Curious Bits You May Have Missed
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Allies doubt U.S. could win war with China - Repercussions of Loose Lips:
Most Asian officials have expressed their views privately. Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara has gone public, warning that the United States would lose any war with China.
The governor said the U.S. military could not counter a wave of millions of Chinese soldiers prepared to die in any onslaught against U.S. forces. After 2,000 casualties, he said, the U.S. military would be forced to withdraw. Hat tip: Noble Eagle, thanks.
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If you got 'em, light 'em? What does Alpha-Whiskey-Romeos mean to troops in Iraq? -
These hole-ups are referred to as "Alpha Whiskey Romeos" ("Allah's Waiting Room"). We have the laser-guided ground-air thing down to a science. Hat tip: Gus Van Horn, thanks.
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Epidemic Rule Seeks Report of Travelers' Flu Symptoms -
Nov. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Travelers entering the U.S. with fever and other flu-like symptoms would be reported by the airline or ship that brought them, under new rules proposed today, a U.S. public-health official said. ...The CDC has 18 quarantine stations nationwide. The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed regulations.
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Is muslin worn by radical Muslims? Do mosquitoes frequent radical mosques? Source:
muslin 1609, "delicately woven cotton fabric," from Fr. mousseline, from It. mussolina, from Mussolo "Mosul," city in northern Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) where muslin was made, from Arabic Mawsil. Like many fabric names, it has changed meaning over the years, in this case from luxurious to commonplace. In 13c. O.Fr., mosulin meant "cloth of silk and gold." The meaning "everyday cotton fabric for shirts, bedding, etc." is U.S., 1872
Muslim 1615 (n.), 1777 (adj.), from Arabic muslim "one who submits" (to the faith), from root of alsama "he resigned." Related to Islam (q.v.).
mosquito c.1583, from Sp. mosquito "little gnat," dim. of mosca "fly," from L. musca "fly," from PIE base *mu-, perhaps imitative of the sound of humming insects. Colloquial form skeeter is attested from 1839.
mosque c.1400, moseak, probably from M.Fr. mosquée, from It. moschea, from Sp. mesquita (modern mezquita), from Arabic masjid "temple, place of worship," from sajada "he worshipped" + prefix ma- denoting "place." In M.E. as muskey, moseache, etc.
posted by Vigilis @ 3:24 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Wandered over from Chapomatic.
Hmmmm. After Afghanistan we were the hyper-power with the strongest military ever seen on the face of the earth....according to all. Since then, we have killed Iraqi soldiers during GW-1 and Mar 2003 at the rate of 40 & 50 to one (maybe higher), symetrically, and in the battle of Fallujah (Asymmetrical-terrorists) we wrote the book for urban combat. Now, that it appears we are being bled by IEDs and"homocide" bombers, yet we still kill them 20-1, are forces are considered "incompetent"...Rather,I'd say we were hyper-adaptive and unbeatable conventionally or unconventionally. I'm not just talking ground forces here- if I had to go air to air with an F-22 or a Superhornet, I'd bury my Migs underground too. In other words, I wouldn't call having a midair with an EP-3 and forcing it down a Military "victory".
And, as we all know, our forces do all this with one hand tied behind their backs.
Oh-yeah. Name me a Japanese military man you've heard of since Adm. Yamamoto? Can't think of any? Me neither. Thats because they haven't got sh.. Plus, what kind of mil srategy portfolio does the Governor of Yokyo or that long haired Prime Minister got? Zilch. Their opinion- less than zero.
How's about we just let China set up a "Greater East Asian Co-Prosprity Sphere" this century?
Or is this the appearance we give the world, that even our allies think we can't finish a job. We already know what the terrorists think of us- weak- no stomach all, because of free talking citizens and well, basically, unpatriotic, NEARLY traitorous leaders of our opposition party. That just had to be said.
Badbobusnret
Badbob', thanks for making those valid points. Tokyo's mayor is concerned about China's perception of America, since the U.S. would be Japan's 'big brother' should China make a move on that Island nation.
Have you noted all the instances of espionage perpetrated by China against the U.S. lately? China knows our weaknesses and may learn enough of our strengths to feel confident in sabotaging them in a conflict someday.
No conservative wants to invite a war because the world perceives us as weaklings. Our liberal citizens, however, who probably coined the term 'perception is reality', are never concerned about chinks they put carelessly in U.S. military armor.
Liberals figure our nukes will protect us ad infinitem. WRONG: In the current GWOT, nukes are almost useless. There are no targets even Liberals would approve due to collateral damage considerations and world opinion. Yet, the liberals continue to chink the world's perception of our armor and wish not to be called unpatriotic. I agree, perhaps 'moron' would be more fitting.
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