I thought I would start a thread to discuss all things about the upcoming Olympics in Sochi. :snowbl: :cold:
Starting with this:
A possible female suicide bomber may have already made it past the ring of security for the Sochi Olympic Games, according to reports from ABC News and NBC News.
Russian security services may be looking for as many as four "black widows" who have been dispatched to disrupt the Olympics, NBC News reported Monday. The suspected terrorist who may be inside the security ring is believed to be a young widow of an Islamic militant killed by Russian security forces last year. She is described as being affiliated with the Caucasus Emirate, the terror group led by Doku Umarov that has threatened attacks against next month's Winter Games in Sochi.
Wanted posters describe the woman as having a limp in her right leg, a left arm that does not bend at the elbow and a 4-inch scar on her cheek. The notices say that Russian security officials have been informed of her possible departure from Dagestan earlier this month.
USA Today Full Story (http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/sochi/2014/01/20/russia-security-looking-for-black-widows-possible-threat-sochi-games/4659329/)
HOLY HELL!! FOUR BLACK WIDOWS :eek: :eek:
If those bitches succeed, they'll make Eric Robert Rudolph look like a saint.
The Russians won't mess with them I don't imagine but problem is they don't care. I wouldn't go to the Olympic's if someone paid my way and gave me a million dollars to spend. I hope nothing happens but odds are not looking good.
Well we've seen threats like this time and again surrounding such events. Fortunately, rarely do they have much of an effect especially when the guard is up.
I know but they're feeling a little more emboldened now and are wanting to make a statement.
Quote from: me on January 20, 2014, 07:09:50 PM
The Russians won't mess with them I don't imagine but problem is they don't care. I wouldn't go to the Olympic's if someone paid my way and gave me a million dollars to spend. I hope nothing happens but odds are not looking good.
You're a Republican, you'd take the money and go big time. :yes: :biggrin:
Quote from: The Troll on January 21, 2014, 11:57:26 AM
You're a Republican, you'd take the money and go big time. :yes: :biggrin:
You're the one that thinks they're not a threat so you can go. :biggrin:
The US has Battle ships and other Naval assets deployed in preparation for potential violence, and so have many other nations; including the host nation. In that sense they, the terrorists, have already won. It is costing billions to the participating countries, just to be prepared for it; and by proxy those are funds that won't be available elsewhere. Just another chunk out of the global budget that could have been better spent elsewhere.
However; if we do not hold the games then they've won an even greater victory.
I say fuck them. Everyone, from the participants to the audience, knows the risks. The best we can do is prepare for the worst and hope for the best. We cannot cave in to their unacceptable actions or the threat of them. We must NEVER quit. EVER. :icon_evil:
Quote from: Palehorse on January 21, 2014, 05:48:31 PM
The US has Battle ships and other Naval assets deployed in preparation for potential violence, and so have many other nations; including the host nation. In that sense they, the terrorists, have already won. It is costing billions to the participating countries, just to be prepared for it; and by proxy those are funds that won't be available elsewhere. Just another chunk out of the global budget that could have been better spent elsewhere.
However; if we do not hold the games then they've won an even greater victory.
I say fuck them. Everyone, from the participants to the audience, knows the risks. The best we can do is prepare for the worst and hope for the best. We cannot cave in to their unacceptable actions or the threat of them. We must NEVER quit. EVER. :icon_evil:
Sad but true. If it's called off then they think they win so it has to continue.
Quote from: me on January 21, 2014, 07:18:25 PM
Sad but true. If it's called off then they think they win so it has to continue.
The sad part, to me, is that within my lifetime I have seen Russia go from the arch-enemy of this nation to a country I actually feel sorry for in the present day. Yes, they are a bit backward, draconian, homo-phobic, and heavy-handed to us westerners; but to see how they are being subjected to terrorism's ugly reach is totally unacceptable to me.
Part of me would actually welcome an incident in a way. I believe that should it transpire it would serve to further unite Russia with the free world in a common goal toward eradicating the world of these extremist zealots! (Much to the chagrin of the terrorists).
There was a time in my life wherein if someone had told me that I would one day feel sorry for Russia I'd have called them a damned liar. To come to that realization today I am astounded. . .
But for the asshole-dom of these terrorists, Russia may hold allure for globe trotting tourists. It is a beautiful area of this planet, and despite it's historic oppressive path, it has great potential. So do its inhabitants, given the right leadership.
It's cities, and buildings represent moments in civilization that are capable of stirring the soul; should one be allowed to trod its paths unencumbered by the suspicion and terror. There is a lot to be discovered in Russia, but even today the world is kept in the dark.
And before anyone gets all jiggly and starts calling me a commie, go suck an egg. I am 100% American; but I am a human being first.
Isn't Russia also supposed to have a lot of resourses like mineral and oil and gas deposits that have never been tapped? Good leadership could really increase the increase their standard of living, I think. My aunt and uncle went there years ago and I remember them saying how beautiful the old buildings and castles were. I like the winter olynpics better than the summer ones.
I have a fb friend from Zagreb, Croatia who went to Russia to visit her sister who lives there and she said when you get out of the part of Russia most commonly seen by the tourists and into the real Russia it is very poor and mostly slum. They did not have a good experience at all. I was friends with her before facebook so I've actually known her for about 14 yrs. I got to see the pictures she took and it was definitely nothing like you see on tv.
Quote from: Palehorse on January 21, 2014, 05:48:31 PM
The US has Battle ships and other Naval assets deployed in preparation for potential violence, and so have many other nations; including the host nation. In that sense they, the terrorists, have already won. It is costing billions to the participating countries, just to be prepared for it; and by proxy those are funds that won't be available elsewhere. Just another chunk out of the global budget that could have been better spent elsewhere.
However; if we do not hold the games then they've won an even greater victory.
I say fuck them. Everyone, from the participants to the audience, knows the risks. The best we can do is prepare for the worst and hope for the best. We cannot cave in to their unacceptable actions or the threat of them. We must NEVER quit. EVER. :icon_evil:
BINGO! I agree!
Quote from: me on January 21, 2014, 09:57:36 PM
.... when you get out of the part of Russia most commonly seen by the tourists and into the real Russia it is very poor and mostly slum. They did not have a good experience at all. I was friends with her before facebook so I've actually known her for about 14 yrs. I got to see the pictures she took and it was definitely nothing like you see on tv.
You could say the same thing about Washington, DC.
Quote from: Bo D on January 22, 2014, 10:07:36 AM
You could say the same thing about Washington, DC.
Not to this extent and Washington, DC isn't an entire country it's just a state.
Quote from: me on January 22, 2014, 10:37:22 AM
Not to this extent and Washington, DC isn't an entire country it's just a state.
A state??? :rolleyes:
Quote from: Bo D on January 22, 2014, 11:26:50 AM
A state??? :rolleyes:
I saw that one coming a mile away! :rotfl: ;D
Ok, so it's not actually a state but it isn't exactly a country either, not like Russia.
Quote from: me on January 22, 2014, 12:04:38 PM
Ok, so it's not actually a state but it isn't exactly a country either, not like Russia.
:angel: So. . . what does the "DC" stand for then? :angel:
As far as the slum commentary goes, here's something everyone reading this ought to try at least once in your life. Ride Amtrak's Southwest Chief from Chicago to Albuquerque New Mexico.
You will see some of the most beautiful scenery this nation has to offer; at both ends of the spectrum. Including some of the worst slums this country has to offer. I recall rocking through neighborhoods that so starkly resembled war zones, that I hoped with every fiber of my being that the train would not break down there.
My point is, the very same thing can be said about this country and the outskirts and hidden away spots within each and every one of its metropolis areas. And you haven't seen a slum until you run some of the off in the deep weeds areas of Appalachia. You want to talk about poor and scratching by? There are millions of people in that very situation in this country; and yet all the lion's share of foreign countries see are the sporting events and high profile magazine and media pieces that tend to highlight only the best of our society, and very little to none of the underbelly; unless they are being slaughtered or in some way persecuted with extreme prejudice. And yet, there is no shortage of slide shows and photographic exhibits of the natural and man made beauty of this nation.
Russia is no different than any other country on this planet; they just have practiced the party propaganda so hard and for so long, that it is deeply engrained within every aspect of their lives now. And they don't know any better. (Same as some people in this nation).
Quote from: Palehorse on January 21, 2014, 07:55:11 PM
And before anyone gets all jiggly and starts calling me a commie, go suck an egg. I am 100% American; but I am a human being first.
Quote of the day, and I love it. We all should have this attitude. It would be like despising all germans during WWII, but it was the Nazi regime that was bad, a small minority of them. A friend of my fathers was in a Nazi prison camp for five years, but it was a kind act of a german prison guard that kept him alive and well. He secretly supplied them with medicenes, extra food & water. They kept in touch with each other for years after the war, because they were human beings first.
Quote from: Palehorse on January 22, 2014, 08:45:08 PM
:angel: So. . . what does the "DC" stand for then? :angel:
As far as the slum commentary goes, here's something everyone reading this ought to try at least once in your life. Ride Amtrak's Southwest Chief from Chicago to Albuquerque New Mexico.
You will see some of the most beautiful scenery this nation has to offer; at both ends of the spectrum. Including some of the worst slums this country has to offer. I recall rocking through neighborhoods that so starkly resembled war zones, that I hoped with every fiber of my being that the train would not break down there.
My point is, the very same thing can be said about this country and the outskirts and hidden away spots within each and every one of its metropolis areas. And you haven't seen a slum until you run some of the off in the deep weeds areas of Appalachia. You want to talk about poor and scratching by? There are millions of people in that very situation in this country; and yet all the lion's share of foreign countries see are the sporting events and high profile magazine and media pieces that tend to highlight only the best of our society, and very little to none of the underbelly; unless they are being slaughtered or in some way persecuted with extreme prejudice. And yet, there is no shortage of slide shows and photographic exhibits of the natural and man made beauty of this nation.
Russia is no different than any other country on this planet; they just have practiced the party propaganda so hard and for so long, that it is deeply engrained within every aspect of their lives now. And they don't know any better. (Same as some people in this nation).
Damn, I thought I answered this yesterday but I must have forgotten to hit send. District of Columbia. :razz:
I like the ski jumps and ice skating races best, but curling (sp) is oddly fascinating.
I like the figure skating, although I don't really consider it a sport, luge, and slalom. I don't really watch as much as I used to though.
Quote from: Anne on January 23, 2014, 09:37:05 PM
I like the ski jumps and ice skating races best, but curling (sp) is oddly fascinating.
Glad I'm not the only one who like to watch the curling. ;D
Quote from: Locutus on January 23, 2014, 09:42:06 PM
Glad I'm not the only one who like to watch the curling. ;D
ME TOO! I feel in love with that during our last winter olympics........my kids think I am crazay, but there is something about that I love!
Quote from: Henry Hawk on January 24, 2014, 07:33:27 AM
ME TOO! I feel in love with that during our last winter olympics........my kids think I am crazay, but there is something about that I love!
I watch some of it too. :doh:
There were some preliminary curling events on NBC Sports Channel tonight. ;D I watched the United States get spanked by the Danes. :yes: Same thing will probably happen to them in Sochi!
Here is the link to the English version of the official Sochi 2014 Winter Games website. There is a grid on there showing all of the dates and times of the events in the different sports over the course of the upcoming two weeks. I haven't been able to ascertain if the times are local to Sochi, or some timezone in the US. I would have to assume it's local time there in Sochi. They are 9 hours ahead of us.
http://www.sochi2014.com/en
Say Locutus, hasn't been a little cool down there in Florida. 68 degrees in Key West. :cold: Also how about the loud ducks you got down there. Still quacking? :hunt: :wink: :smile:
Those damn 'quackers' were back for a bit last month, but they flew the coop and left. As for the weather, I'll show you this picture from my car this very afternoon. The lowest high temperature we're supposed to have all week is 72 on Thursday and the lowest low we're supposed to have all week is Wednesday night when it's down to 62. Not too bad since so many others are freezing their asses off. ;D
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1662278_3882671522088_1733119976_n.jpg)
Are you sure you're not kidding me, I see snow on your dash! :wink: :smile:
Quote from: The Troll on January 28, 2014, 03:19:48 PM
Are you sure you're not kidding me, I see snow on your dash! :wink: :smile:
That's not snow. It's just time to take the vacuum cleaner to the inside of the car. ;D
I will get to experience that weather next week, as I am fortunate enough to have my employer send me to Orlando for the BICSI conference. I need CEC's to keep my RCDD status intact. So, my wife and one of my daughters are going to accompany me for the ride and go off and see Mickey, while I attend the conference and aquire some additional training.
I am looking forward to leaving this cold crap, even if it is only for a week. When I get back, it will almost be the middle of Feb. It should be all down hill from there.
I am rather excited about this trip. :yes:
Some of the best (or worst in your view) snows I have seen in my years in this state, have come in mid-February. :smile:
When are you leaving HH?
Quote from: Henry Hawk on January 28, 2014, 04:33:03 PM
I will get to experience that weather next week, as I am fortunate enough to have my employer send me to Orlando for the BICSI conference. I need CEC's to keep my RCDD status intact. So, my wife and one of my daughters are going to accompany me for the ride and go off and see Mickey, while I attend the conference and aquire some additional training.
I am looking forward to leaving this cold crap, even if it is only for a week. When I get back, it will almost be the middle of Feb. It should be all down hill from there.
I am rather excited about this trip. :yes:
That's great HH. Hope the weather is nice for you while there. :yes:
Quote from: Palehorse on January 28, 2014, 05:08:55 PM
Some of the best (or worst in your view) snows I have seen in my years in this state, have come in mid-February. :smile:
True! But they usually only last a day or two, then it warms up and it goes away. I DO fear the dreaded ice storms that seems like we often get in Feb. Three times I have lost power because of ice storms. Had a tree that lost several limbs and it took me a week to clean up the mess. I really dispise ice storms...
Quote from: Locutus on January 28, 2014, 05:13:14 PM
When are you leaving HH?
I am leaving this Friday (Driving) and plan on getting to Orlando on Sat afternoon.
Quote from: Henry Hawk on January 29, 2014, 09:52:46 AM
True! But they usually only last a day or two, then it warms up and it goes away. I DO fear the dreaded ice storms that seems like we often get in Feb. Three times I have lost power because of ice storms. Had a tree that lost several limbs and it took me a week to clean up the mess. I really dispise ice storms...
It wasn't that many years ago we had an ice storm in March. That was awful 'cause it partially took out our elec line at the pole and we were on pins and needles 'til they got it fixed because of the chance it would take out our fridge, freezers, and furnace. I didn't us the 'puter and we unplugged the tv because of the power surges it caused. They got it fixed fairly quickly for all that was going on at the time though and we lucked out as far as frying anything.
Quote from: me on January 29, 2014, 10:07:11 AM
It wasn't that many years ago we had an ice storm in March. That was awful 'cause it partially took out our elec line at the pole and we were on pins and needles 'til they got it fixed because of the chance it would take out our fridge, freezers, and furnace. I didn't us the 'puter and we unplugged the tv because of the power surges it caused. They got it fixed fairly quickly for all that was going on at the time though and we lucked out as far as frying anything.
Yeah, you are right, that was the storm that destroyed a huge tree in my yard. Well, it survived, but it lost several branches and has always looked funny ever since. That was also the year I ended up taking the family to a hotel in indy for a couple of days until I got power back on.
I REALLY hate ice storms.....have I mentioned that yet. :rant:
Quote from: Henry Hawk on January 29, 2014, 10:29:13 AM
Yeah, you are right, that was the storm that destroyed a huge tree in my yard. Well, it survived, but it lost several branches and has always looked funny ever since. That was also the year I ended up taking the family to a hotel in indy for a couple of days until I got power back on.
I REALLY hate ice storms.....have I mentioned that yet. :rant:
What do you do Henry when you lose your power in the winter to keep your water line from freezing up and busting. That is one of my biggest worry. Water can do so much damage to a person's home. :yes: One family called me about a frozen line in their ceiling. It must have let go just after they left for work in Indianapolis. He said when he open the door that evening about 2 feet of water ran from their home. :'( It was a terrible sight. :eek:
Quote from: The Troll on January 29, 2014, 12:33:20 PM
What do you do Henry when you lose your power in the winter to keep your water line from freezing up and busting. That is one of my biggest worry. Water can do so much damage to a person's home. :yes: One family called me about a frozen line in their ceiling. It must have let go just after they left for work in Indianapolis. He said when he open the door that evening about 2 feet of water ran from their home. :'( It was a terrible sight. :eek:
Zoners if you ever have any water damage to your home don't do any work to it. :yes: Call your insurance company right away and tell them to get a company to clean it up. Any work you do yourself won't be payed for by your insurance company. :yes: Get a company that knows the right thing to do and has the equipment to do it right. :yes:
Quote from: The Troll on January 29, 2014, 12:33:20 PM
What do you do Henry when you lose your power in the winter to keep your water line from freezing up and busting. That is one of my biggest worry. Water can do so much damage to a person's home. :yes: One family called me about a frozen line in their ceiling. It must have let go just after they left for work in Indianapolis. He said when he open the door that evening about 2 feet of water ran from their home. :'( It was a terrible sight. :eek:
I have been fortunate (knock on wood) that I have never had a pipe burst. That would be horrible. I have a basement so I don't have to worry too much about that happening. I have heard horror stories of this happening to folks.
Quote from: Henry Hawk on January 29, 2014, 12:40:40 PM
I have been fortunate (knock on wood) that I have never had a pipe burst. That would be horrible. I have a basement so I don't have to worry too much about that happening. I have heard horror stories of this happening to folks.
I had a customer that had sump pump go out, (it's good to have two sump pumps). We had a huge rain storm :thinking2: and her basement filled up to about 2 feet. She lost her furnace, her freezer, her dehumidifier plus many boxes of clothes and other thing she had sitting on the floor. I had to wad over to replace her pump and I sold her two pumps. One was set a little higher that the main one to act as a safety. :yes: :smile:
Quote from: The Troll on January 29, 2014, 12:53:54 PM
I had a customer that had sump pump go out, (it's good to have two sump pumps). We had a huge rain storm :thinking2: and her basement filled up to about 2 feet. She lost her furnace, her freezer, her dehumidifier plus many boxes of clothes and other thing she had sitting on the floor. I had to wad over to replace her pump and I sold her two pumps. One was set a little higher that the main one to act as a safety. :yes: :smile:
The first house I bought had a basement with two sump pumps in it.....and there were times both kicked in. The house I have now, rarely leaks, but will sometimes get maybe a quarter inch. I have yet to install a pump, but it is on my list of things to do. It is an old house, with an old basement, and anything could happen.
Quote from: Henry Hawk on January 29, 2014, 12:57:15 PM
The first house I bought had a basement with two sump pumps in it.....and there were times both kicked in. The house I have now, rarely leaks, but will sometimes get maybe a quarter inch. I have yet to install a pump, but it is on my list of things to do. It is an old house, with an old basement, and anything could happen.
Well, better get one, even a cheap one. It is cheap insurance, my boy put off putting one in his crawl space. :biggrin: Until the water filled it up to the floor beams. He came down to my house and borrow mine and pump the water out. Guess what, he put one in right away. :biggrin: :lol:
Yep, I agree.....it usually bites me in the behind, when I procrastinate over such things.... :yes: