Weekend open thread

| March 13, 2015

TAH Assault vehicle

No one asked for it, but, I figured that you’d need one. The picture is the new TAH Blogging Assault Vehicle. I think it needs bigger tires, though. I’ll have to work on that along with some of the other mods that have to get done before I pick it up.

Category: Open thread

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Ex-PH2

Yeah, bigger tires with serious treads and a hot tamale set of mudflaps.

It’s just too bad that CB radio went out of style. That elongated whip antenna was so cool.

CLAW131

Yep, the best thing about the new TAH BAV is it’s sporting a bowtie.

They can keep their ovals and goat heads.

Perry Gaskill

Congrats on the new ride, Jonn. Formidable as Napoleon might say.

I tend to stick with the older ones; my current truck is a ’91 GMC K1500 Z71 with 200K on the clock, a fresh crate engine, and a set of All-Terrain TAs.

OC

Perry, now take this in the vein it’s offered – humor.
You must be pretty comfortable in your manhood to be driving a Gay Mans Chevy. 😉

Perry Gaskill

Careful, OC. Making fun of a guy’s truck is almost as bad as kicking his dog. Besides, everyone knows GMCs are fabulous…

Mr Wolf

BIGGER tires and wheels?

You into Donked or something?

What will you tow this new rig with? I mean, Chevy’s DO require backups…

Green Thumb

You should lower it.

Hondo

Hey – Ford makes good vehicles too. Can’t say I’m all that impressed with what I’ve seen out of Chrysler recently, though.

John S.

After 10 years and 197k miles, I went from an orpaned GM Marque (Saturn LW) to a boxy Jeep Patriot 4×4. It’s a step down in space, but I love it.

Hack Stone

There were no vintage 1980 Jaguars available? Speaking of people with shitty Jaguars and no mailbox doors, only five shopping days left until Paul turns 59, so beat the crowds at the mall, and head over to Damily Dollar to get Paul his gift. I have already purchased him the generic box of Hamburger Helper with the smeared expiration date, but not to worry, he is registered there.

AW1Ed

I can contribute a long expired can of cheese-whiz, to go with, ya know. It kind’a rattles now, but it’s the thought that counts.

Dennis - not chevy

Shouldn’t the cheese-whiz go to chevy?

thebesig

Speaking of which, Dennis (Denny) Howard Chevalier is at it again… getting this flagged would piss him off again. :mrgreen:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/rnr/4931630166.html

It’s on “Internet trolls” where he singles This Aint Hell. 🙄

nbcguy54ACTUAL

I didn’t know Damily Dollar sold used condoms. That’s the only gift I can think of for the man who is and has nothing.

Thunderstixx

I thought that pSul would like some help- since he is now shilling for the Global Warming cause !!!
I am donating my recycled toilet paper to him, I have a whole years worth of it so he should be able to get a lot of good wipes out of it.
Some of it is rather crusty but it will still work great for his great cause !!!

Ex-PH2

When did peckerwood start doing that – shlling? I could send him some used sidewalk salt and the dead bird in my front yard.

Green Thumb

I doubt he uses them.

It is my understanding that he likes to “catch” and work balls.

Ex-PH2

Well, that would explain his use of the term ‘chaste’ in referring to that wife of his. It’s very likely that, like Roman wives, she has her own bedroom.

sj

I actually bought a new mailbox at Lowe’s yesterday. Even I could afford it and I don’t have a Jag

Hack Stone

To be fair, you probably got a 10% military discount. Until Lowes starts providing a 10% discount for former residents of the Montgomery County Detention Center, that ail box will remain just outside of Paul’s reach.

sj

Tru dat. My discount was $1.90. But I thought Viking Blood could handle that.

And didn’t the charming Mrs. Wickre land a staffer job with a new congress critter? Staffers are like cock roaches so they just migrate to the office that has yet to be sprayed.

Oh, OT, but after buying my military discounted mailbox (and a BUNCH more shit), we had a wonderful early dinner at Longhorn. When the server brought the check, she said oh…I’ll be right back. I thought huh? When she came back she said she saw my Mil ID in my wallet and went back to deduct 10%. I never even think to ask for that except at Lowes on big purchases so was surprised.

OAE CPO USN Ret

Scene: Front door of Bernath manor as viewed from inside the house. As the camera slowly moves closer to the door there’s a knock.

Cut to: Bernath hiding in the closet muttering “those bush ninja’s are looking for me, but they won’t find me in here”

More knocking is heard, he starts to rock himself.

Once more another knock and he stifles a whimper.

Cut to: The front door as viewed from the outside of Bernath Manor. The camera pulls back to reveal…

A Publishers Clearing House crew, complete with balloons and one of those giant checks. The presenter and the camera crew look at each other, shrug, then pack up their things. As they drive off the presenter said “That’s the fifth time we’ve tried to give this guy his prize. I guess it’s time to pick another name out of the hat.”

Ex-PH2

Yes, they knocked on a door in Ft. Collins, CO, instead.

WrenchS2/S3

Hey Sparks

How is the cardio rehab coming along? I hope you’re doing well and progressing to your goal(s).
Wishing you and yours all the best.

Sparks

WrenchS2/S3…Thank you for asking. It is going well. Walking and riding the recumbent a lot and now working on upper body. Heart still trips into afib quite often but they monitor it with a remote EKG attached to me. Doc says if it persists they may consider an ablation especially when I wake up and check it and it’s around 95 to 120 BPM. I have no symptoms, well I get fatigued for no reason when I was feeling great and my head gets goofy. The goofy head is proved by the comments and photos I post here. 😀

Ex-PH2

Sparks, are you saying you have paroxysmial atrial tachycardia?

Didn’t they provide you with a defib setup?

Sparks

Ex-PH2…Not sure of the medical name for it. No defib setup at home, just meds to help to go back into normal rhythm. The rehab gym has defibrillators in several places. Mine is atrial flutter actually, so I am misusing the term “afib”. Same as atrial fibrillation except the atrial chambers are in synchronous instead of asynchronous mode.

Thunderstixx

I’ve been dealing with heart failure for several years now.
I think the worst part of it is that I get so tired so easily now.
I hope you are doing well, It has been an amazing journey for me. I only hope that yours continues well for you too.
Prayer and medication worked a literal miracle for me…
Oh, add in a couple of Angels from the VA and other places to make the story complete. like I said, amazing.
Take care Sparks.

WrenchS2/S3

Stixx,

I was told by the cardiologist that I have an aneurism on the carotid artery – which has effected my balance. I was wondering why I spent more time on my ass than on my skis for the last couple of years! Question for you – A.T (or as we used to call it Randonee) or Tele?

I learned to ski at Huck Creek in ’74 on what we jokingly called APCs – Arctic Personnel Carriers – 210’s w/cable bindings. Recently acquired a pair for a wall mount…

All the best

Sparks

Thunderstixx…Thank you for your thoughts and I hope and pray your heart is well and remains so.

WrenchS2/S3

Sparks,

While I was hooked up to the remote EKG, they noticed some weird stuff going on – and that I had a bundle block. The interesting thing is that I did not have a heart attack.

We had a rather large fire (the Rim fire) and it was smokey and hot here. I was doing some stuff outside and didn’t feel right so went to the doc – ended up with 4 new hoses.

As Thunderstixx said below, it truly has been an interesting journey with some truly amazing Docs/Nurses/et al along the way. Some of the best info I’ve received though has been from other members of the CABG club. And yes, the fatigue factor sucks! But my friend, it truly does beat the alternative!

Wishing you continued success & good health

charles w

I was not aware how many of us have heart problems. Maybe Jonn can have a weekly thread for us! I just got out of the hospital for complications of a valve replacement surgery. The one thing that seems to affect me is a little depression because I cannot do the things I used to do. It makes me feel better reading about how you guys are doing and to know I am not alone. Continued good luck to you all.

WrenchS2/S3

Charles,

Been there, done that too. Several years ago I had my C-spine (C4-C7) fused. I’ll never forget the sage advice the neurologist gave me – “So, you used to do a thousand things. Now, you can do 900. Are you going to worry about those 100 or enjoy the 900?”

Fast forward to the heart surgery – started down the depression path and then remembered the “900” – been good since.

Wishing you all the best for your recovery.

charles w

Thanks. That’s great advice. It is great to read about how others in your situation handle these things. I don’t post a lot here, but what Sparks says below sure is true.

WrenchS2/S3

Charles,

“Pump head” yep, no other way to explain it. It took me about 5 months to recover from that – my Cardiologist told me it can take up to a year. Needless to say I was quite happy to regain my faculties in such short order.

Here’s hoping that you get through “that” sooner rather than later.

All the best

Sparks

charles w…I am still fighting the same issue. It has gotten better but still get confused, have short term memory problems get emotional to the point of tears at the dumbest things. Example, “Flo” from the Progressive Insurance Commercial. Go figure that on out if you can.

Of course if the wife watches a romantic “tearjerker”, as she often does. Presurgery, I just rolled my eyes and held my breath until it was over and it was MY TURN to pick the next movie. Now I have a box of tissue next to my chair like her to get through them. (She likes the new me. The kinder, gentler, more in touch with my “feminine side”. YUCK!!! I never believed I had a feminine side, front, back, inside or outside to EVER even find to be in touch with.)

It comes on suddenly and then as suddenly, I’m back to normal. I know what causes it, as explained by the doctor and then researched online. It is called “pump head” in the surgeon’s scrub room and medically, Postperfusion Syndrome. Happens in a high number of people who have heart surgery and are on a heart-lung bypass machine. If you Google it and do a bit of research you’ll find you are in lots of good company. It does improve though, thankfully.

charles w

So true so true. The main thing for me was I was doing so well and then the bottom seemed to fall out. I got so sick my wife had to call an ambulance as I did not even have the strength to walk out to the car. I am doing better now and sure glad modern medicine had an answer. Best of luck to you and keep us updated on you recovery.

Instinct

Happened to my dad. I think it’s the fact that mortality knocked on the door for a moment there and you are still dealing with it.

Dad had a quad bypass and that was over 30 years ago. Did really well in the rehab but did have bouts of depression (which anyone who knows my dad would know is very not-him).

You’ll get through it and get back to being you. Just keep the faith and keep up with your rehab.

OC

Me – quad bypass 4 years ago.
I still miss them damn smokes…
Wrench, I’m stealing the “900 things” line.
Hope all continue to heal.

OC

Sparks

WrenchS2/S3…I appreciate you and my other friends here remembering and asking after me. It means more to hear interest from my brothers and sisters here, than from anyone I know or meet, even in person. You folks here are a unique family of mine. I’ve never seen a one of you and I’ve only emailed a few. All of you are true ladies and gentlemen with hearts of gold and I appreciate it more than I can put in words here. So, I will stop before I have to use more than my sleeve to wipe my eyes. God bless and keep each and every one of you in all of your needs and each heart’s desires.

OWB

You say stuff like that without passing that tissue box first?

sj

Back at you Sparks. Let’s keep 3/17 in our prayers too.

Sparks

sj…Yes, 3/17 is and has been in my prayers. Thanks for the reminder.

JimW

Good to hear your on the road to recovery. It is a long road and does take time to recover. My 5x CABG was 4 years ago now. Was six months before I felt good again, and a good year before thinking I was really on the road to recovery. Now I can walk two miles without any difficulty. Feel really good (Had trouble walking 50 feet before). My prayer tonight will be that you and all here will experience a great recovery. Learning to accept help from family and friends is a very humbling experience. As I’m sure you all have been independent and tough as nails for most your life. Now we have to accept and be grateful to those that help us. God Bless!

Sparks

JimW…Amen brother. Thank you.

Holden Magroin

Adam B. Appel of Anchorage, Alaska works balls!

https://adamappelfraud.wordpress.com/2015/02/15/adam-appel-lies-about-being-in-a-plane-crash-in-fiji-in-january-2015/

His pants are officially on fire!

Holden

Ex-PH2

A couple of anniversaries came and went this past week without much notice.

March 8, 1965, was the date of the Marines landing at Da Nang Bay beach (aka Red Beach), instead of at China Beach as everyone thought was going to happen.

March 11, 2011, was the date of the 9.0 earthquake that did so much damage by tectonic movement and tidal wave to Honshu Island at the north end of Japan. It caused the east coast of Japan to move 13 feet east in some places and also subduct 3+ feet, making it 3 feet too low to keep the 33 foot tidal wave from sweeping over the 30-foot high seawalls.

And St. Patrick’s Day is on Monday, so slainte! to all Irish people.

AW1Ed

Though it was Tuesday, but I’m OK with a head start.;-)
Spring officially starts on the 20th.

Ex-PH2

Aggggh! You’re right. My bad. I didn’t use enough fingers when counting.

Zero Ponsdorf

And it IS Friday The 13th to boot. I was thinking about writing a poem to commemorate surviving yet another one – but it ain’t quite over.

Instinct

Yeah, would like it to be over. Both kids are throwing up, one has an ear infection to boot and I don’t feel so hot either.

I want a do-over

Sparks

By the way brothers and sisters, you may or may not have noticed, I started a free WordPress blog. Not so much for blogging at all but I needed a server based site to upload my photos to, so I could generate the URLs to share them here. Most are just military humor and I have not made them public on the blog yet. I didn’t want to offend the curios who happen on the blog site by accident. If I do post a photo, even if marked *NSFW*, which offends anyone here, please don’t hesitate to tell me quickly. Offense is the last thing I wish to cause here. My sense of pictorial humor is FAR different from some people. To me a picture does speak a thousand words. Anyway, just wanted to give y’all a heads up.

Also to Jonn, I already assumed if I went over the line you would pull the post and give me the appropriate scolding.

Sapper3307

Sounds good send a link please.

Sparks

Sapper3307…I am new to WordPress and learning as I go by trial and error. So I learned how to share a photo but not publish the blog site correctly. When I do I will post the link to it here and everyone interested can take a look. Thanks for asking though.

B eastWoodman

Offended? Us at TAH? HAHAHAHAHAHA. It is to laugh. Bring it, Sparks, bring it. If you DO manage to offend any of us, it will have to be a VERY high bar, indeed. And we will NOT hesitate to tell you. 😉

Instinct

I was going to say! If someone here gets offended we will submit you for an ARCOM!

Sparks

An ARCOM!

comment image

Ozzie 11B

Yes, by all means, let us know how to post memes, because I have the “Official Butthurt Form” – If you are offended, please fill this form out in triplicate, make sure you jump chain of command when you file copy number 2 and tell everyone, I mean EVERYONE, so your ARCOM recommendation doesn’t get lost, and file the other with NPRC to make sure your Butthurt doesn’t go unnoticed. You may even qualify for a “Purple Anus” award for the butthurt.

DO NOT try to claim a “Purple Anus” award unless you are actually awarded one, this list is closely watched.

Those who watch this award are among the few who got a sunrise tattoo on the small of their back. “At 20 it looks sexy, at 60 it looks like an octopus chasing a starfish” – Robin Williams

If you are offended, well, just tell me, I will make sure I remain politically correct to my party – the American party – and do my best to offend you again.

Don’t like it? You can vote me out once every 300 years as the official keeper of the butthurt form.

And once it is entered into the database of the internet, no records fire will ever touch it.

There will be “some” butthurt stolen valor, as many will want to claim it, but the true “butthurts” will out them at once. No one wants another’s butthurt to be worse than theirs.

So claim your butthurt now, before it’s too late. This is a limited time offer.

Sparks

Ozzie 11B…”Purple Anus Award” love it!!!

Thunderstixx

I just gotta see what others on here think about this latest turn of the developments in Hollywood.
To me, these super badass heroes like Neeson, Matt Damon as Bourne, even Jason Stateham are wearing thin. They all have the same plot line, one guy takes on the entire CIA, the Chinese mob, and assorted bad guy organizations around the world.
Now we have Sean Penn taking apart another rogue government operation.
To me, with Matt Damon taking the Bourne thing about three times farther than it was worth I think this new addition with Penn is totally over the top.
Linus was the perfect part for Damon in the Oceans trilogy as it seemed he was living the part.
Whiny sniveling little POS with an ego the size of the Hindenburg…
Myself it is to the point that I just cannot watch any of them anymore. The Bourne thing with the CIA Black unit killing a couple of hundred civilians in each movie and watching Damon kill someone with a rolled up magazine was about the end of it…
And NOW, Sean Penn is the Specops killer ???
Yeah, right…
Anyway, just something for conversation this weekend.
Have a great weekend everybody.

Ex-PH2

I liked the impossibly idiotic stunts in ‘Bourne Identity’, such as Bourne riding the dead bad guy in a 3-floor freefall to the ground floor. Anyone else landing that hard from a fall like that would suffer cardiac arrest caused by the impact, even with the bad guy’s corpse under him. But not our boy Bourne – oh, no, not even when none of that happened in the original novel series.

Ludlum’s stories are theatrical in style – page turners that keep you coming back – but not once did he conceive of any such ludicrous stuff for his Bourne character.

I really like movies better when the production companies make up their own stories. When they change or corrupt someone else’s work, which they frequently do, they fail.

B Woodman

And to continue the HollyWierd deflation, in LA a group is putting up faked posters lambasting Liam Neeson’s stance on gun control, despite making movies glorifying gun violence.

http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2015/03/13/fake-movie-posters-mock-liam-neeson-for-gun-control-hypocrisy/

Sparks

Thunderstixx…Totally agree on every actor and point. Statham was good in a couple but now he’s role typed himself and like most, when age sets in, it’s over. Neeson…dislike him for so many reasons even before I get to his acting it makes me mad to even think about him. Damon was okay in “Good Will Hunting” and the first Bourne movie, then they went too far with sequels. Penn I wouldn’t piss on if he were on fire in front of me. I’d step over him or get out the marshmallows and hotdogs.

charles w

I do like the RED movies. Bruce Willis seems to put a little humor in his stuff. As far as Liam Neeson is concerned, Isn’t he running out of people to be Taken?

Seadog

Ehh… I like the Expendables franchise. I know it’s all BS, but it’s fun to watch.

Flagwaver

Those aged action heroes coming back to the big screen was just awesome. Plus, Chuck Norris.

Ex-PH2

All right, fine.

I like Clint Eastwood movies and I don’t care who knows it. Ditto John Wayne.

I still think Kirk Douglas is one hot tamale. Ditto George Peppard.

Any movie with Basil Rathbone in it is fine with me.

I also like Sean Bean, despite the fact that he’s a drunk. His ‘Sharp’ series was enjoyable, and he made Boromir in LOTR-FOTR human instead of cardboard.

There were only two good ‘Alien’ movies: Alien and Aliens. The rest were trash.

I never missed an episode of ‘Tour of Duty’ (the Army worked with production on that show) or ‘China Beach’.

That pretty much covers it for me.

charles w

I too like Kirk Douglas. Does that make me gay? Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

Instinct

No, saying you like him is fine. If you were to say “I want to tongue bath his man meat” then that would be going towards the gay side.

charles w

Thanks for clearing that up. I feel better now.

Seadog

Jonn, not to be too nosy, but I have to ask what mods you are looking at. My Mom was diagnosed with ALS about 4 years ago. Unfortunately, she’s at the point where she is pretty much chair bound. (It’s a nice chair though.) She is in the ALS trials out of Duke university, so that’s been a big help.

And as was posted elsewhere, earlier. We should take up a chair fund for you.

MCPO NYC USN Ret.

TAH BAV, Type 1, Mod 0, Unit of Issue … Only

Fuel Type: GFY

Armament: IMHO just a keyboard.

Range: Any distance, anywhere.

Operator: Classified by POTUS, memo lost in fire.

Seadog

WTF, over?

MCPO NYC USN Ret.

It is called really bad satire!

Seadog

For a minute I was worried. I thought you had gone Wickre on us.

GDcontractor

Top speed: GFY
Amphibious: Fuck no

The Other Whitey

Beginning the yearly ritual of pulling out and squaring away the dress uniform for the St. Paddy’s Parade tomorrow. I was compelled to buy that damned thing (for $600) nine years ago, and by God, I’ll get mileage out of it!

Honestly, I’m extremely happy that it’s only seen the light of day once per year for the last four. I don’t much enjoy funerals. I enjoy the hell out of St. Patrick’s Day, even if I don’t drink!

GDContractor

Kids and I got to the farm this evening and found we had a brand new bull calf. Going to name him Levon. He’s a handsome little devil.

Hondo

I’m guessing Levon will like money . . . . (hat tip to anyone who catches the reference – smile)

MrBill

He makes a lot, they say.

GDcontractor

Yeah not a huge Elton John fan but coming up on 3 years that we lost Levon Helm. If we have another bull calf with black markings, Rockford it will be.

Hondo

“Fair enough”. (Yes, that’s another reference – smile.)

Hondo

Spends his days counting, too. (Nailed it, MrBill.)

FatCircles0311

Nice!

I would have gone with the new 2015 Ford Mustang though. I guess the wife put the brakes on that since its such a pantie wagon.

Have a good weekend.

Ex-PH2

I will stick with my 2001 Escape. It has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever had. It still gets good mileage, and there is no GPS telling me to turn at the next corner. (I know: you usually CAN turn that thing off.)

Ford can’t keep up with the demand for the F150 pickup.

If you need to find the cheapest gas price in your area, go to gasbuddy dot com and type in the name of the town or the zip code. It lists all prices first, including discounts for cash purchases, and then you can click on the ‘map’ link and that will take you to the local map of gas stations. Very handy, has saved me a bundle of money and a lot of travel time.

Ex-PH2

The glacier in my front yard is one-third the size it was in February. It also contains at least half the birdfood I put out for the birds, plus one dead bird that had apparently died in mid-flight and plowed into the snow.
I will get out the broom and dustpan and sweep the front steps and throw that stuff into the bare spots the squirrel left in my yard. We’re supposed to have 70F by Monday and then 42F or lower by next Friday.

GDcontractor

I was betting that the open three photo this week was going to be one of yours, of breakup.

Ex-PH2

Naw, but Pinto Nag did send me something and I meant to forward it to Admin. Maybe next time.

sj

I didn’t think it was warming up that much already in Ft. Collins, CO.

AW1Ed

Rain tonight and all day tomorrow- so much for some range time. May be a good day to clean firearms and play with the new pressure cooker. French onion soup, anyone?

FatCircles0311

If it ain’t raining we ain’t training!

😀

Jordan Rott

Saying the R word at Ft. Lewis when I got there was a smokeable offense

WrenchS2/S3

Properly referred to as Seattle Sunshine…

Green Thumb

Commander Phil Monkress of All-Points Logistics continues to avoid calls seeking clarification of his Navy SEAL claims, Officer commissioning source, LEO status, Native American tribal affiliation and certain All-Points Logistics internal policies regarding conduct and financial allocations.

When you ask his less than competent and less than ethical senior staff these questions or to speak directly with Phil Monkress, they say “Who is Phil Monkress?” Still. The rank and file just laugh. They seem to get it.

One would assume the senior staff would just be honest and just say, “Phil Monkress went to see a man about his taint.”

The truth will set you free.

AW1Ed
Candle

I hope with my infrequent commenting that I am not offending anyone here, As a mom/gramma i probably perceive things that only an old mommy bear would. So please forgive me if I have stepped on any toes!And just for the record, I was a fem CC of an f4e Phantom just for one term.

Ex-Ph2

Welcome aboard.

Hondo

Oh, I think you’ll know if/when you offend anyone here, Candle. The commenters here aren’t exactly shy and retiring. (smile)

OAE CPO USN Ret

Author Terry Pratchett, writer of the Discworld series died.

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-31858156

Ex-PH2

This blog with comments is, hands down, the best kind of place to find if you want to learn to be a better writer. You have enough space to get the point across, but you’d better get to it so that your audience does not start throwing dust bunnies at you and making fun of your first name.

Jordan Rott

What is the system or the basis for how navy ranks are written? Please explain it to me.

Ex-PH2

E1 – SR (seaman recruit) AR (airman recruit), CR (constructionman recruit), HR (hospital corpsman recruit)

E2- SA (seaman apprentice) AA (airman apprentice) CA (constructionman apprentice) HA (hospital corpsman apprentice)

E3 – SN (seman) AN (airman) CN (constructionman) HN (hospital corpsman)

E4 – petty officer 3rd class PO3, e.g., YN3, PH3, CB3, HM3 (all wear one chevron)

E5 – petty officer 2nd class (two chevrons) YN2, PH2, CB2, HM2

E6 – petty officer 1st class (three chevrons) YN1, PH1, CB1, HM1

E7 – Chief petty officer (three chevrons plus a rocker) YNC, PHC, CBC, HMC

E8 – Senior chief petty officer (three chevrons, a rocker and one star) YNCS, PHCS, CBCS, HMCS

E9 – Master chief petty officer (three chevrons, a rocker and two stars) YNCM, PHCM, CBCM, HMCM

N.B.: MCPO NYC Ret is a Master Chief Petty Officer Boiler Tech (BTCM). His crew lights the fires and kicks the tires.

bernutsky never made it past E5.

When I enlisted there were over 110 specialties or rates. Most of them have long since been combined into other rates, some with subspecialties.

There is a graphic symbol on your rating (rank) badge (crow), above the chevrons and under the eagle, that tells other sailors what you do, aside from drinking all the coffee without making a new pot.

The Navy used to have powder monkeys (men who handled powder loads for the ship’s guns and set the fuses) who worked with the gunner’s mates (Army: cannon cockers) to load the ship’s cannons (artillery). Now it’s more automated.

Here’s a link to the current job descriptions: https://www.navycs.com/navy-jobs/

sj

Best splaination I’ve ever seen.

And, you say, that Bernasty never was a CPO? Will he ever be? s/

Ex-PH2

No, never and no, never.

If that marone is still trying to find me, I do NOT live in Ft. Collins, CO.

sj

Oh. I thought I had read something about that from a MCPO in NY.

BTW: just cut and pasted your Navy rank thing into Evernote so I can find it easily. Tnx.

Hondo

You might find this one of use too, sj:

http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/docs/abbreviations/ranks_navy.pdf

Some are pretty old, but it also appears fairly comprehensive. Really helps with interpreting Navy FOIA replies.

sj

YGBSM! 69 pages of Navy rank acronyms?

Ex-PH2

It’s much simpler now.

Hondo

Tell the truth – it’s encryption designed solely to confuse everyone, including yourselves. Isn’t it? (smile)

Ex-PH2

Yes, it is. If some sailor told you he was a BM, what would you think he was talking about?

Hondo

That would depend on whether the individual was a “squared away” sailor or a dipstick. But I also worked on a naval installation for a few years, too. (smile)

Jordan Rott

Thank you EX-PH2! I was so confused about the HR, CR, AR, HN, the only thing I understood was the PH because you explained it in a different thread. That was an awesome explanation.

PavePusher

The Navy: Making simple things complicated and obscure since 1775.

nbcguy54ACTUAL

As a former Soldier, my understanding of the Navy rank system is that it was developed to thoroughly confuse the hell out of non-Navy types and to ensure that when a Navy and non-Navy type happened to pass by one another while in uniform, the Navy guy (or gal) would always receive a salute from the very confused non-Navy person.

Of course I could be wrong (or confused).

Ex-PH2

You have it exactly right.

It’s really a secret code system that is only broken down when sailors reach the E-7 level and have developed a properly calloused knuckle on the middle finger from holding a cup of coffee in that hand. The thicker the callous, the longer the time in the Navy.

Hondo

Breaks down at E7? Au contraire, mon cher – encrypted rate designations are used for E7/8/9, too. See HMC, HMCS, HMCM, et al . . . . (smile)

Ex-PH2

Hondo, shush!!! That is ONLY for sekkritt squirrels to discuss! You’re giving away the farm!

CLAW131

Here’s some more of that encryption that Army guys don’t understand:

My son was a CSCS(SS) when he retired last year after 26 years.

I always thought SS stood for Super Sport./sarc

Ex-PH2

(SS) has ALWAYS meant Secret Squirrel. That’s where Jonn got it. Someone at BuPers leaked it to him on his lunch hour in exchange for Complete Secrecy.

Steve Thompson

Since we all know now… We will all have to be killed !!!

Ex-PH2

Are your bushes rustling?

PavePusher

You ain’t wrong….

Sparks

Ex-PH2…Thank you for bringing this up and THANK YOU, for being the one to teach me how to learn to write well. I am still a poor writer by the standards I read here. Many here impress the heck out of me and I am envious of their skills. But it was you who taught me to pay attention to other writers, the good posts and poor and learn from them. I believe I have improved greatly since I found TAH 3 years ago. So Ex-PH2, again, thank you very much.

Jordan Rott

Oh, and if you really have time to waste and want to see something that will make you lose brain cells….

Sapper3307

Nice dog tag for the dog. I hope she is current on Rabies and distemper vaccines.

Ex-PH2

You left out parvo. It can kill a dog.

The Other Whitey

Vaguely resembles a chick I used to bang, and is about as honest. I wonder if they could be related?

JimW

Daaaaaahhhhhhh, my mind is numb watching that load of waste…maybe retire???? Who ever the dim wit is talking to and trying to manipulate is even dumber. And this one is most likely a drop out from preschool, because there is no way this twit graduated kindergarten.

Green Thumb

I remember this steaming pile of Phil Monkress.

Sparks

Wow!

I am trying to dig for those lost brain cells.

She is really, really a lesbian.
She is really, really dumb as a dried turd.
Her friends are really, really dumber than her.
In fact I will really, really add this photo. *NSFW*

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Jordan Rott

Hahaha that picture had me dying laughing!

Sparks

Jordan Rott…You are welcome my man.

(Now Jordan…I started off with a BAD history on TAH with the whole male/female poster screen name thing. I responded “brother or my man” to most, early on and found to my surprise that several were in fact ladies. I was terribly embarrassed. I used Notepad to make a memory list of the ladies screen names. So, if it turns out “Jordan” is a lady and not a dude, accept my apology and I will add you to my list.) 😀

Jordan Rott

Haha I am a guy but thanks for the consideration. I do, unfortunately, have a girls name haha. But my full name is Jordan Michael, because you know when I was born was in 89 and my older brother got to pick my name, and seeing as how I’m from the Suburbs of Chicago, I guess that was what was happening. My brother wanted Michael Jordan but my Dad switched it up.

Jordan Rott

Sidenote: The story I just wrote up there, “How I got my name” would make a better movie then Bowe Bergdahls story

Marine_7002

A recent Stolen Valor story by NBC’s “Today Show”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6c3OFP-lf4

Confirms again what Jonn says – Stolen Valor is just the tip of the iceberg.

Ex-PH2

Today (3/14/15) is Pi Day. Pi is the circumference of a circle divided by its diameter. It has not yet been fully calculated but someone named Houkuonshi recently took it to 6.6trillion places. It was originally calculated and named by a Welshman, so the once-a-century day is widely celebraed in Wales as Pi Day Cymru (or something like that).

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/offbeat/pi-day-2015-a-sweet-treat-for-maths-fans/ar-AA9JcZV

Today is also Albert Einstein’s birthday. Happy birthday, Uncel Albert!

On a side note, a local school district is trying to find a qualified teacher of Latin for 2nd grade and up. Not all school districts are using crap curricula.

JimW

Must be an end to the equation at some point or the answer is like a dog chasing its tail…

Ex-PH2

Personally, I think Pi is really the equation for a mobius strip.

Sparks

Ex-PH2…Loving math as I do, thank you for this! I’ll buy you a slice of your favorite Pi and coffee if I ever meet you. 😀

Also, Paul McCartney and I thank you for the hat tip to “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey”.

Hondo

I hate to be the one to say this . . . but Pi to 8 decimal digits is 3.1415926 – which rounds to 3.1416.

Ex-PH2

Curmudgeon!!!

I didn’t write the article. I blame lardbutt the dim for that.

2/17 Air Cav

Jonn is going to cause a great many drivers to slow down as he runs up the left lane on I-81 is that beast. Some blue reflectors in the grille would really do the trick during daylight hours. Zoom.

GDcontractor

It’s a good one for rolling up drunk right into the middle of an active Secret Service crime scene investigation I bet.

Pam

Aynone here a member of the American Legion? My husband and I were both approached yesterday about joining the local chaper. I don’t know much about the organization but will research. Any comments would be appreciated.

2/17 Air Cav

Yes, we’ve been around this block many times here and the consensus seems to be this: whether or not one’s membership in the American Legion is worthwhile depends upon the quality of the post and the individual’s purpose for joining. Visit the local post a few times. See what local programs it supports. If you find later it’s not to your liking, you can always un-join!

Pam

2/17 Air Cav, thanks for the great advice. We’ll check it out.

Ex-PH2

This is for Hack Stone:

I am willing to wait at the Cherry Hill Mall for you to bring me a cheesesteak with mushrooms, no peppers and extra-crispy curly fries and a soft pretzel with mustard.

But I can only wait so long.

If that won’t work for you, I’ll go over to Market Street near the lettuce vendors and see what they have.

thebesig

Originally posted by Ex-PH2:

If that won’t work for you, I’ll go over to Market Street near the lettuce vendors and see what they have.

Stay away from the cabbage vendors. :mrgreen:

Hack Stone

It’s been some time since I have been to the Cherry Hill. Back in the day, I used to frequent that mall because they had two different records stores there. That was back in the day when there were actual stores selling records. And just down the street was Peaches, a record store chain that would set up shop in closed grocery stores. You can fit a lot of albums into an old supermarket. As to getting you your recommended daily intake of cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, since someone on the board ratted me out to Paul, I had to move my command post to my COOP (Continually Outsmarting Oblivios Paul) site to the basement of the corporate headquarters of FirsTech Solutions. I have been told that Paul is afraid to go into the basement.

Ex-PH2

I was going to hang out in Pennsauken, but the diner I used to go to is gone. (I checked the directory.) So that left Cherry Hill. The only alternative to that is Center City near the statue of Rocky.

It was probably Joe Fish that ratted you out. I think he’s from South Jersey. Maybe we could get him to make psulie-o the uncoolie-o back off a bit, or ask him to lead psul (of the ballsack) on a wild goose chase through Camden. (Am I mean, or what?)

Oh, well. Never mind. I’ll just go up to Hoboken and visit Carlo’s Bakery. Real food for real people.

Ciao bella, Hack!

fsckity-fsck

Taking a huge Giduck right now in honor of the weekend open post. Been plugged up the last few weeks and so this one has been a explosion of sight and sound.

John Giduck – the turd with a face!

Ex-PH2

My 2nd commode was clogged, so I spent about 45 minutes alternating pans of boiling hot water with dish soap in the bowl. At some point, the proper glugging sound occurred. Since I fixed the plumbing, I will pay myself plumber’s wages of $75/hr plus tips and travel expenses.

MrBill

Posting Bram Tchaikovsky’s version of “I’m a Believer” last week had a collateral effect. All week, I’ve had this song of his stuck in my head – the best love song ever written to an inflatable doll!

Steve Thompson

HOLY SHIT !!! I had no idea that Barbara Eden could sing too !!! Damn, what a beautiful woman !!!

David

check out an Elvis movie from 1960 called “Flaming Star” (was on this weekend) – she is in it

Ex-PH2

Okay, well, since he has nothing better to do and Ferguson didn’t throw people into a panic, bodaprez has now officially declare Venezuela a threat to US national security.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/obama-declares-venezuela-a-threat-to-us-national-security/ar-AA9yzFS

Would you like fries with that?

John S.

I can’t see how; it’s not as though our countries share a border.

Perhaps one might feign concern if they start an export ban of baseball players and Miss Universe contestants to the U.S.

2/17 Air Cav

The issue seems to spring from a US concern about corrupt officials of the Venezuelan gov’t. I guess that means our bribes were rejected in favor of larger ones from other nations. If we actually cared about foreign corruption, Mexico would be tops on the list, but isn’t on it at all. Go figure.

Sparks

2/17 Air Cav…Corrupt Mexican Officials??!! Say it ain’t so!

2/17 Air Cav

“A New Hampshire ex-official believed to be the first transgender person elected to a state legislature was charged Thursday with calling in a bomb threat to a hospital, police said.” Source: AP

There is something inherently wrong about transgenders. How you say in Englas? They just ain’t right, something the USAF will find out sooner than other branches.

MCPO NYC USN Ret.

“Holy three types of bathrooms Batman, what now”, Robin asked rhetorically.

Batman replied, “Robin look at your junk, if it whole you go to the mens room. If you don’t have junk, you go to the ladies room. And if it split down the middle, you go to the other room”.

BAM
ZAP
WAM
BAZOOM
WACK

Ex-PH2

I don’t care what they do as long as they both stay the hell out of my bathroom.

nbcguy54ACTUAL

Especially since you have fixed it.

You did add in the weekend rate to your invoice didn’t you?

Ex-PH2

Yes, of course.

Sparks

Since it’s the Open Thread…We often get posts from folks who display tangent logic to an issue, poor logic or outright illogical thought. We often debate them, usually to no avail. I use to try very hard to understand their reasoning processes and could never, ever figure them out. Then, I saw a picture. It described in my mind how their initial thoughts, reasoning and final conclusions take form. So, I will share it again. Plus, like an old joke, it still makes me laugh. It is safe for viewing.

comment image

MCPO NYC USN Ret.

Sparks … That is very funny!

nbcguy54ACTUAL

Someone has to do it:

How’d Helen Keller burn her ear?
The phone rang and she answered the iron.

How’d she burn her other ear?
They called back.

(yes Lars – she’s freaking deaf! But it’s a joke – like you)

Next…

Sparks

nbcguy54ACTUAL…LMAO! If it’s okay with you, these are going in my SAVED JOKES file. 😀

nbcguy54ACTUAL

Which joke? Helen Keller or cpt Lard?

2/17 Air Cav

How did she burn her hand? Trying to read the waffle iron.

How did her folks punish her? By rearranging the furniture.

–Paid for by the Committee to Eliminate Political Correctness.

nbcguy54ACTUAL

How do I join this committee???

Sparks

nbcguy54ACTUAL…Me too. I’ll pay the dues! 😀

MrBill

Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer engaged to Bristol Palin –

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/bristol-palin-announces-engagement-war-hero-dakota-meyer-article-1.2149223

Waiting for liberals’ heads to begin exploding in three, two, one…

Sparks

MrBill…Thanks for the article. Congratulations to the Groom and Best Wishes to his lovely Bride!

OWB

Yeehaw! Yep, heads are exploding everywhere. Some classic comments already.

Meanwhile, congrats and best of luck to the happy couple. Dare I say blessings upon them?

Devtun

Bristol Meyer has a certain mediciny cough syrup ring to it….

OAE CPO USN Ret

For the Dutch Rudder Gang: I finally found a picture that sums up your writings.

http://i.imgur.com/KgmmfKg.jpg

Sparks

Our thought for the day, from Reverend D.O. Wright.

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AW1Ed

View from the cockpit of a C-2 Greyhound landing on the French carrier FS Charles de Gaulle.

Marine_7002

North Korean martial arts training:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKR_gC_yBPU

Belongs on the Comedy Channel!

Sparks

Jonn…Relax and have a great day Sir. You deserve a fun day away from the keyboard. And, thank you…for TAH!!! My best to your nephew and family as well.

Green Thumb

I am going to play with Phildo!

Green Thumb

Being that St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner, does any one think Commander Phil Monkress, CEO of All-Points Logistics, will “alter” his name to “Phil McMonkress”?

After all, he falsely claims he is a Native American to get contracts. Maybe he will claim he is a Irish-American to get free beer?

After all, its not like he is a confirmed drunk and addict….

sj

Wish I knew the brand of Psul’s mailbox. I replaced mine yesterday even though the door is in good shape. I could send it to Psul resulting in a thousand % improvement in the appearance of the stately Wickre mansion.

UpNorth

For the info of the Dutch Rudder Club, I am not, nor have I ever been, a Gold Star Mother.

nbcguy54ACTUAL

Just read that they made an arrest in the Ferguson cop shooting. Guy even admits it but claims he was shooting at someone else. The best part is the reporters say a “40mm handgun” was recovered. Quite a cannon I think.

When will the clueless reporters start proofreading their “sensational” reports?

2/17 Air Cav

Yeah, the shooter is a genius. He thinks he just laid a brilliant defense. What he did was screw himself. The moron is a defense attorney’s nightmare and a prosecutor’s dream.

Ex-PH2

In regard to reporters, a lot of them are millenials. I read a newsstory this morning that said they have the lowest job skills on the planet. This reporter probably doesn’t know about decimal points.

Perry Gaskill

Dunno, Ex. It seems to me that business models for news are broken at a fundamental level. One of the more serious failures being the lack of value recovery for creation of original content. It’s probably also true that, given the current trajectory, things will get worse before they get better.

The skills and resources required to do original content, especially on deadline, are demanding; those to do a rewrite of original content are not. If the same money is available for either, which is likely to be more common?

Before the TAH crew starts to rag on journalism too much, it might be pointed out that the craft should get some credit, for example and at least in a metaphorical sense, we wouldn’t know of the exploits of Odysseus without the efforts of a blind Homer.

Dave Hardin

The amazing thing is how lazy they are. They rip off each other’s work so much I am beginning to believe there are only a few who actually have a thought of their own:

The search for ‘ferguson 40mm handgun’

https://www.google.com/search?q=ferguson+40mm+handgun&gws_rd=ssl

Hondo

Must have found an M79 at Army-Navy Surplus . . . .

sj

Eric Holder will be on TV tonight to ban 40mm handguns and/or the ammo for them.

Ex-PH2

I doubt it, sj. It’s becoming an acceptable college sport again.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/gun-industrys-helping-hand-triggers-a-surge-in-college-shooting-clubs/2015/03/14/6bc31f4e-c8cd-11e4-a199-6cb5e63819d2_story.html

This is how it should be handled, not with fear and loathing.

nbcguy54ACTUAL

Did you notice how Holder talked about “our” law enforcement officers? Last week – scum of the earth. This week – “ours”.

Gotta love it.

Sparks

Seems every thread I read some more Commissar lore. Lars, you were…this guy. Don’t be…this guy.

*NSFW*

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Sparks

Folks I apologize for this post and photo. Even though it was *NSFW* warned, upon reflection I think inappropriate for the ladies in the room. I won’t go that far down range again.

Pinto Nag

Sparks, if it’s any consolation, I learned a long time ago to NEVER look at any link on here that was marked “NSFW.” Ignorance is better than brain shock. 😉

Sparks

Pinto Nag…Thank you for your kind comment.

CLAW131

Hey, Sparks, is that supposed to be the Pivot Man for a Little Green Man circle jerk or is he just waiting for the rest of patrol to catch up?

No, wait, he’s the slackman, right?

Ex-PH2

Environmental note: the redwinged blackbirds, a very common field bird, have returned.

Last year, when they returned on time (about now), the weather was quite cold and the bugs that they eat hadn’t emerged. They showed up on my front steps looking for food, so I fed them. They were followed shortly by brown-headed cowbirds, another common bird, and boat-tailed grackles, also very common.

These birds do not normally look to humans for food, but they were hungry, so I fed them. That was last year.

We’re having a warm spell today. Guess what is going to follow the warm spell? Yeah, another cold snap and possible snow.

I’ll go get more bird food tomorrow. The sale price ends on March 31.

Me – I’m fixing red beans and rice with smoked sausage for supper, cut vegs on the side, and for afters, strawberries, followed by a good movie from my extensive collection.

sj

Warming in Ft Collins PH?

Ex-PH2

Considering that I am not and have never been in Colorado, never mind Ft. Collins, what should I say?

sj

I should have added a /sarc at the end

Green Thumb

Paul-mer (of the Ballsack) Wickre, Forgin’ Frank “The Taint” Visconti and Daniel Bernath are a trio of ball-working dudes.

Ex-PH2

In case anyone is wondering, the corned beef is in the crock pot with its friends.

The redwings showed up again, so I fed them (again).

The Armyh and Navy have both been using high-end LASERS to stop approaching vehicles, but I had the idea first, and I got it from Malcom Jamieson (Bullard of the Space Patrol), so I can say they got it out of one of my stories and didn’t give me any credit, which is just MEAN.

I had pancakes with maple syrup for breakfast.

All is quiet on all fronts at the moment.
Let’s hope it stays that way.

gas tank

Hondo-any word on the day’s events?

ChipNASA

Gas tank
Not to piss on your weekend but here is *some* news

http://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=58824&cpage=1#comment-2500899

GDContractor

Stay thirsty my friend.

2/17 Air Cav

I thought I had just entered the Twilight Zone. This isn’t this weekend’s weekend thread. This is last weekend’s weekend thread.

CLAW131

Kinda feels like deja vu all over again, huh?