God Said No

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own!
But I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said....Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

Sgt. Rock

Recap and Review:
I am a comic book collector, or I was. At one time I tried to collect all the comics. It wasn't as difficult as it seemed as I owned a comic store at the time. Before that I did just war comics. And the best there was came from DC. All Marvel had was Fury which was a pale comparison to Sgt. Rock of Easy Co.

How I got my start is an interesting story. When I had my tonsils out in 5th grade, a friend of mine whose father owned the only drug store in Glasgow gave me some comics as a gift. One of them was a Sgt Rock comic. From then on I was hooked. Unknown Soldier. the Haunted Tank, Weird War and others all started to stack up. At the time I collected them as I loved reading and re-reading them. And then as a very young writer I got my ideas from them and from the Monogram model kits. I remember writing one story on my typewriter and taping the pages together. It was very long continuous roll of paper. But I am getting off topic.

I heard they are going to make a Sgt. Rock movie in 2012 but hes going to be in outer space????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT ALL ABOUT??????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Ok, I am more pissed off at this than even thinking there are going to be 2 Avatar sequels.

Rock and Easy Company are WWII. Period. Rock has done a few time travels, or has he? Maybe they were dreams or not. But it was ALWAYS WWII. I could even take Billy Bob Thorton as Rock. I am just glad they didn't have Arnold as him. Rock was big yes; Bulldozer was bigger. He came from Pennsylvania and used to work in a steel mill. Then he joined the Army. I know his history and back story and SO HELP ME...I KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO CHANGE THAT AND THAT PISSES ME OFF SO MUCH!!!

Ok, I get that they changed Iron Man's story to something modern, i get it. I just remember how his origins were really. the same with Green Lantern. This just proves to me that Hollywood would screw up a wet dream. If they kept the origins correct, you would have a ton of fans flock there. I guess I will look at this movie like the new Star Trek movie.. set in another universe that has no bearing on the real origins. But then Hollywood and a lot them there, like the Liberals they are, like to re-write history. OMG I am pissed. Pissed. Pissed. Pissed.

GW on Leno

Just saw a clip of G.W. on Leno. There will be some that won't like anything he says, the extremists. BUT, he said something that shows the class the man has. Too bad other 'formers' can't say that.

Leno asked him why he has not commented about Obama. His reply was that he didn't think it was right for a former president to comment about a current president. Also, if the part with film clips were rehearsed I'd be surprised, but it also shows you that a. he can laugh at himself and b. he has a quick reply without teleprompters. The clip showed him trying to leave a room and the door was either locked or fake. It didn't budge. When they came back to Leno, GW's reply was, "That shows you a man without an exit strategy."

Don't care - I like G.W. Always have, always will. He was a good president. So if we are ranking them. In my opinion: Reagan is still first. He's 2nd.

Morning Glory

This a typical chick flick, predictable happy ending, and I don't care. Nice plot, some funny moments, and when she is at her first staff meeting at the new station-proves she can handle herself. All in all a solid movie, nice date movie with enough fun stuff to kinda hold most guy's attention.

8 out of 10 easy.

Charlie Mike

I just finished re-reading this book. I even wrote a short review, though I don't do it justice. This book speaks to me in so many ways. I have always said that Vietnam was my war. Not that I was there or even wore anything more than an ROTC uniform. But I knew men and women who I loved and respected who were there.

It seems every generation we forgot what we learned. Perfect example; those who served in Vietnam and the lessons learned, don't translate well to whats going on now. We have now switched to this desert and urban warfare thinking. And though similar to Nam, isn't the same. And have we actually forgotten how to fight an army? The US Military, I believe has only 1 heavy armored brigade. The rest are medium to light.

In any case; the series of books on Vietnam he wrote are out-fucking-standing!

Charlie Mike by Leonard B. Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I had forgotten how good a book he wrote. Of course leading men in the US Army is a good basis for writing a military book, and he was a Colonel. The action is good, but the people; ah the people come alive. The bond that is between them is so strong. I have re-read this book and will continue to. I have recommended the books he has written and given books as presents. There are some happy endings, but its realistic also. It introduced me to what REMFs are and that we all need to Charlie Mike.



View all my reviews

Spring Awakening

One of the perks we here at the Missourian get is occasionally free tickets to events that we sponsor. One such event was the musical Spring Awakening.

I never heard of the play except it won some awards. so I was a bit shocked watching it. The music is good, and reminded me very much of Rent. The stage scenery is low keyed and has people sitting in the wings, and some of them are actors waiting to come on or part of the chorus that sings.

To describe whats it about; its set in 19th century Germany and is a coming of age story with teenage sex, abortion, child abuse, morality, teenage suicide, religion, school and a song which says "Totally Fucked." Since the audience had a lot of young people that got a lot of play. You had simulated sex on the stage and two guys kissing. Interesting in that it supposed to be Germany 19th century. And one of the guys on stage was, I suppose, to be a typical German; very blond hair. In fact he looked liked Malfore from Harry Potter.

I think this was influenced by Rent, from them lining up to the harmony of their music. While I never saw the stage production of Rent I did see the dvd. And loved the music. This, the music was good, not Rent worthy, but ok.

This is definitely not for everyone.

Vox

Vox magazine is the magazine that the Missourian puts out every Thursday. It’s done by students, and like switching chefs at times, also reflects a lot of what the stories are and its look. Although I must say that under Kelsey Whipple as editor, I have enjoyed many of the stories and the covers are eye catching and very well done. All in all, I highly recommend you picking a copy up, you will not be disappointed.

That said, this last one was over My First Time. Skydiving. Given that would make any one a little nervous. Even though you are never too old, I don't think I want to do it. In my younger days I would love too, but like the military does. When you jump, you are hooked up and your chute deploys. That way I could concentrate on the ride down. So I would be a little nervous if I did that now. Ok, a lot nervous.

Having babies, and twins no less. Scary and painful. I am not a woman, don't know, and don’t WANT to know. It would be scary just being a parent these days.

Roller-skating, for a 4 yr, is the height of being nervous. Although I can't recall being nervous. In fact, I have my own pair of roller skates (no blades here) and I have very fond and warm memories of the 80's and roller-skating at the rink in Boonville while I was at Kemper.

Now here is where I can speak: marching band. I did marching band in grade school (grade 5-8) and coming from a small town, not really nervous, not a lot of people. Then at Kemper, in Band. It would be like coming from a small town band to Marching Mizzou. Only even more intense. Don't get me wrong. I have known band people from Marching Mizzou and they are intense. They have to be. ANY marching band that competes in the spotlight that can go national in a heartbeat HAS TOO. So I KNOW she was nervous. And if she and the rest are honest, they are all a little nervous going out. And these days, with recording capturing EVERY LITTLE THING, any mistake will be remembered and re-watched for years to come. At Kemper though we had the same intense training as they did. Chief made sure of it. A military band also has the focus on it. Chief treated all his people as professionals. And that meant adults. For kids from 7th grade to junior college. Age, class, didn't matter. Your performance did. And I can say and this is a hot button for me: by the time my 4th year, our band for our size, could out play ANY marching band of any size. Think I am just talking shit? We played in the homecoming parade once and even those in Marching Mizzou came up to us after and were impressed by our sound for our size. Did I say better? No, but our sound, which was good, caught them. Chief ALWAYS instilled in us that you do your best. As he always said, 'there was only one perfect man and he died on the cross.' We tried to play perfect, and a few times we probably succeeded. But you have to understand, we were younger than a lot of the bands and smaller by a fair margin. And yes we could play as well or better and had a better sound. Though we didn't do any fancy maneuvers or spell anything out, our formations always looked good. In step, our drummers played and played and played. That was another thing. Very little rim tap, unless we knew we would be travelling a far distance or playing a lot. And our A LOT was different than most. Examples? Well, we played in the World’s Fair parade in Knoxville in '82. Ask any person who has ever played a parade that may not be run smoothly. I mean, we had to play and play and play. With very little drums in between. And usually those same strains as we had people all around us, so they didn’t want to just hear drums. I think it was 2 miles, and it felt like 2 hours. You might think I am talking about carrying a tuba for that length of time. Naaah. After a while that weight didn't register. I mean my lips. The chops. You march, carry a tuba and play for that length. Making sure that you kept up, looked good and all the time in the summer heat. Luckily we weren't in our dress uniforms. But we would have done that had it called for it. If Chief asked, we did it. We were Band. We knew we were special. And we did out of love and respect for Chief. We did it out of the professionalism that we felt. We did it as not too many people can say that they did what we did. Some of the places we played: Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, DC. World’s Fair parade, Knoxville, TN. Dallas Grand Prix, Dallas TX. Division Review at Ft. Riley, KS. And numerous parades and other events all over Missouri. We were the voice of Kemper. And that last event, the Division Review, here is another time we blew away another band.

Let me explain for those who have never seen a military pass and review. You may have seen it on TV, but unless you are THERE, it’s hard to comprehend. First off, you are basically in an open field. A very LARGE field. Think of three football stadiums side by side and three football stadiums deep. You have reviewing stand and other stands for the onlookers close by. And you have about 15,000 people plus equipment that, after setting up, saluting, people moving around, are going to pass by a certain spot so the general and/or honored guests can look at them. All the while music or drum cadence was going on. The 1st Infantry Division Band, excellent musicians all, are a unit of the 1st Infantry Division, and as such are part of that formation out there. The sequence of their playing and things were all in accordance with military FM 22-5. If you ever get a chance to see a military band or a pass in review; do it. In any case, we were there to play the pass in review. Because of Chief, we were going to play during their pass in review. This was in part because OF Chief. Bands in the Armed Forces are like any other elite units. There aren't a lot of them, the people of those units are professional and a bit cock-sure as you are doing things that not too many can do, and you tend to know the movers and the shakers surrounding the different special units. Chief was one of those. Again, it’s hard to explain to someone non-military and even some in the military who aren't familiar and take bands for granted; you have no idea how much hard work goes into it. Needless to say, for a band to have the honor to play a division review was big.

So when a pass in review is giving, people start marching around the field until every unit goes by the reviewing stand. Since we were not part of the 1st Infantry Division, we were off to the side of the reviewing stand in formation. We waited. This was not our day, never was intended to be our day, and we are there as a courtesy to both Chief and Kemper. We are a mere presence. Everyone here is military. Army proud and strong. No one has to be swayed. We are the little sprinkles on the top of the whip cream on top of the icing on the cake. Barely noticeable, but nice never-the-less.

Then the pass and review starts. We have played pass and reviews at Kemper before. But playing for 250 is different than playing for 15,000. But ok, we are up for it. I mean we owe them. They feed us, put us up the night before and we are not going to do anything that brings bad light to Chief, Kemper or us. These aren't peers. These are more. These are the professionals who we look up to, both in the band and in the Army. So we played when they started marching.

Now I don't know if you realize, but it takes some time for 15,000 people with vehicles to move past one spot. But we didn't have to march, it was a cool fall day, the weather was perfect, we were in light uniforms and all we were playing were military or Sousa marches. And a lot of it we did from memory, as we had been playing the same pieces, at least some of us had been, for years. Also, we had a strong brass section. Trumpets and trombones. A strong percussion section. We had good people playing sax and yours truly was the bass section. So we played while they marched. And marched. And marched. Probably 45 minutes later we were done. Long, yeah. But we handled it. As we were leaving some of their band people came up and congratulated us. Professional courtesy I know, but they were amazed that we played all the way through a pass in review. Played all the way through. Normally, they would start them off witha song, go into drum cadence for the majority, and then finish off with the Army song.

But I'm not done. As we were boarding the buses to come back to Kemper, we were informed that we would have to play again for some function there. There was a lot of bitching that went on. But we had a 6 hour down time, on the busses, to recoup. Then we would play. We bitched. But when we got back, we played. We were professionals.

And I was amazed at the caliber of musician I met at Kemper we had. One of our first trumpet players had been to band camp many times, and, in my opinion, one of the really great trumpet players. Bunch may be a lot of things; but when it comes to music, he's a professional to the bone. I used to love to hear him play. And after a while I could pick out when he played and when he didn't. A first trombone; his whole family was musical inclined. It literally ran in his blood. George was another true professional. There were others that were good. But the three of us were the same grade and we went through Kemper together and learned each other. Do I consider myself a professional? No. I am a talented armature that got lucky. A band needed a bass player after their other two left; I was it. I took up the slack and I did ok. I could hold my own. But professional. No. That word is used to describe those guys; Bunch, Speidel-Martin was also very good. Put Martin and Bunch together, no stopping the trumpets. George had any and all trombones, owned. He was the man. As for others who came along and tried to play tuba. Let’s just say that to play the tuba you are usually drafted. And it’s usually the big or tall guys, as we can stand to carry something like that around. And those big guys who don't make it as a tuba player; a lot I knew carried the bass drum. In any case, I always felt lucky and honored to play with those people and also privileged to play all over the places we did. Was I ever scared? A few times maybe. But we had been drilled so much, so thoroughly, that if something happened, it wasn't because of our playing. It was an "x" factor. Some days were long, hard, my lips hurt, travel sucked, this was before mp3s and portable devices; our transportation at times were never the best. Either too hot, too cold or raining, and yes, I remember playing in the rain. That was one of those times I was lucky, as I had the bell over me and kept some of the summer rain off me. And you know what? I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Back to the article.

Drag Queens. Its acting. That venue, as I have known a few drag queens is very forgiving. Nice people that I have meet.

Marathon. Thought about it. Maybe someday try it. Short ones. 5K. More power to those that do. As you can tell from being a tuba player, I am not a runner.

First day of pre-school. Mine was kindergarten. And I can remember a few things; but it’s more like I am watching me, than coming from my perspective. And like being a 4 year old roller-skating for the first time, you have no frame of reference for this, so yeah, terrified beyond belief I can see. And in my day, it was much more structured and strict, even in Kindergarten. Nothing bad, just different. And in some ways, much better from what I see.

All in all, a good article by Vox.

Steampunk, It Begins

There are times when the universe is targeting you. Perfect example: I had this bright idea to do a movie with the people from MMSFFA. Ideas were thrown around. Whatever is was it should have zombies, be some kind of love story, and I don't recall if I thought of the idea or it was brought up, but be set in the Steampunk universe.

Then trying to work out a plot, characters and other things, its birth has been assured so it has started to take on a life of its own.

And watching the new episode of "Castle" has a steampunk tie-in.

So...

I know, most people have no clue what steampunk is. And even I have only a passing knowledge of it. It is another subculture to sci-fi/fantasy. Like Star Trek and Star Wars, except it is more fluid. There is no one universe like in Star Wars, but more of ideas of 'what-if'.

So the story should be interesting I'll say.

Safe

When was the last time you felt safe? I don't mean comfortable, or secure. We can do that behind locked doors and load to bear with weapons. And that may be safe for you.

The only way I can describe it...well people In the military would know what I am talking about. Enlisted, NCOs and officers of smaller units (squad, platoon and company usually). In barracks you live with other people. Well, back in the Army that I knew, which, granted was over 20-30 years ago, barracks were still some of the old WWII type. They were transitioning into more condo styles. In any case, when you are surrounded by men and women like that, you feel different. I was thinking about that as I biked to work from working out. The coolness and the night reminded me of Kemper. It was cool, and there is a "feel" to it.

At Kemper, I could walk around campus and feel safe. Granted, there was also watching out for people who would prank you. But, it was simple. If something happened to you and it was from another squad. Then it was squad vs squad. If it was from another platoon, then it was platoon vs platoon. Company vs company. But here, if it came from outside, then the whole campus mobilized. You felt safe. And you could be an individual among the group.

I bring this up as we are having a reunion of Kemper Military. A few years ago when there was a reunion at KC, I went there with Beck. And I met some guys I hadn't seen in 30 years - Yanger and Dydasco! But as I fell asleep, it was like I slept like a baby. I woke up feeling the best I had felt in a long time. When you know people who have your back, after 30 years of no contact, its like a feeling I can not describe. And these men and women are as varied as the world, as these are people from all over the world. Many are former military. None of them are any I would ever want to seriously take on. In my mind, all of them are successful and I am honored and humbled to know them.

New Season of Shows

I love fall. Always did. Even though in my grade school days it meant school was back in session. Also new seasons and new series; plus they would be running movies like Wizard of OZ and The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.

But when I was going to Kemper I loved it! I knew I'd be back with my friends. It did kinda of suck as I missed a lot of series, but figure I could make it up during the summer re-runs. Of course that was back when you only had the 3 networks, and cable wasn't quite off the ground yet.

In any case, we have new series and new seasons. You have to love Hulu! And of course, fast forward. There are some series that is the only way to watch it. It cuts out a lot of the bs in them.

Lets see; I'll touch on Community, Raising Hope and The Whole Truth.

Community. As I said in previous blogs, I didn't think too much of it. In some ways I stand by it, as this is one that I use fast forward. But you gotta love Betty White. Shes on the season premiere. I think this is a good solid show, but we shall see. The characters are what makes it, but there still has to be some plots. With the exception of Chevy Chase, I knew none of them before. They mesh well together, but each episode is a crap shoot I think. In some ways that makes it appealing in seeing if you watch the episode the correct amount of time, or it only takes you 8 minutes as you are fast forwarding.

Raising Hope.The only reason I clicked on this was that it was the pilot. I almost lost interested until I saw that MARTHA PLIMPTON was in it! Any Goonie fans will immediately be watching this show. I was so glad to see her, and her character! OMG! I love it! And when she flashes back to her teenage self (who btw was a hot girl also) is hilarious! And then I saw that Garret Dillahunt was his dad. The last thing I saw of him, he was Simon in Burn Notice. Such a serious and bad guy role, and now this. Comedic genius. Like Leslie Neilson. Neilson was a serious actor and then started comedy. A great parallel. And then Cloris Leachman! This show was also created by the guy who did My Name is Earl. And I must agree that I think he has another hit on his hands. I remember the scene that made me think this has something. When Jimmy (good name) was at the prison watching the girl who he had a one night stand with and ended up pregnant with his child is being electrocuted. he has the baby on his lap and he covers her eyes. You just have to see it.

Lastly, The Whole Truth. Ok, its ANOTHER lawyer show. It took me a moment to see that Maura Tierney was in it. I had just read an article where she had battle cancer and was coming back. Good for her. I loved her in Newsradio. Did not care for her in ER even though that is probably what she is bets known for. Also she was in Rescue Me. Still I am glad to see her back. And then Rob Morrow! I knew Numbers had been cancelled, but still. Ok, so they are playing opposite each other; DA/Defense. And it looks like they have a history. The comment where she said that when they took the bar at the same time, she was snorting no-doze and everything. Morrow's character finished the test an hour early and was waiting for outside with Jello shots. That in itself is one of the best description I have ever heard of someone!!! I thought they weren't going to tell you who was right or wrong. usually you get that so people don't hate your guts. I actually thought that by NOT knowing if the guy was innocent or guilty would be different and refers hing, because from the evidence presented I would have thought reasonable doubt. But they showed at the ending, through the daughter cleaning out her father's office, that daddy did do it. So I caught on, at least in this episode, the number and credibility of the flash backs may decide it. Or if we will have one week the DA wins, the next the defense. Pardon the pun-the jury is still out on this one. But I will say that the characters they have in this are good. In fact, Morrow's friend in the show was on Traveler, WHICH I thought was a great show, but it died too soon (8 episodes). I am glad to see that Matthew Bomer found White Collar and Logan Marshall-Green found Dark Blue. And even Aaron Stanford is on the new series Nikita. So those three have found some new shows to do. In any case, back to The Whole Truth. This is ok, but, main characters aside, I don't know. They try and say they show you from each view point; and they do the whole, you see it from one sides perception, then they call the other. And then when you get to the other side, you see what they were doing right before they got that call. They may not last more than one season unless they have some great sub plot or something amazing happens.

And I want to mention Fringe. I am almost nervous to watch it, but I know I have too. I just hate that the evil Olivia is in our universe. To me it's like the ultimate betrayal. Someone you know and love and thought you can trust, and then suddenly, BOOM. They turn on you. Of course they didn't really turn on you, because they are not who they were, but still, you don't know that. Guess it goes back to the trust issue.

Rascal Flats

For those of you who aren't country music lovers, you probably don't know the name Rascal Flats. They are a great band, sky rocketed up. And I can remember when they came to Columbia and played the Blue Note, before they were really big. In any case...

They have a lyric in one of their latest song I thought was really neat. Then I was Googling John Belushi and found this picture. And I thought that Belushi really did

leave, in the middle of a song.

Belushi really went out on top, and way too soon. And I don't care, I LOVED him in Continental Divide. It just proved what kind of range he had.

I lived at the right time to see the Blues Brothers and all the memories that brings. Belushi is like an old friend. Randy Wright. They are connected.

And this pic is pure Belushi.

What Woman? (A Gen Con/Safe House story)

I was introduced to the Safe House by artist friends of mine when Gen Con rocked Milwaukee. They told me tales of the fun they had there, the wife of one of them let slip the password. So I was thus prepared for when I went there the convention the following year.

My first night in town I went to the Safe House and had a blast, as there were many con goers there. The next day, I became friends with a fellow gamer, and even though he was from a rival organization, Jayhawks, and I am a Tiger, we were both suitably impressed with each other, and having that mid-west connection became fast friends. I told him he had to come with me to the Safe House.

That night we arrived at the Safe House, there was a line of course. As we approached Miss Moneypenny, I gave her the proper password and quickly slipped in. My new friend, unknowing the proper procedure had to prove to her that he should be cleared to enter. I of course enjoyed watching him flap like a chicken as I had a drink at the bar. Eventually he proved himself worthy, and she let him in.

As he entered, the bar gave him a round of applause. I informed him that he had been on close circuit TV. We each got a Spy’s Demise and grabbed a table. I stayed at the table as the place was starting to fill up, letting him wander around. I kept the drinks company and made sure we had a place to sit. As he was gone for period of time, I wanted to show my new friend some Tiger generosity. So I kept giving my friend, parts of my Spy Demise (we were drinking them all night). So when he came back from exploring, he must have thought that he was a Very Important Operative, as his drink seemed to last longer than mine.

In the early morning hours, we had made our ways to another table where we were going to grab a brief bite. We had just sat down and my friend had ordered a new drink, when he said he was going to the rest room. He then turned to a large table of people, whom we did not know and said, “Make sure that he doesn’t mess with my drink.” He pointed at me and left for the bathroom.

As soon as he was gone, I took his fresh drink, pouring almost all of it into mine. The table of people sat there and watched me do it.

He then returned and asked, “What did you do to my drink?”

“What do you mean?”

“I had a fresh drink here.”

“No, you almost finished it before you left for the toilet.”

About this time, one of the women at the table behind him spoke up, “He messed with your drink.”

My friend then turned around and said, “See, see. You’ve been messing with my drink all night. I just haven’t been able to catch you. I knew it. I knew you were trying to pull a fast one on me. But this time I have a witness. ”

As he had been going on and on, the woman who had spoken, had gotten up and left.

He continued, “See, I knew you were doing it, and that woman even saw you do it.”

I looked at him with a blank face and said, “What woman?”

He turned around and saw the woman gone. He looked at the empty seat and asked the table, “Hey, what happened to the woman that was sitting here.”

This table of people, who we had never seen before, looked him straight in the eye and said, “What woman?”

Happily Ever After

A Chippendale dancer, a Virgin and a guy from Boston go dating in the dark... as I have mentioned I hate reality shows... except... Love Dating In The Dark. Oh and I checked out Wipeout, not bad, but this is on DITD.

The episode I saw had those as the guys. The women were a hair stylist, a postal carrier and a wedding planner.

And the virgin was a motivational speaker, and the Chippy was also a Nutritional Store owner. I forget what the guy from Boston was. In fact, he kinda was pissing me off, but then he grew on me; as he did the stylist.

The Chippy, you might have thought he was kinda egotistical, but for the most part he was a good guy.

As they went on, the virgin and the mail carrier hit it off. But when he saw her, and she was smoking hot, he worried that what he wanted and what she wanted were different. So he left her on the balcony. He was saving himself. In some ways I kinda knew he wouldn't choose her, but I was hoping. I mean, when she saw him, she actually cried. So sorry for her, but he knew what he wanted and thought was best. It sucked, but...

The other two; I kinda knew the Boston guy and stylist would get together. It was obvious after they saw each other. I was most worried about the last one.

they connected. Her background was something I related; sitting on the side lines. I mean she was tall, blond, well built, but she was worried she wasn't the Barbie type. And he even said that she wasn't like his last girlfriend. But then this was the reason he wanted to do it; to take looks out of the equation and find someone who was interested in the person inside. So two out three. This was better than the last one I saw where all 3 women went after one guy.

I kinda hate myself for liking this show so much, but it is because it is something I have always thought was true; get to know whats on the inside. There have been shows, where once they saw the other they changed. and the funny thing, none of these people were ugly or anything. It just goes to show that some men and women have unrealistic ideas of what they want.

From Drew Hasting's Web Site

Drew Hastings is a comedian and a regular on the Bob & Tom Show.

If you want to know America’s New Direction, ask a good waitress about pooling tips. A good waitress will tell you they hate it. The restaurant takes the money that the good waitress has hustled and worked hard for, and gives it to the slacker waitress who comes in late to work and gets high out by the dumpster on her break.
The restaurant does this when the slacker waitresses start complaining that “it’s not fair”, when they see the good waitress working fast and efficiently and making more money than them. The restaurant owner doesn’t want to keep re-hiring, so he decides to pool tips. Then the good waitresses get discouraged because it makes no difference or sense to work harder any more and they quit.

Service goes down.

Restaurant closes because customers sense shoddy service and slacker workers treat them like they’re doing them a favor by serving them.

That, is redistribution of wealth. That is Socialism taken down to an everyday level.

Community/The Gates/Eureka

Ok, very seldom do I recant on what I think of a series. But I must for Community. I still stand behind that it started rough. And since I started skipping through the episodes until the end of the season, I have found a real gem. And Chevy Chase has really broken off the rust he was in to be extremely good as I always knew he was. They have found the right combination finally and it plays well!

And now The Gates. Again, I stand behind that it started rough, but when they finally brought the sheriff into the secrets, it has become more bearable. It is like the reference to Chinese food. You just can't stay away. Although I am still waiting for a Frankenstein monster or a mummy to show up. And I wish, I WISH they had left Blackstone and The Dresden Files alone. Him popping up all over the shows... he was such a GOOD Dresden. Sigh.

And finally Eureka. I know I am in a minority here, but I wish the Sheriff and Allison had NOT gotten together. UGH. For some reason I have a real problem with them. I just don't see the passion or their chemistry. I like the whole time travel bit, and 'Dr Old Spice.' We shall see what happens I guess.

Dancing With The Stars/ Saturday Night Live

Ok, I just saw where Sarah Palin's daughter is going on DWTS. Don't care. DWTS is in the same category as American Idol and Survivor. I hate reality shows. To me DWTS is one of those places where washed up stars who don't have a movie or series and have the time to do something like that. In some ways, kind of like the old Hollywood Squares, which, I DID love. But those were different times with different people.

I would stack a "B" Hollywood star from those days with ANY "A" listed star today. And I hate to say this but Saturday Night Live... OMG! I tried watching when Betty White was on. I can't gag enough to show my displeasure. Those people call themselves comedians? Funny? Loren, wipe the slate clean. Find another Belushi, Ackroyd, Chase... please. You are coming up on 35 years. I remember when SNL came out. It was bold, brash, pushed the limits. Now.. with the Internet, there ain't a whole lot that they can push that hasn't been done already. Belushi is rolling in his grave; pissed off. Him, Gilda, and Farley are wondering what the Hell happened. It was good when they were on.

Granted SNL has always been political to the left of center, but I am so GLAD Tina Fay is gone. And Balwin... OMG... when they did that skit with Palin, asking why was that women on the show, she stood against everything they stood for, blah, blah, blah... truer words. Maybe I am getting set in my ways, and you know what: thats ok. I now understand what my parents went through. Granted I am more progressive than they, but funny is funny. Real life crap like DWTS, American Idol or Survivor... UGH... thats part of my own personal Hell.

Dreams

What are blogs for if not to discuss your dreams? Well I am talking about, close your eyes and sleep kind of dreams now.

I had one last night that is trying to get away like Bryan from talking (about anything). It was good verse evil. and you could tell the evil people as they had their eyes all black, meaning they were possessed.

As I woke up, my brain tried to make some sense of it. then it went to thinking about God Being The Ultimate DM, or a game of chess between God and the Devil, or other such games of good verses evil. And I came to this conclusion: Evil will aways cheat. They will turn your loved one or best friend or trusted person against you at the exact moment where its going to do the worst to you. If they don't then they will probably die, or the game, as in you, is over.

The flip side to that is God's ability. To end the game when He says it is and declare a winner (Him) or a draw. God NEVER looses. It just may take a few years or decades for God to declare you a winner or to call it a draw. If you die while working hard for him, its an immediate win for Him.

Was reading up about ole Tom Bodett (We'll leave the light on for you) and thought about heading to Alaska myself on a few occasions (back in the 'good ole' days'). Even have considered these days also. To get lost. Start over. Etc. I have used the analogy of my being 1st level (D & D). I am, too a point. But some say I have a bit more. In any case.

Also saw online about people getting fired for posting stuff on Facebook. No duh. My dad always said never write anything down you wouldn't say to someone's face. Granted, some of the things they put weren't a real problem, but you should think; is this going to affect my work status? Yeah freedom of speech and everything, but the boss is thinking, if I don't have loyal people working for me, why are you there?

Tiger vs 2 yr old

A tiger got loose and came face to face with a 2 yr old. And nothing happened. They said that he getting loose was a series of accidents. And I would like to think that no one being hurt was the same. The tiger, while maybe he was riled up, didn't seem to be pissed enough to attack the first thing it came across. Also, it obviously wasn't too hungry. And being raised by humans, wasn't aggressive. And a 2 yr old was not a big threat and wasn't that close (they said she was about 15 feet away) and then her mom showed up and scooped her up and out. So the tiger, as one official said, probably knew he was a in a place he shouldn't be. I am glad that no one got hurt. And hopefully the tiger will not be hurt, as he didn't do anything except escape.

When that girl grows up, she is going to have a reputation. I would like to think that God watched over her. Also, that a tiger knew she was not a threat, he wasn't hungry and she, as a baby probably thought that was a big kitty cat. But since we do not have access to their thoughts, thats the best we can come up with. Again, thank God no one was hurt.

Commercials and Wal Mart

If you watch Hulu at all, you grow to hate some of those commercials. You can't change the channel and they repeat those same a lot of the time, no matter what you are watching. Geiuco being one of the bigger ones to do that. Don't get me wrong, they are neat commercials, just not every time.

In any case, Wal Mart has an interesting one, as I agree with the message about helping people. It was a bout a young boy who was waiting for someone as he was a Reading Tutor, and all he knew was that this person needed help with his reading. When his student shows up, its an older man. A voice over explains they are thanking those that make a difference.

Since I believe the written word is THE most important invention of mankind, I love this commercial. Its simple, has a good message and a twist. By far the best I have seen in a long time.

I Don't Get Women Like That

For some reason those words "I Don't Get Women Like That" I have always wanted to write an article, book, song, whatever about them. It could be taken 2 ways - another Lady and the Tiger scenario.

In one case: It could mean I (meaning me) don't get (actually to have) women like that (A certain type of woman).

or it could mean:

I don't get (to understand) women like that (a certain way)

It could be a combo of both. But the idea has been rattling around in my brain. I see exceptionally hot women out; dresses that barely cover their waist, with high heel pumps and make-uped to the nines. No one is sure if they are tease, or are really looking for something. In either case, it wouldn't matter to me, as A) I don't play those kind of head screws. And B), I am not their type. So to view from afar.

I know; the counter for my argument is, they don't know anything about me and would be missing out and second, anyone who doesn't play head games are either really crazy themselves or the old 'if you don't play you don't get game.' In either case the result is the same. Zero.

But before this sounds too much like a pity that's not it. I know a lot of women, who without makeup and the right dress you wouldn't know how hot they look. As for the inside of a woman. Who truly knows their other sex of a species? We don't. Thus my comment, I don't get women like that.

I think a good article of a song would do well with this particular turn of a phrase. But that's just me.

Reality Shows Suck...except

Ok.. I hate reality shows. Not 'dislike' not anything other than hate will work. Survivor and American Idol are two of my utmost. Men and women talk about deal breakers. If a woman I was interested loved them and wanted to watch, more power to her. As I am sure either sci fi, fantasy, horror or war movies may not be her thing. I won't make her watch those, don't make me watch them. I will do something else.

One of the very few that I liked, for obvious reasons was "Boot Camp." Early series in 2000; never made the cut. The only other one I really like is: (drum role) Dating In The Dark. Part of it, is something that I have always had to rely on, as I didn't get the second helpings of looks, was my personality. And it also proves that women, sometimes more than men, are wanting the good looking guy. I don't care. You have a tall, well built, blond haired, blued, tanned, yoga instructor, who says she wants a nice guy, sweet, romantic, takes her seriously, treats her nice, etc. I am sure that's what she wants. You don't hear the last part when she says, "and looks like Brad Pitt." I have seen episodes where the couples were connecting in the dark room, had high compatibility scores and then when the reveal comes around, you can see their face fall faster than watercolors in the rain. The image they had or hoped for was not the reality that was standing right in front of them.

Too bad for them. I know looks are fleeting; and a personality can add those 10-15% to help push a person over the top into giving that person a chance.

I know all the reality shows are shown on an endless loop somewhere hot, as that is hell to me. I know the next big singer may come from Idol; and you know what, I can live with that and I can live WITHOUT that also. Radio and the music industry decides for us what is good. Screw 'em. I know what I like and what I don't. I have had the rare privilege of knowing some musicians who, in my opinion, should be raking in the bucks for their music. The ones who make it are the ones who sacrifice; and I am not talking about 1 season to get to the finals of Idol. I mean years of sacrifice and what they went through to get where they were so as to be able to be ready when their time comes.

So check out Dating in the Dark. Season 2 just started. I wish they could do Dating in the Dark, in the Midwest and for the older ones amongst us who could use it. Would I want to be on DitD? Maybe. But if I wanted to do that I just go online. I would rather be the host/producer of DitDS show of the mid west. And come up with ways to do things to keep it fun and fresh. I though adding the roommates was neat.

Only The Ghosts of Kemper Knew This

At Kemper we had the Officer of the Day. That was one cadet, usually an officer or high ranking NCO who was in charge of an NCO of the Day and two Pvts of the Guard. They were the main cadets, besides the cadet leaders, responsible for making sure Kemper ran. If someone needed to be found, they were the ones to do that. They answered calls, rang bells, and were responsible for a lot of what happened at Kemper. Later, under different administrations, Kemper streamlined that with automatic bells, and etc. I thought that was bullshit, as being an OD, you had a lot of responsibility.

I got picked to be a Pvt of the Guard early on at my time at Kemper. One of the few good thing when you are a Pvt of the Guard, is you didn't have to brace or sit up, as you were too busy.

But one of the bad things, you usually got one of the crap shifts at night. You see, OD Duty ran for 24 hours straight. Usually the OD would take the early or late shift so he could get some uninterrupted sleep. The Sgt would usually get the next best one. So being one of the low men on that totem pole, you got either the 12-2 or 2-4shift. When you got off duty you could go back to your room and sleep until it was your turn to be up and then someone woke you up. You could have stayed in the OD office, there was usually a bunk bed there (which I thought was a good idea), but usually someone else had claimed them. It wasn't so bad duty, unless you were new, and couldn't exactly remember which was your room. A dark hallway with all the rooms looking exactly the same didn't help. They didn't issue flashlights (which is the one thing I thought they should have. That was one of the first things you ordered from the Cav store when you could; a goose neck OD flashlight with the different filters) and you didn't dare turn on any lights. So what do you do?

If you are a scared, homesick kid, you wander around the admin building, as it was deserted. What some would call an 'honor hallway', to us was just halls with pictures of famous alumni on it. It had wooden benches there and it was all wood and very old school. Talk about being connected to the school. The Admin building was the oldest building on campus, so it was the true heart and soul of the school. All cadets at one time or another was in that building.

In any case, there were some lights left on, so it was dimly lit. I remember finding the picture of my grandfather there (he had been a State Representative for Missouri at one time, besides being a big to do farmer). I remember trying to curl up and cat napping there, waiting for morning so I could see better, find my room and then take a shower and get back to duty (OD duty ran 5pm - 5pm).

As I sat there in the semi darkness, the faces of Kemper's past sons looking down on me, I felt an incredible sense of security and peace. Some might call it being protected. Yeah kinda. But they way they say 'protected' is not exactly the way I mean. Yes, the ghosts of Kemper past would have protected me against something bad, but not in the sense that I couldn't fight my own battles.

See, what a lot of people never understood about being a New Boy - every Old Boy had to do the same thing. Didn't matter who you or your family was, what color your skin was, what religion you were. You were a New Boy. A piece of worthless shit, lower than whale shit. You got shoved around, screamed at, scared shitless. You cried into your pillow at night and prayed that God would take you away or that this was a mistake or some terrible dream. And guess what? You woke up the next day and had to grow through the same thing. But you weren't alone. Your squad, platoon, company was there. You drew strength from them; you felt that bond between you grow like vines between each other. And when something bad happened, it tested those vines. More often than nought, the vines held and grew even stronger until they were no longer just vines, but steel cables that connected you to a group of people that nothing could ever break. How can you describe that to the people in your life who weren't there and don't understand? How these people, these few, these precious few, are bounded to you in a way that no parent, no lover, no spouse could ever be. Men and women in combat understand that. You stand alone, but together.

Like The Corner's Of My Mind

When I was at Kemper, in Doyle's English class, we wrote, often. And I loved when Becko would write his stories! Was in contact with him not too long ago, hes a reality producer in California. Saw some pictures of him; still looks the same. And I bet he still has that voice of his.

In any case, I had written once about the year at Kemper. What special weekends were going on (Parents, Old Boy's) vacations, etc. Even now I can almost tell you what was going on during any month. And I remember stories of things that happened. Things that happened to me. Friends.

Yeah I want to write them down. But, whats my motivation? In the article of Why Men Love War, (previous post) there was a part about a soldier trying to describe war; he said something about word overload. Or failure to understand the point the writer was trying to get across. I can tell the story of what happened, but understanding?

I could start off by talking about my first memories of Kemper-my dad taking me over there to shoot. The mess hall incident. I even remember meeting Gen. Blakefield as a civilian (I was a typical kid at that time I remember, definitely NOT sitting up straight in my chair). Or I could tell how when my dad helped me with my trunk and I saw a little black kid getting help with his dad, and he wasn't upset (I was already homesick). And my dad pointed out that he wasn't carrying or anything. And then he gave me some money. Or I could tell how my dad "sweet talked" James Parker Dowling, on the Officer's Porch to get me a better room; one that didn't look into the court but looked out onto the street. I remember that view; the light coming on at night-the one that worked that was on the drive into Kemper. Or how my dad slung his arm around a tall black cadet's shoulder and told him to keep an eye on me.

See-I just did all that in a paragraph. I can ad sights, sounds, what I was thinking then and what I am thinking now. But so? Everything was hyper there at that time; my first year. Sights, sounds, smells, memories. They are engraved into my soul like someone had used a knife and carved them. I can bring forth memories of how buildings looked, the sounds, the smells, the way you could look through one of the vestibule's windows coming down from 3rd floor B barrack and see the president's house and how they always left that light on over the stove at night. Talk about latching onto something and deriving comfort from it. But I did. The same thing every night.

Ok, that's enough for now.

A Perfect Blog Idea Ruined, Sorta

I thought I had a good idea for a blog. Its still good. Thought about it all through dinner, what to say, etc. But as I logged in and saw some replies from Facebook, some pictures from first year at Kemper floated across my screen and to say I didn't tear up...well I'd be lying. There were pics of a time that words would not do justice. For those who were there, no words are needed. For those of you who weren't there, you can not comprehend. Neither could parents or other loved ones; unless YOU WERE THERE. In any case, I digress.

These pics showed people I know...I knew then. And its a good lead in to what I had been thinking about.

As I sat in my new favorite Chinese restaurant I had to smile as I thought, Holmes would have loved this. Have you ever known someone that was a combination brother, friend, warrior and many other terms. Someone who you met and somehow it felt like you had known them forever? Holmes was that person.

At Kemper you make friends for life. You know their secrets as they know yours. No, I'm not talking about your virginity or anything as mundane as that. I am talking about, you have lifted up a part of your soul and have shown them what you are made of-and they have done the same for you. They can't lie to you nor you to them as THEY KNOW. Its something, again, that can not be explained. Some may say you have that. Oh really? In 30 years tell me how many of your friends you are still in contact with from that time. And would do almost anything to help you. You may say you can count them on one hand. Hmmmph. One hand. Is that all? That doesn't even take me out of the "A"'s of my first year.

But Holmes. He was my first assistant squad leader. He was an Old Boy. At that time it meant he was just short of Jesus. No blasphemy there, again, I can't explain so I am going to stop trying. In any case, we became friends, which was not something that you did at that time. He was a corporal. We had the same initials and similar interests, and both small town kids. Big difference was that I was the home sick kid that had two left feet that didn't know a column from a flank.

Even today I can see him, I know him, I know how he sounds. I can see him in uniform, that grin of his, some acne and everything else. He is frozen in time. As he stopped aging in 1979 when he died.

I kept in touch with his parents for a long time, but after about 15 years, that fades. Nothing on them, they are real nice folks, but I was their son's friend.

In any case, I used to call forth his image and have imaginary talks with him. Granted, I think my ego would "say" what I think he would say. Still, he has never been far from my thoughts; as if there was one person who I knew had my back, I knew inside as I felt the same way, and who I could nudge at a restaurant and nod to a pretty girl, it would be him.

I have many many many good and dear friends; any of them I would lay down my life for, or if they needed me I would be there. I can laugh with them as we have cried together at funerals for ones who have departed this mortal plane. I thank the Lord for their friendship, and it has always been an honor to have lived besides these men and women. You tell me if you can talk with someone who you have literally not seen or heard from in 25 years and its like no time has passed. There are no fake smiles or over indulgent stories. Just a simple recap of what has happened since we last saw each other. A de-briefing if you will. And then its Continue the Mission.

Also, you show me a place where you can talk to someone who went there 20 years later and you are bounded with them. The history, the tradition, the stories.

I did it again; this didn't turn out the way I had imagined. But then, what in life does. I could and may re-write this someday. Expand on it. As I have always wanted to do; write a book about my time at Kemper. Others have encouraged me. And I know Others have thought about it also.

Part of me really wants to. But at times I feel ashamed that my words will not do the times there justice. Also, I know others want to forget their past or re-write for their loved ones and kids today. 'No, daddy never did that.' Sorry guys, I was there. I know what happened. From "Sugar" to playing Rat Patrol in Theresa's car to someone lighting Bunch's door on fire, I remember.

I have friends who do a great job in putting words to paper. I even know professional writers; and a writer has always been a dream of mine. Right up there with being a soldier. In fact, Writer's Digest was the only subscription I had longer than my Soldier of Fortune one. And since I failed to go after that one, maybe I can try this one. I was told that ol' Sam Clements dog ran across our dog's path. Translation: I am somehow related to him. But as I have dug into my family tree, after I shooed away a few dogs who were using it...I can't seem to find a connection. Just another one of those 'folksy' tales.

The memories I have are more precious than anything I have. And I know as time moves on, the pictures and words are fading like ink on a page exposed to the sun. I can only hope that in the end, when I too have left this plane, that the memories return; like music on a CD, it lasts longer than an 8-track or cassette. And I know that not all the memories are good, and you know what? That's ok. That's life. That's what makes us who we are.

I had always thought that I wanted certain things like what I saw. Example: When our Corps Commander got promoted to full colonel, they had taken and engraved his sword. I had thought that was neat. But you know, that and other times, never seemed to happen to me. A part of me always wanted it too. But you know what I have finally figured out? It couldn't be done. I wasn't him. I didn't go through what he went through to arrive at that spot in that time.

No, I was the guy who got 'tricked' into coming back to his room because someone had told me my tuba was broken. And then got thrown in the shower. I was the guy who was having a bad day and one of my best friends said something and I did a spinning roundhouse kick at him. And had he not backed up I would have connected. But because I didn't I ended up falling on my ass and he jumped on me, still playing and cooled me down. I was the guy who, when they were reading off promotions at Christmas Corporal dinner, locked eyes with my squad leader when they announced my name from Phase I to Phase II, and hoped that I had worked hard enough to get his respect. I am the guy who still wonders about that today.

Michael Cain is Bunch or vice-versa

It has finally come to me! After re-watching Zulu, I realize; Michael Caine looks just like Bunch did at Kemper. Same hair. Ok, NOT the same accent, but still. Fair skin. Man, that has been one of those things that has been rolling around in my head for while. And from what I have seen of Michael Caine these days and Bunch; they STILL look the same.

hey it may not seem like much, but that's a big deal; I knew Bunch reminded me of someone and never felt right when I was trying to think of who. Now, I know!

Call Me Nostalgic

I remember when sci-fi cons and the like were just for the 'geeks' and hardly got much press except for a write up in the Lifestyle section of the paper. With the onset of the Internet, which is both good and bad for our genre, the press coverage of Comic Con is outrageous!

Initially, way back when I was glad. We, the sci-fi and fantasy lovers were finally coming main stream. But now; with some of the slop of sci-fi movies/remakes etc of comics, video games or toys (I heard they were suppose to be making a movie about Rock'em Sock'em Robots... I don't know if what I heard was a joke or not, but now a days I can see them doing that) its not pretty.

I am glad to see the 501st of Star Wars fame getting press... but now as I was telling someone, its gotten outrageous. The famous of yesterdays are hardly remembered.

Maybe I just woke on the wrong side of the bed or universe or whatever, but this shit pisses me off. I'm as hopped about this as when Bryan watches soccer (office co-worker).

Why? Is is that they, the newcomers, have no idea where us old timers had to endure to get here. We endured the bullies, without killing ourselves or anyone else and we turned out fairly normal. We had parents who loved us and were involved with us and indulged out little hobbies as they saw this as what it was, an outlet like sports or anything else. Some of us outgrew them, some moved on-while retaining some like for the stuff, and then a few of us continued. Some of those that continued were still not totally 'indoctrinated' (yeah I know, scary word, but can't think of any other way to say it) and some, like I would say I am, moved beyond this as a hobby and, as some sports fanatics; its wrapped up in our DNA. This takes us beyond those who just have the costumes (they are uniforms, as that is what they are). It does NOT make us better than them, it just makes some of us, more determined to make sure that those that went before, in all sci-fi and fantasy, be it literature, movies, games or even music, are not forgotten. Before CGI and political correctness ruined some. Hey, I still have Trek uniforms hanging in my closet-I am going on 23 years in STARFLEET and have held numerous local, regional and Fleet level positions. For 10 years I owned a game and comic store and even had a d20 module published. I have attended many conventions and even put on some. I have paid my dues when, while growing up, people thought I was a freak for believing in UFOs. Then the X-Files came out. I was into that stuff before Chris Carter could spell "X-Files."

An old friend I hadn't seen in years asked me if I was still into that. Unfortunately not I told him. Before, no one knew what I was talking about and now adays, I have seen people advertising "paranormal investigations" and there are all those shows on TV; Ghost Hunters, etc. The fictionalized stuff is fine: X-Files, Supernatural, Harry Potter... but these people... I am sure some are well meaning, hard corps enthusiasts. Others are out to make a buck. But unless I missed something, everything that has been recorded, seen, or felt... nothing has shown concrete proof to the scientific community or either life after death or intelligence life in outer space. And with out illustrious president cutting NASA's money, will we ever?

Needless to say, that I am a dinosaur in this aspect also. With the passing of Frezatta, and others... the corp groups are slowing dying off. To be replaced with....what? CGI? Stories with holes in them that you could drive a super star destroyer through? (Avatar) Remakes that use the name and very little else to try and revive a franchise instead of a decent story? (Star Trek). Or a new edition of a classic game that is so far from what the creators dreamed up that it bares little resemblance to it but the name and idea? (4th ed D & D)

I have paused. Ok, maybe I DID wake up on the wrong side of the universe, but this has been building for sometime, and like a safety valve I just had to blow. I am calm now. I now return you to your regular scheduled blogs, already in progress.

The Gates

Ok... ok... like bad delivery food I keep coming back to this... whatever. Ok, let me bite off this: I can take a vampire (gorgeous one at that) who can do the sun (with sun screen) has blood stored in her home like bottle of wine (ironic that they are stored in the wine cellar)in her home but vamps out and kills someone and hubby (also a vamp) is pissed about that. Hes trying to do the normal thing. Ok... swallow that. I can do it.

Then the new police chief is a no holds barred, had to leave one town cause he was over zealous and is now the new chief in a gated community cop. Ok, that's was easy.

His son is attracted to the girlfriend of one of the local jocks, who just happens to be a werewolf. And there are other teen wolves out there too. Giving him a hrad time about not 'running' with them. Gee peer pressure comes in all forms I guess. Ok... a little harder, but after some coughing, I swallowed that.

Then the wife of said police chief goes to town to a herbal store and gets caught between two of the local wiccans. Ok.... that's getting a bit tough.

Then one of his deputies (another beautiful lady) starts to freak and blood out after something of hers is stolen. And, after getting said item back (didn't see what it is) she offs the guy. Ok.. by itself doable, but this is getting a bit much.

Oh, and the actor who played Dresden (great series and great books) shows up as.... well I'm not sure what he is as I fast forwarded through that part as I couldn't bare to see that. But hes a vamp too. And he and the female share someone and then she lies to hubby about it. OMG> Now thats a soap opera. Oh wait, maybe its just Phantom of the Opera.

And now, the girlfriend broke up with her furry faced bf for the chief's son. And after laying one helluva kiss on him, he collapses. Cut to one of the local witches, who I thought of as a good witch, was talking with said father about daughter and that he had to tell his daughter about her mother and that was becoming a succubus. For those of you who know what that is, we can all go "ahhhh" that's why ex-bf said had so much energy since breaking up with her, she wasn't feeding on it. For those who don't know what a succubus is, look it up.

Ok, I have had about as much as I can swallow. Does this mean EVERYONE is some kind of creepy crawly? I mean, I could take one or two, but this is getting ridiculous. I had joked about if we would see Frankenstein's monster or the Mummy. Now, I am just wondering when.

Great Website!

http://www.gonetoosoon.org/

This free memorial is for lost ones/animals. I love reading about how much animals meant to people. And I found the following on one about a kitten.


Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an
animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet
goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our
special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of
food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and
vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong
again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times
gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small
thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left
behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly
stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his
eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group,
flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been
spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling
together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses
rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and
you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your
life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

Rules of Engagement - MGN Curry

Rules of Engagement
by Major Gen. Jerry Curry

During the Viet Nam War several Viet Cong engaged our forces in a running fire fight and when we finally closed in for the kill they fled into in a Buddhist Pagoda and hid. I turned to my South Vietnamese counter-part, shrugged my shoulders and said, “Sorry Colonel, my rules of engagement are that we must observe the sanctity of all South Vietnamese religious buildings. If the Viet Cong don’t come out voluntarily, we are forbidden to go in and get them; unfortunately the enemy knows our rules of engagement as well as we do.”


The Colonel nodded his head, spoke a few words to his executive officer and several minutes later some Vietnamese soldiers arrived carrying shoulder fired rocket launchers. They very methodically blew a huge hole in the wall of the pagoda, threw in a bunch of hand grenades, killed or captured the Viet Cong who were hiding inside, and continued on with the mission.

By showing respect for their pagoda we Americans were trying to win the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people. The Vietnamese Colonel was trying to win the battle. His actions reminded me of something a Korean officer, to whom I was an advisor many years before, had once said to me, “If you grab them by the throat their hearts and minds will follow.”

As best I can tell from the news coverage of the War in Afghanistan, our troops have been directed to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people at all costs. While we observe these niceties, the Taliban sometimes win by default. In war adopting a hearts and minds strategy is nothing new, but it is still just as dangerous and difficult to carry out as it has been in previous military engagements.

To win, our soldiers should be authorized to use whatever force is necessary. This means that if a terrorist fires at our soldiers with a rifle, they should return fire with a machinegun. If they fire at us with a rocket launcher, we return fire with a tank gun. If a terrorist sniper fires from a Mosque window killing one of our soldiers, we “direct lay” an artillery piece at a point about one meter below the center of the window sill, fire one round and take out the sniper, wall and all.

On page 106 of my book: From Private to General: An African American Soldier Rises through The Ranks, I write:

During the question-and-answer period, one of my classmates … asked (the instructor), “How do you save a nation from … enslavement when the inhabitants refuse to fight for their own freedom?”

“You don’t,” he said. “You let them be enslaved.” Then scornfully he added … “You can occupy them and take over their government and armed forces, including promotion authority. This assumes that you also run their communication systems, transportation, and public schools…

“If the United States is willing to make such an extreme sacrifice for 20 or 30 years, perhaps you can successfully … raise up a generation of young people who will embrace your values and be willing to fight and die to preserve their own freedom … You can’t do for other nations and people what they won’t do for themselves.”

U.S. rules of engagement in Afghanistan can’t be based on what we imagine other nations might think of us or how the Afghans may or may not respond to our actions. General George S. Patton once said, “Wars might be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory.”


Nothing in war can substitute for killing the enemy.


________________________________________
Major Gen. Jerry R. Curry (US Army Ret.) Ph.D. is a decorated combat veteran, Army Aviator, Paratrooper and Ranger who has served his country both in the military and as a Presidential appointee in three administrations.

Stuff I Found

A little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. . . It is a medium necessary for the sound health of a government.
Thomas Jefferson


People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.
George Orwell


I’d like to have two armies: one for display with lovely guns, tanks, little soldiers, staff, distinguished and doddering generals, and dear little regimental officers who would be deeply concerned over their general’s bowel movements or their colonel’s piles: An army that would be shown for a modest fee on every fairground in the country.
The other would be the real one, composed entirely of young enthusiasts in camouflage uniforms, who would not be put on display but from whom impossible efforts would be demanded and to whom all sorts of tricks would be taught. That’s the army in which I should like fight.
Jean Larte’ Guy


Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.

LOL Cat of the Day

I just thought this was a cute picture.

Cylon / Not a Cylon

I am human, contrary to what some believe. But in a previous entry I am No.6. So IF I was a Cylon I'd be No. 6. But since I am not, I ain't.

Battlestar Galactica Wiki

I'd live in that part of the US (another one of those; I don't know if its true or not)

POLK COUNTY FLORIDA SHERIFF GRADY JUDD
An illegal alien in Polk County Florida who got pulled over in a routine traffic stop ended up 'executing' the deputy who stopped him. The deputy was shot eight times, including once behind his right ear at close range. Another deputy was wounded and a police dog killed. A state-wide manhunt ensued.

The murderer was found hiding in a wooded area and as soon as he took a shot at the SWAT team, officers opened fire on him. They hit the guy 68 times.

Naturally, the liberal media went nuts and asked why they had to shoot the poor undocumented immigrant 68 times.

Sheriff Grady Judd told the Orlando Sentinel: 'Because that's all the ammunition we had..' Now, is that just about the all-time greatest answer or what!

The Coroner also reported that the illegal alien died of natural causes.. When asked by a reporter how that could be since there were 68 bullet wounds in his body, he simply replied: (QUOTE of 2009) "when you are shot 68 times you are naturally gonna die."

This is another ones of those; I don't know if its true, but hope it is

This is little-known story from the Pentagon on 09/11/2001:

During a visit with a fellow chaplain, who happened to be assigned to the Pentagon, I had a chance to hear a first-hand account of an incident that happened right after Flight 77 hit the Pentagon. The chaplain told me what happened at a daycare center near where the impact occurred. This daycare had many children, including infants who were in heavy cribs. The daycare supervisor, looking at all the children they needed to evacuate, was in a panic over what they could do. There were many children, mostly toddlers, as well as the infants that would need to be taken out with the cribs.

There was no time to try to bundle them into carriers and strollers. Just then a young Marine came running into the center and asked what they needed. After hearing what the center director was trying to do, he ran back out into the hallway and disappeared. The director thought, 'well, there we are-on our own.'

About 2 minutes later, that Marine returned with 40 other Marines in tow. Each of them grabbed a crib with a child, and the rest started gathering up toddlers. The director and her staff then helped them take all the children out of the center and down toward the park near the Potomac and the Pentagon. Once they got about 3/4 of a mile outside the building, the Marines stopped in the park, and then did a fabulous thing - they formed a circle with the cribs, which were quite sturdy and heavy, like the covered wagons in the Old West. Inside this circle of cribs, they put the toddlers, to keep them from wandering off. Outside this circle were the 40 Marines, forming a perimeter around the children and waiting for instructions. There they remained until the parents could be notified and come get their children..

The chaplain then said, "I don't think any of us saw nor heard of this on any of the news stories of the day. It was an incredible story of our men there. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. The thought of those Marines and what they did and how fast they reacted; could we expect any less from them? It was one of the most touching stories from the Pentagon.

Remember Ronald Reagan's great compliment: "Most of us wonder if our lives made any difference. Marines don't have that problem."

God Bless the USA and our troops.

It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press.
It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

I Have Seen The Light!

Ok, I have to get this down while its still in my brain.

Have you ever had one of THOSE moments where things click into place and you realize somethings that you had wondered on for so long and thought that you would never get a decent answer? I just had one of those moments waiting for the elevator after I got my morning Pop-tart from the vending machine, one floor up.

I was standing there and I was thinking how this weekend I actually bought a couple of dvds (used) for myself, at a record store, for $5 each. One of them was The Blues Brothers. I was wondering, as I sometimes do, why do I like this movie? Yes, great story, music, characters... but then I dug deeper. I love this movie for all of those things (Belushi/Ackroyd!!!) but also it reminds me of the times I would go see one of my best friends in Chicago. I remember driving around at night and it reminding me of the drives the Blues Brothers took. And every time I see the Lower whacker Dr sign, I would mimic, "Well this is certainly Lower Whacker Drive..." from the movie; its near the end. In any case, that gave me a warm fuzzie. Awwwww. But that's not THE moment. But this.

Then I thought how, at my age people would be retiring, (yeah right) ok, normally, in what was a normal economy, people would. They would have the time to go and travel and see friends.

I have thought, in my recent times, that I am paying the bill for the good times I had when I was young. Usually I think of this as a negative. Now I have come to realize that while the check is due, it is in no way the negative that I had thought. Yes. I am paying for the time I played. But I need to remember that I had a great time! I lived times that will never be again, in a time that is gone forever and I was young enough to enjoy it! Now don't get me wrong, if I had the time and money I would enjoy it, but then you factor in the age thing. All my contemporaries, at the time I was having those fun times, were busy working. Ok, so Grasshopper and the Ant. And while I take the responsibility, I needn't take the mental idea that paying the bill is a negative. Hey, we go to a restaurant, we order, we eat. the bill comes due. Sometimes we pay before, sometimes we pay after. I like the Golden Coral buffet, you pay before you eat. I also love Chinese buffets and you pay after. For a loooooong time, I have thought of this negatively. I have had good friends try and get me to see things differently.

Their mistake was not trying to make me see where I am now. Yes, financially I suck. But what I have, and understand, is that I have memories of times that were great! And I was young enough to appreciate them! If my friends go and try and do the things I did 20 years, they could I am sure, but the prices would be higher (both in money and the toal), and, the old age, age does catch up with you. When you are young, you can out run. As you get older, age is where you go to bed on a weekend at 11pm. And while I may not be at the bars hanging til 2am, I am not in bed by 11. Ideas change. Priorities change. And now, thank you Lord, my own perception has changed. Thank you for helping me see it. And it took was strawberry Pop-Tarts and The Blues Brothers.

Head EXploding (102)

No. No. No. to the utmost power.

Smurfs. The movie. The 3D movie. Gee, how much more can we cash in? Blue. 3D. where have I seen this before in a totally crappy movie? I can not even begin to tell you how I hate Hollywood for this. They subject us to that first blue monstrosity (Avatar) and now THIS?

whew. Breath.

But something original is Scott Pilgrim vs the World. While I am not that big a fan of Michael Cera; his stuff I either want to see or hate that I saw, this one is one of those that I want to see.

Ok... here we go again.

The series, The Gates. Ok, I could maybe see the vampires in a gated community, I can even make allowances for them coming out in the sun. The new police chief shows up, the wife vamps out kills someone, hubby has to clean up, mess, they have to hide the body, figure out what to do... ok. I could swallow that... sorta of. But then some of the high school jocks are wolves. There are witches there too. OMG! Whats next, zombies or Frankenstein monsters? And then of course, the police chief had to leave his last posting for dubious reason. Real, non supernatural. he seems to be a gung ho cop who likes to bend the rules. Please. I think we have o.d.ed on vampires. Unfortunately I am curious what they are going to do. I would love if they made the cop some badder ass badie. But that makes too much sense. And I could see the old police chief being dead, every time they mentioned that he suddenly retired and is one some beach in Mexico. I will lay you 2 to 1 its the developer. He seems so slimy. And they gave him an accent. Geeze. Lets just have a flashing sign over his his head saying "Main Evil Character Here."

Last but not least; the new movie The Losers verse The A Team. I have heard that the A Team movie does pretty good. I just wish they hadn't revised this form the series. But I have heard that George Peppard (original Hannibal) would have approved-and it was a good fun flix.

The Losers. Another action flix about a military group. This also looks really fun and action filled. I just wish they hadn't used the name 'Losers.' But, they are not trying to be The Losers from my favorite old time W W II comics; and it seems appropriate for what they do. So with that minor exception, I'd would love to see this movie. Also, there is a Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Willis movie coming out I thought. All 3 together in the same movie?! My Goodness! That would be some action packed movie. All they would need would Mel Gibson, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks and Chuck Norris and the world would melt from the greatness. LOL.

which reminds me; there is a new Predator movie coming out. I want to see it, but I read an interview with director/write or someone about this and that he didn't want a "big" baddie and that why they cast someone "non-Schwarzenegger." Ok, I would see this movie as the idea of bringing together elite killers, to a predator game preserve and they are the prey, is good. But to say that shit...piss me off. Hey look at Bruce Willis in the Die Hard franchise. Hes not buff. He did bulk out in Tears of the Sun. But still.

Ok, I am off my soap box now.

Rant Rant (107)

Just saw a pre-view for Entangled. A new Disney cartoon. A Rapunzel story. Looks good, and I like how she has control of her hair, able to resists the thief's charm and the animal side-kicks. What I didn't like was the blurb about it being more relatable to today. I want to see the movie, but I don't think a thief from a fantasy land is going to make it relatable to today? Whats going to be in it, some magic potion spill in their ocean that is killing the animals? I go to movies to get away from the today of today. Take me to someplace else.

Ok, here's something else that has been building; Disney's Enchanted from 2007. Another No Way In Hell am I seeing it. I don't want Cinderella coming to NY or falling for Patrick Dempsey. Let him stay practising medicine, far, far from me. I used to like Dempsey, but now... MY Cinderella is living with her prince charming in the original Disney Classic.

People bad mouth Wal Mart. And yet, Sam Walton's dream was to help. when you are the underdog every one likes you. Get too big... and watch it. Wal-Mart. The US. Remember the Revolutionary War? Oh, I'm sorry... that resistance movement. Now look at us. the biggest and best nation in the world (yes, I said we are the best, deal with it). Don't believe me? Then why does everyone want to come here, illegally? And then send that money home? Pro-Arizona here. I have no problems with Israel and the blockade. I am surprised at their restraint. I am glad that old woman in the White House press corps is gone. Yes, give her credit where credit is due, but her politics were evident. In the end, she still had a black heart. I can think of a country that rose to greatness, brought its people out a depression, mobilize its military and fought for what they believed in. Oh yeah, that was Germany during WW II. So "noble ideas" and causes are in the eye of the beholder.

I have my opinions, just as everyone else. Deal with that. I just don't expouse them unless I have enough of the crap I am getting from the other side.

Dreams, Again (109)

Another unsettling dream. And this lasted a long time, but was really no longer than two hours, according to when i went to bed and when I woke from the dream.

I made the mistake of taking a nap on Sunday and generally catching up on my sleep. well, I caught too much sleep and was thus forced to try and get some sleep at a normal time.

This dream, as that other unsettling was, was not a first person dream. It was like watching a TV show. And I really felt toward the character that was the focus. Funny, it wasn't me. I mean, he didn't look like me, so how could it be me? Yeah I know. Also, I knew it was a dream. Didn't make it any less unsettling.

It was unsettling, not really upsetting. So, don't really know what my psyche is doing or playing. Maybe I am catching some bad TV series that didn't make it pasta 6 or 12 show run. I have found a few on Hulu like that. Some I have really liked; others, to have gone 6 episodes was gracious.

Which Battlestar Galactica Cylon Are You?

More on Battlestar Galactica. Created by BuddyTV

Dreams (121)

Have you ever had a dream that was unsettling. Not scary or anything like a monster chasing you or Freddie. But something that might seem mundane to everyone else and yet to you seem so foreboding. Something that at one time might be welcome and now...
Maybe premonition might be better, but that doesn't fit either.

Normally I'd talk about this with one of our religious experts from the Old Boys, but he's out of the country according to his voice mail, so I'll catch up with him hes back in country.

I've had enough psych to diagnosis things and I'm not sure. On one hand its obvious and on the other the more subtle undertones...or as a dear friend once told me "I think too much."

Kemper Numbers

I found an old list of the attendance of Kemper over the years. I had a better one, but can't find it as I am sure it is packed away. When I can I will repost it all. But this should show some of the ebb and flow over the years at Kemper Military School & College in Boonville, MO.


Year Attendance
1870 32
1871 28
1872 41 Grant re-elected President
1873 53
1874 57
1875 57
1876 47 Battle of the Little Bighorn
1877 52 Hayes elected President
1878 45
1879 52
1880 48 Garfield elected President
1881 50 F.T. Kemper dies of Pneumonia, T.A. Johnston takes over as President of Kemper Military School
1882 52
1883 53
1884 53 Cleveland delected President
1885
1886
1887
1888 58 Harrison elected President
1889 56
1890
1891
1892
1893
1894 66
1895 66
1896 62 McKinley elected President
1897 51
1898 76 Spanish-American War
1899 47
1900 58 McKinley re-elected Prsident
1901 66
1902 76
1903 81
1904 105 Roosevelt elected President
1905 114
1906 113
1907 132
1908 114 Taft elected President
1909 148
1910 144
1911 160
1912 130 Wilson elected President
1913 156
1914 158 WW I begins
1915 146
1916 198 Wilson re-elected President
1917 217 US enters WW I
1918 341 WW I ends
1919 501
1920 503 Harding elected President
1921 426
1922 352
1923 357
1924 372 Coolidge elected President
1925 346
1926 402
1927 360
1928 372
1929 380 Stock Market Crashes
1930 426 Great Depression
1931 396
1932 313 Roosevelt elected President
1933 236
1934 220
1935 244
1936 367 Roosevelt re-elected President
1937 429
1938 447
1939 451 WW II Begins
1940 431 Roosevelt re-elected President
1941 508 US enters WW II
1942 558
1943 592
1944 576 Roosevelt re-elected President
1945 556 WW II ends
1946 544
1947 569 Cold War begins
1948 530 Truman elected President
1949 495
1950 389 Korean War begins
1951 357
1952 353 Eisenhower elected President
1953 338 Korean War ends
1954 295
1955 297
1956 330 Eisenhower re-elected President
1957 378
1958
1959 460
1960 363 Kennedy elected President
1961 343
1962 367 Cuban Missile Crisis
1963 404
1964 446
1965 476 US enters Viet Nam War
1966 492
1967 544
1968 529 Nixon elected President
1969 488
1970 402
1971 291
1972 281 Watergate
1973 258 US leaves Viet Nam
1974 153
1975 118
1976 153 Carter elected President
1977 190
1978 189
1979 179 Iranian Hostage Crisis
1980 216 Reagan elected President
1981 242
1982 256
1983 281
1984 229 Reagan re-elected President
1985 213
1986 253
1987 316
1988 320 Bush elected President
1989 350
1990 388 US Enters Persian Gulf War
1991
1992 Clinton elected President
1993 291
1994 386
1995 392
1996 415 Clinton re-elected President
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001

Matt Kennon - The Call

Great song and video!


The Call lyrics

Today was gonna be the day
He´d already wrote the note
And parked that Chevrolet
At the end of that dead end road
Had his finger on the trigger; just about to end everything
He was taking one last long breathe; when he heard his cell phone ring

And his best friends say man where you been?
We´re headed down to the lake this weekend
You better not miss it ´cause buddy I swear
It won´t be the same If you aint there
And i told that girl that you like so much
You were coming along and her eyes lit up
I better let you go man i really hope i didnt catch you in the middle of anything
He said you kinda did but i don´t mind at all
I´m glad you called

In another town down the road
In the backseat of a car
Two 18 year olds had let a kiss go to far
He said how are we gonna have this child
When were both headed off to school?
He convinced her late one night there´s only one thing to do
She was scared to death in that waiting room
When the nurse asked how far along are you
She said 5 weeks and just about then her phone lit up
And his call came in
Saying baby i was wrong about everything
I´ve already bought you a diamond ring we´ re gonna start a life
Would you be my wife
Boy or girl; pink or blue; yeah either way
All she could say as she felt those tear drops falls was
I´m so glad you called

If someone you know is weighing on your mind
And needs a friend on the end of that other line
Don´t hesitate what you say may seem so small
But who knows
They might be glad you called

So make the call

Yeah make that call


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK3zs7EV6Tk

Bunch is Sheldon

Ok, because of work I don't get to see The Big Bang Theory but I do read the synopsis at IMdb, so I do know whats going on. I was watching clips at You Tube and just now saw it. Bunch IS Sheldon. Not in the super smarts area, but in sometimes in the way he looks and acts. OMG! Like I said, I love Bunch, but still... he has tendencies of Sheldon.

Go Bunch! Sheldon's character is from TX and you are from AR. So I guess they could be similar.

:)

NCIS Rules

Love NCIS. And of course Gibb's rules. In this last episode there were a number of things that reminded me, of Kemper of course. As I know there has to be a list of all the Gibbs rules I checked the Net. There is. On this one web site, it said, "A slap to the face is an insult — to the back of the head is a wake-up call."

I can't speak how it was after I left Kemper, but I know I got a few and I delivered a lot of 'wake up calls' to many. Also, the old adage of there are no ex-marines. So forgive me Marines but I also would say there are no former Kemper cadets, as that there are no former "insert military branch, unit, etc" here. the reason the Marines are so hard corps is because of their training and their code. Don't get me wrong, the Army has training and USMJ, but special units do have their own code of honor.
Also, while at Kemper, we were taught things, learned things and developed things that have lasted through our lives. Good or bad, there are no former Kemper cadets; we were and shall ever be, Kemper Old Boys.

Like when Gibbs answered if he believed in a code of justice. At Kemper, we had our own; the Standard of Honor. We knew, you screw up with those that's one thing. But we also had our own code when it came to each other. We don't screw over our own. Another is that you back the people you went to school with. Breaking these unwritten rules is not a crime. Hell, the person breaking them probably won't even loose sleep. But. You do that to one of us; you loose that trust. And while that person may not tell the rest of the group about it, if asked he'll tell his reasons why he no longer trusts that person. After that, its on that person to decide whether they trust them or not. And while we can never loose the blood between us, the best way to say it is; "They will always be a brother, they are just not a friend."

This is what they have so far about Gibb's Rules:
Rule #1: Never let suspects stay together.
Rule #1: Never screw over your partner.
Rule #2: Always wear gloves at a crime scene.
Rule #3: Don't believe what you're told. Double check.
Rule #3: Never be unreachable.
Rule #4: The best way to keep a secret? Keep it to yourself. Second best? Tell one other person - if you must. There is no third best.
Rule #6: Never apologize — It’s a sign of weakness.
Rule #7: Always be specific when you lie.
Rule #8: Never take anything for granted.
Rule #9: Never go anywhere without a knife.
Rule #10: Never get personally involved on a case.
Rule #11: When the job is done, walk away.
Rule #12: Never date a coworker.
Rule #13: Never, ever involve a lawyer.
Rule #15: Always work as a team.
Rule #18: It's better to seek forgiveness than ask permission.
Rule #22: Never, ever bother Gibbs in interrogation.
Rule #23: Never mess with a Marine's coffee if you want to live.
Rule #27: Two ways to follow: — First way they never notice you, — second way they only notice you.
Rule #38: Your case, your lead.
Rule #39: There is no such thing as coincidence.
Rule #40: If it seems someone is out to get you, they are.
Rule #44: First things first. Hide the women and children.
Rule #45: Left a mess I've got to clean up.
Rule #51: Sometimes — You're Wrong