Well, the official autopsy report is that Michael Jackson died of food poisoning. He was eating 10 yr old wieners.
From a Marine Message Board, by an FMF Corpsman
;-)
.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Had the opportunity yesterday .........................................
when a VERY nice, generously-spirited gentleman, allowed me to sit in the driver's seat of his new Tesla Roadster ............................ WHAT a beautiful piece of machinery - the carbon-fiber body accepts 'knuckle knocks' like fiberglass ...................... I believe the gentleman {married, in his early 40's} got a charge out of this 52 year old woman getting so excited over his "toy" ......................... ;-) He ORDERED it 2 years ago - only took delivery a couple of months ago .......................... if you go to their website, he has the light blue model .............................
.
.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
From my Colonel ................................................
Monday morning I attended a breakfast meeting where the speaker/guest was David E. Cole, Chairman, Center for Automotive Research (CAR) and Professor at the Univ. of Michigan. You have all likely heard CAR quoted, or referred to in the auto industry news lately.
Mr. Cole, who is an engineer by training, told many stories of the difficulty of working with the folks that the Obama administration has sent to save the auto industry. There have been many meetings where a 30+ year experience automotive expert has to listen to a newcomer to the industry, someone with zero manufacturing experience, zero auto industry experience, zero business experience, zero finance experience, and zero engineering experience, tell them how to run their business.
Mr. Cole's favorite story is as follows:
There was a team of Obama people speaking to Mr. Cole (Engineer, automotive experience 40+ years, Chairman of CAR). They were explaining to Mr. Cole that the auto companies needed to make a car that was electric and liquid natural gas (LNG) with enough combined fuel to go 500 miles so we wouldn't "need" so many gas stations (A whole other topic). They were quoting BTU's of LNG and battery life that they had looked up on some website.
Mr. Cole explained that to do this you would need a trunk FULL of batteries and a LNG tank as big as a car to make that happen and that there were problems related to the laws of physics that prevented them from.......
The Obama person interrupted and said (and I am quoting here) "These laws of physics? Who's rules are those? We need to change that. (Some of the others wrote down the law name so they could look it up.) We have the Congress and the Administration. We can repeal that law, amend it, or use an executive order to get rid of that problem. That's why we are here, to fix these sort of issues".
And these folks are "in charge"????? Gawd help us all ....................
.
Mr. Cole, who is an engineer by training, told many stories of the difficulty of working with the folks that the Obama administration has sent to save the auto industry. There have been many meetings where a 30+ year experience automotive expert has to listen to a newcomer to the industry, someone with zero manufacturing experience, zero auto industry experience, zero business experience, zero finance experience, and zero engineering experience, tell them how to run their business.
Mr. Cole's favorite story is as follows:
There was a team of Obama people speaking to Mr. Cole (Engineer, automotive experience 40+ years, Chairman of CAR). They were explaining to Mr. Cole that the auto companies needed to make a car that was electric and liquid natural gas (LNG) with enough combined fuel to go 500 miles so we wouldn't "need" so many gas stations (A whole other topic). They were quoting BTU's of LNG and battery life that they had looked up on some website.
Mr. Cole explained that to do this you would need a trunk FULL of batteries and a LNG tank as big as a car to make that happen and that there were problems related to the laws of physics that prevented them from.......
The Obama person interrupted and said (and I am quoting here) "These laws of physics? Who's rules are those? We need to change that. (Some of the others wrote down the law name so they could look it up.) We have the Congress and the Administration. We can repeal that law, amend it, or use an executive order to get rid of that problem. That's why we are here, to fix these sort of issues".
And these folks are "in charge"????? Gawd help us all ....................
.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
'Way back in 1977, .....................................
I was sent to NAS Memphis for school, immediately after boot camp leave. Initially, I was to attend Air Traffic Control school, but due to too much "fun", didn't hit the books as I should have done. There was talk of transferring me to Motor-T school {for repair of trucks/jeeps/etc.}, but angels smiled on me, and I was offered the opportunity to stay in Memphis, and attend Aviation Electrician {AE} school. I was told, by a Reservist Aviation officer, that I was the first woman in the Marine Corps to attend that school.
Nice thing about AE school, I picked up the theory quickly, so was able to still maintain a rather active social life. In addition to the base Enlisted Club {fondly known as "The Animal Pit"}, there were a LOT of places in Memphis proper - a favorite hangout was Earl's, a little bring-your-own-bottle honkytonk; they had a GREAT house band, The Miller Brothers.
I had been hearing about a "new" Sergeant who was in charge of one of the men's barracks {"Pssst! Did you SEE who Sgt. L******* was with the other night?"}, but didn't 'meet' him until one night at Earl's. He was intimidating - tall {6'2"}, with THE broadest shoulders & tiniest waist & hips I'd ever seen on a man. He had just concluded a tour as a Drill Instructor, so had that deadpan expression down pat, you know the one that makes you want to take ALL responsibility for ALL the woes of the world. One night, though, there was a problem with my ride back to the base {my ride had 'another offer' ;-) }, so Sgt. L. gave me a ride back. To paraphrase Bogie, it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship ..................................
We would meet up at Earl's, or see each other around the base. For my 21st birthday, my mother had sent the funds for my senior troop handler, a Gunnery Sergeant, to get a birthday cake for me - Sgt. L. was there, along with some other Marines, to watch me blow out the candles on my {maple-sugar Marine Corps emblem-decorated} cake. There's a picture somewhere out there of me blowing out the candles.
So, school progressed, I graduated, & received my orders - to "The Pit" {MCAS Cherry Point, NC} - Sgt. L. was returning to MCAS{H} New River, NC, at the same time - he offered me a ride to The Pit. Of course, at the time, I couldn't help with the driving, as I didn't drive standard. We arrived @ The Pit, Sgt. L. dropped me off at the temporary women Marines' barracks {the REASON it was called "The Pit", I'm sure}. I had NEVER seen such a depressing living area, until I stayed in the transient women's barracks @ NAS Dallas. Sgt. L. suggested I request New River { I think he wanted to keep an eye on me! ;-) He was the big brother I'd always wanted}; I did, & was approved. So, we ditty-bopped on down to New River, where I was the first woman in my squadron {HMH-362, the Ugly Angels}. We didn't "hang" as much - he was busy with his duties, and I was busy learning all about the electrical systems of CH-53 heliccopters. But, one day, he walked in to my shop - I was sitting on the couch, kibbitzing with my co-workers - I looked up & noticed he had 'rockers' on his sergeant's chevrons - he had been selected & promoted to Staff Sergeant. I jumped up & threw my arms around his neck, I was so HAPPY for him. After he left, my fellow Marines were goggle-eyed, asking me WHO that was - I told'em "my big brother" - I was informed that I should NEVER expect any of my "buds" to ask me out on a serious date, as they were afraid of running afoul of him.
My OJT & training completed, I headed up to HMH-772, at NAS Willow Grove, just outside Philadelphia, and 'life' took over .......................................... I had The Wonderful Progeny {TWP} in early October, 1980 ....................... her sperm donor {13 years older than me} decided he couldn't "take the responsibility", so took a powder a year later. The TWP & I moved to the Reading area to be closer to my parents, for the familial support, I held various jobs {I like to say if a job is legal, I've probably held it, or something close enough to transfer any "skills sets" ;-) }; TWP was accepted in The Milton Hershey School. She graduated in 1999.
In June of '99, I was more contemplative than usual, and longing for friends of my youth; by the end of the month, I had assembled postcards & printed up the message - the REASON I used postcards was that, if he was married or otherwise "involved", I didn't want to create unnecessary problems - I wasn't looking for a lover or husband, I was looking for my friend. I mailed the 19 postcards from Scranton, PA, to every "Michael L*******" who's snailmail address I'd been able to locate via the 'Net, on 1 July. Being the perennially trusting, optimistic Sagittarian that I am, of course I included not only my phone number, but my street address. {Luckily, there were apparently no sociopathic "Michael L*******s" who received the postcards. ;-) }
On 6 July, I received a phone call - as soon as I heard his voice, I knew it was "my" Mike. He was living in the Houston area, just back from a 6 month work assignment in Scotland. He was a bachelor, with his 4 cats & fish. We talked - yes, there were several YEARS we hadn't been in touch, so there was all that to 'catch up' on. We talked every day; one day, when I couldn't reach him, either at home or work - turned out, he was home sick from work, and couldn't hear the telephone.
He invited me down for a visit at the end of July/beginning of August - he paid for my plane ticket, so I hied myself down to Philadelphia & flew on down - as Bayou Renaissance Man's friend, Miss D., can attest, unless one is arriving from a jungle swamp, one is never prepared for arrival in Houston. My flight was early, so I went looking for an outside area to have a smoke. I had him paged, and when he came through the doors, it was a reprise of when he made SSgt. - I ran up & threw my arms around his neck.
We had a GOOD time, that 4 days - initially, he was a little concerned when we ordered adult beverages, since my beverage of choice was Johnny Walker Black Label & water {he figured I would be HIGH maintenance}, but relaxed when he realized that, while I may drink 'expensive', I don't drink a lot ................................. ;-)
I didn't want to leave; but, I had to get back to MY 2 cats & lovebird - the night I returned to Scranton, when I called to let him know I was safely home, he told me he loved me. Ten days later, in our conversation, I was regaling him with the story of my great-grandmother, who came to the U.S. from Czechoslovakia to avoid an arranged marriage - he asked me what I thought about marriage; I said it's OK for others, but I didn't figure I would ever get married. He then proposed - after about 20 minutes of my 'duh-duh-duh-ing', I said yes.
So, 10 years {2.5 years for us in Mexico, then 2 years for him in the Czech Republic} later, here we are .....................................
So often as I wait for sleep,
I find myself reciting
The words I said or should have said,
Like scenes that need re-writing.
The smiles I never answered,
Doors perhaps I should have opened
Songs forgotten in the morning.
I relive the roles I've played,
The tears I may have squandered.
The many pipers I have paid
Along the roads I've wandered.
Yet all the time I knew it,
Love was somewhere out there waiting,
Though I may regret a kiss or two.
If I had changed a single day,
What went amiss or went astray
I may have never found my way to you.
I wouldn't change a thing that happened
On my way to you.
--by Alan & Marilyn Bergman
.
Nice thing about AE school, I picked up the theory quickly, so was able to still maintain a rather active social life. In addition to the base Enlisted Club {fondly known as "The Animal Pit"}, there were a LOT of places in Memphis proper - a favorite hangout was Earl's, a little bring-your-own-bottle honkytonk; they had a GREAT house band, The Miller Brothers.
I had been hearing about a "new" Sergeant who was in charge of one of the men's barracks {"Pssst! Did you SEE who Sgt. L******* was with the other night?"}, but didn't 'meet' him until one night at Earl's. He was intimidating - tall {6'2"}, with THE broadest shoulders & tiniest waist & hips I'd ever seen on a man. He had just concluded a tour as a Drill Instructor, so had that deadpan expression down pat, you know the one that makes you want to take ALL responsibility for ALL the woes of the world. One night, though, there was a problem with my ride back to the base {my ride had 'another offer' ;-) }, so Sgt. L. gave me a ride back. To paraphrase Bogie, it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship ..................................
We would meet up at Earl's, or see each other around the base. For my 21st birthday, my mother had sent the funds for my senior troop handler, a Gunnery Sergeant, to get a birthday cake for me - Sgt. L. was there, along with some other Marines, to watch me blow out the candles on my {maple-sugar Marine Corps emblem-decorated} cake. There's a picture somewhere out there of me blowing out the candles.
So, school progressed, I graduated, & received my orders - to "The Pit" {MCAS Cherry Point, NC} - Sgt. L. was returning to MCAS{H} New River, NC, at the same time - he offered me a ride to The Pit. Of course, at the time, I couldn't help with the driving, as I didn't drive standard. We arrived @ The Pit, Sgt. L. dropped me off at the temporary women Marines' barracks {the REASON it was called "The Pit", I'm sure}. I had NEVER seen such a depressing living area, until I stayed in the transient women's barracks @ NAS Dallas. Sgt. L. suggested I request New River { I think he wanted to keep an eye on me! ;-) He was the big brother I'd always wanted}; I did, & was approved. So, we ditty-bopped on down to New River, where I was the first woman in my squadron {HMH-362, the Ugly Angels}. We didn't "hang" as much - he was busy with his duties, and I was busy learning all about the electrical systems of CH-53 heliccopters. But, one day, he walked in to my shop - I was sitting on the couch, kibbitzing with my co-workers - I looked up & noticed he had 'rockers' on his sergeant's chevrons - he had been selected & promoted to Staff Sergeant. I jumped up & threw my arms around his neck, I was so HAPPY for him. After he left, my fellow Marines were goggle-eyed, asking me WHO that was - I told'em "my big brother" - I was informed that I should NEVER expect any of my "buds" to ask me out on a serious date, as they were afraid of running afoul of him.
My OJT & training completed, I headed up to HMH-772, at NAS Willow Grove, just outside Philadelphia, and 'life' took over .......................................... I had The Wonderful Progeny {TWP} in early October, 1980 ....................... her sperm donor {13 years older than me} decided he couldn't "take the responsibility", so took a powder a year later. The TWP & I moved to the Reading area to be closer to my parents, for the familial support, I held various jobs {I like to say if a job is legal, I've probably held it, or something close enough to transfer any "skills sets" ;-) }; TWP was accepted in The Milton Hershey School. She graduated in 1999.
In June of '99, I was more contemplative than usual, and longing for friends of my youth; by the end of the month, I had assembled postcards & printed up the message - the REASON I used postcards was that, if he was married or otherwise "involved", I didn't want to create unnecessary problems - I wasn't looking for a lover or husband, I was looking for my friend. I mailed the 19 postcards from Scranton, PA, to every "Michael L*******" who's snailmail address I'd been able to locate via the 'Net, on 1 July. Being the perennially trusting, optimistic Sagittarian that I am, of course I included not only my phone number, but my street address. {Luckily, there were apparently no sociopathic "Michael L*******s" who received the postcards. ;-) }
On 6 July, I received a phone call - as soon as I heard his voice, I knew it was "my" Mike. He was living in the Houston area, just back from a 6 month work assignment in Scotland. He was a bachelor, with his 4 cats & fish. We talked - yes, there were several YEARS we hadn't been in touch, so there was all that to 'catch up' on. We talked every day; one day, when I couldn't reach him, either at home or work - turned out, he was home sick from work, and couldn't hear the telephone.
He invited me down for a visit at the end of July/beginning of August - he paid for my plane ticket, so I hied myself down to Philadelphia & flew on down - as Bayou Renaissance Man's friend, Miss D., can attest, unless one is arriving from a jungle swamp, one is never prepared for arrival in Houston. My flight was early, so I went looking for an outside area to have a smoke. I had him paged, and when he came through the doors, it was a reprise of when he made SSgt. - I ran up & threw my arms around his neck.
We had a GOOD time, that 4 days - initially, he was a little concerned when we ordered adult beverages, since my beverage of choice was Johnny Walker Black Label & water {he figured I would be HIGH maintenance}, but relaxed when he realized that, while I may drink 'expensive', I don't drink a lot ................................. ;-)
I didn't want to leave; but, I had to get back to MY 2 cats & lovebird - the night I returned to Scranton, when I called to let him know I was safely home, he told me he loved me. Ten days later, in our conversation, I was regaling him with the story of my great-grandmother, who came to the U.S. from Czechoslovakia to avoid an arranged marriage - he asked me what I thought about marriage; I said it's OK for others, but I didn't figure I would ever get married. He then proposed - after about 20 minutes of my 'duh-duh-duh-ing', I said yes.
So, 10 years {2.5 years for us in Mexico, then 2 years for him in the Czech Republic} later, here we are .....................................
So often as I wait for sleep,
I find myself reciting
The words I said or should have said,
Like scenes that need re-writing.
The smiles I never answered,
Doors perhaps I should have opened
Songs forgotten in the morning.
I relive the roles I've played,
The tears I may have squandered.
The many pipers I have paid
Along the roads I've wandered.
Yet all the time I knew it,
Love was somewhere out there waiting,
Though I may regret a kiss or two.
If I had changed a single day,
What went amiss or went astray
I may have never found my way to you.
I wouldn't change a thing that happened
On my way to you.
--by Alan & Marilyn Bergman
.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
From Michelle Malkin .......................................................
1776: A letter from husband to wife
By Michelle Malkin • July 3, 2009 11:28 AM
On this day 233 years ago, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail on the declaration of independence of the United States of America:
I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.
Read the entire exchange here.
.
.
My addenda ..................... ;-)
.
By Michelle Malkin • July 3, 2009 11:28 AM
On this day 233 years ago, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail on the declaration of independence of the United States of America:
I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.
Read the entire exchange here.
.
.
My addenda ..................... ;-)
.
My Colonel sent me this .........................................
'Nuff said .........................
.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
As always, .........................................
Francis Porretto gives no quarter in his assessments .....................
Processes, Birth Certificates, Referenda, And The Rule Of Law
By The Curmudgeon Emeritus
Imagine along with your Curmudgeon for a few moments.
Imagine that it were discovered, incontrovertibly, that Barack Hussein Obama really was born in Kenya, rather than in Hawaii as he alleges. Imagine further that Obama would refuse, even after the discovery was publicized and proved beyond the shadow of a doubt, to relinquish the presidency. Imagine still further that he offers as justification his having won the 2008 presidential election. Would you support or oppose his claim to the authority of the presidency?
You'd oppose it. Of course you would! The qualifications for the presidency, slender as they are, are spelled out explicitly in the Constitution of the United States: Article 2, Section 1, paragraph 4. If Obama cannot satisfy the Supreme Court that he was born in the United States, he cannot hold the presidency, any more than Arnold Schwarzenegger could.
Yet Obama has refused to present a legitimate birth certificate to public scrutiny, despite numerous attempts to get him to do so. The reasons aren't far to seek...but so far, the Supreme Court has failed to act on its duty to compel him to satisfy the constitutional requirements for the highest executive position in the land.
Imagine a bit further: that Obama were to win re-election in 2012, and were then to stand for a third term in 2016. The Constitution, in its 22nd Amendment, forbids exactly that. But Obama could trot out any of a number of rationalizations, including "this ongoing crisis," or his "unprecedented popularity," or whatever your fevered imagination might produce. Would you regard any such justification as adequate to set aside the 22nd Amendment?
No, of course you wouldn't! The Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land, and cannot be altered save by the procedures set forth therein. For Obama to stand for a third term in defiance of the 22nd Amendment's two-term limitation would constitute a coup against the Constitution itself. Impeachment, trial, and conviction be damned; that would be a hangin' offense.
Read the entire here.
.
Processes, Birth Certificates, Referenda, And The Rule Of Law
By The Curmudgeon Emeritus
Imagine along with your Curmudgeon for a few moments.
Imagine that it were discovered, incontrovertibly, that Barack Hussein Obama really was born in Kenya, rather than in Hawaii as he alleges. Imagine further that Obama would refuse, even after the discovery was publicized and proved beyond the shadow of a doubt, to relinquish the presidency. Imagine still further that he offers as justification his having won the 2008 presidential election. Would you support or oppose his claim to the authority of the presidency?
You'd oppose it. Of course you would! The qualifications for the presidency, slender as they are, are spelled out explicitly in the Constitution of the United States: Article 2, Section 1, paragraph 4. If Obama cannot satisfy the Supreme Court that he was born in the United States, he cannot hold the presidency, any more than Arnold Schwarzenegger could.
Yet Obama has refused to present a legitimate birth certificate to public scrutiny, despite numerous attempts to get him to do so. The reasons aren't far to seek...but so far, the Supreme Court has failed to act on its duty to compel him to satisfy the constitutional requirements for the highest executive position in the land.
Imagine a bit further: that Obama were to win re-election in 2012, and were then to stand for a third term in 2016. The Constitution, in its 22nd Amendment, forbids exactly that. But Obama could trot out any of a number of rationalizations, including "this ongoing crisis," or his "unprecedented popularity," or whatever your fevered imagination might produce. Would you regard any such justification as adequate to set aside the 22nd Amendment?
No, of course you wouldn't! The Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land, and cannot be altered save by the procedures set forth therein. For Obama to stand for a third term in defiance of the 22nd Amendment's two-term limitation would constitute a coup against the Constitution itself. Impeachment, trial, and conviction be damned; that would be a hangin' offense.
Read the entire here.
.
On Saturday, 4 July .........................................
Turner Classic Movies will air 1776 - yes, it's a musical, however - it is VERY historically accurate ........................... ImdB is showing the time as 10:15 pm, but doesn't indicate if it's Eastern, Central, Mountain or Pacific time ...........................
If you have the opportunity, and love the U.S.A., it's a GREAT film to watch! ;-)
.
If you have the opportunity, and love the U.S.A., it's a GREAT film to watch! ;-)
.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Here's a lamb* who's made his way home ..................................
Friends mourn Milwaukie fighter pilot who served in three wars
by Rick Bella, The Oregonian
Saturday June 27, 2009, 10:00 AM
CLACKAMAS -- They came by ones and twos Friday, quietly slipping into the pews at New Hope Community Church. They smiled at the words honoring a man whose faith made him an inspiration and whose exploits in three wars made him a hero.
And when the last mournful drone of the bagpipes faded, they said goodbye to Col. Kenneth L. Reusser of Milwaukie, the most decorated U.S. Marine Corps aviator in history.
"He was the finest gentleman I've ever met," said Harley Wedel of Fairview, a fellow Korean War veteran. "I'm really going to miss him."
Reusser flew an amazing 253 combat missions in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was shot down in all three wars -- five times in all. He earned two Navy Crosses, four Purple Hearts and two Legions of Merit among his 59 medals.
In 1945, while based in Okinawa, he stripped down his F4U-4 Corsair fighter and intercepted a Japanese observation plane at an altitude much higher than usual. When his guns froze, he flew his fighter into the observation plane, hacking off its tail with his propeller.
In 1950, while serving in the storied "Black Sheep Squadron," he led an attack on a North Korean tank-repair facility at Inchon, then destroyed an oil tanker -- almost blowing himself out of the sky in the process.
During the Vietnam War, Reusser flew helicopters. He was leading a Marine Air Group in a rescue mission, when his own "Huey" was shot down. He needed skin grafts over 35 percent of his badly burned body.
Reusser was born Jan. 27, 1920, the son of a Cloverdale minister. While still a teenager, he became a committed Christian, which remained a big part of his life.
Reusser lived a "Tom Sawyer-ish" existence, Wedel said, jumping off a barn roof to test a parachute, racing motorcycles to help pay for college and earning a pilot's license before WWII broke out.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, he worked for Lockheed Aircraft and the Piasecki Helicopter Corp.
In recent years, he remained active in veterans groups.
"He had a great sense of humor," said friend Jesse Lott of Milwaukie. "One time, when the great Gen. Chuck Yeager was visiting, we told him about Ken's war record. Yeager just sniffed that he never saw any Marines in Europe.
"Well, when Ken arrived, we told him what Yeager had said," Lott said. "So Ken said, 'Well, if we had been there, it wouldn't have taken you so long to win the war.' Even Yeager laughed."
Reusser, who died June 20 of natural causes at 89, is survived by his wife, Trudy; and sons, Richard C. and Kenneth L. Jr. Interment was in Willamette National Cemetery.
.
*The Whiffenpoof Song was the theme for "Black Sheep Squadron" TV series - lyrics are 'We are poor little lambs, who have lost our way, baa, baa, baa'
.
by Rick Bella, The Oregonian
Saturday June 27, 2009, 10:00 AM
CLACKAMAS -- They came by ones and twos Friday, quietly slipping into the pews at New Hope Community Church. They smiled at the words honoring a man whose faith made him an inspiration and whose exploits in three wars made him a hero.
And when the last mournful drone of the bagpipes faded, they said goodbye to Col. Kenneth L. Reusser of Milwaukie, the most decorated U.S. Marine Corps aviator in history.
"He was the finest gentleman I've ever met," said Harley Wedel of Fairview, a fellow Korean War veteran. "I'm really going to miss him."
Reusser flew an amazing 253 combat missions in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was shot down in all three wars -- five times in all. He earned two Navy Crosses, four Purple Hearts and two Legions of Merit among his 59 medals.
In 1945, while based in Okinawa, he stripped down his F4U-4 Corsair fighter and intercepted a Japanese observation plane at an altitude much higher than usual. When his guns froze, he flew his fighter into the observation plane, hacking off its tail with his propeller.
In 1950, while serving in the storied "Black Sheep Squadron," he led an attack on a North Korean tank-repair facility at Inchon, then destroyed an oil tanker -- almost blowing himself out of the sky in the process.
During the Vietnam War, Reusser flew helicopters. He was leading a Marine Air Group in a rescue mission, when his own "Huey" was shot down. He needed skin grafts over 35 percent of his badly burned body.
Reusser was born Jan. 27, 1920, the son of a Cloverdale minister. While still a teenager, he became a committed Christian, which remained a big part of his life.
Reusser lived a "Tom Sawyer-ish" existence, Wedel said, jumping off a barn roof to test a parachute, racing motorcycles to help pay for college and earning a pilot's license before WWII broke out.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, he worked for Lockheed Aircraft and the Piasecki Helicopter Corp.
In recent years, he remained active in veterans groups.
"He had a great sense of humor," said friend Jesse Lott of Milwaukie. "One time, when the great Gen. Chuck Yeager was visiting, we told him about Ken's war record. Yeager just sniffed that he never saw any Marines in Europe.
"Well, when Ken arrived, we told him what Yeager had said," Lott said. "So Ken said, 'Well, if we had been there, it wouldn't have taken you so long to win the war.' Even Yeager laughed."
Reusser, who died June 20 of natural causes at 89, is survived by his wife, Trudy; and sons, Richard C. and Kenneth L. Jr. Interment was in Willamette National Cemetery.
.
*The Whiffenpoof Song was the theme for "Black Sheep Squadron" TV series - lyrics are 'We are poor little lambs, who have lost our way, baa, baa, baa'
.
Monday, June 29, 2009
I fixed this one a while back ...........................................
Slow Cooker Beef for Sandwiches, but when I mentioned my preps to the FodGuy, he wrinkled his nose & requested I make it with Mexican seasonings - did so {also added fresh jalapenos} - he REALLY liked it - our progeny & I like the Italian version - we ALL like 'em on onion rolls ............................... :;)
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
One of my all-time favorite cartoon/comic characters ................................
is Ziggy: 
One of his classics is around 30 years old, where HE hopes the bluebird of happiness really lays it on you ......................... very similar to this, via Sigmund, Carl and Alfred:
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One of his classics is around 30 years old, where HE hopes the bluebird of happiness really lays it on you ......................... very similar to this, via Sigmund, Carl and Alfred:
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
New blog {to me} ......................................
Found it meandering from The Return of Scipio - check out Let The Truth Be Known
I particularly LOVE this:
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I particularly LOVE this:
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Sunday, June 14, 2009
Thank you, Mr. Pritchett!!
The author, Lou Pritchett, is a well-known public speaker who retired after a successful 36-year career as the VP World Sales for Proctor and Gamble.
Lou Pritchett is one of corporate America 's true living legends- an acclaimed author, dynamic teacher and one of the world's highest rated speakers. Successful corporate executives everywhere recognize him as the foremost leader in change management. Lou changed the way America does business by creating an audacious concept that came to be known as "partnering." Pritchett rose from soap salesman to Vice-President, Sales and Customer Development for Procter and Gamble and over the course of 36 years, made corporate history.
AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA
Dear President Obama:
You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me.
You scare me because after months of exposure, I know nothing about you.
You scare me because I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support.
You scare me because you did not spend the formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally you are not an American.
You scare me because you have never run a company or met a payroll.
You scare me because you have never had military experience, thus don't understand it at its core.
You scare me because you lack humility and 'class', always blaming others.
You scare me because for over half your life you have aligned yourself with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to publicly denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail.
You scare me because you are a cheerleader for the 'blame America' crowd and deliver this message abroad.
You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector.
You scare me because you want to replace our health care system with a government controlled one.
You scare me because you prefer 'wind mills' to responsibly capitalizing on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves.
You scare me because you want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world.
You scare me because you have begun to use 'extortion' tactics against certain banks and corporations.
You scare me because your own political party shrinks from challenging you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals.
You scare me because you will not openly listen to or even consider opposing points of view from intelligent people.
You scare me because you falsely believe that you are both omnipotent and omniscient.
You scare me because the media gives you a free pass on everything you do.
You scare me because you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Relllys and Becks who offer opposing, conservative points of view.
You scare me because you prefer controlling over governing.
Finally, you scare me because if you serve a second term I will probably not feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.
Lou Pritchett
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Here's the link to Snopes.com, verifying/validating this letter - if you read to the end @ Snopes, Mr. Pritchett sent his letter to the NY Times, who didn't see fit to print or even acknowledge the letter.
.
Lou Pritchett is one of corporate America 's true living legends- an acclaimed author, dynamic teacher and one of the world's highest rated speakers. Successful corporate executives everywhere recognize him as the foremost leader in change management. Lou changed the way America does business by creating an audacious concept that came to be known as "partnering." Pritchett rose from soap salesman to Vice-President, Sales and Customer Development for Procter and Gamble and over the course of 36 years, made corporate history.
AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA
Dear President Obama:
You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me.
You scare me because after months of exposure, I know nothing about you.
You scare me because I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support.
You scare me because you did not spend the formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally you are not an American.
You scare me because you have never run a company or met a payroll.
You scare me because you have never had military experience, thus don't understand it at its core.
You scare me because you lack humility and 'class', always blaming others.
You scare me because for over half your life you have aligned yourself with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to publicly denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail.
You scare me because you are a cheerleader for the 'blame America' crowd and deliver this message abroad.
You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector.
You scare me because you want to replace our health care system with a government controlled one.
You scare me because you prefer 'wind mills' to responsibly capitalizing on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves.
You scare me because you want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world.
You scare me because you have begun to use 'extortion' tactics against certain banks and corporations.
You scare me because your own political party shrinks from challenging you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals.
You scare me because you will not openly listen to or even consider opposing points of view from intelligent people.
You scare me because you falsely believe that you are both omnipotent and omniscient.
You scare me because the media gives you a free pass on everything you do.
You scare me because you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Relllys and Becks who offer opposing, conservative points of view.
You scare me because you prefer controlling over governing.
Finally, you scare me because if you serve a second term I will probably not feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.
Lou Pritchett
.
Here's the link to Snopes.com, verifying/validating this letter - if you read to the end @ Snopes, Mr. Pritchett sent his letter to the NY Times, who didn't see fit to print or even acknowledge the letter.
.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
;-) I'll let Chely Wright say it ................................
.
Now, I'm NOT a big country music fan - but sometimes, they just get it RIGHT!!
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The Bumper Of My SUV
Chely Wright
I've got a bright red sticker on the back of my car
Says United States Marines
And yesterday a lady in a mini-van held up a middle finger at me
Does she think she knows what I stand for
Or the things that I believe
Just by looking at a sticker for the US Marines
On The Bumper Of My SUV
See, my brother Chris, he's been in for more than 14 years now
Our dad was in the Navy during Vietnam
Did his duty then he got out
And my grandpa earned his purple heart
On the beach of Normandy
That's why I've got a sticker for the US Marines
On The Bumper Of SUV
But that doesn't mean that I want war
I'm not Republican or Democrat
But I've gone all around this crazy world
Just to try and better understand
Yes I do have questions
I get to ask them because I'm free
That's why I've got a sticker for the US Marines
On the Bumper Of My SUV
Cause I've been to Hiroshima
And I've been to the DMZ
I've walked on the sand in Baghdad
Still don't have all of the answers I need
But I guess I wanna know where she's been
Before she judges and gestures to me
Cause she don't like my sticker
For the US Marines
On the bumper of my SUV
So I hope that lady in her mini-van
Turns on her radio and hears this from me
As she picks up her kids from their private school
And drives home safely on our city streets
Or to the building where her church group meets
Yeah, that's why I've got a sticker for the US Marines
On the bumper of my SUV
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Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Outrage of the day from D.C., ......................................
Our military, in their centuries of existence, have developed some traditions ....................... one of which is the carrying of swords by non-commissioned officers, warrant officers, and commissioned officers - it's a pretty damned sad state of affairs that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is SO paranoid that these young Naval & Marine Corps officers are denied what they, each and every blessed one of them, has EARNED.
Swordless Sailors
And please, before I'm accused of "belligerence" - WHO among the higher-ups in the West Wing/Executive Office Building EVER served this nation in uniform?
As Tevye and his community in Anatevka knew, traditions are GOOD .............................
{And no, I'm not Jewish - but my great-grandparents came to this country (LEGALLY) from Middle Europe, where they lived much like the Jews of Anatevka - and appreciated their traditions ...................)
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Swordless Sailors
And please, before I'm accused of "belligerence" - WHO among the higher-ups in the West Wing/Executive Office Building EVER served this nation in uniform?
As Tevye and his community in Anatevka knew, traditions are GOOD .............................
{And no, I'm not Jewish - but my great-grandparents came to this country (LEGALLY) from Middle Europe, where they lived much like the Jews of Anatevka - and appreciated their traditions ...................)
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Friday, June 5, 2009
'Specially for Gecko & KG ................................... ;-)
maybe someday soon, Boyd will calm down like this ........................ ;-)
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
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see more Lolcats and funny pictures
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Wednesday, June 3, 2009
EXCUSE ME?!?!?!
Check out the link below - but don't bother trying to sign up - THIS is VERY prominently displayed .........................
"Please Complete the Following Enrollment Form:
"This service is not available in the United States"
"Truth" and "Transparency", my aching a$$!!!
Link. Nevermind that he's currently bragging about his Muslim roots - but WE are not to question where his loyalties lie?
Lying sacks of fecal matter ......................
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"Please Complete the Following Enrollment Form:
"This service is not available in the United States"
"Truth" and "Transparency", my aching a$$!!!
Link. Nevermind that he's currently bragging about his Muslim roots - but WE are not to question where his loyalties lie?
Lying sacks of fecal matter ......................
.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Lots of places around the 'Net discussing the Tiller murder .................................
WARNING: Do NOT click on the link @ work, or if there are children or "delicate types" around - VERY GRAPHIC!!!
several sites are linking to The Abortion Gallery - VERY upsetting photos {I couldn't watch too much of the video} - but I damn well DARE anyone to view those pictures & tell me "it's just a mass of tissue" ........................ I don't agree with the murder of Tiller; I didn't celebrate Saddam Hussein's execution - but I certainly won't be losing any sleep over either of their deaths ........................ I will, however, keep
2 Army hometown recruiters in my thoughts - THEIR murderer/attempted murderer "appears to have been upset with the military, the Army" - on his own, personal jihad, perhaps?
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several sites are linking to The Abortion Gallery - VERY upsetting photos {I couldn't watch too much of the video} - but I damn well DARE anyone to view those pictures & tell me "it's just a mass of tissue" ........................ I don't agree with the murder of Tiller; I didn't celebrate Saddam Hussein's execution - but I certainly won't be losing any sleep over either of their deaths ........................ I will, however, keep
2 Army hometown recruiters in my thoughts - THEIR murderer/attempted murderer "appears to have been upset with the military, the Army" - on his own, personal jihad, perhaps?
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