Woman wears Muslim headscarf in uniform. Cites religious freedom.

Just a thought... I have to take down my "Have a blessed day" sign from my office cubicle at my government job because it inappropriately exposes others to my religious beliefs, implies a government establishment of religion and conflicts with the mythical "separation of church and state" proviso.  What if those same people are forced to be exposed to her Muslim faith by having to interact with her in her head covering, in uniform, in the execution of her government duties?  Where is the Freedom From Religion pack-o-wolves?  Why are they not petitioning the DOD to have this woman's religious beliefs driven underground?

                    

I am not a consistent blogger.  And when I do post, I often have nothing to say that is of interest to anyone but me.  If that's the case, I should just keep my private journal and abandon blogging altogether.  I think that notion has merit but the great thing about freedom of speech is that it's protected and preserved, regardless of whether or not it's interesting.  I am free to be boring.

My Favorite Authors Based on Their Books I've Read

   I have kept a logbook of every book I’ve read going back as long as I can remember.  It totals 401 so far.  Transferred it to an Excel spreadsheet several years ago and can manipulate the data.  Sorting by author name, I like, in order of number of books I’ve read by the author:

Stephen King: 60
Arthur C. Clarke: 16
Clive Barker: 13
Frank Herbert: 10
Michael Creighton: 8

   To be sure, there are books I’m crazy about that are the only book written by that author.  Or, as in the case of Tom Clancy, I like a few of his books very much but did not like the rest.  Chuck Palahniuk falls into this category, as does William F. Nolan.  Keith Laumer’s “Bolo” series rates high as well.
   Many will say that I should have read an equal number of Dean Koontz if I like Stephen King.  I say they are not similar writers.  King appeals to me consistently and I am one of his “Constant Readers” whereas Koontz is hit and miss so I give much of his work a pass.
   Also; I read the Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe and H.P. Lovecraft in one huge bite so they are favorites but rate only one book each.
   And the always favorite “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee stands alone.

Modern Romans

I response to this:

•  http://www.ijreview.com/2015/05/313490-utah-high-...

I said this:

The Romans used to torture us, imprison us and feed us to lions. My faith calls on me to forgive... over and over... always. To the real hate mongers... to the modern day Romans, I say "I forgive you. You know not what you do." To the perverters of my faith (from the Crusades, through the Inquisition, through all the scummy televangelists to those who hide fear behind dogma... I forgive you as well. I cannot deny my faith so all I can do is bear the burden, pray for strength and continue to forgive my persecutors. If I can be true, God's everlasting kingdom shall be my reward.

 

http://www.ijreview.com/2015/05/313490-utah-high-school-crowns-prom-queen-first-ever/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=PRM3&utm_campaign=PRM3

 

When my son wanted to be a dumptruck at the age of four, I guess I should have strapped a bucket of dirt to his back and called him "Mack" or "Kenworth" instead of ignoring his self-determination. I'm all for exploring who you are and who you can become and certainly don't want to see anyone harmed physically or psychologically by intoleranbce but there are sure to be problems down the road that won't become evident for years until this generation of self-determiners grow into adulthood. I just can't applaud this as a total-good with the future (and unintended) consequences being unknown.

The Boot Snake Latrine Incident

Anyone who has served in the military in the last 60 years will know what "bloused boots" means.  For everyone else... bloused boots is the method of drawing up the trouser cuff and either tucking it into the top of the boot or (as I prefer) rolling it under an elastic band around the lower calf, above the boot top.

Our fatigue pants have a drawstring in the cuff that makes this easier and more secure.  Don't want the pant legs coming untucked.  Occasionally though, the drawstring slips out and we call that a boot snake.

I was in the latrine after lunch; having just finished my business, when I glanced down and saw a boot snake.  I bent over and tried to tuck it back under the elastic band but it would not cooperate.  I began muttering to myself,  "Dang you... c'mon!  Get in there.  I mean it.  Can't walk around with you hanging out."  I finally succeeded in getting the string tucked back in and the boot blouser band gave an audible "thwack" as it snapped back.  I opened the stall and was heading to the sinks to wash my hands when I noticed two gentleman watching me; hands motionless in the act of drying their hands with paper towels.  I stared blankly back for a few moments then realization dawned on me that they heard my muttered comments earlier.  I tried to think of some funny remark but decided to just go.  Sometimes all you can do is just go.

Good skill-set for children to develop as they grow

1. Grow vegetables from seeds
2. Have local edible and medicinal plant foraging skills
3. Make a fire and know fire safety
4. Cook on an open fire
5. Open a can of food with and without can opener 
6. How to safely use a knife
7. How to shoot a sling shot
8. How to hunt small game with snares, traps and sling shot
9. How to fish and hunt (bow & gun) when old enough
10. How to clean fish and wild game
11. Find and purify water
12. Basic first aid
13. Find or build a shelter in the wilderness
14. How to stay warm, cool and dry in the elements
15. How, Why and When to stay hidden
16. Self defense
17. Marksmanship (rifle, shotgun, revolver and pistol) 
18. How to make a basic weapon and how to use it
19. Be able to run and walk a good distance and be in generally good shape
20. How to read a map and use a compass
21. How to read the sky and clouds for directions, time and approaching bad weather
22. Know where family and friends live if they need to find them
23. How to sew so they can mend clothing or any fabric and even make things such as bags or scrap quilts
24. How to bargain and trade (Kids naturally do this with their toys so teach them at garage sales.)
25. Develop strong situational awareness
26. Have a natural curiosity and good problem solving skills
27. Be hard working and a self starter and a family helper not a complainer!
28. Have a strong faith in God (morals, memorize Bible verses, prayers, songs, and have a hope for heaven)