RA1

Putin seems intent on being a reincarnation of past Russian or USSR despots and, in this instance, is just trying to stir up something to see where it leads. Even though I have thought of Crimea as being part of Russia "forever" it was ceded for political purposes. I have no thought that Putin actually gives two hoots about any of that. Push the envelope every chance you get seems to be his motto. Best regards, RA1

I remember when QEII had her coronation. The local newspapers made a big deal out of her saying, "you all". Yes, I am that old. They set up a small TV in the cafeteria and let us out of class for an hour or so to watch it. I don't think my family had a TV at home quite yet and, anyway, no one would have thought about keeping children out of school for almost any reason and certainly not for the coronation of a foreign queen. Maybe for the death of a close relative for half a day to attend the funereal. Best regards. RA1

This certainly smacks of a bait and switch routine by the cops. How and when did they arrest Fernandez? Best regards, RA1

I wish she would just retire and be quiet. She does NOT represent the "New South" that I live in, either in her cooking style or personal opinions. Best regards, RA1

I cannot imagine that Star Whores is a parody. In fact it is only too much reality. Best regards, RA1

They are all the same (picturewise) as far as choosing. Please provide some other parameters. Best regards, RA1

I wonder what took first place? I have plug into a 110V socket flashlights with rechargeable batteries. When the power goes off, these lights go on. Therefore you can find them and light up a room enough to avoid falling over everything. I have two and they were gifts so I don't know much about them and, fortunately, the power does not go off very often. When it does, I am always surprised by the lights. Best regards, RA1

All my cards are black, just not AMEX or still valid. Best regards, RA1

I think the escorts would still do it, just not with us. Best regards, RA1

Lots of folks in the South have always known that some Yankees speak with forked tongue. Best regards, RA1

Did you get the recipe from "A Modest Proposal"? Best regards, RA1

I thought "cuteness" was a stat. Any thought about DirecTV? Yes, it goes out during heavy rain and under certain icing conditions but does not require a tech to fix it, only a little patience. Here I am generally talking about a few minutes. Of course, the local weather guesser still interrupts if he can get extra air time. Best regards, RA1

I agree. Do NOT bring up Andrew Johnson. Best regards, RA1

Old Hickory is the OH. AKA Andrew Jackson. You remember him. Born in NC when NC, SC and TN were only a "blurred" image of state to come. Owner of the Hermitage and host to mobs to the WH when he was first elected. Best regards, RA1

Not sure what you are asking. JKP was indeed another who could "match" the description or most of it as previously mentioned. Isn't it enough that Southerners did so much for the Union? Best regards, RA1

I had the same problem with language when I first went to the UK as well as Australia and NZ. I think this is a great thread with much useful advice from several (all). Personally I have found that simply trying to speak and understand others will go a long way to getting whatever it is that you want. Friendliness seems to be infectious turning quickly to reciprocity. Best regards, RA1

I don't quite know what to say about OH, the President born in your home state and serving in the military and Congress and White House from mine. He seems to have been like many in that he provided some good and some bad examples and practices while in office (and otherwise). One thing that does not seem to come up in casual conversation is that the War of 1812 was over when he defeated the Brits near New Orleans. Of course, neither side knew it at the time of the battle. Today, with "instant communication" we would know it was over BEFORE it was over. Best regards, RA1

boiworship- Thanks for the report about Lowe's out west. I suppose home repair warehouses are ubiquitous these days as I seem to remember going to a Home Depot once in Anchorage. Why, I do not recall. AS- What, no drinking by employees at TJ's? Best regards, RA1

The "post no Bills" picture reminds me that the security fence at my old office at the MEM airport had a sign on it that said, "NO HUNTING". It was on the fence when I moved into the office and still there when I moved out. The office building has since been torn down and I suspect the sign has gone too. Wags are everywhere. Best regards, RA1

There are two Lowe's closer to me than the nearest Home Depot but now I will have to check it out. You may not have Lowe's out west as it is a NC company. The guys in the Lowe's aren't like you describe but they aren't Walmart greeter rejects either. Best regards, RA1

Because MEM is the world headquarters and largest hub for FEDEX it is fairly natural to assume most any pilot works for them. Indeed it is the domicile of many of them. Until a few months ago NW nee DL had a hub here and a domicile but no longer. Regardless of all that I fly a corporate plane which I try to not fly without passengers on board. Without a doubt my passengers are perhaps overly solicitous of my well being, after all I know them all AND a lot of the time I am the only pilot. Unlike most corporate flights we do not cater to the pax; no coffee, no soft drinks, no hard drinks, not even a newspaper. Those things are readily available and they are welcome to bring them on board. For some reason this has been policy at this company since day one. I had to break myself of the habit of putting all that on board after so many years of doing so. Best regards, RA1

Spring must be just around the corner. Today it will be in the upper 60's in MEM but what really tells me that the seasons are changing is the robin who is building a nest on my south window. He (and probably she) is very diligent. They have been making noises against the window for two days now. I have tried to not interfere with any nest making and I am hoping that the male robin is NOT just attacking his reflection in the window. What a waste of time. Anyway, I look forward to the change of seasons even though they will provide new challenges for flying. Changes of seasons always provide weather which can be severe at times. I always try to avoid thunder bumpers. They annoy my passengers and might spill their drinks. Best regards, RA1

Isn't everything a theory anyway? Regardless, it seems that it is the nature of mankind to try to explain things. So, over the years, bits and pieces of speculation are added until someone or some group thinks there is enough for a theory. Then, some of those who are interested, spend the rest of their lives trying to prove or disprove it. I see no problem with this approach. We have enjoyed a lot of advances throughout whether we "completely" understand things or not. Empirical evidence works for me. Best regards, RA1

What was the parrot's name? Best regards, RA1

No doubt those are turkey fries. Also included in this menu would be mountain oysters, bull fries and other delicacies enjoyed by us in the South. Although they resemble kidney beans, they are not. Even though I have gout, I cannot imagine not enjoying any or all of these at least once in awhile. Best regards, RA1