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#106
24-10-2005, 20:15
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Scenes such as the Blackwater incident only brings home what is waiting for anyone here (Expat, wrong ethnic tribe or innocent passer by) just around the next corner. Difficult to cope with sometimes and I still find myself closing my eyes, breathing in and bracing when I pass an abandoned car at the side of the road just waiting for it to take me to that big MTB bar in the sky! It can also get a bit 'Groundhog Day' out here as you mention T0rn. I have 40 meters from my bed to my desk! It is good now and again when opportunities to get out and about further afield come up and I try to take them. There is more to Iraq than Baghdad and what most people see on thier televisions. However, hanging around isn't really unfamiliar territory to most of us who have been in this environment, Military, Police or similar organisation. It is often long periods of mundane routine followed by all hell letting loose and the job is the ability to react to whatever that particular hell is at the time!! Bit like Tiffanys in Rochdale at 2 am Saturday morning!! 5555555 
__________________
The idea is to die young.........as late as possible. 
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#107
25-10-2005, 03:00
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chuffing hell Lads just seen the explosion on tv at the hotel area.hope you guys are all safe.
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Coffee for one sir ? The joys of sponsorship 
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#109
25-10-2005, 04:13
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Can't vouch for Lightemup yet, but I am sure he is fine. Let us know Lightemup, it was closer to you than me.
I did hear them as I was outside on my way for my scoff. Not wanting to be pedantic but it is pretty much like that here everyday ETV and Hep. The reason it is hitting the news in a big way is because it involved reporters and cameramen. They could get plenty of footage of the smoke cloud and film of a guy in the hotel as a secondary device went off. There was also a CCTV camera positioned over the area which provided usable footage and they got it out to the world quickly. It's how they make their money. There have been several other shootings, bombs here today in Baghdad which because they can't show it to you, just becomes another statistic out here. I'm sure I can speak on behalf of Lightemup when I say thanks for your concerns, in the mean time you will just have to put up with me on here!! 555555
__________________
The idea is to die young.........as late as possible.
Last edited by Denver : 25-10-2005 at 04:15.
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#110
25-10-2005, 04:20
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Does anyone have an idea as to how many foreigners (excluding army personnel) are in Iraq?
A couple of days ago, Denver mentioned an area that was not as secure as people that it could be, guarded by Americans - is this the same area that was hit with the 3 suicide bombers today?
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#111
25-10-2005, 14:13
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I thought it was a guy in the next room moving furniture around....seriously..
As it appears, it was a three carbomb attack. First one, hit the T-walls, created a rough breach, next one, didnt get to it, got shot up before it got near. The third one, the cement truck, breached it, got stuck 20-30 meters in and detonated after maneuvering a bit back and forth. I've said it many times to our folks, once they get their shit together and do a series of carbombs against one spot, they will breach and come through these walls. I consider this one yesterday as a validation of tactics for them. Next time (within the next two months, I guess, next election is 15th Dec) they will hit the IZ and with several more VBIED's and a combination of indirect fire and infantry will make quite a show. Possibly hit one of the important buildings after that. Anyway, Im might just be paranoid here..
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#112
25-10-2005, 14:29
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It's gone a bit silly down here today. Bombs seem to be going off left right and center!! Had one that ruffled my hair on the way to work!! Good Morning Baghdad and again about 5 minutes ago on the street at the back of us, bit of a window rattler that one, the smoke is still climbing and blowing over our location.
First indications of the first one was a bloody Childrens Hospital! I am guessing it is guarded by the ING (Iraqi National Guard) and that they were the targets. As I am sat in a Poxy PortaKabin I am now in body armour and helmet as Shrapnel eats these things for breakfast. Folk are shooting up and down the street, wasting ammunition with sod all to shoot at, situation normal. Sirens wailing and I am just waiting for the next one. All our Iraqi employees are on mobile phones to loved ones as most travel in to us from the areas that are taking these hits this morning. Poor sods. Good to hear all is well with you Lightemup and good observations. Let's hope someone is listening and re-acts to them. Just get me on that flight to Jordan on Thursday, that's all I ask! 
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The idea is to die young.........as late as possible.
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#113
25-10-2005, 15:19
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Sounds like a bit of a rough day over there today, Denver! Hope things quiet down a bit for you. I imagine there are times when being bored to death seems like a lovely daydream!
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LOS is warm, soft, smooth, and brown. 
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#114
25-10-2005, 16:43
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 I shouldn't have that extra Wagon Wheel last night as there's a bit of a whistling going on in the old Y-Fronts today!!! Almost touched cloth on that last big bang!!  Gone quiet again now. 
__________________
The idea is to die young.........as late as possible.
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#115
25-10-2005, 17:52
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glad nto see you are ok ,but what the feck is thar hanging off your chin it does look like a dead squirrel
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i love wales for its climate ,its ladies and the exotic food 
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#116
25-10-2005, 19:48
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 I still love him though!! 
__________________
The idea is to die young.........as late as possible.
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#117
25-10-2005, 20:16
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Denver, I liked the way you explained the waiting game....waiting around and not knowing when things will go ugly, its been a long time for me being away from such things for 20 years or so.. Its good to keep in contact with the outside I'm sure, at least there's an outlet.
You guys stay sharp out there.
__________________
J.K. Livin  Heywood
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#118
25-10-2005, 20:30
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First off this will be my first post......
I have been studying up for my first trip to Phuket, hopefully in February! I too work in Baghdad, but there are plenty of jobs here that don't involve the danger level denver and lightemup endure. Hats off to those guys!! Personally, I sit on my ass all day long in an office and get paid pretty well for it. Having previous US military experience, I checked into the security fields and found I would only make a thousand or two more monthly getting my ass shot at all day long. Trust me there are days I would love to take a trip out into the red zone due to the boredom of my job but sanity comes back pretty quickly!! Any guys looking for safer work can check with the larger contracting companies such as Parsons, KBR (Kellogg, Brown & Root), Fluor, ect. They are all over here and pay basically the same give or take a little. Denver and Lightemup, again, hats off to you guys and God cover your six!!
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#119
25-10-2005, 20:52
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If you guys would like a small look into Iraq, I have three video files at the link below. Some pretty good stuff!!
http://www.filecloud.com/files/categ...gory_id=214647
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#120
26-10-2005, 06:05
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555555 (We do a wicked BBQ on Thursdays also) I'll give you an Iraqna number via PM. Take care R1, stay safe and good luck on your up-coming trip to the LOS.
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The idea is to die young.........as late as possible.
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#122
26-10-2005, 14:46
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If you are interested in a change of scene post your current contract Lightemup, PM me and I can give you the low-down. We are looking to bolster our US element (Especially DOD'd) at the moment. Like I say, doubt if we could match what your are on right now. Stay safe.
__________________
The idea is to die young.........as late as possible.
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#123
27-10-2005, 01:24
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Well, money isnt everything, except if youre a bargirl. Job satisfaction and being happy going to work everyday counts more in my book.
Let me know what you have in mind. I sent you a PM earlier and am now back from the pool
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#124
27-10-2005, 01:42
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I have your PM Lightemup. I will answer with my works email. If you have a resume prepared - all the better. I can look at where you would be best suited (Quals, Mil experience etc) as there are pay scales and see what we have!! If you were to make the Generals team you would be straight back in the IZ!!! Willing to travel? Need some excitement in your day? 5555555 I'll get back to you Lightemup.
__________________
The idea is to die young.........as late as possible.
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#125
28-10-2005, 01:39
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Around town pics
Just been reading the toys for Phuket kids thread which is a brilliant idea. Amazing just how many cheap soft toys you can cram in the smallest corners of your luggage. I used to take pencils and paper to West Africa as I was practising my TEFL out there at various local schools whilst seconded to the Sierra Leone Army.
Just thought I'd post a few pictures of the kind of folk you meet on the streets here. I added the bloke fast asleep at the back of the butchers as it's just a 'different' picture and gives you an idea of the sort of sights, flavours and experiences I enjoy about traveling the world. The two lads playing table football on the back of a truck was brilliant!! They were really into it! How! I don't know, as the driver was all over the place! 55555 Cheers 
__________________
The idea is to die young.........as late as possible.
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#126
28-10-2005, 06:48
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Great pics as usual denver, sures does tell the story in pics.
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