August 6, 1945 . . .

. . . Hiroshima, Japan

This time of the year, various factions in Japan demand apologies, and certain liberal American factions try to force them. I hold both of these groups in the lowest regard.

So did my father, who was on Guam and was otherwise destined for the land invasion of Japan.

So did my cousin, who was rotting as a slave in Japan after surviving Cabanatuan and the Hell Ships.

The events of Palawan, Laha, Banka Island, Bataan, Parit Sulong, Manila, the Burma Railroad, Pearl Harbor, Nanking, Wake Island, Chichi Jima, Camp O'Donnell, and others too numerous to mention, preclude any apologies - ever.

I have concerns . . .

. . . about the mosque near ground zero.

In preface, I will state that I am sickened by the overt displays of bigotry by some of those opposing this project. However, I am still saddened that the project will most likely proceed as planned.

My concern is not about religion, freedom of speech or human rights. It is about common sense and sensitivity.

Let me draw a parallel. Might we establish a Department of Defense school named after Harry Truman in Hiroshima? That would not be well received. Similarly, we decided not send the Truman, Eisenhower or Roosevelt to Japan when the Kitty Hawk was retired. We sent the Washington, becuse we felt to do otherwise would be insensitive.

How magnanamous would it be for the imam of this congregation to say, "We understand the level of emotion associated with ground zero, and out of respect for those feelings, we will locate our mosque elsewhere."

Instead, there is a legal battle forcing the issue. I do not contest the congregation's right to do so, but which approach would be more likely to engender understanding and respect?

I suspect . . .

. . . that this will not generate sympathy to the cause.

Obviously, this is an attempted protest against the new Arizona immigration law. Attempted, because the brainiac holding it up thirteen stripes with a Buddhist yung drung in the canton instead of the NAZI swastika he thought he created.

This type of unmitigated ignorance is simply unacceptable, and shows how far from a reason this discussion has moved.

This, and the numbingly inane argument that accompanies this mindset, to wit: "We are, after all, a nation of immigrants."

That we are. However, we are not a nation of illegal immigrants. If you can't comprehend that difference, please exit the discussion. You have nothing constructive to add, and I'm tired of your mindless babble.

As of today, our federal government has effectively blocked the Arizona law on the grounds that it usurps federal authority.

Of course it does. When one cannot or will not do one's job, then someone else must step in. The irony of the federal position is mind-numbing.

What, then is the primary driver? To answer a question with a question or two:

1. Which political party receives the majority of votes frim the hispanic community?

2. Which political party stands to gain the most from this position?

3. Which political party is currently in deep doo?

Well, that was three, but draw your own conclusions. I have drawn mine.

Isn't there a law against pandering?

Yankee . . .

. . . ingenuity

Well, that, Linksys and a 20' cable put me back online. Hook a LINKSYS USB wireless adapter to a 20' USB extension cable and set it on the balcony wall close to the neighbors' house, and one just might access their router.

At least one bar's worth.

I'm not a pirate, mind you. They said it was OK.

Ain't technology wunnerful?

Dark side . . .

. . . of the moon

We're moving tomorrow, and have not phone line or internet connection. Since this is Italy, where everything has a priority somewhere in the triple digits, and everyone goes on vacation in August, I don't know when we will be back.

However, we will check email regularly on the WIFI service at the library.

Movin' on out . . .

. . . this weekend!

These photos, along with [these] should give a pretty good idea where we're going. Simple fact - we could never manage to find (or afford) a house like this in the States. Anyhow, it would have too many stairs for us to manage in our dotage, but for now, it will work.

2CH3COOH + CaCO3

-----> Ca(CH3COO)2 + H2O + CO2 *


The water in this part of Campania is very heavy in minerals, particularly calcium. When the lawn sprinklers at the base spray the cars, the water leaves white deposits that are very hard to remove. About the only thing that will work is a dilute solution of 25% white vinegar.

The trick is to dip a dish scrubber in the mixture, scour the windshield and wipe it quickly with paper towels.

The vinegar/water mixture takes the calcium right off. The only problem is that after cleaning the car, I smell like I just finished first in the 100 meter douche.

*For those who remember zip about chemistry:
acetic acid + calcium carbonate --> calcium acetatae + water + carbon dioxide.

(Don't feel bad. I had to look it up)