A) I will probably take several thousand pictures over the course of this trip. I took 617 today, and had to cut them down to the 17 that I felt were the best, and told the story of the day.
B) I am uploading the pictures at a size that is too small to print well, because my bandwidth is very limited and expensive from Iraq, and so I have disabled printing for now.
C) After I get back I will put full-sized originals of all the decent pictures up on my website, and you will be able to purchase prints or digital originals.
Monday, February 12, 2007
First patrol and new pictures from Day 4
I went out on my first patrol today with 3rd platoon of Bravo Company, and we searched a small village near the Pump House Barney FOB (Forward Operating Base) for weapons and intelligence. This patrol was very quiet in contrast to the Blue Bongo story I wrote several days ago. And this story is far more typical of what Bravo Company soldiers do 5-6 days a week.
Here is a link to the best pictures from the day:
http://photos.scrappydog.com/gallery/2464741
Each picture has a caption, and together they form a photo essay of the patrol.
Here is a link to the best pictures from the day:
http://photos.scrappydog.com/gallery/2464741
Each picture has a caption, and together they form a photo essay of the patrol.
Daily Live Interviews on WTIP at 10:15AM Central Time
Eric will be calling into WTIP daily for about a week starting today (Monday). He will be on air at 10:15 AM. The broadcast area is Grand Marais (90.7 FM) and the Upper Gunflint Trail (91.7 FM). You can also listen through the web by going to http://www.wtip.org/ and click on the Moose on the left hand side.
You can listen at 10:15 through the radio or on line!
You can listen at 10:15 through the radio or on line!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Attitude
I'm working on a couple of larger articles that aren't ready to go yet, but I just wanted to make a comment about the attitude and emotional state of the Minnesota soldiers I have the pleasure of covering.
Everyone seems to exude a sense of quiet confidence... "We've been here for a year, and there isn't anything we can't handle."
And after a year here everyone still seems quick with a joke and a smile. I hear a lot of laughter and see a lot of good natured ribbing.
Everyone seems to exude a sense of quiet confidence... "We've been here for a year, and there isn't anything we can't handle."
And after a year here everyone still seems quick with a joke and a smile. I hear a lot of laughter and see a lot of good natured ribbing.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Internet problems and expenses
The internet here on Camp Fallujah has been having huge problems ever since I got here. There are two free options available to me:
1. Use a military computer in somebody's office. Unfortunately, this has been brutally slow. 15 minutes to load a web page (not kidding). And in order to do this somebody has to unlock their office, and log me in with their official military username and password (not a practical option at 12:20 am).
2. There is also a public internet cafe on post, but it only was about 15 computers, and the line to use them is several HOURS long 7x24. And these computers don't have usable USB ports or CD drives, which prevents me from using them to upload pictures.
I have had several military family members email me saying they hadn't heard from their sons at Camp Fallujah. Don't worry they are fine, they just can't get to their email.
That leaves me with one EXPENSIVE personal option: I have a BGAN internet modem with me, which is an amazing battery powered clam shell device that looks just like a laptop, except that when you flip the screen up it is really a flat satellite "dish". This is great except that to use it to upload 6 pictures, check my email, and make some blog posts this evening cost over $60 dollars! Ouch!!!
Just to remind all my readers: This mission is a self-funded money losing venture. Your DONATIONS to help defray these costs are greatly appreciated!
Special thanks to KSTP, the Crookston Daily Times, and my co-worker Paul Brazelton for their financial support of this project.
1. Use a military computer in somebody's office. Unfortunately, this has been brutally slow. 15 minutes to load a web page (not kidding). And in order to do this somebody has to unlock their office, and log me in with their official military username and password (not a practical option at 12:20 am).
2. There is also a public internet cafe on post, but it only was about 15 computers, and the line to use them is several HOURS long 7x24. And these computers don't have usable USB ports or CD drives, which prevents me from using them to upload pictures.
I have had several military family members email me saying they hadn't heard from their sons at Camp Fallujah. Don't worry they are fine, they just can't get to their email.
That leaves me with one EXPENSIVE personal option: I have a BGAN internet modem with me, which is an amazing battery powered clam shell device that looks just like a laptop, except that when you flip the screen up it is really a flat satellite "dish". This is great except that to use it to upload 6 pictures, check my email, and make some blog posts this evening cost over $60 dollars! Ouch!!!
Just to remind all my readers: This mission is a self-funded money losing venture. Your DONATIONS to help defray these costs are greatly appreciated!
Special thanks to KSTP, the Crookston Daily Times, and my co-worker Paul Brazelton for their financial support of this project.
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