Six Free Movies

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space: Here are the web sites for six (06) full length political documentary motion pictures that you can watch on your computer. ***************** (01) - THE OBAMA DECEPTION (02) - END GAME (03) - EYE OF THE PHOENIX (04) - LOOSE CHANGE (05) - FABLED ENEMIES (06) - TRUTH RISING ***************** I don't agree with, or even fully understand, everything that's depicted, but I did learn some surprising facts, such as the United States paying Israel to conduct radiation experiments on Jewish immigrant children. So, if you watch these films, you'll have to draw your own conclusions. They're full length movies, two (02) or three (03) hours long, so I haven't even watched all of them. Anyway, they're free, unless you wish to purchase the DVD, which does offer a much better screen resolution. I learned of these films from listening to the ALEX JONES radio broadcast on the Internet. He broadcasts daily, and on Sunday, from Austin, Texas. He also has a television show, but you have to pay to watch it. His web sites are INFOWARS and PRISON PLANET. Just click on the automatic links I've provided, or use your browser's search engine. I did embed one of the movies, THE OBAMA DECEPTION, on my blog. The movie is located all the way down at the very bottom of my blog's main page. Alex Jones can be a good source of information, but I don't agree with everything he says, nor would I expect anyone else to. I don't agree with the stuff about the Masonic Order or the attacks of 11 September 2001 being an "inside job". I definitely disagree with his opinion that marijuana should be legal! But, I do believe our government used the 11 September 2001 attacks as an excuse to impose tyranny on the American people, such as the blatantly unconstitutional U.S.A. P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act. I also believe that the election of Barack Hussein Obama was definitely the result of conspiracy, due to his lack of experience and his questionable background. Where did all that money come from? I do believe we no longer have free and open elections in the United States of America, for it's obvious that the Republican Party and the Democrat Party are both working together for the same unconstitutional agenda. I also firmly believe that it will take a violent, bloody, armed revolt against our government before we can successfully restore our Constitution For The United States Of America, our Republic, our inalienable rights, sovereignty for the states, a free enterprise economy, and traditional Christian family values. 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."

Self Defense Techniques For Seniors

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space: Here's a very useful news article for all of us residing in the Armed Forces Retirement Home, as well as other senior citizens. Be sure to click on each of the above photographs, in order to view the larger version. ****************** ****************** CANE-FU FIGHTING By Matt Sedensky, Associated Press Writer Tuesday 24 March 2009 ZEPHYR HILLS, Florida Pay no mind to the groans that come with stretching, to hair that is gray or gone altogether. Ignore the cautiousness of their steps and the canes in their hands. These seniors are ready to fight. A rainbow of martial arts belts dangles above the mirror along one wall of this small dojo; swords, nunchuks and sickles hang near the front. Punching bags and torso targets line the room, but they'll need none of these. Their weapons are their canes. At the helm of the class is one of the country's most recognized cane fighters, Mark Shuey, a slight man who, at sixty-two, has hair and skin starting to show signs of age. He has traveled from Lake Tahoe, Nevada, to teach this group of sixteen how to protect themselves from attackers. He calls it Cane-Fu. Cane fighting classes have popped up all over the country, in part due to the influence of Cane Masters, the company Shuey founded that sells wood canes made of harder, thicker wood, to sustain wear and wider crooks to fit around an attacker's neck. Now, it's being offered at dojos, and increasingly, in senior centers and retirement communities. "You don't have to be powerful, you don't have to be fast," said Gary Hernandez, who runs the dojo here northeast of Tampa where the session was held and where he teaches cane fighting classes himself. "It's a piece of hard wood. It hurts." The session starts simply enough, with seniors gathered on the red and black mat twisting this way and that, stretching with their simple wooden canes over their heads and behind their backs. They combine long rubber tension bands with their canes to do bicep curls, leg presses and chest rows, exercises aimed at keeping the seniors fit. Fitness alone won't ward off those who might hurt them, though, and Shuey talks briefly of recent attacks on elders. His hazel eyes look severe as he points to the cane and delivers his message. "When you put this little crook around someone's neck, their whole attitude changes real fast," he said. And in a moment, Shuey shows it. With another instructor, Merle McAlpin, playing the bad guy, Shuey hooks the cane around his neck and thrusts it. The result is a guttural groan of pain from McAlpin. When it's time for the students to try a bit later, Shuey shouts: "Be gentle!" In the two-hour session, participants are taught a sampling of moves to use in different situations. The cane can simply be swung in circles, used to grab a foot or neck, and fashioned into a bat or poker. Advanced techniques even show a senior how to use a cane to ward off someone with a gun or knife. It takes years to master cane fighting like Hernandez or Shuey, but they say they can teach a senior several crucial moves in an hour. Perhaps more importantly, though, it gives them confidence that can help them escape a dangerous situation. "You don't think about carrying it other than for somebody who needs help," said sixty-three year old Joan Kirkman, a nurse from Zephyr Hills. "But after taking this class, you realize you could do so much more with it." It isn't an entirely new use for the cane. In ancient Rome and Egypt, canes were used as weapons. In the Thirteenth Century, swinging a cane before a member of royalty would assure your beheading. In the Seventeenth Century, canes required a permit. "Things changed two hundred or three hundred years ago. You don't want to take a cane to a gunfight, so the cane became a crutch and it's been visualized as that for the last couple hundred years," Shuey said. "Today when you carry a cane, they think you're a gimp." Vic Cushing, sixty-eight, of Roaring Brook, Pennsylvania, has twice used a cane to defend himself. Once, in London, he said he simply pushed his cane into the chest of the aggressive man approaching him. Another time, in New York, he hit his potential mugger, who then hobbled away. "I just smacked his legs a bunch of times and his legs gave out," he said. Cushing has studied hapkido and teaches self-defense himself. For others who are less agile, some question whether some aspects of Cane-Fu might be too complex. John Perkins, who authored, "ATTACK PROOF", and teaches self-defense classes, says for fairly fit seniors, he would encourage a cane more than any other method, but emphasizes jabs and strikes over using the crook of the cane. Shuey included using the cane's crook in his class. "If you're a frail person and you're trying to hook somebody," he said, "it's great in the classroom, not on the street." Shuey began learning cane fighting in the early Nineteen Eighties while practicing hapkido. He started developing a program solely based on the moves in Nineteen Ninety-Five and came out with his first instructional tapes in Nineteen Ninety-Nine. Most seniors who take such classes never have to use the methods, but Shuey says there are plenty of examples where they have. Perhaps the greatest benefit of cane self-defense, he says, is that a cane can be brought anywhere, including airports, without raising an eyebrow. Most of the day's participants - all but two of them are men - don't use a cane regularly, but after seeing its defensive potential, at least a few were considering it. "You just don't realize how much pain you could put on somebody really quick," said sixty-one year old Ed Smoak of Pinellas Park. "Nobody thinks of a cane as being any kind of an impressive weapon but even a person like me - I'm disabled, like I said, I don't move real well - and even me, I could do this." ****************** ****************** Of course, our BEST defense would obviously be to have the immoral and unconstitutional laws in Washington, D.C. changed, in order to enable honest citizens to exercise our inalienable right to wear fully loaded firearms. 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."

Dreams Within Dreams?

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space: Have you ever been fast asleep, and dreaming that you were asleep and dreaming? I've been asleep all day long, and just woke up a little while ago. Once again, while I was asleep, I dreamed I went to sleep and was dreaming. In other words, it was a dream within a dream. Have you ever had that experience? It's kind of wierd, for even after waking up completely, the separation between reality and the imagination can sometimes appear somewhat blurry, as my scrambled brain attempts to sort everything out. But, one of the best songs I ever composed was given to me when I was asleep and dreaming that I was asleep and dreaming. That's why I named that song, "FROM A DREAM". The reason I say the song was "given to me" is because I'm just not smart enough to be able to compose music and lyrics that are that good. So, I suspect I'm being inspired by the spirit of an unknown deceased songwriter who wants his material to live on. Do you think there could be anything to that theory? Are there other creative people who think they're being inspired by the spirit of someone who's deceased? Anyway, I'm feeling a little bit dizzy, so maybe I'll go back to bed. I wish I could sleep through the night, so I could stay awake during the day. Lately, I've been staying up all night long, and sleeping throughout the daylight, and thus, haven't been able to accomplish much. So, if I can stay asleep for the rest of the night, maybe I can break that cycle, and be able to start practicing my music, along with all the other projects I need to work on that I've been neglecting. 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."

Preventing Home Invasion

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space: The numbers of violent home invasions have greatly increased, and will probably continue to do so. The threat is particularly prevalent in communities which have implemented laws forbidding citizens from possessing or carrying loaded firearms. There are basic steps that homeowners can take in protecting themselves. First of all, choose to reside in an area where the law does permit citizens to own, carry, and wear loaded firearms. Those are always going to be the safest locations, for criminals will avoid them, fearing for their own safety. On the other hand, gun free zones actually invite crime, for law abiding citizens become naught but helpless prey. But, there are numerous other measures that citizens can take to protect their residences, their loved ones, and themselves. Each home should have a yard, and that yard should be completely fenced, preferably with chain link. A fully fenced yard will not only help prevent trespassing, but it also provides protection for children and pets. Each home should have two (02) dogs. Whenever you're away from home, the dogs will keep each other company, and not get bored or frustrated. I recommend ordinary, happy-go-lucky, people friendly, tail wagging mutts. All dogs have a natural protective instinct, so it isn't necessary, or wise, to have an aggressive trained guard dog. If an innocent neighbor is accidentally bitten, you might be subjected to civil litigation, or even criminal prosecution. So, all you really want is for the dog to alert you, so you can investigate and decide what must be done. Your sidewalk and driveway should be gravel, not concrete or dirt, for walking or driving on gravel makes a nice crunching noise to alert you to visitors. For the same reason, steps, ramps, and porches should be wooden, and not concrete, because wooden steps, ramps, and porches tend to be noisier, especially as they age. Each corner of the house and each entrance should have a motion activated security floodlight, with an auxilliary power supply. If not wanted, a switch can deactivate the security lighting system. Each window should have storm shutters that can be closed, if necessary. Each window should have large sliding panes, which can provide an easily accessible emergency escape route. It is possible to tint the windows so visibility is only one way. Thus, an outsider can't see in, but residents can still enjoy their view. Doors should be double wide, and slide open, rather than swing, and the doors need to be solid core, either hard wood or steel. I recommend building a wall directly in front of the entrance, both inside and outside, which creates a baffle, so when the doors are open, no one can see directly inside. An intercom system, and/or inexpensive security television monitors, can enable you to greet and screen visitors without having to open the door, or stand in front of your door. By the way, cadets at police academies are taught NEVER to stand directly in front of an entrance, for that is a kill zone. That's wise advice for all of us. Yes, a conventional burglar alarm can be installed. But, I would go a step further, especially in rural areas, and place red and blue flashing strobe lights, with a loudspeaker, on the roof, or on top of a telephone pole, which can be activated during an emergency, making your location and circumstances highly visible to neighbors and police. Each home should have MULTIPLE means of two way communication readily available, i.e., cellular telephones for each individual, conventional land line telephone(s), computer(s), intercom, loudspeaker, amateur radio, and citizens band radio. For defending the home, the ideal weapon is a short barrel twelve gauge pump shotgun, loaded with three inch magnum .00 buckshot and rifled slugs. With such a weapon, it may never be necessary to pull the trigger, for the unique sound of the shotgun's pump action is more than enough to terrify any intruder. Nicknamed, "the poor man's machine gun", a twelve gauge shotgun is a short range weapon which does not require accurate aiming, so in an emergency, it can be used by children, the elderly, and the physically handicapped. The effect of firing a twelve gauge shotgun within the confines of a darkened room is very similar to setting off a bomb, or exploding a grenade. For those who have been trained, a pistol is a good backup weapon. My personal preference is the Colt .45 calibre Model 1911 automatic pistol, for that was the pistol I used when I was in the United States Army. Hollywood movies and television shows are constantly depicting people firing automatic pistols who've never held a gun, which is a ridiculous scenario. Automatic pistols have at least two (02) safety devices which prevent firing, so someone who's never used one wouldn't likely be able to figure out how to chamber a round and pull the trigger. That's why people unfamiliar with handling pistols should use a double action revolver, preferably a .357 magnum calibre, for there is no safety, and all that is required is simply pulling the trigger. Unfortunately, our society has become so emasculated that boys and men have to be taught all over again that ALWAYS carrying a pocketknife is a masculine requirement, for it is our most BASIC tool, being easily adaptible to multiple situations. When I was growing up, every boy and every man always had a pocketknife. I don't know why, but girls never carried pocketknives in their purses. Girls were known for their ingenious use of a simple hair pin or bobby pin to do anything and everything. In addition to the pocketknife, other basic tools to be always carried should be your cell phone, cigarette lighter, miniature flashlight, whistle, and small pocket mirror. In my police training, I was taught to use the pocket mirror for peering around corners during gunfights, or for searching for contraband in a prison cell without exposing your hands to unseen hazards. Inside of your home, and inside of your vehicle, you should always have flashlights, fire extinguishers, medical trauma kits, basic carpentry tools, and an emergency supply of prepared food and bottled water. In addition, your vehicle should have a spotlight, cold weather clothing, outdoor camping equipment, and basic pioneer tools, i.e., axe, shovel, spade, pick, pry bar, and bolt cutters. When you go anywhere, make sure you have a wide brimmed hat, leather gloves, a large bandana, and poncho, and instead of shoes, wear boots. Carry a nice stout walking stick. If attacked, wield the stick like a two-handed spear, and aim for your opponent's throat. Thus, you're better prepared for emergency action, and you're not so likely to be perceived as easy prey. 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."

EXTREME SHEEP HERDING ! ! !

This video, a television commercial for Samsung LEDs, was put together by a group of Welsh sheep herders.

It was sent to me by Russell Henderson, the editor of the Clan Henderson newsletter, "AN CANACH".

National Tartan Day

Mo Cinneadh agus Mo Cairdean: Saor Alba gu brath! I just now checked at the Saint Andrew's Society web site, and there definitely WILL be a National Tartan Day observance this year. It will be in Market Square, at 301 King Street, in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, on Saturday 04 April 2009, from 1300 Hours until 1700 Hours. I reckon I'll be seeing you all there! Look for my white pickup truck, with the Saltire flying above the cab, and the "CLAN HENDERSON" magnetic signs on the doors. I'll probably park it down by the river, for the truck is too big to fit inside the Market Square parking lot. I wonder if it'll be as bitterly cold and windy as the last time we did it? That was a couple or three years ago, and it was the first time I'd ever worn my kilt. Amid all those gusts, we (Mike Henderson, Leon Hicks, and myself) had to really struggle to keep the Clan Henderson tent from being completely toppled over and torn to pieces. I never could play my guitar, because it was too cold, and cold temperatures make the strings go out of tune. But, still, I think we all had a really great time. I remember that one fellow who gave us some fresh home baked shortbread. Mmmmm, boy! Well, we'll see what happens this year. I'll be there in traditional full Highland military regalia, and take my guitar, just in case. It might be warm and sunny. Now that Saint Patrick's Day is over and done with, and I had such a good time singing all those Irish songs, I reckon I'd better get busy and practice my Scottish songs, huh? After all, right after we celebrate National Tartan Day, we'll be looking forward to the annual Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland on Saturday 25 April 2009, from 1000 Hours until 1800 Hours at Jefferson Patterson State Park, near the town of Prince Frederick, in Calvert County. Slainte mhath! Is Mise Le Meas, 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."

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY ! ! !

"Erin Go Bragh!" a "Alba Gu Brath!"

Translation:
"Ireland Forever!" in Irish Gaelic
"Scotland Forever!" in Scottish Gaelic

Review of "BIG LOVE"

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space: I recorded last night's controversial Home Box Office episode of "BIG LOVE", and just finished watching it. I admit my curiosity was aroused by all the publicized fuss. Since the show is only an hour long, and there are numerous separate story plots occurring throughout, I had my doubts that there would really even be anything shown about the temple, unless it was maybe a second or two of seeing folks dressed in white. Well, I was wrong. I'm not a fan of "BIG LOVE", having only seen parts of it on a couple of previous episodes quite a while back. To me, the series seemed a bit ridiculous. Anyway, last night's episode definitely showed that which should not have been shown. Furthermore, contrary to the statements made by HBO executives, the depicted temple scenes had nothing at all to do with the show, and could have been omitted entirely. To make it worse, they showed the individuals conspiring to deceive temple officials, with lies and fraud, in order to enter the temple unworthily. You really had to wonder, "If these folks think the Church is wrong (regarding plural marriage), then why were they so anxious to enter a temple they obviously don't really believe in, and why would they lie about it?" There was a Church court, with an excommunication, all done with appropriately emotional background music intended to make The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints appear especially cruel and vindictive. Other facets of the program evoked memories of Mark Hofmann's forged "White Salamander" letter, with its accompanying bombings in Salt Lake City. Members of the polygamous family were cheating on each other, a little girl was kidnapped, and there was discussion of at least one murder by a family member. Yes, all this stuff really puts our Church in a positive light, huh? Still, I maintain that any publicity is good publicity, for if approached correctly, it might yet lead to unexpected member missionary opportunities. 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."

NASA STS-119 Mission Launch

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space: As I type this message, I'm using my computer to watch the preparations for the launch of NASA Space Shuttle Mission STS-119. You can watch this live television broadcast at the NASA-TV web site. You can also download a copy of the STS-119 Mission Schedule, in either PDF format (which I chose), or XLS format. You have a choice of which method you want to use to watch the NASA-TV broadcast. As for my own preference, I selected my computer system's Windows Media Player, and zoomed to full-screen. Barring any unforeseen glitches, the space shuttle, DISCOVERY, is currently scheduled to take off at 1943 Hours, Eastern Time (i.e., 7:43 PM), on Sunday 15 March 2009, from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida. I reckon I'll strum my guitar and practice singing some old songs while I'm sitting here watching the program. In the past, I've tried and tried to get the administrative staff here at the Old Soldiers' Home to put these NASA-TV broadcasts on the Soldiers' Home's own Comcast Cable Television Channel 99, so all of the residents can enjoy watching the space missions, but they just ignore my suggestions and comments, and furthermore, they aren't even courteous enough to make a response. Mox nix. If you want to gather 'round the young'uns, this would be a nice family activity. So, pile up on the big comfy couch, and send out for pizza. The Jedi knights of the Old Republic ride again (except THIS stuff is really happening)!!! Pass the popcorn, please. Ain't this the neatest thing? 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."

Movie Critique: "NIM'S ISLAND"

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space: I just now watched the movie, NIM'S ISLAND, in high definition, which I had recorded from the Home Box Office channel on the digital video recording chip included with my subscription to Comcast Cable Television. Made in 2008, the movie stars Jodie Foster. It's all about the perilous and serendipitous misadventures of a precocious little girl on an island in the South Pacific, not too far from Australia, which is why most of the cast is from Down Under. Being a guy, I was mostly interested in watching Jodie Foster and her strategically torn skirt. It's funny, but until John Hinckley made her famous, I never noticed her. How can a self-proclaimed lesbian manage to still look and act feminine enough to be attractive to us guys? Maybe she only claims to be a lesbian because it's the "in" thing to do if you wish to remain a popular Hollywood actress repeatedly starring in hit movies. Maybe it's because I'm just a lonely old geezer living in the Old Soldiers' Home, and all I can do is daydream about the young, attractive, blonde beauties on television, such as the unattainable Jodie Foster. Anyway, there's all sorts of critters, and all sorts of mishaps and dangers, just the thing for the little ones. Yes, it's a movie targeted specifically at youth, but still, Mama and Daddy should watch this movie WITH their children, in order to answer questions or make appropriate commentary. NEVER let children watch television or movies without BOTH of their parents present! I highly recommend NIM'S ISLAND as being safe for little children and other living things. So, gather 'round all the young'uns, pile up on the big comfy couch, and send out for some pizza, for it's family night! 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."

"Gay" Versus "Homosexual"?

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space: Regarding the press release, CHURCH STATEMENT ON 'BIG LOVE', posted at the official web site of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints, I do have one strong objection. There are a couple of instances where the word, "Gay", is used to describe homosexuals. Do you see our increasing acceptance of Marxist-inspired politically correct language, as it, oh so slowly, and ever persistently, gradually creeps in among the members of our Church? If someone is homosexual, then that is the term that should be used. The word, "Gay", must be restored to its former innocuous synonym denoting joyous frivolity. That won't happen unless we Latter-day Saints, and other American citizens, seize the initiative, and promote the practice. 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."

Movie Critique: "THE MAJESTIC"

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space: I just finished watching THE MAJESTIC, starring Jim Carrey, made in 2001. Gosh, gee whillikers, could there ever be a Jim Carrey movie I would NOT like? I didn't recognize Martin Landau because he'd lost so much weight. I didn't recognize David Ogden Stiers because he had gained so much weight. I did recognize Hal Holbrook and James Whitmore (who just recently passed away). The various scenes in this movie evoked a lot of personal memories and emotions. To begin with, I used to live in the apartment above the lobby of a decrepit unused old theatre, in a small town, where after it was renovated, I frequently performed in local community theatre productions. Here at the Ol' Soldiers' Home, I seldom leave my room, but years ago, I used to show the movies and manage our theatre. This movie takes place in 1951, and is about a Hollywood script writer who has an accident which leaves him with amnesia. Folks in a local small community welcome him home as a long lost war hero, where he lives in the apartment above the lobby of the decrepit unused old theatre, which is then renovated. See why this rings some bells for me? And, of course, I gave a rousing cheer when I saw the 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagles" patch, for that was MY unit in Viet Nam! Elsewhere in the movie, the town's music teacher attempts to have Franz Liszt's HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY performed. Ah, so many years have passed, and I can't tell you what emotions that piece of classical music recalls! It was featured in a television commercial where a little girl used her candle to light other candles, as a darkened Budapest was suddenly illuminated. Those of you who weren't yet born when Communism collapsed and Eastern Europe became free can not know the exhilirating hope that swept the globe, for that moment can't be adequately described or duplicated. Of course, I did NOT like the movie's perpetuation of that same old distorted political slant, of Hollywood versus the House Un-American Activities Committee. The cold, hard, brutal fact is that there really was a Communist conspiracy, and the Communist Party, U.S.A., really did (and still does) seek the destruction of our Country. We learned the truth of this when the former Soviet Union's archived documents were finally revealed. Another problem with the movie is that the locomotive on that railroad train wasn't manufactured at that time. But, I'm one of those crazy railroad buffs that goes "ga-ga!" over every choo-choo train, so maybe I'm the only one to notice stuff like that, and it ain't all that important to anyone else. So, I highly recommend this movie. In fact, it would be an excellent teaching opportunity for Mama and Daddy to explain a little bit of history and heritage to their little ones. Gather 'round your young'uns, 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."

HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY Number Two, by Franz Liszt

This was the music that was played on the television commercial where a little girl was using a candle to light other candles, back when Communism collapsed and Eastern Europe became free.

I'll never forget those days!

Sunday's "BIG LOVE" Episode

Brothers and Sisters: Perhaps you're aware of the current news coverage of reaction by individual members of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints to the scheduled episode of BIG LOVE on the Home Box Office channel this coming Sunday 15 March 2009 at 2100 Hours (i.e., 9:00 PM) Eastern Time. Here is a letter to the editor published in today's issue of DESERET NEWS, and my published response to it. *************** *************** 'BIG' BIG SHOTS GO TOO FAR Published: 12 March 2009 So the "Big Love" big shots have chosen to follow their profits and prove their power through desecration, on the grounds they are being accurate? Are they then willing to publish the private resting places of their dearest departed, so that all who wish may come forth and accurately spit upon them? Steven Day Cottonwood Heights ______________________ ______________________ Wasn't Interested, But - - - ? 0140 Hours Mountain Time Thursday 12 March 2009 Brother Day, Et Alii: I'm a member of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints, and I've only seen portions of a couple of episodes of the HBO series, "BIG LOVE", which I deemed inaccurate and uninteresting. But, thanks to all this publicity, my natural curiosity is piqued, and I'm definitely going to either watch or record this controversial episode. In human nature, there's nothing quite so attractive as that which is forbidden. According to a statement at the Church's official web site, we'd be better off just ignoring this issue, rather than calling attention to it. Additionally, I've always felt that any publicity, whether positive or negative, is ultimately good for The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints, due to the curiosity it provokes, and the resulting member missionary opportunities it presents. Thank you. John Robert Mallernee Official Bard of Clan Henderson Armed Forces Retirement Home Washington, D.C. 20011-8400 *************** *************** Do any of y'all have any thoughts on this? Normally, that television series, BIG LOVE, just ain't all that interesting to me. Anyway, how does a polygamist manage to get endowed in the Temple? Of course, I haven't yet seen the show, so maybe it's not a polygamist going through the Temple. Mox nix. Like I said, this CAN be an excellent missionary opportunity if we handle it correctly! Hey, you know what they say in show business: "It doesn't matter what they say about the Church, just as long as they spell the name correctly." "Any publicity is GOOD publicity!" Oh, Horrors!!! I just now realized something! Do you realize that tomorrow is FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH? AAAAAAuugh!!!! 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."