Various Quick Thoughts

We've noticed that most of you who order books through the Amazon link usually get military-related ones (surprise!). If you are looking for great Christmas gifts, The Adventures of Chester highly recommends the Aubrey-Maturin novels, beginning with "Master and Commander." They are very well-written and well-researched tales of swashbuckling derring-do. And the British Navy is cool. I've added links in the sidebar to the first book, or to a box set of all of them if you are ambitious. [And don't worry: we can see what books are ordered, but not by whom; your privacy is safe.] -------- The wild card post I promised will be about Japan. -------- Freedom is about to break out all over the Middle East, according to Bill Kristol at the Weekly Standard. Great article. Be a part of it and support freedom in the Middle East by donating to the Friends of Iraq Blogger Challenge. You can do so here. The Adventures of Chester has discovered that those who donate to the Friends of Iraq Blogger Challenge will receive invitations to Friends of Iraq events in NY, DC, SF, and LA, all scheduled to take place in the next two weeks. You'll get to meet both civil affairs Marines AND the Iraqi authors of the popular blog Iraq the Model. Spirit of America tells Chester, "We apologize to everyone in Flyover country that there are no events except on the Coasts. Just not enough time. We promise to take care of everyone else in 2005." And, "We're trying to keep it sort of low key, for security reasons. Local media, yes but very little Major media. No photographs or video of the Iraqis. Their lives can be at risk." Consider this great opportunity if you choose to donate! You'll get an invitation by email. Good night!