Beware Those Camel Spiders in Iraq – Not

What about those huge Camel Spiders in Iraq? Well, according to Snopes, there are many untruths (lies?) about them:

“Camel spiders (so named because, like camels, they can be found in sandy desert regions, although they aren't technically spiders) grow to be moderately large (about a 5"-6" leg span), but nowhere near as large as dinner plates; they can move very quickly in comparison to other arthropods (a top speed of maybe 10 MPH), but nothing close 25 MPH; they make no noise; and they capture prey without the use of either venom or anesthetic. Camel spiders rely on speed, stealth, and the (non-venomous) bite of powerful jaws to feed on small prey such as other arthropods (e.g., scorpions, crickets, pillbugs), lizards, and possibly mice or birds. They use only three pairs of legs in running; the frontmost pair (called pedipalpa) is held aloft and used in a similar manner to the antennae of insects. Camel spiders shun the sun and generally hide during the day, coming out at night to do their hunting.

“Although the creatures shown in the photograph above [view here] appear to be far too big for camel spiders, they look misleadingly large because of their closeness to the camera, which creates an illusion of exaggerated size. (Note their size in comparison to the uniform sleeve which appears in upper right-hand portion of the picture.)”

So don’t worry ... too much.

Sunday Misnomers – or Is That Sundry?

Every Sunday I try to watch “Meet the Press”, “Face the Nation”, and “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” to hear what other people are saying, to pass the time, or just to fume – usually the latter. But I must say that the first two shows are misnamed.

There is hardly ever much “the press” on “Meet the Press.” But there is an abundance of politicians. Therefore, perhaps it should be retitled “Meet the Politicians.” Today I was particularly irritated with Newt Gingrich when he said, “I am not comfortable with the current state in Iraq.” Wake up, Newt. Don’t be so smug. Find the right word. Comfort is when the electricity is working every time you want it. Comfort is eating food every time you want it. Comfort is buying things every time you want it. Comfort is feeling secure every time you want it… The situation in Iraq is a disaster. Fix it. They don’t need fluffy slippers.

And then there’s “Face the Nation.” Mostly it’s face those cameras – after the appropriate make-up has been applied. So it should be retitled “Face the Cameras.” That’s basically what they all do anyway… And by the way, I wonder who picks those guests. They’ve never asked me to be on the show … and I doubt if they ever will … unless they have to ask … because I’ve become so influential … from so many people agreeing with what I have to say … which probably … Oh, my! I’m rambling. Cheers!

What Does Michael Ware Wear?

Michael Ware, a journalist working for CNN in Baghdad, Iraq, said this morning that "Al-Qaeda" is stronger than ever in Iraq and that Iran has more influence than ever in Iraq. But he also said it would be a mistake to have the U.S. military leave Iraq for "things" would only get worse.

I have often been skeptical of the opinions of Michael Ware since, as far as I know, he has never been seriously injured. This indicates to me that he is not in the most dangerous areas. As such, can he really know what is going on?

His first two assertions are probably correct. His last assertion is only a guess. He cannot predict the future any more than any of the rest of us can. There are a lot of possible scenarios. It is just as likely that the fighting and killings would eventually decrease as certain groups gain control over their territories. After all, modern Iraq was patched together by the British a long time ago. There's no natural reason that "Iraq" has to stay together. In fact, given the different groups, it makes more sense that there be separate nations.

What will happen, no one knows or can know. What I do believe is that the U.S. government should not force its plan on them. The people there should be able to plan their own destinies as we should be able to plan our own destinies.

Lower the Flag

A soldier has asked why the flag is not lowered to half-mast when soldiers are killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, as it was lowered to honor the 32 students & teachers at Blacksburg, VA. Well, duh! If they did that, the flag would be permanently in that position. I suppose they could raise and lower it each day. But then we would be more conscious of the deaths. We just couldn't have that, could we?

And then, too, someone might want the flag lowered for unnecessary deaths from cancers and strokes and heart attacks and neglect and road wrecks and killings of "ordinary" people and... Where would we stop? Do we have to stop? Why can't we show more respect for all people?