Friday, June 30, 2006
D.C. MEMORIES The first time I landed at Washington,D C's then "new" National Airport built at Gravelly Point about four down the Potomac River from the nation's capital, I felt we were,for sure, going to land in the river. The airport was built out into the stream and the approach was all to low over wet stuff. Just time, however,dry land turned up ands we made of it. Moments earlier I had been thinking we would be landing on a site on which in 1746, a man named Captain John Alexander built a mansion which he named "Abingdon". Actually the site was on he shore at the the end of the man-made island where the nation's air craft would now be using. He lived in that house and a descendant of his Phillip Alexander later donate land he inherited on which much of a new city called Alexander - in his honor - was founded. The historic home was purchased by John Parke Custis in 1778. It was here that Eleanor "Nelly" Parke Curtis, stepdaughter of George Washington was born. When building the new airport facilities the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority preserved many of the artifacts found in the ruins of the old mansion when it burned in l930. They can be examined today at the exhibit Hall in the Terminal A. As I recall, airport facilities in Washington, D.C. were dismal in the days before Washington National got going. There may have been some small "landing fields" in the general area bit the only one I can recall seeing an using was called "Hoover Field" and it was a grass and dirt strip right beside highway. can remember old Curtis-Wright "Jenneys" offering "Joy Rides" for visitors willing to try. "Hoover Field" was opened in 1926 and was the only airport I ever knew which had a city street intersecting its one and only runway. Guards on duty there had to stop motor traffic with each takeoff or landing of planes. "Hoover Field" did so well that the following year - 1927 - a second ,privately owned airfield opened right next to it. The two airports merged to become - Washington-Hoover Airport in 1930 when the Great Depression years took over. There was some operation there years later because I remember taking a "Goodyear" Blimp from that site. "Reagan National" has prospered well in spite of noise abatement and crowding problems. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-30-06 [c420wds]
Thursday, June 29, 2006
SNOW TIME I have often wondered, in the past, if I could be considered to be an individual who would be "typical" among men and women of my own era. "Average" may be a better term; someone aware of the world about us and what made it move and be vital in all he or she did of felt concerned about. I usually ended up thinking I was such a person. The age factor kept changing, but that applied to all of us. This morning I found myself sitting for a solid half-hour time period watching and listening to a briefing by the present White House Press Secretary. That ,of course, has to be the newly named holder of that office - Robert Anthony "Tony" Snow. He is certainly one of the best qualified and most capable men to have held that job. I first heard of Tony Snow as a guest host on "The Rush Limbaugh Show" and, is suppose, I thought of him as a west coast personality. I quickly found he had Virginia connections. He was with the "Daily Press" in Newport News in 1981-82 having crossed the waters from Norfolk's "Virginia. He had also worked for "The Record"...so he knew our area and our news needs first-hand. There is one other job - well, two I suppose - he held when he served as "Chief Speech Writer and Deputy Assistant of Media Affairs."- 1991- 1993 for George W. Bush, President. There should not be any doubt how Tony Snow landed the Press Secretary. There is one other point in all of this which speaks well of both George W. Bush and of Robert Anthony "Tony" Snow. Each is aware of of the others imperfections. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-28-06 [c301wds]
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
NEAR MISS
We have just come through a crisis of sorts here in this somewhat withdrawn village in the Shenandoah Valley section of the Commonwealth of Virginia known as Weyers Cave. It is a loose community of a thousand souls at the most joined together, one might say, by the homes which make up the local mail delivery route. We have a post office but the city “limits” are rather vague – extended further into the county at some points than others. We are a rural community as well as a bedroom community. Dwellers herein are farmers, industrial workers who part-time it as farmers and farmer workers who part-time it commercially or industry in one of three cities nearby – Staunton, Waynesboro or Harrisonburg or one of some a fed other villages of small towns nearby such as Mt. Sidney, Verona, Grottoes, Dayton, Bridgewater. It would be difficult to say, for sure, where our bounds might be at any one time. About sixty days or so, a lady who lives in a totally different section of Augusta County asked the Staunton “News-Leader” how she could best make use Freedom of Information legislation to determine how and why our Board of supervisors could keep all proceedings secret. Public funds expended would suggest public awareness assured. The Board refused to make the information public with two members dissenting and the battle was joined. Looking back at it all now during the last days of June 2006, I find it all Our board of super-visionaries took upon themselves a task far beyond their capabilities. The put their trust in secret with an unknown "agency"of statewide powers rather than regional or national. They bought a rather shadowy bill of goods. The contest was a case of amateurs dealing with other amateurs. They let their warped concept of what they thought they were doing rest on a single auto maker. When political factions started warning landowners about possible exactions under eminent domain rulings of recent years the mega-balloon popped. You can't go back and erase all the harsh things which were said, the inconsiderate or undo acts taken by some in their worse moments during the weeks of sand-lot managers attempting to head up major league operations. Overall results may be evident after the next local elections. We should have learned,too, that not all clowns are not in circus tents. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-28-06 [c415wds]
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
PREDICTION TIME There are still some things we can always count on. Right now – at this very moment – somewhere in this modern world of ours, there is a radio announcer who is telling his listeners there are just so-many more shopping days left until Christmas! That’s one of the many expressions from our curious, flexible language which in spite overuse and unseasonable applications concerning potential dangers ahead! I have another one handy which is getting just a bit worn with overuse:“How many Christmas Seasons will have come and gone before anything is done about the gift to the world - made years ago - concerning an overall "Clean Up" of the United Nations organization? We hear about suggested plans for the buildings there among the sagging flags of so many nations, but very little about some much needed "Department of Human Resources" which used to be the office where the Personnel Ax was kept for use as needed. The last such building plan I heard about was one which called on us to buy a sizable building nearby into which we could move all of the present UN offices which would,you see, allow us to work better refurbishing and/or rebuilding the woefully dilapidated structure in which they are currently housed. A strong argument in favor of this second-building plan is that we can then “sell” that temporary building - re-furbished, of course, refurnished and enlarged a bit here and there – to the expanding United Nations organization. We can feel fee to donate any income which might occur to UN Maintenance and Janitorial Services. The needs for two sets of buildings is greater than for one. There are lingering odors in upper floors of the main building from Iraqi oil deals and mis-deals. The only way they can be removed is for someone in charge to send the people packing who put them there. How many years ago was it when all that was happening? Let's see now...if this is the tag end of the month called June, so - we ought to, maybe, hear about something being done at the UN by ten shopping days before Christmas of 2006 or "07! Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-27-06 [c377wds]
Monday, June 26, 2006
ADVENTURE I suppose that, in a technical sense, a person with ninety-plus years belted away as his or her very own, no longer experiences a sequence of events which can be called an "adventure." So much of that which we do today, whatever we try today, seems to fit into the pattern of what everyone else either is doing, of has done. 6, 2006 This past week end I attended a family reunion at Hickory some five or six hours south of our home in Virginia. How could some as mundane as that qualify as an "adventure"? One point, and a main one,is my age is now "Goin' on ninety-one." At that age one is not supposed to go wandering around the countryside without good reason. I had several such points in mind. One was that the reunion was planned for here in Virginia but had to be changed. I decided I was going anyway, but I guess I didn't talk it over with anyone so when I overheard plans being made to leave daughter Barbara here to take care of me and send my wife Vivian off to be our representative at the family conclave. I realized, of course, that I have had hospital adventures which might minimize my movements. I don't get around as well as I once did. I am cane-bound, chair-bound, pill-bound but also still ready and eager to "go." On the trip down,I found I was so afraid I might miss something passing through areas where I grew up that I could not "nap" as had told myself would do. In Hickory, N.C. while staying at the same Hampton Inn we have before I became aware of the fact hat I have become a home-body, used to routines, schedules; lean-upon furniture and the other amenities of retired, post-operative living. Sleep evaded me. The adventure came in staying with it all, having a good time talking and listening to young and old alike. In spite of the fact that I was the oldest person present, I had a comfortable feeling that I was holing my own in conversation, conviviality, and consumption of elegant foodstuffs. There were moments when we I had uncomfortable feeling as well. I have to admit I had some doubt concerning my travel-ability qualifications which underlines the hint of what we might call "adventure" or ninety-year oldsters. It may well be that the reunion pathway for a family is that it gives the old folks a chance to see the young people maturing into individual personalities while at the same time it gives young people a once-a-year checkpoint to learn where they came from and keys to to remarkable tomorrows yet to be. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-26-06 [c474wds]
Sunday, June 25, 2006
WHO DIES FOR WHAT? The news release yesterday reporting that about half a million people have been killed as a result of the current war. We have been shocked to learn that our own military deaths there now amounts to thousands. Why bring up such a topic? Because of what it is costing us is of utmost importance to each of us. We are troubled with having different views and obvious disagreements and differences in our populace concerning the nature of this war in particular. It is, I think, to consider the obvious fact that we are going to get two diverse,”knee jerk” views in asking such a question. This can be both good and bad, and remember that it is not the purpose of this page to attempt to decide which of the two views might be the better way go. The report cited deals with the great number of “civilians” killed. The term itself is antiquated and often miss used. In one sense, we are all “solders” but there are combatants and non-combatants. So many of those killed in Iraq have been, and will continue to be non-combatant persons. Notice how of news accounts refer to,perhaps sixty seven civilians as killed when a zealot Iraqi set off suicide bombs he was wearing at a checkpoint or a market site. Several Iraqi policemen were injured, maybe an American solider wounded, and it is they who get the media headlines. The civilians become a number and those number are adding up fast. Even greater in cost and suffering is cost to the nation and suffering from the high number of wounded among the people. The very nature of a home-made bomb makes it an anti-personnel bomb of horrible injury when small medal objects such a bent nails,rusted screws and hinges are packed within them. All wars are different. They no longer follow patterns. They make their own depending on what is available and this is an especially because of the religious associations. This pattern which is killing or wounding so many needlessly. The time has come for each of us to seriously re-examine that which we profess to believe about this war. Try to give a little and see how our disagreements here are, in many ways, causing suffering to million of people elsewhere. Can you find it deep within yourself to fore-go some little, even petty, political advantage you might gain by stubbornly refusing to concede a minor point which can save lives? Try. Try for half-a-million - very human - reasons. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-25-06 [c446wds]
Friday, June 23, 2006
FAMILY REUNION TIME There is decided difference in attitude when you realize you are going to be one of the oldest - if not the oldest member of the family to be present. Much depends on which of the oldsters actually get there. My family - centered more or less, at that time, in Eastern Virginia and North Carolina seemed to have a summer-time "Go Home Week" so each summer time after school was out most of us showed up at 728 East 26th Street, Norfolk, Va. Often those who could not make the summer trip planned to be there around Christmas time. ,I think that, actually we got together more often than a great many families ever did but without an formal "reunion theme. We had one of that type ,however, much more recently at Staunton, Virginia - in Gypsy Hill Park - when McCaskey family members turned up from everywhere. That was the last big one we had and since that time Father Time, Mother Nature, Arthur Ritus, and a lot of other forces have moved in on us - which, I think we all understand well enough is more or less par for life's course. Some reunions tend to endure longer than others. So much depends on older members keeping the young people interested in who they have been, who they are are, who they may be! This is a reunion of the Herman family - my wife's mother's kin. It is, in a very real sense also a reunion of of the Arndt family as well, because many of the Hermans married Arndts or close kin thereof. The focus of the two families has long been the piedmont area of North Carolina. We are part of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia branch of the families and we will be meeting with those from the Hickory-Newton-Conover area - where we will gather this week-end. You can bet there will be food aplenty for the throng, too. That's a major feature and among of my prime memories of such events caloric capabilities of cooks is a prime point. There's a serious side to such sessions...always and in as many different ways as there are people present. You can sense the binding thread of love which make it all possible. In one sense you can say we are honoring family members of the past for their accomplishments. That's true. We do that by our very presence. We always reflect, as well, on what these moments together might mean to our lives and to the future well-being of our children and grandchildren. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-23-06 [c445wds]
Thursday, June 22, 2006
BAGGY BRITCHES The style setters are saying that pants are going to thin down this Fall. That would promise, then, that we are going back to thin-as-a-rail, tight-fitted, all bone and flesh-less inside, and ready to split at any moment with the slightest bending motions. I hated those,too and I have always been thankful that I grew up in an era of "in-between-Ness" when fashion experts did other things than worry about the tightness or looseness of men's and boy's pantaloons. I did experience male living when so-called "knickers" - so-called rhyming easily "snicker" - were a strongly set fad largely due, I suppose, to Scottish game of golf which gained both fame and notoriety in that curious phase in our tonsorial history. I think of it now, but it never occurred to me at the time, that we went about as close to the style-edge as possible when we agreed to be seen in public dressed in those knee-length bloomers. They could, just as easily have convinced us we should have donned genuine Highland clan kilts together with such attachments as might seem necessary to keep everything proper and decent along the Fairway as in the Rough. After the changes of 1929 we growing boys saved 'knickerbockers", as golf- garb came to be classified. We saved our golf-garb for Sunday and other dress-up times and returned to our favorite overalls - pronounced most of the time, as "over hauls" - with bibb, shoulder straps, and plenty of pockets. The legs of the pants were roomy enough to slip over usually bare feet. When shoes were worn, a bit tighter, of course. If, indeed, sensible pants styles for men and boys are tor return to public display areas such as Mall parades , maybe we can hope some of the current sag-and-drag designs will fade away. Some have the back pockets nipping at the walker's heels with every step. Some seem to be swinging on a belted suspension at about knee level. The fore and aft sway of the legs keep a rich patina on the murky surface of signatured sneakers intermittingly displayed. Hurry, style-shifters...hurry, please. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-22-06 [c386wds]
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
THINGS I HAVE LIKED I enjoyed seeing and hearing our Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stand up promptly and tell North Korea's clown prince Kim Jong il that his announced test firing of a missile which could reach the continental United States "could be viewed as an act of war." We need more direct statements such as this by our leaders. Beware of any politician who even alludes to the idea that he is telling the truth. That's like hiring a fox to protect the chickens. You are, beyond all doubt, going to love your all-new "Smart House" as designed and furnished to provide shelter for you plus well-being and happiness for the rest of your normal tenure of time. Dr. Robin Felder, Professor of Pathology and his staff at the University of Virginia's Medical Automation Research Center (MARC), at Charlottesville, Va. are getting it ready for you. Dr. Felder describes his "Smart House" as being "in essence, a live-in medical monitor." The vast major of seniors today would like to live as long as they can but and a much lower cost than it takes to do so today. The baby bloomers who are going be paying for sch care are also concerned about costs as well as quality of care given. Felder's "Smart House",as i is taking shape in Charlottesville,Va. seems to be one, good, sensible solution. The house is wirelessly outfitted in accordance with the statistical requirements of each medical specialty area. A bed monitor,for instance, takes a series of sleeper movement during the night, measures pulse, breathing, position, temperature, humidity and other such conditions which are, in turn,forwarded to a central, remote computer for viewing by a staffer or by the doctor checking on his patients condition. At no time is the patient called upon to answer questions, push buttons, take pills or cause charts to be created. "The technology is completely passive," observes Steve The work is closely incorporated with research work being done with by the University of Missouri at Columbia. They have forty-one such units outfitted and in residential use. The "Smart House" is for both seniors and caregivers. Get with the idea now. If you stood on your front porch to review a parade of the entire population of China marching past in single file you would be there for ever. They%
Monday, June 19, 2006
LAUNDRY HILL If you can't get excited about the costly erosion of our farmlands, you are, I'd say, a flatlander or from a asphalt street, guttered, with street car tracks and car lying in wait to cross your path at the intersection half-way down the snow laden incline. Remember that one time, perhaps, when ought to do some real belly-floppin', show-off speed runs down the steepest hill in the county! We had such a hill when I was a pre-teener. It was located along Arlington Avenue, in a part of Radford, Va called "Central" The hill was located a block or so up the paved incline of Arlington Avenue at the point where dirt-and-graveled 2nd Street crossed the avenue westward bound toward our school house. Now, that - lemme-tell-you - was steep hill! The run started with a eight-ten foot drop off which gave us a good start and the ran about fifty feet a, perhaps, a 20% downward slope. At that point the path disappeared entirely and our sled was riding on air alone until we hit the deep drift of snow. That was the end of the ride until we got i packed down with heavy use. The ravines lower exit end had just a low wall and, with when packed down well we could take a deep dive or jump the hole entirely and continue on the gentle slope which ran a good hundred feet or more to paved First Street and the street car track. That was a hill! We often built a bonfire at the top but the walk back up was a doozie. We went around the sink hole on the way back up from First to Second Streets. Years later, when I returned I made it a point to stop at "Laundry Hill"- so-called because the building along the west edge of the First Street end was the towns leading laundry. The building is gone . The hill is still there, but a strange thing has happened. It has shrunk. I wonder if the rest of our lives - and of our memories - are subject to that same type of erase-ive erosion? Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-19-06 [c379weds]
Sunday, June 18, 2006
POPULATION TALK We are, suddenly aware of and concerned with the sheer millions of inhabitant who live on this Earth which we call our own. Really, it is not mine or ours; but rather being-place of every one of us regardless of how you may happen to classify us - as tall, short, fat, or by color; wealth, upbringing, by physical traits, by religious ideas we profess, or scores of other attributes or demerits. In recent months it has become apparent that we are going to be pushed to make some vital decisions concerning the nature of citizenship before long. How long that time might be depends on many international factors and not on just our own feelings. That flex-time condition makes it, more than ever, important tat we agree on our lineal defintion of smoothness bing used so loosely. Citizens have rights and citizens have obligations and they had best be firmly established prior to any testing by competitive forces worldwide. For the first time in many years, since trouble of the Depression on "foreigners"...strangers, immigrants... and you have certainly noticed that is a favorite housewifely topic at the super-market or discount store. Many areas are feeling the pressures of a second language in the market place. Objections have been too intense to be ignored and ways of meeting the need are suspect. We are seeing a repeat performance of all of the ill-considered tactics used against our grandparents when they came as immigrants to these shores speaking German, Yiddish, Central European dialects, Slavic tongues as well Nordic, China's strange way, Japanese and other Asiatics. The United States is woefully unaware of the fact that other people speak other languages. Token smatterings of fashionable French and Castilian Spanish for a mixed SA-Mex-Carib-PR-Cuba mix have been considered sufficient since the death of Latin, Greek and Hebrew as classical freaks. Many Americans insist that immigrants take positive action to learn English. Good. That's just common sense. A sobering after-thought: my next door neighbors - immigrants all from the Ukraine - speak far better American English than I do Russian. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-18-06 [c366wds]
Saturday, June 17, 2006
POLLY I remember times when I have wanted a loud-mouthed, talking parrot! I always talked myself out of it, for which deliverance I am grateful, because, in the ensuing years I have encountered a few such birds and I have not been favorably impressed save in on or two cases. I would imagine our interest in parrots was caused,in part, by our having read so many stories about pirates with parrots as side-kick buddies talking them into and out of thrilling adventures. He stands and out above all others. He was, feather-for-feather, a dignified Household Butler type of a bird. He belonged to a retired twosome who happened to live in the second floor apartment just above ours for some time The flat, which has been torn down now, was no Taj Mahal and insulation was unknown in those days,so we were ruled, to some degree, as Polly asserted his presence with Mr. and Mrs. upstairs neighbors. Mr. Evans had been, before "retiring to town living" part owner of a several small,semi-surface coal mine operations near a village strip called Parrot, Virginia and a newcomer fledgling bird acquired for his office, a "parrot from Parrot" was called "Polly-Polly." The Evans household was a formal one. Mrs. Evans always referred to her husband of many years "Mister Evans". That requirement was effector all occasions when speaking, to him, him others, even in prayer to our Lord. Mr. Evans was of the same strict school. He always referred to his wife as "Missus Evans" on all occasions including speaking to her, about her, on her behalf, to strangers, newcomers, tradespeople, salespersons! To everyone alike: "Missus Evans" -- always. We never knew their first names until Mr. Evans, asked my father to "look over" some insurance policies he possessed. One would think such a couple might call their parrot "Mister" as well. No. They spoke of, to and about him as a fine English family might call a Butler who managed their household for many years. It was never "Polly,Polly". It was always a somewhat reserved "Polly". Polly had a sense of humor,too. When they were away he took care of strangers knocking at the front door. "Come in!" He called. We would hear the turning of a doorknob - the door locked, of course. "Come in, please." Maybe a second try at the caller discovered a certain dialect about the voice denoting a talking birds presence. Polly announced the arrival of people into whatever room held his cage. The parrot observes the family dictum of Mr. and Mrs. Evans , as well. On occasion Polly has been known to pick up the name of the neighbor's cat and cause it to put a year's wear and tear on the screen which separates the two adjoining patios. He also achieved local fame by remembering radio station IDs. He'd was lost, however, without the Evans twosome to imitate. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-17-06 [c505wds]
Friday, June 16, 2006
TEAM WORK Flying larger aircraft calls for teamwork. You may have wondered what it seems to call for a crew of eleven to properly fly a B-29; a few less for the older, smaller B-24. Both demand multiple talents and we are, doubtless, victims of our own cupidity in assuming that an author's created super- person exceeds all known world values in his various abilities and accomplishments and and flies the plane expertly - as a one man Wright Brothers/NASA combination. It doesn't work that way at all. The super-pilot screen type hero without limit is a figment of the imagination half-life of some writers memory and a willing compliance of the reader on his or her suggestions culling the larger crew down to one heroic, prime person in charge of all aspects of operation. The establishment of a very successful military used for both of the planes has made it possible to see why each job is part of a composite plan to use individual skills and knowledge to best advantage and to gain ultimate values. The concept is big enough that it actually varied in different areas around the world where the planes have been used to any extent. We think, quite logically, of the person charged with actually maneuvering of the craft from point. We are to call him the Chief Pilot - the main one, prime, first, Numero Uno, Senior Pilot. There is also a Second Pilot who is more than a stand-by or replacement if the Senior Pilot should become incapacitated or unable to function in any way. The Co-pilot is responsible for the elements which enables the Senior Pilot to perform well. They both check all safety factors and the Co-Pilot continues to observe such aids and report any variations to his senior. He is to be ready to take, over the actual control when asked to do so, either by the demand of circumstances or when requested to do so - when, for instance, the craft has been put automatic pilot. It was not uncommon for pilots to spell each other for catnaps on the small platform in back of their seats. When being "pilot" a person was "in charge of" the entire operation. There was one other person had such a power. When a plane on a mission entered the actual bomb site and passed a pre-determined point called the "Point of Departure" the Bombardier took control of the plane until such time as, according to mission plans, the bombs fell way from the bomb racks. Control of the plane was the returned to the chief pilot much concerned with ground attacks and enemy aircraft. The Navigator was at work seeking a safer path home. Gunners were alert, of course, at their posts. The crews operated as a closely-knit unit.Very much dependent on one another with their very lives at stake it was a closeness unequaled. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-16-06 [c503wds]
Thursday, June 15, 2006
LEND AN EAR A cat, statisticians who record feline facts tell me, has a total of thirty-two muscles in each ear. Fitted out with that type of feline facts,I can now understand, to some degree, how is that our family cat or several years now - named "Angel", can be totally unaware of just about anything I tell her, while obeying the commands and even the unspoken wishes wishes of some of them. I am "persona non grata" to 'Angel" and I wonder why the devil anyone every gave her that name. At the same time, in a physical sense, the name is an excellent choice. Never before have I known a cat to be so perfectly proportioned and so finely marked. To the eye she is both regal and ethereal... other worldly, at times. In disposition, manners and in associative relation ship ,she: "Needs," as they say, "some work done." Don't count on me to do it. I'm on an intermittent schedule with "Angel",it seems. There are days in which she appears not to know I even exist. She can look right at me - through me, in fact, and not show any sign that I am present. At other times she can be momentarily friendly and even lead me to think I'm making progress in "getting to know her." She is elusive and not going to react in any way any thing I may suggest. In general,I realize this particular cat was raised by women. there were few men in her life until recently. Any feminine presence causes her to recognize as a source of attentions, food, water, and contact suggesting security and warmth or dryness and protection from danger. I have often wondered what type of reasoning which has caused politicians to avoid putting a tax on house cats such as we have on dogs as pets. That reason, I am told, is that the cat is not yet considered to be truly domesticated. Until such time as it is, the cat remains a wild, independent, self-contained,and very much individual, four-legged unit all his or her own self alone. Often, in some strange way I can't even start to explain, I often I feel I am in the presence of something more than a "cat." Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-15-06 [c397wds]
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
HENRY - CALLED THE EIGHTH I tend to feel sorry for the King we list as Henry Number Eight. The artists - or, perhaps we had best call them the cartoonists they must have been maligning the King and always “doing him” at meal time. He is depicted as a fat, uncouth brute of a man passionately hacking a side of venison, at least a thigh thereof, with his sole weapon being his hunting knife. Neither the the King, nor his hired hands who had hacked the beast into chunks they could handled as they held them in and just above the leaping flames of a huge bonfire to cook them. They were really butchers being chefs. None of them – King or valet- had luxuries such as knives, forks, spoons and other such gadgets we now consider to be essential. Everything was “finger-lickin' good” be it the much-lauded venison or plain old pasturing cow. Henry VIII deserves better treatment than he has had in the past. His actions, which changed the entire face of the empire and to those portions which have come down to us as as a part of our heritage as well. Many still vilify Henry as a scamp and they prove it by attending diligently to any doubts they have about all aspects of his life. Most concerned his choice brides and of his manner of making such choices. Aside from all the hoop-la- anyone who, undertook to remove the Roman Catholic Church from the empire and to supplant it with his own English version, had to be a man to be reckoned with in all matters. To gain a new appreciation of the abilities of Henry VIII,consider the enormity of that which he accomplished - for reasons good or bad by someone's estimate. The Roman Catholic monastery establishments of the continent had become rich and lived a life of luxury, acquired possessions such as land, at flocks, vineyards, possession of art works and built lavish new quarters for themselves. Some members felt is to be wrong and decided to migrate across the channel and to built new homes dedicated to poverty and true worship. By the time Henry came to power the English equaled or exceeded the wealth and corruption of the worst of the old continental locations. Henry acted quickly and indecisively. Every thing he did was completed between the years of 1536 and 1540. In just four years he totally changed the religious nature of the area and placed in its stead a church system of his own devising - an English church. Gone forever - after just four years of action - were the ornate monastic houses, churches, cathedrals, palaces and other sites - largely seen as ruins today. Just four years? Think not so much what Henry did, but the way in which he did it. Andee McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-15-06 [c485wds]
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
SHOCK SHOTFew people were were ready for President George Bush’s standing with Iraq ’s head of state affably doing the hand shaking routines. Both men are obviously adept at the well-known and oft-used maneuver marking time, but our TV people ,wondering what their rather elaborate equipment and personnel setup at the Camp David, Maryland, “Peace Conference” were doing at the moment they were stretching as best they could to make a pooled camera shot suffice a moment longer. The producer of the network I was watching seemed to like it all so much hat hat he ran it over again Bush and the new PM walked away rather suddenly as if the two leaders were eager to get something started. I was pleased that either our President now seemed to speak conversational Arabic or that the Prime Minister had just stepped away from his “Rosetta Stone:” - “Political Emergency Course in English”. They chatted away, it appeared over either dead or uncomprehending microphones. It was a good “photo op” without extra cameras nearby. The trip to Baghdad – Bush’s second – was a better kept secret than other such departures. The awareness of the trip was a surprise for some guests at Camp David and to find at their presidential host had flown the coop as they slept as it was for you and for me. President Bush picked up a few points last week when Iraq’s Number Two Unwanted was erased and this trip, as novel change always seems to do, will, gather in a few more political points. I strikes me as unfortunate that we follow such a popularity in judging work of our leaders. Such recognition is often ephemeral and can be quickly reversed by another news item. The situation in Iraq is far too serious to be exposed to any such any such chance-ridden reasoning. This is,indeed, a “new” government for that area. It embodies, often for the first time, democratic concepts which will affect the overall decisions to be made will be influential on the new life Iraqi citizens may enjoy in the future. The biggest mistake we could possible make in our highly responsible position in the formation of the new government in Iraq would be for us to expect it to be a copy of our own. Think about that for more than a minute or two. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-13-06 [c408wds]
Monday, June 12, 2006
DEAD OR UNDEAD? I have myself questioning the general condition of our news media again. The first mention I heard the death of al-Zarqawi came to me by radio as a mention during a delayed talk show. My comment at the time - expressed audiably to the radio voice was: "Well, good!" and I added "...'bout time ,too! I recognize the name as being a Vice-resident leader of Al Qaida - the one who sees hostage descapiating as a personl enjoyment. I thought "good riddance" and pictured Ben Laden being captured even though he was disguised as Groucho Marx. With his man out of the way, things will,be better all over the map. This time, our intelligence was correct. Z. was where he was supposed to be in a "safe" house. The Americans sent two five hundred pound bombs on a guided tour - one to Mr's house and the other at a nearby house where his staff were staying. At the same time Iraqi forces were occupying a score or other hiding places in the area. The first TV coverage I saw was a general shot of the debris at the bombed area and a photo of a very dead al-Zarqawi. His face was unmarked and he was plainly identfiable.He had died in the raid. Late we were told head not died in the raid but had acally lived "a few seconds after the bomb blast hit him. I had trouble imagaining someone hunkered down feeling his wrist for a pulse beat or listening for his last breath while the crunch of rubble continujed over,under and around him. Then ,imagine my state morning when the "offical" report (whatever that may be!) claims he did not die until "fifty-two minutes" after the raid. This could get better as it goes along! What did he say, in anything? Truth, obvoiusly cannot be the basis of news gathering and reporting such as this based on hearsay, chance, guesswork possibilities. Something amiss in the time element of this story. Somewhere, some people will be asking if al-Zarqawi is really dead after all. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-12-06 [c367wds]
Sunday, June 11, 2006
JUMP START I made a one-week-early swing at "Father's Day" this evening due to a surprise visit by daughter Mary, John Wingfield, Rachael, Lucy and John Andrew from down in the flatlands. Typically,Lucy was first away from the big, gray truck in our driveway and she ran ahead of the others into our hall where she sent forth a blood-curdling scream of welcome not unlike that sounded by coveys of witches counterpoising frighten each other. Vivian was on the edge of her afternoon nap. I was sitting here at the keyboard starting that piece which this now supplants - my back to the surprise scream! Her yell blended in laughter as the others came into the house and the surprise visit was no longer a secret and soon much qieter. We learned, in time, that Barbara knew they were coming up to see us but they managed to keep it a secret rest of us. Rachael swatted the very first ball pitched toward the mythical home plate and ran a successful home run but the roar of ridicule from adept softball player because she ran the wrong way - to 3rd...to 2nd ,to 1st and home! For the Father's Day dinner - a week early - we descended on Harrisonburg's, Virginia's version of "Cracker Barrel" chain. I have been wanting some old-fashioned "Chicken 'n Dumplin's and I decided I would like to face a platter thereof in active combat. There fine Corn Bread muffin's,of course as well hot biscuits, a large platter of thick dumplings, four of five long sliver-slabs of white meat and that good, super-white-sauce based-gravy with just the right spices. All that, plus inspired refills of good, black, unsweetened, coffee, heavy-mugged coffee- hot and manly! Alongside all that - turnip greens swished lightly with and swath of true vinegar and at the other hand a bowl of crisply fried breaded Okra slices! Those are all foods you don't see at home very often these fast food days. Feature fine foods for Father's Day! That's sure way to revive pleasant memories of the past for his annual day of stock-taking. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-11-06 [c373wds]
Saturday, June 10, 2006
TV OR NOT TV We are hearing a great deal of harsh criticism of television as we know it today, and is some cases,it seems, with good reason, or with more of legal-sounding severity -"with just cause." That which has brought about changes in the way we live just about every aspect of our lives applies,just as aptly, to the entertainments we choose and the degree to which we seek to participate in them. Television watching demands some personal discipline, just as other worthy interests do. It must be seen as a shower of special blessings we step into on purpose rather than a vagrant flow of tailings from nowhere in clarities which we allow to flow over us. In doing so, disillusionment and disappointment are being invited to take over our lives. I agree that much of today's accepted television production output is than satisfactory for today somewhat edgy markets. There are needs for reform at all levels. That, of course, includes us, since we are the intended recipients of the products being made; we are the ultimate users, we are the segment intended to benefit from the whole process of doing. If, then, we prove to be unaffected, wrong so or disappointed in any way, the project can only judged to have been a failure. One way to measure what change are to be made in present-day TV production is to get what you feel confident is a cosmopolitan, across-the-grain "sample" group of people to list the names of show they "like" and those they "do not like". The reason why they do or do like a show will, at times, almost parrot each other finding opposite opinions. om time-to-time some average TV viewers do not really know what they want or expect but only that which they but only that which they might like at any given moment. Over the years I have found it to to be an accurate judgment are, more often than not,in stark reality, often leaning toward being the exact opposite of that which claimed to being surveys and questionnaires. Those who said they wanted more classical music on radio did far better in quizzes centered on identifying hillbilly record stars than on leading singers of more sedate forms of music. The person who claims "violence is horrible" could tell me more about who was shot on what show ...when?...from what angle?...and why! Before you get too detailed about which shows you like or dislike check over an "honest-injun" tally before you display your opinions in public. We have to make up our own minds concerning exactly what we mean by "too much sex stuff!"..." too much violence - guts!"..."too much profanity, cussing, ..", "too much profanity,searing,cussing,sacrilege ,obscenity!" Watching TV over our own shoulders is one way of eliminating some of the faults we think we find with it. TV is young. We, as watchers are also young. We are growing up together. It may be difficult,for a time, to decide which side is maturing the fastest. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-9-06 [c532wds]
Friday, June 09, 2006
ELATION I find it difficult try to explain away a feeling I do not have. There seems to be something which keeps me from getting as excited and pleased as some people seem to be about the killing of the Number 2 man in the world wide terrorist organization in Iraq. I think it is natural to see average people equate all good and all evil within individuals and specific persons in the Iraqi setting, but our thinking in the west is - wrought on a somewhat higher plain. It should not be necessary to develop or build a symbolic individual to personify the beliefs, ideas, concepts and paraded as decorated tokens in the Al Qujida procession. I doubt seriously doubt if the dead man was such a great help to Ben Laden wherever he may be. It may well be that repressed or falsified "facts"within and around the overall group which have been working together to improve some semblance of doing all sorts of things seeking to forward their long-range. Both "leaders",I feel, have far more help from other Arabic powers and a few "what's-in-i-for me?" individuals around the world in different settings than we realize. The borders of all states around Iraq are porous, shaky, indefinite, and most have wilderness conditions as their normal doormats. Hiding places are plentiful; trails weave among each other endlessly and local views of loyalty are flexible and usually writ in sand. We have, I feel, been having been having border problems for some time now in places far removed from Mexico and Canada. All areas around Iraq are suspect and others - elsewhere - will now begin to be seen as participants to a far greater extent than we ourselves have ever realized. I have some rather vague feeling in my bones which keep telling me again and again that all is far from being "hunky-dory" in the Middle East and several "elsewheres" which come to mind all too quickly. Some people I know are elated. "We got Number Two!" Did we? I wonder about that! Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-9-06 [c363wds]
Thursday, June 08, 2006
HEAD RIGHTS In November 1618, on the 18th day of that wintry month, the governing body of the Virginia Colony decided something ought to be done to convince people to decide to migrate and settle in the colony. With the approach of real winter weather just they were disheartened because new settlers were not coming in as fast as they thought they might or should. The judicial body was not part of the British Royal government. It was called “The Quarter Court”. It was the rule-setting section of the Virginia Company authorized to run the Colony in Virginia as they thought best. The rules and regulations, which, in many cases, became a Grand Charter of obligations, rights and privileges we enjoy. The plan the court came up with was one which granted a gift of fifty acres of land to anyone who settled in the Virginia colony. It also gave a grant of fifty acres of land to anyone would pay transportation costs for bringing a settler to the colony. Fifty acres of land per head gave rise to the term "headrights". The second portion of the plan attracted more participants than did the first section. It spread other areas as they grew. The plan set up by the Virginia Company worked well enough that, when the Virginia Company was disbanded the Royal Government, through is Privy Council, took over and declared July 22, 1634 that the headright grants would continue to be issued. In time, such programs came to difficulties in establishing titles which had never been officially patented. There were conflicts with existing patents, as well. The Council modified the plan to demand that such grants had to be officially patented within one year. Evil overtones became obvious, too. The system gave rise to many abuses The plot could be bought and sold resulting in a real estated nightmare and associated cheating. Manifests of incoming ships did not agree with total number of settler delivered. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-9-06 [c337wds]
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
NEXT? The somewhat hesitant revelation of the details of a "Terrorist plot" in Canada "against something" indicates a fear which exists because of a vital element in our border control precautions. The two nations share a four thousand mile border so a wall is ,automatically, eliminated in plans of either nation. We have had a remarkably stable relationship considering a wide selection of various governmental aberrations in some border states and provinces. I can remember harsh words being used at times, but military has been a phase, one might say, of actions against England and France rather than against the Canadian people. We had some common problems it can be said, which we each solved in different ways. There have been disagreements in some products such as wheat and other grains - production, labor, in national and international marketing. We have shared labor and jobs and maintained a strong crossover rate and border contact points. Many Americans were disturbed by Canada's easy acceptance of American "draft dodgers" during World War II days, in particlar, I can remember thinking of men who wished to harm themselves and their families in such a way by running away from their obligations, we were, in a very real sense, fortunate to have a neighbor nation ready to take them in. The current concern deals with foreign elements passing through Canada and then crossing int the United States. is a far greater threat than the Mexican border. Both are important, of course, but the Canadian is far more sophisticated with expanded systems of communication, highways, airport facilities, prime railroad systems from cost-to-coast, and a public. Americans are, generally, unaware of how inviting port cities such as Vancouver, British Columbia and bi-lingual Montreal might seem to be to foreign mind filled with ill intent for the United States nearby. The current incident is the second we have seen. How many such demonstrations do we need to encourage us to make the border with Canada secure? Such plans are underway, too, we are assured. It is more difficult to cross the border this week, and within a month we are being told passports will be required for any and all crossings. Suppose we keep an eye on that little promise. If that step is in effect a month or so from today we can judge how well the work is being done. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-7-06 [c411wds]
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
"THE DEVIL'S MARBLE YARD" Several years ago,in these pages, we wondered what early settlers in the Shenandoah Valley did for entertainment or amusement. We decided they must have done a great deal of singing - the old songs, the ballads of their homelands - and they certainly must have told and re-told tales the natives told about their heritage. Since I find no evidence to the contrary, I would cite "The Devil's Marble Yard" as one such story they told, and re-told often. At one time, Indian legend has it, there was a small fragment of a tribal family living in an area of what is a now Rockbridge County which, later, came to be called "Arnold's Valley." It was a rocky area, not too inviting. I find no special name for the small native group living in the secluded niche. There is theory they were a remnant of larger body decimated and driven westward by costly wars with tribes to the East. They had a religious belief somewhat different from others. Fire played an important role in their religious rites. Each month, with the on set of the New Moon, they would gather in tree boughs, downed timber, pine cones and other flammable materials which they heaped over and around rock formations, either natural or ones they build by piling stones forming rough mounds. When the New Moon was just right, they lit ceremonial fires and danced around the flames. They worshiped their Great Spirit ideal with song and dance and offerings of maize, berries, chestnuts and other edibles. Some say they "roasted" whole deer and other forest creatures in the rock piles they formed. All of this honored the power of the deity upon whom they depended so much to send the lightening bolts which set the forests afire and cleared new land where his gift of deer herds might pasture. One day there arrived in this secluded area an aged White Man who was led there by a young, beautiful maiden. There is no mention of her being White or Indian so the tale is told ways. The two strangers came in peace. They were accepted by the natives, honored as a Wise Old Man and his young and pretty maid. Both of them related wonderful stories about the God of the white men in distant lands. The tribal leaders set aside the old religious superstitions thinking the new way might bring them special blessings, security and prosperity. However, dark days followed. Severe drought hit the area. Heat destroyed their meager crops. Great suffering came upon the tribe. One night with he advent of the New Moon, the old ceremonial fire was lighted in an impressive glow at the flattest slab of marble and old superstitions o overwhelmed the Indians. The old white man and the maiden were blamed. They were bound and tossed into the fire! Sacrifice! The only way to placate their vengeful God and bring back good times!.To their awe and astonishment, two bright, ever-brighting stars shone forth on the far off rim of the sky! The sacrificial fire died in a sunken heap. Only embers and ashes remained. Silence! As the sacrificial flames died on the marble slab beneath them gusts of violent wind tore through the forest; felled trees. The tribal leaders were swept away by the wall of downed trees and the wind and heavy rains swept the sacrificial marble slab clear and clean of debris.. Flames fingered the forest as lightening raced across the skies finding all who ran. Blistering fire fell from the sky and found them. The marble slab was stripped bare by the wind, pushing the wall of downed trees and by rain. Everything else was ablaze! By morning the area was scene of desolation. Only a few of the tribe remained alive to tell of it all. To this day it remains a barren waste. It is said that no trees will grow there; not even noxious weeds. No grass or flowers. No birds fly overhead and neither can you find animal which does not turn and go around the haunted marble slab. Never can you find anything living there-on; not even a meandering insect. A weird memorial to a tragic time! The early settlers much have wondered who the Old Man and beautiful maid might have been; from whence they came; how they came to be a part of such a tale? Look up at the skies at night when the New Moon in right. That's as good a place start as any, I'd say. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-6-06 [c772wds]
Monday, June 05, 2006
ADULT STORES There used to be opportunity for us to meeting new people and getting to develop fresh and enduring friendships by means of the fabulous reach of the Internet. No more. We are,instead, seeking ways by which people - especially the young might avoid rather than seek such companionship which infests he system to a far greater extent that must people realize or are willing to admit. So many people take a “minds off” attitude. We are told we can avoid the reality which exists and in keeping clear of the infection ourselves we, to a marked degree, are actually supporting it because effective opposition causes the spread of the debilitating disease-unnamed thus far – may be called “porn-itis." I find it difficult to understand how elected governmental bodies permit so-called “Adult Stores” to continue to exist and to do their business selling illicit materials. They advertise, put-up signs telling what they have for sale, maintain parking facilities - with extra “parking in the rear” for anyone who feels ashamed/or upset if someone sees them entering such a store. How civic leaders gets in such a moral bind is not too difficult to imagine, but how voters allow them to stay in their seats is puzzling. It suggests that “blame” for the condition is wider spread than one might, at first, think it to be. When attempts are made to put adult stores out of business, there are loud protests from people who do some knee-jerk screaming about the Justice authorities trying to take control of our freedoms. Other, probably, propose that the government take over such functions as have other governments trying to control control prostitution, the sale of alcholic beverages, of the moments of drugs of various kids, or most forms of gambling. The sources of supply for these materials seem to routinely sell well and stocks remain unimpared. Placement supplies of such games,play things and sex-oriented articles of many articles are quickly obtained and new stocks refill the empty shelves promptly. No doubt some of the manufactured items must now be made in China to our designs and specifications. I have not seen any news items saying that any such overseas shipments have been given other than expedited treatment. One is forced to wonder if any genuine attempt is being mad at all to curb such sordid materials at any level – manufacture, distribution, or a the point of retail sales. Porn is another billion-dollar business many people do not wish see disturbed. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-5-06 [c437wds]
Sunday, June 04, 2006
WHAT WAS IT? What single event will happen, or has already happened, this day which will change the course of Mankind for all time? Or, if that's too big an order for you, what about an event or, perhaps, a series of actions - now in progress which will be marked important to you, your career or your family? Fortunately, we do not know and cannot really guess at what might be. Such knowledge as that would take the strange element of mystery of our lives. The zest for living is based on a type of curiosity also known as education. As we acquire such knowledge we also take on new responsibilities needed to properly care for of new awareness and to manage it to best advantage. The world in which such an event will take place is constantly changing, as well, and that makes it a difficult platform on which we must work out our individual lot. Nature's changes are a fantastic group within themselves. Hurricane Kristina and associated storms were and example of the way in which the Nature can disrupt man's plans and show him as the weakling he is and will continue to be. Meeting her challenges also shows mankind how one can profit by making intelligent use of such encounters as they occur. Were you, too, among those of us who were disappointed in network television's recent attemptg to create inventors and invention. Money - even the generous amount kicked around so prominently on the recent series is not the proper key to finding inventors and in inventions. Too often, a person in that money mode comes up with and idea which will please those persons handing out the wealth, rather than to try to meet the actual needs of people who actually need for a innovative product or system. If the TV producers have any funds left, could we have a try a reversed format next time? Use a major new story...show actual needs illustrated and ask for viewers top come up with a gizmo, gadget or system to meet that need. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-4-06 [c402wds]
Saturday, June 03, 2006
PAYING THE FIDDLER Far too many of our wars have engendered circumstances which can, especially when viewed from afar, may seemed to have been action's far afield from the levels of standards by which we lived at the time. We are beset, even now, by insistent allegations that military actions undertaken by a detachment of American marines were improper and even criminal. Extensive investigation of the incident are now in progress and we should known soon concerning the alleged attack which may have taken place during a military operation to take possession of one, enemy-occupied dwelling. The allegation is that American forces physically removed unarmed Iraqi civilians from that house and shot them. We all remember a previous incident in this same area, in which it was show that American forces, or a very small segment of them - men and women - did, indeed, engaged in bestial conduct using Iraqi prisoners under their custodial care as victims of their improper conduct. And for those of us with a few more years totaled up, who among us can forget the sense of absolute shock and shame which came upon upon may of - may I point out - not all of us - when we first heard details of the Mai Lei Affair which forced many of us to think about actual elements of military life most would rather not talk about at all. I have purposely avoided any mention of sentencing meted in any such cases because that is one part of all of this which has been... is now... and will continue to be questioned and discussed for many years. Too much? Or, not enough? No one can say how this latest scandal will turn out. When the investigation phase dried up and media segment given to exploiting details find the are selling fewer papers as they start repeating assorted sordid details all over again. Each case has an legitimacy about it. Organizations do have flaws built-in and branches of our armed forces are not immune from such demeaning conditions. I have often felt that any person who has ever been in a war time combat zone have thought, and - to a degree been concerned about civilians been killed or wounded. They are, regardless of when or where an extended portion of the family of loved ones we have left behind in our homeland. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-3-06 [406wds]
Friday, June 02, 2006
THE OTHER MRS. R. We read a great deal about Eleanor, but what about Edith. Roosevelt, that is. The second wife of our 26th President, Edith Kimble, was a also a sturdy, strong-minded lady who birthed seven children over the years. We know now how much she did to solidify the District of Columbia and the White House as the Social Center of our nation. She also undertook raise Teddy's daughter Alice, as well. Her life was vibrant, telling presence to many individuals. Teddy and Edith were small children together. She was a close playmate of Teddy's youngest sister. It appears it was assumed she was to become Teddy's wife but he met and married Alice Hathaway. He was left a widower, with one daughter after just five years. By 1890 Teddy overcome strong feelings had concerning remarriage and he and Edith were wed in London, England. Later, as Vice-President, her husband was suddenly thrust into in being our 26th President when President William McKinley was assassinated. Later when pressures of the job became evident, Edith Roosevelt, apparently on her own, visited Thomas Jefferson's section of Virginia where, near the small town of Keene, Va. , Albemarle County, she made a real estate purchase . She talked with two local bachelors named the Wilmer Brothers and paid them a total of $280.00 which made her the owner of small house and fifteen acres of forest land with which they were willing to part. This small, log house is sturdy even today. It sports a sort of dormer window in the slanted roof along the slanted roof of an, otherwise, typical log cabin house between two, fine brick chimneys. A front porch stretched a shadowy coolness across the front of it all. Three. flat-boarded, steps lead down to forest floor level. It acquired the name "Pine Knot" in pre-Roosevelt days - that "Teddy and Edith R." The site became the Presidential Retreat in 1905-06. It must have been pretty much of a hush-hush thing because records indicate that only one person outside the family ever stayed there - John Burroughs, the celebrated naturalist. Maybe John Muir, as well, but just one mention suggests a confusion of naturalists. The Roosevelt's later purchased an additional seventy-five acres of woodland. Anyone who "roughed it" with the Teddy and Edith Roosevelt understands and fully appreciates the Presidential idea of what is meant when the term "roughing it" is used. "Pine Knot" has no heating system other than the fireplaces. There is no insulation. There is no indoor plumbing. There is no water at hand. Electricity? I don't see any wires on photos; no fuse boxes clutter the outside. walls. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-2-06 [c469wds]
Thursday, June 01, 2006
TAKEOVER! Our village is a unwilling victim of mega-industrial takeover. The adamant refusal of the governing body the Augusta County (Va.) Board of Supervisors to inform citizens as top the exact, and general nature of the proposed industry. They have, it is reported, just recently completed a $440,000 survey or study of the proposed plant using tax money to do so and is now being urged by a concerned populace that we be told the proposed location and general nature of the potential new member of the area's industry. One of the major factors against any such proposal has been the secrecy with which the Board has handled the project. They have concealed their at of spending what is an enormous amount ($440,000) for just a study of that exploratory nature. Such a pattern of secret activities has caused the formation and spread of many rumors some false, some half-true and some wild fantasy. The rumors denies the original stated a need for 600 acres. It now stands as "about 1600-2000 acres. All of the land listed between the Shenandoah Valley Airport and Interstate 81. Thus far,no one has been told just how much of that area will be put "under roof":under roof and how much will be merely "surfaced". People who seek a comparative site find that the Wal-Mart Distribution Center at Mount Crawford covers a mere 150 acres. Others are comparing the Target location at Stuarts Draft and the Best Buys facility at Verona. I am eager to see how the latest revelations will affect the newcomer's stated need for two million gallons of water per day, and what about the problems of sewage and of run off safeguards made essential by such massive changes in terrain. The Mega Industry of Weyers Cave,Va, bubble is about to burst! I say that because I was surprised, when I checked the Internet last night to see that both Google and YAHOO "News" both have extended news coverage of this rural happening in Virginia .The spark which will caused the whole thing to blow up - that moment when FOX News or some of the more aggressive talk radio personalities - Russ Limbaugh and Neal Boortz - both broadcast locally - get word of the threats of eminent domain acquisition takeovers! Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-1-06 [c401wds]
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