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Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Movie Critiques

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

While I enjoy watching movies on my twenty-seven inch LCD wide screen high definition television, it's not often that I see a movie I can safely recommend to my brothers and sisters in the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints.

Yesterday, I watched a couple of good movies which I can recommend for families with children.

The first one was THE SANDLOT, which was partly filmed in Salt Lake City (I instantly recognized Rose Park).

The story, which takes place in 1962, is a great movie about kids playing baseball, and it evoked nostalgic memories of my own boyhood in North Carolina.

Even the family car was the same as the one my father drove, a light blue 1959 Chevrolet four door Biscayne.

It was the same color, the same year, and the same model.

Unlike the kid in the movie, I don't remember a time when I could NOT throw or catch a baseball.

I thought that sort of thing just came naturally.

A boy learns how to throw and catch by observing and playing with other boys.

The next movie I watched was BARNYARD.

The plot actually reminds me of the novel, ANIMAL FARM, by George Orwell.

When the farmer's away, the barnyard animals play, walk on their hind legs, and speak English.

It also reminded me of the skit on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, where American Negroes only lived down to their negative stereotype when White people were present.

Just as soon as White people left the area, the Black folks would revert to speaking perfect English, listening to classical symphony music, and discoursing on highly intellectual subjects.

One of the unusual aspects of the movie, BARNYARD, is the cows are males!

Ain't that something?

Anyway, I recommend these two movies for your family, as I consider both of them safe for children to watch.

Also, I've been watching the Home Box Office seven part television series, JOHN ADAMS, and it's not only been refreshingly enjoyable, but also educational.

Yes, this is also a show that is safe for contemporary family viewing, and when it becomes available, you may want to purchase the DVD(s).

As always, I urge that BOTH mother and father watch films with their children, so questions can be answered, and appropriate commentary can be inserted.

Please pass the popcorn.

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, March 19, 2008

Recent Photos, Free Phone, and Child Tragedy

Elder Lewis (from Singapore), Brother J. Simmons Armstrong, myself, Elder Wilkes (from Afton, Wyoming), and Elder Gurney (from Kaysville, Utah).

Elders Lewis, Gurney, and Wilkes, with myself.

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

Here are two (02) photographs taken of me this past Sunday evening at the Washington, D.C. Temple Visitor's Center.

(If you click on those pictures, they get bigger.)

Those were the Latter-day Saint missionaries who were my guests at our monthly grilled steak supper served in the Soldiers' Home mess hall.

The next day, they were my guests at the special dinner served on Saint Patrick's Day in our mess hall.

I wished I'd thought to have someone photograph us at that time, for I'd dressed up in my kilt, put on all my medals, and was looking especially sharp!

Yes, I proudly wear the tartan of a SCOTTISH clan, but like almost every other native American, my ancestors came from many lands, including Ireland.

After chow, we went to my room, where I sang them THE PRETTY IRISH GIRL (there's THREE verses - - - this Internet version only shows two, but I sing all three), from the Walt Disney movie, DARBY O'GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE.

The Mormon missionaries are very young, and have never heard of that beloved movie.

I also sang the ballad, GRACE, for them, a true story about tragic love during the fight for Irish freedom.

Then, because I'd been joking with them about the movie, HIGH NOON, which none of them had ever seen (because they're so young), I sang the song from that movie, DO NOT FORSAKE ME, OH MY DARLING.

Following that, we watched the latest recording of MUSIC AND THE SPOKEN WORD.

Now, if any of you ever wish to call me on the telephone, you can do so free of charge.

You go to my blog, and click on that big blue button.

They'll then dial your telephone, and connect you to me.

This is a brand new feature, and hasn't yet been used (by me).

Of course, if you're using your telephone line for your computer, then you've got a problem.

Maybe you're supposed to hang up first.

I'm not sure how that works, unless you've got an alternative telephone number to give them.

Anyway, you'd probably have to leave a message, and then I'd call you back.

I almost never answer my telephone, because I usually leave the ringer turned off.

But, I do return calls, usually within a minute or two, or as soon as I become aware of the call.

By the way, I don't know if you folks ever look at my blog, but I'm constantly adding new stuff there, or updating old stuff.

For instance, every day, I post the latest Pentagon information videos from Iraq and Afghanistan, and right this minute, as I'm typing this, there's a brand new Amber Alert of a child kidnapped at gunpoint by a masked felon.

Oops!

Here's the very latest on that Amber Alert, and unfortunately, the news is very sad.
It was cancelled.

The child was found dead.

Well, anyway, you can also embed the Amber Alert ticker onto either your preferred web site, or directly onto your computer screen.

Maybe, we can save the next one.

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, March 15, 2008

Growing Old Amid High Technology

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

I know I've written about this same subject before, but I'm so affected, I reckon I'll be writing about it again and again.

I'm just so overwhelmed by the rapid advances in high technology and unexpected opportunities within my (as of now) sixty-two years of mortality.

I can't stop remarking on this, over and over.

At this moment, I'm sitting in my room here at the Ol' Soldiers' Home, watching spacemen floating in Outer Space, as they assemble a giant robot on the Space Station.

Can you believe this is even happening?

When I was a kid, it was all science fiction, stuff you read about in comic books.

The very idea - - - spacemen, wearing spacesuits, floating around in Space!

Ah, how well I remember watching WALT DISNEY PRESENTS on our black and white television on Sunday afternoons in the living room of our home in Spring Lake, North Carolina.

The TOMORROW LAND episodes dealt with the possibilities of spacemen, wearing spacesuits, floating around in Space.

Now, here I am, watching this on my home computer, which is connected to my wide screen high definition television.

Do you realize how far we've come, and how fast?

Just think about it.

We have cellular telephones, personal computers, the Internet, high definition television, notebook computers, digital cameras, movies on DVD, music on CD, and GPS to guide our vehicles.

Here in my air conditioned room, I have a small refrigerator to keep my drinks cold, and a microwave oven to instantly cook my favorite goodies.

When I was a boy, air conditioning was an almost unheard of luxury, and it was only for the relatively wealthy.

This past Christmas, my sister gave me an electronic massager for my feet.

I've got a portable backyard telescope that's guided by a computer.

I seldom go to a store, or a bank, or write a check.

I don't need to, because my income is directly deposited into my account, and bills are paid automatically, or I use my credit card to purchase items I order on the Internet.

In the rare instances where cash might be required, I get it from the ATM, which operates at all hours, so I almost never go to a bank.

If I need gasoline for my pickup truck, I can pay for it at the pump, using my credit card, even if the station is closed.

Here in my room at the Soldiers' Home, I use a portable hand held two way amateur radio to listen to the emergency responses from our Security force.

In case I have a heart attack or a stroke, there's wireless emergency call buttons mounted on the wall, plus one on a string to wear around my neck.

Much of this technology has been developed in just the past few years.

Because of unspeakable things that happened when I was a youth, I really thought my life was at an end before I ever reached maturity.

But, miraculously, I got a second chance at life, with opportunities I never imagined.

Surely, there is a God, and He does guide our lives.

I never thought I'd have the honor and privilege of serving in the United States Army, or go to war, or travel to distant foreign lands, or be in history books.

It's hard to believe I survived that war, or that they gave me medals.

I couldn't imagine ever being ordained to the Holy Priesthood.

Can you believe I actually went to Israel, the ancient land of the Hebrews, the Holy Bible, and Jesus Christ?

I never dreamed I'd complete high school and go to college.

I never thought any female would ever love me enough to consent to marry me ( - - - and I never thought we'd be childless, or get divorced).

I never thought I'd fly in a jet airliner, and completely circle the globe.

I never imagined learning to play guitar, composing original songs, making a record, being in a Hollywood movie, and performing on stage.

Having been adopted when still a baby, I had no idea I had Scottish ancestry, and that I would become the bard of an ancient renowned Highland clan, complete with wearing a kilt and a sword.

I never thought I'd one day become a police officer, or a firefighter, or a medic, or ride a horse while searching for cattle rustlers on a real Western ranch.

I never thought I'd ever own a full sized four wheel drive pickup truck.

Yet, all of these things have occurred, and much more.

So, yes, I'm overwhelmed and totally amazed by the awesome realization of it all.

God, the Eternal Father, has truly blessed me, far beyond my comprehension, as I'm painfully aware of my own failures and unworthiness.

Are you watching this?

Spacemen, wearing spacesuits, floating in Space!

Yes, I am fascinated and flabbergasted.

What surprises do the next few years have in store for us?

This is just so nifty!

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, March 14, 2008

Free Shows On Your Computer

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

In one of the Internet discussion forums I participate in, I learned of a really GREAT web site!

It's FAN CAST, and there, you can use your computer to watch a whole library full of television shows and movies!

I watched an episode of ADAM-12.

You can click on the player and make it fill the entire screen on your monitor, so it's just like watching regular television.

Ain't this nifty?

You should see the selection!

There's a whole slew of stuff to watch.

Wow!

Oh, double WOW!!!

Total coolness!

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."

For Clan Henderson Youth

Mo Cinneadh Agus Mo Chairdean:

A brand new Internet discussion forum for our youth has just been opened.

It's the FREEDOM'S FLAME forum at THE BLOOD IS STRONG web site.

If permissable, I would like to see this publicized in the next issue of AN CANACH, and I urge every recipient of this e-mail to relay the message.

I will post this in my blog, and send it to everyone in my address book whom I suspect has any sort of Celtic connection.

Once again, this new forum is for the laddies and lassies.

There are plenty of other forums for us adults at that very same web site.

Due to problems of spamming, any e-mails originating from gmail.com or yahoo.co.uk are blocked, and won't be able to register at the web site.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all next month at the Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland.

Tapadh leibh agus slainte mhath!

Is Mise Le Meas,


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, March 13, 2008

Scientific Proof of BOOK OF MORMON

Brothers and Sisters:

This breaking news article is of interest to my fellow members in the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints, as it helps to verify the lineage of Lamanites, as described in the BOOK OF MORMON.

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INDIAN DNA LINKS TO SIX "FOUNDING MOTHERS"

By MALCOLM RITTER

Associated Press Science Writer

Nearly all of today's American Indians in North, Central, and South America can trace part of their ancestry to six women whose descendants immigrated around twenty thousand years ago, a DNA study suggests.

Those women left a particular DNA legacy that persists to today in about about ninety-five percent of American Indians, researchers said.

The finding does not mean that only these six women gave rise to the migrants who crossed into North America from Asia in the initial populating of the continent, said study co-author Ugo Perego.

The women lived between eighteen thousand and twenty-one thousand years ago, though not necessarily at exactly the same time, he said.

The work was published this week by the journal, PLoS One.

Perego is from the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the University of Pavia in Italy.

The work confirms previous indications of the six maternal lineages, he said.

But an expert unconnected with the study said the findings left some questions unanswered.

Perego and his colleagues traced the history of a particular kind of DNA that represents just a tiny fraction of the human genetic material, and reflects only a piece of a person's ancestry.

This DNA is found in the mitochondria, the power plants of cells.

Unlike the DNA found in the nucleus, mitochondrial DNA is passed along only by the mother.

So it follows a lineage that connects a person to his or her mother, then the mother's mother, and so on.

The researchers created a "family tree" that traces the different mitochondrial DNA lineages found in today's American Indians.

By noting mutations in each branch and applying a formula for how often such mutations arise, they calculated how old each branch was.

That indicated when each branch arose in a single woman.

The six "founding mothers" apparently did not live in Asia because the DNA signatures they left behind aren't found there, Perego said.

They probably lived in Beringia, the now submerged land bridge that stetched to North America, he said.

Connie Mulligan of the University of Florida, an anthropolgist who studies the colonization of the Americas but didn't participate in the new work, said it's not surprising to trace the mitochondrial DNA to six women.

"It's an okay number to start with right now," but further work may change it slightly, she said.

That finding doesn't answer the bigger questions of where those women lived, or of how many people left Beringia to colonize the Americas, she said Thursday.

The estimate for when the women lived is open to question because it's not clear whether the researchers properly accounted for differing mutation rates in mitochondrial DNA, she said.

Further work could change the estimate, "possibly dramatically," she said.


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As is noted, there's a problem with the estimated age, but even the scientists admit that might not be accurate.

In sharing this news report, I took the liberty of amending all erroneous references to "Native American", as it is a Marxist politically correct terminology that I hate, and will not tolerate.

I am a native American, as is anyone else who was born in the United States of America, or its territories and foreign military posts.

Using the term, "Native American", to describe an American Indian, is a denial of the BOOK OF MORMON.

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, March 12, 2008

NASA STS-123 Mission

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

Are you watching the National Aeronautics and Space Administration STS-123 space mission on your computer monitor?

I've been sitting here watching the live television broadcast from Outer Space, as the Space Shuttle, ENDEAVOUR, docked with the International Space Station.

At the moment they docked, they were just passing over Singapore.

If you right click your mouse on the televised image, then select "ZOOM" from the drop down menu, then select "FULL SCREEN", you can watch the events just like it was on a regular television set.

Click on this alternate Internet channel to watch the same live broadcast.

You can download and print a copy of the STS-123 Mission Schedule, which is a good way to know the best times to watch the broadcasts.

Also, if you're in the right place at the right time, you can observe the International Space Station as it passes overhead.

Just click your mouse on the link I've provided.

On this mission, the astronauts have a lot of work to do, and will be walking around in Outer Space several times, as they install additions to the International Space Station.

Ain't this something?

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."

Remembering The Alamo

NOTE: This message is in reply to a response to my previous post, "Remember The Alamo!"

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

Those of you who presume to speak for American Indians need to study history.

First of all, the battle at the Alamo, and the war for Texas independence, was between Texans (both immigrants and native born - - - including a bunch of Mexicans) and the Mexican Army.

If any American Indians were there, they would have only been volunteers fighting on the side of Texas.

Second, the Cherokee Trail of Tears occurred in 1838, two years after the fall of the Alamo, and after Texas won the war and became a republic.

As for alleged atrocities against Indians, remember that there is another side of the story, and that was Indian predations upon White settlers, and upon each other.

Indians were famous for their torture and enslavement of captives, which so horrified White frontiersmen, that it aroused an awful retribution from which the American Indians have never fully recovered.

No, I sure as Sam Hill will NOT apologize or belittle anything done, either by my own ancestors, or any of America's founders, who struggled so mightily, and sacrificed so much, to establish this United States of America.

I believe the doctrine of "Manifest Destiny" was correct.

One thing I am fed up with is the contemporary American Indians' hijacking and distortion of the blatantly racist, Marxist, and anti-American politically correct term, "Native American".

Just who do you think you are?

I am a native American.

So is everyone else born in the United States of America, or its territories and foreign military posts.

I will not idly stand by, or quietly acquiese, while one group of people are allowed sole appropriation of "Native American", to the exclusion of all other groups.

That is a classic Bolshevik tactic, primarily directed against White folk, which is deliberately intended to disparage and denigrate the heritage of the pioneers.

There are actually individuals and groups out there who dare say White people should leave America and return to Europe.

This is MY native land!

I remember the ruckus surrounding the American Indian Movement, which was a front organization for the Communist Party USA.

I'll never forget my reaction when I first saw that newspaper photograph of the Indians showing off their AK-47 rifles.

At the time, my immediate thought was, "Where did they get AK-47s from?"

Today, anyone can purchase a civilian version of an AK-47 from any gun store in America.

But, back in those days, with the Viet Nam War still going on, AK-47s were impossible to get, as it was a Communist weapon.

Even combat veterans were barred from bringing a souvenir AK-47 back to the United States of America, unless the weapon was rendered useless.

Souvenir SKS rifles were permitted, but not AK-47s.

So, yes, you've stirred up a hornet's nest, because I am one very angry White man.

It ain't just the American Indians who are trying to destroy my heritage (and not all American Indians are guilty of this offense - - - just the ones who are so good at getting attention).

I perceive the same overt hostility from Blacks, Latinos, non-traditional females, and from homosexuals.

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, March 08, 2008

Internet AMBER ALERT

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

Most of you folks are probably familiar with the Amber Alert system, and quite possibly, many of you are already actively supporting it.

This message is addressed to those who may not be aware of the opportunity available to them.

If you'll scroll down the page, you'll see the Amber Alert ticker operating here on my blog.

If you want, you can also embed an Amber Alert ticker onto your web site, or directly onto your computer screen.

As I'm typing this, my Amber Alert ticker informs me that three (03) small children have been kidnapped in Georgia, and they are considered to be in extreme danger.

An Amber Alert for a small boy in Tennessee has been cancelled, as he is safely home.

I just learned that the Amber Alert organization on the Internet has just now established an Internet discussion forum that we all can participate in.

I just finished registering there, and sent my first post.

Please, join me in this effort, and let's all use our computers to save the lives of children.

It won't cost you a dime.

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, March 07, 2008

Apology and Warning

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

Earlier today, I registered at the BEBO web site.

During the course of registration, I apparently checked one of the boxes incorrectly, and now, EVERYBODY is receiving an unsolicited e-mail asking them to "be my friend", and create their own account at the BEBO web site.

I goofed.

You weren't supposed to get that e-mail.

I apologize for the aggravation.

Please ignore any e-mails asking you to "be my friend".

At this time, I also want to mention one other VERY important item.

As many of you know, I'm rather opinionated and outspoken, and there are folks out there who have strong objections to some of the things I say.

Also, I do not hide my identity, location, or circumstances.

I insist on publishing my real name and my real address.

Well, somebody out there is trying very hard to hack into the Internet web sites I frequent, and/or send a malicious virus to my computer.

Thus far, the perpetrators have been unsuccessful.

But, if you should receive an e-mail from me which is inappropriate (i.e., pornographic material, et cetera), then PLEASE alert me immediately!

I will NEVER send you anything that I have not composed, written, or thoroughly researched, and there's no way I would ever countenance pornography or gambling on the Internet.

In the meantime, I remain vigilant against those who are attempting to break into my computer or misuse my normal Internet activity.

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, March 06, 2008

HARP OF DIXIE

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

Here is a rare and precious jewel, HARP OF DIXIE, featuring the very lovely and talented Deborah Brinson.

Boy, oh boy, will I ever treasure that particular web site!

Naturally, it's bookmarked and saved in my FAVORITES folder.

I'm sharing this with everybody I can possibly think of!

I learned of it in an Internet discussion forum from a response to one of my recent posts, Observing Confederate History.

With talent and culture like this, I reckon there's still some slight hope for our Southern heritage.

What a glimmering candle in the awful darkness of contemporary federal tyranny!

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."

"REMEMBER THE ALAMO ! ! !"

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

Do you know what TODAY (Thursday 06 March 2008) is?

On this date in Eighteen Thirty-Six, the Alamo fell.

Many years ago, when I was a soldier in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, I had the privilege of touring the Alamo, and on another occasion, touring Goliad.

One of the Alamo's defenders was John MacGregor, a Scottish bagpiper.

One of the stories that is told about the Alamo is that the defenders, the majority of whom were Americans of Scottish or Irish heritage, kept up their spirits by singing, GREEN GROW THE RUSHES, a ballad composed by Robert Burns.



Hearing this, the Mexicans coined the epithet, "Gringo", to describe all Americans.

Of course, that may just be an urban legend, as I've also read elsewhere that "Gringo" is a Spanish word with no particular meaning.

So, draw your own conclusions.

But, the Alamo has a place in my heart, maybe because of the John Wayne movie, THE ALAMO, which is one of my favorites.

THE BALLAD OF THE ALAMO (THIRTEEN DAYS OF GLORY) is one of the songs I sing.

Whenever I sing it, I also add the verses sung by the University of Texas Student Chorus at the end of the John Wayne movie, and at the appropriate moment, I punctuate the song with a loud Rebel yell!



It especially has significance today, because of all the illegal aliens swarming across the length and breadth of our nation.

Even now, a tiny handful of volunteers, mostly elderly or disabled retirees, are camping out in the desert, assisting the United States Border Patrol and local law enforcement agencies, by observing and reporting the many groups of armed invaders.

Yes, we may very well have a modern day repeat of the historic "Alamo", as these dedicated volunteers find themselves more and more besieged by violent criminal gangs or organized incursions by Mexican soldiers.

I wanted to join those American volunteers, and for that purpose, I purchased a nice four wheel drive pickup truck.

But, the price of gasoline skyrocketed, and I've exhausted my funds, so for the moment, I'm stuck here at the Ol' Soldiers' Home.

Mox nix.

"Remember the Alamo!"

Please, teach this to your young'uns.

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."

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