I'm not "getting over it". I'm not "moving on".

I drive past the Pentagon each and every work day. People I worked with have had to take the anthrax antidote. My mail at work had to be irradiated before I could open it.

The uncertainty and fear of that unforgettable day are gone. Even if I don't know specific faces, I know in a general way who the enemies are. I also understand that they want to hurt my family, and the more brutal the method the better in their eyes.

I mourn every innocent life lost, and I celebrate every terrorist death, although none of them can die slowly enough to satisfy me. I also rejoice in the fact that for every victim murdered, for every soldier that makes the ultimate sacrifice, many many more of them have died. They may be many, with new volunteers recruited every day, but attrition is on our side.

We are winning.

I'm going to spend today with my wife and kids. We're going to do ordinary things. Not because we want to go back to the obliviousness of the pre-9/11 world, but because we refuse to let those bastards take even a single day of our lives away from us. That's part of winning too.

Posted by: Ted at 01:02 AM | category: Square Pegs
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1 ...because we refuse to let those bastards take even a single day of our lives away from us.
For some reason I went fot a long bike-ride today. My legs are sore fer sure, but I think my spirit is stronger.

I'm sorry if that strikes any moonbats ya as a bit cryptic.

Posted by: Tuning Spork at September 11, 2004 11:29 PM (GE7HQ)

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I've collected a bunch of World War II era magazine advertisements that I'll be posting in the days leading up to 9/11. The Allies then knew that they were in for a fight and they weren't going to quit until they'd won unconditionally. We need to remember that today.

I hope you enjoy these (in the extended entry). more...

Posted by: Ted at 11:02 PM | category: Countdown to 9/11
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They're beginning to think they can salvage most of the Genesis mission.

Posted by: Ted at 04:18 PM | category: Space Program
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It's not looking good for the NHL season as the owners and players broke off talks once again. The CBA expires on the 15th, so if they don't get it done right now, the season is impacted.

As per several suggestions (sadly, they were probably meant as a joke at the time), here's the website to the ECHL. There are plenty of teams there to choose from (left sidebar), should anyone want to go to Hockey Whoopass Jamboree Plan 9 (you knew it had to be Plan 9, this is Rocket Jones after all).

And since I'm the original eternal optimist, welcome to yet another Calgary Flames fan who's joined in the Jamboree. Say hello to VegasBaby!

She joins these hockey fans already playing banging their heads against the wall:

Derek - Colorado Avalanche
Catt - Pittsburg Penguins
Jenn - Colorado Avalanche
Heather - St Louis Blues
Dr Funk - Ottawa Senators
GEBIV - Buffalo Sabres
Victor - Washington Capitals
Helen - Dallas Stars
Daniel - Atlanta Thrashers
Gir - Calgary Flames
Pogo - Calgary Flames
Cindy - Montreal Canadiens
Frinklin - Vancouver Canucks
RP - New York Rangers
Tricia - Atlanta Thrashers
Nic - Washington Capitals
Kin - Anaheim Mighty Ducks
Ted (yours truly) - San Jose Sharks

Wanna play? It's easy, click here for details.

Posted by: Ted at 12:12 PM | category: Links
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1 I'll take the Mighty Chiefs of Johnstown!

Posted by: AnonymousKyle at September 10, 2004 12:49 PM (blNMI)

2 Tricky...SO MANY TEAMS! My loyalties lie, of course, with the old WCHL teams that were assimilated, BUT THERE ARE SO MANY COOL LOGOS!

Bah...I shall choose the "Idaho Steelheads" because A: I've seen them play, B: Again, loyalties...I used to be employed by a WCHL team and C: I've actually played hockey against a steelhead...Well, former Steelhead...

Whee.

Posted by: Derek at September 10, 2004 02:31 PM (wEVXE)

3 I'm going to have to go with the Fresno Falcons, which fits nicely. 1. I was born in Fresno. 2. They're a minor league team for the San Jose Sharks. 3. Falcons is the name of the USAF Academy teams, and I was a winghead for many years.

GO Sharks FALCONS!

Posted by: Ted at September 10, 2004 02:45 PM (blNMI)

4 Hey, Ted, as per my earlier comment and your response, if the season is wrecked by labor issues, can we still talk smack anyway? Please?

Posted by: RP at September 10, 2004 02:53 PM (LlPKh)

5 Isn't the AHL season still on? The CBA only effects NHL contracts, right?

Posted by: Catt at September 10, 2004 05:19 PM (zyzhA)

6 I've never heard of this league, but I'll have to go with the Victoria Salmon Kings, 'cause they're Canadian. Don't tell me...They're probably the worst team in the league, right? That's ok. I'm used to being the underdog ;-)

Posted by: Gir at September 10, 2004 08:58 PM (eAcba)

7 On second thought, did you consider the AHL?

Posted by: Gir at September 10, 2004 09:01 PM (eAcba)

8 to be safe, I choose the Hershey Bears (in the event we use the AHL for the jamboree).

But c'mon...AA hockey! It's still professional, but so accessible! could be worse, we could be picking a CHL team (in which case, I'd claim the Colorado Eagles.) God forbid we went with the ACHL (um...There's only one team left there I think). UHL! Flint Generals! We could go on and on...

Of course, worst case scenario, we could go with the teams from my rec league. On principal, I'd have to NOT choose my own team.)

Posted by: Derek at September 11, 2004 09:59 AM (iY1/W)

9 If we choose AHL I'll go with the Baby Pens (even though the Admirals are the home team).

ECHL I have to think about it, since the Hampton Roads Admirals are no longer an ECHL team.

If we go with my Hubby's rec league count me in for the German Pantry Slashers.

Posted by: Catt at September 11, 2004 10:59 AM (zyzhA)

10 OK, I'll play. Dallas in the unlikely event there's an NHL season. San Diego Gulls if we go with the ECHL. If we go with the AHL I don't know, prolly the Houston Aeros.

Posted by: Matt Navarre at September 11, 2004 06:03 PM (f/E40)

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"It is high time the mainstream media be held to at least the minimum standards expected of competent bloggers, isn't it?"

Dean Esmay, in the comments over at Q&O.

Posted by: Ted at 07:25 AM | category: Links
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We've got the one, Mookie, still at home, but our son is back from the Navy and temporarily staying with us. Oldest daughter is home from college for the weekend, so for the first time in quite a while we've got a full house again.

I'm really looking forward to experiencing this 'empty nest syndrome' that I keep hearing about.

Posted by: Ted at 05:11 AM | category: Square Pegs
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Back in July, Stephen at Hold the Mayo wrote about the story where some nitwits in Florida (don't blame me, I voted for Gore and Buchannan) wrote the UN and asked for international election monitors to ensure a fair election.

I agreed with Stephen that this was enough to warrant a letter to my Congressmen. Today I got a response from Representative Tom Davis, VA 11th. Here's a couple of excerpts:

Under no circumstances do I believe we require international observers to validate our elections. America, while not perfect, has long maintained the lead in freedom and democracy. Furthermore, I am outraged at the notion that other members feel we require foreign nationals to conduct fair elections.

I have personally gained an invaluable understanding of foreign governments by serving as an international observer during their elections. Nonetheless, the spirit in which international observers were called for in this instance was cynical and uncalled for; and I do not support it.

Besides, even the best intentioned election monitors can be duped and made to look foolish. Isn't that right, President Carter?

Posted by: Ted at 04:00 AM | category: Politics
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You do realize that these are top posted each day, don't you? You need to scroll down to see the new stuff, but you knew that already. Right?

I've collected a bunch of World War II era magazine advertisements that I'll be posting in the days leading up to 9/11. The Allies then knew that they were in for a fight and they weren't going to quit until they'd won unconditionally. We need to remember that today.

I hope you enjoy these (in the extended entry). more...

Posted by: Ted at 11:12 PM | category: Links
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Say hello to Derek, a Colorado Avalanche fan, and latest member of the Hockey Whoopass Jamboree. Woot!

Ya know, y'all ought to be linking to each other (me included). I've got to do some sidebar maintenance soon.

So now, the Jamboree players are:
Catt - Pittsburg Penguins
Jenn - Colorado Avalanche
Heather - St Louis Blues
Dr Funk - Ottawa Senators
GEBIV - Buffalo Sabres
Victor - Washington Capitals
Helen - Dallas Stars
Daniel - Atlanta Thrashers
Gir - Calgary Flames
Pogo - Calgary Flames
Cindy - Montreal Canadiens
Frinklin - Vancouver Canucks
RP - New York Rangers
Tricia - Atlanta Thrashers
Nic - Washington Capitals
Kin - Anaheim Mighty Ducks
Ted (yours truly) - San Jose Sharks

Wanna play? It's easy, click here for details.

Posted by: Ted at 11:44 AM | category: Links
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1 Okay, links are up on my site now! *Whew*

Posted by: Gir at September 09, 2004 01:13 PM (eAcba)

2 Can you make the code available to everyone for managing on their site? I can already predict I am going to fall apart on that aspect...

Posted by: Helen at September 09, 2004 02:03 PM (/uGVk)

3 woot woot! Now for the collective baragining agreement!

Perhaps we revert to ECHL teams?

Posted by: Derek at September 09, 2004 03:52 PM (wEVXE)

4 Ted, do let me know the location of the team logos so I can bookmark it -- thanks in advance!

Posted by: Cindy at September 09, 2004 05:05 PM (9i10V)

5 I'll get to the linking this weekend. When do we get to start talking smack?

Posted by: RP at September 10, 2004 07:28 AM (X3Lfs)

6 I'm a firm believer in "early and often".

Posted by: Ted at September 10, 2004 07:33 AM (blNMI)

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According to intrepid cub reporter Anonymous Kyle, he received a hand-delivered note announcing the "possibility" of cleaning of the "refrigrator" [sic] tomorrow.

Breathlessly, Kyle continues:

the nog is in jeopardy...

*Wondering what the hell I'm blathering on about? Read the beginning of the saga here, and continuing episodes here and here (and many many more besides).

Posted by: Ted at 08:46 AM | category: Square Pegs
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(It's taking longer than we thought)

That's the banner for Straight Dope, a wonderfully fun and funny page chock full of everything you ever wanted to know but probably never thought to ask.

Thanks to Blogslut for pointing this site out to me.

Posted by: Ted at 06:06 AM | category: Links
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Spammers + Hackers = Uh oh.

New Worm Travels by IM

Paul Roberts, IDG News Service

A new version of the worm that spread from infected Microsoft Web servers in June has been identified and is using instant messages and infected Web sites in Russia, Uruguay, and the United States to spread itself, according to one security company.

Researchers at PivX Solutions of Newport Beach, California, have intercepted new malicious code closely resembling that from widespread attacks in June attributed to a worm named "Scob" or "Download.ject." The new attacks use mass-distributed instant messages to lure Internet users to Web sites that distribute malicious code similar to Download.ject, says Thor Larholm, senior security researcher at PivX.

This wave of attacks works similarly, routing victims to Web sites with code that takes advantage of vulnerabilities in Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook. Though Microsoft has patched those vulnerabilities, the attackers are attempting to exploit unpatched systems. Two patches from 2003, MS03-025 and MS03-040M, address the flaws used by the new worm, Larholm says.

How It Slithers

First detected on June 24, the Scob attacks were attributed to a Russian hacking group known as the "HangUP team." The virus used a recently patched buffer overflow vulnerability in Microsoft's implementation of Secure Sockets Layer to compromise vulnerable Windows 2000 systems running Internet Information Server Version 5 Web servers. Companies that used IIS Version 5 and failed to apply a recent security software patch, MS04-011, were vulnerable.

The June attacks also used two vulnerabilities in Windows and Internet Explorer to silently run the malicious code distributed from the IIS servers on machines that visited the compromised sites. The malware redirected victims to Web sites controlled by the hackers, and downloaded a Trojan horse program that captured keystrokes and personal data.

The newer attacks begin with instant messages sent to people using America Online's AOL Instant Messenger or ICQ instant messaging program. The messages invite recipients to click on a link to a Web page, with pitches such as "Check out my new home page!" The messages could appear to be sent from strangers or from regular IM correspondents, or "buddies," Larholm says.
Once victims click on the link, they are taken to one of a handful of attack Web pages hosted on servers in Uruguay, Russia, and the United States. There, a Trojan horse program is downloaded.
Greedy Worms?

In addition to opening a "back door" on the victim's computer through which additional malicious programs can enter, the new attacks change the victim's Web browser home page or Outlook e-mail search page to Web sites featuring adult content, Larholm says.

PivX is still analyzing the attacks to see if malicious code is placed on victims' machines. However, many of the files used by the new worm and the way the attacks occur point to the same group that launched the Scob attacks in June, Larholm says.

"The code is different enough to be something of its own, but unique enough to be related," he says. "And as with the Scob attacks, this is all about money--in this case, driving ad revenue for specific people."

PivX has informed antivirus companies of the new malicious code, Larholm says.

Posted by: Ted at 05:14 AM | category: SciTech
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Chalk up another Blogger Bowl 2004 preseason victory for Rocket Jones!

annika has joined the Hot Jets cheerleaders. Yay!!! "But wait," you might say, "isn't she your opponent this week?"

To which I reply: Don't be such a girly-man.

You can take the boy out of California, but you can't take the California out of the boy.

So now, the Hot Jets number twenty something strong. Go Hot Jets!!!
Big Hair, of Left & Right!
Wegglywoo, of On the Beach at the End of the World!
Helen, of Everyday Stranger!
Cindy, of Squipper!
Lemur Girl, of... uh, Lemur Girl!
Lynn S., of Reflections in d minor!
Susie, of Practical Penumbra!
Mookie, of MookieRiffic!
Denita, of Who Tends The Fires!
Jennifer, of Jennifer's History and Stuff!
Heather, of Angelweave!
Kat, of Mostly Fluff!
Nic, of Shoes, Ships, and Sealing Wax!
Gir, of Your Moosey Fate!
Tink, of Flitting Here and There!
Sarah, of Trying To Grok!
Blogoline, of Blogoline's Journal!
LeeAnn, of The Cheese Stands Alone!
Dawn of Caterwauling she's moved!
Stevie, of Caught In The XFire!
Emma, of Miss Apropos!

Posted by: Ted at 04:30 AM | category: Links
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I've collected a bunch of World War II era magazine advertisements that I'll be posting in the days leading up to 9/11. The Allies then knew that they were in for a fight and they weren't going to quit until they'd won unconditionally. We need to remember that today.

I hope you enjoy these (in the extended entry). more...

Posted by: Ted at 11:09 PM | category: Countdown to 9/11
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Some notable things that happened on September 8th.

1565 - 1st permanent settlement in US forms (St Augustine, Florida)
1755 - Battle at Lake George: English army beats France
1760 - French army gives Montreal to Gen Jeffrey Amherst
1892 - 1st appearance of "Pledge of Allegiance" (Youth's Companion)
1920 - US Air Mail service begins (NYC to SF)
1921 - 1st Miss America crowned (Margaret Gorman of Washington DC)
1930 - 1st appearance of comic strip "Blondie"
1930 - Richard Drew creates Scotch tape
1944 - 1st V-2 rockets land in London & Antwerp
1945 - Hideki Tojo, Japanese PM during most of WW II, attempts suicide rather than face war crimes tribunal. Attempt fails, later he is hanged
1952 - Ernest Hemmingway's "Old Man & Sea" published
1959 - Ted of Rocket Jones enters the world. Mom slaps doctor.
1963 - Braves Warren Spahn ties Christy Mathewson with 13 20-win seasons
1965 - KC A's Bert Campaneris plays all 9 positions in a game
1966 - "Star Trek" premieres on NBC-TV
1966 - "That Girl" starring Marlo Thomas premieres on ABC-TV
1974 - Pres Gerald Ford pardons former Pres R Nixon of all federal crimes

Famous birthdays on September 8 ...

1157 - Richard I, [Richard the Lion Hearted], King of England (1189-99)
1897 - Jimmie Rodgers, Mendoza Mississippi, country singer/singing brakeman
1915 - Frank Cady, actor (Mr Drucker-Green Acres)
1922 - Lyndon LaRouche, American presidental candidate (1980)
1922 - Sid Caesar, Yonkers NY, comedian (Your Show of Shows)
1925 - Peter Sellers, England, actor (not now, Kato, Bobo, Pink Panther)
1932 - Patsy Cline, Winchester Va, country singer (Crazy)
1945 - Jose Feliciano, musician
1945 - Rogie Vachon, Quebec, NHL goalie (Canadiens, Kings, Vezina-196
1945 - Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Calif, rocker (Grateful Dead, Grass Roots)
1946 - Dean Daughtry, rock keyboardist (Atlanta Rhythm Section)
1956 - Maurice Cheeks, NBA guard (NY Knicks, Phila '76ers)
1971 - Cristy Thom, LA Ca, playmate (Feb, 1991)
1978 - Marco Sturm, Dingolfing GER, NHL forward (Sharks, Team Germany 199
1981 - Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Bethlehem PA, actor (Randy-Home Improvement)

Famous deaths on September 8 ...

0394 - Arbogast, French general, commits suicide
0701 - Sergius I, Syrian/Italian Pope (687-701), dies
0780 - Leo IV de Chazaar, Byzantine Emperor (775-80), dies
1100 - Clement III, [Wibert van Ravenna], 1st anti-pope (1084-1100), dies
1895 - Adam Opel, German manufacturer (motorcars), dies at 58
1914 - William E Darwin, British son of Charles Darwin, dies at 74
1933 - Faisal I ibn Hussein ibn Ali, 1st king of Iraq/Syria, dies at 50
1935 - Carl Austin Weiss, murderer of Sen Huey Long, shot down
1935 - Huey P Long, (Sen-La) assassinated at Baton Rouge Capitol building
1949 - Richard Strauss, German composer (Also sprach Zarathustra), dies at 85
1951 - Jurgen Stroop, Nazi commander of Warsaw Ghetto, executed
1962 - Hermann Standiger, German chemist (Nobel 1953), dies at 84
1974 - Robert Cox, last surviving member of Keystone Kops, dies at 79
1977 - Zero [Samuel J] Mostel, US actor (Fiddler on the Roof), dies at 62
1980 - Bruce Dooland, cricketer (prolific leggie for Notts), dies
1981 - Hediki Joekawa, Japans physicist (Nobel 1949) at 74
1981 - Roy Wilkins, longtime executive director of NAACP, dies at 80
1983 - Antonin Magne, French bicylist (won Tour de France 1931, 34), dies

For some odd reason, an unusually high number of poets and composers died on this date.

Check your birthday here. Link thanks to the Meatriarch.

Posted by: Ted at 09:44 PM | category: About Ted
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Chute didn't deploy. Nice hole in the desert though.

Posted by: Ted at 01:00 PM | category: Rocketry
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Genesis comes home today.

The returning craft will be snagged out of mid-air by one of two helicopters flown by stunt pilot crews. Why not military? Well, this recovery required a six-year commitment to training, so they went civilian.

America's first 'spy' satellites used the same method of data transfer. They would take pictures over the interesting parts of the world from orbit, then as they passed over the US a small capsule containing the film would be ejected. Military aircrews would snag the capsules in mid-air and then the film would be developed. This was, of course, Top Secret stuff.

When new Air Force generals joined the program, they would be given a briefing of the flight profile of the intelligence missions. Every time, they would object that the recovery plan was nonsense and impossible. It amused the intelligence director to inform the aviation 'experts' that not only was it possible, but that it had already been done on a regular basis. The exact number of successes and failures is still classified, but best guess estimates say they got it right hundreds of times.

Good luck today, guys. Bring home a piece of the sun to have for our very own.

Posted by: Ted at 06:51 AM | category: Space Program
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Thanks to the Ministry of Minor Perfidy, here's a few facts about this year's incoming college freshman class:

Desi Arnaz, Orson Welles, Roy Orbison, Ted Bundy, Ayatollah Khomeini, and Cary Grant have always been dead.

“Heeeere’s Johnny!” is a scary greeting from Jack Nicholson, not a warm welcome from Ed McMahon.

Mike Tyson has always been a contender.

There have always been night games at Wrigley Field.

We have always been mapping the human genome.

Politicians have always used rock music for theme songs.

Rogaine has always been available for the follicularly challenged.

Posted by: Ted at 05:55 AM | category: Links
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Publicola, SayUncle, Jeff at Alphecca and many more are following this closely. Whether you're pro or anti-gun, the fact is that all the numbers show that the so-called "assault weapon ban" has had absolutely no impact on crime numbers.

I'll be contacting my state senators this week (they know who I am) to let them know that I expect them to let this useless piece of legislation expire quietly.

Want to reduce crime? Start targeting criminals, not law-abiding citizens.

Posted by: Ted at 04:56 AM | category: Links
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I've collected a bunch of World War II era magazine advertisements that I'll be posting in the days leading up to 9/11. The Allies then knew that they were in for a fight and they weren't going to quit until they'd won unconditionally. We need to remember that today.

I hope you enjoy these (in the extended entry). more...

Posted by: Ted at 11:50 PM | category: Countdown to 9/11
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