Laptop Woes

Well, my laptop is out of order for the time being - probably in the power circuit someplace. I suspected the battery or power supply, but the problem is not in either of thos places. I guess it is time to open it up and see what I can see.

It figures that it goes out now, while I am in the land of over-priced-ness (I know that is not a word) Yeah a can of soup that is about $1.50 they were asking nearly five dollars for. Now I know that just is not right, and I know the local people do not pay thses prices. I don't mind helping the local economy, but it seems the "haves" have it all, and the have-not don't have much. I am beginning to think the warnings about local food are part of a big scam so the Lebanese mafia can get richer here. Nothing against Lebanese in general, but they run most of the markets and apartments here. It is hard to get into all of it without a long story, and I don't like long posts, so you will have to get it in small bites ( I guess small bytes too, since this is digital :P )

Nothing seems to be right or work easy here. No biggie, just a bit frustrating.

A Great Blonde Joke!

Hey, for a really great blonde joke - click here.

A Great Blonde Joke!

For a really great blonde joke click here.

Do Not Mess With Old Ladies

A friend of mine (Jose) sent me this joke. It made me laugh and I thought I would share it with all of you:

An older lady gets pulled over for speeding...

Older Woman: Is there a problem, Officer?

Officer: Ma'am, you were speeding.

Older Woman: Oh, I see.

Officer: Can I see your license please?

Older Woman: I'd give it to you but I don't have one.

Officer: Don't have one?

Older Woman: Lost it, 4 years ago for drunk driving.

Officer: I see...Can I see your vehicle registration papers please.

Older Woman: I can't do that.

Officer: Why not?

Older Woman: I stole this car.

Officer: Stole it?

Older Woman: Yes, and I killed and hacked up the owner.

Officer: You what?

Older Woman: His body parts are in plastic bags in the trunk if you want to see

The Officer looks at the woman and slowly backs away to his car and calls for back up. Within minutes 5 police cars circle the car. A senior officer slowly approaches the car, clasping his half drawn gun.

Officer 2: Ma'am, could you step out of your vehicle please! The woman steps out of her vehicle.

Older woman: Is there a problem sir?

Officer 2: One of my officers told me that you have stolen this car and murdered the owner.

Older Woman: Murdered the owner?

Officer 2: Yes, could you please open the trunk of your car, please.

The woman opens the trunk, revealing nothing but an empty trunk.

Officer 2: Is this your car, ma'am?

Older Woman: Yes, here are the registration papers.
The officer is quite stunned.

Officer 2: One of my officers claims that you do not have a driving license.

The woman digs into her handbag and pulls out a clutch purse and hands it to the officer.

The officer examines the license. He looks quite puzzled.

Officer 2: Thank you ma'am, one of my officers told me you didn't have a license, that you stole this car, and that you murdered and hacked up the owner.

Older Woman: Bet the liar told you I was speeding, too.


Don't Mess With Old Ladies
If you want to brighten someone's day, Send someone here.

Some More Interesting Sights in Liberia

I have seen this sign for a while - but I just now had the chance to get a good photo of them. I am not sure what the night train express is - some kind of drink, but I am not sure what



Now here is something you don't see every day - well, you may if you are here in Monrovia:) I always thought people were trying to get a monkey OFF of their back. :)

I have tried and tried to capture the sheer masses of people in one of the Markets here. Photos just do not seem to cut it - showing the real perspective of the crowds.

Here is a menu from a resturaunt here. The prices are in US Dollars. You would have thought that Liberia would be inexpensive - think again.

... and yes it says "homos" - but most likely is Hummus.


Y'all stay safe!!

Some Interesting Signs

Just a couple more interesting signs that I came across here in Liberia.
The no toileting is important -

The Hare Krishna Shopping center ... maybe tambourines and robes?

Internet Repair in Liberia

Our internet went out at the hotel. I tried to fix it with the coke can. Our clerk at the hotel came with a folded piece of paper to complete the "repair"

At least it works for now....

Some Good Things About Working with the UN

This sign is one of those reasons I love Working with the UN...

They always invent new words and terms - sometimes on purpose, but mostly by accident. Drink Drivers - haha!!

We were at our driving tests today and I saw this guy

Quick Peek at Liberia

I won't get into a lot about what has happened yet, there has a lot that has happened. I did include a couple of street photos so you can get a peek at the streets here.

Now That's Funny - I don't Care Who You Are...

I have been told I look like Larry the Cable guy. I Don't see the resemblance - what do you think?

Dumb Signs and Stuff - A Re-Post From Iraq

I really liked this post about stupid signs in Iraq that I had earlier. I Just could not pass up re-posting since I had to take down my blog. I hope the new folks enjoy it - and the used to be regulars still get a chuckle.

If there is No Smoking, Why is there and ash bin there?

Grass? What Grass?

No vehicles beyond that point? You mean like the ones beyond the sign?.... Obviously vigourously enforced :)

Just What the Heck is a Police Mission Anyways?

I scoured the internet looking for a good definition. Guess what? the only place that has a good definition of a police mission is my own website - and no, this is NOT shameless promotion of my site - it really is not up to snuff yet where I want it - But I will send you there anyways. Anywho - here is what a Police Mission is: (taken from http://www.intl-advisors.com/police_mission.htm)

A police mission is a project/program sponsored by the United Nations, The European Union (EU), NATO, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) or the US State Department. These programs use International Civilian Police (CivPol) officers to carry out "the mission."

U.S. police officers from all over the country to participate in international civilian police activities and local police development programs in countries around the world. They participate in training and advising police in post conflict nations. Often this involves starting up entire police departments and national police agencies from the ground up. Working as an international police officer can be challenging and a very rewarding experience.

The Branch of the State Department that sponsors overseas police missions is the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement. That is why the cool logo is there.

Old Iraq Stuff - Working My Way Back to You... (Backwards)

I figured I would basically work my way backwards for the Iraq stuff. Probably not totally, but basically. I am posting a few River Patrol Pics - not a lot of story, but some may not need explanations.

Getting Ready for a training mission.

Out on the Tigris River...

More boat action on the Tigris

How hot is it before chicken is done?
...talk about one hot guy - haha!!!!

ANOTHER Mission?

Yep boys and girls... I am doing it again. Taking the plung into the police mission world - this time to Liberia. This time, I don't think there will be the "issues" different company and it is not a military thing. Sit ac and relax as we learn together about Liberia. You can learn more about police missions in general at Intl-Advisors.com (yes one of my sites) and soon a forum there too.


Wish me well :))