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Jan. 28th, 2003 06:20 am
(no subject)
So the Air Force calls the new, unmanned drone it's using for surveillance a UAV, for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
It's called an AIRPLANE, you yoinks.
It's called an AIRPLANE, you yoinks.
Jan. 28th, 2003
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Jan. 28th, 2003 08:19 am
(no subject)
What is it with SCA-types and other anglophiles that makes them think only the Highland clans are at all interesting or cool? Everyone acts as if the Highlanders were the best of Scotland, the best fighters, the best drinkers, etc. etc. etc.
Well, I'm the scion of a border clan, and I'm sick to death of hearing about the ruttin' Highlanders. Here's truth, kids: The Highlanders were (with exceptions, of course) drunk, boorish peasants who spent most of their energies fighting each other in idiotic internecine warfare, blunting the strength they should have spent on England's invasions (Of course it isn't that simple, but I'm annoyed and so engaging in hyperbole).
The Johnstones were Borderers, raiding the English to supply themselves with horses and food -- often the same horses and food the English had stolen from them in their countless "Scorched Earth" raids.
I'm a Johnstone. (Johnstone/Johnston are the same clan, only in America is the difference noted). I'm heir to a proud tradition and bloodline, and no silly Tartan created by 19th century brothers out to make a fast buck is going to replace centuries of proud history.
*sigh*
Yeah, I'm done.
Well, I'm the scion of a border clan, and I'm sick to death of hearing about the ruttin' Highlanders. Here's truth, kids: The Highlanders were (with exceptions, of course) drunk, boorish peasants who spent most of their energies fighting each other in idiotic internecine warfare, blunting the strength they should have spent on England's invasions (Of course it isn't that simple, but I'm annoyed and so engaging in hyperbole).
The Johnstones were Borderers, raiding the English to supply themselves with horses and food -- often the same horses and food the English had stolen from them in their countless "Scorched Earth" raids.
I'm a Johnstone. (Johnstone/Johnston are the same clan, only in America is the difference noted). I'm heir to a proud tradition and bloodline, and no silly Tartan created by 19th century brothers out to make a fast buck is going to replace centuries of proud history.
*sigh*
Yeah, I'm done.
Jan. 28th, 2003 09:46 am
(no subject)
At approximately 11:40am EST seventeen years ago today, the U.S.S. Challenger exploded 73 seconds after launch. All hands were lost.
I was 15 when Challenger died. That's the only way I can think of it -- she died, and all her crew with her. That's how wrapped up in the Space Program I was. I watched it unfold live, in complete shock at what had happened. Tears flowed immediately, and even now, all these years later, it doesn't take more than a few thoughts to bring it all back. I didn't watch another launch for 14 years, not until they sent John Glenn back up. And watching /that/ launch, I cried again -- not for Glenn; I really don't feel that strongly about him; but to see that bird go up again . . . it took my breath away.
In honor of the seven brave people who died that day, I remember them, and promise to do all I can to make their dreams a reality for our race.
Francis Scobee
Michael Smith
Ellison Onizuka
Ronald McNair
Judith Resnik
Gregory Jarvis
Christa McAuliffe
Their sacrifice was not in vain.
Their names shall never be forgotten.
I was 15 when Challenger died. That's the only way I can think of it -- she died, and all her crew with her. That's how wrapped up in the Space Program I was. I watched it unfold live, in complete shock at what had happened. Tears flowed immediately, and even now, all these years later, it doesn't take more than a few thoughts to bring it all back. I didn't watch another launch for 14 years, not until they sent John Glenn back up. And watching /that/ launch, I cried again -- not for Glenn; I really don't feel that strongly about him; but to see that bird go up again . . . it took my breath away.
In honor of the seven brave people who died that day, I remember them, and promise to do all I can to make their dreams a reality for our race.
Michael Smith
Ellison Onizuka
Ronald McNair
Judith Resnik
Gregory Jarvis
Christa McAuliffe
Their sacrifice was not in vain.
Their names shall never be forgotten.