State Dept. Orders Site To Take Down Photos Of The $592 Million U.S. Embassy In Iraq
State Dept. Orders Site To Take Down Photos Of The $592 Million U.S. Embassy In Iraq
On Tuesday, ThinkProgress highlighted photos of the U.S. embassy in Iraq, which is set to open in September. Projected to cost $592 million, the embassy will have a staff of 1,000 people and operating costs will total $1.2 billion a year. The complex will be 104 acres, which is the size of approximately 80 football fields.
The architectural firm designing the embassy, Berger Define Yaeger, recently posted the designs for the colossus on its website (which is currently down). Today, the State Department ordered Berger to remove the images. AP reports:
Detailed plans for the new U.S. Embassy under construction in Baghdad appeared online Thursday in a breach of the tight security surrounding the sensitive project. [...]
The images were removed by Berger Devine Yaeger Inc. shortly after the company was contacted by the State Department.
ThinkProgress has captured several of the images:
The complex “will include two office buildings, one of them designed for future use as a school, six apartment buildings, a gym, a pool, a food court and its own power generation and water-treatment plants.”
According to news reports, “Some U.S. officials acknowledged that damage may have been done by the postings and used expletives to describe their personal reactions.” But it is unclear whether the damage was done to security or public relations. (Aerial images of the embassy can be easily obtained from sites like Google Maps.)
The real damage of these images comes from bolstering the perception of a long-term U.S. occupation. While Americans will be living in posh quarters, the citizens of Baghdad are currently surviving with just 5.6 hours of electricity a day. Baghdad was also recently rated the world’s worst city in which to live.
(HT: Arlen)
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We hire foreign workers there so we dont have to hire them here.
Photos of the US Embassy emboldens the enemy.
They hate us for our pools
Come on…help me out.
May 31st, 2007 at 10:52 pmok, here’s what we’re going to do… let’s capture those images and post them all over the goddam blogosphere… i’ll start…
And, yes, I DO take it personally
May 31st, 2007 at 10:54 pmCome on…help me out.
Comment by Juan C
We treat construction workers badly there, so we can treat them badly here, too.
Why does Amanda hate our embassy’s palm trees?
Straight lines in embassy plans embolden the terrorists.
May 31st, 2007 at 10:57 pmok, here’s what we’re going to do… let’s capture those images and post them all over the goddam blogosphere… i’ll start…
And, yes, I DO take it personally
Comment by profmarcus — May 31, 2007 @ 10:54 pm
Yet another fine liberal American. Good to know we can count on ya. (true colors shining through) ;)
May 31st, 2007 at 10:58 pmThey don’t hate us for our freedom, they hate us for what we do…
May 31st, 2007 at 10:59 pmLOL the Bush Regime just wants Americans to be ignorant about the new huge US Embassy being constructed in Iraq. It’s due to be completed in September of this year, so Bush wants its opening as a photo-op surprise.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:00 pmJust how much of that $592 million is our tax money?
May 31st, 2007 at 11:00 pmAnd why can’t we see these pictures?
After all, we’re the ones PAYING for this monstrosity.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:01 pmWith Bush’s lack of success in Iraq it’s a safe bet “the enemy” will be occupying this place even before Bush is out of the White House.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:02 pmIsn’t that Bin Laden sunning himself by the pool?
May 31st, 2007 at 11:02 pmIs this the bill it passed on in 2005?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7807990/
May 31st, 2007 at 11:03 pmWell I can understand the expletives – nice way to hand off the plans for how to attack the buildings….. more examples of incompetence which will get someone’s kids killed. The images help attackers Google Earth or no Google Earth.
On the public image thing – its not as if this has been some big secret for years… oh but the American media has chosen not to report it….
May 31st, 2007 at 11:03 pmwhat will ThinkProgess do if the STATE DEPT. wants
May 31st, 2007 at 11:03 pmthese threads removed? … will there be a choice?…
Yup I think so
http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/47102.pdf
Passed with 100-0 in the senate.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:04 pmWe treat construction workers badly there, so we can treat them badly here, too.
Comment by Zooey
Hahaha!!! Nice one.
Let me follow:
“Czech escorts in the pool? Bring them on!”
May 31st, 2007 at 11:05 pmJust how much of that $592 million is our tax money?
Comment by Candy Schultz
I would guess 100%.
It’s MY embassy! I want to see the pictures!
May 31st, 2007 at 11:06 pmoh, yeah, the images help our attackers. It’s not like the slave laborers won’t tell them where each building is, and how much concrete has been poured….
the only ones who don’t know about this place are the people footing the bill.
And to think, a few years ago, this administration was pointing fingers at Saddam’s palaces. Now, we’re replacing them with our own.
Imagine if a foreign country were to do this on our soil. How would we feel about it? Would we resist? You bet.
….the killing continues…..
….so too does the profits….
May 31st, 2007 at 11:09 pmWhere’s the heli pad on the roof? I think that’s going to be a must.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:11 pmFrom the article:
The real damage of these images comes from bolstering the perception of a long-term U.S. occupation.
I definitely agree. The folks with the mortars will gain nothing from these photos. They know where the place is and are currently firing on it. The reason stated above makes far more sense.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:11 pmThis is a political propaganda move, and nothing less.
Let me follow:
“Czech escorts in the pool? Bring them on!â€
Comment by Juan C
No — Old Russian babushka escorts at the pool.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:11 pmOy….Why does America hate the normal sex drive?
Zoo, ti snaesh Ruski izik?
May 31st, 2007 at 11:14 pm$592 million is just the construction costs….read on.
In his FY2006 budget request, President Bush did not include funds for construction of the U.S. Mission in Iraq.1 A week after submitting his FY2006 budget to Congress, the President sent Congress an FY2005 emergency supplemental funding request. Included in the supplemental is more than $1.3 billion for the embassy in Iraq: $690 million for logistical and security costs for the embassy in Baghdad and $658 million for construction of the new embassy compound there. Included in the latter are the costs of housing, a power plant, enhanced security, and expedited (24-month) construction.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:15 pm“Will Mr Davy Crockett please join his party at the pool, Mai Tais are now being served”
May 31st, 2007 at 11:15 pmFrom the article:
Today, the State Department ordered Berger to remove the images.
BwaaaHaaaaHaaaa
What a joke!
The feathers are all ready in the wind!
May 31st, 2007 at 11:16 pm“ok, here’s what we’re going to do… let’s capture those images and post them all over the goddam blogosphere… i’ll start…
Comment by profmarcus — May 31, 2007 @ 10:54 pm”
I’ve copied the entire article and the phots and emailed it to everyone I know.
I truly believe that our efforts to get out the truth are effective. Could be more effective, but that seems to take time.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:19 pmThe following ties into the Embassy and Bush Regime’s propaganda:
Sen. LIEberman goes to Iraq again?
Thursday 31st of May 2007
by Jay Randal
Sen. Joseph Lieberman made an unannounced visit to Iraq, yesterday, then was seen on CNN wearing flack-vest, helmet, and surrounded by a group of US troops.
Senator Joe claims that security in Baghdad is getting better daily, but like Sen. John McCain before him, he has made a fool of himself and shown Iraq to be unsafe.
Continuously visiting the Green Zone proves nothing, nor strutting briefly in downtown Baghdad with heavy security detail, nor wearing a silly green helmet either.
Joseph has created another Gov, Dukakis riding in a tank looking goofy event, so politically has damaged himself, so makes Bush’s fiasco in Iraq to look worse.
Every time a Republican Senator goes to Iraq to try to bolster staying the course, therefore not to pull troops out, the GOPers instead make total fools of themselves.
Iraq is a lost cause that can never be called a victory, nor can the sectarian violence ever be pacified by US, so it’s time to end occupation and bring troops home.
(Jay Randal, political activist and writer in Georgia, USA.)
[NOTE: I sent this to some Democrat members of the Congress this morning. Bush plans on having a huge press celebration at the huge Embassy when it opens in September, and will claim it represents progress in Iraq, but actually it reeks of US imperialism at its worst.]
May 31st, 2007 at 11:19 pmEasily infiltrated by the Iraqi cleaning staff and Sunni cooking staff.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:20 pmJtitor
It was the first real vote of the 109th congress.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00117
Not one Nay in the bunch of them.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:24 pmFaire > The Kuwaiti construction firm used laborers from India and other nations, so they will be shipped back to home countries and not stick around to give details of the Embassy to Iraqi insurgents.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:25 pmZoo, ti snaesh Ruski izik?
Comment by Juan C
No. But my dad does — a little.
My niece calls me Aunt Wilma Babushka — long story. :D
May 31st, 2007 at 11:27 pmTundra, that is the vaguest bill I have ever seen.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:28 pm#26 Comment by Jay Randal — May 31, 2007 @ 11:19 pm
Joseph has created another Gov, Dukakis riding in a tank looking goofy event, so politically has damaged himself, so makes Bush’s fiasco in Iraq to look worse.
Well done Jay! I love the “frame” of “Dukakis riding in a tank”. A more fitting visual comparison would be hard to find. I for one, will be referencing that visual whenever his name comes up.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:31 pmTundra, that is the vaguest bill I have ever seen.
Comment by JPark — May 31, 2007 @ 11:28 pm
And we paid for expecdited construction (24) months, that was May 2005 this is June 2007 (In a few minutes anyway) Wonder if we got a refund on the expedited part?
May 31st, 2007 at 11:33 pmMy niece calls me Aunt Wilma Babushka — long story. :D
Comment by Zooey
OMG. What a feeling! You are bringing me back so many cool memories. I studied Russian 2 years. I almost forgot everything. We now can make jokes of everybody here, and with some luck, nobody will know!!! Bwahahahaha. :D
May 31st, 2007 at 11:33 pm“Wonder if we got a refund on the expedited part?”
I don’t think it is finished. Expedited is one thing that doesn’t happen in Iraq.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:35 pmEasily infiltrated by the Iraqi cleaning staff and Sunni cooking staff.
Comment by Mitt Romney — May 31, 2007 @ 11:20 pm
Not to mention the pizza delivery guys!!!
May 31st, 2007 at 11:36 pmBerger Define Yaeger should have their asses removed for displaying detailed color master plans on their web site. What a bunch of idiots. I am sure al Qaeda appreciates the information. Bravo! U.S. State Department.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:37 pmThe Kuwaiti construction firm used laborers from India and other nations,
Comment by Jay Randal — May 31, 2007 @ 11:25 pm
oh, GREAT ! I guess we can kiss off our computer tech support now!
May 31st, 2007 at 11:38 pm#8
Who else do you think would want to see these plans besides us?
May 31st, 2007 at 11:38 pmThanks Merlin > When I saw the pic of Joe LIEberman wearing the helmet, in Iraq, I immediately remembered Dukakis riding in a tank with a helmet on looking goofy. Joseph will never live it down.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:40 pmWe now can make jokes of everybody here, and with some luck, nobody will know!!! Bwahahahaha. :D
Comment by Juan C
I love Russian humor. I’ll try to remember some of the jokes my dad told me — in English, of course. :)
May 31st, 2007 at 11:41 pmTracy, you toad. Do you think the security in this mega-embassy is that bad? Why don’t you trust the troops? Are you a troop hater?
May 31st, 2007 at 11:41 pmAny chance they’re hoping to hold the 2012 Summer Olympics there?
May 31st, 2007 at 11:43 pmTracy > the Embassy is so huge that Iraqi insurgents will just fire mortars and rockets at it randomly. It is basically a giant slab of reinforced concrete, so a giant bunker complex.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:43 pmYeah right a “breach of security” this is so lame, typical repug reasoning.
It is the LARGEST EMBASSY in the world, how the hell could that be a secret?
They just don’t want the Iraqis et al
May 31st, 2007 at 11:45 pmto see that they blew their country to bits and have barely any electricity while the US has power, water, pools and palm trees. Yea it makes em look bad. Truth hurts.
Spread those pics, boys!
Expedited is one thing that doesn’t happen in Iraq.
True… now, executed, that’s a whole different matter, no?
May 31st, 2007 at 11:45 pmThe wedding cake design of that Embassy resembles the US Embassy in New Delhi a whole lot. And that Embassy was a case study in flawed design.
Way to go, Bushie! I bet your friends at Haliburton are hiring spies to build the darn place too?
May 31st, 2007 at 11:45 pm#25
I can’t believe you as a self proclaimed architect (now I have my doubts), wouldn’t be outraged at the shear stupidity of Berger Devine Yaeger, Inc. posting such master plans on their website that EVERYONE in the world could access. I am sure the ones they posted might be in the schematic design phase but still….OMG!
“I truly believe that our efforts to get out the truth are effective.”
Probably not as effective as you contributing to speading the information even more to people who could use it in ways I don’t think I need to explain to you.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:46 pmit opens in september? – mmm isn’t that the same time when bush will announce the “surge has worked”?? mission accomplished II ???- what better way to celebrate than a bbq by the pool – better be careful georgie boy – those terrrrrishts are pretty cunning and might find a way of wrecking your ribbon cutting ceremony
May 31st, 2007 at 11:47 pmRepublican Implosion? A couple of weeks ago I started seeing a revolt in the republican party over the amnesty bill. Some state headquarters where reporting 100% rejection and anger over this bill. As well many reports that the parties membership is not only dropping dramatically, but longtime republican’s are dumping the party. This article is very interesting:
RNC fires all 65 phone solicitors
May 31, 2007
The Republican National Committee, hit by a grass-roots donors’ rebellion over President Bush’s immigration policy, has fired all 65 of its telephone solicitors, Ralph Z. Hallow will report Friday in The Washington Times. Faced with an estimated 40 percent fall-off in small-donor contributions and aging phone-bank equipment that the RNC said would cost too much to update, Anne Hathaway, the committee’s chief of staff, summoned the solicitations staff last week and told them they were out of work, effective immediately, the fired staffers told The Times.
The national committee yesterday confirmed the firings that took place more than a week ago, but denied that the move was motivated by declining donor response to phone solicitations. “The phone-bank employees were terminated,” RNC spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt wrote by e-mail in response to questions sent by The Times. “This was not an easy decision. The first and primary motivating factor was the state of the phone bank technology, which was outdated and difficult to maintain. The RNC was advised that we would soon need an entire new system to remain viable.” Fired employees acknowledged that the committee’s phone equipment was outdated, but said a sharp drop-off in donations “probably” hastened the end of the RNC’s in-house phone-bank operation. “Last year, my solicitations totaled $164,000, and this year the way they were running for the first four months, they would total $100,000 by the end of 2007,” said one fired phone bank solicitor who asked not to be identified.
There has been a sharp decline in contributions from RNC phone solicitations, another fired staffer said, reporting that many former donors flatly refuse to give more money to the national party if Mr. Bush and the Senate Republicans insist on supporting what these angry contributors call “amnesty” for illegal aliens. “Everyone donor in 50 states we reached has been angry, especially in the last month and a half, and for 99 percent of them immigration is the No. 1 issue,” said the former employee. The RNC spokeswoman denied that the committee has seen any drop-off in contributions. “Any assertion that overall donations have gone down is patently false,” Miss Schmitt said. “We continue to out raise our Democrat counterpart by a substantive amount (nearly double).”
May 31st, 2007 at 11:48 pmTracy, why did Bush proclaim to the world that there would be a surge? Why was he telling our enemies our plan?
May 31st, 2007 at 11:49 pmIn his first public explanation of why American troops were in that lawless land and when they would be getting out, the President said he had rejected calls from Congress and elsewhere to “cut and run” because he believed that both lives and American credibility were at stake.
“We face a choice,” the president said. “Do we leave when the job gets tough or when the job is well done? Do we invite the return of mass suffering or do we leave in a way that gives them a decent chance to survive?”
He argued that the United States had an obligation to try to complete the effort begun 4 years ago. “We started this mission for the right reasons and we’re going to finish it in the right way,” He said.
If the United States withdrew immediately, the president said, some of the other 30 nations that have contributed to the force in Somalia would also bail out. Chaos would return to the ravaged nation, he said, and starvation would soon resume.
Moreover, he added, American resolve and its role in the world would rightly be called into question.
“Our own credibility with friends and allies would be severely damaged,” he said. “Our leadership in world affairs would be undermined at the very time when people are looking to America to help promote peace and freedom in the post-Cold War world. And all around the world, aggressors, thugs and terrorists will conclude that the best way to get us to change our policies is to kill our people. It would be open season on Americans.”
Wise words.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:50 pmtracy
you are too moronic for words. There is no security breach, it’s enormous and impossible to “hide”
You repugs are always freaking out about made up threats, you clearly have NO CLUE or any COMPETENCE or LEADERSHIP ability to deal with the REAL threats we face.
Just how do you keep the largest embassy in the world a secret? Hide it under your long pointy (growing) nose?
May 31st, 2007 at 11:52 pmdipsh*ts one and all
Probably not as effective as you contributing to speading the information even more to people who could use it in ways I don’t think I need to explain to you.
Comment by Tracy
FEAR, Tracy, FEAR!!!
May 31st, 2007 at 11:54 pmAnd then, go shopping.
fired their phone solicitors LOL
No one will give them a dime and their constituents have a screaming fit then hang up on the solicitors
their ship is sunk
May 31st, 2007 at 11:54 pm#42 and #44
“Do you think the security in this mega-embassy is that bad? Why don’t you trust the troops?”
Of course not. Please don’t ask obtuse questions. Use your head and tell me what a detailed plan of the U.S. Embassy complex could be used for by al Qaeda especially considering it’s under construction right now? I know your aren’t even remotely an engineer or architect but think about sequencing and construction phasing, not just how you THINK the buildings are constructed.
“the Embassy is so huge that Iraqi insurgents will just fire mortars and rockets at it randomly.”
“It is basically a giant slab of reinforced concrete, so a giant bunker complex.”
And I am sure the no one will be allowed to walk from building to building! LOL!
May 31st, 2007 at 11:55 pmInteresting comments all. Apparently we have surrendered outrage for cynicism; no one is opposed, no one horrified, no one abjectly complaining. So we have build a $1.3 billion target in the heart of Baghdad; maybe we should call it Katrina II because it is going to be at the mercy of forces of destruction – until we just abandon it. First though we will spend a few futile billions patching up the incessant destruction .. then just walk away. Sounds typical of a Republican strategy.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:57 pmComment by Tracy – So Tracy your the Troll night crew? They must of got you for a bargain? You better start pissing people off to earn your keep or you might end up like the 65 RNC phone solicitors that I wrote about above.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:58 pmProbably not as effective as you contributing to speading the information even more to people who could use it in ways I don’t think I need to explain to you.
Comment by Tracy
Please, explain it to us. In great detail.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:00 amApparently we have surrendered outrage for cynicism; no one is opposed, no one horrified, no one abjectly complaining.
I beg your pardon, Gus, but almost ALL of us here are opposed, horrified, and complain abjectly. What more would you like us to do? Storm the F*#king place like the Bastille? Give me the word and I’ll start booking the plane seats, but a gig like this is cash only… no credit!
June 1st, 2007 at 12:00 am#52
“There is no security breach, it’s enormous and impossible to “hide—
I sure the security around the complex is top rate and a security breech will probably be impossible except for mortars and rockets…I don’t think there is a big net ov
You aren’t an engineer or architect…nuff said. The fact that you don’t think it’s absolutely moronic for that firm to post plans on their web site clearly makes you, and other here, just as moronic.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:00 amGus
typical of their strategies, totally lacking in reason.
They just built a big bullseye
June 1st, 2007 at 12:01 am#53
Fear? More like common sense. LOL!
June 1st, 2007 at 12:01 amTracy > the buildings will have underground passages to one another, like a hospital complex has in the US. The open air pool would be the most dangerous place to be, so I bet a upgrade occurs to put a concrete roof over it with bomb proof skylights.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:02 amJust how do you keep the largest embassy in the world a secret? Hide it under your long pointy (growing) nose?
dipsh*ts one and all
Comment by justice
Tracy thinks the whole “compound” will be camouflaged so nobody could find it if it wasn’t for those darned internets and the google.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:02 amNot to mention the pizza delivery guys!!!
Comment by Briseadh na Faire
Is the DC Madam in Iraq?
June 1st, 2007 at 12:03 am#49 Comment by darth vader — May 31, 2007 @ 11:47 pm
it opens in september? – mmm isn’t that the same time when bush will announce the “surge has workedâ€?? mission accomplished II ???
Yes, now that you mention it. Hmmm indeed.
And there they will be! The neocons, all in a row, celebrating the fantastic success the surge has been. Patraeus will announce the surge a success to the clinking of wine glasses and the announcement of another Friedman unit, cause the insurgents are in the last throes.
This must be the “September Surprise”.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:04 amTracy did not answer me. He hates the troops. He doesn’t trust them to protect us. Not surprising coming from a chickenhawk.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:05 amSo Tracy your the Troll night crew? They must of got you for a bargain? You better start pissing people off to earn your keep or you might end up like the 65 RNC phone solicitors that I wrote about above.
Comment by JTitor —
Is it me or are the trolls getting lamer?
June 1st, 2007 at 12:05 am#57
Please tell me how you post #50 has anything to do with the topic of this thread. Reading all of these posts so far yours is the most “off topic” one so far! LOL! TROLL!
June 1st, 2007 at 12:05 amPost 59 > The Iraqis might storm our American Bastille Embassy someday. Supposedly there is an escape tunnel for the Ambassador, but his staff will be captured or killed when the complex gets overrun.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:06 amthere is not a shred of common sense in building that ridiculous embassy
our current military strategy is to NOT concentrate troops in large groups
It’s a sitting duck, as stupid a move as all the other failed strategies. Par for the course with this brain dead admin. and it’s brainless blind sheep followers like you
June 1st, 2007 at 12:07 amComment by Gus Smith — First, every artical including TP’s is stating that the cost was $592 million. A little research into the actual bill, and a post later we find the actual cost was $1.3 billion. More then double what every major news organization said the cost was. My point here is that the blog is for information sharing, learning, and kicking a troll or two. As far as outrage? I’m not sure what you want? The Democrats voted for this bill. I think we are better served by educating people to next time vote based on what is morally correct. Personally, I write letters, protest, and educate as much as I can. Hopefully, thats good enough.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:08 am“Just how much of that $592 million is our tax money?”
None, it’s all part of the debt we are passing on to our children and grandchildren courtesy of the Bush Crime Family.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:09 am“Please tell me how you post #50 has anything to do with the topic of this thread.”
Tracy is now the OT cop? Heh.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:14 amSo that’s it.. we build enormous concrete complexes over there so they won’t storm them over here. What a devilishly clever plan.
In some ways, the damned thing is the ultimate monument to George’s ego, isn’t it? An enormous, dense, concrete monstrosity, damned near impregnable (that means no new ideas will ever infiltrate the defenses and take root… who says Repubs don’t believe in birth control?), surrrounded by a whole country of hostile, angry people who don’t want the freakin’ thing there. Actually, kind of sums up Bush’s entire presidency, doesn’t it?
June 1st, 2007 at 12:16 amJTitor > $592 million is just the basic construction cost of the Embassy complex. It does not cover the carpeting, wallpaper, drapes, furniture, lights, etc. That would bring it up to the $1.3 billion or more. Supposedly it will cost several billion a year for staffing and upkeep too. The whole deal is a giant swindle of our US treasury.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:16 am“None, it’s all part of the debt we are passing on to our children and grandchildren courtesy of the Bush Crime Family.”
Absolutely right. We would have to pay for 1 trillion+ before we actually bit into what our kids are going to be paying. I am starting to regret having a child. I love him dearly but he is going to live in some rough times.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:16 amTracy is now the OT cop? Heh.
Comment by JPark
The trolls have started doing that! Ask them a question they can’t or won’t answer, and suddenly they’re yelling “off topic!”
June 1st, 2007 at 12:17 am“the buildings will have underground passages to one another, like a hospital complex has in the US.”
Yes I am sure it will, but there will still be hundeds of people commuting and doing various activities OUTSIDE.
“….so I bet a upgrade occurs to put a concrete roof over it with bomb proof skylights.”
It would be better and more effective just to make multiple smaller indoor pools.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:18 amAbsolutely right. We would have to pay for 1 trillion+ before we actually bit into what our kids are going to be paying. I am starting to regret having a child. I love him dearly but he is going to live in some rough times.
Comment by JPark
Our kids will have it rough, but it’s still nice to have them. :)
June 1st, 2007 at 12:19 amWe’ll do what we can to help!
Comment by Tracy — Please tell me how you asking me about my post has anything to do with this thread? Oh no Tracy I di’a-boo-boo. I posted out of line. I should be more anal like you. Next time I will. Ok? I promise.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:20 am“bomb proof skylightsâ€???
WTF? What will they be, foot thick plexiglas?
Wouldn’t it be cheaper to, oh, I don’t know, NOT HAVE BUILT THE FREAKIN’ MONSTROSITY IN THE FIRST PLACE?
June 1st, 2007 at 12:22 amAmericans representing about 11 government agencies are providing the face of America in the embassy and regional offices in Iraq. The agencies include the Department Of State (DOS), Defense (DOD), Agriculture (USDA), Commerce (DoC), Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human services (HHS), Justice (DoJ), Labor (DoL), Transportation (DoT), Treasury and the Agency for International Development (USAID). Agencies that did not recommend staff for an Iraq presence include Departments of Energy, the Interior, and Veterans Affairs, as well as NASA, PeaceCorps, Secret Service and Social Security.
Hmmm just sounds odd with some of the ones that are there and some of the ones that aren’t.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:22 amIt would be better and more effective just to make multiple smaller indoor pools.
Comment by Tracy
Uh Tracy, do we look like Architectural Digest?
June 1st, 2007 at 12:26 amBaghdad 5.0
June 1st, 2007 at 12:26 am“Our kids will have it rough, but it’s still nice to have them. :)
We’ll do what we can to help!”
I suppose. I was born during Vietnam. The economics may not have been as bad as they are now but it couldn’t have been an awfully positive time. Then again, I was an IUD baby :)
June 1st, 2007 at 12:27 amWTF? What will they be, foot thick plexiglas?
Wouldn’t it be cheaper to, oh, I don’t know, NOT HAVE BUILT THE FREAKIN’ MONSTROSITY IN THE FIRST PLACE?
Comment by the republic of stupidity
Hahahaha. So f*cking funny!!!
June 1st, 2007 at 12:27 amWouldn’t it be cheaper to, oh, I don’t know, NOT HAVE BUILT THE FREAKIN’ MONSTROSITY IN THE FIRST PLACE?
Comment by the republic of stupidity — June 1, 2007 @ 12:22 am
There are no kickbacks if you don’t build the crap in the first place.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:28 amIt would be better and more effective just to make multiple smaller indoor pools.
Comment by Tracy
SShhh, Tracy. Al-Qaeda member may be reading this blog. You are giving them ideas.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:31 am#64
I will be you are one of those people who think that the new U.S. Embassy compound is larger than Saddam’s former Republican Palace complex.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:31 amPost 81 > They are constructing an outdoor Olympic size pool in the middle of the Embassy complex. The pool itself has probably already been dug out and lined with concrete. Without a roof over the pool it will become the most dangerous location, because who would wear a flack jacket in a bathing suit. I suggested months ago to the Congress to stop the project and turn it into a hospital complex to serve the needs of the Iraqi population. Instead the Congress has completely funded the project.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:32 am#58
I you need an explaination I don’t understand how you got out of college…I really don’t.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:33 amI can’t believe you as a self proclaimed architect (now I have my doubts), wouldn’t be outraged at the shear stupidity of Berger Devine Yaeger, Inc. posting such master plans on their website that EVERYONE in the world could access.
I was outraged – at our government for wasting tax dollars on replacement palaces.
It was stupid to post what it will look like? No.
Just because I don’t share your paranoia you insult me? Please Tracy. You can do better than that.
I am sure the ones they posted might be in the schematic design phase but still….OMG!
They look schematic. And the viz renderings were so good that people think they are photos. You are freaking out over conceptual drawings. Paranoid.
Probably not as effective as you contributing to speading the information even more to people who could use it in ways I don’t think I need to explain to you.
Comment by Tracy — May 31, 2007 @ 11:46 pm
You are paranoid. And what makes me question your integrity is why are you NOT upset that our money is being wasted in this manner?
I never would have taken the project in the first place. But whores have no shame as long as they can get a paycheck out of it…
By the way – gas prices. I was off by what 2-3 weeks on my estimate? You yet ready to admit that it was possible that Big Oil dropped prices around the election to favor the neocons?
I’ll check back tomorrow… I’m going to sleep now…
June 1st, 2007 at 12:34 am#67
“Do you think the security in this mega-embassy is that bad?”
I said of course not, which if you knew how to infer, that would tell you that I do think that the U.S. Marines are very much capable of protecting the new U.S. embassy.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:37 amWait, wait, I understand now.
It’s… it’s just like “A Field of Dream”… Build it, and they will come. This thing is supposed to be the biggest freakin’ terrorist magnet on the planet. Jihadists frm all over the planet will be cumming in their robes for a shot at this baby. And once BuschCo has them all in one place at one time, KA-BLAM!!!
We’ll just drop the biggest, F#*king bomb you ever saw in your whole life on them and get ‘em all at once! Brilliant strategery, I say!!!
June 1st, 2007 at 12:39 amImagine you are swimming in the pool at the Embassy, and you are underwater when the warning alarm goes off to seek cover, so you come up for air and a mortar shell lands in the pool blowing you to bits.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:39 am“I you need an explaination I don’t understand how you got out of college…I really don’t.”
I am guessing she did her work. The only reason you didn’t make it out of college is because you are really, really stupid.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:39 amTracy, if the security is good what is the problem? Political points can’t be scored?
June 1st, 2007 at 12:40 am#78
JTitor didn’t ask me a question. I answered Jay’s.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:40 amI will be you are one of those people who think that the new U.S. Embassy compound is larger than Saddam’s former Republican Palace complex.
Comment by Tracy
I’ll bet it’s big enough in an area with not so much construction so that the locals might have noticed there’s something going on. But you probably think those Iraqis just wouldn’t notice the construction equipment.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:40 am#81
“WTF? What will they be, foot thick plexiglas?”
Plexiglass a foot thick?! Another engineering inept one we have here.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:42 am“I you need an explaination I don’t understand how you got out of college…”
Having a little problem w/ coherency tonight? Been talking to your old friend, Jose Cuervo, or perhaps Johnny Walker, by any chance?
June 1st, 2007 at 12:43 am#83
“Uh Tracy, do we look like Architectural Digest?”
Absolutely not and that’s obvious….especially when you suggest a magazine that is residential construction not commercial. Maybe on the level of Bob the Builder.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:46 amhere are no kickbacks if you don’t build the crap in the first place.
Comment by Shane
But geez, Shane, hasn’t BuschCo given up all pretense of hiding their ripoffs by now? I mean, don’t they just flat out steal the F*#king money and say, F-you if ya don’t like it”?
June 1st, 2007 at 12:47 am#88
No, I made it just that much harder for them.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:47 am#88
This blog? LOL! Not if they are serious.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:48 amTracy, I am sinking low with this one but I would prefer Bob the Builder over your block stacking Elmo.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:49 amI can’t help but wonder how many of our troops might have been saved if we had put all of that wasted money into better armor. Oh, but the republicans are the ones who “support the troops.”
-I saw a great bumper sticker today. It said, “The pathway to hell is lined with republicans.”
June 1st, 2007 at 12:49 amTHAT’S IT!!! – tracy’s cracked it – make smaller multiple indoor pools!!! – that’s the plexiglass issue and al qaeda taken care of – now fox noise can ajust their terror threat alert from elevated to not so bad
June 1st, 2007 at 12:51 amI WANT that bumper sticker, Laura. I am off to look for it.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:52 amHmm, War is Terrorism with a Budget is good too.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:54 amAnother engineering inept one we have here.
Comment by Tracy — J
Well, let’s just go back to your own words here, Super-genius – “bomb proof skylights  considering the quality and quanity of high explosives those guys have over there, how would you describe these “bomb-proof skylights” you’d so easiy install?
June 1st, 2007 at 12:54 amfor years now, i’ve heard this “embassy” described as being
“bigger than the VATICAN”… not sure how big any of the
palaces were, but i doubt they come close to this…
i sent this and the “coerced labor” thread to area newspapers
and tv stations… who knows if they will do their job…
but too many people do NOT know where their money is going…
this should get some blood boiling… should…
g’nite all…
June 1st, 2007 at 12:54 amNo darth, Tracy is wrong. Pools are a sign of our freedoms and everybody knows terrorists hate us for our freedoms.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:54 amTracy, quit trying to be something you’re not. It’s obvious that you have deep-seated insecurity issues and are desperately seeking attention. Why don’t you save your poor little tired digits and make an appointment with a psychiatrist. Step away from the keyboard, Tracy.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:55 amPlexiglass a foot thick?! Another engineering inept one we have here.
Comment by Tracy
Oh, OK. Sarcasm is not Tracy´s major.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:55 amYeah, those fat cats in gov told what’sitcalled to take down the images,
but here at TP we’re so bad ass that we put up any way.
that’ll show ‘em
…heh
June 1st, 2007 at 1:00 amWell in Atlanta, Georgia, a huge aquarium complex was constructed for sealife. One tank has a hundred feet long, by 20 feet high, by 4 feet thick plexiglass window. So the stuff can be made, but could it withstand a mortar or rocket hitting it?
June 1st, 2007 at 1:03 amUm, Mr. President, what is your point? Do you really think those pictures aren’t all over the internet? And do you really think the government is really all that concerned…considering they released the photos?
June 1st, 2007 at 1:05 amUh Tracy, do we look like Architectural Digest?â€
Absolutely not and that’s obvious….especially when you suggest a magazine that is residential construction not commercial. Maybe on the level of Bob the Builder.
Comment by Tracy
So you don’t have much of a knack for the obvious do you Tracy. Most of us here are not really here to discuss architecture. We’re here because our President is a raving lunatic and he and his cronies are f*cking up at a pace never before seen. But you think we’re all impressed with your knowledge of commercial construction, builder without a clue.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:07 amPlexiglass a foot thick?! Another engineering inept one we have here.
Comment by Tracy
Oh, OK. Sarcasm is not Tracy´s major.
Comment by Juan C
Wow. No kidding. That one went right over Tracy’s head — ZOOM!
Heh. :D
June 1st, 2007 at 1:08 amBut geez, Shane, hasn’t BuschCo given up all pretense of hiding their ripoffs by now? I mean, don’t they just flat out steal the F*#king money and say, F-you if ya don’t like it�
Comment by the republic of stupidity — June 1, 2007 @ 12:47 am
You’re right, I forgot we were talking about the administration that doesn’t care when they get caught lying, cheating and stealing. I was thinking of the kind of polls who quit when they get caught red handed.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:10 amJPark > Bush Regime is just upset the American Public found out about the Embassy, and its cost, before it got opened in September of this year. Bush intends to tout the Embassy being opened as a huge success, but the rest of Baghdad is a wasteland of destruction. The Embassy is going to be the worst boondoggle in US history.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:12 am#92
“It was stupid to post what it will look like? No. ”
You saw no problem with posting that color master plan? How far from that schematic plan do you actually think that the final plan will deviate? Not that much.
“You are freaking out over conceptual drawings.”
Those color master plans aren’t “conceptual” in the least. Conceptual is a hand sketch or an abstract diagramatical plan.
“And the viz renderings were so good that people think they are photos.”
Those renderings weren’t even close to being photo quality!
“You are paranoid.”
And you know little about military tatics and planning. You don’t think that al Qaeda could use those master plans to plot ways to attack it? Here is question: Do you think that al Qaeda or the insurgents in Iraq have used Google Earth to plan any of their attacks? How could you not side with the State Dept. on getting those plans removed from Berger Devine Yaeger’s web site? The 3D stuff maybe but not the plans.
“And what makes me question your integrity is why are you NOT upset that our money is being wasted in this manner?”
That has nothing to do with my integrity. I too think that the complex is far too expensive and expansive. I absolutely understand how the Iraqi people will look at this complex just like something Saddam would build. I agree it’s overkill.
“You yet ready to admit that it was possible that Big Oil dropped prices around the election to favor the neocons?”
I never said it wasn’t possible. I said it wasn’t true base on the fact the gas prices are on the rise in the same pattern they have been doing for years now. BTW everytime one of those idiots like Waxman launches an investigation into “price gouging” by the oil companies it exonerates them.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:13 ambut here at TP we’re so bad ass that we put up any way.
that’ll show ‘em
…heh
Comment by Mr. President
Like your namesake we understand you have trouble comprehending the internets and the google but the fact is once an image has been sent out it’s out there always. There’s no way to put that cat back in the bag. But it’s big bad TP’s fault the image is out there, dumbass.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:15 am#96
It’s impossible for me to be a licenced architect, which I am, without a college degree in Architecture/Engineering.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:16 amIt’s impossible for me to be a licenced architect, which I am, without a college degree in Architecture/Engineering.
Comment by Tracy
Uh Tracy, you must have mistook us for people who give a shit about your profession.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:18 amWow, Tracy, a liscensed architect??? Damn, I shouldn’t argue with you over national security issues!!! Der.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:20 am#97
“Tracy, if the security is good what is the problem?”
And you call me stupid?! Of course the security is going to be good but how can you not see the potential danger in posting plans on the internet revealing the design? I can’t believe you asked that question. The terrorists in Iraq don’t know our daily battle plans in Iraq, but they seem to be able to attack our troops effectively.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:21 amUh Tracy, you must have mistook us for people who give a shit about your profession.
Comment by Shane
LMAO!!!
June 1st, 2007 at 1:21 am#99
“But you probably think those Iraqis just wouldn’t notice the construction equipment.”
You are too funny!
June 1st, 2007 at 1:22 amIraqis can see the construction cranes working on the Embassy from miles away. That project is the only thing going on in Baghdad.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:25 am#106
My 3 year old son has an Elmo. I have millions of dollars of buildings in my portfollio. Have you ever even enlarged a room in your house?….doubt it.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:26 amLets give Tracy a chance to catch up. He/she is still answering #99.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:26 amdamn, they make look like a carribbean get-a-way as if they were selling honeymoon vacation package or buy one and get one free deal.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:27 am#114
“It’s obvious that you have deep-seated insecurity issues and are desperately seeking attention.”
No, Laura that would be you considering are trolling around on this web site looking for something to stick your two cents well into the thread. Do you know Lora who frequently posts here? She does the same thing.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:32 am#115
Oh, he wasn’t being sarcastic.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:33 ambs > the US Ambassador will live like royalty at the Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. He gets a 16,000 square feet residence just for himself and will dine on caviar whenever he wants it. He will throw huge parties for dignitaries and for Senators like McCain and Lieberman. He will spend most of his time in leisure.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:33 amTracy, you just accused someone that actually belongs here of trolling? Are you kidding?
June 1st, 2007 at 1:35 am#111
“…considering the quality and quanity of high explosives those guys have over there, how would you describe these “bomb-proof skylights†you’d so easiy install?”
High explosives? We aren’t talking about a flying truck bomb here. LOL! We are referring to a rocket or mortar attack and yes there is bomb proof glass out there. You are absolutely out to lunch.
http://www.engineerlive.com/european-design-engineer/materials-processes/14128/clear-laminates-are-bombproof.thtml
June 1st, 2007 at 1:41 am#119
“Most of us here are not really here to discuss architecture.”
Well TP shouldn’t have posted a topic that is way above your head.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:42 am#120
Again he wasn’t being sarcastic.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:43 am#126
I am not the one posting about something I know nothing about.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:44 am#127
We are discussing national security in this thread. We are debating the utter stupidity of an architecture firm posting plans of a U.S. embassy.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:46 am#131
“That project is the only thing going on in Baghdad.”
I am sure our Seabees and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers appreciate that comment. Thanks Jay!
June 1st, 2007 at 1:49 am#133
There isn’t a question in #99.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:50 amThe conservatives have started doing that! Ask them a question they can’t or won’t answer, and suddenly they’re yelling “off topic!â€
Comment by Zooey — June 1, 2007 @ 12:17 am
Don’t ya feel flattered, Zoo? Ya taught the lesson well!
June 1st, 2007 at 1:50 am#138
Yes. Chiming in in the middle of thread and being way off topic is very much trolling.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:52 am#120
Again he wasn’t being sarcastic.
Comment by Tracy
Actually, I was, and I think you’re a fraud.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:56 amThen again, I was an IUD baby :)
Comment by JPark — June 1, 2007 @ 12:27 am
What? And they didn’t find a way to kill you? What kind of self respecting liberal would accept such a thing. I bet you’ve never forgiven em for that.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:56 amOh, OK. Sarcasm is not Tracy´s major.
Comment by Juan C
Thin ice, juan, verrry thin ice. ;)
June 1st, 2007 at 1:59 amyou stay the course tracy – the multiple smaller indoor pools is a winner and i think some of these people are a little jealous that they didn’t think of it first…..though jpark has an interesting point – multiple pools means multiple freedoms,all be they small ones….but freedoms nonetheless which means multiple freedoms to be hated for and…..F**K!! – don’t build the pools!!!
June 1st, 2007 at 2:04 amI am a scientist so by definition I deal in facts. If someone says that the water level in the Potomac River is 3 feet over flood stage, I know that there is a set of data I can view that will show me that the level of the river is that high. If someone tells me that the wind speed is 18 miles an hour I know I can look at an anemometer and see if it is recording the wind at that speed.
However when it comes to the Bush Abomination and anything it says, there is no way to prove what is said. This is especially true of any and all related to Iraqnam. We are told that debating the war in the Congress “emboldens the troops.”. Where is the proof? Show me.
We are told that protests against the war in Iraqnam demoralize the troops. Where is the proof of that? Show me some data.
Now we will be told that the display of artists drawings of a behemoth building that everyone of us who pays taxes paid for is a breach of security. Somehow the “enemy” (who is watching the damned building being constructed each day) will be emboldened by seeing the drawings. Such Bullcheney! Show me the evidence that is what happened. That or shut up about how this action or that action is tipping the scales of the already lost war toward its failure.
I only wish there was a Democrat in the House or Senate who would take to the floor each time one of these hysterical comments is made and demand that those squealing the loudest prove their assertions.
June 1st, 2007 at 5:11 amre: Tracy
If you are an architect, then you have to have taken static and dynamic mechanics in college.
What is the FUNDAMENTAL equation used to solve static mechanics problems?
What is the FUNDAMENTAL equation used to solve dynamic mechanics problems?
June 1st, 2007 at 5:56 amI only wish there was a Democrat in the House or Senate who would take to the floor each time one of these hysterical comments is made and demand that those squealing the loudest prove their assertions.
Comment by Ben Dover — June 1, 2007 @ 5:11 am
If Dems did that, the Repubs would then start requiring proof that any change to the current requirement of ID verification would have a CHILLING effect on minority voting. See, the Dems don’t want to have to prove every claim they make any more than the Repubs do.
June 1st, 2007 at 8:11 amImages of Saddam’s palaces creep bqack into my had from May/June 2003 with all of the criticism about how Saddam could build such magnanimous complex while allowing the Iraqi people to live as they were…and now it is us doing this to those same Iraq people, but you know what, I bet they don’t even suspect a thing. HA, yeah right!!
June 1st, 2007 at 8:41 amBerger Define Yaeger should have their asses removed for displaying detailed color master plans on their web site. What a bunch of idiots. I am sure al Qaeda appreciates the information. Bravo! U.S. State Department.
Comment by Tracy — May 31, 2007 @ 11:37 pm
Then you admit that Lieberman’s and McCain’s and Graham’s recent strolls down the streets of Baghdad to show us how great things are are pure bullshit.
If Lieberman can look into the camera and tell us that things in Baghdad have improved since his last visit, and are continuing to improve, then things should be really swell by the time the embassy opens in September. Or do you not agree?
If our Congresspersons’ visits to Baghdad and shopping sprees while wearing bulletproof vests and helmets and surrounded by hundreds of troops and Apache gunships and Blackhawk helicopters isn’t a sign of success in Iraq, what is? Hell, they can buy a rug and a pair of sunglasses and close their eyes and pretend they are visiting a summer market in Indiana…why, Tracy, are you worrying your pretty little head over security breaches of our brand new embassy?
June 1st, 2007 at 9:04 amProbably not as effective as you contributing to speading the information even more to people who could use it in ways I don’t think I need to explain to you.
Comment by Tracy — May 31, 2007 @ 11:46 pm
Then you agree with the State Dept’s refusal to let the press report the good news stories, thinking that the enemy will use the info to their advantage. This is what they told CBS News reporter Lara Logan. There’s a video of her explaining this on YouTube if you need to review it.
And thus you take the Bush administration and all the cheerleaders of this “war” to task for bitching that there are no “good news” stories in the press. Right???
Things really are all to hell in Baghdad, aren’t they, Tracy?
June 1st, 2007 at 9:11 amI am an architect, and i don’t remember shit about math, so I doubt our special friend Tracy can answer this either. And posting images of your firm’s work is just good business. For a project like this, which is most likely confidential in nature, the posting of images or information about it would only happen with the written consent of the client. Which apparently is the State Department. The irony is obviously lost on the trolls.
June 1st, 2007 at 9:12 amNow how arrogant is that? Building this huge embassy in Iraq is nothing but a slap in the face of the Iraqi people who just want to live peaceful lives.
June 1st, 2007 at 9:16 amBush recently said that the U.S. occupying forces are in Iraq at the invitiation of the Iraqis. Does anyone recall the Iraqi government inviting us to build this small city of an embassy?
June 1st, 2007 at 9:25 am“the buildings will have underground passages to one another, like a hospital complex has in the US.â€
Yes I am sure it will, but there will still be hundeds of people commuting and doing various activities OUTSIDE.
“….so I bet a upgrade occurs to put a concrete roof over it with bomb proof skylights.â€
It would be better and more effective just to make multiple smaller indoor pools.
Comment by Tracy — June 1, 2007 @ 12:18 am
I’ve got an idea, Tracy! Let’s go back 4 years and take another look at this situation and NOT build an embassy the size of a small city out in the open that’s such a g-damned big target for all our enemies. How about that?
June 1st, 2007 at 9:32 amre#158 wags
You are an Architect and do not remember that the “Sum of the forces and moments are zero on a static object and non-zero on a dynamic object”?
Is not preventing generated moments from becoming large enough to fail a structural member the most important goal in designing buildings?
June 1st, 2007 at 9:41 amWell, posting these photos obviously assists the enemy, per Tracy. I believe that rises to the level of treason. Is Tracy suggesting the FBI charge Berger Define Yaeger accordingly?
June 1st, 2007 at 9:45 amWC = just another low IQ idiot for Bush!
you clowns HAVE NO DEFENSE so you drag out Sandy Berger LOLOL
what a pitiful lot you are
even your hero, GDubya thinks you are stupid. Your party is HISTORY. Guess that platform of lying, thieving treason didn’t pan out for ya!
We caught you bastards and you will end up in JAIL. Feel that noose tightening around your collective criminal necks?
no Rethugs again in the White House in this century!
even lock stepping boot licker dan bartlett bails HAHAHAHA
June 1st, 2007 at 10:09 amhmmm…who’s left?
Now that you mention it, yes, that is the equation, but I’d be hard pressed to remember it offhand. As for “the most important goal”…no, I leave the math to engineers and focus on the way people will use and experience the building. Anyway, apart from skyscrapers, bridges and other extreme cases, a basic understanding of structural concepts is usually sufficient, I do understand how buildings stand and how they fail. But the math is none of my concern.
June 1st, 2007 at 10:13 amWow! I left this last night to go to sleep. Apparently, Tracy was up all night on meth. You speed freak! I am no going to suggest rehab for you. Your fingers must be swollen with all that typing. Really, I think all of us should check back here in a couple of days to see if Tracy is writing to her/himself.
Tracy…get a life!
June 1st, 2007 at 10:37 amInformation about the US embassy in Iraq is scarce and hard to come by. Thank you TP for your coverage of what I believe to be an important newsworthy topic.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:14 pmYou saw no problem with posting that color master plan? How far from that schematic plan do you actually think that the final plan will deviate? Not that much.
Considering the plan had no site information, was not very detailed, gave no information to anything logistical such as street information, utilities, or seem to have much information about the actual floor plans, no.
Now tell me specifically how this information can be used for the purposes of evil.
How much will it deviate? I don’t work for the firm or know the clients, so it’s hard to speculate other than you knowing that clients are always changing things…
Those color master plans aren’t “conceptual†in the least. Conceptual is a hand sketch or an abstract diagramatical plan.
Maybe in your firm. In my experience with better firms every thing was high quality because the technology caters to it. My high school students could create that conceptual master plan in two days.
Those renderings weren’t even close to being photo quality!
Apparently they are to lay people who call them such. They are good viz models. It’s not Thom Mayne’s people on Triforma – but I’ve met Thom Mayne and he wouldn’t whore himself out to a project like this.
And you know little about military tatics and planning. You don’t think that al Qaeda could use those master plans to plot ways to attack it?
THOSE plans? No. If they had posted CDs, or even DD floor plans, sure, I’d agree with you. But a conceptual master plan? They could get more info just by driving to the site…
Here is question: Do you think that al Qaeda or the insurgents in Iraq have used Google Earth to plan any of their attacks?
I don’t know. Ask the boogeyman in your closet tonight…
How could you not side with the State Dept. on getting those plans removed from Berger Devine Yaeger’s web site? The 3D stuff maybe but not the plans.
I don’t see floor plans. If there were floor plans that are DD level, then that was stupid. But these images above? I maintain that you are being paranoid about this.
What I don’t get is why you’re foaming at the mouth over a few sketches and ignoring the real threats – to Americans on American soil – not just a few elties living next to the oil (hint:the border issues…).
That has nothing to do with my integrity. I too think that the complex is far too expensive and expansive. I absolutely understand how the Iraqi people will look at this complex just like something Saddam would build. I agree it’s overkill.
Then why not be upset about THAT? About them getting a pool complex while your neighbors in New Orleans are still living in pools – stagnant ones at that? I don’t understand your priorties.
I never said it wasn’t possible.
You called me a conspiracy theorist for suggesting it. That’s denial. But you’re owning up now, as much as you ever will, so I’ll let it go if you will.
I said it wasn’t true base on the fact the gas prices are on the rise in the same pattern they have been doing for years now. BTW everytime one of those idiots like Waxman launches an investigation into “price gouging†by the oil companies it exonerates them.
Comment by Tracy — June 1, 2007 @ 1:13 am
The graph on the average gas prices website shows otherwise. Go look at it again.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:33 pmIt would be better and more effective just to make multiple smaller indoor pools.
———
Dam right Tracy. Right next to the Bowling Alley and between the Multiplex, the Adventure Theme Park and the Food Court. Right next to the pantry where they stock the caviar.
Enjoy.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:20 pmYa ponimaiyu nye mnoshka
June 1st, 2007 at 2:23 pmso there’ll be third person in on the jokes. Maybe.
High-school Russian classes were a long time ago –
soon after Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play, in fact.
Those color master plans aren’t “conceptual†in the least. Conceptual is a hand sketch or an abstract diagramatical plan.
Comment by Tracy — June 1, 2007 @ 1:13 am
Oh really?
“The actual information that was up there was purely conjectural and conceptual in nature,” said Louis Berger spokesman Jeffrey Willis. “Google Earth could give you a better snapshot of what the site looks like on the ground.”
But I suppose you, Tracy, know a hell of a lot more than the company who produced the drawings.
(You can find the above quote at cnn.com)
June 1st, 2007 at 4:08 pm#163
I got a better idea for you….how about focusing on today. Doesn’t do you a damn bit of good to live in the past.
June 2nd, 2007 at 12:59 pm#158
“Then you admit that Lieberman’s and McCain’s and Graham’s recent strolls down the streets of Baghdad to show us how great things are are pure bullshit. ”
Absolutely! however do you thinks it helps or hinders our enemies to show our leaders dumping on our troops and the situation?
“Tracy, are you worrying your pretty little head over security breaches of our brand new embassy?”
I never said that I was worried about a security breech. I just rightly thought that it did absolutely no good to let our enemies see a layout of our new embassy in Baghdad. Don’t you agree? If not, why?
June 2nd, 2007 at 1:04 pm#159
“Then you agree with the State Dept’s refusal to let the press report the good news stories, thinking that the enemy will use the info to their advantage”
If you are thinking that this is one of those “good news” story that included showing the world that layout of the embassy then see below my next comment. Why do we need to see the layout and pictures of this embassy when all it does is help our enemies?
“This is what they told CBS News reporter Lara Logan.”
She actually asked that question? Wow, another moron reporter! Next thing you know she will probably be asking why she can’t show how the U.S. military is upgrading that armor on the humvees!
June 2nd, 2007 at 1:11 pm#160
“For a project like this, which is most likely confidential in nature, the posting of images or information about it would only happen with the written consent of the client”
That’s a great question! Anyone out there know if the State Dept. gave permission to the firm to post pictures of such a security sensitive project?
June 2nd, 2007 at 1:14 pm#155
“What is the FUNDAMENTAL equation used to solve static mechanics problems?”
There isn’t just one.
What is the FUNDAMENTAL equation used to solve dynamic mechanics problems?
There isn’t just one.
Yes I took three algebra based statics classes in college. A long time ago. Yes I know what a moment frame is. Yes I know that you can use X-bracing or K-bracing to get your diaphram action to resist lateral loads like wind. Yes we did shear diagrams and calculated how much moment a load puts on a connection. Yes we had to calculate sizes of steel columns, based on their section modulus. Yes I know what drilled piers and spread footing are. To answer your question, yes I am an architect, and we contract out our structural design work to structral engineers as well as HVAC and plumbing work to out MEP engineers.
June 2nd, 2007 at 1:22 pm#166
“Well, posting these photos obviously assists the enemy, per Tracy. I believe that rises to the level of treason”
I don’t think the did it with the INTENT of helping al Qaeda. I just with they would have exercised some discretion.
June 2nd, 2007 at 1:30 pm#169
“You speed freak!”
If you are that slow….oh well.
June 2nd, 2007 at 1:31 pm#171
“Considering the plan had no site information….or seem to have much information about the actual floor plans, no. ”
This is too much! The site has multiple tower cranes on it right now. It’s not like they couldn’t know where the site is!
“Now tell me specifically how this information can be used for the purposes of evil.”
Knowing that layout of the buildings on the site could be used to plan an attack…don’t you think? Again, you are out there….and I mean WAY out there.
“In my experience with better firms every thing was high quality because the technology caters to it.”
Which firms would those be? Please provide a link or two to these master plans that are so much better that those color ones of the U.S. Embassy.
“My high school students could create that conceptual master plan in two days”
Yeah right! You are full of crap. If so please post something that one of your highschool students did that comes close.
“They are good viz models.”
The rendering aren’t very realistic.
“It’s not Thom Mayne’s people on Triforma…”
Microstation? Please! All of our modeling is done in Form Z and rendering in 3D Studio Max. I have worked with the add-on package of Triforma to Microstation and it’s lame comparatively speaking to Form Z.
“But a conceptual master plan? They could get more info just by driving to the site…”
I agree, but does it or could it help them in any way? That’s the point here.
“I don’t know. Ask the boogeyman in your closet tonight…”
You don’t know? I see why you would never be put in charge of the security of a building.
“I don’t see floor plans.”
Why would they need to see floor plan? A layout of the complex is far more important to them than a floor plan layout of a particular building.
“I maintain that you are being paranoid about this.”
I maintain you know nothing about military tatics.
“Then why not be upset about THAT?”
Because, unlike you and many others here, I like to stay on topic. This thread had to do with why the State Dept. took down the master plans of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad for security concerns. Again I still don’t see why you think it’s OK.
“You called me a conspiracy theorist for suggesting it.”
Because you had no real evidence to back it up other than the fact that the prices were going down before the election and back up after, which BTW they are only recently going up quickly.
“The graph on the average gas prices website shows otherwise. Go look at it again.”
Which graph are are you looking at?
June 2nd, 2007 at 2:32 pmIf you are thinking that this is one of those “good news†story that included showing the world that layout of the embassy then see below my next comment. Why do we need to see the layout and pictures of this embassy when all it does is help our enemies?
Comment by Tracy — June 2, 2007 @ 1:11 pm
The fact that the U.S. is successfully building and opening an embassy in Iraq, no matter what the size and despite the conditions in Iraq, should be considered good news in the eyes of the administration. What a perfect way for Bush to show the terrorists who the boss is. But I guess that’s not the case.
As for the security issue, these are “conjectural and conceptual in nature” per the company who produced them; you must have overlooked my post on this that quoted a spokesman for the company who designed them.
The fact that the U.S. government is scared shitless over security issues with the embassy should be a sign that things aren’t so swell in Iraq and aren’t improving on a daily basis. We have heard for years now that “we have turned a corner” and “progress is being made” and “the insurgency is in its last throes” and “I see improvement,” yet other than Saddam’s capture & execution, a couple of elections, and the installation of a new government, things are all to hell in Iraq.
As for the press and the good news stories, I’ll let Lara speak for herself (you can find this on crooksandliars.com):
Our own editors back in New York are asking us the same things. They read the same comments. You know, are there positive stories? Can’t you find them? You don’t think that I haven’t been to the U.S. military and the State Department and the embassy and asked them over and over again, let’s see the good stories, show us some of the good things that are going on? Oh, sorry, we can’t take to you that school project, because if you put that on TV, they’re going to be attacked about, the teachers are going to be killed, the children might be victims of attack.
Oh, sorry, we can’t show this reconstruction project because then that’s going to expose it to sabotage. And the last time we had journalists down here, the plant was attacked.
Of all the media outlets that should be flooding us with the good news stories, Fox News should be leading the charge. The front page of their web site should have at least one good news story a week. Along with the Bush administration, people on Fox have been bitching and whining that the press isn’t reporting the good stuff. OK, Fox, where are they? I once saw an interview on CNN of a soldier who was involved in getting Baby Noor to the U.S. for a life changing operation. He was talking about the positive aspects of this event, and said there were “thousands” of good stories in Iraq just like it.
June 3rd, 2007 at 9:47 amI just rightly thought that it did absolutely no good to let our enemies see a layout of our new embassy in Baghdad. Don’t you agree? If not, why?
Comment by Tracy — June 2, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
Here’s the unfortunate truth: IF a member of the enemy can get through our security forces and inflict damage on the embassy, it probably isn’t going to matter to them whether they blow up a cafeteria or George Bush’s private quarters. Just successfully launching an attack on the embassy will be viewed a success by the enemy. They will attempt to attack it, drawings or no drawings.
As for helping out the enemy, George Bush and other members of his administration should have shut their mouths when they said we’d leave Iraq if the Iraqi government asked us to. Number one, Bush had no damn plan to leave Iraq, and number two, announcing to the enemy that we will leave gives them something to look forward to. But damn the Democrats and the war opponents if any of THEM suggest that we leave.
June 3rd, 2007 at 10:03 amI got a better idea for you….how about focusing on today. Doesn’t do you a damn bit of good to live in the past.
Comment by Tracy — June 2, 2007 @ 12:59 pm
Don’t feed me this “don’t live in the past” bullshit. I didn’t suggest living in the past, idiot.
The point is, we must learn from mistakes made in the past so that we do not repeat them in the future. You know…Vietnam and all that. Either you are one perfect bastard and never made a mistake in your life, or either you did yet ignored them and continue to make mistakes to this day.
Let me say it this way: I’m suggesting that it was a mistake to build an embassy that has a physical size larger than the Vatican which will be such an easy target for the enemy.
June 3rd, 2007 at 10:11 am#183
“The fact that the U.S. is successfully building and opening an embassy in Iraq, no matter what the size and despite the conditions in Iraq, should be considered good news in the eyes of the administration.”
I am sure it is. That is not the point here though. The concern is that there is NO good reason to post even conceptual drawings about the U.S. Embassy in Iraq on a web page considering the on going security problems. I will go one better, even if the security situation in Iraq WAS under control, in my opinion, I STILL wouldn’t post the plans. There is most definately relevant information about the design that shouldn’t be seen by everyone. The U.S. public doesn’t even need to see it. This is just common sense so as not to expose the occupants to a potential attack. Why do we need to see a layout of the site? You don’t see site plan layouts of our other embassies that are located in other countries. Why?
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:47 pm#174
That’s a CYA comment stated by someone who almost had their butt kicked by the State Dept.! LOL!
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:50 pm#184
“They will attempt to attack it, drawings or no drawings.”
Yeah but why help them at all? That is the point you and others still don’t get.
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:52 pm#185
“Don’t feed me this “don’t live in the past†bullshit. I didn’t suggest living in the past, idiot.”
The hell you didn’t! Read #163 again you twit.
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:54 pm#185
“The point is, we must learn from mistakes made in the past so that we do not repeat them in the future. You know…Vietnam and all that.”
Well why didn’t you say that in the first place? That makes perfect sense and yes I happen to agree with it.
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:56 pm