Weekend Open Thread
Still in recovery mode from a rather long trip, so today’s WOT article will be short.
Who says that the Federal Government has no sense of humor? Some parts of it do. Check this out:
For those who didn’t know: the phrase “can neither confirm nor deny” originated at the CIA when journalists began asking questions about Project Azorian in the mid-1970s.
And yeah: the above really was the CIA’s first tweet. At least, it was their first acknowledged and official one. (smile)
Have a great weekend, everyone – and enjoy the WOT.
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PS: Readers want to note the month/day of that particular tweet, too. It’s somewhat significant, historically speaking.
Category: Open thread
I love me some TIDE!!
ROLL TIDE, HMC Ret! (Allison Krause rocks, BTW). 😉
Dawgs played a great game, 5th/77th FA! They still rock!
🤗
Congrats my Brother! Great Game! Now y’all just need to RTR to the National Championship Game.
GOARMYBEATNAVY
ROLL TIDE, them puppies got beat! 😀
This was sent to me today and I’m thinking it may be of benefit to some. My major issue with the VA is the no load clerical staff who won’t answer the phone. It’s so bad I often have to go in to resolve issues. The patient rep? Forgetaboutit Will calling them help with ‘minor’ issues such as this? I appreciate that it is 90% staffed by vets or spouses of vets. Can’ hurt expect maybe to give false hope, only to have those hopes dashed. VA news release Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 4:00 pm Posted in News Releases by OMR 371 views VA announced that the White House VA Hotline, first launched in June as part of President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to reforming VA, is now fully staffed with live agents working to serve Veterans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The hotline, which became 24-hour operational in mid-October, is staffed by a team consisting of more than 90 percent Veterans or a family member of a Veteran. The hotline staffing is in direct response to Veterans’ requests to talk to agents who could relate to their experiences. “The White House VA Hotline provides our nation’s Veterans with a direct, dedicated contact line that allows them to interact with highly trained, live agents to answer their needs and concerns,” said VA secretary David J. Shulkin. “Since the initial launch of the hotline in June, we listened to our Veterans, who indicated that they prefer speaking with other Veterans and Veteran family members, and we adjusted our hiring based on that feedback,” added Shulkin. “We’re proud that the hotline is now staffed 24/7 by a team of mostly Veterans or Veteran family members who have direct knowledge of their particular concerns and can use their experience to address them in the best way possible with the resources of the VA. This represents a true win-win for Veterans and their loved ones.” Since 24/7 coverage began in October, the hotline has served more than 10,000 callers. Hotline agents answer inquiries, provide directory assistance, document concerns about… Read more »
2 December 1775 – The USS Alfred becomes the first vessel to fly the Grand Union Flag (the precursor to the Stars and Stripes); the flag is hoisted by none other than John Paul Jones.
Here’s the latest re the brain surgeons who got a huge amount of money with a story about a homeless guy allegedly coming to the aid of a motorist who was out of gas. Anyway, she was suspended from her cushy gubbermint job. Well, bye. Can you say ‘scam artist’? See, I knew you could. I’m hoping this has not been previously posted on TAH. If so, it’s worth a reread. I love a happy ending.
New Jersey woman charged in alleged GoFundMe scam suspended from state job
(Burlington County Prosecutors Office)
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
TRENTON, New Jersey — A New Jersey woman charged with scamming GoFundMe donors out of more than $400,000 with a fake story about a homeless veteran has been suspended from her state job.
Katelyn McClure was a receptionist within the state Department of Transportation. A DOT spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday that McClure is on “suspension status,” but declined to say if it was a paid or unpaid suspension.
McClure and her former boyfriend, Mark D’Amico, are charged with conspiracy and theft by deception. Her lawyer has said she was duped by D’Amico, while his lawyer has denied such claims.
Authorities allege they conspired with Marine vet Johnny Bobbitt to concoct a feel-good story about Bobbitt giving McClure his last $20 when her car ran out of gas. They raised $400,000, which authorities say was spent on luxury items and casino trips.
Bobbitt also faces charges.
Prolific actor Ken Barry has passed at 85. Probably best known for F Troop, Mayberry RFD, Carol Burnett Show, and Herbie Rides Again. He served in the Army & for a brief time SGT Leonard Nimoy was his boss while they were assigned to Special Services. RIP.
Look! a Squirrel!