Military Advice
"Combat for Dummies" - (advice and instructions from actual military sources)
"Aim towards the enemy." --Instruction printed on U.S. Rocket Launcher
"When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend." --U.S. Marine Corps
"Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate. The bombs are guaranteed to always hit the ground." --USAF Ammo Troop
"If the enemy is in range, so are you." --Infantry Journal
"A slipping gear could let your m203 grenade launcher fire when you least expect it. That would make you quite unpopular in what's left of your unit." --Army's magazine of prevention maintenance
"It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed." --U.S. Air Force manual
"Try to look unimportant; the enemy may be low on ammo." --Infantry Journal
"Tracers work both ways." --U.S. Army Ordnance
"Five-second fuses only last three seconds." --Infantry Journal
"Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid." --David Hackworth
"If your attack is going too well, you're walking into an ambush." --Infantry Journal
"No combat-ready unit has ever passed inspection." --Joe Gay
"Any ship can be a minesweeper....once." --Anonymous
"Never tell the platoon sergeant you have nothing to do." --Unknown Marine Recruit
"Don't draw fire; it irritates the people around you." --Infantry Journal
"If you see a bomb technician running, try to keep up with him." --USAF Ammo Troop

I enjoyed this post....

i've thought up and written about 5 different blog entries over the past 2 weeks. the only problem is that i wrote them in my head rather than typing them. do you ever do that? write a letter or have a conversation in your head and then find that you never really get around to doing it in the world that exists outside of your head... i'm embarrassed to admit that i do it way too often. .....

You're not alone.

This is good news...
Burl Finkelstein, a hobby rocketry enthusiast from Shenandoah, Georgia has been working with representatives of the ATF in Washinton, DC in an attempt to define and identify alternative working arrangements for rocketry clubs to allow non-licensed members to fly high power rockets.
Finkelstein developed an outline of how a club could posture itself to take the burden off the member. That became a working document between himself and the ATF representatives in Washington, forming the foundation for clubs nationally to benefit from the information, if they chose to do so. This document has been reviewed by ATF in Washington, and they did not find any errors in the final version. This information is hoped to eventually result in an official notice from ATF that would be sent to all of their enforcement agents nationally.
..read the rest.

On Monday, the Missus snookered me into going to Sears to look at dish washers. Ours has been slowly going out. The one that she wanted was about $200 more expensive than she thought but I got it anyway. I got it home and installed it and when the Missus got home from work...she didn't like the color. So I'm going back to Sears today... unless I get crushed underneath a bisque colored dishwasher.

Well, my brother and his gang are gone. Dropped Mom off at the airport about an hour ago. sigh... I'm already missing them and it may take me a while to get used to a big house with just me and the missus.
It was great having them here and thank God for holidays. Otherwise we might not get together as much, little as it is now.
God be with them.

Meanwhile, time to get going on my projects, like replacing the dishwasher. Put a new one in yesterday. The missus didn't like the color so, I have to go back today.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”- Colossians 3:16

Mom just called and said that she had just boarded the plane. Only a few more hours.

Well, another Thanksgiving come and gone. I had my brother over, his girlfriend, his daughter and his girlfriend's daughter. I also had over 2 gentlemen from church. Instead of the tradional turkey, we opted for Thanksgiving steak with maple salmon. It was very delicious. For desert we had apple pie with whipped cream and marble cake.

It was nice to host Thanksgiving in our home.

Last night we played rummy for a couple of hours and watched Dodgeball.

Mom should be flying in and will be at home when I get at home. Yes I'm working today. It will be great to see her. Haven't seen Mom since the family reunion this past June.

I'm going to miss them all when they leave.

This is funny. Do it yourself disasters.

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”- Psalm 95:1-2

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.”- Psalm 1:1-2

By now you've probably heard of that shooting in Finland. Very sad. I was only 5 miles from that small town in September while I was there visiting my wife's family in a small town called Porninien.

Pray for the victims, and yes the shooter too.

Well, the rocket launch at VAST was canceled for this weekend. Couple that with the cancellation from Battle Field Park and I'm a pretty depressed rocket dude. The cancelations, due to a fire ban will give me a chance to continue working on repairing my rockets without breaking more.

Here is the current status of my repairs.

Miss Sweden, suffered a nose dive into the ground because stupid me forgot the ejection charge. The rocket is painted, but I may have to resand it in certain parts because I didn't like how it turned out. I will have to run to Hobby Town to pick up some more mylar tape for the striping. I still need to add a shock cord. I think I will finish this by next week's launch.



Norad Pro Max. Suffered a separation at apogee and a cracked fin. She's been painted and the shock card has been reattached. I want to add a little more epoxy to the shock cord and she will then be flight ready.

Black Flag. A new rocket that was supposed to be ready for the last launch, but she was all set to fly when I noticed structural issues that would have been fatal for the rocket. A new electronics bay is being fitted into the payload section. I will then will have to attach the start switch onto the bay, drill and fit removable rivets. She has been painted but because of all the rework, there will have to be a lot of touching up. This rocket is priority and I will have her ready to go by the next launch.

Jalapeno. A nose weight came loose during the last flight. I have reattached the nose weight using liquid foam and it appears to be real solid. She is now flight ready.

“[Instructions on Worship] I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”- 1 Timothy 2:1-2

“And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.”- Ephesians 1:9-10

Makes my heart go pitty-patter.
Middle school girl wins science competion with her rockets.
Very positive story. Makes my day.

Not very comforting: (From Ralph Peters)

The Chinese are developing the capability to attack our satellite network; the Russians already have it - and terrorists would love to get it.

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”- 1 Peter 5:8-9

LaShawn has a blog post on tomorrow's 490th anniversary of Martin Luther posting his theses to the castle doors.
“I cannot submit my faith either to the Pope or to the Councils, because it is clear as day that they have frequently erred and contradicted each other. Unless therefore, I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture…I cannot and will not retract…Here I stand, I can do no other. So help me God, Amen.” - Martin Luther

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”- Ephesians 2:8-9

My friend sent me a page with some of her awesome photographs on it.
Enjoy!

Interesting site, Livius.
Found this article about what Tacitus wrote about the christians during the great Roman fire.
snippet...

Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then,
upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the
crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort
was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by
dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and
burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”- Romans 12:1

If you are going to sell something, it might be a good idea to have someone take a look at your ad first, you know to make sure that you are not saying something stupid. Like here.

This is Miss Sweden. Not on this flight, but the next one she took a nose dive and the whole front end was crushed. I'm working on the repairs, but she will fly again.

In Remembrance: Denise Savoie-Rosenfield

CEDAR CITY, Utah USA — AeroTech/RCS co-owner and Director of Administrations Denise Savoie-Rosenfield passed away on October 24, 2007. She was 55.
Denise was employed by AeroTech since 1987, and became a co-founder of RCS Rocket Motor Components, Inc. in 2003. She was instrumental in the rebuild and relocation of the AeroTech and Industrial Solid Propulsion (ISP) businesses after the fires that destroyed their motor manufacturing facility in October, 2001.
Denise was a bible study teacher for the Church of Christ in Cedar City, UT. She loved hiking, computers, needlepoint, reading, music and travel.
She is survived by her husband Gary Rosenfield, four children, two grandchildren, her parents and four siblings.

The Rockets Red Glare

I haven't written in a few days. Didn't really have much to say. But..... this past weekend was the third itteration of the Red Glare rocket launch with the boys at MDRA. I took off friday (claimed that it was a religious holiday) and flew my rockets.

The first one I launched, Jalapeno, was on an Aerotech I-211. I should have used a bigger motor because it was underpowered. It was a nice flight, but as always, not high enough.

Next, I launched Miss Sweden on a G-67 Redline for another spectacular flight. I checked my camera and I noticed that I got a nice shot of that. Will have to upload that.

On Saturday, I intended to launch Black Flag (PML- Black Brant X), but the rocket gremlins got to it and caused me a big problem. There were some structural integrity issues that I noticed when I was on the launch pad so I didn't feel to comfortable in launching it. Believe me, I really wanted to but decided against it because it would have been fatal (for the rocket). Once apart, I was heartbroken as to some key components were broken. Therefore Black Flag will have to wait for some repairs and some major design changes before flying. Back to the drawing board.

Since I had the motor already prepped for Black Flag, I decided to use it in Shiloh (PML-Sudden Rush). Shiloh is a much smaller rocket than Black Flag and although it would take a Loki J-525 Motor, I wasn't sure if it could handle it. I decided to go for it. The flight was spectacular, however she flew into the clouds and from there we lost sight of it. We searched for a couple of hours before I finally gave up on finding it. But, as luck would have it, I stumbled upon it as I was walking back to my truck. I checked the electronics and it was beeping 7,815 feet. That is the highest I've ever gone. Actually, more than 3 times the height of my previous record of 2400 feet. I was happy that I got that high and I was also happy that I found the rocket.

Sunday was a disaster. I wasn't able to Vinny's Nike Smoke to light and fly. Then, when I flew Miss Sweden, she had a spectacular flight but nose dived straight into the ground. Stupid Me forgot the ejection charge. Well, she can be rebuilt and I already started working on that.

Thats all for now.

Psalm 27:12
Do not abandon me to the will of my foes; malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me.

An Air America radio personality apologized Tuesday for saying that a colleague, the liberal talk show host Randi Rhodes, had been the victim of a violent street mugging perpetrated by "the right wing hate machine."

MEAT CEREALS

If you understand this, then you are a geek. And if you are a geek, its funny as all get out.

Last night, I rented a movie and along with some friends watched 'Facing the Giants'. Despite some of the negative reviews I thought it was great and the kids loved watching it.
If you are looking for a family friendly, positive movie, give this one a try.

This is good.
Capitol Architect backs down, dumps ban on 'God'

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.”- Proverbs 19:20-21


I'm a little on the angry side today. Not sure what it is. Sometimes I feel like God is not in our lives as much as I'd like him to be. But then again, that could be true and it could be my fault. Just a thought.

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
Proverbs 14:8

Some hate is better than others.

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.”- Proverbs 19:20-21

The rocket coffin.
This weekend, I've been working on a project that I've been thinking about for quite a while. Everytime I go to a rocket launch, I end up stuffing all the rockets behind the seat of my truck. Sometimes with all the shifting around, something gets broke or gets a nasty scratch. Sooo, since I had yesterday off, I darted off to Home Depot after my morning breakfast of raison bran and picked up some lumber and plywood. I started building a box with a rack inside for rockets. On the end is a door so that I can just slide a rocket inside it onto a rack made from a knarly garden hose I've haven't thrown out yet. I've got most of it done, but I had to make another trip to Home Depot to pick up a new drill. This time I got one that has a cord instead of one of those 'worthless after 10 minutes of use' cordless types.
Like I said, I have most of it done. I still need another sheet of plywood for the last side. I underestimated how much I would need. I also picked up some tiny wheels and they are now screwed to the bottom. So now all i have to do is roll it around. When its time to launch, I just heave it up into the back of the truck and go. I will also put on some handles to make the lifting easier. Maybe later I could post a picture of it.

The Squirrel relocator.
This is funny, but I really feel for the squirrel.

By their fruit, you will recognize them.

Good question, LaShawn.

Duct tape baby.

I thought this was funny.

“It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”- Deuteronomy 13:4

Bomarc.

I was going to make a quick post on the crash of the XwIng, but the Instapundit already beat me to it. Therefore I will just make a quick post that the new Bomarc from MadCow looks really cool. I will have to put that on my wish list.

I'm not going to eat it: Hot chili triggers chemical alert.
We're having a chili contest here at work. No connection with this story (Thank God).

Proverbs 27:1

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

A real life X-WING

Now this is kewl.

Rocket-powered 21-foot long X-Wing model actually flies

The X-Wing model is huge. At 21 feet long and with a wingspan of over 19 feet it is, in fact, big enough to fly a kid in. However, knowing that it will be powered by solid-fuel rockets, they wouldn't put a kid, dog, monkey or Gizmodo editor inside, even if it uses three full parachutes to land.

More here.

First Post

Well, here it is. The first post of a new blog. I'm starting this blog because everynow and then I come across something interesting and nobody else seems to blog about it. I would send a link to the Instapundit, but I think he gets to many emails and ignores most of them. So I will just have to blog about it.
There is a rule that I will attempt to follow, I can't post or link to anything that Instapundit blogs about. I think Instapundit is the best blog out there. Its informative with bits of humor, as well as having well thought out opinions (even if I disagree with him on many issues).

So here goes, wish me luck.