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Thursday, September 27, 2007

ATTENTION: Calling Scots For Parade

Comrades in Arms:

I was just reminded by a posting at the Phu Lam Signal Battalion web site of the big parade scheduled for 1100 Hours on Saturday 10 November 2007 here in Washington, D. C., in observance of the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the Viet Nam Memorial.

The opening ceremonies actually begin at 1000 Hours, and the parade starts immediately after that.

I noticed the Scottish American Military Society in the list of parade participants.

This looks like an excellent opportunity for us to don our kilts and plaids, complete with military decorations.

I wonder if public display of ceremonial swords, dirks, and sgian dubhs will be permitted?

Do you suppose the Scottish American Military Society will permit us to march as part of their contingent, even if we're not members?

Frankly, I'm divided in my loyalties, for I see that the 101st Airborne and 1st Signal Brigade, units I served with in Viet Nam, are also marching in the parade.

Hmmmm - - - how do I split myself into three (03) separate personalities so I can march in a parade with three (03) different military units all at the same time?

Sure, I can have "split personalities"!

After all, didn't the Soldiers' Home used to be called the "United States Military ASYLUM" way back during the War Between the States?

It's unfortunate, but apparently the administration here at the Soldiers' Home will NOT be providing transportation, reserved seating, or logistical support for residents who wish to participate in this historic event, nor did they acknowledge or respond to my suggestion that residents of the Soldiers Home march in the parade as a separate unit.

That's a rather sad reflection on the chronic anti-military mentality of the administrative staff here, whose illegal policies and programs continue jeopardizing the health and safety of the residents in the Soldiers' Home.

Since I'm left to my own devices, I'm guessing I'll probably take a taxi downtown, beginning early in the morning, and prepare to stay all day long.

I doubt I'll take my guitar, for in November, it'll probably be too cold to play it outdoors, and besides, where would I safely store it while marching in the parade?

So, what do you think, comrades?

Shall we plan on getting together and wearing our kilts?

Ah, the skirl of the war pipes!

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Learned Another Song: "ONLY THE LONELY"

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

I just learned another song, ONLY THE LONELY, by Roy Orbison.

Here's the lyrics:

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ONLY THE LONELY


CHORUS:

Dum dum dum doody doo wah
Oh oh wo oh yeah yeah
Oh oh wo oh wah hah
Only the lonely.

VERSE # 1:

Only the lonely
Know the way I feel tonight.
Only the lonely
Know this feeling ain't right.
There goes my baby.
There goes my heart.
They're gone forever,
So far apart.

But, only the lonely
Know the reason why
I cry.
Only the lonely

VERSE # 2:

Only the lonely
Know the heartaches I've been through.
Only the lonely
Know I've cried and cried for you.
Maybe tomorrow,
A new romance.
No more sorrow,
But, that's the chance
You've gotta take
If your lonely heart breaks.
Only the lonely.

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Like all the songs in my repertoire, I memorize and perform it "by ear", accompanying myself by strumming simple chords on a classical guitar.

I wish I could have learned all these things when I was still young and good looking.

But, now I'm old, gray, fat, and balding, increasingly reclusive, living month to month in the Old Soldiers' Home on a small disability pension, and rarely leave my room.

That ain't no way to attract females!

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Friday, September 14, 2007

Rare BOOK OF MORMON To Be Auctioned

Brothers and Sisters:

Here is a rather exciting news article I just now saw:

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RARE MORMON BOOK UP FOR BID

By WILLIAM KATES, Associated Press Writer

A one hundred seventy-seven year-old first edition of the Book of Mormon found in a home near Palmyra, the birthplace of the Mormon religion, will be put up for bid next week at an upstate New York estate auction.

The rare book was discovered at the bottom of a box of books by workers cleaning out the house, said Mark Witmer, manager of the Hessney Auction Company in Geneva, New York.

"When I picked it up, I froze.

I used to own an antiquarian book store, so I knew what it was right away," Witmer said Friday.

The book will be sold Wednesday during a combined estate auction at the company's center in Geneva.

Mormons consider the Book of Mormon to be scripture on par with the Bible.

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon religion, said he translated the book from gold plates delivered to him by an angel.

The first editions were printed and published by E. B. Grandin in Palmyra, New York, in Eighteen Thirty.

While there were roughly five thousand copies printed, only a few hundred still exist.

Hessney's book is in good, unrestored condition with its original binding.

However, the gold-leaf lettering has worn off and a blank page in the front is missing.

Increasing interest in rare Mormon documents has sent prices booming in the past decade, said John Hajicek, a private collector from Missouri who owns seventy-five first editions of the Book of Mormon among his twenty million dollar collection of rare books.

There are about two hundred fifty first editions held in private collections (including his) and perhaps an equal number yet undiscovered, Hajicek said.

Research libraries and museums hold about fifty copies, he said.

In March, Auction Galleries of New York City sold a first edition for one hundred eighty thousand dollars (one hundred fifty thousand dollars bid, plus a twenty percent buyer's premium) among the highest prices ever paid for documents associated with the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

That first edition was signed by early apostle Orson Pratt.

An inscription by the book's original owner, Denison Root, indicated the book was a gift from Joseph Smith's brother, Hyrum Smith.

In Nineteen Ninety-Seven, Sotheby's auction house sold a first edition for thirty-two thousand and two hundred dollars.

In Two Thousand, an unnamed buyer purchased a first edition at a West Virginia auction for forty-four thousand dollars.

Hajicek paid fifty-eight thousand dollars for a copy in Nineteen Ninety-Nine during an auction in Salt Lake City.

He said he would be in Geneva to bid on the Hessney copy.

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Interesting, huh?

I wonder how many of the folks who are spending all that money on rare Mormon artifacts are members of the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints?

Could there possibly be a missionary opportunity here?

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Patriots Spying On Jets?

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

I admit I'm not a football fan, so the news is confusing to me.

I love to play football (although, at my age, I no longer can find anyone to play with).

But, watching football on television puts me to sleep.

Anyway, I've been seeing all this ruckus in the news about Patriots spying, like maybe they've done something wrong.

Aren't Patriots supposed to spy?

Nathan Hale was a Patriot, wasn't he?

Wasn't he executed by the British for spying?

Don't we consider him to be a national hero?

And, what's wrong with spying on Jets?

Isn't that how we detect enemy air raids?

It seems to me that Patriots are supposed to spy, and Jets are supposed to be spied on.

So, why all the fuss?

Hmmmmm - - - I just don't get it.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Video of Viet Nam Memorial Vandalism

Comrades in Arms:

You can watch two (02) amateur videos of the damage done to the Viet Nam Memorial, and the efforts to clean it up, at the YOU TUBE web site.

VIDEO PART ONE

VIDEO PART TWO

As you can see, the damage is extensive, covering almost the entire length of the Wall, and several names on some of the panels have been blotted out.

There is also supposed to be a PART THREE video, which will show damage that was done to the statues of the nurses and the three soldiers.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

News Reports on Viet Nam Memorial Vandalism

Comrades in Arms:

This a follow up to my previous message informing you of the suspected vandalism at the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, D.C.

As the day progressed, more and more news agencies began to investigate and report this item.

Here is a brief list of the news reports and blogs that I have thus far detected:

WTOP-FM 103.5

CYBERCAST NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON TIMES

RED STATE BLOG

OLD DOMINION BLOG

The preliminary results from initial investigations are conflicting, indicating a possibility of either an accident or vandalism.

There are also conflicting opinions on whether or not the damage to the Memorial is permanent.

Still, it does seem a bit odd that so few of the recognized mainstream news media are reporting this.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Viet Nam Memorial Vandalized























Comrades in Arms:

I just now learned the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, D. C. has been vandalized.

Here is the web site where you can read about it and view the photographs.

So far as I am aware, this has not yet been reported by any of the regular news media.

Thank you.

Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Old Time Radio Plays

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

As I type this, I'm struggling to find the right words to adequately convey my feelings.

I've been relaxing at my computer, playing games of Spider Solitaire, while listening to old time radio plays, broadcast free of charge, over the Internet.

I reckon my favorite radio play is THE SIX SHOOTER, starring Jimmy Stewart.

He was really a gifted actor, even if only speaking over a microphone, without ever actually being viewed.

Did you know his show was eventually cancelled because he refused to allow commercial advertising for cigarettes?

Listening to the plays evokes nostalgic memories of my father, who died a few years ago, for it was during his era that these programs originated, and it is his values that are epitomized in the scripts.

Listening to old time radio plays is probably better than watching television, because I can play a game while I listen.

But, some of the plays arouse feelings of sadness.

Why?

Because I'm watching our society rapidly destroy itself.

By coincidence (?), in the BOOK OF MORMON, we read the account of a prophet of God residing in ancient America, who hides in a cave, and goes forth by night, witnessing the awful destruction of his people.

If you listen to the material in the plays, you can see the stark contrast between the values of a bygone era and the utterly perverse degeneration we currently so passively accept.

I'm not certain if I expressed that quite properly, for I'm really sort of guessing my way through this.

But, you listen to the various plays.

Then observe the most recent news reports and the commentary by popular pundits.

See for yourself whether you notice a difference, and whether that difference is positive or negative.

So many things have happened within my brief mortal sojourn.

I'm pleasantly astounded at all the technological advances and scientific developments, while at the same time, depressed by evidence of severe moral decay.

Anyway, them there's my thoughts on the matter.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Remember 11 September 2001

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

I reckon all of us have received in a recent e-mail from someone, or seen posted in an Internet forum, a message urging us to commemorate the attacks of 11 September 2001 with a public display of the United States flag this coming Tuesday.

I've been mulling that over, and I think I've got a couple of ideas to propose, which might be a bit better.

If you live where it's legal to do so (and in most places, it is), then commemorate the sixth anniversary of 11 September 2001 by wearing a fully loaded pistol on your person, or publicly carrying your fully loaded rifle, carbine, or shotgun wherever you go.

No, don't merely leave the weapon stored unseen in your vehicle, office desk, or tool box.

Instead, actually strap the loaded pistol in a holster, and wear it on your hip or under your arm pit.

In fact, I would suggest going even farther.

Not only arm yourselves, but also dress militantly on that day.

Instead of ordinary street shoes, wear combat boots.

Strap a gas mask (if you have one) to your leg, and don basic military field combat load bearing equipment, i.e., pistol belt, suspenders, canteens, first aid kit, ammunition, poncho, folding shovel, knife, flashlight, compass, lighter, cell phone, and two way radio.

(A practical alternative could be wearing a survival vest, one which is lightweight, with a lot of pockets.)

Tie a neckerchief around your neck, wear a floppy wide brimmed ranger hat, and tuck a pair of gloves in your belt.

If a whole lot of American citizens will do that, it will send a clearly defiant message, and might even act as a possible deterrence, to any would be foreign terrorist intent on initiating an attack against an undefended public gathering of ordinary civilians.

It's a lot more effective than just flying a flag.

Besides, since everybody and their dog is always showing the American flag, I prefer to show the Rebel flag, just because I have a cantankerous nature and like being different.

The sixth anniversary of 11 September 2001 would also be an appropriate occasion for military veterans to wear their decorations and insignia, especially now that our nation is at war.

If any potential terrorists are watching us, then let's show them what we're made of!

Caution: Please be sure to check your local laws before displaying firearms in public.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Monday, September 03, 2007

Something To Ponder

***** WARNING!!! *****

This dangerously illegal and immoral subversive underground resistance message is being surreptitiously monitored by the Beaming Internet Government Broadband Radio Oscillation Telecommunications Hearing Electronic Reconnaissance (i.e., B.I.G. B.R.O.T.H.E.R.) as part of a coordinated official clandestine domestic surveillance investigation, in cooperation with the National Administration of Zealous Interrogation (i.e., N.A.Z.I.) and the Commission On Message Monitoring Investigative Electronics (i.e., C.O.M.M.I.E.).

Serious felony criminal charges are pending, with extreme penalties yet to be determined!

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Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

Last year, I was riding on the AMTRAK "California Zephyr" from Chicago, Illinois to Grand Junction, Colorado.

I was joking with a couple of my fellow passengers about being an "inmate" in the "United States Military Asylum", because I was a "convicted war criminal".

Of course, to understand that joke, you have to know a little bit about American history.

To begin with, the very historic Soldiers' Home, which is the retirement facility where I live in Washington, D.C., is identified on old Civil War maps as the "United States Military Asylum".

During the Viet Nam War, an international people's tribunal was convened in Stockholm, Sweden by Lord Bertrand Russell, and they tried and convicted in absentia every American soldier who served in Viet Nam of being a "war criminal".

So, of course, I enjoy having a bit of perverse fun teasing folks with those obscure facts.

Anyway, my companions on the train car (we were in adjoining first class accommodations) were federal employees and when I mentioned the words, "war crimes", they quickly became rather paranoid, looking furtively around, and quietly cautioning me not to say another word.

A few days ago, I was joking with someone during a telephone call, and told them of an e-mail, in which I had typed "Al Quaida", "Ambush", "Sniper", "Explosive", or similar words, mixed in with the regular text, just as a joke "for the benefit of whoever's monitoring this message."

Their response was to worry that I might get them (the e-mail recipient) in trouble.

Repeatedly, I've encountered similar reactions from numerous individuals.

We all know that no one is allowed to make jokes at the airport or aboard an airliner about bombs, terrorists, or skyjacking.

Further, no passengers at an airport are ever permitted to raise their voices to object to their mistreatment by T.S.A. personnel or airline employees.

We all know that we're not permitted to joke about assassinating the President of the United States.

In our contemporary society, no white person is permitted to ever say anything bad about black people, no Christians can ever say anything bad about the Jews, and no heterosexuals are allowed to openly condemn homosexuality.

(But, on the other hand, black people ARE permitted to be derogatory and disrespectful towards whites, Jews ARE permitted to say bad things about Christians, and homosexuals are encouraged to do or say anything they please.)

Do you see anything wrong with this picture?

Where have we seen this sort of thing before?

Germany?

Russia?

China?

Cuba?

But, this is the United States of America.

Aren't we supposed to be better than that?

What happened to our inalienable right to freedom of expression?

Why are American citizens worried about "getting into trouble" because of something I joke about?

Even if I were not joking, and was dead serious, why should anyone worry that we might "get into trouble"?

Get into trouble with WHO?

WHY would we be in trouble?

Do you see my point?

Something is terribly wrong here!

This is not something that's supposed to be happening here in America.

I don't care about the attacks of 11 September 2001.

That shouldn't make one whit of difference.

We do not obtain safety and security by willingly giving up our individual liberty.

People living in a police state are never safe.

If we are so safe living in a police state, then why are my fellow citizens worried about someone overhearing our private conversations?

What - - - you don't think the United States of America is a "police state" - - - yet?

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Movie Critique: "ED"

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

I just now finished watching the movie, ED, in high definition on cable television.

This is a movie made for families and children.

It's fun and it's clean.

It's about a chimpanzee who is the mascot for a baseball team, plus there's a romance thrown in for good measure, along with a bratty kid endowed with unbelievably superior intelligence.

For us guys, there's a high speed truck chase and a bodacious fist fight.

So, gather 'round the wee ones, order up some pizza, and enjoy a wonderful relaxing evening of family frivolity.

Pass the popcorn, please.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."