Cheek To Cheek With "Mad Dog"

Here I am with General James "Mad Dog" Mattis aka "Warrior Monk" Mattis. Thanks Denny (my fellow museum Photo Dog") for taking this picture. My first comment on my appearance - - what the heck happened to my make-up? Why does it seem like I never have any on? My second comment - - I flippin' hate the humidity of Virginia and what it does to my hair - - and finally - - Could I have stood a little straighter and rolled my shoulders back? Good grief I look like a slouch! Maybe I was slouching because I could have sworn I was taller than him.

Now, I just have to say, General Mattis is a Marines Marine. He doesn't throw any punches and the impression I've gotten from people is that he calls it as he sees it. Granted, that can lead to some controversial - out - of - context quotes. For instance this one:

"Actually it's quite fun to fight them, you know. It's a hell of a hoot," Mattis said, prompting laughter from some military members in the audience. "It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right up there with you. I like brawling.

"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil," Mattis said. "You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them."

He is also famous for a slogan "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy" Which was lifted from Roman Dictator and General Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix (78BC).

The evening General Mattis spoke, he also quoted from several other historic figures, of course, since I didn't have my notebook, I couldn't write stuff down (lesson learned on my part). Why do I mention this? The historical study of generals, dictators, political thinkers, and military operations is something I truly admire about Marines in general and Marine Corps Officers in particular. While I know this study goes on in other military branches, I've witnessed an embracing of history among the Marine Corps that I've not seen in other services. Why do I think the study of history important? Somewhere I remember learning that if we don't know our history, we are cursed to repeat it. I think that is true.

Now some of you may also be wondering about General Mattis' other nickname "Monk Warrior". General Mattis is a bachelor. I have also met other Marines (i.e. Major A, most recently) who embrace this lifestyle while on active duty as they feel they are unencumbered and have less to worry about when they are not married, thus, they can take greater risks, and more challenging assignments.

Saddleback Controversy

Wow, I guess within 24 hours the Obama Campaign was accusing the McCain Campaign of cheating.

Now, if McCain was cheating - - I'd have expected him to have done better. In my honest opinion, I thought that Obama did a better job reaching the American public that was watching via television. Both sides were given some of the topics to be covered. If McCain had heard Obama's answers, I'd have expected him to make some very pointed comments during his segment to discredit or counter him. I'd have also expected him to be more relaxed - - less stiff. If McCain was play acting that, he deserves an academy award. And you know, both sides can watch the video - - just like you and I and can quickly formulate counter arguments.

By the way, here is a link to all the cuts from the forum:

http://search.cnn.com/search?query=Saddleback&type=video&sortBy=date&intl=false

I'd have posted them here but I'm having some minor flash player issues.

What makes me mad about the "Cheating" attack - - I feel like it is not only slamming McCain's integrity -- but its questioning Rick Warren and Saddleback Church's integrity. By questioning the Pastor's integrity and that of the church, I really feel its questioning the integrity of all Christians. Its a Satanic attack pure and simple.

Now, I know there may be some people reading this blog that now think I'm a crackpot because of that last comment. But I call it as I see it. I am really thinking there is some agenda that Evil doesn't want addressed or doesn't want taken seriously. Maybe its abortion, using fetal stem cells, gay marriage, the war on terror, a resurgence of Russia, genocide, a southern slide in the moral compass of our nation, our national irresponsibility in regards to resources both natural and financial, or just plain Evil.

Does our nation have the guts to stand against Evil in the world - - even it if means standing alone? Even if it means sacrificing?

Any Thoughts on the Civil Forum at Saddleback?

My initial thoughts are:

1) Obama is more dynamic speaker than McCain

2) I thought McCain seemed a bit 'uncomfortable' with his Christianity. Obama was much more comfortable weaving his faith wth his answers. Honestly, I don't think McCain could have picked a Bible verse out of thin air to apply to an issue like Obama did with the "least of my brothers'.

3) I did like how McCain had short and sweet answers. I'll behonest, I drifted off a couple times while Obama was 'building' his answer.

4) I think as far as issues that are important to Christians, McCain was more aligned. However, going back to #2 he seemed more comfortable with his Christianity.

5) The questions related to moral failure - - man what a tough question. I liked that McCain mentioned the failure of his first marriage - - he had been cheating with Cindy prior to his divorce and married Cindy like a month or so after his divorce. Obama, I liked how he talked about how when he was younger he did drugs and was selfish (I almost thought he was going to say something about how many women he'd been with before being married).

The one issue I didn't like either answer was in relation to stem cell research. Everyone focuses on using stem cells form fetuses that are going to be discarded - - but no one ever seems to bring up using stem cells from cord blood. After every birth, the placenta and cord are thrown out - - unless you made pre-arrangements for it to be frozen or donated. Absolutely no life is lost by harvesting stem cells from cord blood.

I really liked this format and the fact that each candidate had the same questions and had no idea how the previous candidate answered. There was no one-ups-manship. I hope this type of forum will continue with future national elections and maybe another one closer to the elections - - with a different set of questions.

What did you all think?

The Eco System That Is My Backyard

That jumble of gray fuzz is a nest of birds in one of my planters. The parents have had a nest in the planter all summer. Since it is the end of the summer, I thought there would be no birds in the planter, so I took all of them down and started watering them under my sprinkler. The adult birds went nuts. Actually, the mama bird was sitting in the nest at the time and scurried out when she started to get sprinkled on.

After the planters sat under the sprinkler, I let them sit on the ground the rest of the day to get some sun. When I got home that night. The adult birds were still going nuts. So I peered into the planter/nest.

My heart just stopped. There was one little yellow head shaking in the middle of the nest and it looked up and opened its mouth. Oh, crap! I didn't think there would be eggs in the next this late in the summer. And they were in the process of hatching. I put the planter back up on its hook. The adult birds were much happier about this situation.

Sunday, I looked in on the nest and to take a few pictures. I counted at least 4 little mouths. When they realized I wasn't their mom, they shut up and snuggled in, still and soundless. I think there are at least four maybe 5. Prolific little birds.

Its been a week and I looked in today and the fuzz has turned to something that looks more feather like and it looks like their eyes have opened. I don't want to 'flash' them with the camera again as I'm afraid I might blind them.

I've been sitting here all day doing laundry, weeding my gardent, paying bills and I hear the mama and papa birds when they return with food for their babies. As soon as an adult enters the planter, the babies all start up. They are SOOOOO loud. Holy cow, it sounds like I have a dog squeaker toy outside.

Its been interesting to watch the adults - - it has been constant back and forth tag team feeding. They don't make a bee line for the nest. They do this evasive manuver that goes from top of the fence to hydreanga to top of the fence to top of another planter to top of their planter and then into their planter. Its been non-stop since 8 this morning - - and I'm sure they started feeding them earlier than that. They are very good parents.

The nest is very well constructed. Its dug down into the plant and it has a dome over the top so that the birds fly into a side opening. The dome is made out of twigs, grass, moss and down and is quite water proof. The water from the sprinkler beaded on top and ran right off.

I am so glad I didn't drown the hatchlings.

When I pulled out my trash for yard waste, this unhappy toad was displaced. He just hopped under the other trash can. He is SOOOO lucky that Ranger didn't notice him.

The other morning when I left for work, I opened up my front door and found this big yellow moth sitting there. It was huge! I put a coin next to it to give you all an idea of how big it was. I've never seen a moth like this and will have to research to find out what it is.

Then I turned to go out to my car and there was this moth. It was so beautiful sitting on my petunias!

You know, it really is amazing how much beauty God has placed in this world but we are often in too much of a hurry to notice it. I'm so glad, in all of my recent busy-ness that I actually noticed these things.

Commissioning as Officers of Marines

There are events at the museum where it is difficult to be a neutral observer and I have to swallow my own emotions. Today was one of those events, the commissioning of new Lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps.

At 1300, the future leadership of the Marine Corps filed in and took their seats.

I was able to fit through the small space of the railing around the base of the mast to be dead center for the ceremony.

I will admit, I thought there would be more pomp and circumstance as they filed in.


To my left, a woman with four little girls in matching dresses said, "There's daddy!" as she pointed to a Marine 3 rows in front of me. The Marine waved back at his little girls. The woman lifted up each of her daughters so they could see their dad.

The youngest said in her little munchkin 3-year-oldish voice "I don't see daddy."

"He's right there." her mom pointed.

The little girl was looking at me (I was trying to take a picture). So I lowered my camera and pointed to her dad who was waving. She lit-up like a little fire cracker, "I see him! HI DADDY!" All of the future Lieutenants smiled at the exchange.

The event opened with the benediction - - I'm so glad they haven't taken God out of this. I sure hope no one files some civil liberties suit to eliminate it. But that is a subject for another blog.

Benediction was followed by the national anthem. I have no idea why I get all choked up when the Star Spangled Banner is played. I tried to get a shot of the American flag framed by the Marines standing at attention. I couldn't quite get it.

The General who spoke had a son who was part of the class. His father joked that he knew they were trying to keep that under wraps but the Colonel in charge of Officers Candidate School (OCS) had "outed" him. The General spoke to the parents, as a parent. He had gotten the same form letter they all got letting them know their candidate was safe and the Drill Instructors really liked them. He said he laughed because he knew what his son was going through because he had once been the Commanding Officer (CO) of OCS.

As he looked out over the sea of future Lieutenants, he said, "Relax. You all look way too serious. You should be happy, you made it. Lets see some smiles!"

Immediately all of the future Lieutenants leaned forward or relaxed their shoulders from their previous ram-rod straight postures. I swear I heard a collective sigh of relief.

The General noted that Marines Had graduated from Basic Training on Friday and that the lives of those men and women sitting there would surely intersect with these new enlisted Marines. The Lieutenants could expect to be leaders of these new Marines, some may even lead them into battle.

That was sobering. These man and women had joined the Marine Corps while we are at war. They are certain to see combat in the next year or so. Some of them have already seen action as prior enlisted. You can tell who these Marines are by the number of ribbons they were wearing. Its a sobering thought to realize that the future for some of these Marines may include being wounded in battle or that they may give the ultimate sacrifice for their country. But for now, it was a happy occasion.

As the Marines stood to take their oath, the General reminded them that they were taking the same oath that the President of the United States took as well as other government officials. The General pointed out that they were not swearing allegiance to a political party, a military branch or even to the President. They were taking an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States.

For some reason, the gravity of that really hit me. We swear to uphold, protect and defend a set of ideals. A set of ideals that were once so radical, yet to us, now, seem so common. It just amazes me that this 'code' has remained relevant for so long.

So after the oath there was a closing prayer and the new officers and their families were 'set loose' to find a spot to pin on their bars.

Which leads me to some of the emotional moments of the day.

The first family that I approached about photos gave me the "brush off". However the mother asked me for advise on how to take a good picture in the harsh light. I suggested they use a fill flash but suggested they do the pinning in a different location, Semper Fi memorial park in front of the "Once a Marine Always a Marine". The Lieutenant agreed. I also told them my photography services were free.

Here is what I think is "The shot". It could use a little cropping.

I also like this one of his mom kissing him. You can be the toughest Marine in the world but you will always be your mom's baby.

Now it is also tradition that the first person to salute you is to receive a silver dollar. Here, his dad is giving him his first salute.

I left them and made my way to another family by the General LeJeune statue pinning the bars on their new Lieutenant. In my opinion, the is "The shot". This is his younger brother pinning the bar on his shoulder.

Here is the happy family.

His brother gave him his first salute. All the women in the family were sniffling behind me.

The Lieutenant presented his brother with the silver dollar and they embraced.

Grown men do cry.

Of course all the ladies were really sniffling. I couldn't look at them because I was swallowing a huge lump myself.

This whole process repeated 2 hours latter with the second half of the class. The OCS class this summer was the largest since the Vietnam War. The museum can not accommodate all of the families, the candidates plus the regular guests at the same time. In fact, today, parking reached capacity, as did the museum. The Marines on duty as well as security had to stand outside the doors to prevent new visitors from entering. Seven out of 10 candidates in this class made it through and were commissioned.

Too Look Good, Make Sure Your Enemy Is As Dumb As Bricks

That was some advise that General Mattis gave junior officers at the Distinguished Marine speakers' series at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

First of all, let me just say that this event was unlike previous Speakers' Series events.  I was expecting 100 or so people, cocktails up at Tun Tavern, move into the Mess Hall for dinner and then file down to the Scuttlebutt Theater for the speaking.  Tonight - - it was a grand event.  Many in attendance were Marines and foreign officers attending one of the professional schools at Quantico, corporate VIPs, and a smattering of civilians such as myself.

When I got there, I was informed that I was to cover General Mattis.  How the heck did I draw that?  Holy Cow!  I will admit I was shaking a bit on my first few shots.  I will include some of my favorite shots of him working the crowd. (Below, gee I think he knows I'm following him).

One thing I regretted not taking with me was my notebook.  He gave a great, down to earth talk about the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.  As I listened I kept thinking - - 'Oh, remember that.' and then he'd say something else and I would be thinking "Remember that too!"  I was kicking myself for not bringing my little point and shoot digital that I can take video.  His speech was peppered with his signature humor that the Marines just loved.  The title comment is case in point.  It was made in reference to the Taliban Generals.

The key word that he stressed and I took away as the theme for his speech was "Trust" and how that played an important roll with our allies in gearing up for the invasion of Afghanistan.  He spoke about how it can take a long time to build that trust and how it can quickly be compromised.  He used the example of intelligence and how for the first 30 days of the invasion, we were sharing with all the allies involved and then all of a sudden orders were given that intel was to only be shared with the British, Canadians and Australians.  This of course angered the other countries involved in the fight.

My impressions of General Mattis are that he is a down to earth guy, very personable.  He worked the crowd before dinner and after he spoke.  He made time to shake hands and have a photo taken with everyone who wanted to meet him.  Yes, I got my photo taken with him and I'll share as soon as my fellow volunteer sends me what he took.

Below, General Mattis speaks with some students at EWS (Expeditionary Warfare School). 

Greeting some foreign military officers who were in attendance.

Speaking with an NCO and Col Dick Camp (ret).

Rubbing elbows with the VIP guests.

At the end of the evening, posing with the gentlemen that were at my dinner table.

Back from The Abyss and Museum Updates

I'm back from the dark black abyss that is a software implementation. My sanity is so far intact, I think. I now have withdrawl symptoms from not having had the opportunity to keep up with what is going on in the news. In addition, I want to know where the heck the summer went? Its flippin' August already! It can't be August! I've only gone to the pool three times this summer. Then I'm finding out about all the life changing things going on in my friends lives - - I was only 'gone' for two months and gone-gone for the last two weeks, right? I call this the Rip Van Winkle effect.

Let me catch you up on the progress at the Chapel site at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Mid July, this is what the Chapel parking lot looks like from the front door of the Chapel.



August 2nd, it doesn't look a lot different, well, maybe that big pile of dirt is smoothed out now.



Mid July, looking at the parking lot from the top of the walkway to the chapel.



August 2, I took this photo along the fence line a little to the left of the above photo so I could get more of the lot in. It is taking shape.



Mid July, looking down the stretch.



August 2 , looking down the stretch, again, I moved a bit further down the fence line so I could get a shot of the length of the lot.



At the end of September, just in time for the cold winter months, the docent corps will be moved out of our digs inside the museum to the temporary construction trailers. That will mark the beginning of Phase 1 A buildout that will build the galleries for the Revolution up through World War 1.