Overseas Navy Guy and War Bride

Charming Miss Nicola and I attended a real live 1940's-era barn dance last night, at the Princess Anne Airport [not, not the one in Maryland - the one in Pungo]. Live swing music so she and I jitterbugged a bit, swing lessons provided, Cigar and Flower Girls parading about [I purchased two roses for Nikki - a red one for Valentine's Day, and a peach one to match her outfit - I offered to buy her a cigar, but she told me she's trying to quit ;-)]

Nice wee museum, too - mainly aviation, but some ground equipment as well, WWII staff cars, a German 88, various stuff.

Maybe half of the folks in attendance were in 1940's-era garb. Many zoot suits [although, truly, most of those were rented and appeared more from the Roaring Twenties], some Thirties getups [turtleshell caps and all]. Plenty of variegated WWII getups, aviators, Rosie the Riveters and all].

I wore Navy Service Dress Khaki consisting of khaki trousers, long-sleeved khaki shirt, black tie, Lieutenant's collar devices, khaki single-breasted jacket with gold buttons and Lieutenant's shoulderboards [gold star for Unrestricted Line, two gold stripes to signify O-3 Lieutenant status] along with khaki combination cover. No Surface Warfare designator device, no ribbons: the SWO pin and all of my ribbons were not in existence at the time, so I did without. By the way, facial hair was not the norm, so I shaved off my moustache and sould patch [aye, and parted my hair in a 1940's style, too].

Miss Nicola Crombie, Scottish War Bride from Glasgow [sadly, she cheers for Rangers instead of Celtic] looked lovely in a cream-coloured lace dress with a small rosebud at the Vee of her neckline. Matching heels and a wonderful lace hat [with 2.5 inch hatpins, she warned me!]. All finished off with a fur coat, the epitome of loveliness. Oh, delicate blonde hair as always; she did the front into bangs and the sides into pin curls. Truly, a lovely girl [and looks far younger than her 52 years, by the way].

Postscripts:
[1] After the dance party, Nikki and I went to dinner at our favourite spot, Daruma of Japan. I had just mentioned how sometimes when I have changed my appearance that I go unrecognized for a brief moment... we popped through the door and saw Chef Hiro busing a table [it was THAT busy!]; so I asked "Got room for two more?" Hiro-sama said sure, come on in, have a seat... about ten seconds later he started and exclaimed "Oh, Chuck-san, hello!" Hahahaha - took him that long to recognize me in uniform with no moustache. Good stuff, and please know that I am not making fun of my friend, just pointing out a funny circumstance. Daruma of Japan: it is a wonderful Japanese [and Thai!] restaurant with Sushi Bar, tables, booths and a Tatami area that I cannot get up from ;-) In addition to Chef Hiro, Miss Yoko and Miss Sophia [from Yokohama and Djakarta, respectively] were both there; Miss Noi [Hiro's mum-in-law] was back in the kitchen, and Kathy-san, Hiro's wife, came in later on. Good people I am happy to call my friends. Good food and friendly atmosphere - be sure to stop in if you are ever down on the ocean side of Virginia Beach.

[2] Nikki sent me an e-card a bit later thanking me for the best Valentine's Day ever :-) What a sweet girl, and I am so happy to be in her company. I kinda like her, ya know? By the way, I think we were the most authentic and best-matched couple there [and who knows, maybe we will have life follow art some day ;-)]

Verducci?

So, Tom Verducci tells us that Selena Roberts has "a sterling reputation".
Go tell that to the Duke lacrosse players.
Take another hit from the pipe, Tom.

Clearly, clearly, you are in league with your fellow SI jobber.
Good for you. The cock's crowing, pal.....

Sel-Rod

Selena Roberts.
False Duke Lacrosse rape story.
Alex Rodriguez.
Draw your own conclusions.

A-Rod, Saved?

Today, Alex Rodriguez confessed to using steroids from 2001 to 2003. He added some value words "young", "dumb", "weight of the world...", all of which are good. Bottom line, he used, he is contrite, let the healing begin. Of course, it will help if he has a monster odd-year season. And, if the Yankees win the World Series. Let the healing begin ;-)

A-Rod, Numbnut?

Lots of hue and cry about Alex Rodriguez, who four sources claim [and Sports Illustrated published a story about it on their website] used steroids in 2003.

[1] Steroids have been prohibited for use by ballplayers under the national agreement, since 1991.

[2] Until 2004, there was no penalty for having done so.

[3] As part of the program for determining whether or not baseball had a drug problem [it did], an "anonymous" testing was done on players during the 2003 season. The results were to be kept confidential with regard to individual players - only percentages of players using steroids was to be monitored. The level of overall usage was high enough that baseball instituted random testing and penalties for usage.

[4] I am mildly annoyed that Alex Rodriguez would use steroids. He has marvelous talent, and is a known workout fanatic. Then again, he's an insecure numbnut. Alex, pull your head out of your backside! You don't need any artificial enhancement. Now, stop thinking too much - confess to using, apologize, ask forgiveness, get on with winning the World Series. Be Pettitte, be Giambi. Don't be Bonds or Clemens.

[5] I am not upset with Sports Illustrated. After all, four sources.... if SI.com did not spill the beans, someone else would have.

[6] Four sources. Four sources somehow were able to connect names and samples, which for security, had been kept separate [even in separate states!]. The feds accumulated the information as part of the Balco investigation, and I don't have a problem with that, either, except that it enabled four individuals to talk about something which they should not have. Four sources divulging information. Not only Alex Rodriguez, but many other players will be identified, all after an "anonymous" testing. I am sure the MLB Players Association is/will be livid. For one thing, Major League Baseball ownership, at the moment, has no credibility. Good thing profits are high, or there might be labor issues. Four sources who are cowardly and hide behind anonymity, the very anonymity they stripped from Alex Rodriguez. Let the investigation continue. I want to know who these sources are, and I want to see justice enacted.

[7] Some have mentioned that Gene Orza gave prior knowledge to Alex Rodriguez that he would be subject to an upcoming drug test. If that is true, did anyone actually expect anything different? The MLBPA is a union. Nothing more, nothing less. Members tend to make more money than members of most other unions. Why would we expect greater pay to somehow create more ethical behavior? I have witnessed many shenanigans from another union which I will not identify here; my point is, the union is beholden to itself and to a certain degree, its members. If you believe otherwise, you come from a very naive perspective. Mr. Orza, if it is proven that he is guilty of some rule violation, will indeed be punished. I do not necessarily believe that he will be fired, or even that he should be.

[8] Naturally, this will serve to fan the flames of all who hate the New York Yankees in general and one Alexander Rodriguez in particular. That's fine. It truly is not easy being the "Evil Empire". So, haters, crow on. Everyone knows you are doing so out of envy. Besides, controversy stirs interest, which leads to increased revenue. You're welcome.