March 2010 - Argghhh!

Performer Andy Garcia stylin' with his ribbons - or, "metals" as many of the commenters on the now-defunct-and-removed comment thread called them.They have deprived us of this classic crie de coeur:So what if Andrew wears the metals, big flippin' deal.Isn't it interesting how the military brainwashes people. Don't EVEN get me started about the politics of war. We'll be here till eternity.That flash of insight was from Flash_Underwear whose current mood "is pissin'...

Since I once promised not to relate any Irish jokes here because it wouldn’t be fair (John can only retaliate with “old” jokes, and I already have the lock on those), and I have to contribute *something* to keep BCR from sticking my picture on a milk carton from gaining the reputation as a slacker.Now, for those – okay, both – of you who have been on tenterhooks wondering if I got back in one piece from my Winter Vacation – I did.For those of you who have been...

There are five Medals awarded for actions on this day, none of them posthumous. They start with the Civil War, move on to two naval lifesaving awards, and end with World War II and Vietnam.Civil War. The Auld Soldier would be proud of this soldier, having been in the same position.TRAYNOR, ANDREW Rank and organization: Corporal, Company D, 1st Michigan Cavalry. Place and date: At Mason's Hill, Va., 16 March 1864. Entered service at: Rome, N.Y. Birth: Newark, N.J. Date of issue: 28 September 1897...

Yesterday was a red-letter day at Castle Argghhh! Not only did I stir up the Lost Causers, I checked another block, too. My Rotary club hosts a Saint Patrick's Day Irish Stew dinner as one of our major fundraisers (we don't hold in *on* Saint Paddy's day because it competes with too much else). For the last five years, I've been "the garlic bread guy," responsible for procuring and preparing the bread. This is not difficult, really, just order up 40 loaves of sliced french...

...here's something for you Irish-descended romantics who revel in the Lost Cause. Mind you, I think the correct side won that war - but like all wars, the unintended consequences were unanticipated, too. And are reflected in Congress, even as we sit here.[Grabs the popcorn, to see where the Usual Suspects take this]...

There are twelve Medals awarded for actions on this day, from the Civil War through Vietnam, including a future US Senator. Two are posthumous.Civil War. Eight Medals, a mix of Navy and Army, covering three battles.BRINN, ANDREW Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Entered service at: New York. Birth: Scotland. G.O. No.: 17, 10 July 1863. Citation: Served on board the U.S.S. Mississippi during her abandonment and firing in the engagement at Port Hudson, 14 March 1863. Remaining under enemy fire...

Yer doin' it right. Shout out to the creator - The Sniper. Larger version for those who wish to post it themselves (the Sniper has granted permission) can be had by right-clicking here . And it can't be all bad when the pretty girls bring *you* flowers...

It's sleepy-time in this here Army. © EPA/Leo La Valle Boq