tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76509796142591638892024-03-13T18:47:46.595-04:00Doin' the time warp.......DOIN' THE TIME WARP......
The continuing adventures of a living historian, retired cop, gun crank, hard core patriot and lover of life and country who doesn't know what he wants to do when he grows up.
(If ever)Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.comBlogger500125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-83427006325724874762013-11-19T23:32:00.000-05:002013-11-19T23:32:03.383-05:00All For Me Rum...........'Tis the season for parties and other types of get together so I thought I would share a favorite drink recipe you might want to share with others. My best buddy Miss Nancy swears by this beverage.<br />
<br />
Barbados Rum Punch (A VERY old recipe)<br />
<br />
One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong and four of weak.<br />
<br />
OR:<br />
<br />
one part of pure lime or lemon juice (1/4 cup)<br />
two parts sugar (1/2 cup)<br />
three parts Rum (3/4 cup)<br />
four parts water (1 cup)<br />
<br />
Carefully mix all the ingredients, then grate fresh nutmeg over the drink before serving.<br />
<br />
Bon Appetite!<br />
Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-26252620271558969452013-11-19T23:06:00.001-05:002013-11-19T23:06:06.510-05:00Ahhhhhh......Break Time! As normal, the end of the campaign season was rather hectic. A 1812 period event, two RevWar events and a three day school. I would say the school was the most stressful as well as the most interesting. Allow me to tell you about it. <br />
<br />
North Carolina's Department of Cultural Resources is the organization that controls and supervises the various historic sites in the state. Some years ago they started a training program for historic site staff that interpret historic firearms on site. These programs focus on safety and function of black powder weapons. As a part of this training, the trainees get to fire live rounds from the weapons. When I heard about this training, I was very impressed. To try to explain how something works or it's effect, without truly using it or understanding it, it's almost like talking about swimming without ever being in any water. I was lucky enough to go to the last small arms class where I got to work with 19th century black powder muskets in which I learned a great deal. <br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the school of artillery where I studied 19th century muzzle-loading artillery. We spent a couple of days learning the drill used in firing the gun, all the safety issues we needed to be aware of, as well as the history of the weapons. Make no mistake it CAN be dangerous, even firing blank loads out of the big guns. The typical blank load is around 8 oz of black powder. The majority of reenactment injuries are as a result of incidents involving artillery. We spent a great deal of time learning the various drills and firing blank charges. I was up close and personal to a 32 pounder when it was fired with it's 4 POUND blank charge. I kid you not, it rattled my teeth.<br />
<br />
I spent most of the class working with the crew of a 3" ordinance rifle. We fired a bunch of blank charges then each member of the crew was required to make up and fire a live round. They also made up a canister round to be fired as the last shot. 19th century artillery is a good bit different than the 18th Century guns I was use to. They are fired with a friction primer ignited by pulling a lanyard. The 18th century artillery is fired with a slow match. <br />
<br />
The last day of the school, all the guns were transported to Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base where we were allowed to set up on artillery range so we could do our live fire. Now picture this, 6 people dressed in various types of civil war period uniforms clustered around 3" ordinance rifle, using reproduction sights and aiming at a very shot up Russian T-62 tank about 1100 yards away. Each member of the crew got to sight the gun and pull the lanyard. I can't say we hit it for sure, but if there had been anyone in the tank there is no doubt they would have known we were around. <br />
<br />
The most interesting thing for me was when we fired the canister round. Canister is basically a tin can about the same size as the bore of the gun you are using. It is filled with a large number of lead balls the size of musket balls. When fired, the tin can blows apart and scatters the balls turning the cannon into a giant shotgun. We sighted our gun at a target about 150 yards and it literally tore it into pieces. On several levels I knew that canister was highly effective round, but when I actually saw it used, I finally understood how effective it was and also how much hell the men went though when they had to face canister. <br />
<br />
To hear what the guns sounded like, to hear the balls as they head toward the target, to see what canister does to a target, gave me a excellent tool to use when educating the public about historical weapons. I bitch and moan quite a bit when talking about how my tax dollars are spent, but in this case, North Carolina did a good job.<br />
<br />
So now, I get a chance to slow down and take a break before getting fired up for the holidays. I think I am going to like it........Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-24024433141723497782013-11-19T12:43:00.000-05:002013-11-19T12:43:06.062-05:00Four Score And Seven Years Ago.................150 years ago today, at a newly opened cemetery near the Gettysburg Battlefield, Abraham Lincoln gave a two minute speech which many consider to be one of the greatest ever given. In this speech Lincoln explained the reasons and effect of the war as well as the cost. Here are the words he spoke on that day so long ago.<br />
<br />
<strong>Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>But in a larger sense, we can not dedicate-we can not consecrate-we can not hallow-this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated to the unfinished work which they fought here have, so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us-that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave here the last full measure of devotion-that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have not died in vain-that this nation under God, shall have a new birth of freedom-and that, government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.</strong><br />
<br />
I will note with disgust that the current resident in the White House does not think that this moment in history is worthy of commemoration or note to his utter shame and dishonor. Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-24335153009507767232013-10-23T13:18:00.001-04:002013-10-23T13:18:26.774-04:00BEIRUT 1983 I thought that today I would take a few moments to remember the 241 service members who were killed in the homicide bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon on this day, 30 years ago.<br />
<br />
These men, mostly U.S. Marines had been placed in the middle of a very nasty civil war that was going on at the time in Lebanon. The Marines primary duty was to serve as peacekeepers, to try to keep the warring parties separated. <br />
<br />
The Marine Barracks which was near the Beirut Airport was destroyed by a truck bomb which was driven into the lobby of the building then detonated. Little did anyone know that this bombing was the opening shots in the war on terror that led to various other attacks on our country, to include 9/11 and still continues today. <br />
<br />
Most of the Marines killed and wounded in Beirut were originally based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. We felt the loss maybe a little sharper since these service men were fellow "Tar Heels"<br />
<br />
When I think of these fallen heroes, I am reminded of Matthew 5:9. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of GOD"</em></strong> Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-63873618961662706072013-10-21T22:31:00.004-04:002013-10-21T22:31:46.723-04:00Heart Of Oak..........In solemn and respectful memory of Lord Nelson and the Tars of the Royal Navy who fought the combined Spanish and French fleets at Trafalgar on this day in 1805. Nelson died of wounds suffered in this battle, but became a legend within the Royal Navy as well as one of best beloved heroes of England. Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-66187720901384449952013-10-21T22:21:00.001-04:002013-10-21T22:21:05.089-04:00Today In History.............<strong>In 1797</strong>... The U.S.S. Constitution (Also know as Old Ironsides) was launched. This ship, one of six, was built to help the fledgling U.S. Navy to both protect America's interest and to project force worldwide. She received her nickname when in an engagement with the British, cannonballs bounced off of the heavy oak timbers she was made of. Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-30533811811514787532013-10-17T16:05:00.002-04:002013-10-17T16:05:51.973-04:00Running Around Like My Head Is On Fire And My A*s Is Catching...............Sorry there hasn't been much Ice Cream round here. I think someone stole the damned machine. Last week-end I took part in Miss Nancy's PIRATEHAWK! (Or as I call it, Flintlock 101) This coming week-end I am attending the Battle of the Hook. So I am rushing around as normal. Until I can get my ducks in a row, here's a recipe for you to play with over the week-end.<br />
<br />
Shrub<br />
<br />
1 Quart of DARK rum<br />
1 Cup of sugar (either natural or brown)<br />
2 small cans frozen lime or lemon aide concentrate<br />
Enough water to make 1 gallon of drink. <br />
<br />
You can play around with the sugar amount as listed, this drink IS pretty sweet. Serve cool and dream of the balmy breezes of the Caribbean.......Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-42166393912323520302013-06-26T08:44:00.001-04:002013-06-26T08:44:24.848-04:00Bad Day At Black Rock..........I was MUCH too sorry to post yesterday, but I wanted to note yesterday's date in history. <br />
<br />
<strong>On June 25th,</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>In 1876</strong>, Lt. Col. G.A. Custer and 286 men under his command were K.I.A. in an engagement with hostile Sioux and Cheyenne Indians near the Little Big Horn River in the Montana Territory. <br />
<br />
<strong>In 1950</strong>, The North Korean Army launched a massive surprise attack across the 38th parallel into South Korea. This plunged that country into a three year war that ended up costing the United States over 20,000 dead. The war still isn't over, the shooting stopped due to a "truce" and to this day, there are still American servicemen, locked and loaded, standing behind barbed-wire and sandbags, on watch, in that troubled land. <br />
<br />
June 25th just wasn't a very good day for American men at arms..............Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-20714222956933387122013-05-10T08:36:00.000-04:002013-05-10T08:36:25.994-04:00Today In History...........May 10th 1863.....<br />
<br />
General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson died as the results of wounds received on May 2nd 1863 at the battle of Chancellorsville VA.<br />
<br />
Jackson who was attempting to exploit the Confederate successes at Chancellorsville was personally leading a night reconnaissance mission between the Federal and Confederate lines when he and his party came under fire from his own forces (18th North Carolina Regiment) who were under the impression that Jackson's group was Federal cavalry. Jackson's injuries led to the amputation of his left arm . Based on the medical records I have reviewed, this was a survivable wound, and Jackson did well during and after the operation. However, he had complained of chills the night of the 2nd so he might have been coming down with a cold, or because of the medical theories of the time, he was made to rest and not move around. He was heavily sedated with opium products such as laudanum and he developed pneumonia. This was what killed him, not the gunshot wound. <br />
<br />
The Army of Northern Virginia was never the same after the death of Jackson. I am not one of the school that believe that if Jackson had lived the south would have won the war. I don't believe the south COULD have won, but with Jackson alive, the war might have gone on longer or there might have been a negotiated settlement. Who knows for sure? <br />
<br />Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-83783486672433015742013-05-09T10:42:00.000-04:002013-05-09T10:42:24.901-04:00Since January? Damn, time flies when you are having fun..........Nope, ain't dead, (although there have been SEVERAL mornings that I would have argued the point with you.) I have discovered that it is a GREAT deal easier to DO stuff than it is to write about it. I got caught up in a creative fever and have turned out a BUNCH o' stuff and have somewhat changed my focus and taste in firearms. As my long suffering wife will attest, when I get in one of my fevers all goes by the wayside until I can shake it. (However, no matter what she says, I have NEVER come running out of my work shop screaming "It's alive, It's alive !!!!!! ala Dr. Frankenstein)<br />
<br />
I did however manage to take a few photos of projects and as soon as I can remember how, to post them. <br />
<br />
As most of you know, I am old school to the max, which has led to my focus being directed in the area of historical reenactments and period weapons. Well, what seemed to be a natural branch off of that seems to be cowboy action shooting so I am working on gathering up the gear to start out with, I've made a few contacts in the sport and it looks like it will be both challenging and fun. It's been interesting in getting it all together, all bright and shiny. <grin> </grin><br />
<br />
I am also getting fired up about <a href="http://excelsatnothing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nancy R</a>.'s second annual kid's shoot. It's scheduled to be held on the first weekend of June and will be filled with the normal activities as well as a few surprises. You will get a chance to see strange and unusual firearms, a free range Dr. Mike and world famous star blogger and Internet icon <a href="http://www.ma-rooned.com/" target="_blank">Jay G.</a> Please drop by if you can, it should be LOADS of fun, plus you get more or less free eats. (I'VE been known to go to weddings and funerals of people I didn't even know, just for the free chow.) <grin> So ya'll come on out, hear? </grin>Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-73545311735169653052013-01-01T00:00:00.001-05:002013-01-01T00:01:44.241-05:00Today In History.............<img height="5" src="http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured_documents/images/spacer.gif" width="5" />
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150 years ago on January 1st 1863<br /><!-- Include Content File --><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>By the President of the United States of America:</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>A Proclamation.</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the President
of the United States, containing, among other things, the following, to wit:</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>"That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or
designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion
against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and
the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval
authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and
will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts
they may make for their actual freedom.</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>"That the Executive will, on the first day of January aforesaid, by
proclamation, designate the States and parts of States, if any, in which the
people thereof, respectively, shall then be in rebellion against the United
States; and the fact that any State, or the people thereof, shall on that day
be, in good faith, represented in the Congress of the United States by members
chosen thereto at elections wherein a majority of the qualified voters of such
State shall have participated, shall, in the absence of strong countervailing
testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence that such State, and the people
thereof, are not then in rebellion against the United States."</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Now, therefore
I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me
vested as Commander-in-Chief, of the Army and Navy of the United States in time
of actual armed rebellion against the authority and government of the United
States, and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion,
do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and sixty-three, and in accordance with my purpose so to do publicly
proclaimed for the full period of one hundred days, from the day first above
mentioned, order and designate as the States and parts of States wherein the
people thereof respectively, are this day in rebellion against the United
States, the following, to wit:
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, (except the Parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines,
Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James Ascension, Assumption, Terrebonne,
Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Orleans, including the City of New Orleans)
Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and
Virginia, (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also
the counties of Berkley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess
Ann, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth[)], and which
excepted parts, are for the present, left precisely as if this proclamation were
not issued. </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and
declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts
of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive
government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities
thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons. </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to abstain from
all violence, unless in necessary self-defence; and I recommend to them that, in
all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages. </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>And I further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable
condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to
garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all
sorts in said service. </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by
the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of
mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God. </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States to be affixed. </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Done at the City of Washington, this first day of January, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty three, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the eighty-seventh. </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>By the President: ABRAHAM LINCOLN <br />WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.</em></strong><br />
<br />
If you read this carefully, you will see that this was more of a measure designed to hurt the ability of the Confederacy to pursue the war. It did not end slavery in the states that had not rebelled, nor did it free slaves in areas that were under federal control. It did however give a moral standing to the war from the Union point of view. It also served to prevent other countries (particularly Great Britain) from recognizing the confederate government and lending military support since that would be supporting the institution of slavery. It was however, the begining of the end of slavery in the United States.
Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-54651816311910618782012-12-25T22:39:00.001-05:002012-12-25T22:41:39.388-05:00That Long???????I'm spending the holiday with Nancy R and family doin' a little well deserved R and R. it's been a VERY busy past couple of months and I needed a little decompression time. It's been fun to take this break, <br />
<br />
Miss Nancy reminded me that today is the fifth anniversary of this blog, I can't say that it has been something of great importance to the general public, cured any diseases, helped to bring about world peace and understanding. But it's been fun for me, it's given me a chance to vent my spleen every now and then and best of all, it's giving me a chance to be a part of the gun blogger community. Since I have been blogging, I have met some of the finest people that I have ever had the privilege of meeting. <br />
<br />
Thanks for reading these ramblings and allowing me to be a part of the family. <br />
<br />Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-8782113668263972222012-10-21T13:33:00.001-04:002012-10-21T13:36:10.860-04:00Attention All Hands...........Attention All Hands..........<br />
<br />
Splice the Main Brace!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In honored memory of the immortal Nelson and his band of
brothers of the Royal Navy who met and defeated the combined French and Spanish
fleets at the battle of Trafalgar 207 years ago on this date. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="huge"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Buonaparte
has often made his boast that our fleet would be worn out by keeping the sea
and that his was kept in order and increasing by staying in port; but know he
finds, I fancy, if Emperors hear the truth, that his fleet suffers more in a
night than ours in one year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="huge"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Firstly
you must always implicitly obey orders, without attempting to form any opinion
of your own regarding their propriety. Secondly, you must consider every man
your enemy who speaks ill of your king; and thirdly you must hate a Frenchman
as you hate the devil.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="huge"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now
I can do no more. We must trust to the Great Disposer of all events and the
justice of our cause. I thank God for this opportunity of doing my duty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
My character and good name are in my own keeping. Life with disgrace is
dreadful. A glorious death is to be envied.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="huge"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It
is warm work; and this day may be the last to any of us at a moment. But mark
you! I would not be elsewhere for thousands. - at the Battle of Copenhagen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="huge"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In
honour I gained them, and in honour I will die with them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="huge"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Lord Horatio Nelson</span></i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-37237347704196136672012-09-12T16:36:00.001-04:002012-09-12T16:36:30.868-04:00Makes Me Want To Cry Them A River...........O.K. since I am already stirred up, I might as well cut loose ALL my wolves........<br />
<br />
I was mulling life's many mysteries and about half listening to the news when I heard a "talking head" talk about the current salary was for the school teachers that are currently on strike in Chicago. <br />
<br />
It got me to thinking, I retired after working 30 years for the state of North Carolina. I have had one knee replaced and am working on getting up the guts to have my other one replaced, as well as have had major surgery on my right shoulder all due to injuries that I received in the line of duty. I lost count of the times when I had to be checked out or sewn up after a rough night at work. I am not whining, just stating the facts.<br />
<br />
My wife, was medically retired at 23 years, after receiving a injury at work, which is STILL giving her problems many year afterwards. <br />
<br />
The average pay for a teacher in Chicago is reported to be around $70,000. If you total up all the pay and benefits that my wife and I BOTH receive in a year, we don't even come close to that number.<br />
<br />
So I just can't work up a great deal of sympathy for those folks. <br />
<br />Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-65742129858033423562012-09-12T14:10:00.001-04:002012-09-12T14:10:12.507-04:00To The Shores Of Tripoli...........A observation from history's greatest bore..........<br />
<br />
Back in the early 1800's the northern part of Africa was the playground for the Barbary pirates, organized groups who attacked and captured "Christian" ships and their crews. The crew members were literally enslaved by the Muslims until they could be ransomed by their governments. In many cases, these acts were sponsored and supported by the governments then in power in the area. Most of the time, the major governments of Europe and the United States figuring it was easier, just paid tribute to the Muslims to protect their shipping. However, when the tribute was late, or perhaps not enough, the various Muslim governments had a very interesting method of expressing their dissatisfaction. They would go to the American Consulate, and chop down the flag pole. This was acknowledged to be a declaration of war by all the parties involved. <br />
<br />
This state of affairs was compounded by the fact that a former ally France, which was at war with England at the time, started capturing American ships which were trading with Britain and it's colonies. America started negotiations with the French government and was told that the attacks would stop if America, gave 50,000 pounds sterling, a $12 million loan from the United States, a $250,000 personal bribe to French foreign minister Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, and a formal apology for comments made by President John Adams. These demands were refused and when the American public became aware of this incident known as the X, Y and Z affair there was a great cry for action. This led to what was called the Quasi-War with France which took place at sea from 1798 to 1800.<br />
<br />
At a American dinner party held about this time, Robert Goodloe Harper, a Congressman from South Carolina, gave history
the memorable phrase, in a toast: "Millions for defense, sir, but not one
cent for tribute!"<br />
<br />
Now here we have a small new country, basically fighting two wars, with a undermanned Navy and Army still standing up to it's foes. By standing up, they made the French back down and by blockading the Barbary Pirates and even landing troops to overthrow various governments that supported the pirates, the attacks on American shipping stopped.<br />
<br />
Now we have had a consulate attacked in the old stomping ground of the Barbary Pirates and had a Ambassador as well as other American citizens murdered. Perhaps it WAS a act of individuals and not state sponsored, but I find it somewhat curious that these protesters had plenty of automatic weapons and R.P.G.s but that's just me. I firmly feel that we should reply to this in the strongest manner. It's a well known fact that the only way that we can prevent this kind of behavior is to cause these evil people to fear us. If they act in such a manner we will retaliate in a overwhelming manner. After all, we once went to war over a cut down flag pole, isn't it pitiful that we will not take strong action over spilled American blood? <br />
<br />
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<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-6"></sup><br />
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-6"></sup><br />
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XYZ_Affair#cite_note-6"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> <br />
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XYZ_Affair#cite_note-2"><span><br /></span></a></sup>
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XYZ_Affair#cite_note-2"><span><br /></span></a></sup>Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-24252282348134611292012-09-11T12:49:00.001-04:002012-09-11T12:50:41.505-04:00On This Date In History............Every one knows (or should know) what happened 11 years ago, but back in 1683, the Muslim army of the Ottoman Turks was defeated and the siege of Vienna was lifted on this date.<br />
<br />
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are merely in a different stage of a long term war.............Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-89088174107026505262012-08-29T07:39:00.001-04:002012-08-29T19:15:55.587-04:00Ya'll Take Care, Hear???Just hoping all you guys around the Gulf Coast are both high and dry this morning with Issac coming through. We get thumped every once in a while here in North Carolina by hurricanes so I sorta know what you are going through. I did want to let you know that you folks are in both our thoughts and prayers.<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGs2iLoDUYE">Louisiana 1927</a>Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-77235305765033317662012-08-22T18:43:00.001-04:002012-08-22T18:43:16.210-04:00Still Out Here................I will be the very first person to admit that I can't multitask for spit. Way too much A.D.D./A.D.H.D. still to overcome. The call of day to day living as well as the siren call of the workshop has taken away the time to blog, plus there has been nothing worth blogging about. I have been leading a boring life and I find myself preaching to the choir if I comment on world events. So, not much blogging on my part. However, I have got some stuff finished up and sent out, and am about to finish a bunch more so I will have some photos up before too long.<br />
<br />
More later............Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-61774620743871539232012-08-06T00:28:00.003-04:002012-08-06T00:33:18.437-04:00History Repeating Again? Heaven Forbid.........<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
Anyone who knows me has more than likely heard me say something like this before. I could never put it into words as well as Sean Linnane does at his blog Stormbringer. I ruthlessly stole this post from him. I hope that you will read it and take a few moments to think about it. </h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font-weight: normal;">
<i> </i></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
<a href="http://seanlinnane.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-book-about-my-struggles.html"><i><b>A BOOK ABOUT MY STRUGGLES</b></i></a>
</h3>
I was born in one country, raised in another. <br />
<br />
My father was born in another country. <br />
<br />
I was not his only child. <br />
<br />
He fathered several children with numerous women. <br />
<br />
I became very close to my mother, as my father showed no interest in me. <br />
<br />
My mother died at an early age from cancer. <br />
<br />
Although my father deserted me and my mother raised me, I later wrote a book idolizing my father, not my mother. <br />
<br />
Later in life, questions arose over my real name.<br />
<br />
My birth records were sketchy. <br />
<br />
No one was able to produce a legitimate, reliable birth certificate. <br />
<br />
I grew up practicing one faith but converted to Christianity, as it was
widely accepted in my new country, but I practiced non-traditional
beliefs and didn't follow Christianity, except in the public eye under
scrutiny. <br />
<br />
I worked and lived among lower-class people as a young adult, disguising myself as someone who really cared about them. <br />
<br />
That was before I decided it was time to get serious about my life and embarked on a new career. <br />
<br />
I wrote a book about my struggles growing up. <br />
<br />
It was clear to those who read my memoirs, that I had difficulties accepting that my father abandoned me as a child. <br />
<br />
I became active in local politics in my 30s. Then, with help behind the
scenes, I literally burst onto the scene as a candidate for national
office in my 40s. <br />
<br />
They said I had a golden tongue and could talk anyone into anything.<br />
<br />
I had a virtually non-existent resume, little work history and no experience in leading a single organization. <br />
<br />
Yet I was a powerful speaker, and citizens were drawn to me as though I were a magnet and they were small roofing tacks. <br />
<br />
I drew incredibly large crowds during my public appearances. <br />
<br />
This bolstered my ego. <br />
<br />
At first, my political campaign focused on my country's foreign policy . . . <br />
<br />
I was very critical of my country in the last war and seized every opportunity to bash my country. <br />
<br />
But what launched my rise to national prominence were my views on the country's economy. <br />
<br />
I pretended to have a really good plan on how we could do better, and every poor person would be fed and housed for free. <br />
<br />
I knew which group was responsible for getting us into this mess. <br />
<br />
It was the free market, banks and corporations. I decided to start making citizens hate them; and, if they became envious of others who did well, the plan was clinched tight. <br />
<br />
I called mine "A People's Campaign.” <br />
<br />
That sounded good to all people. <br />
<br />
I was the surprise candidate because I emerged from outside the
traditional path of politics and was able to gain widespread popular
support. <br />
<br />
I knew that if I merely offered the people 'hope', together we could change our country and the world. <br />
<br />
So, I started to make my speeches sound like they were on behalf of the
downtrodden, poor, ignorant to include "persecuted minorities." <br />
<br />
My true views were not widely known, and I kept them unknown until after I became my nation's leader. <br />
<br />
I had to carefully guard reality, as anybody could have easily found out
what I really believed if they had simply read my writings and examined
those people I associated with. I'm glad they didn't. <br />
<br />
Then I became the most powerful man in the world. <br />
<br />
And then the world learned the truth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Who am I?</i><br />
<br />
<br />
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Answer: ADOLPH HITLER <br />
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<i>If you were thinking of SOMEONE ELSE: be afraid! Be very Afraid! Those who don't learn from the past are destined to repeat it.</i>Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-34115651695738081792012-07-01T00:30:00.001-04:002012-07-01T00:30:00.578-04:00On This Day In History..........<b>In 1898......</b>On this day American Forces captured Kettle Hill, San Juan Hts. in Cuba. Participating in the assault was the 1st. U.S. Volunteer Cavalry better known as the Rough Riders led by Leonard Wood and Theodore Roosevelt. One of the casualties of this fight was Captain William Owen "Buckey" O'Neill of A Troop. The facts of his death was recorded by Theodore Roosevelt in his book "The Rough Riders"<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>"The most serious loss that I and the regiment could have suffered<br />
befell just before we charged. Buckey O'Neill was strolling up and<br />
down in front of his men, smoking his cigarette, for he was<br />
inveterately addicted to the habit. He had a theory that an officer<br />
ought never to take cover-a theory which was wrong, though in a<br />
volunteer organization the officers should certainly expose<br />
themselves very fully, simply for the effect on the men; our<br />
regimental toast on the transport running "the officers; may the war<br />
last until each is killed, wounded or promoted." As O'Neill moved to<br />
and fro, his men begged him to lie down, and one of his sergeants<br />
said "Captain, a bullet is sure to hit you." O'Neill took his<br />
cigarette out of his mouth and blowing out a cloud of smoke laughed<br />
and said "Sergeant, the Spanish bullet isn't made that will kill me."<br />
A little later, he discussed for a moment with one of the regular<br />
officers the direction from which the Spanish fire was coming. As he<br />
turned on his heel a bullet stuck him in the mouth and came out the<br />
back of his head; so that even before he fell his wild and gallant<br />
soul had gone out into the darkness" </b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
"Who would not die for a new star in the flag"<br />
On the tombstone of "Buckey" O' Neill at Arlington<br />
<br />
"We may have great men.......but we'll never have better!"<br />
Down by the Glenside<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>In 1916.... </b>On
this day, at 7:30 A.M. local time, the British Army went "Over the Top"
in a direct assault on German trenches in the area of the Somme river
in France. Before the end of the day, the British Army had suffered
19,000 K.I.A. and as many as 40,000 wounded. It was the greatest loss in
the entire history of the British Army. By the time the battle was
declared over 4 1/2 months later, the British had suffered 600,000
casualties. The story of a sergeant in the 3rd Tyneside Irish (26th
Northumberland Fusiliers) describes best what the soldiers went through:<br />
<br />
<i><b> "I
could see, away to my left and right, long lines of men. Then I heard
the "patter, patter" of machine guns in the distance. By the time I'd
gone another ten yards there seemed to be only a few men left around me;
by the time I had gone twenty yards, I seemed to be on my own. Then I
was hit myself"</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
To this day, the battlefield of the Somme still gives up her secrets willingly. Every spring, Large piles of rusty
objects appear on the sides of roads. The Somme area is noted for the
large amounts of unexploded shells that are discovered each year. French
farmers each year when plowing their fields uncover these still deadly
leftovers and place them in piles on the side of the closest road to
their fields. The French Army then collects them for disposal. Every now
and then, a French Army bomb disposal officer is killed by these almost 100 year old, lethal artifacts.<br />
<br />
<i><b>In memory of the 36th (Ulster Division), B.E.F. </b></i> <br />
<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-51435168290248196292012-06-25T00:30:00.000-04:002012-06-25T00:30:03.907-04:00On This Day In History..........<b>In 1876</b>....... Lt. Col. George A. Custer and 5 companies of the U.S. 7th Cavalry were killed in action, in an engagement with Sioux and Cheyenne warriors, near the Little Bighorn river in the Montana Territory. A total of around 210 men. <br />
<br />
<br />Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-83401111107833281312012-06-24T00:30:00.000-04:002012-06-24T00:30:01.156-04:00On This Day In History................<b>IN 1916 </b>The British Army began it's pre-assault artillery bombardment on German trenches and defensive lines near the Somme river in France. The British had lined up 15,000 guns along the 20 mile front and they would fire uninterrupted for 7 days.Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-38471131413671530042012-06-18T20:40:00.001-04:002012-06-18T20:40:47.050-04:00On The Road Again.................Before I get all twisted up and start running around and forget it, I wanted to take the liberty of inviting anyone who happens to be within striking distance of Historic Ft. Frederick in Big Pool, MD this coming weekend (June 23rd - 24th) to please stop by and visit with Ms. Nancy, Sweet Daughter, Shorter Half and of course, your humble correspondent at the Brigade of the American Revolution's Grand Encampment. We will be set up as the Detached Hospital and be discussing with the public, the art and mystery of colonial period medicine, health care and of course surgery. Other folks will be explaining other aspects of life in the 18th century to include warfare and FIREARMS...........<grin> All kidding aside, if you have ever had a interest in anything regarding the revolutionary war, this is the event you need to attend. And we would LOVE to see ya'll. </grin>Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-689870073055475572012-06-18T00:30:00.000-04:002012-06-18T00:30:00.667-04:00On This Day In History.............<b>In 1815</b>............<br />
<br />
After what was called The Hundred Days, ( The period of time from the escape of Napoleon Bonaparte from the island of Elba to the reorganization of the French Army and the march to Belgium )The Allied Army, A thrown together army of Prussians, Belgians, Dutch, and British commanded by <b>Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington</b> met the French Army under Napoleon at <b>Waterloo</b>, Belgium.<br />
<br />
The battle of Waterloo, consistently listed as one of the most important battles in world history, was a relatively short battle, starting at around 10:00 in the morning, (some records state 11:30) and lasted until Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher commander of the Prussian Troops. met that night. at around 10:00. The late start was due to the muddy condition of the battlefield. It had rained all the night before adding to the misery of the soldiers in the field. The mud slowed down the movement of the soldiers as well as the artillery. It also interfered with the ability of the armies to use their cannons effectively. The cannons of the time fired solid shot, which they would try to "skip" off the ground to smash through the tightly packed ranks of the soldiers. On muddy fields, the solid shot buries it's self and does not bounce.<br />
<br />
The battlefield was also relatively small, only two miles long by 2/3 of a mile wide. It was however highly concentrated, the Allied Forces had 68,000 men, the Prussians 50,000 facing, 72,000 French. When the battle was done, the Allies had lost 17,000 men, (3,500 killed, 10,200 wounded, 3,300 missing) The Prussians 7,000 men, (1,200 killed, 4,400 wounded and 1,400 missing) The French had lost over half of their forces 48,000 men (broken down to 25,000 killed and wounded, 8,000 captured and 15,000 missing) One of the things I find difficult in the study of history is wrapping my head around these kinds of numbers. Stalin was said to have said "One death is a tragedy, one million deaths is a statistic." It's hard to mentally visualize the numbers engaged as well as the casualties involved. So what I try to do is focus on the story of the individual. <br />
<br />
I will not bore you with the major facts of the battle since many other writers have done a much, much better job of it than I could. John Keegan in "Faces of Battle" gives a great quick overview as well as David Howarth in his book "Waterloo: Day of Battle". I will share however some interesting, at least to me stories of the men and incidents of the battle. <br />
<br />
One of the more important officers in Wellington's staff had roots deep in America. William De Lancey, the British Quartermaster-General was American born, of a Loyalist family. After the American Revolution, The De Lancey family ended up being driven out of America where they start over again. De Lancey died of wounds he received in battle.<br />
<br />
The French Heavy Cavalry, called "<b>Cuirassiers" </b>after the heavy armored breast plate and back they wore were prominent in the battle. It was said after the battle, that the British infantry cooked their rations in the brest-plates of the dead Frenchmen. This picture of a Waterloo brest-plate in a museum, probably escaped that fate.<br />
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Waterloo has to be one of the most written about battles in history. there are countless journals, diaries, and letters written by every one involved in the fight from common soldiers to the highest ranking general, but my favorite recollection was from a lowly "ranker" who when asked about the great battle, reportedly said: " <b>I'll be hanged if I know anything about the matter</b>," was all he could find to say, "<b>for I was all day trodden into the mud and ridden over by every scoundrel who had a horse"</b></div>
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Some of the wounded laid on the battlefield for up to 5 days without medical attention. Not because of ill will on behalf of the armies, but simply because the medical resources of both sides were overwhelmed with the numbers of wounded men they had to deal with. The wounded also had to deal with looters that would steal over the battlefield, looting and sometime even killing the wounded when they resisted. The injured soldiers continued showing their bravery by undergoing some of the most horrific surgeries without anesthesia. After a French soldier had his leg taken off by a surgeon, he grabbed it, tossed it in the air and shouted "Vive l' Empereur" A British officer, not to be out done, had a leg amputated,then jumped off the surgical table, refusing all aid and hopped to a cart that was waiting to take him to Brussels. And a wooden leg was a life long badge of courage. </div>
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Even the dead were used. At this time dentures were either made from carved ivory or from the teeth of the dead. Shortly after the battle, there were large numbers of people who were searching the battlefield to extract teeth from corpses. There were literally barrels of teeth that were shipped to England to be turned into dentures and "Waterloo Teeth" were something of a conversation piece for many years.</div>
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In 1970 the movie Waterloo was done with a proverbial "cast of thousand:" It wasn't half bad, so to close I </div>
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have attached a clip of the movie from You Tube. If you like, watch it and remember the fallen........</div>
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<b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gebhard_Leberecht_von_Bl%C3%BCcher" title="Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher"> </a></b>Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650979614259163889.post-16090754252441855732012-06-17T11:53:00.001-04:002012-06-17T11:53:05.349-04:00Happy Father's Day..............Just wanted to tip my hat to all those gents who happen to hold the second toughest job in the world. (Mom's have the toughest, hands down) The sainted and long suffering Ms. W and myself were never lucky enough to have kids, so I spend my time spoiling other folks young un's. So you dads out there, congratulations and enjoy the blessing that you have today.Michael W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09400333370979393240noreply@blogger.com1