Around The Blogs 2014-07-20, Part 2

Here are the rest of my links from the past couple of weeks.  I put up most of them in Part 1 of this article this morning.

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CenTexTim dedicates a special song to his second ex-wife.

I've got some painful dental work due tomorrow, so his 'Sunday Funnies' this morning, dealing with dentists, was peculiarly appropriate.  This one in particular made me wince.

A man walks into the dentist's office and after the dentist examines him, he says, "that tooth has to come out. I'm going to give you a shot of Novocain and I'll be back in a few minutes."

The man grabs the dentist's arm, "no way. I hate needles I'm not having any shot!"

So the dentist says, "okay, we'll have to go with the gas."

The man replies, "absolutely not. It makes me very sick for a couple of days. I'm not having gas."

So the dentist steps out and comes back with a glass of water, "here," he says. "Take this pill."

The man asks "What is it?"

The doc replies, "Viagra."

The man looks surprised, "will that kill the pain?" he asks.

"No," replies the dentist, "but it will give you something to hang on to while I pull your tooth!"

More at the link.

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Bubblehead Les makes some good points about ammunition supply and stocking up, following a similar point I made last week.

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Francis Porretto discusses what he calls 'strifings' - the increased dissension within the US body politic caused by the migration of affairs from the private to the public forum.  Here's a brief excerpt.

Politics is strife. Every subject that becomes a political subject therefore becomes a battlefield as well.

It's not hard to see the dynamic. Let some subject be politicized: for example, the physical sustenance of persons who can't support themselves, a.k.a. "the poor." What follows from the decision that this is properly a responsibility of some government?

. . .

Each of these [elements] will become a subject of contention in the polity that's been charged with the decisions. Given that a political decision inherently creates "winners" and "losers," we may expect the losers to fight to reverse the decision and the "winners" to labor to solidify and enlarge their gains.

Now apply that dynamic to a society in which nothing is deemed a private matter -- where all personal choices and all modes and manners of interaction with others, regardless of motivations are considered political, at least potentially. Over what shall we not quarrel?

There's more at the link.  Thought-provoking reading.

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Wirecutter posted his rules of civility - what he expects from others in terms of respect for himself, his family and his property.  He sometimes comes across as abrasive, but I expect that if I didn't get similar civility from others, I might get a bit that way, too.

He followed that post a couple of days later with a link to a theory of social interaction I'd heard before - 'The Rules Of Sewage'.  It was a fairly well-known meme in Southern Africa during my earlier years.  I was glad to be reminded of it.

Both articles are well worth reading, and pondering.  Why is it that we've moved so far away from the norms of civility in which we were raised?  I know that if I behaved less than civilly towards anyone, unless they thoroughly deserved it, my Dad would have administered a thorough thrashing to remind me of my place and the standards he required me to observe.  Nowadays that would get him arrested:  but frankly, I think I'm a better person for it.  (Yes, I know, that's a matter of opinion . . . )

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The Lonely Libertarian links to an article about new ACORN affiliates in the border States.  Taking it in tandem with the article from the Silicon Graybeard linked in Part 1 of this article, it certainly looks as if the whole swarm of illegal aliens crossing our borders has been orchestrated by the same assholes that were trying to organize millions of fraudulent votes a couple of elections ago.  Looks like leopards don't change their spots when they're exposed - they just go underground and emerge with a different disguise.

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That's all from my meanderings around the blogosphere over the past couple of weeks.  More soon!

Peter

Around The Blogs 2014-07-20, Part 1

Having missed an Around The Blogs entry last weekend, there are a lot of links to be included today;  so I'm going to do it in two parts.  Look for the second this evening or tomorrow, depending on how my day goes.

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The Silicon Graybeard discovers that the so-called 'Baptist Child and Family Services' that was supposed to get a $50 million contract from the US government to convert an unused resort into accommodation for illegal alien children is . . . wait for it . . . nothing more than a reincarnation of the thoroughly discredited ACORN.  It looks like the whole thing was nothing more than a nefarious scheme to funnel taxpayer money to an ultra-progressive, undemocratic political pressure group.

So much for the government being here to help us.  Looks like the far Left are treating government as being here so they can help themselves - to our money!

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Karl Denninger points out that while the economics of diesels in small vehicles appear outwardly attractive, "the problem is that today the financial aspect of diesel ownership simply doesn't make any sense.  The culprit comes from two elements that turn on intentional design decisions of the manufacturers ... I speak specifically of the decision to design fuel injection systems that have failure modes that inevitably cascade through the entire fuel system, along with emissions decisions that are utterly destructive to vehicle value."  He goes into detail about both issues, and raises important questions.  If you're considering buying a diesel-engined vehicle for typical commuting and consumer use, you really should read what he has to say.

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Jeff Soyer notes that a major study on gun violence is missing a key word.

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This article appeared a couple of weeks ago, but is very relevant given current events in Gaza.  American Mercenary takes a look at Israel's Iron Dome defensive system, and observes that "In terms of creating a lasting peace, being on the defensive is a losing proposition."

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Doug Ross describes how he'd conduct a Presidential campaign if he were Ted Cruz.  I agree with  him, on the grounds that it'd shake up the 'usual suspects' as few other things would!  It'd thoroughly annoy (not to mention frighten) both the Republican and Democratic party establishments - something worth doing in itself, irrespective of Presidential ambitions.

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Wirecutter has dire suspicions about a traffic accident.  He also reveals himself to be a caring soul . . . sort of.

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Sarah Hoyt asks, "Who are you gonna believe?"  Her article's a searing indictment of the way in which the truth is "spun" by journalists, politicians and interest groups.  She makes it clear that it's our responsibility to dig through all that dross to find the nuggets.  Recommended reading, as are the comments from respondents.

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Through a link I was reminded of the Anarchangel's 2009 warning about not messing with Finland or the Finns.  Nothing's changed to make that any less dangerous a pastime!  Chris also warns of the danger of 'Welfare Towns and Equilibrium Traps'.  Both articles are worth reading.

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Arbroath brings us the sad tale of a man who thought he was slapping a possum, but it turned out to be a porcupine.  I bet he won't make that mistake again!

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Massad Ayoob informs us of a new training resource for the snubnose revolver.  I'm definitely interested, although I'm going to wait for the next, longer edition to come out.  I often carry a snubbie myself, and I know how difficult it is to shoot one well, so any help in the matter will always be gratefully received.

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DaddyBear remembers things he's seen and experienced, and concludes:  "... the more you learn about how horrible the world truly is, the more you will come to appreciate the parts that are wonderful.  That knowledge will show you just how important it is to protect and defend those things that bring light to a very dark existence."  True words, those.

In similarly contemplative vein, Sgt. Mom reminds us of the existence of TWANLOC's, and notes that:  "The anger at the TWANLOC ruling class ... is building. When it will come to a full boil – in that the anger will be expressed in more than comments, editorials, blog-posts and radio-call in shows – and in response to what kind of provocation is anyone’s guess."  I agree with her.  (The group blog to which she contributes, Chicago Boyz, looks interesting.  I must spend some more time there and see whether it makes it onto my daily reading list.)

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Earthbound Misfit reminds us of the joys - and hazards - of coffee . . . and Robb Allen provides personal testimony to corroborate her words!

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Low Dog On The Totem Pole links to an article about a home-made solar space heating system, which in turn links to Version 2 of that system, considerably enlarged and improved.  Both look very interesting and extremely practical.  Recommended reading for those handy with basic tools.

He also brings us numerous accolades to an (over)enthusiastic deli worker.  I think I may have met that guy at our local Wal-Mart . . .

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Charles Hugh Smith offers a grimly realistic response to our current economic woes.

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Finally, The Smallest Minority brings us proof positive that Kirk was here.

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That's all for the first part of this article.  Look for the second part this evening or tomorrow, depending on how much time I can free up.

Peter

Musings on Windows 8.1 and writing

I used to be quite the computer fundi.  I worked on mainframe systems in my much younger days, everything from operating them, to programming them, to leading a project team in systems development.  I also had exposure to minicomputers, microcomputers (what we call PC's today), the so-called 'end user computing' environment, so-called 'expert systems' (early, primitive implementations of artificial intelligence or AI), technical (military) computers and systems, and so on.  That part of my life came to an end when I changed career directions and studied for the ordained ministry, but it gave me a useful foundation in computer technology that's stood me in good stead ever since.

I've been applying that with good results until Microsoft came out with Windows 8.  The paradigm has now shifted to the point where the user interface is something I can't intuitively understand from a programming and systems point of view.  Of course, it's probably easy enough - heck, people are taking online classes in writing an 'app' (what I used to call a program) on their smart phones, so it can't be too tricky!  Even so, the underlying nature of the systems has shifted gradually over time, until we're no longer manipulating bits or bytes or fields, but rather 'objects' or 'elements', each with associated classes and properties and attributes and . . . you get the idea.  The basic elements at the bit-and-byte level aren't in the equation at all any more as far as developers are concerned.  Where I'd sometimes write an assembler routine to wring the best possible performance out of a memory-challenged computer partition by minimizing code size and maximizing efficiency, people today would laugh at the very thought.  Processor speed and memory size have grown so vastly since my early days in computers that it's almost impossible to compare common systems.  (My first work PC was an original 4.77MHz 8-bit IBM PC with 256KB memory and two 320K - not the later 360K - 5¼" floppy disk drives.  It was considered 'state-of-the-art'.  Today it's hard to find any system starting with less than a gigabyte of memory, and floppy disk drives haven't been made for years . . . )

Today I began setting up a new laptop computer.  Miss D. and I bought matching ones from the local outlet of Consumer Depot.  I have to give them a serious shout-out:  they had outstandingly good prices on reasonably well-equipped refurbished laptops, the salesperson knew what he was talking about and could answer my questions, and they took time and trouble to show us the options that were available.  We bought our systems for at least $250 less (each) than I've been able to find comparable computers anywhere else, and so far they're running just fine.  We'll be shopping there again.

The process of setting them up is reinforcing to me how my knowledge of modern user interfaces needs to be updated.  I've always loathed Windows 8.1 on my desktop computer.  It's a very clunky interface when used with a mouse and keyboard.  I keep it only because it's what came with my desktop system, and changing it would be more of a pain than working around its limitations (which I do by booting into desktop mode, using a Start menu clone, and working as if it were a Windows 7 machine).  However, on a touchscreen laptop with sufficient memory and processor performance to make it fly, Windows 8.1 presents an entirely different and much more useful interface.  I'm reluctantly being forced to admit that I need to move away from my technological-dinosaur past and learn to live with the new generation of software . . . even if that does mean mastering a steep and sometimes frustrating learning curve.

I can't help but think back wistfully to my assembler language coding days.  If we'd had available then the sort of computing horsepower that's taken for granted today, would we have bothered to code so efficiently at the bit-and-byte level?  Or would we have grown lazy and said, "Never mind efficiency - we've got processor power and memory to burn!"  Methinks we'd have followed the latter course, even though my old-timer's computer brain sometimes curses modern programmers for the sloppiness of their work.  I suppose that also shows in the way I write my books.  I come from a little after the 'Golden Age' of SF, when the trinity of Asimov, Clarke and Heinlein dominated and many of the edgier modern themes hadn't even been invented.  I guess I still write accordingly.  Fortunately, a lot of you seem to like it that way!  I'm sometimes accused of writing stilted dialog;  but it's not really stilted - just 'different' to modern ears.  I talk that way, too.  It's partly the result of a classical education and a background in classical SF, and partly because I think and write in English-English rather than American-English.  (Miss D. teases me a lot about that.)

Oh, well.  I suppose I'm still an unrepentant dinosaur in many ways . . . but if Miss D. loves me like that, and you like my writing and occasional rants like that, I guess I can live with it!

Peter

Lawdog at his finest . . .

I have a little collection of blog posts by (and, in some cases, about) a few of my friends.  A leading light among them is Lawdog, who also wrote the foreword to my memoir of prison chaplaincy, since he and I have come into contact with many similar critters over the years.

This one, describing the (mis)adventures of Joe Critter and a gang of unimpressed construction workers, made me laugh my ass off when I first read it almost seven years ago.  Whilst rearranging old bookmarks and clearing unwanted links, I found it again, and re-read it.  It again made me cackle until the tears came.

If you want a good laugh, go read it for yourself.  You won't be disappointed.  Lawdog's on top form.

Peter

I wonder if I could train our cat to help like this?

It'd certainly relieve us of some housework . . .

Peter

Dinner with Old NFO

Miss D. and myself had a most enjoyable evening with Old NFO, who's passing through town on his way back home after a couple of weeks touring the country and meeting friends hither and yon.  We took him to supper at one of our favorite local restaurants, where the food is ambrosial and the atmosphere casual and friendly.  As usual, we sat and talked for a long, long time over our food . . . conversation always flows freely when we're together (which is never often enough).

It's always fun to meet a fellow blogger like Jim (and now a fellow author, too, since his first book came out last year and he's well advanced with his second).  We're going to have to make this a more regular occurrence.  Perhaps we should organize a weekend get-together where we can have writing competitions as well as shooting contests.  Maybe we can morph our annual Blogorado gathering into Bookorado?




Peter

A most intriguing man

Now and again one comes across someone whose life and works are so out of the ordinary, so far beyond the norm, that one's eyebrows rise and one wishes one could meet them.  In Anthony Smith's case, that's no longer possible, because he died earlier this month:  but his obituary makes fascinating reading.  Here are a few excerpts.

Anthony Smith, who has died aged 88, was a bestselling author, broadcaster, balloonist and octogenarian rafter.

Exploration lay at the heart of Smith’s varied pursuits. He was one of the first presenters of Tomorrow’s World; a science correspondent for The Telegraph; he published some 30 books; and had a fish named after him. He was also the first Briton to fly a balloon across the Alps and, in 2011, made headline news when he celebrated his 85th birthday mid-Atlantic on a home-made raft — a party shared with three fellow amateur adventurers of advanced years whom Smith had recruited through a small ad in these pages.

. . .

Smith joined the RAFVR in 1944 and trained as a pilot, and after being demobbed in 1948 he continued to fly with the Oxford University Air Squadron.

His first book, Blind White Fish in Persia (1953), chronicled a student expedition to Persia where he explored the Qanat subterranean irrigation tunnels. During these travels he discovered a new species of blind cave loach, which was subsequently named Nemacheilus smithi.

In 1953 he joined The Manchester Guardian as a general reporter before leaving for South Africa to manage Drum magazine (a period he later detailed in Sea Never Dry, 1958). He described Drum as “the voice of black unrest, of segregated misery, of political aspiration”. When he left the magazine he cashed in his ticket home and bought a motorcycle which he rode from Cape Town to England. The five-month journey resulted in the book High Street Africa (1961).

. . .

In 1962 Smith took three months off to fly his hydrogen balloon, Jambo, across Africa for “The Sunday Telegraph Balloon Safari”. Fellow explorer and author Douglas Botting and the film maker Alan Root joined him on a flight from Zanzibar across northern Tanganyika, over the Ngorongoro Crater, where they were reported to have “come down quickly with a loud bang”. In his account (Throw Out Two Hands, 1963) Smith also described how they narrowly avoided being killed when the balloon flew into an enormous thunder cloud.

Smith’s African escapade fuelled a passion for ballooning. The following year he made his landmark crossing of the Alps, and in 1965 founded — with the aviatrix Sheila Scott — the British Balloon and Airship Club, of which he was president until his death. He worked on airship sequences for the films Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1967) and Superman II (1980) and became the proud owner of a three-seater gas airship, the Santos Dumont.

There's more at the link - far too much to list here.  Highly recommended reading.

I wish I'd known Mr. Smith.  He must have been a fascinating person.  There are too few in his league.

Peter

Packaging shenanigans . . .

Ever wondered why shipping charges are sometimes so inordinately high?  Check out how this lone photographic battery charger was packed for delivery.

I'd guess the shipping charges on that package were several times the value of its contents!  Still, I think the person posting the video clip was wrong to blame DHL (the delivery service).  They would simply have delivered the package as it was received by them.  In this case, the shipper's to blame.

Of course, when "standard shipping charges" are used, that's also an opportunity for canny sellers to make a dollar.  There are any number of used book vendors on Amazon.com who charge a mere 1c for a used book, plus Amazon's minimum $3.99 standard shipping charge.  They send it via the Post Office for somewhere between $2 and $3, and keep the difference as their profit.  I don't mind that - if they can make a living while delivering a book to me at low cost, who am I to complain?  But I don't think that covers the extraordinary packaging above . . .

Peter

"10 things no one tells you before you take up golf"

That's the title of a very amusing article in the Telegraph today.  Here's an excerpt.

2.  Don't wait to hear 'fore'

Anyone with the vaguest grasp of golfing etiquette knows you’re supposed to shout “fore” when that embarrassingly wayward drive starts veering off at a fellow player. But whatever the incomprehensible, panicked splutter that emits from your throat as the ball homes in its prey, it rarely sounds much like the number after three.

General rule – if you hear anything resembling a distressed hyena, take cover.


3.  Nobody can hit a one iron

Club selection is always a tricky one, but if you ever catch yourself reaching for a low iron, stop and remember the greatest piece of golfing wisdom ever spoken: “If you are caught on a golf course during a storm and are afraid of lightning, hold up a 1-iron. Not even God can hit a 1-iron.”

There's more at the link.

I'm one of those who regards a golf course as an unconscionable waste of a perfectly good rifle range.  However, even with that handicap (you should pardon the expression), I definitely enjoyed the author's sense of humor.  Recommended.

Peter

Yesterday, Russian rifles - tomorrow, Russian ammo?

As an afterthought to my previous post about the apparent shooting down of a Malaysian Airlines flight over the Donetsk region of Ukraine, here's something for shooting enthusiasts to consider.  Yesterday President Obama banned the importation of many popular Russian rifles and shotguns based on the famous AK-47 design.  In the aftermath of today's tragedy, he's sure to face pressure for further sanctions on Russia . . . and a very likely candidate will be its ammunition manufacturers, who sell their products by the container-load to the USA.  Brand names with which you may be familiar include (in alphabetical order) Barnaul, Brown Bear, Golden Bear, Golden Tiger, Silver Bear, Tula and Wolf.

Back in March I pointed out that the Ukraine crisis might lead to restrictions on the importation of Russian and/or Ukrainian ammunition.  I'd say that's just become a probability rather than a possibility . . . and the major Ukrainian ammunition factories, which might have replaced Russian imports, are in the disputed regions of that country.  They may end up being run by dissidents who won't want to supply the USA, or even being taken over by Russia if it grabs the disputed regions for itself (as it has the Crimea).

I'd say this is probably a good time to check your reserve stocks of 7.62x39mm, 7.62x54mm., 9mm. Makarov and other Soviet or Russian calibers and cartridges (and any Western calibers for which you buy lower-cost Russian or Ukrainian ammunition).  I've got sufficient to last me for a while, but I know others have allowed their stocks to run down due to the increased ammo prices encountered since the 2012 elections.  If I were in their shoes, I'd be remedying that situation most ricky-tick.

Peter

Malaysia Airlines Flight 17

We're watching a tragedy unfurl in the far east of Ukraine as news becomes available of the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.  It appears that all 295 people on board have been killed.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that US intelligence sources claim that a ground-to-air missile brought down the aircraft.  If these reports are confirmed, we can be fairly sure that those sources already know the location from which the missile was fired.  Its launch signature was almost certainly plotted by satellites monitoring the ongoing civil war in the region.  I doubt very much that it was Ukraine that fired the missile, as it has never yet used ground-to-air missiles - there haven't been any suitable targets for them, as the separatists don't have their own aircraft.  I'd say the odds are more in favor of this being a missile fired by either Russian forces, or by Donetsk separatists (who were seen by Associated Press journalists to be in possession of at least one Buk missile system a couple of days ago - what's more, near where the airliner is reported to have crashed).  A separatist Web site also published claims (since taken down) that suggest their involvement.  Finally, the fact that the plane's flight recorders have allegedly been sent to Moscow seems like an attempt at a cover-up.  After all, the investigation is supposed to be conducted by the nation in which the wreckage falls - and that wasn't inside Russia.  One wonders whether the data recorders will be examined for any evidence of Russian or separatist involvement, and any such evidence deleted before - if ever - they're returned to more appropriate authorities.

This might be the trigger to a major upsurge of hostilities in the region, both military and economic.  The consequences might extend far beyond the location of the tragedy, affecting all of Europe and the entire Russian sphere of influence - and possibly the entire world.  While we pray for the souls of those who've died, let's also pray for what peace may still be had there.  It's going to be a very worrying few days as the details emerge.

Peter

Love . . . saying it with animals

The first video below I discovered at random while searching YouTube on a completely unrelated topic.  The second was linked on the first video's page.  Both made me smile, so I thought you'd enjoy them too.

All together, now:  Awwww!




Peter

Digitized film footage of World War I

The Telegraph reports:

[The Imperial War Museum] has released newly restored archive footage as part of a project to digitise its film collection – one of the oldest and largest in the world – for the First World War Centenary.

IWM was founded while the war was still being fought to record and collect the stories of the people who lived, served and died during the war.

Over the last two years it has contributed over 200 hours of First World War footage to European Film Gateway EFG1914 a digitisation project to help preserve the film legacy of the First World War.

Together with over 25 European partners including the Deutsches Filminstitut and The Royal Belgium Film Archive (Cinematek) the project has digitised over 700 hours of material from the First World War archives offering an insight on the lives of the people who fought and lived through the First World War.

There's more at the link.

Intrigued, I looked for more information.  The main European Film Gateway site is here, and contains much digitized footage of European history from the dawn of cinematography.  The World War I site is a separate sub-project, focusing more specifically on that conflict.  Both promise many hours of interesting viewing for history buffs.

Peter

"I think I have a hummingbird problem"

That's what the person who put up this video said about it.  After viewing it, what can one do but agree with her?  I've never seen hummingbirds feeding out of someone's hand like that before.

I'm sure they're grateful for the food, anyway . . .

Peter

In Memoriam: Allyson Hendrickson

Readers of my regular 'Around The Blogs' feature may recall that in March, I posted this:

Another longstanding blogging buddy, Matt G., links to a very sad and moving article by a blogger who's dying of cancer.  She describes what it feels like to arrange her own funeral, and the weirdness of feeling the disease growing inside her.  Powerful stuff, and very worthwhile reading.  Please don't forget to say a prayer for her, too, and for the husband and young children she's preparing to leave behind.  May God grant them all mercy and peace.

The lady in question was Allyson Hendrickson.  She died last week.  In a final blog post, she said:

Monster [her cancer] marches on.  Although my pain is well-managed, it has been necessary to take extra measures lately to ensure that that continues.  I recently switched from oral meds to a pain pump.  Were you to ever see me, you would notice the giant needle that is stabbed in my chest, or you might widen your eyes at the iv tubing that is attached to me, which must be carried everywhere I go.  Everywhere.  There's no question that the pump is the better option...I was taking as many as 30 pills each day.  Still, it is cumbersome and only so much tubing will stay put in the cute Vera Bradley bag I tote around.

All that medicine is making me do weird things.  Example:  I had a dream where I was quite insistent that Princess Lovely come for tea.  This was overheard by my mother, who is still giggling about it.  Princess Lovely--ha!  I also have had several instances where my hands will move while I'm sleeping.  A few nights ago I tried to feed myself some imaginary yogurt with an imaginary spoon, only to wake up and find that things were just as I had left them when my eyes were closed.  There was no spoon, no yogurt--just bedsheets.  Bummer.

You might be wondering how my three little cowboys are holding up.  Truth be told, I'm kind of wondering the same thing. It is like pulling teeth to get them to talk about it, and when we begin to scratch the surface, I get so nervous! What I do know for sure is that they are frightened and insecure--even though we are trying so hard to make it okay for them.  Three individual little people = three individual needs.  The hurt is huge.  At times, it feels insurmountable.  I have some guilt, because when this is all said and done, I get to be the lucky one.  They have to stay here and learn to live without their mom.  Some days seem good, and other days are very emotional and difficult.  You would not waste a prayer on my three precious boys.

There's more at the link.

After she died, her family posted this on her blog:

As most of you know, our daughter Allyson Hendrickson went to be with her Lord on Friday, July 11. We are so thankful to know that her dwelling place is with Him forever. But the truth is that He was her dwelling place here on earth as well. In every part of her life--the joys, the sorrows, the certainties, the confusion, the laughter, the tears--her faith in God's goodness remained strong. He was and is her constant.

Many people came to love our Allyson through this blog. You enriched her life, and for that we are so grateful.

Again, more at the link.

Please say a prayer for her three sons, who are still very young and will have to learn to adjust to life without their mom;  and for her husband, who now finds himself alone under the most difficult of circumstances;  and for their parents, families and friends, who have to adjust to their loss and continue with the business of living.  It's never easy.

Peter

Fever dreams . . .

I woke up in the small hours of this morning running a fever - no idea how high, but I was shivering like crazy.  Miss D. wrapped me up warmly and put me back to bed, and I've spent most of the day resting, trying to shake off whatever this is.  (I suspect it's something from the darkest recesses of the hall closet that I cleaned out on Sunday.)

I just don't have much energy right now, so I won't be posting much tonight.  I'll try to put up more in the morning.  Until then, sleep well, y'all.

Peter

Working up India's new aircraft carrier

We examined India's "new" aircraft carrier, the INS Vikramaditya, in Weekend Warships #2 back in 2011.  After many delays and complications, she's due to return to India later this year or early next year.

A Russian 'reality TV' program recently produced a half-hour documentary showing the Vikramaditya working up, including the operation of her new MiG-29K fighter aircraft.  The type will also replace Russia's old Su-33 aircraft aboard its only aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov.  I found the program interesting from both a maritime and an aviation point of view, so I hope my readers will too.  It's in Russian, but with English subtitles.  I recommend watching it in full-screen mode.

It's been a long, complex and frustrating journey to get INS Vikramaditya ready for service.  Here's hoping the Indian Navy is satisfied by the final product.

Peter

Elephants in the rain

I enjoyed this video clip of elephants at the Save Elephant Foundation's reserve in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  They're Asian elephants, but they like rain just as much as (perhaps even more than) the African elephants I remember from my days on that continent.

Yes, baby elephants have fun in mud, just like human infants!

I note that zoos in the USA often seem to have trouble preventing their elephants from making mud-wallows in which to roll.  I'm afraid it's a losing battle.  If a six-ton elephant decides it wants a mud-wallow right there, it's going to have a mud-wallow there, whether its keepers like it or not!

Peter

Some interesting reactions to my books

I've been interested, honored, and highly amused (respectively) by three reactions to my books over the past few days.

First, a few days ago BuzzFeed published an article titled '21 Conservative Writers To Read At The Beach'.  I was surprised (but pleased) to find my books listed at number 18 on their list.  I don't consider myself a 'conservative' so much as a small-ell 'libertarian' (in the US sense of that term) with several elements of classical liberalism (again, small-ell) in the mix;  in other words, somewhat right of center, but avoiding extremes on both sides of the political equation.  Nevertheless, I'm glad the author saw fit to include me among writers such as Karina Fabian, Larry Correia, Sarah Hoyt, Kate Paulk, John Ringo and Tom Kratman, all of whose books I've read.  I'm honored to be numbered amongst them.  I hope some of BuzzFeed's readers will see fit to take up its invitation, and take my books on vacation with them.

Next, fellow independent author Alma Boykin chose to review my memoir of prison chaplaincy, 'Walls, Wire, Bars and Souls', on her blog.  I'm very grateful to her, as that book has sold slowly and the publicity is therefore welcome.  (The slow sales weren't unexpected, of course - unlike my novels, it's in a field which doesn't attract strong reader demand and deals with a subject that many people find at best uncomfortable, at worst really off-putting).  Nevertheless, it was a labor of love for me to write it, in the hope that I could help at least some of those confronting the world behind bars in the USA.  I hope her review will help some of them to find it.  Thanks, Alma!

Finally, I laughed so hard that I almost snorted hot tea through my nose when I read this recent one-star review of my first novel, 'Take The Star Road'.

Comparing this atrocity to the work of Heinlien (sic) is like comparing festering garbage to a meal at a Michelin Star restaurant.

Without a doubt, the worst book I have ever attempted to read. The narrative has all the skill of a seventh grader writing about their summer vacation. I am offended that anyone had the gall to charge actual money for this pig slop. It was so wretched that I gave up on it after the second chapter. Do yourself a gargantuan favor and do not buy this trash masquerading as literature.

This is about a book that has so far, as I write these words, attracted 91 five-star, 67 four-star and 23 three-star reviews, as opposed to 8 two-star and a mere 4 one-star reviews (including the one above).

I have a pretty good idea who wrote that review.  If I (and others) are right, it's someone who's been identified as a troll by several other authors of my acquaintance, some of whom instantly remarked (when they learned about the review) that it has all the hallmarks of his grammar, vocabulary and phraseology.  I don't know for sure, but I thought most of you would find it as entertaining as I did.  Fortunately, most of those who've read the book clearly don't agree with him - it's still the top selling volume in my Maxwell Saga series.

I'm working hard on Maxwell Book 4, which will hopefully be published in September.  Book 2 of the Laredo War trilogy is scheduled for December, God willing.  Thanks for your support for my books thus far, and I hope you enjoy the next ones as much as you've clearly enjoyed the earlier volumes.

Peter

Official photographer for the Thunderbirds

Here's a fascinating video for aircraft enthusiasts and photography buffs.  It depicts USAF cameraman Sergeant Larry Reid Jr. and his work as part of the Thunderbirds aerobatic team.  I highly recommend watching it in full-screen mode.

You can read more here about how he does it.

Peter