26 January 2007

Abandoned Russian Planes

I joined the US Air Force in 1984, the cold war was still going and the Soviet Union was the enemy. These planes were designed to kill Americans; as we were the enemy of the Soviets.

English Russia » Abandoned Russian Planes

The cold war is long over and these wounded birds can no longer fly in anger. It's sad to see them this way and makes me feel nostalgic, but grateful that they never flew in anger against us. There is a rugged grace and beauty in the design of their aircraft.

Republican: Scripts need reviewing | StarNewsOnline.com | Star-News | Wilmington, NC

I just love this:

"Why should North Carolina taxpayers pay for something they find objectionable?" said Berger, who is having proposed legislation drafted".

How many people would have to be offended for it to be objectionable? Who decides for everyone? For a guy who is in a party that claims to want smaller government and less interference in our lives...well tell me how this fits in to that philosophy?

Republican: Scripts need reviewing | StarNewsOnline.com | Star-News | Wilmington, NC

Bands to watch out for - Gay Bands

This kind of stuff just makes me laugh as it sounds like something out of the Onion. But at the same time these people seriously believe this stuff, and that in itself is scary. Anyway, it's a good read so enjoy!

Gay Bands

25 January 2007

Radio-Locator

A handy guide if you're traveling or looking for a streaming internet station.

Radio-Locator: "Radio-Locator (formerly known as the MIT List of Radio Stations on the Internet)"

Two Ohio election workers found guilty of rigging vote recount

Sometimes what some call crazy talk isn't crazy talk.

WRIC Richmond News and Weather - Two Ohio election workers found guilty of rigging vote recount: "CLEVELAND Two election workers in Ohio have been convicted of rigging the recount of the 2004 presidential tally in one county."

24 January 2007

God, Intellect and Universal Truth

An interesting post, and one I can identify with.

Bring it On! » Blog Archive » God, Intellect and Universal Truth: "Exploring Texas, where megachurches are more common than oil wells (and probably more profitable), lately it’s made my mind itch a little more than usual. I was raised a Pentecostal Christian attending small churches, but these places nonetheless remind me of the intellectual darkness I experienced inside the stifling walls of organized religion. That a hundred million of my fellow Americans believe these buildings are their best gateway to the Ultimate is heartbreaking indeed."

'There is no war on terror' | Special Reports | Guardian Unlimited Politics

I pretty much agree with this.

'There is no war on terror' | Special Reports | Guardian Unlimited Politics

22 January 2007

U.S. image around world sharply worsens: BBC poll - Yahoo! News

I'm not one bit surprised by this. Our foreign policy over the last 6 years will take decades to repair, if it's possible at all. Very sad indeed.

U.S. image around world sharply worsens: BBC poll - Yahoo! News

18 January 2007

Waterwheel invention promises cheap electricity | the Daily Mail

I've always wondered why people haven't taken advantage of some of the old ways to lessen our demand for electricity. This story about waterwheels is a good example. How many homes are there that could easily take advantage of this? On the same line of thought why aren't personal windmills being used? Farmers through out the years have used them to pull water out of the ground all through America. Why not use small ones to generate electricity? Even if they only generate enough power to light one or two light bulbs spread out over hundreds of thousands of homes it would make a difference. Cost I suppose is a big sticking point but with enough demand it should come down. For that matter why aren't the utility companies investing in this kind of technology? What are your thoughts on the subject?

Waterwheel invention promises cheap electricity | the Daily Mail: "Waterwheel invention promises cheap electricity"

16 January 2007

On A Storyteller's Night

While this is my main blog I also post over at Lockergnome.com. My blog over there is called On A Storyteller's Night and is primarily about technology and it's political implications. Some of what I post here will appear there and vice versa. Bookmark both and post a comment or two if you feel like it. That way I'll know if someone is reading this or not.

Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow


The Artwork for the new Magnum album (due out in March) "Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow" is up at the official Magnum web site. Done by the legend Rodney Matthews himself.

The Official website of Magnum & Bob Catley

15 January 2007

Papers show France asked Britain for union in 1956 | Top News | Reuters.co.uk

I think the last line of the article says it all: ""France and England are like an old married couple who often think of killing each other, but would never dream of divorcing," he said."

Papers show France asked Britain for union in 1956: "A British government document dating from 1956 shows that on September 10 that year, then French Prime Minister Guy Mollet came to London to discuss the possibility of a merger between the two countries with Prime Minister Anthony Eden."

12 January 2007

THE BEST OF 2006 ACCORDING TO 155 MUSICIANS

Interesting to see what the musicians like.
Imhotep: "THE BEST OF 2006 ACCORDING TO 155 MUSICIANS"

Two missing boys, one since 2002, found in Missouri - Yahoo! News

Absolutely amazing! This is all everyone is talking about here in the St. Louis area tonight. There are two happy families tonight, along with the entire region. A happy ending to a story that usually ends in tragedy and sadness. Welcome home boys.

Two missing boys, one since 2002, found in Missouri - Yahoo! News

06 January 2007

White House visitor records closed

I know this kind of action from this administration should shock me but not anymore. More secrecy for what reasons? Surely it isn't security related. Sad, just sad. Wake up people!

White House visitor records closed - Yahoo! News

16 December 2006

No jumps for Paras as MoD cuts £1bn

I knew the MoD was strapped for cash but this is crazy.

No jumps for Paras as MoD cuts £1bn

Parachute training in the Army is set to be halted for four years as part of a £1 billion cost-cutting programme by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The proposals mean that Britain will be without a parachute-trained force for the first time since the Second World War when the Parachute Regiment was created on the orders of Winston Churchill.

Documents leaked to The Sunday Telegraph reveal that no new recruits or even serving members of the Parachute Regiment or airborne forces will be trained in military parachuting from next year until 2011. It will then take a year to get the Army's 2,500 paratroopers up to scratch.

09 December 2006

Reformation Online

I believe this site is serious but I know I can't take it as that. An interesting read for sure.

Reformation Online

07 December 2006

West Tennessee Terrorist Gets 30 Years

Why isn't this all over the news? If he had been a Muslim it would have been. A terrorist is a terrorist regardless of their religion.

West Tennessee Terrorist Gets 30 Years

06 December 2006

Culture Shock on Capitol Hill: House to Work 5 Days a Week

Now that the Democrats will take control of the House of Representatives in January it looks like there will be a few changes. One of them is that the House will work 5 days a week while in session.

Culture Shock on Capitol Hill: House to Work 5 Days a Week

From the article; this is just too funny:

"Keeping us up here eats away at families," said Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.), who typically flies home on Thursdays and returns to Washington on Tuesdays. "Marriages suffer. The Democrats could care less about families -- that's what this says."

What makes this guy so special? Why doesn't he move his family to the Capitol to be with him. The House isn't in session 365 days a year so he can go home during the breaks. Does he think the Democrats don't have families either? What about the men and women in the military who are deployed who are away from their families for months, if not years at a time. This guy ran for office knowing that he would be working in Washington D.C. If he's not willing to put in the time required maybe he should resign or find another line of work.

04 December 2006

Gethuman

If even a quarter of this database is correct then it's a gold mine. Definitely worth bookmarking.

Gethuman

03 December 2006

11 November 2006

Veterans Day Thanks

To all my fellow veterans past, present and future; thank you for your service.

10 November 2006

Democrats secure sweep to power in Congress - Yahoo! News

I've held off to see what the final results were but the Democrats pulled it off. Now maybe we'll start to see some bi-partisanship by the President if he wants to get anything done. I feel better about the direction this country will be going right now...but stay tuned, it's going to be an interesting couple of years.

Democrats secure sweep to power in Congress - Yahoo! News: "Fri Nov 10, 5:40 AM ET"

11 October 2006

THE DARKNESS - HAWKINS QUITS THE DARKNESS

Too bad as I really loved their stuff. Some couldn't get past Justin's vocals but to me it was part of the appeal.

THE DARKNESS - HAWKINS QUITS THE DARKNESS

04 October 2006

The attempt to ban books is alive and well

The attempt to ban books is alive and well it seems:

Ga. mother seeks Harry Potter ban

"Laura Mallory, a mother of four, told a hearing officer for the Gwinnett County Board of Education on Tuesday that the popular fiction series is an "evil" attempt to indoctrinate children in the Wicca religion.

Parent criticizes book 'Fahrenheit 451'

"It's just all kinds of filth," said Alton Verm, adding that he had not read "Fahrenheit 451." "The words don't need to be brought out in class. I want to get the book taken out of the class."
He looked through the book and found the following things wrong with the book: discussion of being drunk, smoking cigarettes, violence, "dirty talk," references to the Bible and using God's name in vain. He said the book's material goes against their religions beliefs. The Verms go to Grand Parkway Church in Porter."

I hope these people never find out about the internet.

28 September 2006

27 September 2006

POWDER PUFF SPOOKS KEITH - New York Post Online Edition: Gossip

Isn't it nice to see the NY Post treat an act of terrorism as something to make fun of. If this had happened to one of their reporters they'd be singing a different tune.

POWDER PUFF SPOOKS KEITH - New York Post Online Edition: Gossip: "A note inside warned Olbermann, who's a frequent critic of President Bush's policies, that it was payback for some of his on-air shtick."

'Richard is winning his fight'

You tell 'em Jeremy, and get well soon Richard.
The Sun Online - News: 'Richard is winning his fight'

17 September 2006

Andrew Sullivan | The Daily Dish: What We've Lost

Wow, I can't add anything to what this guy has written other than I agree with him.

Andrew Sullivan | The Daily Dish: What We've Lost: "http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/6063789"

12 September 2006

Gun logo shirt ordered off

Oh my goodness, there's a picture of a gun on his shirt...EVERYBODY PANIC!!!!

Sheesh....
Metal Hammer - News Article

11 September 2006

08 September 2006

Mark Stanway

Nice to see Mark Stanway get a little press coverage. What an awesome keyboard player and a essential part of what makes Magnum sound like Magnum.
Guitar Amps by Hughes&Kettner - News

06 September 2006

USATODAY.com - The myth of immaculate warfare

There are many things that I disagree with Mr. Peters on but not this article. It may sound strange coming from a career Air Force man but I'm the guy who loaded the "pickups" as he put it. While we need a few Ferraris we definitely need more pickups in this new era. We need more C-17s as they are the workhorses that project our power, along with the Navy's carriers. But cargo planes aren't as glamorous as fighter planes sad to say.
USATODAY.com - The myth of immaculate warfare

22 August 2006

Stargate SG-1 cancelled, Atlantis renewed

They say all good things must come to an end but this absolutely makes no sense! One of the best shows on television period and they're going to shut it down. At least Atlantis will live on but I'm gutted by this. The cast and crew have been a part of my life for the last 10 years. You will be missed.

Stargate SG-1 cancelled, Atlantis renewed

Still angry...

Activists Try to Curtail Hotels' In-Room Porn

Just another example of a religious group trying to impose their moral beliefs on everyone else because they're offended.
Activists Try to Curtail Hotels' In-Room Porn

I'm offended that they are offended.

20 August 2006

Red Green shorts

If you ever want a good laugh this is a show to check out. Keep your stick on the ice.

19 August 2006

16 August 2006

Black Jack rescinds housing regulation

Good to hear that this family is "allowed" to live together. How kind of the city of Blackjack.... (that was sarcasm by the way)

Black Jack rescinds housing regulation

12 August 2006

AN-124


AN-124
Originally uploaded by matneym.

Side view of the AN-124 Condor at the Scott Air Force base airshow today. A very big plane indeed!

B-25 Nose Art


B-25 Nose Art
Originally uploaded by matneym.

Nose art from one of the B-25s at the air show today.

09 August 2006

04 August 2006

Funny political joke

Know the best way to keep College Republicans from showing up at an event?

Make sure there are some Army recruiters there...

Uncle Sam wants you – even if you’re 42 years old

Me thinks recruiting isn't going as well as they would have us believe.
Army Times - News - More News.

29 July 2006

Bush submits new terror detainee bill - Yahoo! News

Can we just stomp on the Constitution a few more time for fun? What is this country coming to?
Bush submits new terror detainee bill - Yahoo! News

Unfortunately this quote from Star Wars is so relevant: "So this is how liberty dies, to the sound of thunderous applause" - Padme.

Gibson's Anti-Semitic Tirade -- Alleged Cover Up - TMZ.com

Mel, Mel, Mel...maybe he's been taking lessons from Ann Coulter. I've loved him in his movies but he seems to need some help.

Gibson's Anti-Semitic Tirade -- Alleged Cover Up - TMZ.com

25 July 2006

Tornado Friday!

Well, I've finally got my internet service back up so I'm catching up. If you didn't hear we had 2 tornadoes blow through Troy last Friday. We were lucky at the Matney house and only had some minor damage, nothing that can't be easily fixed. Many of my neighbours weren't as lucky. We were without power for just over 24 hours. I've never seen so many trees down and destruction from a storm in my life. Below are a few links that show some of the damage in the area.

KSDK NewsChannel 5 - Photogallery

Storm photos

At one point over half a million people throughout the St. Louis area had no power. Even today some still don't have it back. Thankfully all my friends and family are safe.

Vacation Photos

Finally getting around to posting some photos from my vacation out to Oregon earlier in the month. Enjoy!

Vacation Photos

16 July 2006

Spanish MPs push for apes' rights

An interesting concept and sure to generate a lot of controversy. This very subject has been in quite a few science fiction books that I have read over the years. As our understanding of animals, intelligence and how animals communicate increase I forsee more of this kind of debate.

BBC NEWS | Europe | Spanish MPs push for apes' rights

11 July 2006

Politicians need not abandon religion - Yahoo! News

An interesting article by Senator Obama.

Politicians need not abandon religion - Yahoo! News

Pink Floyd Founder Dies - Yahoo! News

I've never been a big fan of Pink Floyd but there is no denying their impact on rock music history. Without Syd there would have been no Pink Floyd. May he RIP.

Pink Floyd Founder Dies - Yahoo! News

Fallen Wiccan soldier left with no memorial

This is downright shameful. This man died serving his country and the VA treats him like this soley because his religion is Wicca. Shame on the VA!

Chron.com | Fallen Wiccan soldier left with no memorial

09 July 2006

Magnumania in Oregon

Here's one of me with me Magnumania shirt at Crater Lake, Oregon.

 Posted by Picasa

27 June 2006

Effort to outlaw flag burning fails in Senate - Yahoo! News

The American people and the Constitution won today. May the flag fly free!

Effort to outlaw flag burning fails in Senate - Yahoo! News

President Freezes Terrorists' Assets

All this outrage from the left and right over a program that was announced by the President himself back 0n 24 September 2001. Sheesh!

President Freezes Terrorists' Assets

Oregon State wins College World Series - Yahoo! News

I've always been a Duck fan in regards to the in-state rivalry but congratulations Oregon State! Love to see one of the home state teams win the big one.

Oregon State wins College World Series - Yahoo! News

Oregon State wins College World Series - Yahoo! News

I've always been a Duck fan in regards to the in-state rivalry but congratulations Oregon State! Love to see one of the home state teams win the big one.

Oregon State wins College World Series - Yahoo! News