Dave Stoppenhagen | April 19, 2005
White smoke and Bells rang through St. Peters Square. Here's the story (link)

Scott Horowitz | April 19, 2005
hmmm, you think they'd pick someone who isn't gonna die within 10 years

Anna Gregoline | April 19, 2005
I'm amazed at the waiting with baited breath seen all around the world. I was under the mistaken impression that the Pope just does his thing and people listen or don't - I had no idea that it was taken so very seriously.

But then again, I don't really understand MOST of the stuff that goes on in the world, so...

John E Gunter | April 19, 2005
I remember when the last Pope was chosen.

John

Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
Oh, God... you *are* from the Jurassic period, John! ;-D

Anna Gregoline | April 19, 2005
I just found out that he was in the Hitler Youth - Fascinating. I'm not trying to make any judgment about that - many people had no choice but to join, but it's an interesting thing in someone's life history.

I'm trying to find out more about him, as many people seem unhappy about it. I read one person who said they read him say that feminism is a "bad idea" so I'm a bit concerned.

I feel like the whole world is giving way to religious righteousness. But that's cause I live in the U.S. I guess.

John E Gunter | April 19, 2005
Ok, that does it Amy, the next knock on your door will be my pet Raptors! ;-D

John

Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
Don't they just let themselves in? Although I don't know how they learned to turn doorknobs, since your cave doesn't likely have doors, does it??

John E Gunter | April 19, 2005
I'm not surprised by the feminism comment, after all, think about the mentality of the Catholic Church. I'm not making any cracks about it, but it has long been a 'mans' administration.

As far as the Hitler Youth, from what I understand, a lot of what Hitler did in the beginning was good for Germany. Granted, he had ulterior motives for every action, but he helped rebuild the country. Watched a show about the Autobahn the other day and he had a big hand in that, including giving many poor out of work Germans a job.

John

John E Gunter | April 19, 2005
Naw, you teach them to knock so that the person goes to answer the door and gets ambushed. After all, who expects a polite Raptor?

John

Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.

Anna Gregoline | April 19, 2005
I think it's just pathetic though that so many people still use religion as a reason to oppress women. What a kind, moral and godly way to act.

And I can't wait to hear about the birth control issues, because I hear that he's worse than his predecessor.

Yikes, everything is so frightening to me. I wish I could just not hear about any news whatsoever sometimes.

Anna Gregoline | April 19, 2005
I just contradicted myself because that's how I feel looking at the world these days - wanting to look and then looking away, like a car accident scene or a horror movie.

Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
That's why I tend not to stay too current... I'm angry enough without the media's help!

Anna Gregoline | April 19, 2005
Amen to that.

John E Gunter | April 19, 2005
I knew you'd say that Amy! :-P

Think about all of the wars that are started because of religion, and I'm not just talking Catholicism here. Oh, and Catholicism isn't the only religion to oppress women, but I don't need to tell you that! ;-)

John

Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
Uh oh, am I getting predictable???

Anna Gregoline | April 19, 2005
No, but it makes me sad that it has a lot of influence in our country and we are supposedly so progressive compared to other nations. Sigh.

Of course, I don't like when anyone uses ANY excuse to keep a group of people oppressed...

Anna Gregoline | April 19, 2005
I just got this title - Star Wars reference, right?

I'm a dolt. =)

Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
I must be a dolt, too, then, 'cuz I don't know what you're talking about...

Anna Gregoline | April 19, 2005
Doesn't one of the Star Wars movies (originals, I think) start out with "Episode Blank: A New Hope?"

Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
I don't know, I must say. But that is kind of funny.

John E Gunter | April 19, 2005
Episode 4: A New Hope!

Guess that makes me a Star Wars geek!

Amy, I wouldn't say you're getting predictable, just I know where your humor is coming from most times. It's similar to mine. :-D

Plus, you have no problem kidding with me either. :-P

Acutally as far as being more accepting to other ideas, the US is one of the more progressive countries. Granted we still have our problems, but at least we don't stone people to death!

Or make people wear certain types of clothing and generally allow people to wear almost whatever they want. Notice how I say almost.

So, yes, I'd still like to live here more than most other places in the world. Though Australia has a certain draw for me!

John

E. M. | April 19, 2005
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Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
John: Cool... ;-)

Ed: WTF...!

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 19, 2005
Yeah Star Wars reference.

Personally I'm not a big fan of religion, not to be mistaken with I don't believe in God. Because I do believe in God just not in religion

John E Gunter | April 19, 2005
[quote]Personally I'm not a big fan of religion, not to be mistaken with I don't believe in God. Because I do believe in God just not in religion[/quote]

Yaaaaa!!!!

Right with you there Dave! :-D

John

Scott Horowitz | April 19, 2005
What about the Jedi religion?

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 19, 2005
There is no Jedi religion. You don't need to see my identification

Scott Horowitz | April 19, 2005
Dave, that actually made me laugh out loud in my desk. People are looking at me funnier than they usually look at me.

Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
Hmm... I find that hard to believe.

Scott Horowitz | April 19, 2005
Hey!!!!

Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
HAHA!!

John E Gunter | April 19, 2005
I find that hard to believe also! ;-D

John

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 19, 2005
Yeah John, my religious beliefs don't go over to well with some of the extended family but I guess that makes it their problem. My moms side is a very Catholic family and I consider myself a recovering catholic.

Scott Horowitz | April 19, 2005
You know, you dress up like a giant dreidel and people just stop taking you seriously.

Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
Well, can you blame them? ;-)

reply to (serious) Horowitz 13:12 --

Yeah, I had that thought, too, but then maybe I'm not alone in thinking that it might be better for the papacy to have more frequent turnover...;-D Especially in light of the concerns mentioned here and in the press (i.e., women's issues).

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 19, 2005
It wasn't that you dressed as a dreidel it's the fact that you were naked claming to be a dreidel

Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
Okay... WAY TMI!!!

John E Gunter | April 19, 2005
Ah, nasty thoughts in head, must get them OUT!!!! ;-D

John

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 19, 2005
Lori can attest to my warpedness, I take things beyond decency sometimes. Blame it on the people I hung out with while in the Navy.

Erik Bates | April 19, 2005
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Erik Bates | April 19, 2005
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E. M. | April 19, 2005
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Dave Stoppenhagen | April 19, 2005
That is true Ed

Lori Lancaster | April 19, 2005
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Dave Stoppenhagen | April 19, 2005
All kneel at that alter of Dave and quote him as scripture. Lori has started the conversion. But then again that goes against me not being a fan of religion. Forget I said it

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 19, 2005
They completed my training.

Lori Lancaster | April 19, 2005
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Dave Stoppenhagen | April 19, 2005
Possibly the first time you've ever caught a misspelling by me.

But yes you are correct.

*Now corrected

Amy Austin | April 19, 2005
I don't think my husband would appreciate me kneeling to you.

You just have a knack for these types of comments, don't you, Lori?

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 19, 2005
My wife probably wouldn't like it either.

Lori Lancaster | April 19, 2005
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Lori Lancaster | April 19, 2005
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Scott Hardie | April 19, 2005
My understanding is that since John Paul II had such a long and complex term, it will take a few years for his legacy to be understood, so they specifically chose an older man to replace him so that there could be a quicker turnover, having another election just when they're coming to realize JP2's influence. That's the theory, anyway. I wonder what Benedict XVI thinks of that.

Dave: You can delete a duplicate comment by clicking the "edit" link on one of them, erasing the text in the form, and submitting it blank. I still have no idea why you get double posts and nobody else seems to. There are weird glitches on the site on other computers, like the "log out" link doesn't work on John Edwards's computer. Glitches that exist only on other people's machines are a real joy to fix, believe me.

E. M. | April 19, 2005
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E. M. | April 19, 2005
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Lori Lancaster | April 19, 2005
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Scott Hardie | April 19, 2005
There's already a DVD in stores. I bet you anything Wal*Mart has it stocked to the rafters. (Sorry Lori.)

John E Gunter | April 20, 2005
Lori,

Ok, I don't really remember when he was made Pope, but the following is from the website about him and gives the date...

On October 16, 1978, at age 58, he was elected to succeed Pope John Paul I.

So he became Pope when I was 17. I don't remember being extremely interested in hearing about it, but it was something I paid attention to. Just couldn't remember the date though.

John

Kris Weberg | April 21, 2005
He wasn't just in the Hitler Youth, he was also drafted into the Wehrmacht and briefly manned an anti-aircraft battery defending a factory that used Jewish slave labor.

Lori Lancaster | April 21, 2005
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Anna Gregoline | April 21, 2005
Why would anyone "log out" of the forum? I see no need.

Erik Bates | April 21, 2005
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Anna Gregoline | April 21, 2005
Oh. I guess some people are in school - damn you school people.

I am so far outside the mentality of school. I can't wait till all of my friends are out of it, but one is a teacher and another or two (Kris, I'm looking in your general direction) will probably never leave the world of academia. I beg your pardon if I look sleepy at times when you mention classwork. I can't fathom doing it anymore. =)

Scott Hardie | April 21, 2005
It's because I get bored sometimes at John Edwards's apartment, so I want to log out as him and login as myself to write on TC. Alas, I can only read.

Amy Austin | April 21, 2005
Uh, not all workers have the privilege of their own PC, either, Anna! On the Vinson, we had *three* (count 'em, 3!) whole shitty desktops on which 25 of us got to check our e-mail from time to time... with the shittiest, slowest connection you've ever imagined possible. I am not exaggerating on that one... you could read a book while you were on, and sometimes time-outs would be so frequent that you'd never get anywhere in half an hour. GADS, I don't know how we stood it!!!

Anna Gregoline | April 21, 2005
Just so used to being a wage slave in the corporate world that I didn't really think about it, I guess.

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 21, 2005
Amy you were on the Vinson through when? I was in their battle group at one point to the Gulf

Amy Austin | April 21, 2005
Oh, yeah? Mar/April 2001- June 2004, I think. On the Lincoln before that. Which of our group?

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 21, 2005
I was with on Princeton for Christmas of 99 in the middle of the Gulf.

Amy Austin | April 21, 2005
That's funny -- I was going to say that it was the Princeton! (Now I wish I had, so you would have been like, "Yeah, how'd you know?" And then I would have said, "Because just last night, I was looking at this photo that I had taken of me riding on the back of an elephant in Thailand, and on that elephant with me was another Sailor from the Princeton... and you know what, Dave? On closer examination, it was YOU!!!)

Hahaha... of course, I kid. But only on that last sentence. I really was looking at that picture last night, and so the Princeton really was the first to pop into mind. But obviously, I was serving there at a different time than you... I don't even know if you went to Thailand! (But you probably did, and you probably got a better deal in Phuket, didn't you? Carriers only get to go to Pattaya... bah!)

I never got to see the Gulf, myself. We only sat in the Arabian Sea for 4 months after 9/11. In fact, we had just been making our preparatory exercises for transiting the strait when that all went down. I knew that meant no liberty in the Sand Box for me. Sigh. At least the next cruise was somewhat better.

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 21, 2005
Yeah I was aboard the Prison, for my first trip over there. Before 9/11 of course but we still sent missiles into Iraq, we were diverted from our port call in Singapore to head over. We did a 30 knot slalom through the straits, we were the Vinson's slave for 6 months, where they went we followed

I did visit Phuket though with my second ship and second trip. I'm pretty sure I asked you before but what was your rate?

Amy Austin | April 22, 2005
PH2(AW/SW) -- I think you mentioned it before as well, but I don't remember, either. ;-)

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 22, 2005
I was a OS2, never found time to go after my Surface Warfare pin, to much other stuff to do.

Mike Eberhart | April 22, 2005
WhooHooo, The NAVY Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!......not..... :)



Aim High....

Amy Austin | April 22, 2005
Ullcchh... really, an OS, Dave??? Geez, that's *almost* as bad as being a Zoomie!!! ;-D

(Well, at least you're Ops... ;-D)

Mike Eberhart | April 22, 2005
Geesh, nothing like getting blown off. I was just trying to get a reaction from some of you Navy guys for some fun inter-service rivalry. I thought I'd at least get a response from Amy. Oh well, I guess it's not like it used to be. Even though I think the Navy members of this board out number any of the other services.


Anyway, I'll shut-up now.... :)

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 22, 2005
Yeah I was a scope reader and spent 90% of my time in CIC, but it was my database the FC's used to launch missiles.

Don't take offence Mike we are highly trained to ignore the Air Farce, besides we're less excitable. Since we have our own army and air force we have no use for those other branches

:)

Mike Eberhart | April 22, 2005
That's a good one. That's what I was talking about. That's true about the other services not being needed by the Navy. That's probably why The Village People did a song about your guys...

Dave Stoppenhagen | April 22, 2005
Ahh gotta admire the love between the military branches.

John E Gunter | April 22, 2005
Ah, the voice of the country club speaks then wonders why he's not getting flack from the sailors!

John

Jackie Mason | April 22, 2005
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John E Gunter | April 22, 2005
I personally like both the Marines song and the Balad of the Green Beret.

John

Amy Austin | April 22, 2005
Jackie: It's "Anchors Aweigh" (not "Away" -- as everyone thinks) I'd sing it for you, but I don't think you can hear me where you are... ;-)

Mike: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT???!!! Did you totally miss the little "Zoomie" dig I threw your way, or has it been so long with your head up in the clouds ("aiming high" or "getting high"?) that you forgot your name??? ;-DDD I'll happily throw some good-humored inter-service trash-talk around now...

Hmmm... let's start with the Air Force Oath of Enlistment, shall we? Sure:

I, Zoomie (or "Flyboy" -- take your pick), swear to sign away 4 years of my useless life to the United States Air Force because I'm too smart for (or "can't hack it in") the Army and because the Marines frighten me. I swear to sit behind a desk and take credit for the work done by others more dedicated than me who take their job seriously. I also swear not to do any form of real exercise, but promise to defend our bike riding test as a valid form of exercise. I swear to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, even though I believe myself to be above that. I promise to walk around calling everyone by their first name because I know I'm not really in the military and I find it amusing to annoy the other services. I will have a better quality of life than all those around me and will at all times be sure to make them aware of that fact. After completion of my (snicker) "Basic Training," I will be a lean, mean, donut-eating, lazy-boy sitting, civilian-wearing-blue-clothes, chairborne Ranger. I will believe I am superior to all others and will make an effort to clean the knife before stabbing the next person in the back with it. I will do no work unless someone is watching me (and it makes me look good), will annoy those around me, and will go home early every day. I consent to never getting promoted (EVER) and understand that all those whom I made fun of yesterday will probably outrank me tomorrow. So help me God.

Amy Austin | April 22, 2005
Just so you know that I'm equal opp, here's ours -- I'm sure you've sworn this, Dave, right? ;-D

I, Top Gun, in lieu of going to prison, swear to sign away 4 years of my life to the United States Navy because I want to hang out with Marines without actually having to BE one of them, because I thought the Air Force was too "corporate," and because I thought, "hey, I like to swim...why not?" I promise to wear clothing that went out of style in 1976 and to have my name stencilled on the butt of every pair of pants I own. I understand that I will be mistaken for the Good Humour man during the summer, and for Waffen SS during the winter. I will strive to use a different language than the rest of the English-speaking world, using words like "deck, bulkhead, cover, and head" instead of "floor, wall, hat, and toilet." I will take great pride in the fact that all Navy acronyms, rank and ensignia, and everything else for that matter, are completely different from the other services and make absolutely no sense whatsoever. I will muster (whatever that is) at 0700 hrs every morning unless I am buddy-buddy with the Chief, in which case I will show up around 0930 hours. I vow to hone my coffee cup handling skills to the point that I can stand up in a kayak being tossed around in a typhoon, and still not spill a drop. I consent to being promoted and subsequently busted at least twice per fiscal year. I realise that, once selected for Chief, I am required to submit myself to the sick, and quite possibly illegal, whims of my new-found "colleagues." So help me Neptune.

Lori Lancaster | April 22, 2005
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Amy Austin | April 22, 2005
hahaha... somehow I missed that 13:23 comment from John on the first read -- good one!

Amy Austin | April 22, 2005
Thanks for your support, Lori! ;-)

E. M. | April 22, 2005
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E. M. | April 22, 2005
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Amy Austin | April 22, 2005
Ah, you've got plenty of time for this -- it will come. Wait 'til you make Chief! (Then you'll have a nice big gut for ballast!!! ;-DDD)

E. M. | April 22, 2005
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Mike Eberhart | April 22, 2005
Amy, very good with those Oath's. The Air Force one is pretty accurate... And yes, I did miss your Zoomie comment. I thought it was aimed at Dave, that's how long it's been since I had one of these conversations. However, I think you need to find an Officer's oath for the Air Force, as I have taken both (Enlisted & Officer's).

Jackie, as for the military songs, I have to agree that the Navy song is the best. It's just way more catchy than the rest. I'll follow it up with the Air Force song though, much better than either the Marines or the Army. Or the Coast Guard for that matter. Hey, what happens when a Coast Guard cutter starts to sink? Everyone jumps off and walks to shore..... Couldn't resist that one. The Coast Guard is too easy to pick on, but had to get it out of the way.

John, I like the country club remark. That was a good one. But hey, we still do have a bike test, but we did start making everyone do a PT test now also. Granted, it's probably nothing like the other services, but at least it's a start.

As for my Blues, I like them, much better looking than girlie whites.... :)

John E Gunter | April 22, 2005
Hey I know the PT test, if you can't walk all nineteen carrying your clubs, you fail right?

Course I'm one to talk, been around military types most of my life, but never been one. ;-)

Not that I didn't consider it, just the recruiter tried to screw me, and I don't like guys in that way! :-D

LOL

Oh, and I loved the Oaths Amy! At least Ed's ballast will keep him floating upright, can't spill that coffee you know!

John

Amy Austin | April 22, 2005
haHAA, Mike, guess what? I AM a "girlie"!!! ;-DDD Afraid to bump it up a notch, Col. Jessup-style??? You see Danny, I can deal with the bullets, and the bombs, and the blood. I don't want money, and I don't want medals. What I do want is for you to stand there in that faggoty white uniform and with your Harvard mouth extend me some fucking courtesy. You gotta ask me nicely.
No, but seriously... those whites *are* damn annoying -- especially when you have to wear them on a dirty, nasty ship... DAMN hard to keep those suckers clean! Almost every Sailor will admit to hating them.

And I don't pick on the "puddle-jumpers", either -- they're far more bad-ass than the other branches would like to admit... (although it *is* pretty gay that they're actually part of the DOT!) ;-D I hear that their boot camp is modeled after the Marines and actually harder than ours *or* the Army's (of *course* it's harder than the Air Force -- that's a given).

Amy Austin | April 22, 2005
HAHAHA... carrying clubs -- that's a good one, John!

And I gotta' tell you, too... something about the image of Ed, all fat in his khakis, floating upright and holding a coffee cup on his belly, is *damn* funny to me. ;-DDDDD

Mike Eberhart | April 22, 2005
Hey, walking those golf courses can be tough. Especially if you go to a hilly one. I can't comment on the CG's boot camp, as I don't know anything about it. I wouldn't say that my boot camp was a cake walk, it's got to be just as easy as the Navy's, it's a really long 6 weeks..., and if you get recycled, it could be 8. :) I really did debate between joining the Navy or the AF. Obviously you know which one that I picked.

Amy Austin | April 22, 2005
Look here, Caddyshack... our basic was 13 weeks when I went!!! ;-P ;-D

(Not sure what it is now, but I thought I had heard 11. Course, I don't know if you guys had "P-days" or not, but that right there can make it feel *interminably* long!!!)

And to tell the truth... I probably should have done some more "debating" myself. I *am* too smart for the others!!!

Jackie Mason | April 22, 2005
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John E Gunter | April 22, 2005
[quote]Caddyshack[/quote]

Ha, ha, ha, what a good nic name! Hi, Caddyshack, errr I mean Mike! ;-D

Sorry, couldn't resist. Actually, I'm not sorry, it just sounded good! ;-D

John

E. M. | April 23, 2005
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Amy Austin | April 23, 2005
heheh... thanks, John -- but if he protests too much, we can always just call him "Ty" for short. ;-D


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