The Swamp Hare

I Am Shocked, Enraged, Offended But Not Surprised.

2011-12-08T16:34:00.001-04:00

This is a horrible story that still takes my breath, as I write this post. For me, the horror is the way that the truth had to be dragged out by an external media source. I encourage you to read this through. It is long. Follow the links; among the shameful report is this account: The Air Force admitted that the Dover mortuary misplaced a dead soldier’s ankle and another set of remains that had been stored in a plastic bag. Employees also sawed off the damaged arm bone of a Marine so he could fit in his uniform and coffin — but did not tell his family.

The United States Air Force dumped the incinerated partial remains of at least 274 American troops in a Virginia landfill, far more than the military had acknowledged, before halting the secretive practice three years ago, records show.

The landfill dumping was concealed from families who had authorized the military to dispose of the remains in a dignified and respectful manner, Air Force officials said. There are no plans, they said, to alert those families now. The Air Force had maintained that it could not estimate how many troops might have had their remains sent to a landfill. The practice was revealed last month by The Washington Post, which was able to document a single case of a soldier whose partial remains were sent to the King George County landfill in Virginia. The new data, for the first time, show the scope of what has become an embarrassing episode for vaunted Dover Air Base, the main port of entry for America’s war dead. The landfill disposals were never formally authorized under military policies or regulations. They also were not disclosed to senior Pentagon officials who conducted a high-level review of cremation policies at the Dover Mortuary in 2008, records show.

Air Force and Pentagon officials said last month that determining how many remains went to the landfill would require searching through the records of more than 6,300 troops whose remains have passed through the mortuary since 2001.

“It would require a massive effort and time to recall records and research individually,” Jo Ann Rooney, the Pentagon’s acting undersecretary for personnel, wrote in a Nov. 22 letter to Rep. Rush D. Holt (D-N.J.). Holt, who has pressed the Pentagon for answers on behalf of a constituent whose husband was killed in Iraq, accused the Air Force and Defense Department of hiding the truth.

“What the hell?” Holt said in a phone interview. “We spent millions, tens of millions, to find any trace of soldiers killed, and they’re concerned about a ‘massive’ effort to go back and pull out the files and find out how many soldiers were disrespected this way?” He added: “They just don’t want to ask questions or look very hard.”

Senior Air Force leaders said there was no intent to deceive. “Absolutely not,” said Lt General Darrell D. Jones, the Air Force’s deputy chief of staff for personnel.

This week, after The Post pressed for information contained in the Dover mortuary’s electronic database, the Air Force produced a tally based on those records. It showed that 976 fragments from 274 military personnel were cremated, incinerated and taken to the landfill between 2004 and 2008.

An additional group of 1,762 unidentified remains were collected from the battlefield and disposed of in the same manner, the Air Force said. Those fragments could not undergo DNA testing because they had been badly burned or damaged in explosions. The total number of incinerated fragments dumped in the landfill exceeded 2,700.

A separate federal investigation of the mortuary last month, prompted by whistleblower complaints, uncovered "Gross mismanagement" and documented how body parts recovered from bomb blasts stacked up in the morgue’s coolers for months or years before they were identified and disposed of.

The problems also transpired at a time when the mortuary was shielded from public scrutiny. News coverage of the return of fallen troops to Dover was banned by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 before the first Persian Gulf War. The ban remained until April 2009, when the Obama administration lifted it.

The Air Force said it first cremated the remains and then included those ashes in larger loads of mortuary medical waste that were burned in an incinerator and taken to a landfill. Incinerating medical waste is a common disposal practice but including cremated human ashes is not, according to funeral home directors, regulators and waste haulers.

Air Force officials said they do not know when the landfill disposals began. They said their first record of it is Feb. 23, 2004. The mortuary database became operational in late 2003.

The Air Force said mortuary leaders decided to end the practice in May 2008 because “there was a better way to do it,” Jones said. The military now cremates unclaimed and unidentified body parts and buries the ashes at sea.

Jones said the Air Force did not need to inform relatives of troops whose remains ended up in the landfill because they had signed forms stipulating that they did not wish to be notified if additional remains were identified. The forms authorized the military to make “appropriate disposition” of those subsequent remains.

Asked if the landfill was a dignified final resting place, Jones said: “The way we’re doing it today is much better.”

Gari-Lynn Smith, the widow of an Army sergeant killed in Iraq, said she received an e-mail in July from Trevor Dean, the mortuary director, saying that incinerated remains had been taken to landfills at least since he began working at Dover in 1996. Dean is one of the officials facing discipline for his role in the reported mismanagement at the mortuary.

Smith’s husband, Sgt. 1st Class Scott R. Smith, a member of a bomb-disposal unit, was killed on July 17, 2006. In 2007, she began asking the military what happened to some of his remains that were identified after his funeral.

After four years of letters, phone calls and records requests, she received a letter from the mortuary in April stating that the military cremated and incinerated those partial remains and disposed of them in the King George landfill.

“I hope this information brings some comfort to you during your time of loss,” read the letter, signed by Dean.

Smith was infuriated. “They have known that they were doing something disgusting, and they were doing everything they could to keep it from us,” she said in a phone interview.

In May 2008, then-Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates ordered a detailed review of policies at Dover after an Army officer complained that the mortuary had cremated a fallen comrade at a nearby funeral home that also cremated pets in a separate chamber.

The review team ordered changes, emphasizing the need to ensure the highest levels of dignity and honor.

The Pentagon would not release the report, which was overseen by David Chu, who was undersecretary of defense for personnel. A copy obtained by The Post, however, shows that the landfill disposal practice was never reviewed or mentioned. Chu, now president of the Institute for Defense Analyses in Alexandria, declined to comment.

Private contractors hired by the Air Force to handle the remains’ incineration and disposal of the residue said they were unaware that they were transporting the ashes of dead troops. Records show that the Air Force hired the contractors to dispose of medical waste and did not specify that cremated body parts were included.

MedTrace Inc. of North East, Md., had Air Force disposal contracts between 2004 and 2007, records show. Don Holland, a manager for the company, said his employees picked up boxes of sealed containers from the Dover mortuary.

“They were certified as medical waste that had been properly treated — that’s it,” Holland said. “We don’t go looking at what’s in there. It’s sealed.”

MedTrace took the items to an incinerator in Baltimore, according to state records in Delaware, where the mortuary is located. Holland declined to discuss the incineration and which landfill his company used.

Lisa Kardell, a spokeswoman for Waste Management, which operates the King George landfill, said the firm has no record of a contract with MedTrace for the years 2003 through 2008.

She said that Air Force officials have not returned calls over the past two weeks from her company’s attorneys, asking which haulers would have been handling the Dover materials and the disposition of the ashes.

“Obviously, we would be opposed to taking cremated remains of our servicemen and servicewomen and putting them in our landfill,” Kardell said. “But it sounds like a lot of us were pulled in unknowingly to this unfortunate situation with the Air Force,” she added.

“It’s a moral thing,” said Jeff Jenkins, the manager of the King George landfill. “Someone killed overseas fighting for our country, I wouldn’t want them buried — any part of them — in the landfill.”

Down To The Woods

2011-12-06T08:55:00.001-04:00

cute video

This is a cute video. for your kids.

O, Tannenbaum

2011-12-01T13:18:00.001-04:00

OTannenbaumNoten.gif

Nat 'King' Cole sings the Christmas classic, in German.

Deutsch

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie treu(1) sind deine Blätter!
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
Nein, auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie treu sind deine Blätter!

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
Wie oft hat schon zur Winterzeit(2)
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren:
Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit
Gibt Mut und Kraft zu jeder Zeit!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren!

1. A common variation replaces
the word "treu" (trustworthy)
with "grün" (green)

2. Or "Wie oft hat nicht zur
Weihnachtszeit."

"I'm not a Christmas Tree."

English, dude; English.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us!
They're green when summer days are bright,
They're green when winter snow is white.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure!
How oft at Christmas tide the sight,
O green fir tree, gives us delight!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
Forever true your colour.
Your boughs so green in summertime
Stay bravely green in wintertime.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
Forever true your colour.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You fill my heart with music.
Reminding me on Christmas Day
To think of you and then be gay.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You fill my heart with music.

Frosty, How Could You?

2011-11-29T12:06:00.000-04:00

There must have been some magic in that old straw hat he found, for when he took it off his head, he was hooked up, and dragged downtown.

Kevin Michael Walsh was arrested Saturday During the annual Christmas parade in Chestertown, on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Dressed as Frosty the Snowman, he began scuffling with police and kicking at a police dog. No running here and there, all around the square, this time, snow-boy.

Walsh was released on his own recognizance but children were saying he'll be back again some day. “I'd like to be the snow man again because I've done such a good job all these years,” he says.

Think Snow.

Lady Tackle

2011-11-26T14:04:00.001-04:00

Sort, wash, dry and fold the laundry is on my list of mundane tasks, today. I take delight in the uncomplicated. Straight lines; blue sky with a few puffy, cumulus clouds; hour-long, twenty word conversations with the guys; painting houses; using the shop vac to clean the truck, washing and drying dishes in hot water, and laundry. These are times for for me to allow my mind to wander, and contemplate, to conduct inner dialogue. This morning, as I sorted the laundry, for a load of towels, I nearly added Cheryl's unmentionables to the towels but quickly caught myself with the mental observation that. "Cheryl wouldn't want her lady tackle washed with the towels." Indeed, she would not. However, I had reached for one word, and grasped another. I intended to mumble 'lady things', something worn close to the skin, and warranting fabric softener, as opposed to the detergent only rule for towels. 'Lady Tackle' I guess being something else to avoid washing with fabric softener. I'm just not going to take this monologue to the 'Spin Cycle'.

Day-After Clearance

2011-11-01T16:58:00.003-04:00

As the shadows of October crept and melted in retreat of the November sun, I took Tim and Anna to the bulls-eye store. I thought it might behoove me to get there early enough to snag some bargains, and fetch a gallon of 2%. I got there, first.
Well. I didn't find new dance-tights for Anna or starkly reduced halloween fashion for 2012 but I got spooky-themed tissues, plastic silverware and some assorted chocolate bars.
"Oh what a circus, oh what a show".
These events attract an odd cult of belligerent, caustic women who push their cart before them, an Iditarod dog-sled, with the last dose of Smallpox serum to save a remote, candy-aisle village.
Their spotty arms flail before them as their carts sag and creak beneath a blizzard of bulk chocolate. A crimson-faced infant, slung from his mother's crooked, pasty hook, wails as she rolls her weepy, bargain-swollen eyes, to smolder at another shaggy beast that edges too near her sugar-wallow. In vain, I labor to avoid the mental image of the scene which must follow the acquisition of 120 shiny new packages of miniature Snickers, Milky Way, Reese's and Laffy Taffy: the sigh of plastic bags as they surrender their load to a thick, pink tongue that thrashes from the depth of a slavering maw; the spectacle of a thousand individual wrappers as they glisten upon mustard shag carpet with sticky, pre-digestive juice in the dull light of a nicotine-yellow stained lamp... The Horror.

I look up from the pair of plush, velvety slipper-socks I have selected for Cheryl. They are gone, moved on like a tide of grunion that leaves only an odor reminiscent of oily sea creatures. I feel special, uncomfortable and intimately violated.

As reality slaps shut over the places through which, moments before, they had undulated and throbbed, the employee staff wear subtle smiles, as though possessed of secret knowledges.

Are You...

2011-10-01T14:18:00.000-04:00

...going to eat that vomit?

Odd, Unbidden Epiphanies

2011-09-14T15:04:00.000-04:00

Doing the sorting for the laundry, it struck me that I'm segregating it based on color; whites in one pile, non-whites in another. I'm not going to put them away that way though, then I'd be a closet racist.

Seriously? This is the sort of stuff my brain does when I let it outside?

Anyone up for a little 'What Am I?' today?

And what the hell am I?

Hope you're having at least as much hilarity in your life today, as the Swamphare.

Morning RRidgie Silliness

2011-09-14T08:57:00.001-04:00

This is the 'Under-Dog'. All I need do is lift the covers, say "Under-Dog?" and he shoots under the covers as if a January wind was at his heels.

It's good to be the Under-Dog.

Now put me back under the blanket, I'm still sleepy

Those Dirty Rings!

2011-08-30T22:43:00.000-04:00

Ladies, you've tried soaking them out! you've tried scrubbing them out, but you still have ring around the collar!
Here's an idea: Hand that man a washcloth and a bar of soap!
Maybe he could even change that shirt every couple of days so the sweat and dead skin don't build up... Before you know it, no more dirty rings!
Then, sit down and drink that rum; your hand is soaking in it...

Just Another Day at The Ranch

2011-08-13T10:49:00.000-04:00

Is it lunch-time, yet?

Oliver! Oliver!

2011-08-12T16:47:00.000-04:00

So, I was driving down County Road 12, because that's the way to the Girl Scout Garage Sale that I had to retrieve Anna from. I'm observant, which is why my eye was captured by a particular shade of green. These pictures are for Dan.

Maybe they're for sale, and we can buy one for you.

I Totally See It

2011-08-11T16:33:00.000-04:00

I knew I'd seen that face before. After her miserable defeat, perhaps she will drop from any future races

'Yesterthink'

2011-08-11T16:29:00.000-04:00

The Swamphare, as much as he may wish it be different, does not live in seclusion somewhere in the yukon wilderness, awaking from a hibernative state only long enough to make a sandwich and write names in the snow. So, my brain is constantly flogged with virulent news of the sanitised minds. Being a public figure, such as a politician, celebrity, *Lobster-boy, or other Maplethorpesque fiend is sort of like 'Whack-a-mole' or perhaps not enough like. They keep popping up, just when you had managed to banish them from your thoughts. When the resident jackalopes begin to become quarrelsome, I admonish them to "stop acting as though you work in the Beltway!" I'm harsh like that. I was weary of messages about the recall but if you want to watch Wapner, you're gonna see some political ads.

Some of you, grey-whiskered as Swamphare, can remember Harold, Phil, Don and Lew, the Statler Brothers. They were a back-up band for Johnny Cash. Anyhoo, in their song 'Class of 57' I find this lyric: We all thought we'd change the world, with our great works and deeds'. I am not a fan of pop music. It's all lovesick, drifting and pity, with vulgarity thrown in. I need my Daily Bread. So being the hypocrite farce that I am, I was dwelling on some lyrics from the 1950-1990 era, and...
Well, we have forfeited our hope of being GREAT PEOPLE; lost the belief that we are bigger than our circumstances; stopped thinking of ourselves as made in the very image of God. Why can't we enjoy foolishly taking the difficult path, the one with all the brambles, merely for the sake of taking the hill? I spent a lot of years breaking trail on snowshoes, skis or metaphorically, as a leader to those who would rather rest than embrace the pain that is living. I always said that you have to be alive to feel pain, and until you have, how do you know that you're alive? I'm just saying that we must grasp for what we cannot reach or we will never know how high we might have climbed. I think we should pull the tooth instead of just wait for it to fall out.

Tear life apart and see what it is made of!

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Swampy

* Apologies and props to the 'Lobsterboy' for inclusion in that group of freaks.

"You're Going To Stand There, And Tell Me..."

2011-08-04T15:01:00.000-04:00

That THAT is Not Cookie Dough?
Ohana stood and stared, for ten minutes but his Jedi Mind Tricks don't work on cookie dough.

Damn good thing he didn't use THIS face;

..or this one;

Or even this one. I AM susceptible to his Jedi Ways.

Cracking A Smile

2011-08-03T15:48:00.000-04:00

*** Dental work gore warning ***

I went to the dentist, at the VA, this morning to see a man about a tooth. I had broken #30, the right mandibular first molar, down to the gumline and along the lingual/buccal axis.

So...
My normal dental dentist, Dr. Puri, took one look at it before he decided to send me down the hall, to surgery.
Q: Has a dental surgeon ever sat on your chest, with a large, sharp, pointed, steel stick that he violently urges down on your broken tooth, while his assistant ~~holds~~ grips your chin with vice-like and grim determination?

A: Me neither. He did jamb this large-bore steel device that looked like a deliciously dull phillips screwdriver, into the broken tooth, in order to crack the root so that he might pull it out, in pieces. He did drill down through the center of the tooth to make the cavity that his lever could wedge in to crack the tooth. I heard it, as it cracked into several shards and bloody crumbs. It's impossible to plug your ears to the noises dentists make with their jr. Torquemada kits. His girl-Friday kept the suction evacuator tube going. I was a wee bit surprised to see that it was a clear plastic tube, and it kept a steady, crimson stream throughout.

I have kept quite a number of dental appointments over the years. I have heard my fair share of drills but never one so gratingly loud; never one pushed down as feverishly, as this one and, never before suffered someone to so graciously crush down my jaw.

I did remember, too late, to capture the noise with my Droid, that I might share it with you. I go back, for my crown, as the dentist said. "..in a couple of months, after it has had a chance to heal."

So, I got that goin' for me, which is nice.

"You Can Put Your Foot In It."

2011-05-31T00:28:00.000-04:00

I had a ~~great~~ ~~Great~~ GREAT day. I really enjoy cooking for people; so much more so, if I get to spend time with my friends while I do so. I had not made any particular, special plans for today. A couple of days ago, I was able to arrange for a good army friend to make it back here, for dinner. We added some more friends and grilled. The fellowship was awesome, my friend said, of my pineapple upside down cake, that" You could put your foot in it." In Alabama, that means it's good.
Well folks, I hope that your Veteran's Memorial Day was as rewarding as ours was. Thanks, Evan for making it your stop, today. Thanks also to the Buckles for celebrating with us. It is good to be able to serve, again.

Ride, Cowboy, Ride!

2011-02-18T09:59:00.000-04:00

*Up in the morning, at the break of day, you'll hear a big, bearded cowboy at the chuckwagon say. "Gather round boys, there's coffee hot on the fire; we've got a full day of brandin' we're heatin' the irons!" "I wanna smell that scorched hair, and burnin' hide, the horses are grained boys, they're ready to ride! Outa your bedrolls, and into your boots, daylight is a'wastin' boys, it's outa the chutes!"

I mounted a big whiteboard to the wall, outside of the kids rooms, yesterday. I spent the better part of an hour setting it up to reflect Friday's schedule of events. I used to have to write comprehensive training schedules each week, so this is no great shakes. I, of course, injected some light humor for everyone's edification and my own superfluous mirth. My goal is to finally interject some formal structure to our lives here, at the Jackalope Ranch and Brewery. As I've said before, I have an older brother, fond of metaphors, adages and all forms of word figurations; "If you have an elephant that you have to eat, and a whole year in which to eat it, it's better to have a bite each day than to have to eat it all on the final day."
Benjamin Franklin said that if you love life, then love time, for that's what it is made out of. I paraphrased that so that I didn't have to go back and look it up. (I'm on a schedule, here,,,)

Anna got up at 0700 and we heard her walk to the bathroom and turn on the shower. She was told last month, that her time for showers was not in the middle of the day, nor was it at bed-time; rather she should rise early and that time would be reserved as 'hers' for the exclusive use of the shower. I meant this as a dissuasive argument; she would get bored with life at some point during the day and ask. "Can I take a shower/bath?" Since the instruction and awareness that she had a right to an assigned time of the day, exclusive to her, she has displayed near perfect consistency in the exercise of said right.

According to the schedule on the whiteboard, we homeschoolers have from 0700 to 0830 to awake, tend to personal hygiene; dress; prepare and eat breakfast, and use that time in such a manner as to allow some time for something like blogging. Well, I came, I sat, I blogged. Off to get some cereal!

Swampy

* 'Ride, Cowboy, Ride'
Riders In The Sky

Poetry of Mr. Boyer

2011-02-10T18:57:00.000-04:00

'Chatterer cenobite'

Dear sea-cow in a stretch marked sweater in front of me: stop attacking your chewing gum like the "Chatterer" cenobite on a meth bender. Its loud and obnoxious. Keep it up and I'll be forced to call Sea World and tell them the whereabouts of one of their escapees.

Umm, no...

2011-02-02T11:17:00.000-04:00

Definitely no shadow; it's six more weeks of Winter for ya's all.

Swampy's Breakfast Grub

2011-01-29T22:26:00.002-04:00

Eggs, Shrimp, Chopped Onion/Tomato, Goat Cheddar, Garlic, Salt, Pepper

Saute eggs, onion/tomato; add shrimp; add garlic, salt pepper; add goat cheese and dash of balsamic vinegar

Serve with buttered toast. Put feet up and drink coffee while watching BBC.

"Get it in Ya, get it workin' for ya."

'Holy Mother Pus Bucket!'

2011-01-29T13:34:00.001-04:00

To quote the great Bill Murray... But seriously, I've been down the rabbit hole for the last couple of weeks, too focused on the fabrication of the kids' AWANA Gran Prix cars. So, here we are at church, for the race event itself. The cars both got finished with the carving, shaping and sanding, early yesterday. It was time for the paint; I thought I'd grabbed the same paint that we had used for past races, but..not. I checked the paint when we got back home from our Lifegroup meeting and ther was no progress in the drying, at all. I said to myself, "self, I said, perhaps by morning the paint will have dried but there will be no additional coats or colors." I had occasion to check them again at 0400 this morning and, sadly they were no closer to dry. I put a heat lamp on them, grabbed a grapefruit to snack on and went back to bed. Of course, when I got back to the cars, at 0700? Wet as the hour they were painted. I went through nearly an entire roll of paper towels, wiping and rubbing the paint off. What we ended up with was a nice staining, in the colors that Tim and Anna had selected. I can not bear to contemplate the time that went into this entire process. There will never be another AWANA Gran Prix, featuring cars that display so much of my influence. I can hear, in the background, the calls for the racing heats. I had to do an emergency alteration to Anna's car because it features a bunny on his back, on a skateboard; the split between her feet triggers the racetrack somehow, so it thinks that the wheels are already over the line before the race even statrs. Solution? Turn the car around and run it backwards! Done. We'll see how it all shakes out. I was resolved to be done, the moment that the race official had accepted the car, and it almost worked.

Well, I should head back into the race arena and see how their cars are placing in the competition. See Ya's!

Ya' Think I Should?

2011-01-27T18:15:00.000-04:00

Eww Warning: factor 8

I get this coupon discount thing sent to me; this was yesterday's offering. I wonder if they offer this... I could make a day of it.

I have been 'down the rabbit hole' lately (no intended reference to the above links.) I don't know why but for the last 4 days, by bedtime (about 8:30 P.M.) I am so sore that I couldn't hurt more if there were two of me. Today looks headed that way, too but I can't wait for the mens' group tonight. The Quest for Authentic Manhood. See their site here. I know that this is the almost the only important thing that exists, as a challenge for men who follow Jesus Christ, and I get to share it with a brother who is stationed in Afghanistan. Manhood and the desire to seek God's Will, as men is seen by the secular world, as a huge joke and a bad one, at that. Our culture has no real place for real men, with real standards nor does it want us to make a place. Traditional masculine roles are seen as offensive and discriminatory. I am not content to smile and take the resentment that the world has for my testicles. I have much to say, on this subject anyway and don't particularly care if it offends anyone. I will post more on this study, as time goes by. I need to go put the dogs up and rest a bit, right now if I am have any chance of lasting until the group is done, tonight.

Good On Ya's
Swampy

NTC and JRTC Real World Relevance - Paragraph A - Zombies

2011-01-25T13:00:00.000-04:00

I've always maintained JRTC and NTC would be more effective if they inserted a zombie OPFOR Element into the scenarios; It's not like we don't have to deal with real zombies in the small Iraqi and Afghani villages. We could even maintain the 'simunitions', forcing the soldiers to become less reliant on technology and firepower and more proficient with CQB and small unit tactics which rely on close team cohesion.

Item 2: zombie Recognition

Here, a role player prepares for OPFOR duty at Reagansburg Mock Village

This actual zombie walked onto a Field Training Exercise (BNCOC FLW) and nearly infected an entire class, underlining the threat posed, internationally.

Absolutely essential to any threat environment, is a heightened awareness to the potential of incidental zombie penetration. Service Members must be prepared to encounter the undead at any time, on or off duty; be trained to exercise vigilance; respond without hesitation and implement appropriate HAZMAT protocol(s) iaw DOD Guidance.

Bibliography zombie Recognition; reference DOD Pam 308-7.62 the threat of the undead among battlefield D.P. (Displaced Personnel) and Autobiography of ''Colonel John D. Parkhurst 'Zombies in our midst'; 'Unrest Among the Undead' a study of Urban zombie infestation in the Bay Area of California-G. Ella Alameda City Police Department, 2009

Gurkha!

2011-01-24T20:01:00.000-04:00

In [1814], Lieutenant Frederick Young, ... [led 2000 irregulars against 200] Gurkhas in the hills. Their first showing, when not yet drawn together by any marked esprit de corps, was a poor one. The Gurkhas attacked on sight, whereupon the irregulars incontinently fled, leaving the chagrined Young with a handful of officers where he stood. The amused Gurkhas surrounded Young and asked why he had not fled with his men; to which he replied that he had not come so far in order to run away. The Gurkhas were delighted. 'We could serve under men like you,' they told him. ... On his release Young recruited 3,000 Gurkhas ... later to become the Sirmoor Rifles, the 2nd Gurkhas Rifles. - David Bolt, Gurkhas, 1967

The following, an extract from 'Bugles and Tigers' by John Masters, of the 4th Battalion, The Prince of Wales' Own Gurkha Rifles, epitomises the character of the Gurkha soldier:
"A British battleship, lights out, a bristle with fourteen-inch guns, moved slowly up the heavily defended Suez Canal early in 1915. The officer on watch heard a small voice to be saying, "Halt! Who-go-dah?" The officer did not reply. The voice then said, 'Halt-or-I-fire!' the battleship switched on a search light, which illuminated one Gurkha Rifleman standing on the bank. His rifle was pointed at the side of the battleship. The battleship stopped; its Captain sent an urgent message for help; and the strategic movements of the Royal Navy stood still while an Officer of Gurkhas was found to tell the sentry that the battleship could pass. At last the Gurkha shouted, "Pass-friend-all's-well," and lowered his rifle. The battleship glided on, with a thousand British sailors cheering and laughing".

Hey, smile because not everyone who has seen a Gurkha swing a kukri has walked away with their head still shoulder-mounted.

A Dog's Best Friend

2011-01-03T23:55:00.001-04:00

I'm easy to dislike. I'm good for the self esteem of lazy, casual people that are inclined to dislike someone, because I represent so little work. In fact, historically, people often find me so easy to dislike that they find they've missed the whole first step, and moved right into loathing.

I had cause to reflect on my character weaknesses tonight, at (of all places) church. My tolerant wife (not that I have more than one wife) and I went to a seminar thingy about financial responsibility and all I could think about was 1. How much I wanted to be not there, and 2. How I dread the smallgroup with a side of strangers ritual. Okay, I would rather sit naked on top of the bus than ride inside and talk to some random dude. I was raised to distrust and keep everyone at a distance but I had thought (until tonight) that I was pretty-much out of that itchy old skin. I had momentum. Nope. Same old picklepuss where it matters. However, I rationalized. "I wouldn't even be here if Cheryl hadn't dragged me out of my comfy cave..." Hmmmm. I rolled around in that for a while. "It's good stuff, sure but we did this class before; it isn't like I ever get to forget anything. I'm being put-out here!" Well.

Do you ever play the 'What If' game, with yourself? It went something like this, as I walked to the car: "I want to be done having to engage with people; I did all that for 20-some years.." Then you could have stayed single..." Then, "Why must I leave the house?" umm, Yeah that would be a Great way to raise your kids.....
Then, at home while getting ready for bed: "I just don't want to get to know odd people that take a lot of work to know.." Yeah, I'm sure that's exactly what Jesus thought to Himself. What IF God had felt that way?
So. I get it. It might be about More Than My Financial Peace; it is certainly about God's Glory and His plan for His people. Somebody needs to hit me with a stick. You know you wanna..

Senate Bill 510 The 'Food Safety' Act

2010-11-26T21:25:00.000-04:00

The Following is a list of those who voted in favor of SB 510:
Akaka (D-HI)Alexander (R-TN)Barrasso (R-WY)......Baucus (D-MT)Bayh (D-IN)Begich (D-AK)Bennet (D-CO)Bingaman (D-NM)Boxer (D-CA)Brown (D-OH)Brown (R-MA)Burr (R-NC)Burris (D-IL)Cantwell (D-WA)Cardin (D-MD)Carper (D-DE)Casey (D-PA)Collins (R-ME)Conrad (D-ND)Coons (D-DE)Corker (R-TN)Dodd (D-CT)Dorgan (D-ND)Durbin (D-IL)Enzi (R-WY)Feingold (D-WI)Feinstein (D-CA)Franken (D-MN)Gillibrand (D-NY)Grassley (R-IA)Gregg (R-NH)Hagan (D-NC)Harkin (D-IA)Inouye (D-HI)Johanns (R-NE)Johnson (D-SD)Kerry (D-MA)Klobuchar (D-MN)Kohl (D-WI)Landrieu (D-LA)Lautenberg (D-NJ)LeMieux (R-FL)Leahy (D-VT)Levin (D-MI)Lieberman (ID-CT)Lincoln (D-AR)Lugar (R-IN)Manchin (D-WV)McCaskill (D-MO)Menendez (D-NJ)Merkley (D-OR)Mikulski (D-MD)Murray (D-WA)Nelson (D-FL)Pryor (D-AR)Reed (D-RI)Reid (D-NV)Rockefeller (D-WV)Sanders (I-VT)Schumer (D-NY)Shaheen (D-NH)Snowe (R-ME)Specter (D-PA)Stabenow (D-MI)Tester (D-MT)Thune (R-SD)Udall (D-CO)Udall (D-NM)Vitter (R-LA)Voinovich (R-OH)Warner (D-VA)Webb (D-VA)Whitehouse (D-RI)Wyden (D-OR)

Who OPPOSED S.510
Bennett (R-UT)Bond (R-MO)Brownback (R-KS)Bunning (R-KY)Chambliss (R-GA)Coburn (R-OK)Cochran (R-MS)Cornyn (R-TX)Crapo (R-ID)DeMint (R-SC)Ensign (R-NV)Graham (R-SC)Hatch (R-UT)Hutchison (R-TX)Inhofe (R-OK)Isakson (R-GA)Kyl (R-AZ)McCain (R-AZ)McConnell (R-KY)Nelson (D-NE)Risch (R-ID)Roberts (R-KS)Sessions (R-AL)Shelby (R-AL)Wicker (R-MS)

All of you who live in states where senators voted in favor of this need to call your U.S. Senate offices today — right now — and urge them to oppose this nefarious bill.
Call the Capitol Switchboard and ask to be directly connected to your Senator's office: 202-224-3121.
We are about to lose our food freedoms over the bill, because unless more pressure is brought to bear, it looks like this bill will soon pass.

A Good Dad Day

2010-11-18T18:19:00.000-04:00

I took my son, Timothy, with me to the grocery store today. I can't say enough about how proud this 9-year old little man makes me. There are US Veteran Plates and a US Paratrooper sticker on Cheryl's van; (she's proud of me.) While I was waiting to order some ciabatta rolls from the bakery, an elder gentleman rolled up on one of those mobility scooters for the disabled. He had noticed the van and wanted to track down the driver. It turned out that he is a WWII Ranger, so I was more than happy to chat with him and swap lies, which went on for about 20 minutes. The entire time, Timothy was anxious to get on with his day but maintained a respectful attitude and concealed his impatience. The baker gave him an extra cookie from the samples, and commented on his delightful manners and patience. The WWII Ranger also complimented me for raising such a fine, young gentleman and suggested that I should be proud of Timothy. I thanked them both for their comments. I imagine that the baker will remember my polite young man, the next time he's there for a sample. ( one of our grocery rituals)

I must say that Tim has much to commend him and there is no dad who is more pleased with his son, than I am. I just needed to share this with all of you.

Swampy the proud dad

What Weighs 5 Pounds and Costs $38?

2010-11-17T21:10:00.000-04:00

This does...

Touch of warmth

2010-10-04T14:13:00.023-04:00

I awoke at my habitual 03+change, to a soft, warm set of someone else's toes upon my foot. Okay, I'm usually awake now, anyway. Cheryl doesn't often reach across the vast mattress, in her sleep but she has unlimited license to warm her feet on me; the window is open, the night is chilly. I leave my foot where it is.

More of the proximity-heat closes in; I can feel a warm breathing on my neck. I'm not going to get back to sleep as long as someone is touching my skin. Cheryl is aware of this and thus we have a stadium-size bed. My mind devolves the day past; the things I didn't get done; the book I am in the middle of; I have to get exhaust put on 'Thunder'. how frosty this air is, that falls from the open window, on my ears.. I don't move and wake Cheryl, but pull the covers closer and try to hide. How's that workin out for ya, Swampy?

04-something happens as cold air falls on my cold head, even as my neck and foot stay toasty warm...my partner twitches with a dream. Sometimes Cheryl will murmur and twitch while asleep; another foot, this one has warm toes, too. And nails, and I don't think Cheryl goes this long between pedicures...I reached over and Fur. A furry lump that groans when I scratch his belly.

I fell asleep before Cheryl. I had actually begun to watch the new Ice Road Truckers show about dangerous roads. I had wondered when I was awakened, why was Ohana not on the bed? It's not like himself to sleep on the floor.

We Truly Don't Give A Rat's Ass What You Think.

2010-08-07T22:11:00.000-04:00

Regardless of what some politicians would spew, none of us stare at the ceiling, sleepless because other nations don't love us enough to call or write. Really, we wish they would forget our name and address and stop trying to friend us on Facebook.

The UN was founded in 1945 after World War II to replace the League of Nations, to stop wars between countries, and to provide a platform for dialogue. It contains multiple subsidiary organizations to carry out its missions. Following in the wake of the failed League of Nations (1919–1946) (which the United States never joined) the United Nations was established in 1945 to maintain international peace and promote cooperation in solving international economic, social and humanitarian problems. The earliest concrete plan for a new world organization was begun under the aegis of the U.S. State Department in 1939. Franklin D. Roosevelt first coined the term 'United Nations' as a term to describe the Allied countries. The term was first officially used on 1 January 1942 when 26 governments signed the Atlantic Charter, pledging to continue the war effort. On 25 April 1945, the UN Conference on International Organization began in San Francisco, attended by 50 governments and a number of non-governmental organizations involved in drafting the Charter of the United Nations. The UN officially came into existence on 24 October 1945 upon ratification of the Charter by the five permanent members of theSecurity Council—France, the Republic of China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States—and by a majority of the other 46 signatories. The first meetings of the General Assembly, with 51 nations represented, and the Security Council, took place in Westminster Central Hall in London in January 1946 -wiki

Surprise, surprise but I am of the belief that most legislation is intended to sap away liberty, and I'm not okay with increasing the influence of more foreign governance in my neighborhood... I don't believe that the United Nations is going to annex the United States of America, unless we first abdicate. It may seem that, with our indifference to quality leadership in America, that we already did but, even though Beloved Leader stated that our choice not to ratify the 'Convention on the Rights of the Child' is embarrassing and that he promised to review it, we may yet awaken sufficient patriots before November to avoid handing over the keys.

For the record, if you see a blue and white flag at Swampy's house, it's likely to be this one.

2010-07-23T21:24:00.000-04:00

Vacation Bible School: What are You Waiting For?

2010-07-23T21:16:00.000-04:00

Vacation Bible School

This year, Tim, Anna and I will again do VBS at 2 churches that host this every year. We get up early and motor on over; we're done by noon but the message and the reinforcement of solid biblical teaching sticks to us like the smell of chocolate-chip cookie baking, for a long time after.

July 21st

2010-07-21T08:51:00.000-04:00

Today, in History,

the year: 365, A tsunami devastates the city of Alexandria, Egypt. The tsunami is caused by an earthquake estimated to be 8.0 on the Richter scale. 5,000 people perished in the Alexandria, and 45,000 more died outside of the city. The Great-great-great-great-great grandfather of George Bush is held responsible.

1930, President Herbert Hoover signed an executive order establishing the Veterans Administration (later the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).

1977, the fully restored USS Constitution (aka "Old Ironsides") celebrates her 200th birthday by setting sail for the first time in 116 years.

2009, Taco Bell mascot Gidget the Chihuahua died in Santa Clarita, California, at 15.

Empty-Headed Things People Say

2010-07-20T21:12:00.000-04:00

Hey, I know we are not perfect but I have to say something, now and then in an attempt to keep the lemmings on the cliff.

proverb ( ) n. A short pithy saying in frequent and widespread use that expresses a basic truth or practical precept.

Ben Franklin was an astute and able weaver of proverbs. Example: "Well done is better than well said".
You with me? Of course King Solomon wrote an entire collection of Proverbs, not one of which is specious or bad philosophy. Here's a great one: The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. 16:31... leading me right into my point. Not all 'proverbs' issue from organised thought. Particular example of this sort would be. "Age is only a number; you are only as old as you feel" What was that foolishness that just fell out of your face? I have some ideas about age but I am certain that it is more like 'the expression of entropy'. "Aim for the Moon and if you miss, you are still among the stars." Huh? I used to hear that pearl in recruiting, and they kept on using it even after I pointed out that the moon is closer...

Thoreau used them as a rhetorical function, in 'Walden'; a semantic phenomena by which he attempted to persuade. Here: Some circumstantial evidence is very strong, as when you find a trout in the milk. Journal (c. November 11-14, 1850)

I tend to see the truth in that.

...and Gilbert K. Chesterton, whose book 'Orthodoxy' was given me, by a friend in Iraq, noted:
A stiff apology is a second insult... The injured party does not want to be compensated because he has been wronged; he wants to be healed because he has been hurt.

In the mid-1980's, while assigned to the Presidio of Monterey, in California, I subscribed to Mr. Hearst's newspaper (if not it's philosophies) because we needed paper to light the fireplace, and because they ran a cartoon titled 'Zippy the Pinhead' by Bill Griffiths (Whose philosophy I pretty much did subscribe to). In one of the dailies, Zippy's friend, Mr. The Toad, has been reading existential philosophers. He makes the statement. "The self is a prison, from which, there is no escape." Zippy comments. "Hallmark will not be calling anytime soon." Pithy observations of Mr Griffiths but they meet the standard that seems to describe proverbs, and as Mr Thoreau establishes, they persuade. I'm down with that.

There are many aphorisms/proverbs that bear not repeating but, sadly, that seldom seems to happen. I am unable to tune things out in my environment, which makes being in public potentially as unpleasant for me as it is for those who must endure me. I also have an appreciation for language; it has such potential to express worthy thoughts but it requires no license to wield. Try this fun experiment: Drop a mixed metaphor within Swampy's range of hearing. I'll likely blink and pretend I didn't hear it but it will pain me.

So, that ought be enough for today. Aren't you disappointed that you read this all the way to it's end, without it ever getting better? There went 3 more minutes that you'll never get back...

Reaching Out To Love Us

2010-07-19T08:47:00.000-04:00

I was sitting on the couch, with one big dog on my lap, when the other big dog walked near to get some love. I stretched out my hand but found I could just barely reach her. When she looked at me with those hound-eyes that asked "Why won't you love me?", I said "I want to love you but you won't let me reach you to do it."

Immediately, as the words left my mouth, I realized that this is precisely what we do to God; He wants to love and care for us but we stand outside and although He reached for us, we do not draw near to Him.

James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

The Holy Spirit of God: Get It in ya, get It workin; for ya.

Archers, Forward!

2010-07-16T13:05:00.000-04:00

I have, through diligent 'garage sale-ing', acquired a suitable 57" longbow and about 60 cedar arrows for teaching youth archery to Tim and Anna. I took the bow to A-1 Archery, in Hudson and had them string it for me. As much as I ~~love~~ have a squinty-eyed contempt for seeing Tim hone his remarkable zombie-like videogame skills, it's time he steps up to embrace the Felton-man martial legacy with, as his Uncle Dan say's "Alacrity and Daring-do. He really enjoys seeing the arrows sink into the target and he seems to have a natural posture that I can tune-up. Jay and Ethan are visiting this morning and this afternoon, Anna will return with Andrea and Shanny. Anna, I have zero-doubt, will muckle on to the bow with a feral grin before she goes all Sherwood Forest on me. Beware Nottingham Constabulary, and the King had better count his deer...

Visions of 2016/2020 Olympics watusi through my head as I set up the engagement course for them.

There's something serene about the concentration called for when you send a projectile to it's target. It is a completion, an accomplishment, a closing of a circle in your mind, when the flower of light blossoms through the new hole in the 10-ring and your finger tingle matches the chordant hum of your muscles and the bow-string just strummed. Unless it is a slug from a .45, or your vantage of a supersonic, boattail rifle round reveals the air disturbance through a spotter's scope, you usually fail to see a bullet as it travels downrange. The flight of an arrow is simply elegant. Nock the arrow, draw back the bowstring, focus and release; your connection with the target at once transits from cognitive to ineradicable color, as if the target has always held the arrow, always awaited it's arrival. You cannot help but smile when it works; when you have innately allowed for the movement of the air, trained your hand to hold, your fingers to relax away the arrow to fly... Unaccounted-for variables are always the err of the accomplished archer, no excuse will move the impact closer to where it was meant to be.

The king's male subjects were required to spend hours 'in the butts' practicing their archery, that they would be ready when called. Poachers of his deer would lose their bow-fingers. The maximum effective range of their longbows was +/- 400 yards. A 700-800 grain arrow can pierce 9 cm of oak at close range, and 2.5 cm at 200 yards. The average English Military Archer could fire 12 to 15 arrows per minute and hit a man-sized target at a minimum of 200 yards. The maximum range was about 400 yards with flight arrows. An archer could not even consider himself skilled at his art if he could not shoot 10 arrows a minute.

The English Longbow is a "self-bow". This is a single piece of wood that is shaped and seasoned for the purpose. The wood of choice was Yew, but availability problems often required the use of Wych Elm, Elm, and Ash as substitutes. The English war arrow was known as the Livery, Sheaf, or Standard arrow. They had a large diameter, were cut to the legal yard, and were made from a variety of woods. Aspen, Poplar, Elder, Birch, and Willow were used for flight arrows because of their weight. Heavier woods like Ash and Hornbeam were also used, primarily because though a heavier arrow would not travel as far, it had greater penetration. Fletchings were between 7 and 9 inches, and were tied and glued to the shaft.

In the 1415 Battle of Agincourt a small, sick and exhausted English army under King Henry V, won an astounding victory over a seasoned French host at least three times as large. The composition of the English forces was 1,000 Men-at-Arms and 5,000 Archers divided into the traditional three "battles" with the archers in a wedge pattern flanking each "Battle". When the battle was over, between 7,000 and 10,000 French had been killed.

It used to be that, Americans provided much of their own fare for the dinner-table with a rifle or a bow. The skills that allowed this were passed from a father to his children, along with the tools themselves. Oddly, we seldom take our bow to Family Fresh to rivet a head of lettuce, or stalk a wily rib-roast. I suppose enough of that, and I would be on either a diet of local venison or prison porridge. I am not, however, likely to be diverted from tasking my kids with the burden of knowledge I have managed to crowd my fetid and festering brain with, when it comes to the maintenance of their and their neighbor's Liberty. (Yes, that is a capital 'L' word around here.) So, if you see us in the yard, pulling triggers, bowstrings, or casting fishing lures, honk so that we can pull up until you safely pass; We might mistake you for a lettuce.

Didn't Know If You Had Seen This One Yet...

2010-07-16T09:06:00.001-04:00

Leaving Baghdad. 2003

"Wait A Minute, I Have To Get These Handcuffs Off."

2010-07-15T11:22:00.002-04:00

Really? Cheryl and I are cracking up! Timmy has called us from a friend's house, where, he has been playing all afternoon. Is He A Jedi today? A bounty hunter? Is he an escaped prisoner? The storm has un-nerved him a little (he's seen 'The Wizard of Oz') and so he calls for some confirmation that the world is still in Kansas. It's sweet, as a parent to have this power to calm and comfort; to give assurance that it's okay. I watch Tim and Anna move a little further away as they touch and taste the world outside of our home and I am not anxious to approve. The nights that they will want to be 'tucked in' are of too small a number. I watch for them to look back over their shoulder as they venture further out and I try to be there for them to suddenly reach out to if they should lose their balance. The urge is there to keep them within arms' reach but it is as unnecessary as it is futile; they will slip. They will get hurt. They will cry. I will cry with them and for them and about them, I know. All of this is supposed to happen and then I want to be there when they reach out because they hurt too much; are too scared or just want me to be strong for them.

But, they know their Father in heaven. Yesterday, we talked about tornados. Tim gave me a look that asked if I was big enough; if I can handle a tornado, so that he can be unafraid. "Do you trust God?" I asked him. "Yes, and I know that we'll be in heaven with Him, even if we die." Anna spoke from the back seat. "We don't need to worry about tornados, Tim; we just need to be smart about them." I offered. "I'm glad you're my Daddy." Tim replied. And that was that. I will take care of bringing them to Christ and let Him tend to bringing us through the storms.

Maybe He will even keep Timmy out of handcuffs.

Mm-hmm.

2010-07-15T10:05:00.002-04:00

I will always remember how much fun the Army was in, in the summer. Lately, I've been outside when I could have stayed in the air-conditioning because, well, I have kids that are already out of their packaging and there's no hope of returning them. We keep ending up in the water, too. I am already as fat as I ever hoped to be and, having done that, don't need to stay there. I was walking down the very precipitous hill between the parking lot and Willow Falls. The children were doing that youthful bouncy-dance thing that apparently uses no energy but I was fighting my legs with each step but it was SO worth it just to be in the heat, thinking about the cool pools of the falls. My Keens neatly incised the skin over my Achilles tendons; I guess they are supposed to be worn over shoes. As anticipated, the falls were abundant in refreshment. We swam and waded and I carried my shoes back up the hill, recalling the hills of Kentucky and Hunter Liggett, in California that I rucked up and down, thirty years before. I liked that. Here I was, on a hike up a trail with Tim and Anna because I wanted to. No ruck, no rifle, no protective mask or 5 meter interval. I was just on a walk, up a hill, with my kids! The relative cool of the river gorge melted at the top of the hill, so we drove to DQ before going to the beach. Just like in the Army, not. I don't think they were dry all day; as soon as we got home they asked if they could go in the pool.

There's no air-conditioning in my truck, unless you use the wing-windows, so we sweat in the recent 80-90 degree heat that, yesterday had a 80% dewpoint. I walked from Target into a deluge as I went to the truck, not caring a bit about the warm rain that washed the air and wrinkled my clothes. My clothes are here for my comfort, no longer subject to uniform codes of appearance. Again, I like this. I felt really bad and shabby a couple of weeks ago when I realized that I have no suit that I might wear for funerals. About that, I should probably do something.

Tim has another baseball practice tonight with a day that promises more summer heat. I have some bottled water and a cooler to bring with us; I hope it's as fun again as it was last night. His tournament begins Monday. I suppose I oughta mow the back yard today and trim along the fenceline. Rain and sun are just what my lawn loves. Hey, it's not the Arabian desert. I'll wear a hat and be a happy, sweaty guy.

Summer? Heat? Bring it.

CANVAS, RUBBER, ORGIASTIC ITEMS

2010-06-08T17:06:00.003-04:00

Uh-huh. Like the title of today's post? You should; it's milspeak for an item/parts group that is the attachment gizmo for the roof of my 'new' truck. If you didn't already know, I found a 1986 M1009 CUCV (Civilian Utility Cargo Vehicle) with 71k miles for $1700 that is in excellent condition. Yes, it's Swampy's dream vehicle. Some of the specs:

Engine:1 Ton J code 6.2L diesel, 135bhp@3,600rpm
Transmission: TH400 3 speed automatic
Curb weight: 5,280 lbs
Payload: 1,200 to 1,500 lbs
Towed Weight Allowance: 3,000 lbs
Axles: Corporate 10 bolt axles front and rear with 3.08 gear ratio and a Gov-Lok in the rear

The M1009 differs from the civilian Blazer in that it has a heavier spring in the suspension and has no air conditioning. The electical system is a hybrid 12/24 volt, with most of the truck running on GMC Dual 100 amp alternators wired in series to make the 24V., but the glow plugs, the starter, and the military slave cable jack are at 24 volts. The M1009 has a pair of 12v alternators and 1000 amp batteries wired in series to supply the 24 volt circuit.

It drives great. The kids and I decided to name it. 'Thunder'.

I Wish I'da Been This Kid.

2010-05-09T21:21:00.001-04:00

Think Happy, Be Happy

2010-05-07T12:52:00.004-04:00

I Should've Checked the Calendar

2010-05-07T10:28:00.004-04:00

Fortunately, I woke up with Cheryl rubbing my chest. Unfortunately, it was to wake me up for an appointment. Fortunately, She was going with. Unfortunately, she was leaving right after.

Today, I am going to pretend that the overcast sky is just smudges on my glasses; I am going to be deliberate and work through one item at a time. I am going to hit the highlights and allow the rest to fall to the ground.

Yesterday, I went to see the PhD that manages my meds because the thought was, perhaps I had been experiencing a reaction. After twice being mistaken for someone else, I got in to see my Doc, via Giant screen teleconference. Now, the phone call that I had made, to initiate this visit had to do with pain and sleepiness. Maybe it was appropriate to see the psychiatrist but I had intended to consult the primary care doc. I visited briefly with the OZ on the subject of meds. At this point, I need to clarify that I am more concerned with the effects of accumulated, long-term pain...

I left with a reduction in the amount of the mood-stabilizer that had been increased at my last visit, and a sense that the meeting had been counter-productive. Oh well, suck it up and drive on, Swampy. On the way home, while talking to Cheryl, I got the message that I was to discontinue use of my sleep aid med. FFFFFFFUUUUUUU Don't rage at the messenger, dude. Surrender my sleep? Oh yeah, that is so not gonna happen. He had forgotten that part of the adjustment to my meds, so he called and told my wife so that she could tell me. Going to the Doctor yesterday was choosing the wrong block to scratch off on a lotto. It was a missed opportunity to not go to the doctor. Now, today I have to call them and say "Ummm, you missed altogether on that visit and we have to try again." I'm not always my own best advocate, you see, but I have learned that need to think of my family before I walk away in an angry dismissal of a mistake.

I never knew it was going to be one of those days.

I Think I Need To Write This

2010-05-01T21:38:00.000-04:00

My dog's name is 'Ohana'. I gave him this name before I ever saw him because our breeder had asked if we would act as Foster Family to him. The name 'Ohana'
means Family in Hawaiian and I was determined to give him the protection and care that family means to me.

I came back from Iraq, deeply affected, injured in flesh and spirit; proud, morose, turned inside within myself. It was safe there, if not for me, at best for those around me. This scared, soft puppy was a bandage to stem the wounds and I was his security. Ohana alerted to the cues my body sent him when I was going to have a dissociative episode and he would crowd me softly and keep me grounded. When I brought Ohana to Pain Therapy, he was certified as a Biofeedback Dog who could lower my heartrate, breathing and blood pressure. He can pass through my cognizant defenses and reach the sunconcious level where I really need care but won't ask.

I lost a friend today and Ohana knows where he is supposed to be: covering my Vnerabitoes. He moves more carefully in to be next to me. Sometimes it creates conflict as he is over-protective. Now, at this moment he is tucked beneath my arm, asleep as he relaxes my pain and anger and sorrow from last night's discussion on evil in Islam and today's assassination of Sergeant Joe Bergeron.

Sergeant Joe Bergeron MPD

2010-05-01T18:00:00.000-04:00

My friend, Sergeant Joe Bergeron, is a Police Sergeant in Maplewood, Minnesota. He was callously assassinated today by a cowardly scumbag when he opened the door of his squadcar. Joe is married. Joe has 2 daughters. Joe's family will never again hold him or hear his voice. Joe made us smile and laugh when we were in high school, thirty years ago. He was a cop and he kept us safe.

When I heard today that a Maplewood police officer had been killed, I said to my wife. "Well, it wouldn't be anyone I know; we're all too old."

When I heard the last name, I said. "Oh no, it couldn't be."

When I pulled up the story, I saw Joe's picture.

My daughter is 7 years old. She is happily cleaning in her room as I wrote this. My 9 year-old son is reading a comic book in the living room. My wife is singing along with the radio. Out in the streets and downtown, on the freeway... pretty much everywhere, law enforcement officers are in cars and uniforms that set them apart from the people they protect. They are often treated with contempt because the only interaction many people have with them is when they can't avoid it and resent being held accountable. Cops, most of the time, can't turn their back to anyone and being a cop means a lifetime of never being able to relax in public or see the good in strangers.

Today I turn my thoughts to my friends behind the Badges.

Sometimes, some days, I have a hard time getting past hate.

4.24.10

2010-04-25T09:33:00.000-04:00

Clouds of soiled gray are pasted to the sky. A crow stands on the mass of disanimated squirrel smeared into the rain of Oak Street. The crow's charcoal bead of an eye blinks above the sodden and grayed flesh, before once again the thick beak drops. As it strains to lift at the pinched flesh, the crow has leaned away, unprepared for the skin to rupture; unprepared for the pile of slick entrail to spill. The bird stumbles; a flap of wings... Squirrel intestine lies heaped upon the asphalt before the crow bounces off to pick through it's prize. Yet attached, the limp form refutes surrender but another crow has appeared, and drops to the street, and hops astride the ruined form . It is an April day in which the spectacle is seemly, rather than macabre and grisly. Storms overnight have steeped the ground in fresh, life-giving rain. Aromas borne from the trees, flora and soil press in upon my senses. Oh to crack my tendons, debride my own skin on the trees and rocks! This crow with his squirrel dares me to run back to the woods. Oh, how can you?

Things I Can't Seem To Find

2010-04-07T12:19:00.000-04:00

I have been poking around the house, looking in pockets lately. I can't put my hand to my driver's license or military I'd because I put them in a pocket that I'm not wearing.Similarly, the charger for my camera battery has gone missing. I suspect the clutterous state of my basement although these things could also be in my truck, I suppose. I had an extensive set of colored pencils that I used for a myriad of art projects. I left them somewhere.

Hmmm. It all balances out, these comings and goings; I have happened upon lost possessions in boxes relegated to the garage by well intentioned zealousness...

It will cost some twenty dollars to once again shave with my electric razor, if I purchase online. Cheryl and I joke about the pair of loafers I bought on our honeymoon, in Myrtle Beach because they are long gone; whenever she says. "Guess what I found!" The loafers are always my first guess. My dad had a gun cabinet when I was growing up, that remained locked for years because they always held hope that the key would be discovered in that one perfect spot Mom has found to never forget...

I'm writing this on my phone and I'd best publish it because lunch needs made and of I set it down, I may never find it again.

Next Week Today Might Be Yesterday

2010-03-24T12:29:00.000-04:00

Wednesdays are piano lesson days. Tim already had his lesson before bolting out, into the Spring sunshine. Anna is smiling at Miss Jayne as they work on 'Wheels go Round'. I have little use for 'pop music' but there's something about pianos, violins; orchestral music; opera and that well done, that finds a resonance in my soul. Jayne is indeed a patient teacher. After an entire year, I'm finally learning how to teach my children to learn. Being an instructor for the US Army Pyschological Operations and Interrogation courses was both simpler and easier than teaching the 3 R's to my kids. Music is an essential brain process development tool and I use the balance it creates to frame our curriculum. I find that I relax as I listen to them play.

Tim and I explored the week ahead, after we dropped Anna at dance; he had thought it was Wednesday yesterday and was mentally prepared for AWANA. "No," I said. "this week, today is Tuesday but next week, today might well be tomorrow or even, yesterday". Tim pondered that. "Wednesday could be Thursday or even the week might go Thursday, Monday, Saturday, Tuesday, Friday, Sunday and Wednesday!" we both laughed. Flexible thinker; mentally dextrous, that son of mine. School still includes Geography, Math, Reading amd writing as well as a library visit. Since Wednesday does fall on a Wednesday this week, there is AWANA tonight.

When...

2010-03-22T08:58:00.002-04:00

When the governance of a people becomes a religion, the individual is viewed as petitioner to their representative rather than his master. In this inverted model you can expect a similar philosophical shift in other areas of public life. Coercive power, being what it is, will reinterpret the definitions of a law rather than change it through Constitutional process. First to go will be those things that protect the rights of the individual. There will be an erosion of the ways in which the individual may legally protect themselves, beginning with recognition of boundaries. The goal is to eliminate the concept of 'Personal Property' through infringements upon the absolute right of the property owner regarding the disposal of his or her property. To protect what is euphemistically identified as 'The Common Good' or 'The Common Interests' of the constituency, individuals will be shamed and publicly vilified for resisting the common use of their property. Witness the easements of these diminishments in 'Free Trade' legislation and the inability to fight to defend competition which force businesses to share work with illegal, foreign invasion. Ridiculous legislation will be introduced, creating sick social programs such as will require the addition of multiple, new layers of functionaries to administer, while providing no output of benefits to the public. 'Registration' of all property will be key element of the goal to confiscate it. Individuals will no longer be able to transfer, sell or otherwise exchange items without due adherence to strict government guidelines. Special immunities will exist for members of government in all cases. The role of the individual in this model is obeisance rather than directive. As long as they do not question the new laws, they will be left alone until it is too late in the game to resist.

Long ago, the Constitution of the United States of America was clear enough to codify those rights illuminated by the Declaration of Independence, as 'God given'.

Dig up the lawn. Plant a garden before that is eliminated as your right. I'm not even going to say anything about guns or ammunition.

Complete This Haiku

2010-03-21T20:26:00.003-04:00

Dan is home on leave! Welcome home, Mr. Felten!

Here is the already started haiku:

Like Mark always says,
"When in wonder, when in doubt,...

and remember, kids read this site, too.

Dude.

2010-03-19T15:54:00.002-04:00

Nope, Sorry...

2010-03-19T15:32:00.006-04:00

Oh, by the way, I've started a new night-job.

...and remember..

Ha!

Men Doing Manly Things

Twistin By The Pool

2010-03-14T22:32:00.001-04:00

Cheryl is the president of the Student Chapter North American Veterinary Technician Association, for Globe College, Woodbury. Yesterday was the field trip to the National Eagle Center, in Wabasha. It is everything eagle. Want some Eagle Poo chocolates? Your picture with an eagle, a carved or cast eagle could be yours, or maybe you can only be satisfied with the life-sized plush for $89.99? Well, I was in the gift shop to purchase US Fish and Wildlife leg bands when a small, porcelain eagle swooped to it's doom on the floor behind me. The girl that had dropped the figurine stood, hands to her young face, horrified as she stared at her mom. I'm a student of life and I study those. moments in a life which determine who a person's going to be. Mom looked around before the huddle with dad. It was both busy and noisy in the giftshop, so their furtive behavior escaped notice. The eagle figurine, now lucklessly clutched in dad's talons, began it's now wingless glide to the depths of a full display shelf. As their children watched, waiting for this teaching, mom screened dad's petty larceny.

We stayed overnight in Wabasha. The hotel has a pretty good pool/hottub/dry sauna. The proto-Feltons can never soak up enough swim or splash. We made sure that we got back to the pool again, today. What's the word for a group of girls in bikinis, a 'gaggle'? A 'splash'? A 'jiggle'? Anyway, there was a group of them at the pool and it made me think about the day that Anna IS one and Timothy is fascinated by them. As much bare skin was marketed, by these teens, I only noticed one or two modest tattoos... I was pleased by the absence of Tramp Stamps.

Now I am at the end of a very long weekend. I have only to publish this and close my eyes. I have appointments at 0800, 1030 and 1430 tomorrow. My day looks like a shotgun target.

My Dentist's Website

2010-03-03T13:09:00.003-04:00

Check it out HERE

R. Scott McCoy

2010-03-03T11:50:00.000-04:00

Dude.

2010-03-03T11:45:00.000-04:00

Gonna Get That.

2010-03-03T11:30:00.001-04:00

Places I'd Live (after I cleaned them...)

2010-02-08T11:21:00.002-04:00

Jersey Wooly Field Trip

2010-02-02T17:55:00.004-04:00

So, Our friends allowed us to visit and enjoy the plush goodness of their Jersey Wooly rabbits. I've liked rabbits since I was a wee tot; even had some New Zealand Whites for a while. The baby bunnies were 4 to 6 weeks old. Adorable? Soft? Oh, yeah. Anna and Timothy were rapt and they would have stayed all day. Timmy kept touching me on the arm and saying. "Daddy, I want a bunny."

Yes, Timmy, I know you do. It was so heart-warming to watch the bunnies with my kids; something about the simple joy of being a kid with a baby animal makes good therapy for a cynical, old grouch like me.

I wonder what the Jersey Woolys will look like when their antlers grow in...

Quiet too long.

2010-01-08T15:30:00.003-04:00

So much to note; finally time to sit down and do something about that. Been recovering from a scope on my right knee to remove torn meniscus, which makes sitting at the computer counter to the healing process. Fortunately, the primary reason for my absence from the blogosphere is that I've really been connecting with Timmy and Anna as we navigate our way through their curriculum. Parents of older children will smile when I say that, as they get older, children get so...engaging. Tim and Anna are developing such fantastic personalities; their interests and they way they interact with the world really sets me back on my heels, stunned and ever so pleased.

I have been only peripherally aware of Obama's antics; the progress of our troops in the sand; pop culture and the activities of the Jackalope colony on the property here. I am acutely aware of laundry, dishes, Cheryl's school, Ice and cold, &C.

Most of all, I am aware of the presence of a loving, compassionate God who tolerates my failings with immeasurable grace and patience.

I got to talk to my uncle today. He lives in Santa Cruz, convalescing from life: seriously 10 up and 2 down. He is 82 years old but if luck existed, it could be seen pranking him. We brought him out to Christmas a few years ago and his health was compromised by a recent bad fall but he still counted the time with us as the best Christmas in recent memory. Right now, he is getting some teeth pulled before moving to live with his daughter and her husband, who invited him to stay forever, or as much of that as he has left. This warms the Swamphare's cackles. I hate to see people suffer estrangement from their family. God bless him, he still hopes to find a place near their Albuquerque home to "blast away" with his guns without anyone bothering him. He's walked with a pronounced limp since he shot off his kneecap, decades ago, playing 'quick-draw'...
I do hope to see him soon, perhaps as early as February or March; before he leaves California. He has some heirloom stuff for Timmy!

Speaking of Timmy...We went out to do some shooting while Spence was home for Christmas. Tim got to shoot the M-1 Carbine and the .40 Glock. It was one of those below zero days and I gotta tell ya', that boy has some anti-freeze running through his veins; between his turns at the triggers he was sitting on the snow, oblivious to the cold that was doing a severe Robert Service freeze job on me. Is my admiration for my son showing?

You know what? We really missed Hondo this Christmas holiday season. Yes, the same dog that re-decorated our leather, living room furniture, stole groceries and farted more viciously than Nancy Pelosi. Come and visit us soon, Hondo!

Well, Swampy's back. The plan is to have the kids start 'journaling' as part of the curriculum; this will give them and me some time to blog. Tomorrow will witness the re-emergence of the 'humor' you have come to expect and dread from the Swamphare but today, I close with a blessing on you and your house. May you love one another and cherish the time that God has allotted us on this spinning orb.

Get it in ya'. Get it workin' for ya'.

Swampy's PSAs

2009-12-16T10:47:00.001-04:00

For Mr. Bradford

2009-12-16T09:01:00.002-04:00

Bob, I didn't know you'd been over there...

A Funny From A Cousin

2009-12-04T12:57:00.005-04:00

"HOW TO START EACH DAY WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK":
1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it 'Barack Obama'.
3. Send it to the Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you: 'Do you really want to get rid of 'Barack Obama?'
6. Firmly click 'Yes.'
7. Feel better?

GOOD! - Tomorrow we'll do Nancy Pelosi.......

So, Yeah...

2009-12-01T12:56:00.000-04:00

Caption This Photo

2009-12-01T12:47:00.002-04:00

Toad says NO.

2009-12-01T12:43:00.001-04:00

Vile Indian

2009-12-01T12:07:00.001-04:00

Nom-Nom-Nom

2009-11-23T18:48:00.002-04:00

That was the last anyone ever saw of 'Cat Kicking Farmer Brown'

Cheryl

2009-11-23T18:42:00.003-04:00

Cheryl studied until she collapsed, her lithe form foist upon her stack of written knowledge. Only through osmosis could she capture even one more morsel of her Parasitology text.

Love A Sloth

2009-11-23T17:15:00.001-04:00

Caption This Photo

2009-11-23T17:00:00.002-04:00

Awww...

2009-11-22T10:25:00.003-04:00

Camouflage

2009-11-21T09:48:00.003-04:00

When attempting to conceal oneself, always hide amongst things that look the same...

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

2009-11-20T10:37:00.003-04:00

Dude.

2009-11-20T10:36:00.002-04:00

A Little Help...?

2009-11-20T10:15:00.002-04:00

Dude.

2009-11-19T10:05:00.002-04:00

Dude.

2009-11-18T17:35:00.001-04:00

Dude.

2009-11-17T09:33:00.003-04:00

Night Grilling

2009-11-15T22:29:00.011-04:00

Yeah, I know dinner is an evening meal. I like to grill when I can watch the coals glow, feel the night air mix with the smoke and enjoy the radiant puffs of cooking fire on my skin. I thought about taking some pictures to maybe catch the flash envelopment of the smoke as it swirled about me and then I was taken in by the glamour of the red glow. Oh, I also wanted to torment my Father in Law, Bob. He likes the product of my kitchen and even though it was only burgers tonight, the ambiance was there.

Dude.

2009-11-09T13:18:00.001-04:00

Dude.

2009-11-04T16:49:00.002-04:00

Dude.

2009-10-28T12:32:00.001-04:00

Dude.

2009-10-24T10:32:00.002-04:00

Dude.

2009-10-22T11:34:00.003-04:00

Answer to 'What Am I?'

2009-10-22T11:14:00.004-04:00

What do ya' know? It's a cute little puppy!

Sorry Erin that it wasn't what you thought it was...these are though :)

Museum Field Trip - Bell Museum of Natural History

2009-10-21T11:14:00.003-04:00

I was amazed by this beaver skeleton in the Touch and See Room

Timmy goofs on the River Otter.

Timmy, Anna and I went to the remarkable Bell Museum of Natural History yesterday. The museum is on the University of Minnesota campus, across the street from the Army ROTC building. The museum is not overly large but manages to house a very interesting selection of exhibits which represent Minnesota wildlife. When entering the museum, one is assailed by the solid presence of an 18th century American Empire. Old buildings have a smell all their own, reminiscent of gas light, hardwoods and patina of floor wax that utterly possesses my own sense of nostalgia. The exhibits are mostly dioramas, intended to place the animal and the viewer in context of natural habitat. Without exception, the effect is achieved by masterful taxidermy and stunning artistry. A room off of the foyer displays how the art and science was blended to create what you see behind the glass. I did not realize, as I wandered through the 3 floors offered, that we were viewing the philosophy and methods of my grandfather's era; the timberwolf diorama was begun in 1915.

There is plenty to see and, to my delight, no gift shop. Does anyone know of similar pearls to be found in the Twin Cities area?

What Am I?

2009-10-21T11:13:00.000-04:00

This one's pretty easy.

Dude.

2009-10-21T10:58:00.002-04:00

Dude.

2009-10-19T12:16:00.001-04:00

Dude.

2009-10-18T09:36:00.003-04:00

Dude.

2009-10-17T09:54:00.003-04:00

Dinner Was...

2009-10-16T21:35:00.003-04:00

marinated, grilled chicken with ham, tomatoes, shredded colby and jack, fresh chopped bell pepper and broccoli; drizzled with balsamic vinagrette- wraps. It was fine.

Dude.

2009-10-16T19:05:00.001-04:00

For Dan

Places I Want to Ride My 954RR pt.2

2009-10-16T15:41:00.004-04:00

Go ahead, taunt me you blacktop heartbreaker.

Dude

2009-10-16T14:49:00.002-04:00

Places I Want To Ride My 954RR pt. 1

2009-10-08T17:24:00.002-04:00

Part one in a series in which I torture myself with images of things I can't do.

Help Mikey!

2009-09-30T11:58:00.002-04:00

I stumbled across this whilst perusing Craigslist: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/wan/1399102948.html

If you can think of any reason NOT to send Mikey a birthday card, you must be one sad, cold, stoney curmudgeon.

The Canon of Secular Humanism

2009-09-30T11:20:00.002-04:00

Religion:

"A system of thought, feeling, and action that is shared by a group and that gives the members an object of devotion; a code of behavior by which individuals may judge the personal and social consequences of their actions; and a frame of reference by which individuals may relate to their group and their universe."
I would suggest that 'Object of Devotion' could easily be replaced with 'Object of Revulsion' with the object being Christianity and Christ.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Peloza v. Capistrano School District. In this 1994 case, a science teacher argued that, by requiring him to teach evolution, his school district was forcing him to teach the "religion" of secular humanism. The Court responded, "We reject this claim because neither the Supreme Court, nor this circuit, has ever held that evolutionism or secular humanism are `religions' for Establishment Clause purposes."

Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment
Establishment Clause was intended to prohibit the federal government from declaring and financially supporting a national religion, such as existed in many other countries at the time of the nation's founding. It is far less clear whether the Establishment Clause was also intended to prevent the federal government from supporting Christianity in general. Proponents of a narrow interpretation of the clause point out that the same First Congress that proposed the Bill of Rights also opened its legislative day with prayer and voted to apportion federal dollars to establish Christian missions in the Indian lands. On the other hand, persons seeing a far broader meaning in the clause point to writings by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison suggesting the need to establish "a wall of separation" between church and state."
"…a wall of separation" between church and state."
There is nothing in the 1st Amendment regarding such separation.
The first amendment reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." The statement about a wall of separation between church and state was made in a letter on January 1, 1802, by Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist Association of Connecticut. The congregation heard a widespread rumor that the Congregationalists, another denomination, were to become the national religion. This was very alarming to people who knew about religious persecution in England by the state established church. Jefferson made it clear in his letter to the Danbury Congregation that the separation was to be that government would not establish a national religion or dictate to men how to worship God. Jefferson's letter from which the phrase "separation of church and state" was taken affirmed first amendment rights.
Jefferson wrote:
I contemplate with solemn reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church and State.
The reason Jefferson choose the expression "separation of church and state" was because he was addressing a Baptist congregation; a denomination of which he was not a member. Jefferson wanted to remove all fears that the state would make dictates to the church. He was establishing common ground with the Baptists by borrowing the words of Roger Williams, one of the Baptist's own prominent preachers. Williams had said:
When they have opened a gap in the hedge or wall of separation between the garden of the Church and the wilderness of the world, God hath ever broke down the wall itself, removed the candlestick, and made his garden a wilderness, as at this day. And that therefore if He will ever please to restore His garden and paradise again, it must of necessity be walled in peculiarly unto Himself from the world.
The "wall" was understood as one-directional; its purpose was to protect the church from the state. The world was not to corrupt the church, yet the church was free to teach the people Biblical values.
Secular Humanists, by dogma or practice, are opposed to all observances of Christianity. Their beliefs expressed on the issue are every bit as vehement as the ardent Islamist wrapped up in TNT for Ramadan. As our society and public institutions are forced in the courts to abandon public faith in God, it does not happen in a vacuum. The secular beliefs that remain are proselytised by the full weight of the public legal system.
Does that not represent a clear 'Government Sponsored' religion?