with that we tend to linger longer during dinner. It's not uncommon to see a table with empty dishes on the tray, people engaged in conversation, it's something to do.
<br />
<br />Every night there's a new conversation to keep everyone engaged. The subjects cover everything from cars, homes, kids, jobs, and on and on.
<br />
<br />I have this routine during the meals. When I am through with my dinner I dump my tray and plastic dishes and flatware, then go and get my dessert and coffee and go back to the table. I don't like having my dessert with dirty dishes in front of me (plastic or otherwise).
<br />
<br />Afterwards I usually go play darts with a few guys. I'm not good at it, but it keeps me out of my CHU.
<br />
<br />And that's dinner here.
<br />docreporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960310303167817072noreply@blogger.com0