We seemed to have crossed some sort of visitor threshold in the last couple of weeks. Traffic rates of 1600-1700 hits per day went over the 2000 mark for several days in a row and have settled in at right about that number during work days.
What does that mean? Nothing really. We’re not taking on an airs or considering leasing office space. Just that you may see some new names in the comments boxes, people whom I ask you to to treat with our customary civility and grace.
Unless they immediately demonstrate themselves to be any of the usual brand of trolls, in which case I ask you to ignore them entirely. Paying them attention only enables their twisted psychopathies. They’ll be popping up making a nuisance of themselves all over the place.
We’ll have to spray.
Newer readers interested in naval aviation stories who have not plumbed the depths of the archives may find this short little story momentarily diverting.
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Speaking of diversions, here’s a clever little site enabling the curious reader to determine whence his surname derives. So far it seems to be chiefly enabled for North America, Europe and India. Searching on the names “Lee” and “Kim” for example will turn up interestingly high densities in New Zealand, but not much in say, Korea, where I have been led to believe the names are not unknown.
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Anybody else been playing around with Google’s Chrome browser? I’ve got it loaded on my laptop machine, and have to admit – as a veteran Firefox user and proponent – that I find Chrome quite attractive. Light weight, clean lines, quick loads and a couple of neat little features, including a “last pages viewed” on start up that includes screen shots, not to mention the ability to Google search right there in the menu bar. Clever.
When does it come out for Mac?
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Which reminds me: One of the two best things about retiring from the Navy is being out from under the repressive boot of the NMCI regime. Want to install some bit of productivity software or try out a new browser? Fire away!
I realize that the Navy – as a very large enterprise with many, many young people, not all of whom can be trusted to always Do The Right Thing on a fully-burdened information systems architecture – has it’s own reasons for wanting to clap a stopper over those darned kids with their hijinks and shenanigans. But it is nice getting out fumunda.
What’s the other best thing? Validating.
What’s worse? Practically everything else.
Still: You’ve got to grow up some day.
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Had to go into Balboa Naval Hospital yesterday to have a specialist look at something for me. A consequence of Irish heritage crossed with Key West sunshine, as it turns out. So remember your sunscreen, younker.
No big deal, nothing that couldn’t be treated with a few short blasts of cryogenically cold nitrogen, like. And the Nice Young Man that was our doctor even extended the courtesy of addressing us by our previous rank. While also bringing along a fetching young female internist of some twenty-odd summers for to watch him do his dirty.
So, into the wee, little office it was wherein the door was closed, a curtain pulled and the three of us forced into a kind of intimate proximity. Upon which point one of us was desired and required to strip hisself down to his knit cotton boxers. The better for to be closely surveyed over ever last square inch of flesh that might have had the reasonable expectation of exposure to the harsh over the years.
Setting there clad only in my austere dignity and those boxer shorts, professional hands did their diligence even as your correspondend found the moment right and proper to rehearse once again his understanding of the multiplication tables and state capitals. For we aren’t dead yet, nossir, and not by a long shot.
As for herself, she seemed cheerfully unmoved by the native splendor of a practically déshabillé naval retiree, defense consultant and part-time blogger from Southern California. For there are three stages in a man’s life:
- Young women find him mildly interesting.
- Young women find him mildly alarming.
- Young women find him entirely invisible.
And I gentle reader? I appear to be at full stage 3, selah.
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Had an interesting conversation with my sister back east on the Sarah Palin choice. For background, she was the kind of kid that used to have explosive counter-culture arguments with my old man at the supper table back in the days of Viet Nam and Kent State, but who served as a candy striper for wounded vets at Walter Reed and once contemplated joining a convent prior going the other way, entering the real world and making a buck or two. Went from moderate left as a nobbut to moderately conservative as she started noticing how much more of her pay was taxed each time she earned a raise. Like many intelligent people of conscience do.
So I wasn’t very much surprised to find that she was not a particular fan of the governor from Alaska (this might have something to do with it). Who, after all, was rather a radical (rather than conservative) choice for vice presidential candidate. If you’re the kind of east coast lady who has spent most of her life inside the capital beltway and is given to pants suits rather than deer rifles. Who doesn’t really know who this is, This Person from out there, somewhere.
Which is to say that my sister – God bless her and keep her well – would probably be much more comfortable in a social setting with a Hillary Clinton (while disagreeing with everything she’s ever said or done) than she might be with Sarah Palin, an ideological soeur. Which I found interesting in a rather “immeasurable consequences” kind of way.
No doubt, given the efforts of our national media, she will soon know the governor much better than she does now.
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Going to fly tomorrow, at the new digs down Montgomery Field way, our previous operations having been rudely shoved out of Palomar by the hand of unkind fate, driven by the questionable desire – from a business standpoint – of making the latter into something of a business jet haven. I guess we’ll see.
The good news is that we’ll be earning our tips by breaking the surly bonds of earth once more, having taken a month or so off in a fruitless attempt to finish our thesis. The bad news is that we’ll be doing so from under the lateral limits of the Class B airspace, for a change. Which ought to be exciting.
Squawk 1200 and feign ignorance, says I. Both of which are well within my skill set, and the latter requiring scarcely any effort at all.
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Have a great weekend!
Hi Lex,
Having once been a redhead (now my wife calls it sunbleached), I was very wary of Mr. Sol. Fortunately, my career did not require much exposure to the font of all UV. Yours gave you the added dosage due to reflection from the ocean surface. Have your nearest and dearest check you all over periodically, for you are still at Stage 1 with her.
As for names, check out the wonderful site:
http://www.babynamewizard.com/voyager
The history of popularity of names is quite interesting. Note the peaks of names of people in public life. For example, check out the time history of, ahem, Adolph.
Yes, sunscreen, at least SPF 45, between 10AM and 3 PM — even for cloudy weather.
selah
my dad used to say that all the time. i don’t think he used it just the way it is meant in the bible – but in our house it meant the issue was closed. for good.
fun stuff in this post – but that caught my eye and put a little tear in it. isn’t it funny – what we can do for other people without even meaning to?
Lex – myself being Swedish and uber-fair, I too need to turn my attention to things sun-related. You’ve put me of a mind to get it done – sooner rather than later.
As JR said – the things that are done for us by others…
Happy flying Lex! Is that an oxymoron?
I like the World Names website. Apparently mine appears predominatly in Ireland (whoda thunk) to the tune of 10,633.78 FPM, and my middle name, the one I use professionally, is sixth most popular.
With the irish name comes the fair irish skin and a couple trips to the dermatologist as well to freeze off suspect, uh, anomalies. I always keep a hat in the car now.
Ahh, Lex … the annual visit to the dermatologist, who examines every inch of your skin. If you lived down here on the Gulf Coast, it might even be more than an annual visit. My husband just finished his visit with our comely and female dermatologist a few days ago and was pronounced good to go, no basal cell carcinomas this time.. He says that now that he’s 83, it isn’t quite as poignant experience as it once was. [Wonder what he meant by that?]
You know, if the lazy press would only do some research, they wouldn’t keep calling McCain a “cancer survivor” as if he were in imminent danger of death. I believe that his “cancers ” have been like mine [2 so far] basal cell carcinomas, which are annoying and maybe a little disfiguring, but not life threatening. The Gulf Coast, being a sunny, semi-tropical place, has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the U. S. And those who sail upon the blue ocean practically can’t avoid it at some point.
I also take refuge in “austere dignity” when practically naked myself these days. “Ou sont les neige d’antan,” as you French are apt to say — if I’m spelling it correctly. My memories of French have departed from lack of use.
Marianne, who is sitting here, waiting for Ike to strike
Happy flying Lex! Is that an oxymoron?
Nope, it’s a tautology.
Marianne,
God bless and be with you and all there in Ike’s path.
geo6
ONLY 2000 page hits/day?!?!?!? I feel sorta special, now. And blessed. I love ya man!
Traffic seems to spike in the run-up to elections.
That is probably what is happening with your numbers.
People are hungry for news and discussion.
HHRRUUMMPPHH!
It’s ’cause of the elections! Buzz kill.
^^^ Nah. I think the additional hits are a result of all the “www.neptunuslex.com” zappers I’ve been putting in O club urinals, next to the Jane Fondas.
You’re welcome.
Another redhead here – with the skin cancers to prove it. Getting older doesn’t do much for your dignity in many ways. Going to the doctor and realizing you’re having to pay someone to look at you naked smarts a bit.
Marriane, been thinking of y’all all day. Best of luck!
Miss Birdlegs … hehehe. You’re right about having to pay someone to look at you naked. Smarts more than a bit. A little respect here, please. At least our dermatologist, who is a sweet lady and lives across the street from us, doesn’t laugh out loud.
Thanks for the good luck wishes about Ike. It’s so quiet out there — like waiting for the tumbrils to come.
Marianne
Hi Lex, Do they still have that Mexican resturant in the Admin Bldg. at Montgomery Field? I used to eat there frequently back about the time you were wearing railroad tracks. Good food, good cerveza, and watching aircraft – what could be better
Ya know daveg – you made me look that one up, it’s not a word I’ve heard before.
Repetitive indeed!
Young women find him entirely invisible.
Ain’t THAT the troot! And Lex… it just keeps getting worse, if that’s possible. What’s beyond invisible? Inaudible, as well. Inconceivable, too, as in “would I?”
Marianne: My thoughts are with you and those around you, Ma’am. Godspeed.
Phew I’m STILL in phase 1!
Errr, at I think so….
Yeah, Phase 1 (looks around nervously and clutches beer a little tighter).
Montgomery?! Excellent! I may have to bring the Nikon w/the 70-300 zoomer out to the fenceline.
Never eaten at the Mex place, but I’ve had many a meal at 94th. Lex, name the weekend, and if the sched fits, lunch is on me (to Guinness or not to Guinness is up to you– I’m not the one flying pax.).
Reading Friday Musings is like having a good cold beer to start the weekend.
Thanks for that one, Lex.
Brian
I agree, Brian.
It’s a great tradition. One well worth bringing back.
Ah, yes. I, too, have the Celtic complection (though mine is a bit Orange) and live near the tropics. I have some funny places I really oughta get looked at, if I had any money. Well, I did have money, but it seems my Irish lawyer stole it all. Next time, I’m getting a Jewish lawyer.
The Surname link is very cool. I plugged in my married name, maiden name, mother’s maiden name… and it was so odd, as they are all strange names, to see forenames pop up of relation. Very fun.
Of Celtic heritage… I go every 6 mo to year for skin checks and have had stuff burned off my face. I’m a sun FREAK, sunscreen and rashguard shirts.
And I’m squarely in #3 as well, and have been for the last 5 years. Driving the asexual Mom-mobile (mini-van) most definitely provides an additional cloak of invisibility on those rare occassions where I might not… be.
Well,
Brunch at the 94th….hhhmmm. Color me interested. Just not this weekend. I have a 105 page study report to write.
Lex, you underestimate yourself. You are not invisible sir, not at all. You are a Naval Aviator, an eagle who soared with the best of the best. No, what she saw in you, was a much worse and much more terminal affliction than advancing years, she saw that you were….married
Yes, the longer one is married, the more the imprint. You, sir, are imprinted, branded, whatever. The young intern instintively knew that all her efforts would be a waste on such as you 
Lex,
Take hope; you’re just passing through Stage 3.
You have Stage 4 to look forward to:
– Young women find him cute.
Lex,
Interesting to hear your heading to MYF. May have to sign up for a Saturday afternoon spin.
All the best,
Rumbear
Still: You’ve got to grow up some day.
I beg to differ. Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.
I don’t know how you define “old” but I suspect that there are several LexBabes here (several of whom have actually met you in person) who find you anything but invisible – in entirety or in part.
HF6: I would argue that those if us Lex Babes who have not had the honor of meeting our humble scribe in person – still don’t find him invisible.
At. All.
I totally agree Kris.
I thought skin cancer was for old people, ’til I got one at 30. An existing flat mole became a bumpy, mottled one that bled a bit. My second dermatologist does the full monty, with female assistant taking notes. The older I get, the less I care who sees what.
I’m afraid McCain did have a melanoma in 2000, don’t know what he’s had since.
Speaking of trolls, Lex, what you run here is a feel – good affinity group. Mostly gummint employees of an exclusive type that don’t realize they are part of the problem and not the solution. I never could understand how the gummint sent you to grad school then you immediately quit. Or how you can be totally oblivious of the fact nobody gives a flying you – know – what what you do in those anonymous buildings, just so’s Nancy, DiFi, Boxer and Co. can get their share of the defense pork without those enviro – ugly blue collar workplaces that the red states thrive on. Over at Cdr. Salamander’s they must go nuts trying to understand why all their professional, careful thought and hard – bought experience fails to produce the ships we need. The people who decide those things could care less, so we will continue to get destroyers the size of pocket battleships. You going to weigh in on the deficiencies of the brand new class of aircraft carrier? I’m willing to bet you will die of apoplexy as the monstrosity takes shape.
Better stick to blogging about special hidden social security benefits for vets, but do try and get a real job. The bush piloting is the ticket were it not for the hard fact that it is Mrs. LeptunusLex time now (please forgive this gross presumtion and imposition on your – all privacy). And if she’s happy with your current status, delete this comment in its entirety if you have not already done so. Mrs. Lex trumps DiFi, Nancy, the voters of California, the environment, etc. IMHO.
cottus, if I haven’t said this before, fuck off.
Lex, Very well said…young grass-hopper…Best
Cottus,
There are better beverages in this world than Kool Aid.
Try one.
CAPT,
Thanx for the cottus interuptus — again.
cottus, I think you have seriously pissed off the Skipper. I’d get me a lot of gone from here while the getting was good.
You go, Cap’n!
cottus-
It is apparent you don’t have the maturity nor the intellect to hold your own in here hence the insults. Obviously, you can’t run with the big dogs so go piss with the puppies. Our host said it best and no modification is needed.
GreyEagleO6
Thirty plus
You guys sure its COTTUS?
I always read it as COITUS… or DICKBOB!
Wow, I was afraid to come back after complaining about my crooked lawyer being of Irish extraction (Like all Irish folk, he’s very good company; I’m just not good at telling the honest ones from the bad ones.)
But, just, dang! Lex ain’t been retired all that long, and Cottus provoked a very nasty bad word out of him.
I would hesitate to fuck with Lex.
People who are younger, meaner, stronger, bigger, cooler, manlier, and trained in martial arts and physics should hesitate to fuck with Lex, if they know what’s good for them