Eighteen Years Ago, Today with some good news!

Official date of Transfer to the Fleet Reserve.
Retired from active service on this date in 1993. Has it been that long? I guess so.
My kids were in school from junior high to sophomore in high school. Now there are five grandchildren.
That also means that on the 29th of September, yesterday, was the thirty eighth anniversary of my enlistment in The United States Navy.

And on a more current note..............
My Doc called with the results of Monday's CT scan...............
Clear. Nothing showing other than what is supposed to be there.........
Yay!!!!!

Edwards AFB Test Squadron Played Key Role in Getting Raptors Back in the Air

This was at Key Aero.
Details have been released of the work undertaken by the 411th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB to get the USAF's F-22 Raptors back in the air after a four-month grounding.
This is about the On board Oxygen Generating system used in lieu of the traditional liquid oxygen converters.
The rest is at the link.
http://www.key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=4133&thisSection=military

AirPigz: Boeing Hands First 787 Dreamliner Keys To ANA (+ CoolPix)

 It's way behind schedule but still light years ahead of anything else in the commercial sky... the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is finally delivered to launch customer ANA (All Nippon Airways) and you can watch the official delivery ceremony at noon eastern time by following the link above. The keys to this first 787 may have actually been handed over on Sunday as the paperwork was signed to get both the airline closer to scheduled Dreamliner service and the airframer in the 787 delivery business.


http://airpigz.com/blog/2011/9/25/boeing-hands-first-787-dreamliner-keys-to-ana-coolpix.html

Sather sets tone for Winter Classic with remarks

For us Hockey Fans. That being me and Buck, anyway!!!!!!
The Winter Classic is set.
The New York Rangers versus the Philadelphia Flyers. Original Six team and Second Six team. Pretty good match up. Bit of a grudge, eh.
It is scheduled for January 2, 2012.
I do believe that there will be a get together with a few of my friends with chips, dip, hot smokies and high quality malt beverages!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pond Hockey on the ultimate level!!!!!!!!
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=589913

CT Scan

Got home a little while ago.
The scan went OK. The radiology tech was a cute and adorable little gal. Navy Brat!!!!!!!
The prep as it were, on the other hand, was not so good. I had to take two oral contrasts. They were in sixteen ounce cups! I showed at 0800 and took them over the next two hours for a 1000 scan that turned into 1100 plus!!!!!!!!
Side effect of these two things..................the runs.....................and I do mean runs................
Results will be at my Doc's on Thursday...............the wait.............or the weight(apologies to The Band)

NO CAPTION NEEDED...

ALa at Blonde Sagacity had this one up.

http://mobyrebuttal.blogspot.com/2011/09/no-caption-needed.html

Down burst dust storm from Thursday, 22 September 2011

These were taken last Thursday afternoon. The weather changed rather fast with this one. 

Magnitude 3.3 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2011 September 25 18:23:34 UTC

• 12 km (8 miles) NE (37°) from Santa Clarita, CA
• 14 km (9 miles) NE (45°) from Saugus, CA
• 17 km (10 miles) NNE (33°) from Newhall, CA
• 53 km (33 miles) NNW (342°) from Los Angeles Civic Center, CA
• Not too far from where we live. 

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsus/Quakes/ci11012333.html

The C-5 Galaxy is freaking huge (25 HQ Photos)

Another fine photo set from The Brigade.
Includes a couple of rather attractive young ladies!!!!!!!!! Always room for a little Rule 5!

http://thebrigade.thechive.com/2011/09/20/the-c-5-galaxy-is-freaking-huge-25-hq-photos/

If there’s dust in your eyes, picture these girls (36 Photos)

Some really nice Rule Five for a balmy day in the High Desert!
Got one to get ya started!!!!!!!
Courtesy of The Brigade!

The as always lovely Miss Simpson!!!!!!!

http://thebrigade.thechive.com/2011/09/18/if-theres-dust-in-your-eyes-picture-these-girls-36-photos/?obref=obinsite

A picture is worth a thousand words

Got this from a friend at Facebook.
It is funny, poignant and down right spot on.

Makes one go..........hmmmmmmm

Last Lot 9 Raptor Rolls Off the Line: key.Aero, Military Aviation

Last Lot 9 Raptor Rolls Off the Line: key.Aero, Military Aviation

Sad news indeed. Especially considering the state of the world at present.

How The Human Mind Works: Stormbringer

In the picture below, we analyze what it represents to some groups of people.



The rest is at the link!!!!!!!!
H/T to Stormbringer.
http://stormysix.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-human-mind-works.html

Two Years Today: Updated

Two years since the kidney was removed. Doing good. Waiting for my referral for a CT scan of the lower torso/abdomen as will be the norm from the first anniversary of the surgery until I finally leave this world. Got to keep tabs on things, ya know.
There has been some changes with this. My blood pressure is higher than it used to be. Found that out with the hernia last year! But I had a check up on the 13th and things are looking really good.
For all my friends who were  with me in spirit then, again, I thank all of you.
Special thanks to Jeff, Buck, Cindy, Kath and Pinch from the blogosphere!
Sometimes the realization that it was cancer does hit me a bit. But the process was so sudden ya know!

Air-Attack: BAE Systems & Northrop Partner to Pursue U.S. Air Force T-X Contract

BAE Systems, Inc. and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) today announced an exclusive strategic partnership to compete in the U.S. Air Force’s “T-X” program for the replacement of the aging T-38 trainer with BAE Systems’ Hawk Advanced Jet Training System (AJTS).  BAE Systems, Inc. will prime this pursuit and Northrop Grumman will serve as the manufacturing partner for the new Hawk aircraft.


http://www.air-attack.com/news/article/4597/09-20-2011-BAE-Systems--Northrop-Partner-to-Pursue-US-Air-Force-T-X-Contract.html





Additional article at this link:
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/27969/?SID=e69f33f520f3c4941eb056747f5fbc05

The Galloping Ghost Tragedy... Life, Risk, And The Future

This is up at AirPigz.
Good explanation from the author.
Counters the nutcases in the MSM and Sean Hannity last Thursday night.

The Galloping Ghost on the 2nd lap of the race that ended tragically

The post is worth the time. Go. Read. Understand.

http://airpigz.com/blog/2011/9/20/the-galloping-ghost-tragedy-life-risk-and-the-future.html

Quit Smoking Two Years Ago

Right about this time on 21 September 2009, Central Time, I had my last cigarette. It was a Camel Wide. Had been off and mostly on since late 1973 when I enlisted in the Navy.
Tomorrow I will elaborate on the reason. A lot of you know already.
But I will elaborate tomorrow.

The nightly news

Turned to the local station I watch, KTLA out of LA. With the Direct TV I have, LA is "local" I live two hours from LA for crying out loud.
But it was twenty minutes of the emmy's. Good grief! It truly is LA LA Land!!!!!
I don't give a rat's behind. The only good thing is the eye candy. And some of the high fashion is down right ugly. Christina Hendrix was the classiest one I saw.
Other than that, most of it is mindless drivel. It all deals with make believe. I haven't watched regular network TV in so long............The NHL on NBC is the exception. Other than that, no use for any of it.

Heat dancers: Susannah and Natalia show love for the troops (24 HQ Photos)

Some really good Rule Five here folks!
Susannah and Natalia! Oh My...............

This one was to get your attention!
The other 23 are at the link! Enjoy!
http://thebrigade.thechive.com/2011/05/23/heat-dancers-susannah-and-natalia-show-love-for-the-troops-24-hq-photos/heat-dancers-920-0/

Reno air show crash update

3 dead, 56 injured in horrific Reno air show crash

http://news.yahoo.com/3-dead-56-injured-horrific-reno-air-show-020656982.html

'Mass Casualties' Reported After Plane Crashes At Nevada Air Show

Sad news from the National Air Races. The P-51B, The Galloping Ghost crashed into the box seating area during the afternoon heat in the Unlimited Pylon Race at Reno Stead Airport.
Various sources put the death toll at anywhere from three to 12 at present. The links are to Reno TV stations.
http://www.foxreno.com/news/29211515/detail.html

http://www.kolotv.com/home/headlines/Blood_Needed_in_Wake_of_Air_Race_Crash_130001353.html

http://www.kolotv.com/home/headlines/Renown_Told_to_Expect_as_Many_as_100_Injured_129998428.html

http://www.mynews4.com/news/local/story/BREAKING-2-spectators-and-Pilot-confirmed-dead-in/YXDWyolFZ0SGtz4QsIoZ1A.cspx

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/09/16/national/main20107634.shtml

Twenty Knot Tommy

From Target: Babies in Open, Fire For Effect.
What we refer to as a Sea Story.
This is a funny one. And I have never been to NavSta Charleston. No birdfarms there.
http://babesinopen.blogspot.com/2011/09/twenty-knot-tommy.html

Video: B-29 FIFI To Oshkosh (Behind The Scenes) - The Spirit Of Aviation!

This is up at AirPigz. It is a great aviation blog. It is listed here on  the left.
Good stuff on FIFI, the only B-29 still flying.
http://airpigz.com/blog/2011/9/12/video-b-29-fifi-to-oshkosh-behind-the-scenes-the-spirit-of-a.html

Gone West: Aviator/Actor Cliff Robertson | Aero-News Network

Gone West: Aviator/Actor Cliff Robertson | Aero-News Network:

Sad news. I liked the guy.

'via Blog this'

Fifty Seven

Today is my birthday. Among all the remembrances and other events marking the tenth anniversary of the attacks on Our Republic, it is still my birthday. Going to Bakersfield to have a late lunch at either Red Lobster or Hometown Buffet.
Being cold and disrespectful? No. It is still my birthday and I cannot dwell on things that have passed. I did ask to go back on active duty.
It is still my birthday. And after the things that occurred two years ago, I am going to be a bit self centered on this day.
Such is life.

Spitfire Tribute to 41 Squadron Ace: key.Aero, Historic Aviation

Spitfire history. I do love those airplanes. Simply the most beautiful airplane ever built. No discussion is required.

Spitfire Tribute to 41 Squadron Ace: key.Aero, Historic Aviation:

'via Blog this'

Plane Carrying Russian Hockey Team Crashes

My God.

This has always been my fear when it comes to professional sports. Every pro team travels by air, and while flying is still statistically the safest form of travel, when an accident like this happens, it can wipe out an entire team. It seems as this was the case here.

The rest is at the link to the original post at Support Your Local Gunfighter.

http://supportyourlocalgunfighter.com/2011/09/plane-carrying-russian-hockey-team-crashes/comment-page-1/#comment-74984

PS — I Don’t Like Being Called A Racist Either.

A most excellent post by April Gavaza, otherwise known as The Hyacinth Girl.
Go. Read. Decide on your own.

http://thehyacinthgirl.wordpress.com/2011/09/07/ps-i-dont-like-being-called-a-racist-either/

Dozens of Homes Destroyed Near Tehachapi, Blaze 10% Contained

From midday here in So Cal. Fire updates.
This is a picture of the Blackburn Canyon Fire. More at the link below.


http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-kern-county-plane-down-fire,0,7319836.story

PICTURES: First 747-8 in Lufthansa colours rolls out

The link is to Flight Global. Good shots of the 747-8I in Lufthansa colours.
Nice looking jet.
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/09/05/361592/pictures-first-747-8-in-lufthansa-colours-rolls-out.html

Small plane crash sparks rapid brush fire in Calif.

This was at USA Today. Finally seeing coverage of this one.
It has the video from KERO 23 in Bakersfield at the link.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-09-05/Small-plane-crash-sparks-rapid-brush-fire-in-Calif/50259870/1?csp=34news

Wildfire Destroys Tehachapi Home, Threatens 30 Others - Kern County Mountain News Story - KERO Bakersfield

Wildfire Destroys Tehachapi Home, Threatens 30 Others - Kern County Mountain News Story - KERO Bakersfield:

The link has some video and pictures from people commenting on the site.

The Missus and I had been to Rosamond and then up to Tehachapi for breakfast for supper at Denny's. We watched the aircraft relay from Fox Field in Lancaster.

'via Blog this'

Two years ago, already

September 4, 2009.
I was having some digestive issues. Got an appointment with my doctor.
He did some pushing and listening. Then had me go through a CT scan.
Waited..............
Went in for the results.
Good news, diverticulitis. Manageable with diet changes and knocked it down with antibiotics.
Bad news, large mass on the left kidney. Going to a urologist. That appointment was made before I even left the building. It was scheduled for the Tenth of September.
Basket case? Yep. For a while I was.

New blog at Shipmates, Co Conspirators, Friends, Acquaintances

Pitsnipesgripes is the name.
Navy guy. Go figure, eh?
He has this one up today. Good Read.
http://pitsnipesgripes.blogspot.com/2011/09/robert.html

Faith-based economics fails Obama again | Examiner Editorial | Opinion

Faith-based economics fails Obama again | Examiner Editorial | Opinion | Washington Examiner:

"Every day that you build this expanded facility," President Obama told employees of Solyndra at the company's solar panel plant in Fremont, Calif., last May, "you're demonstrating that the promise of clean energy isn't just an article of faith. Not anymore. ... It's happening right now. The future is here."

Well, it was here. Yesterday, Solyndra announced it was filing for bankruptcy, despite Obama's bold statement 15 months earlier that the company would create 4,000 new jobs -- 3,000 in construction and 1,000 in manufacturing. In September 2009, Solyndra had received the very first federal loan guarantee -- $535 million -- from a Department of Energy program partially funded by Obama's stimulus package. But questions quickly surfaced. A Pricewaterhouse Coopers audit of the firm, months after the award was announced, found it to be a black hole for cash. Solyndra's cumulative $558 million in "recurring losses from operations," PwC wrote, and "negative cash flows since inception ... raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern."

'via Blog this'

Gina Elise Needs Our Help – And It Won’t Cost A Dime

You all know Miss Elise…

She’s the wonderful gal who runs Pinups For Vets.  Through her famous pinup calendar and by her visits to veteran’s hospitals throughout The United States, she brings a little cheer to wounded veterans and serving soldiers.

Miss Elise has entered a contest sponsored by Crest and OralB that, if she wins, will award her $25,000 to help fund her visits and the shipment costs of her calendar.

The rest of the info is at the link right here 

http://thecampofthesaints.org/2011/09/02/gina-elise-needs-our-help-and-it-wont-cost-a-dime/#comment-15612

And there are some more photos like the one below of the Lovely Miss Gina Elise there as well!

Because its my blog, and I can… | THE BUSTED NUT

Because its my blog, and I can… | THE BUSTED NUT:

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Ain't this one a tasty morsel!!!!!!!

Go over and check out The Busted Nut! I am even on the blogroll there!
'via Blog this'

theBrigade-One city: right from the heart, girls of Wichita, KS (101 Photos)

Here are a few to get you to follow the link.
Rule Five Stuff for the upcoming weekend.
I do like Wichita. I lived and worked there for eleven and a half years.




http://thebrigade.thechive.com/2011/08/30/one-city-right-from-the-heart-girls-of-wichita-ks-101-photos/

Exploration Place and Downtown from The Arkansas River.