This ain't Hell, but you can see it from here

Category: Pointless blather

  • Aviation on the brain.

    Since we are talking about childhood hobbies that I figure I weigh in. Feel free to skip this one unless you are really interested in aviation.

    More specifically propeller aircraft. I like to think that I know a few things about military aviation and then I find something new. One of the main aircraft that I caught my attention is the Avia S-199.. This aircraft got my attention because it is a Me-109 version that was used by Israeli Air Force the First Squadron. Did a little reading on it and found out a few facts about the aircraft that I did not know. Like the fact that they used the engine of the He-111 bomber. One would think that having a bomber engine would have improved performance similar to the F4u Corsair. Well not so much.

    The resulting combination of parts was an aircraft with extremely poor handling qualities. The substitute engine with the propeller lacked the responsiveness of the Daimler-Benz unit and the torque created by the massive paddle-bladed propeller made control very difficult. This, in combination with the 109’s narrow-track undercarriage, made landings and take-offs extremely hazardous.

    The Daimler-Benz DB 605 engine allowed for a central cannon mount (Motorkanone in German) that fired through the propeller spinner. This was not possible with the Junkers Jumo 211, and so the S-199 used a version of the Luftwaffe’s Rüstsatz VI modification kit, which consisted of a pair of MG 151 cannon, one each in a gun pod, one beneath each wing. This further impinged on the aircraft’s performance. A final hidden danger lay in the gun synchronizer for the cowl-mounted MG 131 machine guns, which did not work as it was meant to, leading a few Israeli aircraft to shoot off their own propellers.

    But the interesting part is that the Avia S-199 was used in combat against Egypt Spitfires. So we have Jewish pilots using German aircraft against British Spitfires which is the Icon of the Battle of Britain. Strange huh?

    Oh it gets better. This one is about the F4U Corsair and theP-51 Mustang . One of the biggest things that has been debated about which fighter is better considering their history in World War Two, Korea and onward. Well it seemed like the two did go head to head against each other in what is known as the Football War. In this case it looks like the F4U Corsair came out on top in 1969, twenty five years after the last dogfights of WW2 there were still dogfights with proper aircraft? Strange indeed.

  • Right Wing News: The 20 Hottest Conservative Men in The New Media For 2012

    About a third of our audience is female, so after running the Right Wing News’ 20 hottest conservative women, I guess its only fair that I link their rating of conservative men, even though I don’t know any of them, nor am I familiar with their work…well…other than James O’Keefe.

    I was joined by these lovely ladies of the Right in selecting the gentlemen:

    1) Erin Brown, Editor in Chief of Misfit Politics

    2) Kira Davis, Actress and Blogger

    3) Dina Fraioli, Political Strategist

    4) Tabitha Hale, New Media Director at Franklin Center

    5) Amelia Hamilton, Writer at Red Alert Politics

    6) Kemberlee Kaye, Blogger

    7) Kristina Ribali, New Media Director of FreedomWorks

    Unlike feminists, we conservative ladies actually appreciate men. Strong men, like strong women, make for a strong country. These guys aren’t bronies or wimps. They’re activists, journalists, bloggers, and grassroots organizers.

  • Equadorian Holiday for Julian?

    Looks like our good “friend” Julian Assange has tired of British food and weather, and has decided to seek out a different climate.  He’s applied for political asylum  in Ecuador.  Seems his native Australia wouldn’t lift a finger to help him out of his little European legal jam.

    Personally, I kinda hope he gets what he’s asking for – then pisses off the Ecuadorian government.  Ecuadorian laws are rather . . . different.  In Ecuador you can be sent to jail for 2 years for insulting the President, and for 3 months for insulting other government officials.  I’m thinking that it would be only a matter of time before Assange did exactly that.

    I also think a couple of years in an Ecuadorian jail would do him a world of good.  If he survived, of course.

    Well, OK – not really.  Assange is IMO such an ass he’s probably beyond help as this point.   But seeing him spend a couple of years in a South American jail would do me a world of good.  (smile)

  • More Secret Service Issues Surface

    It looks like another report of bad behavior by the Secret Service has surfaced. And this time, it’s a bit more troublesome than the last one.

    This new report involves the POTUS protective detail operating on Martha’s Vineyard – including the Counter Assault and Counter Sniper teams.  And it includes a clear allegation that the Secret Service ignored or “lost” at least one report of agent misbehavior, as well as indications that local law enforcement may have helped keep things “quiet”.

    The “bad” behaviors alleged run the gamut from letting local children see/touch Secret Service weapons (oh, the horror!) to hard off-duty partying to loss of credentials to disclosing sensitive operational details. The first two? Meh. The last two? Uh, different story.

    The article is relatively long, and includes quotations from named witnesses. It seems credible.

    A few scattered incidents here and there are what you’d expect in any 4400-person organization. But you wouldn’t expect to find the Secret Service playing fast and loose with info regarding operations. And we’ve now seen reports of more than a few scattered incidents here and there.

    It’s beginning to look like there might well be a leadership problem at the Secret Service. A serious leadership problem.

  • More Secret Service Issues?

    We’ve all seen the recent news stories about salacious misbehavior by members of the Secret Service. Well, apparently there just might be a bit more history there. Bad history.

    Seems that there are numerous accusations of misconduct involving Secret Service personnel over the past several years. While many of these accusations appear to be unfounded, others don’t.

    Yes, the Secret Service is a large organization (about 4400 personnel) – so a few “duds” will slip thru screening. And yes, some of it seems to be overblown.

    But at least some the alleged misconduct seems to be significant – the apparently substantiated allegations seem to include disclosure of sensitive information. The number of substantiated incidents appears not to be inconsequential.  And the Secret Service is purportedly carefully screened.

    Maybe there really is a problem in that agency.

  • Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam . . . . .

    You’ve heard Jonn talk about the spam he gets here.  One of the things about being allowed to post here is that you can see it.

    Jonn’s busy enough running TAH, so I try to pitch in from time to time and help “take out the garbage”.  But I thought TAH’s readers might be interested in seeing a representative sample.  And some of it is, well, kinda funny.

    Here’s a sample, with my comments concerning them.  This is maybe 5% of what I waxed this morning.  Jonn deals with several times this much daily.

    Engrish/WTF?

    I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

    Yeah, well, Jonn says thanks.  I think.

     Thank you for your whole effort on this blog. My niece delights in working on investigations and it’s really easy to understand why. A number of us hear all relating to the compelling method you give sensible tips by means of your blog and as well improve participation from some others on the concept so our favorite simple princess is without question being taught so much. Take advantage of the rest of the year. Your carrying out a dazzling job.

    Uh, yeah.  Whatever.  And I’m sure Jonn appreciates what I think was a compliment at the end.

     I must express thanks to this writer just for rescuing me from this particular dilemma. After exploring throughout the the net and obtaining thoughts which are not productive, I figured my entire life was over. Existing devoid of the answers to the issues you have resolved by way of this short post is a crucial case, as well as the kind that might have badly damaged my entire career if I hadn’t noticed your website. Your primary talents and kindness in maneuvering the whole thing was vital. I’m not sure what I would have done if I had not encountered such a solution like this. I’m able to at this moment look ahead to my future. Thanks so much for your expert and results-oriented guide. I will not be reluctant to refer your web page to any individual who should have guide on this issue.

    Glad TAH could help.  Please poke around a bit – and click a few ads.

    Definitely believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people consider worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

    I ran this through Babelfish.  Even Babelfish came back with a “WTF?” too, so I don’t feel too bad about missing the point.  If there was one.
    (more…)

  • Tattoos and the Small Pox vaccination.

    I thought that this was not needed but it seems that I was wrong. For some reason it seems that people are not taking their Small Pox vaccination safety brief seriously. Recent stories about people getting tattoos shortly after getting the shot are coming to my attention. It should be notied that everyone getting the shot is instructed on the things that you cannot do after getting the shot. So things like this should not be happening.

    I want to get a tattoo placed on my smallpox vaccination site. How long should I wait?

    Before getting a tattoo, wait until the smallpox vaccination site has fully healed, the scab has fallen off, and the skin is intact and dry. It may take longer than the average 30 to 60 days after your vaccination before the skin is ready for tattooing. Please contact the VHC if you have additional questions.

    But it seems that some of you are not getting this through your head. For example when I see post like this.

    Q (In Air Force).
    can you get a tattoo in the opposite arm of where you received a smallpox vaccination?

    A.
    Yes you can get inked up, but just give a week just to be on the safeside the vaccination has no counter action 🙂

    Q Reply to A;
    thank god. i got the vaccination last week on wednesday and im scheduled for a half sleeve on the opposite arm this saturday. i just wanted to make sure i wasnt gonna start some epidemic. good to know. thanks

    Then there is this one too.

    Q;
    Does it really matter if i get a tattoo while i have the smallpox vaccine? Like seriously. I want one so bad. BEFORE I leave the states, I dont trust foreign countries to tat me up hhaha

    A.
    I am no medical expert but from what I’m reading the vaccine and the tattoo shouldn’t interfere with each other. You can get a vaccine on the same day you get a tattoo. Make sure you go to a safe parlor.

    I am worried because people are doing things like this and creating a risk to everyone.

    SMALLPOX (DRYVAX) Side Effects Report #254130
    SMALLPOX (DRYVAX) vaccine side effect was reported on 04/17/2006. Male patient, 20.0 years of age, was vaccinated with SMALLPOX (DRYVAX). Patient symptoms: Injection site vesicles, “Soldier received smallpox vaccine on 4April06 after receiving a briefing on the care of smallpox vaccination sites and soldier also verified the care of vaccine site with the immunization provider and the PA prior to being vaccinated. Soldier returned to the clinic on 10April 06. He stated that he had gotten a tattoo on 7April06 and that he now has bumps around the tattoo and was not sure if it was from the smallpox vaccine or from a reaction from the tattoo. Soldier was instructed to cover bumps and to monitor them for changes and to return to clinic for further changes. Soldier returned to clinic today. Bumps have been spreading to arms and torso, each site covered with gauze, tape and ace wrap. Soldier instructed to return to clinic every morning for bandage changes. Soldier again given instructions for care of innoculated sites and was told to change bed linens, wash towels, and to spray with bleach all surfaces he had touched. Soldier also reported to his chain of command.” NONENONE . During the same period patient was treated with NO. Patient recovered.

    Also the consequences from getting a tattoo after getting a Smallpox vaccination are no joke. Range from being sued by the CDC, the Tattoo Studio and anyone else who was put at risk by your actions. Not to mention a possible Dishonorable discharge from the Military. This is not a Joke.

  • About Heroes and Heroism . . .

    A recent short discussion here got me to thinking.

    Yeah, I know – that’s dangerous. But I sometimes take that risk. And yeah, it often gets me in trouble. (smile)

    What follows is my perspective, my opinion. I don’t claim to be a world-class expert on the subject.

    But I have spent my entire life associated, in one form or another, with the US military. So perhaps I’m not completely out to lunch here. And I apologize in advance for the length. Consider yourself forewarned. (smile)

    Obligatory disclaimer: although I’ve used male gender pronouns and the term “soldier” in what I’ve written below, my intent is neither to be service-specific nor gender-exclusive. In what I say below I’m referring to military personnel of both genders and to members of all services – Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. I simply find repeatedly writing “his or her”, “himself/herself”, “soldier/sailor/airman/marine”, and similar wordy expressions cumbersome as hell.

    Terms of Use – and Abuse

    The terms duty, courage, and heroism often are used carelessly in discussions of military conduct. They seem sometimes to be used nearly interchangeably.

    To use them interchangeably is not correct. These terms refer to three different concepts. They are interrelated, but they are distinct.

    One of these terms – heroism – is far more commonly abused than are the other two. IMO it’s now so abused as to now obscure its meaning.

    But understanding the other two concepts is essential to understanding the third. So I’ll discuss all three.

    Duty

    Duty is not strictly a military concept. It’s actually fairly universal. But it’s the most fundamental of the three concepts.

    Religions talk about moral duties. Politicians and polysci professors talk about the duties of citizens. Occupations and professions impose duties. Parents and children have duties. The law can impose duties –sometimes even making it your duty to pay a duty. (smile)

    The concept of duty is very simple to understand. Essentially, performing your duty means “fulfilling your obligations.” Plain and simple.
    (more…)