'Violence is discussed like the weather...everyone has a gun'

[cal04]

A reporter for The Times describes his struggle to survive each day in western Baghdad
THE anxiety starts the moment you wake.

The drone of the generator (if you are lucky enough to have one) reminds you that you will have to spend hours searching for petrol on the lawless streets — the normal electricity supply functions barely four hours a day.

Distant bomb blasts raise the familiar questions. How will I get to work? Which roads have been closed by fighting? There used to be a morning postal service, but I have not received a letter since the war. All my communications now are through email or telephone — many of them to friends overseas.

Three dozen of my class of 2003 have gone, many to Syria because Jordan is overflowing with exiles, others to the Gulf or London. In the past two weeks five of my neighbours have also fled, abandoning their houses.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7374-2285685,00.html

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. If you're tempted to brood about how much your life sucks, read this...

How terrible, to have to live like that.

Neocon assholes, I hope you're proud of yourselves.

[Why Syzygy]

2. Give Peace a Chance

Where is all the big bring 'em on cowboy now? I thought he was gonna run those terrorists outta town?
He's made terrorist stew. Let it follow him for the rest of his days, goddess forgive me.