Bunker Mulligan "Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." ~Mark Twain

May 4, 2005

Responding

Filed under: General — Bunker @ 6:08 am

This week I’m operating on someone else’s computer using a dial-up connection. Having grown used to my own screen setup and high-speed connection, it is a bit frustrating to wait and wait.

Another issue, though, is that the cookies have somehow excluded me from responding to comments. The web site considers me to be logged in at all times, even though I’m not. And when I try to post comments on my own site, I’m told to not be so stupid and just continue reading rather than trying to write.

Anyway, I just wanted to let all my commenters know that I haven’t put you on “IGNORE”.

Yes, I considered common differences between siblings before writing, but the contrast was so striking I had to comment.

I’ve watched Dorf. His game is better than mine was yesterday.

Bubba, from reading your comments I think you’ll do just fine.

Okay, just a few responses. Maybe I’ll figure out what the issue is with the cookies. Nah. Too many other things to do right now!

Congresscritter

Filed under: Government — Bunker @ 5:57 am

I got a response from my Congressman regarding my concerns about the FEC’s proposed rule on internet communication. As you can see, he’s on top of this issue:

Thank you for your continued correspondence regarding your Internet web log. I appreciate hearing from you.

I hope that your communication with the FEC finds a response to your liking. Freedom of speech is an important right to those that live in this nation. I can understand your concerns.

Once again, thank you for writing. Best wishes.

Sincerely,

Solomon P. Ortiz

Member of Congress

At least there is an indication that someone actually read my letter, although they certainly didn’t understand it.

May 3, 2005

Round One

Filed under: Golf — Bunker @ 5:14 pm

Where did that slice come from?

I hit it early and often today. I usually play a fade, with an occasional draw (although I don’t have good control of that), but from the first tee shot through fifteen holes today, the banana ball ruled. Even when I gave up and tried to compensate, it slapped me in the face and said, “I can’t be controlled!”

Finally, on the sixteenth hole, I regained control and hit the driver long and straight. Well, almost. I still wasn’t convinced and lined up a little left just in case. Fortunately, this is a scramble and my partners kept us in play. We birdied all the par fives and one par four.

Tomorrow–new teammates and a different course. Chance of rain has diminished.

Who cares? It’s golf!

May 2, 2005

Training Matters

Filed under: Military — Bunker @ 8:20 pm

Just returned from the tournament banquet. One of the guys had his two grown daughters with him, and they sat across from us at dinner. They were quite a contrast.

The older one is very flighty. She reminded me of Bette Midler, both in looks and some of the mannerisms that fit her “dingy” roles. She was complaining that she was full, but still begged Daddy to take her out for some lobster bisque.

The other is a former Marine. She was in the Gulf War in 1991, and is one of the Marines who ended up with some neurological problems. There is some question as to the cause, but a dozen of them came down with the same symptoms. Because of her medication, she was medically retired–she could no longer carry a weapon and couldn’t, therefore, be a Marine. She isn’t pleased about being out of the Corps, but is moving on in her life.

I was struck with the difference. Two girls reared by the same parents with such different outlooks on life. The younger one was definitely in charge. I asked, “Which one is the Marine?” The older one was insulted. “You have to ask?” No, but thought I should. I don’t want to stereotype.

Training. Boot Camp. Life Change.

Those of us with a military background often take that training for granted. Those without it sometimes don’t understand. Self-confidence is misdiagnosed as arrogance. Maybe there is some of that, too. When dealing with those who’ve not been through it, perhaps we get a bit arrogant.

This woman wasn’t arrogant, but she had little patience with Big Sister and her whining.

May 1, 2005

Officer Matt

Filed under: General — Bunker @ 6:29 pm

Watching the local news with Dad, and they have a report on a highway wreck where several children were injured or killed. One was two years old. In the film, a police officer is taking notes for his report, leaning into the damaged car. He is partially obscured by someone, but those broad shoulders and large upper arms are unmistakable–my son.

Next, interview with Officer Matt: “Parents need to take responsibility for their children’s safety in the car. Kids can’t think for themselves in regards to their need to determine the best way to secure themselves in a car seat when they are this young.” Dimples and all, very professional. Needs a haircut.

I am often amazed at how professional my children are in their work. I shouldn’t be, because responsibility is something I worked hard to teach them growing up. I didn’t praise them effusively, or without warrant. They knew from Dad exactly how they had performed. When I gave them criticism, they understood the intent, and knew why I dealt with them in the way I did. They didn’t always like it. But they also appreciated praise when it came because they knew I was sincere and not just trying to make them feel good. I did that, too–when they really needed it. They understood the difference.

But they are also my very good friends. I think we have a pretty good bond–between all of us.

I’m proud of all my kids. But you knew that, didn’t you?

Louisiana

Filed under: General — Bunker @ 5:27 pm

Here I am.

Beautiful weather all the way here, and it’s simply gorgeous here–no wind, cool, but not cold. Hard to believe the weather is going to change for the worse. I’m thinking I need to hit the driving range tomorrow after the mess that yesterday was for golf. There are two definite tee shots on these courses where I definitely need to hit a draw, and my normal shot with the driver is a fade. I wanted to work on that yesterday, and actually did hit a draw on demand–I think. With the wind it was hard to tell. I could have hit severe slices that only looked like draws!

Actually, one of my approach shots was a definite fade which the wind carried left so that it hit the green, bounced left, and kept going as the wind blew it upslope across the green to the left-hand fringe.

Nah. I’ll just carry the putter with me tomorrow when we sign in and try to get a feel for the speed on these greens.

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