Sisco

The wife just decided to hold off on her knee replacement and try PT. It hasn’t been bothering her much lately.

Doc told me to lay off extra weights while walking or jogging(which I can’t do anymore anyway). He said any benefits in conditioning were less then the extra wear and tear on my joints. Suggested finding hills to climb instead. Ankle and foot problems suck, no doubt.

Scottish bar stool for kilts.

This one isn’t military related, but I know R Squared will find it interesting. Today, the subject is about Star Trek's “forgotten man” Gene L. Coon. Although instrumental in developing many of TOS's iconic characters and key story lines, Gene Coon is not as well known as creator Gene Roddenberry and many others associated with Star Trek. Which is a pity, because while without Roddenberry there would have been no Star Trek, the Star Trek we all know and love would definitely have not existed without Gene Coon. Born on Jan. 7, 1924, Eugene Lee Coon became a major contributor to television in the mid-1950s, working on Dragnet, Wagon Train, Maverick, and Bonanza. In the early 60s, he turned a serious drama titled “Seven Men Against the Sea,” into the hit comedy “McHale's Navy.” It was Star Trek where Gene really shined, taking over production chores from Roddenberry from the middle of the first season to about the middle of the second. During that period, Gene created the Klingons, [Khan Noonien Singh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khan_Noonien_Singh)(Space Seed), [Zefram Cochrane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zefram_Cochrane)(Metamorphosis), as well as fleshing out the Prime Directive and naming the United Federation of Planets, and Starfleet Command. Among his scripts include “Devil in the Dark,” “A Piece of the Action,” and “A Taste of Armageddon.” Gene's most famous addition to Star Trek is definitely the good-natured bickering between Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy. Under his tenure, humor was injected into the episodes – which previous tended to be very serious morality tales. Coon worked with then neo-writer David Gerrold in helping him develop “The Trouble with Tribbles. Those who knew and worked with him had nothing but praise for Coon's work on the series. However, Coon resigned - some say was forced out - as producer before the end of the second season. The reason given by Roddenberry is that he was unhappy with the direction the show had taken, and wanted to return to the more serious story-lines. This is only my opinion – I have no evidence to support my contention – but I believe this was only an excuse on Roddenberry's part. I'm certain the real reason was quite simply jealousy. As stated earlier, Roddenberry had created Star Trek – but Gene Coon had taken the show to new heights – something very popular with the cast, crew, and audience. Roddenberry no doubt sensed that the show he had created was in danger of being usurped by Coon, and decided it was time to reassert himself. But the show would not be the same without Coon. After Star Trek was canceled following the third season, everyone went their separate ways, assuming that was it for the show. But we all know now how it became a cultural icon through the years by the love and loyalty from its many fans. So why isn't Gene Coon isn't better known these days? Sadly, he died in July 1973 of lung cancer. This was a few years before the Star Trek conventions and other similar events got off the ground that kept the franchise alive and continued to build its popularity. As a result, Gene never received the publicity; gave the post-Star Trek lectures and interviews to help put his name out there with the rest; nor obviously did no further work on Star Trek – such as the films and new television series. But this does not mean that Gene L. Coon has been completely forgotten. David Gerrold, Leonard Nimoy, [Herbert F. Solow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_F._Solow) and [Robert H. Justman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_H._Justman) have all given the highest praise to him in their writings. In his book “Star Trek Memories” William Shatner dedicated a chapter to Coon titled “The Forgotten Gene.” All acknowledge the invaluable contribution he made to the Star Trek franchise – a contribution that remains to this day. So, as we share memories and our “best moments” let us all take a moment to also remember the invaluable service that Gene Coon made to Star Trek TOS, and – by extension – to us the fans.🤔

My father worked with Wally Schirra on a project related to the Space program. He was in Minneapolis at Honeywell in regards to something having to do with it and my Dad invited him to the house for dinner. The company big wigs preempted it though with a big lavish dinner at a restaurant so I never got to meet him. To say I was a disappointed kid was an understatement. On this day: May 3rd, 2007 - Walter Marty Schirra Jr. flew west at 84 years of age. (Captain, USN, Ret.) American naval aviator and NASA astronaut. The only person to fly in all of America's first three space programs (Mercury, Gemini and Apollo) Walter Marty Schirra Jr. was born on March 12th, 1923 Schirra received his wings in 1948 and joined Fighter Squadron 71 (VF-71) at Quonset Point, Rhode Island where he flew the F8F Bearcat, F-80 Shooting Star, and the F9F Panther fighter aircraft. Schirra was then deployed to the Mediterranean aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway at the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. In an effort to gain combat experience, Wally applied for an exchange program with the U.S. Air Force, and was selected to fly on the F-84 Thunderjet. Initially deploying with the 154th Fighter-Bomber Squadron to Itazuke Air Force Base in Japan, from where he flew missions into South Korea. In his eight-month deployment, Schirra flew 90 combat missions and downed two MiG-15s. After completing his tour in Korea, Schirra became a test pilot at Naval Ordnance Test Station China Lake, California (NOTS). At China Lake ,testing multiple aircraft types, including becoming the first pilot to fly with and fire the Sidewinder missile. Schirra was then assigned to Miramar Naval Air Station to test the newest Navy jet fighter, the F7U Cutlass and the F3H Demon. During his deployment to Asia aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, Schirra was accepted to the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1958. It was there where Schirra first met future fellow astronauts Jim Lovell and Pete Conrad. Their paths would certainly cross again in the near future. Schirra then became a test pilot at Naval Air Station Patuxent River and learned to fly the F4H Phantom to determine if its capabilities in becoming a carrier-based aircraft. At 7:15 am on October 3, 1962, Schirra lifted off aboard his Mercury flight, named Sigma 7. After a minor trajectory deviation early in flight, Sigma 7 achieved orbit. After six orbits, Schirra manually aligned his spacecraft over Africa and performed retrofire. Sigma 7 landed 5 miles from the recovery ship, the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge. Once Sigma 7 was on deck, Schirra, in a most intentional action, hit the knobbed plunger inside his capsule, instantly detonating the explosive charge, which within micro seconds had sheared off the 70 bolts and propelling the hatch 25 ft away in one second. If the pin was left in place, a force of 40 lbf would have been required to detonate the bolts. As expected, Schirra received a cut and a sizeable bruise through his glove due to the kickback of the egress plunger. Wally did this to prove with the presence of his hand injuries that without any doubt, GUS GRISSOM HAD NOT INTENTIONALLY BLOWN THE HATCH ON LIBERTY BELL. Wally Schirra was the first astronaut to go into space three times, and the only astronaut to have flown in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. In total, Schirra logged 295 hours and 15 minutes in space. After Apollo 7, he retired as a captain from the U.S. Navy as well as from NASA. Schirra flew West on May 3rd, 2007 at 84 years old. Walter Marty Schirra Jr. was cremated and his ashes were committed to the sea on February 11, 2008. The burial at sea ceremony was held aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. "When a man looks across a street, sees a pretty girl, and waves at her, that's not a rendezvous, that's a passing acquaintance. When he walks across the street and nibbles on her ear, that's a rendezvous!" Wally Schirra Sierrahotel.net

Have all his stuff. Saw him once past his prime. His type of music used to be called “Great Lakes Music” after being in the Lee of Christian Island, I understand why. He had a place on Georgian Bay on Lake Huron.

Great story!

Now I gotta read it.

Just rewatched “Hamburger Hill” always thought that was the best of the Vietnam War movies. Didn’t pull any punches.

Pouring rain threw a wrench in my barbecue plans so I ended up reverse searing it in garlic butter in a cast iron skillet. No one complained though. Served with homemade guacamole, caramelized onions and red peppers, black beans, cheddar cheese and tortilla chips. Barely fit in a 12” skillet.

"Heeeeeeeeeeere's Johnny! Edward Leo Peter "Ed" McMahon, Jr. (March 6, 1923 – June 23, 2009) American comedian, actor, singer, game show host and announcer. He is most famous for his work on television as Johnny Carson's sidekick, a position he held for over 30 years. Before he died, McMahon told his son, Lex, who is a Corporal in the US Army, that he preferred to be remembered as a “Good Entertainer, but a Great Marine”. His son compiled a list of highlights of his father’s 23-years of service: Eating powder eggs during Officers Candidates School – even though they were billeted on a farm with hundreds of chickens – some things in the Corps never change! Being commissioned as a 2nd Lt. Being made a flight instructor while still in flight school. Earning his Naval Aviator wings on 4/4/44. Flying the hottest fighter in WWII – the F4U-Corsair. Getting reprimanded for conducting “training missions” over his girlfriend’s house. Becoming a test pilot. Being reprimanded for conducting “training missions” over his girlfriend’s house again. Teaching carrier landings. And yes, being reprimanded for flying “training missions” over his girlfriend’s house AGAIN. Telling NBC he’d love to sign a big contract to be their next star– but he had just received orders to report to Korea. Meeting Marilyn Monroe prior to deploying to Korea and having her impishly tell him: “Ed, I’m not wearing anything underneath”. Flying 85 combat missions in Korea as an artillery spotter. Cornering the market on food and alcohol by becoming his squadron’s Officer-in-Charge of the Mess Tent and Officer’s Club. The 3-day long party in Tent 7 with 55-gallon drums of “truce juice” when the armistice was signed. Participation in creating the Toys for Tots program. Being promoted to Colonel. Promoting his son to the rank of Corporal. Passing a flight physical at age 70 and flying the Harrier Jump Jet. Working with The Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation to cement the legacy and traditions of Marine Corps Aviation. And being Major General Lenhert’s Guest of Honor at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Ball in 2005 – Sir, he had tremendous respect for you and was humbled to be your guest of honor. Corporal Lex McMahon also wrote a sad and inspiring note in concerning his father’s death: "Dad – on behalf of a grateful nation, fiercely loyal United States Marine Corps, assembled friends, loving family, and me – a devoted son – it is the highest honor of my life, to fulfill your request to be buried as a Marine. I wish you Godspeed, as you pull chalks and embark on one last mission in your Corsair – destined for the final rally point– Valhalla – warrior heaven. I salute you!" Lex McMahon

Good risk. The price of a small steak.

Good luck with that. I had a lot of cartilage taken out of my left ankle six years ago. It was all shredded from bone spurs. Orthotics and quality footwear helps. If only we had known that 40 years ago!

Nice! But ditch the pants they resemble a Bud Light can.

For $12 a useful tool to have. https://www.amazon.com/Tenderizer-Stainless-Tenderizing-Accessories-Ccfoud/dp/B074V2BS22/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1BZ3KPRW76SWL&keywords=meat+tenderizer&qid=1682642419&sprefix=Meat%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyN0Q1UExaUk9aNDNHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTgzMjc4TUg4SjJBQlZON1dSJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxNjk4MDQyTzYwWUFaT1kyTEVRJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

This is Steakzilla. What happens when you tell the butcher to cut all steaks 2 inches thick, including round steaks. That is an 8 inch blade chef knife next to it. In the old days you pounded round steaks to tenderize them. But now I use this contraption on all my steaks. it shoves dozens of small steel blades into the meat to break up connective tissue and let in seasonings and air. And it works. Found on Amazon. When it thaws, I will prep it , season it and bag it in the refrigerator overnight. Cook it tomorrow on the grill and bias slice it for fajitas for a bunch of friends. I will try to remember to snap some pictures.

(Sigh) Kids nowadays.

Any possibility it might also be gout? Next time at the Doc have your Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) checked just to be safe. Plantar Fasciitis is a PITA, had that years ago. Those steroid packs do help.

Still working it Brother? Joined Snap fitness since I got back from Florida, so continuing to work on my conditioning. Nothing earthshaking, simply depending on reps and consistency to put me in a better place. So far so good.

R Lee Ermey when he was an actual drill instructor in 1966 📸

If it is staying in that position, put a game cam behind it. You will have predators using those bushes for concealment as they try to figure how to gain entrance. It usually takes them a while to figure it out so the camera should give you some warning.

1 - I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize. 2 - Borrow money from pessimists -- they don't expect it back. 3 - Half the people you know are below average. 4 - 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name. 5 - 82.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot. 6 - A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good. 7 - A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. 8 - If you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain. 9 - All those who believe in psycho kinesis, raise my hand. 10 - The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. 11 - I almost had a psychic girlfriend, ..... But she left me before we met. 12 - OK, so what's the speed of dark? 13 - How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink? 14 - If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something. 15 - Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm. 16 - When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane. 17 - Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy. 18 - Hard work pays off in the future; laziness pays off now. 19 - I intend to live forever ... So far, so good. 20 - If Barbie is so popu, why do you have to buy her friends? 21 - Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines. 22 - What happens if you get scared half to death twice? 23 - My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder." 24 - Why do psychics have to ask you for your name 25 - If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried. 26 - A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. 27 - Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. 28 - The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread. 29 - To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research. 30 - The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard. 31 - The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up. 32 - The colder the x-ray table, the more of your body is required to be on it. 33 - Everyone has a photographic memory; some just don't have film. 34 - If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you. 35 - If your car could travel at the speed of light, would your headlights work

8 hours in time to wrap and cover.

Sons coming home tomorrow so I am getting up at 4am and smoke a pork shoulder. Try to remember to take pictures.

More snow…had to postpone pulling the boat out of storage today. Still ice in front of our house anyway.