2009.06.19
19JUN09--Mole Cricket
Yesterday, I posted a picture of a mysterious insect that I had never seen before. A faithful reader wrote me to inform me that the insects looked like mole crickets. Sure enough, he was right. Seeing the images on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mole_cricket, I had no doubt.
The insect does not really resemble a cricket though. Sort of resembles a cicada, but longer and with claw-like legs. Makes me think of what a desert crayfish might look like.
Apparently, mole crickets are common through North Africa, Europe and Central Asia. However, they are nocturnal and spend most of their lives in underground tunnels.
The crickets are cooked and eaten in some cultures. I am quite glad that the Iraqis have not offered me such a dish. I would try it, but from the looks of them, I do not imagine that they are tasty.
I spy something crawly.
Is it just me or does this fella not look particularly appetizing?
Aren't you supposed to be doing real work over there?
Comment by John — June 19, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
Good question, John.
I would like to write about what is actually happening in regards to the Iraqi Army, but I believe that I will wait a few days. It would be prudent. It is a story that I have been waiting to write about for months and it is finally just about time.
Rich
Comment by Rich Connaroe — June 19, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
First Thank you for your service and this cool blog, I just found it a few days ago, very cool ! Now, how dare "John" say to you "aren't you suppose to be doing real work" How about John sacrific his life, time, family for HIS country. How dare he ever speak to you that way. I am furious over this comment and enjoyed the little tid bit about the bug, it is interesting what you see over there and that is part of the entertainment of this blog. So JOHN BACK OFF !! Keep us updated and be safe. Traci
Comment by Traci — June 20, 2009 @ 2:26 pm
Traci, believe it or not the other guys on my team scolded me for responded to John so passively. It is really not like me, but I do consciously feel bad about not being able to write about some of the events here in Iraq.
Top suggested responses include:
"Imagine what you could be accomplishing, if you were not on your computer reading blogs."
"Excuse me. Next time I will ask permission before I take a break."
and
"Good gosh, you're right! How dare I use a computer to share experiences."
Feel free to add your suggested responses below.
Eh, thanks for setting me straight, Traci.
Rich
Comment by Rich Connaroe — June 20, 2009 @ 4:03 pm
Interesting.
Comment by Globalwarmer — June 21, 2009 @ 12:14 am
John is an ASS. That's my comment.
Comment by DMB — June 22, 2009 @ 10:10 am
Hey Rich, I also want to add my Thanks for what you do. My Dad was a Marine in Desert Storm and other areas around the world. Traci is a teammate and she told me of your blog. I just wanted to add my Disgust for John's thoughtless comments. I know you are risking your life over there and I know your family misses you. Wanted show my support and let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you! Stay Safe!
Comment by Christine — June 22, 2009 @ 12:50 pm
hey Rich first of all i would like to say thank you for all that you and your family has done for our country. As a military spouse myself i know that every now and then you need a little different conversation besides weapons,sand and really really hot weather. My husband served 13 months in iraq as well so i know you guys need lots of support from everyone. So on that note, anyone that doesnt support the military keep your comments to yourself because if it wasnt for the military we wouldnt have what you like to call freedom of speech. My mom always told me if you dont have anything nice to say dont say anything at all. HOOAH!!!!!!!
Comment by Lora — June 22, 2009 @ 1:06 pm
Thanks, Lora and Christine.
Believe me, my wife and two toddlers miss me. Or at least my wife does. I will be lucky if my toddlers remember me.
Christine, I hope that you and Traci do well with your team.
And, Lora, you are spot on.
Rich
Comment by Rich Connaroe — June 22, 2009 @ 2:47 pm
Hi Rich,
I am glad that you have a family who misses you. Something we did as kids when my Dad was on deployment was make home videos. Actually we just found them and rewatched them the other night. Dad would sit and read stories to us, and we would respond with what was happening in our day to day lives. Mom and I cried through the whole thing LOL! I have been going over your Blogs for the last couple of months and I really enjoy them. Be careful and Stay Safe!
Comment by Christine — June 22, 2009 @ 2:56 pm
hey rich,
I'm sure the little ones miss you too and i'm sure they will remember who daddy is. the one thing that my husband and i did was web cams and every night i would let our son see daddy and talk to him. our son was nine months old when my husband left and that was his biggest fear was that our son wouldnt remember who daddy was. Much to our amazement the day my husband returned home our son went right to him. Daddys boy ever since. So i'm sure everything will be fine. You be safe and take care.
Comment by Lora — June 23, 2009 @ 10:08 am