CDR Mongo and I regularly go to a timeshare in Blowing Rock. Love that whole area, though Boone is too much city(!) for us usually. If you visit again make sure to visit the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis.
Bryan, thanks very much for the update and the news of the potential "re-birth" of the Commission. If you do get to put pen to paper, I hope the Commission considers the future Navy's needs (Fleet architecture, force posture) more in terms of what our Navy will be likely actually have to do regardless of the overarching National Security or National Military strategies currently in place.
Frank Uhlig, Jr wrote a terrific book a few years back entitled How Navies Fight in which he examines those methods of sea warfare that have consistently appeared since 1775 and what national leaders expected their fleets to do for them when they are sent to sea to fight.
Utilizing a framework along the lines of Uhlig's study would be very Title 10, Subtitle C, Article 8062-centric. Chapter 12 of his book provides an excellent summary of his analysis and conclusions.
I stopped in Boone on my way back from AL a little over 2 weeks ago. Coming from the south I got off I-81 at I-26. After I-26 there were some serious winding from that way too. I drove past Dogtown, TN. Gorgeous scenery with very spotty cell service. Boone was is quite nice - they even have an Orvis downtown. The brewery I hit for dinner, Lost Province, was excellent. Heading east out of town on the way home the roads were much wider/better. The town reminded me of Ashville, but on a smaller scale.
Many thanks for the update, Bryan. I am very familiar with the "stupid tax" as well. LOL.
Good news on the commission...congrats. Hope the team will have ample time to complete a good and thorough report. If you ever need any help, please feel free to give me a shout.
There is at least one “major” hospital in Boone (relatively speaking) and a VA Hospital in Asheville. A Twitter mutual former sub sailor, his wife is a physician in Boone, I could reach out to him if you’re really interested!
I am familiar with the "stupid tax" and I've paid it more times than I'd like to adming.
A similar idea our family uses is to label the costs associated with recovery from a mistaken choice (often made in haste, without proper research) as "tuition." This is the money you pay to fix your stupid choices, and it helps crystallize the knowledge you need to avoid the stupid choice in the future. So "tuition." Which can also be paid for with your time. Like that spent driving instead of flying.
After your initial description of the slow-walk toward populating the Commission, as well as the poor response I received from staffers I queried, I had little confidence it would get underway. I know you will do all you can to get traction with the finished product and keep it from becoming shelfware. (One of my sons is also an App alum; a special place.)
My paternal grandfather was born in Boone County and raised in Giatto, WV. Some great town names around Appalachia - Rock, Lashmeet, Matoaka, and then, seemingly out of nowhere, Princeton. Chicken fried chicken is always good. Great story to start off a great week.
Fly SOUTHWEST ??? In addition to Putting the SW App on ones Phone ...which I Resisted , it worked Ok . Plus One can actually Call SW & talk to an Agent who will Assist ' DUMMIES ' like U & Me . Trick . Go to the App...Find Best Date & Flight for U ...then Call them . DO a GOOD JOB on this IMPORTANT COMMITTEE . Thank You Sir
LOVE The Stupid Tax concept! Even more than the Meat Camp name.
I wonder if there is also a Veggies Camp somewhere.
CDR Mongo and I regularly go to a timeshare in Blowing Rock. Love that whole area, though Boone is too much city(!) for us usually. If you visit again make sure to visit the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis.
Meat Camp is one of the most American place names of all time.
Congress forms commissions so they get on to the the real business of raising funds for re-election.
I live in Cool California.
Here are two more funny California towns names: Rough and Ready and Timbucktoo.
Colinga has a funny derivation: Coaling Station A. Damn I forgot Weed Patch.
Bryan, thanks very much for the update and the news of the potential "re-birth" of the Commission. If you do get to put pen to paper, I hope the Commission considers the future Navy's needs (Fleet architecture, force posture) more in terms of what our Navy will be likely actually have to do regardless of the overarching National Security or National Military strategies currently in place.
Frank Uhlig, Jr wrote a terrific book a few years back entitled How Navies Fight in which he examines those methods of sea warfare that have consistently appeared since 1775 and what national leaders expected their fleets to do for them when they are sent to sea to fight.
Utilizing a framework along the lines of Uhlig's study would be very Title 10, Subtitle C, Article 8062-centric. Chapter 12 of his book provides an excellent summary of his analysis and conclusions.
Good luck and take care, John
Thank you, Admiral. Will have a look.
I stopped in Boone on my way back from AL a little over 2 weeks ago. Coming from the south I got off I-81 at I-26. After I-26 there were some serious winding from that way too. I drove past Dogtown, TN. Gorgeous scenery with very spotty cell service. Boone was is quite nice - they even have an Orvis downtown. The brewery I hit for dinner, Lost Province, was excellent. Heading east out of town on the way home the roads were much wider/better. The town reminded me of Ashville, but on a smaller scale.
Dogtown. Classic.
Many thanks for the update, Bryan. I am very familiar with the "stupid tax" as well. LOL.
Good news on the commission...congrats. Hope the team will have ample time to complete a good and thorough report. If you ever need any help, please feel free to give me a shout.
Much obliged!
Mixing metaphors such as hypotenuse driving, to Meat Camp …. Laurel and Hardy would be proud! Totally enjoy reading your stuff Bryan thank you.
Thank you!
We vacation frequently in and around Boone (wife’s uncle lives outside of Blowing Rock) and that place is on the short list of retirement areas.
I wondered about medical facilities...
There is at least one “major” hospital in Boone (relatively speaking) and a VA Hospital in Asheville. A Twitter mutual former sub sailor, his wife is a physician in Boone, I could reach out to him if you’re really interested!
I am familiar with the "stupid tax" and I've paid it more times than I'd like to adming.
A similar idea our family uses is to label the costs associated with recovery from a mistaken choice (often made in haste, without proper research) as "tuition." This is the money you pay to fix your stupid choices, and it helps crystallize the knowledge you need to avoid the stupid choice in the future. So "tuition." Which can also be paid for with your time. Like that spent driving instead of flying.
I like it.
After your initial description of the slow-walk toward populating the Commission, as well as the poor response I received from staffers I queried, I had little confidence it would get underway. I know you will do all you can to get traction with the finished product and keep it from becoming shelfware. (One of my sons is also an App alum; a special place.)
Fingers crossed
My paternal grandfather was born in Boone County and raised in Giatto, WV. Some great town names around Appalachia - Rock, Lashmeet, Matoaka, and then, seemingly out of nowhere, Princeton. Chicken fried chicken is always good. Great story to start off a great week.
Excellent post and "stupid tax" is a keeper. ⚓️
Fly SOUTHWEST ??? In addition to Putting the SW App on ones Phone ...which I Resisted , it worked Ok . Plus One can actually Call SW & talk to an Agent who will Assist ' DUMMIES ' like U & Me . Trick . Go to the App...Find Best Date & Flight for U ...then Call them . DO a GOOD JOB on this IMPORTANT COMMITTEE . Thank You Sir