the suppliants

N@rco chic

A few weeks ago we were driving around the mountains of our state and came across this "hotel" in a bend in the road.  It was guarded by a huge wall and gate but, seeing the garish place through a small gap in the gate, I just had to see inside!  There was a delivery vehicle going through so I asked if I could come in and take a few photos.  The guard told me to wait while he went and asked permission.  After a few minutes and with full permission I entered in and took these photos (as well as shooting a video I hope to upload soon).  Above is the exterior of the structure.  There are flags of various nations inlaid on the driveway.

The interior lobby looks like a good place for a shootout - like a scene from "Scarface" or something.  Notice the gothic-lettered initials "JAM" and the umm, unusual, decor.  Oh just wait for the video.  You won't be disappointed.

The Obama-ization of Afghanistan

The closing comments on the 1966 documentary "The Unique War" (click to see the 24 minute video in its entirety thanks to www.Public.Resource.org) produced by the U.S. Army Pictoral Center encapsulates the Obama administration's approach to Afghanistan.  There's nothing new under the sun.

"From reservoirs of compassion and generosity we bring a spirit and a demonstration of friendship and these too become weapons as powerful as any other in this war which is a contest for the hearts and the minds of the people of Vietnam.  They are weapons that will touch and stir the hopes of those through whose villages we travel.  And when we pass on we'll leave a deposit of warm feelings behind.  A demonstration of the people's new appreciation for us in any one village cannot perhaps be taken too seriously.  It may not mean that the village has been secured forever - the war is not that simple - but we must not falter.  We must continue until the enemy is convinced his aggression will not pay.  And hand in hand with the fighting in Vietnam we must press ahead with the crucial task of helping to build a nation all the way to the heart and soul of the smallest hamlet."