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Sunday, February 28, 2010

We're Back From Florida

Ever notice how the drive home seems to take longer than the time getting there?

The Boss was like an ice cube for the vast majority of the trip. She had fingers, legs and butt like a frozen turkey. She finally warmed up yesterday when we retrieved Amber (Siberian Husky) from the kennel where she was staying. She was colder in Florida with temperatures in the 40s and 50s than she's been since coming home to temperatures in the 30s. I will admit that the temperature here, though colder, feels warmer to me as well.

As usual we brought more back than we had with us when we left. The Boss had to get presents for all the grand-kids, and I got 2 things for myself. I got a ball cap at Stone Mountain and a Mickey Mouse watch in Orlando.

The ball cap simply says Stone Mountain on the front, inviting humorous comments about what's inside my skull. I wanted one from Rock City, but they didn't have any that just said Rock City.

The watch has a more utilitarian purpose. Where I'm presently working I get exposed to some magnetic fields. I prefer analog watches, but they don't like magnetic fields, so my new watch is digital. Being of the Mickey Mouse variety is just for fun.
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In all of Florida I never once saw a sign forbidding the carrying of firearms. I guess that's not too surprising since Florida started the ball rolling with shall issue laws.

Even the Kennedy Space Center didn't say no to guns, though everyone went through a metal detector. Their sign said no to coolers, sharp objects and knives, but didn't mention guns. I left mine locked in the truck anyway. Wouldn't want to scare the sheep you know.

As I sit here typing this at home, I feel a little light on my hip. Except for the space center I've had a gun on me for 15 days. Kinda got used to it.

A Dry Run

What you will read below is copied from an e-mail that seems to be making the rounds. I present it without comment.


I, Gene Hackemack, received this email from my good friend Tedd Petruna, a diver at the NBL facility [Neutral Buoyancy Lab], at NASA Houston, whom I used to work with. Tedd happened to be on this same Flt. 297, Atlanta to Houston.

Here is Tedd Petruna's e-mail

One week ago, I went to Ohio on business and to see my father. On Tuesday, November the 17th, I returned home. If you read the papers the 18th you may have seen a blurb where a AirTran flight was cancelled from Atlanta to Houston due to a man who refused to get of his cell phone before takeoff. It was on Fox.

This was NOT what happened.

I was in 1st class coming home. 11 Muslim men got on the plane in full attire. 2 sat in 1st class and the rest peppered themselves throughout the plane all the way to the back. As the plane taxied to the runway the stewardesses gave the safety spiel
we are all so familiar with. At that time, one of the men got on his cell and called one of his companions in the back and proceeded to talk on the phone in Arabic very loudly and very aggressively. This took the 1st stewardess out of the picture for she repeatedly told the man that cell phones were not permitted at the time. He ignored her as if she was not there.

The 2nd man who answered the phone did the same and this took out the 2nd stewardess.

In the back of the plane at this time, 2 younger Muslims, one in the back, isle, and one in front of him, window, began to show footage of a porno they had taped the night before,and were very loud about it. Now..they are only permitted to do this prior to Jihad. If a Muslim man goes into a strip club, he has to view the woman via mirror with his back to her. (don't ask me..I don't make the rules, but I've studied) The 3rd stewardess informed them that they were not to have electronic devices on at this time. To which one of the men said "shut up infidel dog!" She went to take the camcorder and he began to scream in her face in Arabic. At that exact moment, all 11 of them got up and started to walk the cabin. This is where I had had enough! I got up and started to the back where I heard a voice behind me from another Texan twice my size say "I got your back." I grabbed the man who had been on the phone by the arm and said "you WILL go sit down or you Will be thrown from this plane!" As I "led" him around me to take his seat, the fellow Texan grabbed him by the back of his neck and his waist and headed out with him. I then grabbed the 2nd man and said, "You WILL do the same!" He protested but adrenaline was flowing now and he was going to go. As I escorted him forward the plane doors open and 3 TSA agents and 4 police officers entered. Me and my new Texan friend were told to cease and desist for they had this under control.

I was happy to oblige actually. There was some commotion in the back, but within moments, all 11 were escorted off the plane. They then unloaded their luggage. We talked about the occurrence and were in disbelief that it had happen, when suddenly, the door open again and on walked all 11!! Stone faced, eyes front and robotic (the only way I can describe it).

The stewardess from the back had been in tears and when she saw this, she was having NONE of it! Being that I was up front, I heard and saw the whole ordeal. She told the TSA agent there was NO WAY she was staying on the plane with these men. The agent told her they had searched them and were going to go through their luggage with a fine tooth comb and that they were allowed to proceed to Houston. The captain and co-captain came out and told the agent "we and our crew will not fly this plane!" After a word or two, the entire crew, luggage in tow, left the plane. 5 minutes later, the cabin door opened again and a whole new crew walked on.

Again...this is where I had had enough!!! I got up and asked "What the hell is going on!?!?" I was told to take my seat. They were sorry for the delay and I would be home shortly. I said "I'm getting off this plane". The stewardess sternly told me that she could not allow me to get off. (now I'm mad!) I said "I am a grown man who bought this ticket, who's time is mine with a family at home and
I am going through that door, or I'm going through that door with you under my
arm!! But I am going through that door!!" And I heard a voice behind me say "so am
I". Then everyone behind us started to get up and say the same.

Within 2 minutes, I was walking off that plane where I was met with more agents who asked me to write a statement. I had 5 hours to kill at this point so why the hell not. Due to the amount of people who got off that flight, it was cancelled. I was supposed to be in Houston at 6pm. I got here at 12:30am.

Look up the date. Flight 297 Atlanta to Houston.

If this wasn't a dry run, I don't know what one is. The terrorists wanted to see how TSA would handle it, how the crew would handle it, and how the passengers would handle it. I'm telling this to you because I want you to know..

The threat is real. I saw it with my own eyes..

Tedd Petruna

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Anti-Gun . . . Mostly

As I mentioned below, my niece was freaked when she saw that I was carrying a gun. She even asked if I was continually afraid that my life is in danger, and wouldn't listen to my reasons for carrying. A couple days later I saw 2 silhouette targets in her house with holes. Apparently she was target practicing with her father's 38 special revolver.

She doesn't like guns, and fails to see a reason to carry, but at least she recognizes they are practical tools for defense. Her marksmanship wasn't half bad, especially for someone that dislikes guns.

My other Florida niece has been introduced to shotguns and clay birds. According to all reports she's a natural and her hubby is thinking of buying her one all her own. It'll double as a sporting and home defense weapon. Her hubby also asked for my opinion regards getting a .357 for packing in the outdoors. I agreed it is a good choice with heavy bullets for the smallish black bears and such here in the south, and that it can also do duty for defense against 2 legged creatures with 125 grain hollow points. I believe that household will become gun owners in the near future.

New Nuclear Plants . . . Probably Not

Our fearless, socialist leader recently announced government backed loans for new nuclear power plants. I don't have much of a problem with that because I'm in favor of nuclear power, but I doubt those plants will be built.

I'm guessing at the time frame, maybe 10-15 years ago, a nuclear plant was started along the Ohio River. One of the inspectors also did pressure vessel inspections for my employer at the time. He told me that the wonderful government bureaucracy kept changing the rules as the plant was being constructed, thus running up the costs because of required redesigns and rebuilds. Based on what he told me, there were no good reasons for the continual rule changes. In the end the power plant was converted to coal because of the government.

If that pattern of behavior continues, there will not be any new nuclear plants regardless what the Great O says. Beside, with today's technology I don't see a problem with coal powered electric plants. We still have abundant coal, and there's no issue with nuclear waste to deal with.

Monday, February 22, 2010

KSC

We spent the day at the Kennedy Space Center. I had always thought that Canaveral was renamed as KSC, but I was wrong. Canaveral launches unmanned payloads, while KSC launches manned missions. Late this summer will be the final shuttle mission, and nothing after that. They've started on something better, but funding was left off the budget this year. Looks like US manned space flight is over for the foreseeable future.

If interested in space flight, or even other technologies, KSC in an interesting place to visit. Unfortunately the Boss was bored most of the time. Being an engineer I enjoyed myself.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

At The Beach

Hello from Cocoa Beach Florida. We'll be spending 3 nights and 2 days here just a bit south of the Kennedy Space Center. In the morning we're heading on up to the space center for a look-see.

The temperature finally reached the point of satisfying the Boss. We walked along the waters edge of the beach, and I actually started to sweat a little. There was some noticeable eye candy, and others that made my eyes burn from the horror. Some people, male and female, should remain fully clothed when in public.

And there's a significant difference in the quality of sea food compared to Ohio.

Yeah, and a tub big enough for two, combined with a bottle of wine is good for the soul, and other things.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Carry

Before leaving on vacation, the Boss started looking for a concealed carry bag for her Firestorm. She feels that's the best carry method for her. Within 15 minutes of our home we are blessed to have 3 nice gun shops and 1 very nice indoor range. Being a bit picky about such things, she hasn't found the right purse for her weapon of choice. She's one of those women that will always wear clothing not conducive to carry on her person.

So far here in this area of central Florida we've visited 4 gun shops, and they have no concealed carry purses of any kind. The shops in this area are small and with very little inventory by comparison.

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So a bunch of us are sitting around an open fire the other night when my great-nephew asked if I carried a gun. I replied that yes I carry most of the time, when not on the job at work. He asked if I had a gun on me right then. I replied in the affirmative. He then asked to see it, so I un-holstered my 45, unloaded it and then handed it to him. My niece, his mother, freaked-out not because I handed her 18 year old son an unloaded weapon, but because she could actually see the weapon. I've seen this response before and recognize the phenomena, but I may never understand it.

Lock-Up

As of today we've been away for about a week. The last few days have been spent being generally lazy, with a few trips to the local flea markets and sitting around and staring into an open wood fire. We've had a good time visiting with relatives.

This morning was OK until we left the prison. When my sister moved to Florida in the 70s she married a man with custody of 2 children. My sister had 1, then together they had 1 more. My brother-in-law's son, from the previous marriage, has spent 23 years of his 40 years of life in prison. He was sentenced to 25 years to life for his part in the killing of an elderly man. He seemed to have genuinely changed, claiming, and putting on a good show about having found religion. Can he be a changed person? Is it possible for someone that messed up? I don't know. He appears to be different and trying to turn his life around, or is it a big con-game? If he ever gets out, we'll see.

The Boss, a better person than I could ever be, has been sharing letters with him for a few years. We are here so she had to go see him. I've never visited someone in jail before today. It's an experience I can't quite describe. When we left I felt very sad for him. My eyes misted heavily, but I also know he should, and is paying for a terrible act.

But for the grace of God, and a wonderful woman, I could've been him.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Days 2 & 3

Yesterday we visited Ruby Falls and Rock City, while it was snowing, then the aquarium in Chattanooga.

On a clear day you're supposed to see 7 states from Rock City atop Lookout Mountain. Not yesterday. With the snow and fog we had trouble seeing the base of the mountain. Though it was interesting walking the trails in the snow. Ruby falls was nice and the aquarium was nicer than I thought it would've been. By the end of the day, my arthritis was complaining.

Today we're just outside Atlanta near Rock Mountain. We enjoyed the scenery and the museum. Then we drove into Atlanta to see what Underground Atlanta is all about. It was kinda interesting, but it's targeted to the young and the nightclub bunch. Not exactly what hits home with us. After driving into Atlanta and back, even missing rush hour, my desire to stay away from large cities was definitely reinforced.

After taking our fill of southern style barbecued ribs, we're going to chill here in the room. Tomorrow we're off to Lakeland Florida where my sister lives.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

First Stop Going South

We're spending the night in Chattanooga, Tn. Ran through some light snow flurries in Kentucky and northern Tn. that had no effect on road conditions. The rocks that were carved out for I75, through what passes for mountains in this part of the country, have impressive looking ice formations. I thought we might hit snowy roads so we're driving the 4x4 PU instead of the Boss's Taurus. The Taurus averages 28mpg on trips like this and the truck gets 20-22. So we'll spend a little more on fuel, but feel more secure.

Tomorrow we're going to Lookout Mountain and visit Rock City and Ruby Falls. It's rather chilly (just below freezing) so we'll need to dress warm, especially for Rock City. It's at the top of Lookout Mountain, and if my old memory is correct, it'll be a bit breezy to go with the sub-freezing temperatures.

Our room has a Jacuzzi large enough for 2. The Boss brought some wine, so I anticipate a nice evening.

The Boss decided to leave her new handgun at home. That was a good decision because it's never been fired. Even if she wanted to bring it, I would've suggested the Walther PPK 32 instead. She's, as usual, relying on me for her personal protection. I'm, as usual, carrying my Kimber 45 and I packed the little Keltec 380.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Going South

We're following the snow birds, at least for a couple of weeks. In the morning we're heading for land south of the Mason-Dixon. Our first stop will be Lookout Mountain near the Tennessee-Georgia border. We haven't been there since the boys were in grade school.

Expect posting to continue light for a while.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Scarry As All Hell

Obama administration has adopted the Bush policy of targeting selected American citizens for assassination if they are deemed (by the Executive Branch) to be Terrorists.

That's probably the most frightening article I've ever read in my life.

To Help Others - - Or Not

I know it's extremely dangerous to generalize any group of people . . . So I'll do it anyway.

It's been my experience that long time Democrats think it's the governments job to help others in need. My father-in-law is that way when it comes to strangers. He'd help the Boss and me, for the Boss's sake, but he wouldn't walk across the street to give a dying man a glass of water.

Republicans on the other hand tend to be more personally giving. They don't rely on government to do what they can do themselves. My father for instance bought a hungry man dinner and on another occasion payed for a tank of gasoline for someone in need. Those two instances I personally witnessed, and I'm sure there's more.

We absolutely need more people like this police officer in our world.

The officer then ran to Walmart, bought a few dozen frozen pizzas — at his own expense — and delivered them to the man’s house

Sunday, February 7, 2010

On Palin

Last night a saw Palin give a speech at the TEA party convention. There were a few things that struck me about what she said and how she said it.

Her views of this country and the world are extremely close to my own views.

She appears to be a down to earth person taking advantage of her situation to promote her views.

Her speech focused way too much on the negatives of our government and not enough on the details of how to change it.

As a public speaker she lacks polish. If she had a little more southern evangelist/used car salesman in her, she'd go farther politically. But then again, she might lose trust that way.

If I again hear the phrase "common sense" I might puke. Whether it's from her or some sleaze-bag, how can that term survive in a country that has none.

The Boss asked if I'd vote for her for president. I think I would. She seems to have the ability to think for herself, believes in the Constitution as written, and etc.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Crazy Woman?

Now that I've spent a couple of hours blowing snow, and had lunch, I thought we'd head on over to the indoor range. The Boss's new toy is still a virgin and we need to take care of that neglect. She shook her head "no" to my suggestion. She started taking Lyrica again for her fibromyalgia and she says it's making her head swim like a crazy woman. Being the sweet loving husband that I am, I said "so what's different?".

Global Warming

Al Gore must've flown over the area last night in a chartered jet. He must have because we received about 12 inches of global warming last night.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Got a Laugh I Did

Thanks to these 2 pictures I found over at the Boomer's place. You can find them here and here.

So When

do we start calling this a depression? What's the magic threshold? And do we use real unemployment numbers or the government cooked variety?

The Savior and his comedy court keep telling us the economy is getting better but we keep on losing jobs by the thousands each and every month. The unemployment figures, even if true, only count those receiving unemployment compensation, so the real numbers are much higher, estimated by some to be around 17%. And if the Savior has his way, we've only seen the beginning.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Third Party ??

I hear the tea party people had a national convention recently.

Could this be the early growth of a viable third party?

Third partys have been rather pathetic in the past. Maybe The People haven't been pissed enough before now. My truck has a sign that reads "FIRE THE FED GOV'T". I'm certainly pissed enough.

More Popular

In the last 2 days I learned about the guy mentioned below, met another co-worker that hunts and owns several firearms for pleasure and protection, had 2 co-workers tell me that their wives threatened divorce if a gun was brought home, and a co-op student from a local university asked my opinion about buying a rifle for target shooting. The student presently does not own a gun. I've become a little popular since my gunnie status has gotten around.

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This morning the lead R&D Engineer gave me a complement on a job well done with designing a tool. One of the maintenance technicians was caught by surprise. He commented that the R&D guy never compliments anybody.

Then the same technician mentioned he's glad that I'm there, and a c0-op student engineer asked for help because the R&D guy said I was a good resource. Damn, it's nice to be appreciated and good to feel useful.

Sure hope I manage to live up to the hype.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Something in Common

Over the last couple of days I found out that a co-worker has 7 ARs, is a certified instructor in all NRA disciplines except muzzle loaders, shoots USPSA matches at least once a month, has taken force on force training, and he carries a full sized 1911 (when not at work). He takes this stuff s-e-r-i-o-u-s-l-y.

It's a good thing we don't work side by side, or we'd get nothing done. The only thing gabbier than a couple of women is a couple of gun nuts.

Monday, February 1, 2010

I Think He's Dead

This is the Boss's target after shooting the rental gun. See the post below.

I think that's respectable for not having fired a gun in several years, her first time at an indoor range, a gun type she's never fired before, right handed and left eye dominant, and with 2 surgically repaired hands.

If she shoots even half as often as I do, she'd be out shooting me in no time. That's how it worked before, 20 years ago.