Weekend Open Thread – “Das lange Schwimmen in die Freiheit”
Last week, I wrote about an East German athlete escaping to the West by swimming through part of the Baltic Sea. This week’s article continues that theme.
As I noted previously: escaping by sea to the West was difficult. Over 5,600 are estimated to have tried. Less than 1,000 succeeded; at least 174 are believed to have died in the attempt. The remainder were caught and imprisoned by East Germany.
Here is another example – one that required both guts and stamina. It involved more than a day in the water, swimming continuously.
. . .
Peter Döbler was an East German doctor – an assistant physician at a hospital.
He detested conditions in East Germany. Unfortunately, Döbler had spoken his mind in front of the wrong people. The fact that he’d criticized the East German government had stalled his career.
He was also a strong swimmer. So Döbler resolved to leave East Germany via swimming.
Döbler trained for 2 years. He swam extensively. He studied the stars (for navigation at night) and studied sea maps. He obtained a neoprene wetsuit, snorkel, chocolates (food for the escape) – and some painkillers and appetite suppressants.
Then, on 24 July 1971, he acted.
Dobler went to Kühlungsborn on the East German Baltic coast. The conditions were favorable: the water was “warm” (around 18C, or about 64F), and weather was projected to be relatively calm.
His plan was to swim to Fehmarn in West Germany – a distance of 48 kilometers (roughly 30 miles, or about 6 miles farther than the Dover Strait). Döbler estimated he’d need to swim about 26 hours to cover that distance.
He arrived about 4:30 that afternoon. He hid his belongings in some bushes, then took a pack with his escape gear and supplies into the ocean. His plan was to look just like a vacationer enjoying the beach.
When the beach is later nearly deserted, Döbler put on his wetsuit while in the water. He then starts swimming slowly out to sea – slowly, so as not to attract attention. Why? Because the beach is patrolled by armed border police.
Near midnight, there’s commotion on the beach – most likely due to discovery of Döbler’s abandoned property. Searchlights some on, and boats launch.
Döbler is prepared. He keeps swimming; he dives underwater and uses a snorkel to give as small an optical signature to the searchers as he can whenever searchlight beams or boats approach.
Around 6AM the sun rises. Döbler sees numerous West German ships, but none of them spot him. So he keeps swimming.
A thunderstorm rolls through, but only lasts about an hour. Döbler keeps swimming towards West Germany.
After roughly 24 hours, nearing Fehmarn Döbler is finally spotted by a West German boat. They take him aboard, and then take him to West Germany.
Hungry and thirsty? Yes, Döbler certainly was. And tired.
But Döbler was now also a free man.
Sources:
listverse.com/2017/08/12/top-10-remarkable-escapes-across-the-berlin-wall
https://imgur.com/gallery/Mjl1X
. . .
Enough Cold War history for today. Enjoy the WOT, everyone – and the weekend.
Category: Historical, Open thread
First!
Congrats Commish!
I have been tied up with work, so this was my first chance to look?
Have a great weekend everyone!!!
First!`
AH! Second….
First
1st
And the winner is??? FIIK! (grin)
It’s another photo finish!
It looks like four simultaneous firsts, posted right at 2 PM.
7th. Hey, top ten anyway😎
In his best George Jones voice….and the race is on and looks like Pride in the backstretch, Heartache movin on the outside, My Tears are holding back, trying not to fall….
Congrats to CW. I now know better than to ask for a ruling from the TAH Wide World of Sports HQs.
Speaking of The Possum, his best, to me, is He Stopped Loving Her Today. Did you know he didn’t want to record it? He said it was terribly sad and wouldn’t sell and would ruin his career. The rest, as is said, is history. Saw him twice in concert. Once? Twice? IDK
Roger that HMC Ret. Would have to say my all time favorite old school real Country Music Performer. Was honored on many occasions to be up close and personal with George. Several times when I was building/running sound systems for concert gigs and on several occasions while working the Fan Fair Shows in Nashville. A true Gentleman and performer. He got a bad rap on the No Show Jones title cause he did like his liquor. Don’t think the boy ever got over Tammy. One of my many favorites of his was “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”. A lot of his stuff can really stir the dust up.
Was honored to be with him on the bus before and after some shows. Always made sure I had a driver available when it was time to leave.
Note to Hondo. Really enjoying these stories man. Seems like this one was used as a lesson toward the end of my basic training when some of the more “progressive” recruits were questioning the DIs why we had to be ready to kill a commie for mommie. Keep ’em coming! Thanks!
Glad to hear that he was better in his younger years. On two occasions I had to be back stage for his scheduled performances. Both times, his bus was there but they couldn’t get him from there to the stage. One of those times he did put in an appearance for sound checks/rehearsal earlier in the day, but he was already roaring drunk. It’s pretty pitiful when folks won’t even bet on him making the performance.
The Possum was a good entertainer.
I know one of his sons (although the man hates it when anyone brings it up) – he was a terrible father.
His son turned out ok, though. Real nice guy.
And the winner is…..
Beetlebham
This weeks WOT race for Numbah 1 was tighter than the girl next door. (grin)
Tighter than LuAnn Schnorkefinnie’s panty hose on Prom Night…..
I hereby invoke the name of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and redistribute Commissioner Wretched’s First to myself, in keeping with the lowest traditions of the District of Columbia’s swamp critters.
Less than 100 days in office, and already stole her first million.
Socialism, my dying ass.
She is now complaining we no longer manufacture electronics in the United States. She said she bought a television recently and the box said ‘built in antenna’. She said she didn’t even know where that is.
I am SO stealing that!
Now, now…it’s not “stealing”, it is redistribution of resources for the sake of social justice and fairness. Oh yes, it is also “for the children”.
Never mind that she still says she can’t wait to meet and work with Phil Abuster AND she demands FREE TUITION to the Electoral College!
Her IQ test came back negative.
She also flunked the last blood test she took!
It came back A positively dense.
Not first. Enjoying my lunch.
Have I mentioned how much I loathe NY?
The city is fun to visit for me, but yeah beyond that I could mostly do without it…
Barring a contrary ruling from those who decide such things, it appears that I have pulled off a two-fer – First in the WOT for two straight weeks. A three-peat is not out of the question, but we must wait a week to find out. Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel. Meanwhile, here’s this week’s trivia column. I hope you enjoy it! DID YOU KNOW…? What is the most expensive hot dog in America? By Commissioner Wretched It’s almost spring! Yes, we are already seeing the return of the robin to our gardens, heralding the arrival of (to some, at least) the best season of the year. Everybody has their own reason for loving spring beyond all seasons. There’s the blooming of flowers, the warming of the air, the cleansing showers … all that stuff. For me, the return of spring means one thing above all … spring training. And the forthcoming baseball season. As I’ve noted here before, I firmly believe there are really only two sports in existence – baseball, and everything else. And with spring training now underway, that means the return of the National Pastime is not that far off. Will my beloved Chicago Cubs make another serious run for a World Series title? I don’t know, but they will always have a loud and persistent fan here in this corner of the world. For those bemoaning the loss of football a few weeks ago, take heart … it won’t be long before your favorite college or pro team starts their summer workouts, or whatever they call it. Meanwhile, tune in here each week for the latest in the never-ending collection of trivia that I’m happy to present to you! Let’s get to it … play ball! Did you know … … more than half of the 20 highest mountain peaks in the United States are in Alaska? That state is also home to the highest point in North America, Denali – also known as Mt. McKinley. (I’ll bet you can’t boil an egg on Denali!) … though he held a rank equivalent to four-star general, Robert E.… Read more »
“… someone on Earth reports seeing a UFO every three minutes?”
The Russian and I saw one about 15-20 years ago (?). We were traveling East on I-10. We saw a stationary light, at night, several miles in the distance. At first we thought it was a tower. As we got closer we thought it was a helicopter. About a mile or two away, it accelerated at tremendous speed, moving right to left and was out of sight, covering a distance of a few miles, in less than five seconds. We have nothing that moves that quickly.
I saw what I thought was a UFO recently. Driving along in my suburb and I see three closely spaced lights floating in the distance.
Almost like a military aircraft formation, but too close to each other even for that. Moving slowly, I thought maybe it was helicopters, but they seemed way too close to the ground. Then one winked out all of a sudden.
It was then I got close enough to realize what the closely spaced, low flying, eerily floating objects were; Chinese paper lanterns.
Working nights for years, I can tell you the mind plays a lot of tricks on you.
Ever notice how the moon follows you when driving at night?
I’ve been running during the predawn hours in my area since December 2015. Since that time, I’ve seen approximately eight UFOs.
They are slick as well. I saw a couple when I began my run. They were red lights, hovering up and over to my left. They were higher than the navigation lights on the buildings to my right, and they were parallel to a couple of the stars in the Cepheus Constellation. The lights simultaneously came on and off fluidly and slowly, and they remained in place.
Two of the most impressive sightings that I have seen include a cylindrical shape UFO that I saw one predawn run, and one that I saw during the daylight hours whose surface area was completely mirror like.
For years I kept seeing black flies in front of me. I’d swipe at them but was never able to make contact.
Then one day I read an article about floaters and now the flies have a name.
For years, certain people claimed certain actions that they did in the military that they did not do, or military service that they did not perform. Then, one day, they saw their claims and persona destroyed on sites like this. Now they have a name for their riding the phony pony.
On a side note, being familiar with the constellations in the sky, to include which constellations should be in the sky during different parts of the year, as well as where the planets are at… Added to familiarity with military and commercial flight operations, aircraft characteristics, and lighting… Are a big help in clinching something as a UFO.
I actually had the same problem, Limabeans. I had vague shadows, dots, etc., in my visual field. A trip to the doctor revealed I had a tiny, tiny bleed in my right eye.
SPRINGTIME IN THE BRONX
Da spring is sprung,
Da grass is riz,
I wonder where dem boidies is.
Look at da little boids on da wing –
ain’t dat absoid?
Da little wings is on da boid.
Not sure if I can lay claim to see a UFO, but I HAVE seen the bad moon a’rising.
It was my final ex-wife’s butt the one time she actually got up before I did.
Good job on the trivia, again, Commish. Soon as I can get up a little more liquid courage, I may make petition to TAH WW Hqs for a ruling. thebesig made a very valid point. I’ll let you be the FIRST to know what I find out.
Dammit…
Spew alert for crying out loud…
I saw lots of UFO’s when I was in Alaska.
Then the shrooms wore off…
I had six UFOs in my house a while back. Now I’m down to two of them. The whining and complaining are really obnoxious.
Unidentified Feline Operatives?
I normally do distance runs. But, when I swim, I do 2 miles in the swimming pool near daily. So, if I go back… When I go back to doing distant swims instead of doing distance runs, I would be back to doing 2 miles daily.
And, when someone says that I am nuts for doing that, I could simply point to this and to other stories, like folks swimming across the English Channel, or even in the Arctic Sea.
I’ve also gone to the beaches here to go swimming. Whether you are swimming into the waves, or parallel to them, the principles that work in the swimming pool work in the ocean. The waves simply add a “Z axis” to your forward motion.
But, to swim the way the guy above did it, does require preparation, planning, and training. Having hunger suppressants, and the right munchies, would be needed for something like this. I had the convenience of ending the swim when hunger pains, or some other issue, required me to stop. Not much of an option out in the ocean.
A Public Service Announcement
On this date in history, 1917
February Revolution begins in Russia:
In Russia, the February Revolution (known as such because of Russia’s use of the Julian calendar) begins on this day in 1917, when riots and strikes over the scarcity of food erupt in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg).
By 1917, most Russians had lost faith in the leadership ability of the czarist regime. Government corruption was rampant, the Russian economy remained backward and Czar Nicholas II had repeatedly dissolved the Dumas, the Russian parliamentary groups established to placate the masses after the Revolution of 1905, each time they opposed his will. But the immediate cause of the February Revolution—the first phase of the more sweeping Russian Revolution of 1917—was Russia’s disastrous involvement in World War I. Militarily, imperial Russia was no match for industrialized Germany. Russian troops were shockingly ill-equipped for fighting, and Russian casualties were greater than those sustained by any nation in any previous war. Meanwhile, the Russian economy was hopelessly disrupted by the costly war effort, and moderates joined Russian radical elements in calling for the overthrow of the czar.
On March 8, 1917, demonstrators clamoring for bread took to the streets of the Russian capital of Petrograd. Supported by 90,000 men and women on strike, the protesters clashed with police, refusing to leave the streets. On March 10, the strike spread among Petrograd’s workers, and irate mobs of workers destroyed police stations. Several factories elected deputies to the Petrograd Soviet (“council) of workers, following the model devised during the Revolution of 1905.
And here we are with tens of millions having been slaughtered. Anyone who believes that system of government works or COULD work is out of touch with reality.
We typically have a dozen or more squirrels in the back yard and usually an equal number of birds. A few days ago there were none. I immediately knew why. I looked around and there he was, a hawk, hiding on the fence among the branches of a tree. He’s just sitting there, eyeballing he scenery, looking for a meal. He relocated a little later to another concealed position but the squirrels and birds didn’t return until he left the area.
Do any of you WORK?! J/k
Have a great weekend y’all!
I wonder how many died looking for a better life by sneeking into East Germany… The world may never know
I was in the garage fabbing a new adjustment screw for a set of Williams sights… does that count?
Fabbing yes. Fapping no.
Work for which we receive earned income? Not any more here, but work for which there is no recompense other than satisfaction and sore muscles? Plenty.
Work? I work for me now and have something to show for my time. That’s what counts, isn’t it? I ain’t a-goin’ back to the work world.
Oh Crap, well I was away from the Office delivering paperwork and stuff and getting lunch so…..’
HAPPY WEEKEND YOU DAYLIGHT SAVINGS DICKWEEDS.
another amazing story! thank you
Jan-Michael Vincent has passed away. He served in the California Army National Guard as a helicopter mechanic. Was in the 1971 Marine boot camp movie “Tribes”, “World’s Greatest Athlete”, “Winds of War”, “Air Wolf”, and bunches of other movies and TV shows.
RIP…
Died last month.
Yeah, ‘Tribes’ was released in 1970 – really excellent & realistic movie. JMV was a troubled tortured soul. RIP.
Watching him do his interview totally shitfaced was a bottom for him.
I don’t know if he ever got sober but since he lived to 74 I would imagine that he did.
RIP to a fellow Veteran.
BZ to Dr. Dobler. Had the E German patrol boats been equipped with radar, he would have been spotted on the screen by the Radars Dobler effect.
Fortieth and Honorary First once again.
((((OVER))))
Present, and fashionably late. For your viewing and listening pleasure, may I offer the following number;
That looks like TSO cleaned up.
Only if he’s in a hot dog suit.
CLASSIC!!!
I totally dig the Edwardian look of this fellow. It has – well, dignity, fer Pete’s sake. And then he adds that silly song. Too cool for words!
Happy weekend and DST!!
Just read “Juicy” Smullet was indicted on 16 counts for his fake hate crime stunt.
Cool!!! Here’s hoping that he gets plenty of dates with Bubba, Thor, Julio and “Tiny Tyrone”.
I laughed so hard when I heard that I damn near ran off the road !!!
Meh. It’s all “Fake Noose”.
And, once again, there was something I wanted to ask, or share, or something when this thread came around. Wonder what it was…
SOCIALISM, a form of Government so terrific that people risk life and limb to escape from it!
“We risked life and limb to escape Capitalism.” said NO sane person ever.
I bought this movie this week and ended up with a second one by accident from eBay.
If you are any kind of a musician, you will love this movie.
If you aren’t a musician but love good old fashioned Rock and Roll and a tale of true destiny, I guarantee you will love this movie.
Rami Malek absolutely nailed his part as Freddie Mercury…
The rest of the band was completely perfect casting too.
This is why I watch movies, not to get preached at.
I miss Freddie Mercury and Queen, just a great group of musicians.
So I’ll be sending the extra one off to the Daughter and Grandkids in Wisconsin.
I know she’ll love it, and the Grandkids will grow into it.
It’s probably the best Rock and Roll movie ever made, and I absolutely mean that, I was totally engrossed in it.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1727824/videoplayer/vi2982198041?ref_=tt_pv_vi_aiv_2
The YouTube version is better than the IMDB is.
Loved the movie. Interesting bit of trivia. Originally Sasha Baron Cohen ( of Borat Fame) was slated to play Freddy Mercury.
He had creative differences with the producers though.
Cohen wanted to portray Mercury as he really was ( sadly). A sex-addicted, irresponsible gay man who had multiple partners and more than likely infected scores of other men with HIV.
The movie completely downplayed this, so Cohen walked.
“Old fashioned Rock and Roll?” Had to laugh at that. Some of us are old enough to consider this at least 2nd, if not 3rd generation rock and roll, depending upon how you classify Hendrix et al. Maybe even higher than 3rd. (Haven’t completely thought that through.)
Glad you enjoyed it, though. And appreciate the chuckle this morning.
Don’t forget to rock around the clock tomorrow morning as you spring forward.
Yeah, that Spring Ahead, Fall Behind thing must be a bitch at Stonehenge.
I use the SAFB times as a reminder to change batteries on our smoke detectors.
Speaking of time, I found that one of the most useful items I have to keep track of appointments, oil changes, doctor visits, obligations, etc., is a 3 or 5 year calendar from Amazon. It is absolutely indispensable. Cost is $10-$15. It’s not flimsy … sturdy, well built. Will easily last several years.
Thunderstixx:
Our household watched the movie and absolutely enjoyed it.
What we laughed about later was trying to get some of Queen’s songs out of our heads…(don’t you hate it when that happens?)
😉
underpressure
…caught in a landslide, no escape from reality…
…burnin’ through the sky, yeah
Two hundred degrees
That’s why they call me Mister Fahrenheit…
AP: if you want to see a truly gripping performance of “Under Pressure”, look up the performance of same by Annie Lennox and David Bowie at the Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert. Last time I checked, it was available on Youtube.
Their pre-concert rehearsal is also available on Youtube, and is good as well.
A bit of background about the latter: supposedly the remaining members of Queen had reservations about Lennox doing Mercury’s vocal on that tune. During the rehearsal, at about 2:50 through or so, apparently those reservations went away – Dr. Brian May looks at Lennox as she’s singing Merury’s lines and smiles broadly.
During the concert performance, Lennox wearing a “frock” was Bowie’s suggestion. Lennox has stated publicly that it was her idea to play the part of Death/AIDS attempting to seduce Bowie during the performance.
Yes, that’s indeed Dr. Brian May. He studied for his PhD in astrophysics at Imperial College, London, from 1970-1974 – then finally finished his PhD in 2008. For some reason his academic career was put on hold for some 3+ decades. (smile)
Thank You, Hondo. Found both videos…and they are indeed good.
As for Dr. Brian May: how does that ole saying goes “Don’t judge a book by its cover”…I do believe the movie had mentioned his educational background and a job to fall back on if Queen had been a failure. Did not realize Dr. May’s Degree was in astrophysics, but do know that he is one heck of a guitar player. Queen’s Drummer was going to school to be a dentist. A very talented group, way ahead of their time. Thanks again for sharing.
You’re welcome.
FWIW: Dr. May’s also a fine instrument designer and craftsman as well as a helluva guitarist. He calls the red guitar he plays his “Red Special”. He built it himself.
One of the best performances I’ve ever seen: “Somebody To Love” Montreal 1981.
We watching it with my toddlers. They now want to listen to Queen music pretty much all the time.
At least I am a huge fan of Queen. And it got them away from asking for Wheels on the Bus and the Hot Dog Dance all the time.
This is an old story, but a true one. Dam beavers got busted for dam building.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/dammed-beavers/
The letters are classic!!! 🤣😂😅😆
Thank You for sharing, Ex!
Gee whiz, a fact check that Snopes apparently got right. How unique.
Remember this guy, Joseph “Rambo” Hunter, who was featured in TAH 2013?: https://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=37751 “He took a contract for a hit on a DEA agent from folks he thought were drug cartel members, but DEA agents themselves. Rambo had a team of four including another US Army guy and two Germans and a Pole.” In a 2016 TAH post, he was sentenced to 20 years: https://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=66088 “We wrote about Joseph Hunter three years ago when he was arrested. We’ve been trying to get his FOIA ever since to verify his claims with no luck thus far. Anyway, he was sentenced to twenty years the other day for planning the assassination of a federal agent and an informant according to Reuters…” Well, now, according to The Army Times, he is sentenced to life in prison: https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/03/08/this-former-us-soldier-turned-mercenary-was-sentenced-to-life-in-prison/ “A former U.S. soldier known as Rambo who became a mercenary for drug dealers was sentenced to life in prison Thursday by a judge who cited his “truly horrific crimes.” “Joseph Hunter, 53, a onetime Army sergeant from Owensboro, Kentucky, with a Special Forces background, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams in Manhattan.” “She said he carried out his crimes, including arranging the February 2012 murder of a real estate agent in the Philippines, for money.” “The judge said she had never before seen such a “total and complete lack of respect for human life.” “Abrams said Hunter had “planned and committed truly horrific crimes” and then spoke of kidnapping, torture and assassination to recruits as if “it was a business, plain and simple.” “I was struck by how matter-of-fact it was,” said the judge, who recalled re-watching videos introduced at trial of Hunter instructing recruits as she prepared for the sentencing.” “The life prison sentence announced by Abrams was mandatory. Hunter, listed with the alias “Rambo” in an indictment, was serving a 20-year prison term after another conviction.” “Hunter, who served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 2004, declined to speak before the sentence was announced. In the Army, Hunter led air-assault and airborne infantry squads, served as a sniper instructor and… Read more »
No, the “country” doesn’t owe him squat. Using PTSD as an excuse to account for murdering someone in cold blood is baloney. And it also compromises those who do actually have it, but that doesn’t matter to this slice of warthog’s offal. He can rot.
“The country still owes something to Mr. Hunter”
Concur. And give it to him asap.
Unfortunately, he won’t get what he deserves.
The judge sentenced him to life in prison vice the needle.
I was thinking rope, poorly knotted.
A fair trial, followed by a first class hanging.
I read that those condemned to die by the noose would often pay the executioner to set the rope for a longer drop. A short drop would sometimes result in a slow strangulation while a longer drop would result in a better chance of a quick(er) death.
I read an article once written by a physician, a neurologist I think, who said the brain might, just might continue to function after a hanging or guillotine. He said the brain continued to be intact and that it could continue to function and that the eyes could still see. IDK
Sometimes the comments on those things are gold. Case in point:
“See, and they say transition is difficult into the civilian sector. Just believe in yourself like this young man, you’ll find the crossover.”
The only way the country owes him anything is if he didn’t get paid already for some of his military service time. Since that didn’t happen, all the country owes him is to return the favor – punish him for the murders he committed.
Aaah, the PTSD Card. I wonder where it places within the Order of Precedence with other Cards? Let’s see, we have the Person of Color Card, The LGTB Card, The I’m A Victim Card (of what it does not matter), The PTSD Card, etc. I read on TAH recently that there are something like 56 permutations of sexual orientation, so that is an additional 50+ Cards. Someone should designate these by importance, so those with multiple Cards will know which to use given the circumstance. It could be quite the faux pas if the incorrect Card is used.
So this turd caught the PTSD and that is the excuse for his behavior? What a crock. He acted as he did b/c he’s a low life scum ball.
Time for me to renew my subscription to a military magazine that my dad (B-17 Gunner)
got me interested before the internet.
He looked forward to discussing each issue with me when I visited him.
Always asked “where do they get this intel?”
Lots of WW2 and Korean first hand stuff all the
way up through Vietnam and DS/GWOT.
I have no connection to the publisher.
http://milmag.com/
Surprise! At least Johnny Bobbitt is not identified as a homeless veteran”…🙄
“Woman, Homeless Man In GoFundMe Scheme Plead Guilty”:
https://www.apnews.com/54994aca4b6d4748971513dd119672aa
“A homeless man and a woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges in a GoFundMe scheme that prosecutors say netted $400,000 with a phony story about him coming to her aid.”
“Johnny Bobbitt, 36, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, and Katelyn McClure, 28, of Bordentown, New Jersey, pleaded to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.”
“Bobbitt conspired with McClure and her then-boyfriend Mark D’Amico to make up a story in 2017 about Bobbitt giving McClure cash for gas when she was stranded along a Philadelphia highway, according to prosecutors.”
The scheme raised $400,000, which the couple claimed would be donated to Bobbitt. Instead, New Jersey authorities said, the three split the money and spent lavishly, including on a car, designer bags, and trips to Las Vegas, Disneyland, Disney World, the Grand Canyon and New York City. GoFundMe says it has refunded all the donations.”
“The tale of a homeless good Samaritan made international headlines, with the trio appearing on TV. Their relationship soured, though, when Bobbitt sued the couple over what he said was their failure to turn money over to him.”
“New Jersey prosecutors said the suit led them to start an investigation, including hauling away a BMW they determined was purchased with the funds at the New Jersey home where McClure and D’Amico were living at the time.”
“All three still face charges in state court. D’Amico’s attorney, Mark Davis, says his client denies any wrongdoing and has not been charged by federal authorities.”
Three can keep a secret provided two are dead.
Sorry Chief, I would say that 3 can only keep a secret if all 3 are dead.
Looking for electrician advice. I have an old Ingersoll Rand T30 air compressor with a 5 hp three phase motor. The barn has single phase service.
I think that what I want to do is convert single to three phase via a VFD.
The compressor motor runs at 1745 RPM, the service factor is 1.15. I do not use the compressor very often and when I do it is for low pressure stuff like paint guns, some sandblasting and DA sanders.
Does anyone have a recommendation as to how I should go about wiring this? FWIW, I am thinking of a budget with a $500 top range.
Thanks,
TW
This is Today In History, 9MARCH:
Marines continue to land at Da Nang
The 3,500 Marines of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade under Brig. Gen. Frederick J. Karch continue to land at Da Nang. The Marines had begun disembarking from the USS Henrico, Union, and Vancouver on March 8 and were the first U.S. combat troops in South Vietnam. Among the arrivals on this day were the first U.S. armor in Vietnam—a tank of the 3rd Marine Tank Battalion. More tanks, including those with flame-throwing capability, followed in a few days. There was scattered firing from Viet Cong soldiers hidden ashore as the Marines landed, but no Marines were hit. The Marines were at once assigned to protect the U.S. base at Da Nang, both from the immediate perimeter and from the high ground along a ridge to the west.
Many others eventually joined this initial contingent of Marines. During the course of the war, the Marine Corps deployed one corps-level headquarters, two Marine divisions, two additional Marine regimental landing teams and a reinforced Marine aircraft wing, plus a number of battalion-size Marine special landing forces afloat with the 7th Fleet. Present at the beginning of U.S. commitment to the Vietnam War, the Marine Corps was also there at the end. In 1975, Marine Corps elements took part in the final evacuation of South Vietnam as the country fell to the North Vietnamese
“Hearing Cancelled For Green Beret Major Facing Murder Charge. Is a Court-Martial Next?”
“A hearing scheduled for next week in a murder charge against a Green Beret Major has been cancelled and it appears the Major could be headed to a court-martial.”
“The U.S. Army Special Operations Command announced Friday that the March 14 Article 32 hearing, similar to a preliminary hearing, had been cancelled and the USASOC commanding general would now consider the evidence and “other written matters concerning the charge.”
“A charge of felony murder was preferred against Maj. Mathew Golsteyn in December, more than eight years after the alleged incident in which investigators claim he killed an alleged Taliban bomb maker after the man had been released by Afghan authorities…”
You can read the rest of the case at:
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/03/08/hearing-cancelled-for-green-beret-major-facing-murder-charge-is-a-court-martial-next/
You Be The Judge: “Company Founded By Ocasio-Cortez in 2012 Still Owes $1,870 In Taxes”: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/company-founded-by-ocasio-cortez-in-2012-still-owes-1870-in-taxes “AOC wants to pass sweeping tax hikes on the wealthy, but the freshman lawmaker might want to take care of her own unpaid tax bill first.” “Brook Avenue Press, a company she founded in 2012 to publish children’s books in The Bronx, owes the state $1,870.36 in corporate taxes, public records show.” “The state slapped the company with a warrant on July 6, 2017, two months after Ocasio-Cortez announced her candidacy to run against Democratic incumbent Joe Crowley for the district that encompasses parts of Queens and The Bronx.” “The state requires businesses to pay a corporation tax on a sliding scale based on revenue. The minimum payment last year was $25.” “The company probably got numerous letters from the state and probably ignored them,” one New York City accountant theorized.” “Public records show the state dissolved the company in October 2016, which can happen when a business fails to pay corporate taxes or file a return.” “The state Tax Department won’t comment on individual companies but typically files warrants as a last resort after trying to collect money.” “This is the first we’re hearing of it, and we won’t have any additional comment until we look into it,” Ocasio-Cortez’s spokesman, Corbin Trent, said Saturday.” “Brook Avenue Press was set up to “develop and identify stories and literature in urban areas like New York, specifically communities like The Bronx,” Ocasio-Cortez said in a YouTube video posted in October 2011, months before she filed incorporation papers for the company in July 2012.” “The company relied on cheap office space in a city-subsidized program to help small businesses in The Bronx.” “Called the Sunshine Bronx Business Incubator, the program was housed in a renovated former printing plant in Hunts Point, where rates for office spaces and tech services in 2012 averaged between $99 for a “virtual office” and $275 per month for local start-ups.” “Ocasio-Cortez was featured on the city’s website for the incubator, and The National Hispanic Institute named her a social entrepreneur in residence.”… Read more »
Hmmm. Sounds like it would be interesting to see a detailed outside audit of the financial records of Brook Avenue Press.
Assuming such records still exist, of course – or ever existed in the first place.
More news about the assault at Bezerkeley – someone pulled up the accused work history that was conveniently pulled off line after his arrest. He is, as my father would say, a “professional student”:
https://www.campusreform.org/?ID=11954
“It comes as no surprise to learn that the black-shirted young man arrested for assaulting Hayden Williams was an academic beachcomber,” Wood said. “Mr. Greenberg appears to be among those college graduates who hang around the edges of universities picking up tech jobs here and there and simmering with resentment against ‘the system’ that hasn’t made better provision for their talents. At a guess, I’d say he lived in a social milieu in which points were awarded for bravado, aggression, and posturing as an uncompromising foe of ‘fascists.’”
Gee whiz what a surprise, he looks like the type who still mooches off of his parents while calling successful Conservatives and President Trump losers!
“Bill Would Allow Last WWII Medal of Honor Recipient to Lie in State at Capitol”:
“A bill that would have the last Medal of Honor recipient from World War II lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda gained bipartisan backing Monday from the chairmen and ranking members of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees.”
“I can’t think of anybody who would vote against that,” Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Georgia, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, said of the bill introduced in January by Rep. Carol Miller, R-West Virginia, which would direct a state funeral for a member of the “Greatest Generation” who earned the nation’s highest award for valor.”
“State funerals, and lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda, are reserved for current and former U.S. presidents and those deemed to have rendered “distinguished service.” The late Sen. John McCain was granted the honor last August.”
“Army Gens. John J. Pershing and Douglas A. MacArthur had state funerals, but there has never been one for an identified enlisted service member. (There have been state funerals for the “Unknown Soldiers” of World War I and World War II.)”
“All four living recipients of the Medal of Honor from World War II were enlisted. They include former Marine Warrant Officer Hershel “Woody” Williams of West Virginia and three former soldiers: Tech. Sgt. Charles H. Coolidge of Tennessee, Tech. Sgt. Francis S. Currey of New York and Technician 5th Grade Robert D. Maxwell of Colorado.”
You can read the rest of the story here:
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/02/26/bill-would-allow-last-wwii-medal-honor-recipient-lie-state-capitol.html
“It’s Theirs More Than It Is Mine’: Minnesotan Andrew Bundermann Receives 2nd Highest Military Honor”: https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2019/03/07/andrew-bundermann-military-honor-minnesota/ “Minnesota native and former Army officer Andrew Bundermann is being honored with the nation’s second highest decoration for military valor.” “Bundermann was left as acting commander of Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 61st Calvary Regiment at Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan. On October 3, 2009, more than 400 insurgents breached the outpost’s perimeter.” “The last time Bundermann was on this stage inside Northrop Auditorium was in 2007, when he graduated from the University of Minnesota. On this day, on that same stage, he is being honored with the Distinguished Service Cross.” “He was absolutely indispensable,” said Major Stoney Portis. “His performance was central to the success of the entire troop, the entire battle.” “Bundermann says mortar rounds fell every 20 seconds for the first two hours of the battle, knocking out communication and pinning down support forces.” “A good plan may or may not survive first contact, but you certainly have to be able to shoot, move and communicate, and I think that’s what that team did well in the face of a lot of adversity,” Bundermann said.” “Working with two soldiers, Bundermann set up the only remaining communications platform and immediately coordinated air support. He says the most critical call he made during the battle was a tough one to make.” “When we were on somewhat limited air support and we said we no longer can be on the defensive, and decided to take back the imitative,” Bundermann.” “Bundermann was awarded the Silver Star for his actions. The United States Department of Defense upgraded his medal as part of a review of commendations for heroism in Iraq and Afghanistan. One hundred insurgents were killed, and another 100 were wounded. Eight U.S. service members died.” “Over the course of an entire day of close combat, they expanded the perimeter, taking back an outpost that had been minutes away from being lost,” said Lt. Gen. Thomas S. James Jr.” “He shares with honor with all who served during that battle.” “It’s theirs more than it is… Read more »
“Army to Award 12 Distinguished Service Crosses in Final Push to Upgrade Medals”: https://taskandpurpose.com/army-valor-award-updates “The Army will present the Distinguished Service Cross on Friday to family members of a paratrooper who sacrificed his life for his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan, one of 12 upgrades to the nation’s second-highest award for valor the service plans to make following a detailed award review.” “The 173rd Airborne Brigade’s Maj. Thomas Gordon Bostick, who was killed March 27, 2007, protecting his soldiers in an enemy ambush, is one of five upgrades from the Silver Star to the DSC the Army has announced so far.” “Army officials told Military.com recently that the service plans to upgrade the Silver Stars of seven more soldiers to the Distinguished Service Cross.” “These award upgrades are the final set of actions for the Army in light of a Pentagon-wide review of combat awards given after Sept. 11, 2001 launched in 2016 by then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter. The review, intended to ensure that acts of valor from contemporary conflicts receive appropriate recognition, included an estimated 1,100 awards. Army officials would not disclose how many service awards were evaluated as part of the review.” “In recognition of their gallantry, intrepidity and heroism above and beyond the call of duty, 12 Soldiers will receive the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second-highest award for valor,” Army spokesman Lt. Col. Emanuel Ortiz said in a written statement. “Previously recognized for their bravery by award of the Silver Star, the Department of Defense upgraded the soldiers’ medals as part of a comprehensive review of commendations for heroism in Iraq and Afghanistan.” “In addition to Bostick’s posthumous award, the Army has scheduled medal upgrade ceremonies for:” “Capt. Andrew L. Bundermann on March 7 at the University of Minnesota” “Sgt. Daniel E. Cowart on March 20 at Fort Hood, Texas” “Sgt. Robert K. Debolt on March 28 at Fort Riley, Kansas” “Family members of Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker, posthumous, on April 5 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.” “During a vicious enemy ambush in the mountains of Afghanistan, Bostick positioned himself between the enemy and his exposed soldiers, according… Read more »
Hmmm, wondering if Jonn’s personal hero (SFC Cashe) is among those seven who names haven’t been released yet.
It would be the least Big Army could do, seeing as how, way back when, they couldn’t even get the award of the Silver Star (it was engraved as a Bronze Star) right on his gravestone.
Claw, I am hoping and praying that SFC Cashe’s family will receive the Medal of Honor.
Here is Jonn’s post on SFC Cashe:
https://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=77736
Thank you, Claw, for remembering him.
John 15:13
“Fallen Fort Stewart Soldier To Be Awarded Distinguished Service Cross”:
https://www.savannahnow.com/news/20190222/fallen-fort-stewart-soldier-to-be-awarded-distinguished-service-cross
“Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker, a 3rd Infantry Division Soldier who was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment and killed in action in Iraq in 2003, is slated to be awarded (posthumously) the Distinguished Service Cross — the nation’s second highest award for valor — on April 5 in Pittsburgh.”
“He was originally awarded a Silver Star for his actions that day. However, following a comprehensive review directed by former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter of all awards issued during Operation Iraqi Freedom, it was determined that Booker’s award would be upgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross.”
“Booker’s mother, Freddie M. Jackson, will be presented the award 16 years to the day after her son sacrificed his life for this nation. The ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall at 10 a.m. in Pittsburgh.”
“Now famously known as “Thunder Run,” Booker’s unit led an offensive armored-attack into Baghdad on April 5, 2003, subsequently resulting in the collapse of the Saddam Hussein government.”
“During the raid, Booker’s platoon came under heavy small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Booker immediately reacted and communicated the situation to his chain-of-command, returned fire with his mounted machine gun and reassured his crew that they would make it to their objective.”
“When his crew machine gun malfunctioned, Booker completely disregarded his personal safety and took up an exposed prone position on the top of his tank. While still engaged by heavy enemy fire, Booker maintained communication with his platoon, accurately destroyed an enemy vehicle and effectively protected his platoon’s flank.”
“Booker continued to engage the enemy and protect his platoon while exposed for nearly five miles until he was fatally wounded.”
Salute. Never Forget.
Interesting. You Be The Judge: “UCMJ Changes Take Effect”: https://www.fedweek.com/armed-forces-news/ucmj-changes-take-effect/ “Several changes in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) took effect Jan. 1. They include: * The penalty for wearing unauthorized medals for valor has increased to up to one year in prison, forfeiture of pay, and a bad conduct discharge. This would include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart, and any valor device. * The adultery charge has been replaced. The charge is now called “extra-marital sexual conduct.” It now includes same-sex affairs. Persons who are legally separated now can use that status as a defense when accused of extra-marital conduct. The change also broadens the definition of sexual conduct to include “oral sex and other types of sexual conduct.” * Fraud involving government credit and debit cards could carry sentences of up to 15 years in prison, in cases where the theft amounts to more than $1,000. Theft of less than $1,000 could sentences of five to 10 years’ imprisonment. * The definition of burglary has been expanded to include breaking and entering with the intent to commit a crime under the UCMJ. * Recruiters, drill sergeants and anyone else held in a “position of trust” over younger troops would face stiffer sentences if convicted of crimes involving abuse of those under their authority. Authority figures who engage in sexual activities with persons they supervise would see the maximum sentence upon conviction increased to five years’ imprisonment, up from two years. Junior service members also have greater protection against retaliatory personnel action by superiors, in cases where the younger persons come forward with complaints of criminal activity by these superiors. Those in leadership positions who are found guilty of such reprisals could face up to three years’ confinement without pay, plus a dishonorable discharge. * Laws covering cyber crimes have been stiffened. Service members who “wrongfully access unauthorized information on government computers” and distribute classified information could land them up to 10 years in prison. Wrongful access alone could warrant a five-year sentence, as would intentionally damaging… Read more »
*Whistles*
*Looks at watch*
*Whistles*