When you think about it, my entire life has been spent doing things that are inherently dangerous.

I have been a soldier, a commercial fisherman, a framer and a merchant seaman on tankers for the last twenty-five years. I have also worked at a flying job off and on, too.

The trick has been to find a safe way to do things and not get hurt. Fishing was just plain risky, period. No ands, ifs of buts about it. 

People died like flies out there.

While tankers can be a source of accidents the trick there has been to follow certain safety rules to a T and not be sloppy...EVER.
It really is no wonder I often gravitate toward things that are somewhat risky. 

It looks like things are going to get a bit harder for me to realize my goal in the flying field. I have narrowed things down to what is called Part 103, true ultralights.

I see little if any instruction out there and even fewer places to actually rent a true ultralight bird.

Actually, when you look at the safety record for ultralights they are not that bad. A bad landing is not like a regular plane crash. It's more like a bicycle crash. While you can get hurt in a bicycle crash you can truly get walloped in a bad landing on even a light sport plane.

Forced landings are different, too because with a Part 103 ultralight you have a lot more options. One can actually land safely in decent sized yard or even a suburban street.
Anyway, I am now looking into the Part 103 ultralight field which for me is really a lot more practical. It is a lot less expensive, the speeds are slower and it is a lot more Old School and closer to the ground type flying than general aviation.

General aviation is a money pit to begin with and as I am nearing retirement I can simply not afford to get into a money pit like general aviation. Enter Part 103 which means I can get an entire ultralight airplane for as much as or even less than the motorcycle I was looking at. I am even permitted to do my own repairs.
Still, I have to investigate things a little deeper, though. There are hidden expenses and headaches to deal with.

Where do you store an ultralight?

Of course, some can be broken down and stored in a garage and reassembled in a short time at whatever field one is operating out of.

Still, there are a few aggravation factors to look into. Something like that has to have a certain amount of practicality to it and as retirement becomes closer to being a reality I have to be wary.

Anyway, I am looking into something reasonably priced to do in the early part of my old age so I don't get depressed in my old old age because I missed out on something I could have done while I still could.



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Curtis LeMay

 once commented that he we had lost the war he would probably be executed as a war criminal. I do believe he was right.

LeMay ordered that thousands of Japanese be  literally baked, fried and broiled with his fire raids. It wasn't done simply to kill people. It was done to destroy the Japanese factories that were spread out in residential areas. 

These days I get really annoyed when people start accusing generals like Eisenhower of being war criminals. What is interesting enough to note is that Ike was pretty compassionate about executing people. He only permitted one convicted deserter to be shot in the entire ETO. His name was Eddie Slovak.

On the other hand, Hitler ordered the execution of thousands and thousands of German soldiers for little reason. Perhaps a comment here or there and it was off to the nearest wall and be handed a blindfold and a cigarette.

I often wonder what the very people that think this way would heve been saying if they had been another GI Joe in Europe or the Pacific. It's pretty easy to be self rightous sitting behind a keyboard seventy years after the fact.

I grew up in the 60s and have been exposed to the activist mentality all my life and the way I see it, it really has nothing to do with human decency. A lot of activists are truly violent people. Many have committed crimes like indiscriminate bombings and arsons.

As for the causes, they really are generally whatever they get fooled into believing, generally they are leftist but not always.

Timothy MacVeigh was a right wing activist and he took down the federal building in Oklahoma City during the Clinton years. While I didn't and still don't advocate it, I sure understand how he felt when he did it.

Still, there is a certain spoiled brat  mentality there and often it is both cruel and cowardly. The ANTIFA people are both cowardly and brutal. I seriously wonder how many would return if someone simply unmasked them and took their photograph. Most of them are just as cruel and cowardly as the Klan. Many are worse.





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AN email someone sent me.

Civilization in 2017- this is priceless!!!
·         Our Phones - Wireless  

·         Cooking - Fireless

·         Cars - Keyless 

·         Food - Fatless 

·         Tires -Tubeless 

·         Dress - Sleeveless 

·         Youth -  Jobless 

·         Leaders - Shameless

·         Relationships - Meaningless 

·         Attitudes - Careless 

·         Babies - Fatherless 

·         Feelings -  Heartless 

·         Education - Valueless 

·         Children – Manner-less  

          We are - SPEECHLESS,

          Government - is CLUELESS, 

          Our Politicians - WORTHLESS!  

       And I'm scared - Shitless!




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Inspected by

#17



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The disease industry.

I saw some kind of crap about how the Nazis had the cure for cancer. I didn't bother reading it other then a few sentences because I'm reasonably sure it's crap.

Yet I wonder if there are not cures for diseases that have been either shelved, shunted aside or out and out ditched because the disease industry knows they will be out of business.

Suppose they could knock the common cold out with one ten cent pill. There are a humongous number of businesses that would lose an awful lot of money. We spend a lot of dough on OTC cold medications. I can easily see where greedy business would hide something beneficial to us to preserve their income.

I wonder how much of this kind of thing really goes on. 



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I just bought the entire light sport pilot course for under $9

which is a pretty damned good deal. Used books are generally cheap.

I also bought and Old School NOS flight computer for $10 shipped which is also a damned good deal. I'm sticking my toe into getting a light sport pilot license as I have shelved the motorcycle idea.

I do figure that I'll try and at least pass the written as an academic exercise. However, I am going to take a somewhat different tack on this. I intend to learn the materiel and not cheap out with one of those cheater study guides. Flying is serious business and I really ought to learn the materiel.

I do not know how far I really want to take this one. I do know that purchasing a sport plane is about as expensive as a motorcycle but is pretty hard to store. I could have simply kept a bike in the garage behind the Mazda.

There are also a lot more hidden expenses and I figure I ought to be pretty wary as I am getting close to retirement and should be a little more financially conservative. Flying can get awfully expensive awfully fast.

I am going to come up with a plan of sorts and set a goal.

It is going to take very careful research before I decide which way I want to go.

Back in the day a used small plane was actually affordable to the working stiff but Dr. Bob and Lawyer John got into it and pretty much ruined it for the working stiff.

Enter the ultralight which begat the light sport plane.

The light sport plane is little more than an oversized ultralight in many cases and is affordable. 

We'll see how this plan goes. 



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It is hard for me to sympathize with the guy that got beat up on American Airlines.

To begin with I read he was already off of the plane and charged right back in and dug in.

Secondly he physically resisted. He could have saved himself a lot of trouble and grief.

Thirdly while it looks like he got hammered, I seriously wonder how much of it is self-inflicted for the benefit of making it look worse than it is for the benefit of a future lawsuit.

Let's stop and think for a second about fighting with any security/LE/police/military type. It is common knowledge that you are not going to win the physical alteration. If you do win the battle you are going to lose the war. Physically battling against the system is a losing deal any way you slice it. You're gonna lose, Jack.

This clown fought the system physically and guess what? He lost.

Imagine that!

When things get so they are going to be physical against the powers that be it COURTROOM TIME. Sue the bastards, take them to court and you have a chance at winning.

Juries historically really don't like huge corporations so they are usually pretty generous with the settlements.

On the other hand, juries don't like assholes and this guy sure seems to have been one and if the jury thinks that this guy was being a jerk he likely won't get squat.

Guys like him don't really want to see me on the jury because I try and be fair and impartial and the truth is I don't like jerks trying to take what is not theirs.





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I think I am going to go through a bunch

of old computers and get rid of them after I destroy the hard drives.

All they are doing is taking up space in a closet. I have not bothered to even fire a couple of them up in years and years.

Thirty caliber gunfire will generally destroy a hard drive.



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Unit, spousal, one each has offered funds for a license to fly

which is interesting.

I have noticed that when my back was turned the FAA has created two new classes of pilot, recreational and sport.

Both of these are far more affordable than the traditional private pilot's license.

Maybe I'll license for that, who knows. However if I do it is going to be with some fairly simple and maybe even primitive aircraft.

We'll see.




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I am wondering what my next project is going to be.

Who knows?

Someone suggested putting a turbocharger into the Miata but I think I will pass on that one.

The little 1600cc engine goes fast enough to get me into trouble now.





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Complainers that should have their names posted publicly

The other day I read where people are complaining about a rifle range that has been in operation for over a century.

There is a simple solution for that.

Everyone that complains gets their name posted on a series of billboards that are erected in the general area. It would serve the purpose of warning people in the area who the local dumbasses and crybabies are.

These are the same people that move next to a major international airport and want it shut down. 

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An open letter to the president.

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave

Washington DC

Kid,

You oughta grow you a pencil thing moustache. The Errol Flynn/Clark Gable kind because you are now the Swashbuckler in Chief as I see it.

Errol Flynn's got nothing on you. He used to swing across the room on a chandelier with a good lookin' babe over his shoulder and fight eight or so guys off at once.

You, Mr. President, are defending you family which included some very attractive women and a young son. (Donnie and Eric are big boys and can take care of themselves.)

In addition to defending your womenfolk and children you are managing to fight about 60+ percent of Congress at once.

Besides this, you seem to spend an awful lot of your time up to your ass in alligators and still manage to remember you are trying to drain the swamp.

The way I look at it that makes you the biggest swashbuckler this nation has ever produced. 

Grow yourself a pencil thin moustache. You deserve it!

Yours,

Piccolo

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Someone the other day

made a comment about the people on the History Channel show 'Swamp People'. It wasn't a nice thing to say and it was clear as to where this clown was coming from.

He simply wanted someone to look down on and his comment didn't get the results he expected.

I looked at him and pointed out that those swamp dwellers were a lot more competent than he was.

“Those people hunt and fish for a living and take care of themselves in a basic way,” I said to him. “On the other hand the other day you had to call Triple A for a lousy flat tire.”

“Yeah, well I...” he started.

“You can't even change a flat tire,” I interrupted. “Yet you are mocking people that can feed, clothe, shelter and generally take care of themselves.

Sometimes celebrities make fun of basic people. When they do that they are talking with their mouths full. Not too many big shot celebrities can take care of themselves like the Swamp People can. In fact the celebrities rely on the admiration of the little people to attaainand hold their status.

Back when I was in high school one of my teachers made a comment about how without an education I would wind up shoeing horses all my life.

I shot back that the guy that the horses that lived on MY street did quite well. I pointed out that he had a rather nice place to live and a fairly new car that would start.

It was a reference because the guy was a slob and his yard was trashy and a couple of days earlier several of us had to push his car to get it started.

It got me a detention from him and smirks from a couple of teachers that were my admirers.

Shortly after I licensed about 25 years ago I went back to the family manse for a visit and ran into him. He addressed me by my name. “It's CAPTAIN Piccolo,”

When he asked me if I had gotten into Mass Maritime I prouldly replied, “No. I'm a Hawsepiper.”

He shook his head.

I think he has passed on because I drove by his house a few years after that and it looked well tended for. Someone else probably lived there.

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Someone the other day made a comment about the people on the History Channel show 'Swamp People'.

 It wasn't a nice thing to say and it was clear as to where this clown was coming from.

He simply wanted someone to look down on and his comment didn't get the results he expected.

I looked at him and pointed out that those swamp dwellers were a lot more competent than he was.

“Those people hunt and fish for a living and take care of themselves in a basic way,” I said to him. “On the other hand the other day you had to call Triple A for a lousy flat tire.”

“Yeah, well I...” he started.

“You can't even change a flat tire,” I interrupted. “Yet you are mocking people that can feed, clothe, shelter and generally take care of themselves.

Sometimes celebrities make fun of basic people. When they do that they are talking with their mouths full. Not too many big shot celebrities can take care of themselves like the Swamp People can. In fact the celebrities rely on the admiration of the little people to attaainand hold their status.

Back when I was in high school one of my teachers made a comment about how without an education I would wind up shoeing horses all my life.

I shot back that the guy that the horses that lived on MY street did quite well. I pointed out that he had a rather nice place to live and a car that would start.

It was a reference because the guy was a slob and his yard was trashy and a couple of days earlier several of us had to push his car to get it started.

It got me a detention from him and smirks from a couple of teachers that were my admirers.

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Call me Captain Hilts.

I got signed up for my motorcycle course and was talking about it with a long time biker. He agreed I did the right thing taking the full 5 day course.

Then he asked me how long it had been since I had ridden a bike. To make a point I went straight to the sarcasm department.

"Last time it was a German bike I stole after I busted out of Stalag Luft III back in '44." I said. He chuckled.

A young guy behind me went wide eyed and interrupted. "You broke out of a prisoner of war camp during WW2" He asked, wide eyed.

"Yes," said the old biker. "This is Captain Hilts. He stole a German motorcycle and jumped two barbed wire fences but didn't get through the third."

"It wasn't a souped up Triumph like they used in the movie, either," I added.

The old biker said, "Yeah. He used a 1940 German army BMW and not only that he still had the sidecar attached. Now THAT'S Old School!"

The kid looked at me. "You don't look that old," he said.

"That's because I don't drink cheap booze," I said. "I only drink first class liquor off the top shelf and plenty of it!"

Hook, line and sinker.

The old biker looked at me and shook my hand and with a straight face, said "Good to meet you, Captain Hilts."

Us old guys stick together.

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Three home invaders

 were shot and killed recently. The woman that was driving the getaway car has been arrested and charged.

What is interesting is that one of the relatives of one of the deceased home invaders is griping that the fight wasn't fair.

The person defending their home used an AR15 type rifle and shot all three invaders stone dead. Now someone is complaining that using a rifle like that meaans it isn't a fair fight.

Generally the person that complains about the fairness of a fight is the sore loser. Truth is there is no such thing as a fair fight outside of the ring. This 'put up your dukes' is a bunch of crap...especially when we are talking about criminal activity.

There is no obligation to fight fair to defend against a home invasion. Any weapon can be used and to be honest, it gladdens my heart to hear that a homeowner has outgunned an invader.

I think I am not alone in wanting to wake up to watch the morning news and hear that some cranky old bat fried a trio of home invaders with a flame thrower or a couple of gallons of napalm.

It would serve as an example to others that home invasion isn't a very good idea.

A few years back in another state there was a case in court where someone was going after a homeowner that defended his home. The prosecuting attorney asked the defendent why he had used a .45 automatic to defend his home.

Much to the amusement of the jury that let the defendant off, he replied that he didn't have a .46. I wish I was on that jury. I would have kaughed myself silly.

Truth is nobody should have to lose a child but the truth is also that it is up to the parents to raise their kids right. Still, as far as the fair fight business goes the term is generally used by the person that loses.

Back when I was in the service I was taught that if you find yourself in anything remotely resembling a fair fight than someone along the line did something wrong.

Personally I think an AR-15 is a pretty good houeshold defense weapon, depending on where one lives.

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Working on my 'M' endorsement today.

I found a place that will give me the motorcycle course at  time when my work will permit. I'm going to sign up later today after I get back from DMV and get my PA motorcycle learner's permit.

I can't sign up without the permit so I will sign up this afternoon.







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Someone from overseas asked me about the election

I told them it was a case of stupidity on the part of both parties.

I explained that it was a case of Hillary could have beaten any of the potential Republican candidates EXCEPT for Donald Trump.

Any of the potential Democratic candidates EXCEPT Hillary could have beaten Donald Trump.

The Republicans wanted to run one of their party insiders and the rank and file revolted and forced them to run Trump.

What is happening now is the big shot Republican insiders are stymieing Trump as their way of punishing the little guys that supported Trump because they are scared he will upset their apple cart.

*******************

In other news I spoke with he father of a 16 year old daughter that is concerned as she is a bright young lady and doing well in high school. She's thinking about college.

My advice to him was to make damned good and well she has a plan before coughing up a fortune for her education. Of course, he was 100% in agreement.

He apparently is a lot more open minded than most regarding basic vocational education. He gets it.

I have an old classmate that went the vo-tech route back in the 60s and back then most parents really looked down on vo-tech because they believed the only route to success was college.

The interesting part is that when Joe and Connie College were in the junior year at the college of their choice this guy was opening his own business. 

The business has flourished and is still doing well.

What is interesting to note is the business was adjusted over time to meet his needs over his life. When he was raising kids he went gangbusters and did a lot of business. Now that his kids are raised and his house is paid for he has slowed down and enjoys life a lot more. He still makes money but he now picks and chooses which contracts to take.

Many vo-tech graduates go well beyond being tradesmen and become successful businessmen. 

I look around and in my area I see several trucks with the logo of a local plumbing company on it. My guess is the guy that owns the business has never set foot in a college classroom. Same goes for the owner of a local roofing company that owns the trucks I often see.

I see a lot of people out there doing quite well that only had high school or a vo tech education.

Come to think of it, most of the pains in the ass seem to have degrees.









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I am wondering what is going to happen next

One of the bereaved parents of a dead home invader are griping that the AR-15 the homeowner used to defend his home made the fight unfair.

You don't say! It is not supposed to be fair.

There was once a time when I felt bad for anyone that lost a kid but the time has past. I don't automatically feel that way anymore.

If you lose a child that is killed while he is in the process of committing a violent crime than you have an awful lot to do with it.
You should have been a better parent.

I suppose I'll still feel bad for you but if you run your mouth in public and blame other people and things for you child's demise you will get a damned smart answer from me.




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It is a new Saturday and the deer are outside

enjoying some fine dining. They are pretty fat for this time of year because the winter was very mild.

Their coats are beginning to turn color from the grey/white/black to the rich tan color of the warmer seasons.

My antennas are out and doing well having survived the winter and it is getting near time for the does to throw their fawns. The cycle continues.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

I grow more and more disgusted with what I see around me.

8888888888888888

Yesterday I noticed a friend using a simple flip phone and I thought about it. I often think of taking a step backwards with things like technology. I am not sure how I feel on this issue but I am considering it.

  




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