Saw this post on the "Plane Talking" forum on Hyperscale yesterday. One of the real heroes of World War II is in a bad way. Those guys are failing fast. If anyone knows a WWII vet, please try to get them to tellyou about their experiences. Get them on tape so they are not forgotten.

" Bad news re: Bob Morgan, Memphis Belle pilot...
Thu Apr 29, 2004 07:56
216.49.69.242

Just got this from a friend... Bob's a tough one, and he's gonna need all that toughness to get through this. I met him last fall in Richmond, and was deeply, deeply impressed by this man and his wife Linda- they run an animal rescue program in the Asheville area, and are truly wonderful people.


We're pullin' for you, Col. Morgan...

------------------------
Bob fell last Wed at the Asheville Regional Airport and broke his neck. He fell face down on the pavement. He's been in ICU at Mission Hospital since and is holding his own. He's heavily sedated and has not opened his eyes for three days.

He stopped breathing yesterday and they put in a ventilator which perked him up immediately. Tonight at 7:30pm they'll do a tracheotomy so they have a permanent airway.

he's not paralyzed thank God, but will have to wear a brace for six months.

Say prayers.

Linda Morgan

The official website for Paul Allen's collection of warbirds in Seattle. Lots of pictures and some videos of the P-51 in flight.
Flying Heritage Collection

An interesting story about an academic study centre for the study of Science Fiction. A major collection of the papers and works of a number of the pioneers of the field as well as the greats and near-greats of British and European SF. Is there a similar collection of American works?
SF Collection

A collection of anecdotes about people and computers. I have more than a professional interest in these stories, as I have had to deal with some of these people.
Computer Stupidities

A neat airplane picture site. Try taking the quizzes. a different ID quiz each time. Added to my bookmark list.

Axls Planes Gallery

G. W. personally defends the White House against terrorists with a little help from his National Security Advisor. Fun Game. Hat Tip: Audience of One
Bush Shoot-Out

As Darth Vader would say, "Impressive, very impressive." From the pictures, this was a very well done project. I admire the level of detail. If Kenner had sold something like this, it wouldn't be this nice and would cost a whole lot more. I just wonder if the kids had given up on action figures by the time he finished it.
Star Wars Star Destroyer Custom built for 4" Figures

I've heard of using retired 727's for houses, and seen picutres of a Boeing 307 converted into a houseboat. I've even seen DC-3s converted into a "roach coach" and a motorhome. This is the first conversion of a jetliner into a super-deluxe limo I'm aware of. $1000 for 3 hours? Too rich for my blood. And I never knew there were highways in Mexico that could handle a vehicle that large doing 125 mph.
Jet Limo

Paul Allen's small, exclusive warbird collection in Seattle. $20 is a bit steep, but if I lived in the Seattle area, I'd try to find out when the planes are being "exercised" and arrange to hang out at the airport.
Warbird collection

Interesting story. A small boy from Lousiana is apparently channeling the memories of WWII Naval aviator.
About past lives ... WW II flyer's memories

I'm A 1970s Geek

You've decided for the world that it's time for a change. JOIN THE GEEK REVOLUTION!

find your geek decade at spacefem.com

:: how jedi are you? ::

A freind sent me the link to this site. Plug in the numbers and see what the after-effects of an asteroid or comet strike would be. Not as graphic as the Discovery Channel, but the numbers are "interesting" in the Chinese sense of the word.
Earth-Shattering Kaboom!

Just created a new title bar with the assistance of my wife. We activated some previously-unused web space we have access to, and now I'll be able to post pictures. Also note the contact address above. Please send me a note if you read something you wish to comment on. Just put in the appropriate (punctuation).

Blogging has been a bit slow of late. Linda went in the hospital on Wednesday to have a quite large cyst removed from her abdomen. She also had a complete hysterectomy and an oomphorectomy. The good news is that the cyst was just that, and she is already home. I'll be spending the next week with her at home to make sure everything's OK; she'll be home for another month.

While this is NOT a political blog, a quick perusal of my blogroll should indicate what my personal views are. I've been following the news from overseas with more than a casual interest. Here's hoping our troops in Iraq kick some ass and take names. On second thought, they should just kick ass, I personally don't care what their names are.

Executive Decisions
The Networks are getting ready to announce their new fall schedules. Imagine what would happen if you could play programmer for one day!

1. What shows would make up a perfect night of TV viewing for you?
Babylon 5, NYPD Blue, Good Eats, Junkyard Wars

2. What show(s) would you cancel without a moment's hesitation?
Survivor, The Batchelor, Average Joe, anything of that ilk.


3. Is there a show (previously cancelled or just no longer airing) that you'd bring back, original cast and all?
Remember WENN, Babylon 5

~Bonus~ You get to create one show to put on the schedule, with any stars you choose. Who and what would it be?Quasi-military SF Action/Adventure with Kevin O'Rourke, Scott Bakula, Jerry Doyle, Claudia Christian, Allyson Hannigan and Tony Shalhoub as "the plucky comic relief" Absolutely NO cute kids.

TV Tuesday

I'm a big fan of analog gauges in cars, and I think this mod will look really cool and very retro.
CoolerMaster Musketeer

"A Cassette Deck for the PC

The PlusDeck 2 is a full-logic cassette deck for your PC. Use it to archive your old cassette tapes of 80s hair bands into digital media files for playback on your PC. Or better yet, archive your favorite audio files or streams onto cassette - perfect for playback in your '78 Midget that is still not sporting an in-dash CD player. (Those of you still in the 8-track days will have to keep waiting for a PC-friendly solution I'm afraid...)"
PlusDeck

Nothing like being able to whip up a little snack right at your desk. I think not.
PC EZ-Bake Oven

This is a neat thing, but I can see some potential privacy issues. Talk about actually being able to make one of those super-spy brief cases like we had as a kid, only for real.
Key Ring Camcorder
Hat Tip:
Diversionz

Been working on re-working the storage in my hobby room. We emptied the closet and installed several full-length wire shelves to increase storage space. Also added a 6x6for rolling storage unit and a couple of rolling bins for the unbuilt rocket kits. I've been cataloging my kits in Word Perfect as I am replacing them on the shelves. I'm almost done with the injection-molded kits. Current count is 786. I have one box left to do, and expect to finish up at a bit over 800 kits. This does not count the flying model rocket kits, the vacuforms, and the six large storage bins full of kits out in the shed.

Now, I have to rearrange some of the furniture to provide access to the window and possibly build a vented spray booth, so I can spray in the house regardless of weather. Michaels has a 50% off coupon and I'm thinking seriously about finally breaking down and buying a compressor to use with the airbrush I've had for many years, but have rarely used.

Then I can finally get back to building models!

Went out for ice cream this afternoon. Our favorite ice cream place is called "Brusters": and is an open-air place. We go there partly because they will give us a "doggy sundae" (small scoop of vanilla w/ dog biscuits) so we take Willow out for a ride. Anyway, the Brusters we went to is is up on a hill jsut south of the Dobbins AFB runway. We had a cold front through last night, and the sky was 'severe clear,' so blue it almost hurts to look at it. The wind was from the WNW and aircraft were landing east to west, and we got a good look at anything on final. Looked up after we got there, and spotted an F/A-22 coming in with a white/red Flight Test F-16B as chase. Didn't get a close enough view to see if the Raptor had anything other than usual markings.

Just a note to Wilbur. I checked my references and I'm pretty sure the Japanese fighters in 1945 are Nakajima Ki-84 Hayates (Allied code name 'Frank'). Unfortunately, I cannot read Japanese, so I cannot be sure.

Its amazing what governments will try to collect taxes on. Nothing like trying to dig a little deeper into your pockets.
Strangest state tax laws - Apr. 2, 2004

You are a GRAMMAR GOD!

If your mission in life is not already to
preserve the English tongue, it should be.
Congratulations and thank you!

I suppose I do pretty well for a southern boy. Just remember if you think we talk funny, GOD talks like we do. Now STOP groveling! You KNOW I hate it when you do that!

How grammatically sound are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Onesome: Rebel -- Hey, are you considered a rebel in any areas? Yeah? Like how, man? (...or not? Maybe you are one of the conforming types?)I've always been a bit unconventional, but not actively rebellious. I tend to keep a low profile.

Twosome:Without -- Hmmm... What have you done without lately that you could use a little of? Sunshine? A break from schoolwork? Housework? Kids? Time to indulge my hobbies

Threesome:a Cause -- ...and just 'cause' it's the type of thing we ask: are you getting away for Easter/Spring break or is the usual routine in effect?Taking two weeks Family Medical Leave without pay to take care of Linda after her surgery next week

Noted this just because the reference to one of the most underrated comedians to appear on British TV. Much more 'adult' than Benny Hill, and a a great teller of Irish 'shaggy dog' stories. I wish someone would put his stuff out on DVD.
One Country Under God

Cor blimey, I taste like Tea. I am a subtle flavour, quiet and polite, gentle, almost ambient. My presence in crowds will often go unnoticed. Best not to spill me on your clothes though, I can leave a nasty stain. What Flavour Are You?