Turkish Barber

For those of you who don't know a Turkish haircut is the way to go. It is by no coincidence that the Marine culture is huge on haircuts. To an outsider this fad might seem a bit ridiculous; however, when you consider that you wear a helmet all the time, shower every other day (at best), and live in 100+ degree heat - having short hair is a must. In fact, most Marines prefer the whole bald look. I've long been a fan of the Navy style haircut but times they are a changing. Today, I went to get my haircut w/ the old man. He took to me to the Turkish Barber shop at the main base. You have to pay 4$ vice 3$ for the PX barber and it is well worth it. They actually give good haircuts, will shave you, and then the coux de gras - they flame your ears. It is just great. The other benefit of going w/ the old man to main base is that you get to eat in the big chow hall. Needless to say, I ate my face off. The food is just so much better and variety makes you think that you are at the Golden Corral. BIG PLUS. We certainly don't get that level of good eats where I am at. ****Disclaimer time**** Where I am at now, the food is fine and we get plenty of it. I guess it is akin to the difference between Shoney's and Olive Garden. Catch my drift? That said, it sure wasn't Baghdad.

My Padres fell last night to the Cubs. I was able to watch the last inning on the Armed Forces Network Television. It was just nice to relax a bit.

My struggles w/ my ENS buddy still continue. I think that I am out of air speed and ideas on how to handle this guy. He still won't look me in the eye when we talk. About the only thing I can think of is taking him outside and going Ninja style on him. That would make me feel better - but it doesn't solve the problem. Obviously, we have a conflict and need to figure out a way to make the situation work - unless I can figure out a way to get a Kinko's in Iraq. I still need him to do by printing. I'll figure something out.

Other than that I am staying busy, which makes the time go by. An absolute must in order to survive out here. That's all for now ....