Random photos, Part III

Once again a few random photos...

Why does Saddam's architecture always look like a bad set design from a Conan the Barbarian movie?

A close-up over the window. This looks like a quote. Probably from Saddam, since nobody else is worth quoting in Iraq, apparently.

What in the world could be cooler than a concrete swan?

Except, perhaps, a concrete chicken...

This is the abandoned mosque on base. Something blew it up between the first time I went by it in October and now. Most likely a rocket, and it was probably months back, since we've had I think two rockets on the entire base in the last two months. Good work Jihad Joe. I think if you blow up a mosque you pretty much ruin your chances of getting into paradise.

The Rhino Runner making its morning trip. I've done this a few times, and fortunately, it was a quiet ride.

When we just drive around the compound, however, we use more conventional transportation: a Ford Ranger or Ford Explorer. The next few pictures are from a trip we made to another base also in the compound.

If you don't have access to a vehicle, there are bus lines.

The roads are pretty poor where they are actual roads. They're constantly working on them, and we often have to take a detour through sand. Fortunately, they've finished this section here.

But they aren't going to make progress if the Pakistani guy is sleeping on the job. To quote Blazing Saddles, "It can't be more than 114!" Actually, I checked about an hour later. It was 113, but that thermometer was in the shade.

Our truck, by the way can cool the air down with its A/C unit down to about 105 before it gives up.

Oh, those nice folks in the Army safety office really know how to give you nice happy thoughts. This sign reads: "Narrow Roads + Fast Driving = Death!" Thanks. Happy happy, joy joy!

On the other side of the wall, there's a billboard for the Iraqis, which is at least more inviting. Beautiful blue skies and clouds and a green blob of Iraq. I'm sure it probably says something like "Calling in the tip line and reporting evil men will make Iraq a happy place again. With fairies dancing and lollypop trees!"

A bunch of MRAP Vehicles. These are some mean SUVs. They crush lollypop trees.

Wind + ubiquitous trash + miles of barbed wire = a fenceline strangely reminiscent of a Mexican border town.

I say, anyone for tea?


Sorry, no time for it. These guys are about to go down IED alley with nothing but up-armored Chevy Suburbans. The next time you hear some politician going nuts about how much contractors make in Iraq, ask them if they'd like to put their faith in an up-armored suburban. When your gun turret is an open hatchback, you know you've got some serious intestinal fortitude to ride in one of these things.