Happy Hour

"IF A LIFETIME CAN BE LIKENED TO A DAY, THEN THIS IS HAPPY HOUR!"
BUCK PENNINGTON

Mother, Mother Ocean

Mother, Mother Ocean, I've heard you call
Wanted to sail upon your waters since I was three feet tall
You've seen it all, you've seen it all
Watched the men who rode you, switch from sails to steam
In your belly you hold the treasures, few have ever seen
Most of 'em dream, most of 'em dream
Yes, I am a pirate, two hundred year's too late
The cannons don't thunder, there's nothin' to plunder
I'm an over-forty victim of fate
Arriving too late, arriving too late

Yoda

"Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is."
―Yoda, to Luke Skywalker

Counted the Stars

Counted the stars on the 4th of July
Wishing we were rockets bursting in the sky
Talking about redemption and leaving things behind
I have these pictures and I keep these photographs
To remind me of a time
These pictures and these photographs
Let me know I'm doin' fine
We used to be so happy once upon a time
Once upon a time
But the sun sank west of the Mendocino County Line
And the sun sank west of the Mendocino County Line


""SOME SEE A GLASS AS HALF FULL, SOME SEE IT AS HALF EMPTY, I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHO’S DRINKING MY RUM."
Rumbear

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

More Lego Pr0n

This is a Rolls Royce Trent 1000 high bypass turbofan engine as used on large wide body airliners.
This particular example is a 1/2 half scale made from Legos.


LEGO Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Jet Engine
 Even the display stand is made of Legos. Pretty dang cool ain't it!
http://laughingsquid.com/lego-rolls-royce-trent-1000-jet-engine/

Lego Battleship

I saw this at facebook.
There was the usual comments about too much time on the individual's hands.
There were also very positive comments, mine included.
This took some serious thought and planning.
It is a Yamato Class from the IJN.
It has some really good detail  including the Chrysanthemum on the bow.

Monday, July 30, 2012

A Request from my Friend Cindy Barrow

Cindy has that wonderful blog, Snigs' Spot.
She has this request in her post.
Copied in it's entirety.

If you have a spare dollar or two, please consider making a donation to CJ’s Warriors.
CJ is a child with leukemia…a really sweet kid who has been one helluva trooper throughout his treatments.
I went to school with his Dad and they’re good folks.
I’ve signed up to walk, as have my kids.  So my family is trying to raise at least $300 in contributions.  If you get to the site & don’t know my name or my kids’ names, shoot me a message & I’ll hook you up.
I don’t ask for much, but this could mean a real difference in a child’s life.
Thanks.

I thank all for any assistance that can be rendered. 
ORPO Sends. 

Rule 5 News Special Report:

Women's Water Polo Anyone? (Updated by Bob Belvedere)
This beauty was at The Camp Of The Saints, the aforementioned Bob Belvedere, Proprietor.
Not your regular, run of the mill Rule 5 post. Nope. Not even close.
http://thecampofthesaints.org/2012/07/30/rule-5-news-special-report-womens-water-polo-anyone/#comment-33485

A slightly different Oympic story. The Dutch women's field hockey team

Dutch field hockey gains worldwide attention for reasons beyond field hockey.This was the caption at Yahoo.com.

One of those............alrighty then moments. 

That being said they are attractive young ladies to say the least. A bit of athletic Rule Five for all to enjoy..........or not.

Better than some of the stories coming out of the games, from my point of view.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/olympics-fourth-place-medal/dutch-field-hockey-popular-reasons-beyond-field-hockey-232321640--oly.html 

 

Sunday, July 29, 2012

The Brigade: Daily Afternoon Randomness


 Good stuff here on this one.
Samples to pique your interest. I had a rather boring day even though I did a run to Palmdale and Lancaster. Walmart, K-Mart, Lowe's and Harbor Freight along with lunch at Panda Express.
Random_B-07_26_12-500-18


Random_B-07_26_12-500-0



Random_B-07_26_12-500-39

Keep Calm. Chive On.

http://thebrigade.thechive.com/2012/07/26/daily-afternoon-randomness-46-photos/

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Bombardier to halt production of Learjet 60 XR; 275 jobs at risk

Seems the Model 60 has run it's course.
Over 400 of the type delivered and in service since 1993.
Jerry Jones of Dallas Cowboys fame has one. N1DC with the ubiquitous Cowboy Helmet on the vertical stab.
275 jobs at stake with this. I got laid off twice at Bombardier-Learjet. The second time had me out on the ballast trains.
The corporate aircraft world is at times, volatile.
The link is from The Wichita Eagle.
http://www.kansas.com/2012/07/26/2422475/bombardier-to-halt-production.html
The Learjet 60 Final Assembly at Bombardier Learjet.
I used to work in this very building from April 1998 to February 2004 with a four month lay off December 2002 to March 2003.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

IT'S SO HOT

From my friend Patsy Badger
This one is funny!
..... birds are using potholders to pull up worms
..... trees are whistling for the dogs
..... the best parking places are determined by shade instead of distance
..... hot water runs from both taps.
..... sun tea is made in seconds
..... you learn a seat belt buckle is a pretty good branding iron
..... when the temperature drops below 90°, you feel a little chilly
..... you discover that it only takes two fingers to steer your car in June
..... you find out you can get sunburned through a car window
..... you burn your hand opening the car door
..... you break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 A.M.
..... your biggest fear in a motorcycle wreck is, "What if I’m unconscious, end up lying on the pavement, and cook to death?"
..... you learn asphalt has a liquid stage.
..... potatoes cook in the ground – just pull one up and add butter for a meal
..... the cows give evaporated milk
..... farmers are feeding chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard boiled eggs.

Getting Back on Track in Reference to The Republic

From my friend Pam McKinney from Angel's Camp, California. 
She is a devout Christian Mother of two grown children and a firm believer in The Constitution as it was written and die hard conservative. 
  • We have one shot to get this train back on the right track....VOTING OUT OBAMA. I am not a fan of Romney, however, he IS the GOP candidate and he IS our only hope to get the phony-in-chief out of here. There are a lot of Ron Paul's beliefs I agree with, some not so, however, America has evolved since 1776 and there has to be some tweaking when a nation grows. But, America must stop at tyranny, socialism (entitlements), life-choking rules & regulations (EPA), excessive taxation. Why do we insist on a govt budget? To know how much to collect from the citizens to pay the necessary bills! (military, roads, and post offices) I do not espouse "Republican views" just to be Republican. I am a true "republican" in the sense that all men are created equal, we all have the same God-given rights to be free (and that means free from a taxing, law-threatening, dictatorial govt, too), but we MUST live within boundaries to remain sovereign. Just letting everyone run willy-nilly without any restraints will bring utter chaos. Just as in having a smooth running home there are house rules...same with living in our country - country rules. I don't believe we need big govt pulling us around by the nose, tho, with excessive taxes, rules & regulations, laws...and we have allowed ourselves to become governed when it is WE who are to govern our govt. Vote responsibly....on all levels of Congress.
     
    Pam.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

There was a family event

On this past Wednesday, the 18th, something finally happened.
My wife is one of four sisters. All of them were together with spouses/significant others for the first time, ever.
Considering we have all been together/married for thirty plus years...................
Not kids anymore, OK. All of us are well over fifty and Debbie's fella, Ralph is closing in on seventy.
We had our eldest grand daughter and Terry and Warren had their grandson Carson.
Good company and good food along with Hector on guitar.
So without further ado..............


Ralph and Debbie

Sharon and Yours Truly

Terry and Warren

Terry, Warren and Carson

Jerri and Hector

The Missus and I with Bailee


Front: L-R, Debbie, Sharon, Terry, Jerry. Back: L-R, Ralph, Me, Warren, Hector




Friday, July 20, 2012

Aurora, Colorado today

From my friend at Right in a Left World, Lew Waters.
This is far better than I can do today.
http://rightinaleftworld.blogspot.com/2012/07/malfeasance-of-jurassic-media-on-yet.html

....In the wake of the erroneous ABC report, the Colorado Tea Party released the following statement:

“The Colorado Tea Party Patriots and the Tea Party Patriots are saddened to hear of the death and wounding of theater goers in Aurora, Colorado. The member of the Colorado Tea Party Patriots, Jim Holmes, age 52 is not the same person who has been identified as the shooter.”

“The attempts of some media organizations to characterize the shooter as a Tea Party member without having made any effort to contact our organization are shameless and reprehensible.”
“Shameless and reprehensible” is the least of what comes to mind. Whether a result of an effort to scoop others or a deliberate attempt to create a negative link, it is irresponsible and must be stopped. There is no excuse for these continuing false linkage claims to the Tea Party or conservatives in America.

The claims are lies and the media should not be permitted to hide behind their first amendment right to “freedom of the press.”....

Thursday, July 19, 2012

...The Day The Arrow Died...

This was a facebook post on an aircraft nut page by my friend Mike 'Pockets' Gantwerger. Mike is from Canada. To some in that country, this is still viewed as a travesty.

It's the closest thing Canadian industry has to a love story and a murder mystery. The Avro Arrow, a sleek white jet interceptor developed in Malton, Ontario in the 1950s...... It might have become the fastest plane in the world, our best defence against Soviet bombers, the catalyst to propel Canada to the forefront of the aviation industry. Instead, it became a $400-million pile of scrap metal.





After four years of work by 14,000 people, the first Avro Arrow is wheeled out of a hangar in Malton, Ont. on Oct. 4, 1957. A huge crowd is on hand to marvel at the sleek white craft. But the Arrow's timing turns out to be disastrous: the Soviet Union launches the Sputnik 1 satellite the same day, diverting attention from the Arrow and prompting some Canadians to begin rethinking the country's approach to strategic defence.
On 20 February 1959- the Avro Arrow's cancellation was announced. The day became known as "Black Friday" in the Canadian aviation industry

The government... has made a thorough examination in the light of all the information available concerning the probable nature of the threats to... North America in the future years, the alternative means of defence against such threats, and the estimated cost thereof. The conclusion arrived at is that the development of the Arrow aircraft and Iroquois engine should be terminated now.
Prime Minister Diefenbaker addressing the House of Commons, 20 February 1959

On Black Friday all Avro Arrow aircraft were attacked by chainsaws and blow torches which reduced the sleek supersonic interceptors to small bits of metal….all blueprints, paperwork , correspondence, microfilm and any paper trail even remotely associated to the Arrow project was destroyed.

The sad irony of it all is, two years after black Friday, the RCAF took possession of 66 used McDonnell F-101 Voodoo jet fighters from the United States to fill its need for a supersonic interceptor.

Due to the sudden loss of their jobs, Thirty-three Avro engineers and scientists were recruited by NASA, and went on to help develop the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs.

That day, Canada lost a lot more than 6 Jets….it lost a piece of its soul.

There is a myth that perpetuates to this day that one of the test pilots stole an Arrow before it was destroyed, and flew it to an undisclosed location. Some believe that somewhere in Canada is a barn that houses the last remaining Arrow. Truly the stuff of legends.
 

Growing Up with Audie Murphy

The link is to an article at voices.yahoo.com. The Author is JP Sloane. JP is the husband of a good friend of mine, Lainie.

It is very good and gives another view of a man many of us hold as an American Hero.
I hope all will enjoy it.
Growing Up with Audie Murphy

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Current WX Radar for Southern Cal

This is sort of centered on Edwards AFB. Note the strong activity east of Barstow.
I wish it would move our way!
Some rain in The SE Kern County Desert would be welcome.
http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/southern-california/weather-radar?play=true
Of course you can always click on the AccuWeather Widget over on the right, there..............

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Hot

I just checked the Intellicast site.It is currently 107 degrees in California City.
HOT!
The low forecast for tomorrow morning is 78!
HOT!
Came home early after tossing my lunch.
Not a good day all around.
HOT!

Sunday, July 08, 2012

Theo Spark: Ernest Borgnine Has Died

Theo Spark: Ernest Borgnine Has Died: And he was 95 and was still making movies --- at age 95! What a life. And what a great American. Click the link for the obituary, interviews, and video: "Ernest Borgnine: 1917-2012."

My generation will remember him as LCDR Quentin McHale from McHale's Navy. It was part of my childhood years.
He was one of us.........A Shipmate.
God keep his family and hold them.
 Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate.



25th Anniversary Celebration

Our Friends Dutch and Shelley celebrated there 25th yesterday at San Onofre Beach at MCB Camp Pendleton.
It was an awesome day in So Cal for such an event.
Missus ORPO did up the cake. It was a major hit!!!!!!!!!!!!!













Friday, July 06, 2012

Oceanside Beach and Pier

Took the Missus and Grand Daughter to the pier and beach for lunch today.
The place was Ruby's. Spendy burger joint but really good!








The sun was finally shining today!

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Independence Day

To all.
I send the best wishes for a splendid Independence Day.
I served aboard a ship named Independence for three years.
I know what that means.................
For twenty years.............
May The Almighty Bless You All..........................

Sunday, July 01, 2012

25 years ago

30 June 1987.
The Good Ship Kitty Hawk arrived at Pier 7, Naval Station Norfolk VA.
We had completed a six month around the world cruise with Carrier Air Wing Nine embarked. I was a member of that Air Wing, in Attack Squadron 147, The Argonauts.
It turned out to be my last deployment to the other side of the world.
Dang, how time flies.
Twenty Five Years ago...............................I was 32 and my kids were still in grade school.
The picture is of the Battle Group somewhere in The Indian Ocean/Northern Arabian Sea area of operations. All the vessels in this picture are in yards, ship maintenance facilities and the like. The Navy is a lot different now days.

I will not go down and tell my children I didn't have the courage, the conviction, the commitment or the character to fight for this country...Don't go home and let your children down~~ LTC Allen West

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus

‎"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.("Therefore, he who desires peace, let him prepare for war")" from "Epitoma Rei Militaris," by Vegetius (Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus)