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Friday, February 27, 2009

Forrest Gumping - - - ?

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

In the movie, THE MEXICAN, Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt are having a lover's spat, and Julia Roberts tells the klutzy Brad Pitt that he's been continually "Forrest Gumping" his way through life.

Have you ever heard that phrase?

It made me start thinking.

I think "Forrest Gumping" is what I've been doing, for whether it's due to pure dumb luck, or the blessings of Almighty God, my life has been a continuous series of uncannily serendipitous events, even in the face of repeated overwhelming catastrophes and impossibly insurmountable odds.

That's why FORREST GUMP is one of my favorite movies, because there's so many parallels between the movie and my own experiences.

I'll never understand why I'm so well off.

Throughout my life, I've constantly encountered problems because my brain doesn't seem to function in the same manner as everybody else.

It seems as though I've always been the proverbial "square peg" vainly trying to fit into the round hole.

How did I make it back from Viet Nam, alive and with all my parts still attached?

With no formal musical education, how did I wind up being able to compose lyrics and melody, play guitar, and sing, all done "by ear"?

Hmmm - - - I remember an old saying, i.e., "God protects drunks, fools, and little children."

When I kneel in prayer and try to thank Heavenly Father for each of my blessings, I'm unable to remember them all, because there's so many.

You try it.

You'll find you can't count all of your blessings, either.

There's just too many blessings to count.

So, is it luck, or the Hand of God, or a combination of both?

Even with this national economic depression, aren't all of us still individually really well off?

Thank you.

John Robert 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, February 26, 2009

Movie Critique: "LENNY THE WONDER DOG"

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

I just finished watching the movie, LENNY THE WONDER DOG, made in 2004, in high definition, which I recorded on my cable television's digital video recorder from the SHOWTIME Channel.

Do you have young'uns?

This is a children's movie, so be prepared to clean up spilled soda pop, ice cream, pizza, or other messes on the living room floor in front of your television set.

I think your puppy dog(s) and kitty cat(s) will also have a good time, since they tend to respond to emotional cues exhibited by their humans.

Not only that, your puppy dog(s) and kitty cat(s) will actually be very helpful to Mama and Daddy, for furry critters can be counted on to eagerly help clean up any spilled goodies that's in front of your television on the living room floor.

Now, how do I describe this movie, without saying too much, and spoiling it for you?

First of all, it's about a dog.

There's also a mad scientist, some kidnappers, and some junior high school kids.

There's a pair of "identical twins" (think, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito), a warehouse inside of a tool shed, and a high speed chase on scooters.

You'll learn to say "Holy Shababa!", and you'll learn Tina Turner's real name.

At one point, a kidnapper yells,

"Shut your mouth kid!

We're trying to stay away from a PG-13 rating!"

Making this movie was a difficult undertaking, because the actors kept laughing when they were supposed to be serious, and the dog, being a dog, didn't always cooperate.

The only thing I disapproved of was kids saying, "Oh, God!", or "Oh, my God!", when they obviously weren't praying to the Almighty.

Other than that objection, the movie is clean and safe for the whole family to enjoy together.

So, pile up on the big comfy couch, and send out for some pizza, 'cause it's family time!

Pass the popcorn, please.

Thank you.

John Robert 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."

ATTENTION: Army Veterans

Comrades in Arms:

Today, I received my new Combat Service Identification Badge (i.e., the "CSIB") for my service in Viet Nam with the 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagles".

I ordered mine from the Uniform Accessories Unlimited web site, and with postage, it cost a total of $20.95 (i.e., twenty dollars and ninety-five cents).

As you may already be aware, the reason for purchasing this new uniform item is because the United States Army is currently phasing out the Army green service uniform, and has adopted the Army dress blue uniform to be the new official Army service uniform.

Unit insignia which is sewn onto the shoulder of the Army green uniform will not be worn on the Army dress blue uniform.

That has been replaced by the new metal CSIB, which is worn pinned to the center of the right breast pocket on the Army dress blue uniform.

Since the CSIB is a relatively new item, they're still manufacturing them, so, not every combat unit currently has a CSIB available, although, eventually, every unit will be represented.

Another change is that the green felt Combat Team Leader tabs will not be worn on the epaulets of the Army dress blue uniform.

The beret, service cap, or cavalry stetson (for cavalry troopers) can be worn, and paratroopers, rangers, Special Forces personnel, and Air Assault troops may wear their trousers tucked into their jump boots.

Also, this new CSIB will look really good when properly displayed, along with your medals, on the civilian suit or the Highlander jacket.

That's the reason I bought it, for when I attend patriotic functions, or when I have occasion to wear my kilt, I do dress up and wear my medals.

A while back, I paid a tidy sum to order my medals mounted for wear, and it's been worth every penny.

If you've ever gone through the hassle of arranging your medals, and tediously pinning them on your suit coat, one by one, struggling over and over to get it exactly right, - - - well, you know what an agonizingly painful chore that is!

So, if you can afford it, spending the extra money to have those medals professionally mounted sure saves a whole lot of trouble, and it looks really great.

My medals were mounted for wear by Medals of America.

I wear my medals when I march with my clan in the annual Scottish Christmas Walk, and I wore them when I marched down Constitution Avenue with my fellow veterans of the First Signal Brigade at the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Other appropriate occasions for wearing your medals on your civilian suit would be Constitution Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Bill of Rights Day, Saint Patrick's Day, National Tartan Day, Patriot Day, Memorial Day, the Army's Birthday, Independence Day, when attending any military funeral, or at any other military or patriotic function.

This is especially important for Viet Nam veterans, because of the public vilification, insults, denigration, and mockery so many of us were subjected to by our fellow Americans during that controversial war.

It's also important to wear them because our Country is currently at war, and the children need to see us wearing them, to instill an awareness of their own heritage.

Thank you.

John Robert 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, February 23, 2009

MOVIE CRITIQUE: "TAKING CHANCE"

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

Today Monday is 23 February 2009, and I just now finished watching a high definition version of a Home Box Office movie, TAKING CHANCE, starring Kevin Bacon, on my cable television's digital video recorder.

This is a GREAT war movie!


It's a true story of a United States Marine killed in Iraq, and of how folks react as his body is returned to his boyhood home in Wyoming.

There's no disgusting Marxist propaganda denouncing America or apologizing for the war.

There's no sex, nudity, violence, gore, or profanity.

I think there was one (01) bad word in the entire movie.

(I got an e-mail suggesting we substitute "Pelosi" for that word!)

The entire family can safely snuggle up on the big comfy couch and watch this movie together.

It is entirely possible that there might be some tears shed, depending on how compassionate or proud folks might feel.

Yes, I very highly recommend this movie, and I assume it will be offered for sale on DVD - - - somewhere!

Pass the popcorn, please.

Thank you.

John Robert 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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"SOMEDAY SOON"

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Performed By:

Written By:

There's a young man
That I know,
Whose age is twenty-one,
Comes from down in
Southern Colorado.
Just out of the service,
And he's lookin' for his fun.
Someday soon,
Goin' with him
Someday soon.

My parents can not
Stand him
'Cause he rides the rodeo.
My father says that he will
Leave me cryin'.
I would follow him right down
The roughest road I know.
Someday soon,
Goin' with him
Someday soon.

When he comes to call,
My pa ain't got a good word to say.
Guess it's 'cause he's just as wild
In his younger days.
So blow, you old Blue Northern.
Blow my love to me.
He's ridin' in tonight
From California.
He loves his damned old rodeo
As much as he loves me.
Someday soon,
Goin' with him
Someday soon.

Ian Tyson
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Connie Dover Singing, "WHO WILL COMFORT ME?"

"AILEIN DUINN"

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

Karen Matheson is one of my favorite singers, and here is a video recording of her singing, "AILEIN DUINN", (i.e., "DARK HAIRED ALAN"), which was featured in the 1995 Hollywood major motion picture production, "ROB ROY".



This video recording was posted at the YOU TUBE web site on Monday 30 July 2007 by the ADHARDEHADRES channel.
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"AILEIN DUINN"

GAELIC:

Gura mise tha fo éislean
Moch sa mhaduinn is mi g'éirigh

Sèist:
Ò hì shiùbhlainn leat
Hì ri bhò hò ru bhì
Hì ri bhò hò rinn o ho

Ailein Duinn, ò hì shiùbhlainn leat
Ma 's e 'n cluasag dhuit a ghaineamh
Ma 's e leabaidh dhut an gheamainn

Sèist:
Ma 's e 'n t-iasg do choinlean geala
Ma 's e na ròin do luchd-faire

Sèist:
Dh'òlainn deoch ge b' oil le càch e
De dh'fhuil do choim 's tu 'n déidh do bhathadh

ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

How sorrowful I am
Early in the morning rising

Chorus:
Ò hì, I would go with thee
Hì ri bhò hò ru bhì
Hì ri bhò hò rinn o ho

Brown-haired Alan, ò hì,
I would go with thee
If it is thy pillow the sand
If it is thy bed the seaweed
If it is the fish thy candles bright
If it is the seals thy watchmen
I would drink, though all would abhor it
Of thy heart's blood after thy drowning __________________________

KAREN MATHESON
Thank you.

John Robert Mallernee 
1800 Beach Drive, Unit 311 

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The Theme From "BRAVEHEART"

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Something I Just Now Learned

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

I just now learned something new.

It's totally unbelievable!

I heard this on the radio, and used the Google search engine to research this.

So, instead of me telling you all about it, here's what you do.

Google "Groom of the Stool", and read all about it.

You'll find plenty of web sites explaining all about it.

Have you ever heard of this?

In all my years, and in all the books I've read, I never heard of it until today.

According to what I read today, this is the origin of Britain's "Privy Council".

Oh, yes, click on that link, too.

It's their OFFICIAL web site.

Neat, huh?

Thank you.

John Robert 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, February 21, 2009

Movie Critique: "DEAR GOD"

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

I just now finished watching DEAR GOD, made in 1996, starring Greg Kinnear and Laurie Metcalf, on my cable televison's digital video recorder.

If I had known this was a Christmas movie, I wouldn't have watched it, because I believe in watching Christmas movies at Christmas time.

However, the film is surprisingly delightful, full of famous stars and wacky characters.

I did a whole lot of laughing!

Basically, the story is about a petty con artist who gets busted, and then, unintentionally starts doing good deeds for total strangers.

I ain't gonna tell you anything else, 'cause I don't want to spoil the fun for you.

But, it's sort of like the Hollywood classic, MIRACLE ON THIRTY-FOURTH STREET (the original version, not the remake), with a touch of PAY IT FORWARD mixed in.

One thing I liked was watching the credits rolling at the end of the show and seeing the word "bodacious" used to describe a television news anchorette.

Having grown up in a small North Carolina community, I reckon I'm just about the only guy on this planet who actually uses the word, "bodacious", in a sentence, or at least, I thought I was.

So, folks, this is a good, clean, wholesome, safe, positive, and uplifting family movie.

I guarantee lots of laughter, and maybe a few tears.

Gather 'round your young'uns, send out for some pizza, and snuggle up on the big comfy couch.

Your kitty cats and puppy dogs will wonder what's going on, but they're always reassured when they see their humans are happy.

Pass the popcorn, please.

Thank you.

John Robert 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, February 18, 2009

Patriotic Suggestion

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

Earlier today, when I attended the graveside service of Staff Sergeant George F. Richer, United States Air Force (Retired), I observed the Air Force chaplain present the folded colors to the son of Sergeant Richer, and say the usual speech, expressing gratitude from the nation on behalf of the President of the United States, et cetera.

It reminded me of another chaplain at another military graveside service, and the contrast between the two.

Years ago, as a member of the Disabled American Veterans, I served on several burial details in the Salt Lake City, Utah area.

I remember our Disabled American Veterans chaplain, Bob Crossly, and his speech when presenting the folded colors to the next of kin.

He passed on several years ago.

I had such great respect for him.

Anyway, when he presented the colors, he gave the same speech as the Air Force chaplain, and all other chaplains, with one exception.

He included an exhortation that the recipient not put the flag away on some shelf, but that they proudly fly it on patriotic occasions.

I loved that!

I wish every chaplain would do that at every military graveside ritual.

Thank you.

John Robert 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."

TAPS: Staff Sergeant George F. Richer

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

Last night, somebody slipped a note under my door.

I don't know who it was, but I'm very VERY grateful for that thoughtful gesture!

The note announced the burial this morning of Staff Sergeant George F. Richer, United States Air Force (Retired) in the United States Soldiers' Home National Cemetery.

If I hadn't received the note, I wouldn't have known about it.

Even though the cemetery is just across the street, I'd never been there before, so I decided to drive my pickup truck.

That turned out to be a good idea, for it was snowing, and I was all dressed up, wearing my medals, my cavalry spurs, and my cavalry stetson.

To represent my ancient Highland clan, I wore my tartan necktie, with the clan badge pinned to it.

The graveside service began at 0900 hours.

His family was there, and at least four residents of the Old Soldiers' Home were present.

The United States Air Force Honor Guard was there, and they performed sharply, doing everything correctly, in a fine military manner.

The service was conducted by an Air Force colonel, the official chaplain for the Honor Guard.

A rifle team fired three volleys, and the bugler sounded "TAPS".

In speaking of his life, they said he'd begun his military career in the Army Air Force, which later became the United States Air Force, and that he served in the Merchant Marine and retired from the United States Air Force with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

They also said he dreamed of going to Texas and having a cattle ranch.

When I used to eat chow with George, he told me about life in Mississippi, and that he'd served with Merrill's Marauders in the China - Burma - India campaign.

None of that was mentioned at his burial service.

The service lasted for twenty-five minutes, and we all dispersed.

In the future, the administration here at the Armed Forces Retirement Home should provide transportation for residents who wish to attend a graveside service in our Soldiers' Home National Cemetery.

Further, when a graveside service is scheduled at the Soldiers' Home National Cemetery, the gate behind the Grant Building should be unlocked and opened, in order to better facilitate ambulatory pedestrian traffic to and from the Soldiers' Home and the cemetery.

Is that too much to ask?

Thank you.

John Robert 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, February 17, 2009

Video of Schoolgirl's Speech

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

I just now saw this video at the WORLD NET DAILY web site.

The girl is Lia, she is twelve years old, and in the Seventh Grade in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

This was her winning submission in a school speech contest, despite the objections of her teachers and a judge.

The video was posted on the YOU TUBE web site by her mother, who was forced to block comments due to the many inappropriate and profane responses.

Thank you.

John Robert 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."

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Movie Critique: "MARTIAN CHILD"

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

I just now finished watching the Hollywood movie, MARTIAN CHILD, starring John Cusack, recorded on the digital video recorder furnished by my cable television company.

Did I somehow get tricked into enjoying a "chick flick"?

The movie is about a couple of guys, one of them an adult, and the other, a wee laddie.

There's a lot of discussion about Outer Space, plus a little baseball, and there's a dog.

But, this isn't your typical "guy" movie.

There's no gory violence, or edge of your seat suspense.

I reckon it might be a family movie, since it is all about young'uns.

I do NOT agree with, or approve of, the movie's Hollywood propaganda message that it's okay for a single guy to adopt a boy.

Other than that objection, it is a great movie, filled with imagination and pathos, and I reckon it'll have gals in tears.

I don't remember ever hearing any profanity in the dialogue.

So, I'll recommend this for families, with the caveat that BOTH Mama and Daddy should watch the movie WITH their children.

Never leave children to watch movies or television by themselves, especially in today's perverted environment of political correctness and continuous social conditioning.

All in all, I reckon it's a pretty good film, even for a guy.

Listening to the background music makes one think the British Invasion of the 'Sixties might be returning.

If you're old enough to remember the television series, WKRP IN CINCINNATI, then be sure to look for Doctor Johnny Fever in this movie.

"BOOGER!"

Pass the popcorn, please.

Thank you.

John Robert 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, February 14, 2009

TV Documentary: "SPEECHLESS"

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

Here is a video, SPEECHLESS, that you can watch on your computer.

It is one hour long, and was made for television broadcast.

It's a documentary about organized efforts by homosexuals to suppress dissent from those espousing traditional Christian morality.

If you click on the little button located in the lower right corner of the media player, the picture will zoom to full screen.

If your computer is connected to your wide screen television set, which is how mine is set up, you can watch this Internet broadcast just like watching a regular television program.

Some television stations have refused to broadcast this documentary, and some television stations which did broadcast it have apologized for doing so.

Thank you.

John Robert 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, February 10, 2009

Suggested AFRH Preparations

ATTENTION Armed Forces Retirement Home Staff:

There are some practical steps that can be taken to prepare for the pending total collapse of our national economy.

It's to be expected that most, if not all, employees of the Soldiers' Home will desert their posts, for after all, they have their own survival, and the survival of their families, to be considered.

A few employees, such as Chuck Dickerson, who live on the grounds, have no other place to go, and will be trapped here, along with the Soldiers' Home residents.

Some employees will desert their posts, but will wait until it's too late before doing so, and they will probably be killed on the streets outside the Soldiers' Home perimeter.

The biggest security threat will probably be pedestrian infiltrators, either as individuals, or as roving armed gangs, for vehicle traffic will likely be nonexistent, due to the impassibility of city streets.

First of all, we should begin today secretly stockpiling supplies of prepared foods (i.e., MREs), bottled drinking water, and medical supplies.

Further, clothing and bedding for extreme cold weather should also be brought in and stored.

Yes, it is particularly ironic that we residents are compelled by penurious circumstances to seek our assistance from the very individuals who have thus far repeatedly betrayed us with the institution of their injurious policies, i.e., Tim Cox, Chuck Dickerson, Et Alii, which is probably why all of these warnings and suggestions will be ignored, to all of our combined detriments.

Latrine trenches need to be dug, with outhouses installed.

Gardens and orchards can be planted to grow crops year round, including opium poppies for manufacturing narcotic drugs to control pain.

A herd of goats, requiring almost no care, can roam freely on the grounds, feeding on our grass, and supplying milk for residents, milk which does not require refrigeration.

For night illumination, outdoor torches should be placed around our perimeter fence and at the entrance, with guard posts supplied with hand held parachute flares.

The perimeter fence should be topped with coils of razor ribbon, and coils of razor ribbon should be embedded at the base of the perimeter fence, both on the inside and outside.

Coils of razor ribbon should be kept at our main entrance, in readiness to be unrolled when necessary.

Gate guards, if there are any, must have heavy duty gloves for handling the coils of razor ribbon.

Foxholes and sandbagged bunkers can be emplaced all along the perimeter fence, where residents can be posted as armed guards.

The bell tower of the Sherman Building, and the roofs of the Sheridan and Scott buildings would become observation posts.

Unfortunately, manning these perimeter guard posts will reveal the murderous foolishness of Tim Cox's policy of ignoring standard health and safety practices, by changing Soldiers' Home demographics, since the majority of residents are no longer physically capable of standing a guard post for several hours at a time.

Those few residents still physically capable of performing basic military duties will be saddled with an overwhelming and virtually impossible work load.

Also remember, that thanks to Tim Cox's murderous policy of ignoring all health and safety regulations, it now means that innumerable residents are currently housed where any possible chance for their rescue, or defense, is impossible.

A distillery can be constructed and placed into immediate operation.

Distilling alcohol is legal, so long as an ingredient is added that makes the alcohol undrinkable.

The distilled alcohol can be used for antiseptic and medicinal purposes, and also as fuel for vehicles, stoves, machinery, et cetera.

Existing machine shops on the grounds of the Soldiers' Home can begin to forge and fabricate black powder cannon, British style Sten submachine guns, grenades, bayonets, and ammunition, copying plans, specifications, and blueprints currently available on the Internet.

Ingredients for gunpowder needs to be stockpiled, so ammunition can be manufactured.

If the Army will cooperate, we could even have rifles and individual protective gear secretly stockpiled here on the grounds.

The administration and recreational directress (i.e. Laura Fogarty) at the Armed Forces Retirement Home should immediately restore one of the many benefits and programs that has been arbitrarily taken away from the residents, i.e., our archery range, along with the equipment.

We residents need to practice our archery skills, for it might become our sole means of defense, or for acquiring meat.

Remember, the staff can be expected to desert their posts, so we residents will be left entirely on our own.

Realistic residents of the Soldiers' Home should begin now to organize a potential duty roster, so we know what each of us are to do, and where our assigned posts will be.

These are some ideas I have.

What other suggestions can you make towards our survival preparations?

I do see one bright spot amidst all these gloomy portents.

Once the national economy has completely collapsed, and all government agencies cease functioning, it will then be possible for armed rebels to seize the government and restore our long lost Republic, our Constitution, our inalienable rights, our free enterprise economy, and all other traditional values of our Christian ancestors.

Thank you.

John Robert 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."