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Forty Years Ago

I was at NATTC Memphis at Millington, TN.  I had been there since April and it was hot and humid.  I was learning to be an aircraft mechanic.  Two weeks of fundamentals and 8 weeks of Aviation Metalsmith, Structural  “A” School.  I was just about done and anticipating going to the “real” Navy.

About 80 men lived in our barracks, a 2 story wooden building of WWII vintage.  The TV lounge was about 20×12 with a 21-inch black-and-white TV on a shelf near the ceiling in the corner.  The remote was a sturdy chair and a long arm to turn the channel changing dial.  Some chrome-armed chairs with vinyl cushions were filled early and it was standing room only when the Astronauts stepped down onto the surface of the moon.  This was “LIVE FROM THE MOON”. “Un-f-n-believable” as the common expression went (Sanitized for your protection).

It’s still amazing.

The following January, Capt. John G. Wissler, CO of Weapons System Test Division of Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, later Rear Admiral and CO of NATC, congratulated me on my being promoted to AMS 3rd Class (E-4). I will never forget that handshake and the blue eyes that look so icy.

Rear Admiral Wissler was listed as a source in James Michener’s Space.

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Governor II

Governor Palin of Alaska has resigned.  From all reports, it is because she feels that she cannot properly manage the State of Alaska and deal with all of the false lawsuits that have arisen because of her run for the Vice Presidency.  If she were competent, this would be just one more detail to manage, she would manage it, and move on.  She’s moving on sans the management.  Just as well. Hopefully the Vice Governor of Alaska can drive a car safely and knows a good pilot (or can fly his own plane).  Then Alaska will be one up on South Carolina.

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Governor I

Governor Sanford of South Carolina is still apologizing for something he should never have done.  If he understood most South Carolinians, he would know that he has done the unforgivable. Get over it. Get on with running the state.  He apparently is another incompetent elected official.  This does not say much for the majority of the  electorate. Before the big flap, Governor Sanford was trying to prevent spending that had a chance of improving the schools and just perhaps the thinking of the voting populace.   Just what was he thinking?  Maybe I do not want to know.

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Pelosi-Panetta Spat

Speaker Pelosi has called Director CIA Panetta a liar.  Mr. Panetta says that despite some errors in a presentation to the Congressional Comittee, that the CIA never meant to mislead Congress.  If there is a truth-teller in this crowd, my money is on Mr. Panetta.  More bananas may improve Madam Speaker’s memory.

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Rainbow Falls Hike

Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls

I went on a hike last Saturday to Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park. The trail is 2.6 miles long from the parking lot with about 1000 feet of rise. It was a beautiful day, not to hot, partly cloudy, low humidity, light breeze, no bugs. What a difference from two weeks ago. The trail was different too. It was clear and well prepared with steps where required making the climb less difficult.

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Cap and Tax

If you like taxes, you are in pig heaven. Pelosi’s and Waxman’s Cap and Tax Bill pig has flown. Of course it will do nothing to reduce carbon use, which has little to do with global warming. But it does promote the liberal agenda. Tax the poor to support the politicians. That’s what the Democrats have always done. Check the facts and do the math. (That is modern talk for “The proof is left as an exercise for the reader”.) Better, starting this fall and leading up to November 2010, ask the hard questions. You will not be any cooler and you will be somewhat poorer. Make the culprits squirm.

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Worthwhile

I had resolved that I would not buy any CD’s while the RIAA continues to persecute. An exception is Judith Owen. I liked it so much I bought a copy of Lost and Found for each of my children and one for myself. Courgette Records does not seem to be a member of the RIAA. Instead they distribute through the Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA). ADA is 95% owned by Warner Group which is a member and one of the vicious perps of RIAA extortion scheme.

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Passings

I learned tonight that Farrah Fawcett has passed away. She was not much older than me. And Michael Jackson. He was always Michael. But Farrah Fawcett was special.

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7 Demons

You may have gathered that I am not a big fan of the current governor. His recent confessions have done less than nothing to boost his esteem. But to call for Sandford’s resignation and elevate Andre Bauer, who cannot drive the speed limit, fly or land an aircraft, and perhaps could assemble a truthful sentence as governor of South Carolina is really a reach. SC Democrats, get real. SC Republicans you are clueless.
I am reminded of Jesus’s parable of casting out the demon only to have 7 demons take the place. Keep this in mind as you make your choices.

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More Non-News

Well the Governor got back from his trystip. One of these days, the Republicans will learn that if you take the moral high-ground, you have got to live the moral high-ground. Democrats can lie, steal, cheat, pillage, and plunder and get away with it. If Republicans want to protest, they have got to be better than perfect. Some party discipline please. And maybe some training is in order. Carter and Clinton got to be President. Maybe some defectiveing Democrats can provide some lessons in Lie, Steal, Cheat, Pillage and Plunder 101.

In other non-news, Andre Bauer.