"When I was in Navy boot camp in 1968-69, the winters in Waukegan IL are to die for and some did, I got to see live the various Navy drill teams including the silent drill team. I had considered trying out for one of the drill teams because I was the right height and weight and there was no sea duty. Two things changed my mind.
You can’t see it in the video but the drill team guys I talked to all had multiple scars on their face and hands. It was also not uncommon to see them with black eyes. In case you were wondering those light weight weapons they are twirling like batons are WWII type M1 Garand’s that weigh about 11 pounds not including the [real] but chrome plated bayonet which weighs about 3 pounds. Yes the rifles have been balanced but try picking up a 4 foot piece of pipe that weighs about 14 pounds and spinning it around like a baton.
I’ve seen the Marine Corps drill team a couple of times and it is hard to say which is better. The Marines wear their dress blues which is the best looking military uniform on earth and certainly better looking than Navy summer whites.
The other reason I didn’t apply for the drill team program is that when I went into boot camp I was a very in shape 210 pounds. Eight weeks later after no heat in the barracks, a slight breeze coming off of Lake Michigan and a bad case of pneumonia I weighed 161 (that’s not a typo). Enjoy the video." - Bob Hage
Thanks to Jeff for passing this along to me.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Highland Games & Celtic Festival
We made our annual pilgrimage to the Highland Games & Celtic Festival on Saturday. They changed things up a bit this year on the location of the vendors and several of the competitions. The vendors were all located inside, which was a bit disappointing, after all those years of wandering through the outdoor market area it was definitely different. It seemed to change the atmosphere of the festival.
I was delighted to see the little fellow that I had photographed last year during the gathering of the clans back this year, grown up just a little but definitely just as cute. Kelly & Walt definitely think that the festival used the photo that I took last year in this year's program, granted it, it does look remarkably like the one I took.
Highland Games & Celtic Festival Photo Album
Friday, October 22, 2010
BlizzCon Friday Night
Some how this afternoon I have been roped into watch BlizzCon with Sean. For those who don't know, like me, it is a Blizzard's Convention (a gaming company).
Anyway, this is some strange stuff. So far this evening we have seen multiple people stripping off various pieces of clothing while on stage, and they aren't even the performers. During during a costume contest on of the contestants was proposed to while she on stage. She did accept. The crowd wasn't quite pleased with his proposal so they chanted "On your knee" "On your knee", which he did. She even accepted a second time.
Then during the dance contest there were some weird people doing some weird moves, but there at least four or five that could really dance. Then there one guy, that took the concept of 'breaking a leg' a bit too literal. He really was getting into his dance and ended up breaking his leg and he had to be carried off the stage.
A video of Sean's favorite moments to come...
Email & Newsletter Gleanings:
One 82-year-old lady loves Obama and she may have a very good point. She says that Obama is amazing, and is rebuilding the American dream! She gives us an entirely new slant on the "amazing" job Obama is doing, and she says that she will thank God for the President. Keep reading for her additional comments and an explanation.
When discussing Obama, she says:
1. Obama destroyed the Clinton Political Machine, driving a stake through the heart of Hillary's presidential aspirations - something no Republican was ever able to do.
2. Obama killed off the Kennedy Dynasty - no more Kennedys trolling Washington looking for booze and women wanting rides home.
3. Obama is destroying the Democratic Party before our eyes! Dennis Moore had never lost a race. Evan Bayh had never lost a race. Byron Dorgan had never lost a race. Harry Reid - soon to be GONE! These are just a handful of the Democrats whose political careers Obama has destroyed. By the end of 2010, dozens more will be gone. Just think, in December of 2008 the Democrats were on the rise. In the last two election cycles, they had picked up 14 Senate seats and 52 House seats. The press was touting the death of the Conservative Movement and the Republican Party. However, in just one year, Obama put a stop to all of this and will probably give the House - if not the Senate - back to the Republicans.
4. Obama has completely exposed liberals and progressives for what they are. Sadly, every generation seems to need to re-learn the lesson on why they should never actually put liberals in charge. Obama is bringing home the lesson very well:
6. Obama, with his "amazing leadership," has sparked the greatest period of sales of firearms and ammunition this country has seen. Law abiding citizens have rallied and have provided a "stimulus" to the sporting goods field while other industries have failed, faded, or moved off-shore.
7. In all honesty, one year ago I was more afraid than I have been in my life. Not afraid of the economy, but afraid of the direction our country was going. I thought, Americans have forgotten what this country is all about. My neighbors and friends, even strangers, have proved to me that my lack of confidence in the greatness and wisdom of the American people has been flat wrong.
8. When the American people wake up, no smooth talking teleprompter reader can fool them! Barack Obama has served to wake up these great Americans!
Again, I want to say: "Thank you, Barack Obama!" After all, this is exactly the kind of hope and change we desperately needed!!
THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!
1. Term Limits.
12 years only, one of the possible options below.
A. Two Six-year Senate terms
B. Six Two-year House terms
C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms
2. No Tenure / No Pension.
A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when
they are out of office.
3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security
system immediately.
All future funds flow into the Social Security system and Congress participates with the American people.
4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.
5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
7. Congress must equally abide by all laws
8. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.
The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.
The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
Anyway, this is some strange stuff. So far this evening we have seen multiple people stripping off various pieces of clothing while on stage, and they aren't even the performers. During during a costume contest on of the contestants was proposed to while she on stage. She did accept. The crowd wasn't quite pleased with his proposal so they chanted "On your knee" "On your knee", which he did. She even accepted a second time.
Then during the dance contest there were some weird people doing some weird moves, but there at least four or five that could really dance. Then there one guy, that took the concept of 'breaking a leg' a bit too literal. He really was getting into his dance and ended up breaking his leg and he had to be carried off the stage.
A video of Sean's favorite moments to come...
Email & Newsletter Gleanings:
A Different Slant On The Obama Presidency
One 82-year-old lady loves Obama and she may have a very good point. She says that Obama is amazing, and is rebuilding the American dream! She gives us an entirely new slant on the "amazing" job Obama is doing, and she says that she will thank God for the President. Keep reading for her additional comments and an explanation.
When discussing Obama, she says:
1. Obama destroyed the Clinton Political Machine, driving a stake through the heart of Hillary's presidential aspirations - something no Republican was ever able to do.
2. Obama killed off the Kennedy Dynasty - no more Kennedys trolling Washington looking for booze and women wanting rides home.
3. Obama is destroying the Democratic Party before our eyes! Dennis Moore had never lost a race. Evan Bayh had never lost a race. Byron Dorgan had never lost a race. Harry Reid - soon to be GONE! These are just a handful of the Democrats whose political careers Obama has destroyed. By the end of 2010, dozens more will be gone. Just think, in December of 2008 the Democrats were on the rise. In the last two election cycles, they had picked up 14 Senate seats and 52 House seats. The press was touting the death of the Conservative Movement and the Republican Party. However, in just one year, Obama put a stop to all of this and will probably give the House - if not the Senate - back to the Republicans.
4. Obama has completely exposed liberals and progressives for what they are. Sadly, every generation seems to need to re-learn the lesson on why they should never actually put liberals in charge. Obama is bringing home the lesson very well:
- Liberals tax, borrow and spend.
- Liberals won't bring themselves to protect America.
- Liberals want to take over the economy.
- Liberals think they know what is best for everyone.
- Liberals are not happy until they are running YOUR life.
6. Obama, with his "amazing leadership," has sparked the greatest period of sales of firearms and ammunition this country has seen. Law abiding citizens have rallied and have provided a "stimulus" to the sporting goods field while other industries have failed, faded, or moved off-shore.
7. In all honesty, one year ago I was more afraid than I have been in my life. Not afraid of the economy, but afraid of the direction our country was going. I thought, Americans have forgotten what this country is all about. My neighbors and friends, even strangers, have proved to me that my lack of confidence in the greatness and wisdom of the American people has been flat wrong.
8. When the American people wake up, no smooth talking teleprompter reader can fool them! Barack Obama has served to wake up these great Americans!
Again, I want to say: "Thank you, Barack Obama!" After all, this is exactly the kind of hope and change we desperately needed!!
November 2nd is HUGE!!!!
**********************************
~ Congressional Reform Act of 2010 ~
1. Term Limits.
12 years only, one of the possible options below.
A. Two Six-year Senate terms
B. Six Two-year House terms
C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms
2. No Tenure / No Pension.
A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when
they are out of office.
3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security
system immediately.
All future funds flow into the Social Security system and Congress participates with the American people.
4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.
5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
7. Congress must equally abide by all laws
8. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.
The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career.
The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Public Restrooms, FedEx and Nigerian Scammers
What Do They All Have In Common?
Public Restrooms, FedEx and Nigerian Scammers: What do they have in common? They have have caused me some form of irritation during this past week.
Public Restrooms
Public restrooms are just that public. Now let's all be grown up we know what goes on in there, but we all should have some common courtesy that we use in public situations. The exhaust fan should be left in the ON position when it is needed. No one wants to enter into a restroom that has been, shall we say marinating for any length of time. Along this same line, what is it with people and the over use of an air fresher?
Isn't the idea to cover up an offensive odor, not overwhelm you with a new one? Being assaulted with some of the fragrances is almost nauseating, especially when the fragrance is not a match to the location being used. Candy in a restroom. Yuck!! Then again, I almost don't know what is worse having the odor ooze out of the restroom and into common areas or it oozing out with that same nasty odor with the addition of the smell of food. Both are disgusting.
The two lessons here: 1) use the exhaust fan that is why it is there and 2) don't over use air fresheners.
FedEx
"When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight" - that is unless you need shipping boxes from them. Then you need to wait several days for them to arrive. You would think that they would hustle those things out right away, under the premise that people can't ship more stuff without them.
On another note, I did run out and try to wrangle up some boxes from local FedEx locations. I did manage to get some, but only because I needed them now! They really didn't even want to give any out at all. Hard to believe.
Nigerian Scammers
Over the past week or so I've been noticing that the internet at the office & home has been sort of dragging along. I hadn't given it much thought beyond noticing until I heard a commentator on the radio discussing it. He stated that one of "the reasons is that there are now nearly 2 billion internet users."
Now that is a big number and with people downloading files, watching videos and all the other activity that is done online these days it is no wonder that things do slow down, especially during 'business hours'. But taking it beyond those activities I bet of that of those 2 billion users that nearly 1 billion are purveyors of porn, info-marketers, and Nigerian scammers all out there working to sell the other 1 billion and each other something.
All those email offers from Nigeria wanting me to help them get large sums of money out of the country are just clogging up way too many email inboxes and give those involved in legitimate commerce a bad rap when they attempt to send out offers to consumers. Speaking of legitimate commerce - if you get email from some place and you don't want more click the unsubscribe button. Darn almost need to hit the easy button for that suggestion.
And just to throw in my last pet peeve for the week....
Back a few months ago, we had a land line installed at the house for those odd times when a cell phone just won't work. Anyway we have started receiving phone call on the land line for an in-law, who has never lived with us - does not have the same last name. I can only assume that they are beating the bushes to find this individual for some good purpose, but it is extremely irritating to get the calls.
The callers really don't seem to understand the concept - this person does not live here and never has. I even went so far this evening to tell them that we had only purchased the house a year ago and that I haven't a clue about the person they are trying to reach. Suggestions on some really good way to get them to quit calling the house.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Autumn Underway
In preparation for our outing, I'm having the car all fixed up. After all the hard work in detailing that Walter put in a couple of weeks ago, it's time now to get the mechanical parts all back into tip top shape. Walt is absolutely convinced that I will actually 'feel' the difference in the way that the car handles after all the work is done.
Email & Newsletter Gleanings:
Top This One For A Speeding Ticket in Kingsville, TX
Two Texas Highway Patrol Officers were conducting speeding enforcement on Hwy 77, just south of Kingsville, TX.
One of the officers was using a hand-held radar device to check speeding vehicles approaching the town of Kingsville. The officers were suddenly surprised when the radar gun began reading 300 miles per hour and climbing.
The officer attempted to reset the radar gun, but it would not reset and then it suddenly turned off.
Just then a deafening roar over the mesquite treetops on Hwy 77 revealed that the radar had in fact locked on to a USMC F/A-18 Hornet which was engaged in a low flying exercise near this, its Naval Air home base location in Kingsville TX.
Back at the Texas Highway Patrol Headquarters in Corpus Christi the Patrol Captain fired off a complaint to the US Naval Base Commander in Kingsville for shutting down his equipment.
The reply came back in true USMC style:
'Thank you for your letter....
You may be interested to know that the tactical computer in the Hornet had detected the presence of, and subsequently locked on to, your hostile radar equipment and automatically sent a jamming signal back to it, which is why it shut down.
Furthermore, an Air-to-Ground missile aboard the fully armed aircraft had also automatically locked on to your equipment's location.
Fortunately, the Marine Pilot flying the Hornet recognized the situation for what it was, quickly responded to the missile system alert status and was able to override the automated defense system before the missile was launched to destroy the hostile radar position on the side of Hwy 77 South of Kingsville.
The pilot suggests you cover your mouths when cussing at them, since the video systems on these jets are very high tech.
Sergeant Johnson, the officer holding the radar gun, should get his dentist to check his left rear molar. It appears the filling is loose.. Also, the snap is broken on his holster.'
Semper Fi
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Very Productive Weekend
I have spent the weekend working a a video for non-profit group. I was thrilled that I was able to get the first finished draft out to them before midday today. So far so good. I'm looking forward to the input from the organization.
Now to get my own self back on track with what I need to be doing with school for myself. It was beginning to seem that things were conspiring against me in my goal of finishing up my classes. Yes there were some real issues...computer problems, but they were only small hiccups that I allowed to snowball. Come Monday it will be the start of a new week and time to get things rolling in the right direction!
I was able to get out to visit with Mom this afternoon. We had a very pleasant visit. Dad even took a break from the sports broadcast to visit for a while as well.
Email & Newsletter Gleanings:
Ten Commandments
You're An EXTREME Redneck When.....
Now to get my own self back on track with what I need to be doing with school for myself. It was beginning to seem that things were conspiring against me in my goal of finishing up my classes. Yes there were some real issues...computer problems, but they were only small hiccups that I allowed to snowball. Come Monday it will be the start of a new week and time to get things rolling in the right direction!
I was able to get out to visit with Mom this afternoon. We had a very pleasant visit. Dad even took a break from the sports broadcast to visit for a while as well.
Email & Newsletter Gleanings:
Ten Commandments
A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five- and six-year-olds.
After explaining the commandment to "honor" thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"
Without missing a beat, one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, "Thou shall not kill."
You're An EXTREME Redneck When.....
- You let your 14-year-old daughter smoke at the dinner table in front of her kids.
- The Blue Book value of your truck goes up and down depending on how much gas is in it.
- You've been married three times and still have the same in-laws.
- You think a woman who is out of your league bowls on a different night.
- You wonder how service stations keep their rest-rooms so clean.
- Someone in your family died right after saying 'Hey, guys, watch this.'
- You think Dom Perignon is a Mafia leader.
- Your wife's hairdo was once ruined by a ceiling fan.
- Your junior prom offered day care.
- You think the last words of the Star-Spangled Banner are 'Gentlemen, start your engines.'
- You lit a match in the bathroom and your house exploded right off its wheels.
- The Halloween pumpkin on your porch has more teeth than your spouse.
- You have to go outside to get something from the fridge.
- One of your kids was born on a pool table.
- You need one more hole punched in your card to get a freebie at the House of Tattoos.
- You can't get married to your sweetheart because there's a law against it.
- You think loading the dishwasher means getting your wife drunk.
- When you take the dog for a walk at night, you both use the same tree.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A Few Laughs For the Day
This and that gleaned from my email this week.
Enjoy!
Email & Newsletter Gleanings:
An airliner is coming into land at an airport obscured by fog. Visibility is practically nil, the ILS system is on the blink, so the pilot has to land on wits alone. "Flaps, check," he says to the co-pilot, "Landing Gear, check. Altitude, check. Right, we're going in. Hold on."
The plane lands and comes to a screeching, grinding halt; just short of the edge of the runway. "Wow!" exclaims the pilot, "This must be the shortest runway I've ever landed on!"
The co-pilot looks left and right and says "Yeah, and about the widest!"
Harry hosted a dinner party. One of his guests was a surgeon.
While deftly carving the roast, Harry kept up a running commentary: "How am I doing, Doc? How do you like that technique? I'd make a pretty good surgeon, don't you think?"
When Harry had finished and the slices of meat lay neatly on the serving platter, the surgeon spoke up: "Anybody can take them apart, Harry. Now let's see you put them back together again."
Some people have the vocabulary to sum up things in a way you can understand them. This quote came from the Czech Republic . Someone over there has it figured out. We have a lot of work to do.
"The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the
necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man as their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president."
Enjoy!
Email & Newsletter Gleanings:
Landing in the Fog
An airliner is coming into land at an airport obscured by fog. Visibility is practically nil, the ILS system is on the blink, so the pilot has to land on wits alone. "Flaps, check," he says to the co-pilot, "Landing Gear, check. Altitude, check. Right, we're going in. Hold on."
The plane lands and comes to a screeching, grinding halt; just short of the edge of the runway. "Wow!" exclaims the pilot, "This must be the shortest runway I've ever landed on!"
The co-pilot looks left and right and says "Yeah, and about the widest!"
Surgeon Roast
Harry hosted a dinner party. One of his guests was a surgeon.
While deftly carving the roast, Harry kept up a running commentary: "How am I doing, Doc? How do you like that technique? I'd make a pretty good surgeon, don't you think?"
When Harry had finished and the slices of meat lay neatly on the serving platter, the surgeon spoke up: "Anybody can take them apart, Harry. Now let's see you put them back together again."
QUOTE OF THE CENTURY
MAYBE EVEN THE MILLENNIUM
MAYBE EVEN THE MILLENNIUM
Some people have the vocabulary to sum up things in a way you can understand them. This quote came from the Czech Republic . Someone over there has it figured out. We have a lot of work to do.
"The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the
necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man as their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president."
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Outing Photos
Photos from my trip to the Virginia Aquarium with Mom on Wednesday. Virginia Aquarium Photos
Email & Newsletter Gleanings:
The owner of a drug store walks in to find a guy leaning heavily against the wall.
The owner asks the clerk "What's with that guy over there by the wall?"
The clerk says, "Well, he came in here this morning to get something for his cough. I couldn't find the cough syrup, so I gave him an entire bottle of laxative."
The owner screams, "You idiot! You can't treat a cough with a bottle of laxative!"
The clerk replies, "Of course you can! Look at him. He's too afraid to cough!"
Efficiency
An efficiency expert concluded his lecture with a note of caution. "You don't want to try these techniques at home."
"Why not?" asked somebody from the audience.
"I watched my wife's routine at breakfast for years," the expert explained. "She made lots of trips between the refrigerator, stove, table and cabinets, often carrying a single item at a time. One day I told her, 'Hon, why don't you try carrying several things at once?'"
"Did it save time?" the guy in the audience asked.
"Actually, yes," replied the expert. "It used to take her 20 minutes to make breakfast. Now I do it in seven."
Email & Newsletter Gleanings:
Cough Remedy
The owner of a drug store walks in to find a guy leaning heavily against the wall.
The owner asks the clerk "What's with that guy over there by the wall?"
The clerk says, "Well, he came in here this morning to get something for his cough. I couldn't find the cough syrup, so I gave him an entire bottle of laxative."
The owner screams, "You idiot! You can't treat a cough with a bottle of laxative!"
The clerk replies, "Of course you can! Look at him. He's too afraid to cough!"
Efficiency
An efficiency expert concluded his lecture with a note of caution. "You don't want to try these techniques at home."
"Why not?" asked somebody from the audience.
"I watched my wife's routine at breakfast for years," the expert explained. "She made lots of trips between the refrigerator, stove, table and cabinets, often carrying a single item at a time. One day I told her, 'Hon, why don't you try carrying several things at once?'"
"Did it save time?" the guy in the audience asked.
"Actually, yes," replied the expert. "It used to take her 20 minutes to make breakfast. Now I do it in seven."
Thursday, October 7, 2010
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