The Angry Staff Officer -> Guest Post: The Growing Emptiness of Service

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By David Dixon I began my commitment to the service of the United States in 1999, when I showed up at West Point as a fresh-faced new cadet, deeply conservative, religious, and full of a desire to …

Read complete article-> Guest Post: The Growing Emptiness of Service

David Dixon, The Angry Staff Officer

space and time are not separate things --2/11/2026 February 11, 2026
Today's selection-- from The Biggest Ideas in the Universe by Sean Carroll. The dawn of the theory of relativity: “In Newtonian physics, you would have been welcome to consider space and time together as a single four-dimensional spacetime in which events are located. But nothing would have forced you to do that; space and time […]
dark matter--2/11/2026 February 11, 2026
Today's selection-- from Space Oddities by Harry Cliff. Dark matter, dark energy, and black holes: “As scientists grapple with long-standing puzzles like the Hubble tension and the peculiar magnetism of the muon, new and strange phenomena are constantly being uncovered. This embarrassment of scientific riches is what makes the pursuit of anomalies so endlessly fascinating, […]

Recent Research Spreadsheets
Our students have compiled research in three topic areas. Below are the links to their research tables that can be downloaded for searching and viewing. For a state-by-state review of Mandatory Reporter laws, click here. For a state-by-state review of Background Check laws, click...
feigleycommunications
Legislative Drafting Students
Our students spend the summer working on the research project of the LDICP. Through their extensive research, massive databases of information on state statutes regarding the abuse of children have been created and will be posted here as their work is finalized. Here are...
feigleycommunications

Smorgasbord Medicine Woman’s Treasure Chest 2026 – Essential Oils and Aromatherapy – Oils, origins, uses and Safety – Chamomile and other oils it blends with by Sally Cronin February 12, 2026
Welcome to the series about essential oils and aromatherapy and I hope you will find useful. Twenty-seven years ago I ran a health food shop and diet advisory centre here in Ireland and we sold essential oils for aromatherapy. I … Continue reading →
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Sunny Ann Starling, July 2, 1943 - January 6, 2023 January 10, 2023
All-American patriot, artist, designer, entrepreneur, flower arranger, chef, and joyful servant, Sunny Lou Starling, was carried on the wings of angels to the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, January 6, 2023. She once said her mission was to “Gather and feed all you can, as often as you can, because you never know if […]
Unknown
WASP Final Flight February 28, 2022
WASP Deanie Bishop Parrish, 44-W-4"Failure isn't failure unless you let it be. It's simply a change in direction. Just count your many blessings move on. With God's help, anything is possible!"Deanie Bishop Parrish passed away peacefully in her home in Waco, Texas, on February 24, 2022, just one day shy of her 100th birthday. She met every challenge […]
Unknown

Four Fun Kodachrome Car Image Series No. 519 October 30, 2024
Editors Note: After posting over five thousand features and twenty five thousand images over the last thirteen years, the time has come to end posting weekly features here on The Old Motor. At this point, the site’s future hasn’t been decided, although it will remain online for the foreseeable future. There may be future updates...
David Greenlees
Four Fun Kodachrome Car Image Series No. 518 October 23, 2024
In this weekly series, we ask our readers to tell us the year, make, and model of all of these vehicles along with the location where the image was taken and anything else you find of interest in the photos. You can look back on all the earlier parts of this series here. The photos are via Americar....
David Greenlees

Shellubrication: 1950s June 28, 2025
From a discarded negative collection that belonged to a San Diego area barber. 120 format. View full size.
Cazzorla
Mill Town Aughts May 22, 2025
My great-grandfather was a Textile League ball player in the little mill village of Tucapau, South Carolina, in probably the late aughts. He didn't care what the mill job was as long as he could play on their team. The story in the family is that one of his upcountry cousins was also a Textile […]
hj808

A woman's place is on the bass! February 10, 2026
In reply to Jazz Lass: 1947: Yes, pretty strange hairdo, but with her outfit do you really think she needs to tell the guys, "Hey fellas, I'm down here"? As a former bass player, I think she definitely can HAND-le the gig. Great fingers! "Vivien Garry led the trio, and her husband, guitarist Arv Garrison […]
louJudson
Victory Roll February 9, 2026
In reply to Jazz Lass: 1947: I guess it was the thought that counted but regardless, a peculiar hairstyle.
JohnHoward

Hungarian Wax Peppers October 18, 2024
Here’s an old Italian recipe for canning peppers, one of my husband’s favorites. Searching the internet, you’ll come across many variations — all probably good — but here’s a basic recipe to start you on your course. The kids and I canned these using the boiling method, though pressure canners might make the process easier. Not sure how, […]
gardenfrisk
Easy Microgreens June 13, 2023
Microgreens seem to be all the rage these days and for good reason: they are packed with nutrients and easy to grow! The USDA and University of Maryland found that leaves from microgreens had more nutrients than the mature leaves of the same plants. And great flavor. Plus, you don’t need a lot of space […]
gardenfrisk

One Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo January 31, 2026
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. A cozy, quick-cooking one pot meal with juicy shrimp and the dreamiest, most velvety, creamy orzo. Made in 40 min! So easy, so so good. reasons to make one pot garlic butter shrimp and orzo What is orzo? Orzo is a quick-cooking […]
Chungah
30+ Winning Super Bowl Recipes January 28, 2026
Dips, nachos, pizza, wings, sliders and so much more of our most popular game day recipes! Quick, easy to prepare, and enough to feed a crowd! We have absolutely everything you need for game day! From bite-sized bacon-wrapped tater tots to the easiest hands-off slow cooker chili, there’s a little bit of something for all […]
Chungah

Recruits will no longer need a REAL ID to fly to basic training February 11, 2026
Under a new screening process, military recruits do not need to show a REAL ID or pay a $45 fee to get past security checkpoints for flights to basic training. The post Recruits will no longer need a REAL ID to fly to basic training appeared first on Task & Purpose.
Jeff Schogol
Marine Corps says Ospreys are getting a safety-focused overhaul February 11, 2026
Marine Corps officials released an Aviation Plan that detailed five major overhauls for the MV-22 Osprey fleet, including gearboxes made of harder steel. The post Marine Corps says Ospreys are getting a safety-focused overhaul appeared first on Task & Purpose.
Patty Nieberg

How I Check Tire Pressure on Dually Tires February 10, 2026
My RV has dually tires in the rear to support the weight of the motorhome and its contents. I use TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) sensors to keep track of the air pressure on the RVs tires and to alert me if there is a loss of tire pressure such as when a tire blows out […]
redlegsrides
A Ride to Kofa NWR 's Rock Formations February 9, 2026
Two hours of riding, sunny and warm at almost 80°F temperatures.I rode along US 95 southbound, using the back entrance I had recently noticed for the La Posa South LTVA.Lots of open camping spots at the Kofa (King OF Arizona) NWR. King of Arizona being the name of a mine back in the day. You […]
redlegsrides

Idealists in My Family Tree February 9, 2026
My left-leaning roots run deep. My great-grandfather was a card-carrying Utopian Socialist. I even have documents to prove it. And …
Lorie Smith Schaefer
A Visit to Remember February 2, 2026
This heartfelt narrative captures the bond between a young boy and his grandfather, who struggles with memory loss. It highlights the boy’s efforts to connect through shared memories and simple moments, reminding us of the enduring love that transcends forgetfulness.
Lorie Smith Schaefer

Come Find Me At Substack! June 25, 2025
Hi all, I should have posted this a while ago—I’m now on Substack. I love the platform and respect and appreciate the company’s adherence to principles of free speech.You can find The Heart of the Matter—my ruminations on politics, geopolitics, and media, plus the odd book and movie review—here. My author newsletter—only about my new book […]
Barry Eisler
American Exception March 7, 2025
Wow.As Blade said in the eponymous movie, “The world you live in is just a sugar-coated topping. There is another world beneath it—the real world.”American Exception is about the real world.It is deeply researched, coherently presented, cogently argued. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll wonder how you ever could have believed that things are […]
Barry Eisler

Kashevaroff Mountain April 6, 2019
Long before we were a sailing family, Alisa and I were a young couple in love with adventuring in Alaska. The opportunity to introduce Eric and Elias to the delights of outdoor living in the Great Land was one of the big bright sides of our return to Alaska. Earlier this winter, the boys and […]
Letting go March 20, 2019
So...this beautiful island is our home. See the barky? The boys just had their spring break. A week off from school and nothing to keep us from buggering off in Galactic. The weather was generally poor - nothing like the pics above for the most part - so we just snuck off to the west […]

PDS on PBS II Cross post from "Frozen Grin" April 5, 2024
Here is a link to a story about my struggle to draw with Parkinson's Disease. the story is from "The Daily Cartoonist" a Web journal concerning the world of professional cartooning. It was occasioned by the release of the documentary "Matters of Mind, My Parkinson's" which follows three families and their efforts to cope […]
Peter Dunlap-Shohl
Matter of Mind, My Parkinson's, PBS Looks at PD and PD-S March 4, 2024
Here is a short trailer for the PBS documentary "Matter of Mind, My Parkinson's. It follows the attempts of three people and their families to cope with the progressive, disabling and incurable neurological condition. The film won the Audience Choice Award for documentaries at the recent San Francisco Film Festival, possibly due to a scenery-chewing […]
Peter Dunlap-Shohl

Travel Secrets: Love is in the air. Join us for prizes, pizza, stories, games and the INSIDE SCOOP at Alaska Aviation Museum Thursday, February 5, 2026 January 28, 2026
YES, there are secrets. Secrets for a better deal. A better seat. A better destination. JOIN US on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Alaska Aviation Museum for a special ... The post Travel Secrets: Love is in the air. Join us for prizes, pizza, stories, games and the INSIDE SCOOP at Alaska Aviation Museum […]
scott

Identifying Devil’s Club Plant August 10, 2023
Devil’s Club is a common wild plant in Alaska that’s large & covered in hidden sharp thorns, growing everywhere from remote forests to even well-groomed Anchorage city trails. Just because you’re “in town” doesn’t mean you won’t run into devil’s club. It’s smart to stay on the trails, particularly if you’re not confident spotting it. […]
Ashley
Pumpkin BOO-berry Muffins (Fun Halloween Toddler Snacktivity!) October 21, 2022
Here’s a delicious fall-time spin on classic blueberry muffins. If you’re a solo adult who likes good food, this recipe is for you. Or if you’ve got extra kitchen “helpers” around (read: kids who need entertainment), turn baking these Halloween muffins into a fun toddler snacktivity. Pumpkin BOO-berry Muffin Recipe Ingredients: 2 boxes Jiffy brand […]
Ashley

"Home" vs. "Away" May 20, 2022
I’m home now. I’m looking at the flea market couch I brought up from California; I had cushions made three times over the years till I got it just right. Now it’s just right. It’s been in my life 42 years. Tim has been in my life 34 years, but he had to be out of […]
CloudyinAK
Goodbye, Toronto May 10, 2022
I’m saying my goodbyes to Toronto. I’ve seen my last Hot Docs Festival film, and I’m just back from my last author program. I’ve probably had my last roti, checked out my last book at my local branch library, gone to my last art workshop. Horror of horrors, I’ve even watched my last play. The thing […]
CloudyinAK

Everywhere Epstein February 10, 2026
1,049 shades of gray As if the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race doesn’t have enough problems being pursued by animal-rights activists, all the buzz in the small world of long-distance sled dog […]
craigmedred
Den of thieves February 8, 2026
From the could be worse file Anchorage residents regularly reading the social media website Nextdoor could easily come to the conclusion that Alaska’s largest city is the American stronghold for porch pirates. […]
craigmedred

Malnourished launches today January 21, 2020
It’s here. The big day. My memoir, the one I spent 15 years struggling over, launches today from Raised Voice Press. I’m feeling very exposed, very vulnerable. This is not at all similar to when Dolls Behaving Badly launched from Hachette Book Group. That was a novel, and while some of it was based on… […]
cinthiaritchie
Book review: Secondhand Summer by Dan Walker December 1, 2019
I had had Alaska writer Dan Walker’s YA novel SECONDHAND SUMMER on my list for a long time, and two weeks ago finally had the chance to dive in. I wasn’t disappointed. Walker’s book, geared for middle school readers (but still immensely enjoyable for adults), follows 14-year-old Sam’s move to Anchorage from the small fishing… […]
cinthiaritchie

Sitka Nature Show #346 – Jason Briner July 27, 2025
Download Radio Show The July 27th show featured a conversation with Jason Briner. Jason has been working in Southeast Alaska for a decade, collaborating with many others to conduct field work to better understand the timing of glacial retreat and the post-glacial environment of the region. He has been part of an interdisciplinary team conducting […]
matt goff
Sitka Nature Show #345 – Elizabeth Thomas July 13, 2025
Download Radio Show The July 13th show featured a conversation with Elizabeth Thomas, a paleoclimatologist based out of the University at Buffalo. Elizabeth shared about the water cycle and how understanding it and its effects can give insight into past climates. She is part of a team working to reconstruct the timing of glacial retreat […]
matt goff

Sandra’s Overnight Artisan 10" Cast Iron Soft Bread-No Knead March 2, 2024
INGREDIENTS3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon active yeast (not rapid or instant)1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt1-1/2 cups slightly warm water (tepid)--2 teaspoons canola oil (For top and bottom of dough ball so it doesn't stick or form crust while rising)-2 TB butter melted in ramekin, with brush (set aside)--10” Seasoned Cast Iron SkilletMETHODAdd flour to bowl. Add yeast […]
sandra
Sandra's Fresh Apple Pecan Cake (9x13") September 18, 2023
My husband loves this cakeso much he had two pieces 'after' eating lunch...Ingredients2 Eggs1 ½ cup Canola Oil2 cups Granulated Sugar3 cups A-P Flour2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg½ teaspoon Kosher Salt1 ½ teaspoons Baking Soda4 cups Chopped Apples (peeled and cored): measure after chopping1 cup chopped Pecans: measure after chopping1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract⅔ […]
sandra