Wednesday Overnight Open Thread - February 18, 2026 [TRex]

Good evening Horde. The time has come for very random mid-week shenanigans of the post-cafe overnight variety.

Welcome to the Wednesday night ONT which means another edition of overnight fun and games. Pull up a chair and sit a spell. Good will offerings of amusing puns are happily accepted. Pants are optional. Be nice to your fellow commenters and AoS contributors. Happy Ash Wednesday.

[Top photo: Muckross Abbey Yew tree, Loncarphotography]

***

Photo credit: Daviddphotos

More about Muckross Abbey:

Muckross Abbey (Mainistir Locha Leinand Mainistir Mhucrois) was founded in 1448 by the Observantine faction of the Franciscan Order, with the political support and financial patronage of the Gaelic Irish Chieftain Donal Mac Mór Mac Chartaigh (Donal McCarthy Mor).
Though known as "Muckross Abbey" the building was in fact a "Friary" not an Abbey. Abbeys, like the nearby monastery on Innisfallen Island, were built for the monks to live in, in isolation from society, leading a secluded contemplative life of prayer. However the Franciscan Friars living in this friary would regularly have travelled to nearby towns to preach to the local people and lived as a "mendicant order" having their food and supplies donated to them by local people, including the powerful McCarthy Clan.

Adjoining the North side of the church there is a cloister where the friars would have walked in meditative prayer. Today, a yew tree still stands at the centre; this is thought to be one of the oldest in Ireland, as it is likely up to 400 years old. In 1756, one of the first tourists to Killarney, the Englishman Charles Smith, wrote that it was one of the tallest yew trees he had ever seen: "Its spreading branches, like a great umbrella, overshadow the niches of the great cloister." (Unsurprisingly there is a great wealth of folklore still surviving about the tree and supernatural harm that strikes down anyone who interferes with it.)

Muckross Friary was sacked by the English forces of Elizabeth I during the Desmond Rebellions of the late 16th century. In 1652 a unit of Cromwell's New Model Army, under the command of an English General named Edmond Ludlow, raided the friary and removed its roof to render it uninhabitable. A number of the Franciscans were killed in this attack, the survivors fled to France as refugees, and the buildings were left abandoned.

Anyone been there?

***

Are you in the market for an F-4 Phantom?

This restoration project costs $950,000 and would require another million or so to finish the job. Once finished, it would be the "only flight capable Phantom that can be owned, operated, and flown by a private individual/organization."

F4H-1F s/n 145310 was delivered to the U.S. Navy in 1959 as the 11th pre-production Phantom. It was part of Operation Sageburner which set the low-altitude speed record at 902 mph at 125 feet as part of the U.S. Navy's 50th Anniversary of Naval Aviation in 1961.

Click the photo for the full listing. The same site has a flyable Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk for $5.5m if you're more into choppers.

***

This is not a food thread, but thought you would be interested in the latest legal news on chicken wings.

Remember this story from March 2023? Man sues Buffalo Wild Wings, claims "boneless" wings are just chicken nuggets

Yesterday, a judge finally ruled against the plaintiff:

What's in a name? If we called a wing by any other name, would it smell as sweet? The plaintiff, Aimen Halim, says no. The defendant, Buffalo Wild Wings ("BWW"), sells a product it calls "boneless wings," which are essentially chicken nuggets: pieces of chicken breast meat, deep-fried and tossed in whatever sauce or dry seasoning the customer wants. Halim, apparently, found this confusing. He claims that he thought boneless wings were real chicken wings with the bones removed. He says BWW's product should be called something different, something like "chicken poppers." Halim sued BWW over his confusion, but his complaint has no meat on its bones. Halim does not plausibly allege that reasonable consumers are deceived by boneless wings, so he has failed to state a plausible claim for relief.

Shockingly, the judge did not dismiss the case outright. The plaintiff has until March 20 to amend his complaint.

***

Carrying on with the chicken theme...

Man Busted For Spicy Chicken Domestic Battery

During a Valentine's Day quarrel about infidelity, a man allegedly struck his female companion in the head with a thrown "Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich," according to Florida police who arrested the suspect for domestic battery.
Investigators say Theodore Anderson, 27, and the victim were having dinner in their home Saturday evening when they began to argue.
The defendant, cops charge, "threw a Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich, striking the victim on the head with it." Anderson then tossed a "styrofoam cup of blue Powerade," which left the woman soaked in sports drink.
When officers arrived at the St. Petersburg residence, they reported spotting the Chick-fil-A delicacy "broken apart in the living room where the incident occurred." The sandwich was not collected as evidence.

He seems nice. Hope she makes a life change. What a waste of a chicken sandwich...

***

***

The Pittsburgh police scanner keeps giving. Thank you people of Pittsburgh!

The warmer weather in Pittsburgh is inspiring a...love for nature.

***

Smokey and the Bandit for the big ONT finish:

***

Written correspondence can be sent to moronhobbies at protonmail dot com. Are you lurking ?? Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 10:00 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Oh!

Posted by: lin-duh is offended at February 18, 2026 10:00 PM (VCgbV)

2 Gonna leave the carrot chips back at the cafe, salt or no...

Posted by: JQ at February 18, 2026 10:00 PM (rdVOm)

3 Well, OverNight Thread to the rescue.

How come COBs get a center tag and we don't?

Posted by: mindful webworker - there will be signs at February 18, 2026 10:00 PM (oq2IS)

4 UNPRINTABLE, as is

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 10:00 PM (LA6Ib)

5 Rd

Posted by: Matthew Kant Cipher at February 18, 2026 10:00 PM (DIY2E)

6 Good evening good people.

Posted by: Tonypete at February 18, 2026 10:00 PM (cYBz/)

7
Good evening all.

Posted by: four seasons at February 18, 2026 10:01 PM (3ek7K)

8 Harrrummphh!

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 18, 2026 10:01 PM (+HNx/)

9 We're saved! Thanks, Dino!

Posted by: JQ at February 18, 2026 10:01 PM (rdVOm)

10 Could make a lot of longbows out of that yew.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 18, 2026 10:01 PM (/lPRQ)

11 Nope. Oh well, thanks for the ONT-Rex. Howdy Horde!

Posted by: Matthew Kant Cipher at February 18, 2026 10:01 PM (DIY2E)

12 I would have been first, but an ad tackled me.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at February 18, 2026 10:02 PM (lnUu7)

13 Left is justified for once.

Posted by: Bored in Boreal at February 18, 2026 10:02 PM (V2+n4)

14 9 We're saved! Thanks, Dino!

Posted by: JQ at February 18, 2026 10:01 PM
***
You're welcome. The bar is open!

Posted by: TRex - uncentered dino at February 18, 2026 10:02 PM (IQ6Gq)

15 Sally Field was an occasional customer at the hash house in the San Fernando Valley where I used to, err, sling hash.

That's all I got.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 18, 2026 10:02 PM (+HNx/)

16 No blah blah blah

Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 18, 2026 10:02 PM (spvY+)

17 Hard to believe that we may be at war in three days.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:04 PM (n1OCj)

18 The F-4 is still, to this day, one of the (if not "the") sexiest planes in existence.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 18, 2026 10:05 PM (jtM2q)

19 >>> Shockingly, the judge did not dismiss the case outright. The plaintiff has until March 20 to amend his complaint.

"Wing" has a plain English meaning.
Judge probably doesn't known what a "woman" is either.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 18, 2026 10:05 PM (/lPRQ)

20 17 Hard to believe that we may be at war in three days.

---------

You'll wish you bought that F-4 when you had the chance.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 18, 2026 10:05 PM (+HNx/)

21 Hard to believe that we may be at war in three days.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:04 PM (n1OCj)

We're going to kick Denmarkian ass and take Greenland?

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at February 18, 2026 10:06 PM (lnUu7)

22 Ha!

Posted by: lin-duh is offended at February 18, 2026 10:06 PM (VCgbV)

23 Thanks for the ONT, Dino.

Posted by: scampydog at February 18, 2026 10:06 PM (41CYW)

24 Would the plaintiff have an easier time of having a judge find their is no Buffalo in the Wild Wings?

Just asking.

Posted by: Tonypete at February 18, 2026 10:06 PM (cYBz/)

25 The summer it came out, I don’t remember how many times I went to watch Smokey and the bandit. That’s when there were still little mall theaters and you could get a matinee ticket for $1.50

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:06 PM (46za5)

26 Thanks for the ONT.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:07 PM (zZu0s)

27 Hard to believe that we may be at war in three days.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:04 PM (n1OCj)

What war would that be? I've been...busy.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 18, 2026 10:07 PM (snZF9)

28 18 The F-4 is still, to this day, one of the (if not "the") sexiest planes in existence.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 18, 2026 10:05 PM (jtM2q)

---------

"Living proof that if you put big enough engines on it, even a brick can fly"

-- Some clever military type

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 18, 2026 10:07 PM (+HNx/)

29 Cromwell and Co were kind of dicks.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:07 PM (zZu0s)

30 Frank's Red Hot is a joke.

And Texas Pete is vinegar with red food coloring.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 18, 2026 10:07 PM (spvY+)

31 Who are we going to war against?

Posted by: lin-duh is offended at February 18, 2026 10:07 PM (VCgbV)

32 17 Hard to believe that we may be at war in three days.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:04 PM (n1OCj)

‘‘Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished.”

Posted by: Will Shakespeare at February 18, 2026 10:08 PM (46za5)

33 As reported on the previous thread, grandson took 2nd place in the pinewood derby, we didn’t even hot rod it or do anything to it other than slap on some paint and stripes and add weight to get it to 5 oz’s.

And lest anyone think Star Wars has lost its cultural currency, the coolest car and the silliest car were awarded to Star Wars themed cars.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 18, 2026 10:08 PM (XV/Pl)

34 31 Who are we going to war against?

---------

The Joint Chiefs are mullah-ing it over.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 18, 2026 10:08 PM (+HNx/)

35 Hard to believe that we may be at war in three days.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:04 PM (n1OCj)

We're going to kick some Canuckistanian ass and annex Alberta?

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at February 18, 2026 10:08 PM (lnUu7)

36 What war would that be? I've been...busy.

Times of Israel:

Trump reportedly told US could hit Iran as soon as Saturday, as he mulls potential strikes

Saturday is supposedly when the Gerald R. Ford arrives on station.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:09 PM (n1OCj)

37 Bah. Ireland deserves a man like Cromwell again.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:09 PM (46za5)

38 F-86 is still the sexiest pulling away.

XB-70 is the coolest in person.

A B-36 is just plumb beautiful. Like seeing Grace Kelly across a crowded room... if she was about 20 times the size of everyone else. The analogy limps.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:09 PM (zZu0s)

39 Who are we going to war against?

---------

The Joint Chiefs are mullah-ing it over.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 18, 2026 10:08 PM (+HNx/)

Well know when the Pentagon starts ordering large quantities of falafel.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at February 18, 2026 10:10 PM (S/Y4j)

40 > Hard to believe that we may be at war in three days.
_______
Iran?

We've been at war with them since the 70's. Just not willing to fight.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 18, 2026 10:10 PM (jtM2q)

41 Trump is all out of gum

Posted by: Free iran at February 18, 2026 10:11 PM (sXfpA)

42 Hard to believe that we may be at war in three days.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:04 PM (n1OCj)

We're going to kick some English ass and drive the Muslim invaders off of Airstrip One?

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at February 18, 2026 10:11 PM (lnUu7)

43 Frank's Red Hot is a joke.

And Texas Pete is vinegar with red food coloring.
Posted by: Dr. Varno
--------

Try any flavor of Bravado Spice Company's hot sauces. I'm particularly fond of their *Pineapple-Habañero* but there are many from which to choose.

Posted by: JQ at February 18, 2026 10:11 PM (rdVOm)

44 One thing that makes war likely is that Iran has been doing its typical non-negotiation posturing again.
Religious fanatics do not negotiate.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:11 PM (46za5)

45 Thanks for another outstanding and mighty Wednesday Night ONT, TRex!

Love the history of the Abbey and the lovely photos. Never been to the Emerald Isle, but I keep hoping to see it one of these days...

And thank you strange and wonderful people of Pittsburgh! May you never change! (But clothing in public is not optional.)

Posted by: Legally Sufficient at February 18, 2026 10:11 PM (kB9dk)

46 Then there is the SR-71...

Plus, I always liked the B-1. And the Vulcan by the British was pretty sexy.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:11 PM (zZu0s)

47 Sally Field was an occasional customer at the hash house in the San Fernando Valley where I used to, err, sling hash.

There is or was a Hash House in San Diego that made an amazing eggs Benedict. Always a long wait to get into.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at February 18, 2026 10:11 PM (EXyHK)

48
The summer it came out, I don’t remember how many times I went to watch Smokey and the bandit. That’s when there were still little mall theaters and you could get a matinee ticket for $1.50
Posted by: Tom Servo

Oh! Core memory triggered!

$1.00 movie ticket at the AAFES theaters at the kaserns in Germany. Would throw popcorn at the mice running around on the floors. Damn. I miss the Cold War.

Posted by: BifBewalski - at February 18, 2026 10:11 PM (QVmho)

49 "Wing" has a plain English meaning.
Judge probably doesn't known what a "woman" is either.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 18, 2026 10:05 PM (/lPRQ)

In China, Wing could get you a Wong number.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 18, 2026 10:12 PM (8zz6B)

50 Wait. We’re going to war?

Shit. I neeed to get to the liquor store.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 18, 2026 10:12 PM (A5RD0)

51 >>>>>>>>>Hard to believe that we may be at war in three days.

Posted by: The ARC of History!
**********
I hope my order from SGAmmo arrives before that.

Posted by: Cosda at February 18, 2026 10:12 PM (mWNuy)

52 We always kept our monks in a Priory, not a Friary.

Posted by: Monk Joke lover at February 18, 2026 10:12 PM (V2+n4)

53 Frank's Red Hot is a joke.

And Texas Pete is vinegar with red food coloring.
Posted by: Dr. Varno
-------

Have you tried Scorned Woman hot sauce?

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at February 18, 2026 10:12 PM (XeU6L)

54 We've been at war with them since the 70's. Just not willing to fight.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 18, 2026 10:10 PM (jtM2q)

I agree. Been saying since '79 that attacking and taking over an embassy is an Act of War.

Posted by: RickZ at February 18, 2026 10:13 PM (gKDq2)

55 Try 'Why?' Sauce by the Angry Irishman.

Go ahead.

Ifn youre lookin for something spicy...

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:14 PM (zZu0s)

56 I hope my order from SGAmmo arrives before that.

I assume that we will be deploying the Army to Dearborn if we are planning a lengthy campaign against Iran.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:14 PM (n1OCj)

57 Sorry I'm late, I was at a really terrible bar. I asked the bartender what he had on tap, and he said, "Just water, but I'd only drink it under duress."

Posted by: tankdemon at February 18, 2026 10:14 PM (zB3gF)

58 3 parts vodka
1 part grenadine
1 part white rum
2 parts grenadine

Shake with ice and strain.

Very good with Spirits of the Wasatch Pueblo chile vodka.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at February 18, 2026 10:14 PM (EXyHK)

59 Hard to believe that we may be at war in three days.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:04 PM (n1OCj)

We're going to kick some Ukrainian ass and give the Poles, Hungarians, Romanians, and Russians their ancestral lands back?

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at February 18, 2026 10:14 PM (lnUu7)

60 I saw SR-71 open for Jefferson Airplane at the pan pacific in '82

Posted by: True story at February 18, 2026 10:14 PM (sXfpA)

61 Who are we going to war against?
-
Not so much going as concluding. Iran has been at war with us since 1979.

Posted by: Methos at February 18, 2026 10:14 PM (vSvIl)

62 All of the farmers markets near me have great collections of local hot sauces.

Mango Habanero and Peach Ghost Pepper are my favs.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 18, 2026 10:15 PM (XV/Pl)

63 I predict renewed interest on the part of the mullahs in negotiations.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 18, 2026 10:15 PM (+HNx/)

64 3 parts vodka
1 part grenadine
1 part white rum
2 parts grenadine

Shake with ice and strain.

Very good with Spirits of the Wasatch Pueblo chile vodka.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at February 18, 2026 10:14 PM (EXyHK)

Wait, why didnt you just say three parts grenadine?

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:15 PM (zZu0s)

65 The F-4 is still, to this day, one of the (if not "the") sexiest planes in existence.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 18, 2026 10:05 PM (jtM2q)

I passed one on display on the way home from the texas MoMe. Its parked at the corner of some intersection on this long ass country road heading to Rt30 not "too" far from Corsicana. Very cool to look at. I remember one flying a long time ago at an air show. I remember it being frigging loud.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 18, 2026 10:15 PM (snZF9)

66 I signed up for a 401k but I decided I couldn't run that far.

Posted by: Muchas buchas at February 18, 2026 10:15 PM (CDX35)

67 Frank's Red Hot is a joke.

And Texas Pete is vinegar with red food coloring.
Posted by: Dr. Varno

Always thought they were lame imitations of Tabasco. I still keep the original Tabasco around mostly for cooking but I use the Tabasco Smoked Chipotle like ketchup. That stuff is seriously good eats. And good on other eats, like empanadas and Mexican food.

Posted by: RickZ at February 18, 2026 10:16 PM (gKDq2)

68 Frank's Red Hot is a joke.

And Texas Pete is vinegar with red food coloring.
Posted by: Dr. Varno
-------

Have you tried Scorned Woman hot sauce?
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc.
---

I have a bottle of Hinges of Hell hot sauce.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at February 18, 2026 10:16 PM (XeU6L)

69 Three Gordges dam is kaput?

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:16 PM (zZu0s)

70 That upper pic is what Islam has in mind for churches here.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at February 18, 2026 10:16 PM (XeU6L)

71 17 Hard to believe that we may be at war in three days.

Posted by: The ARC of History!
---

Tonto say, Kemosabe, faint war drum in distant. Smoke signals but unclear. When sun burns out the sky and moon comes over mountain will know more.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 10:17 PM (LA6Ib)

72
(slumps against left margin, fans self)

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at February 18, 2026 10:18 PM (HEaqw)

73 Franks red hot is cayenne pepper. I like cayenne a lot.

I HATE habenero and all the scotch bonnet evil. Not the heat, the flavor.

Sriracha is good. Jalapeño based.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:18 PM (zZu0s)

74 Aimen Halim. Sounds like a muzzie name. Anyone want to bet this is not just a nuisance suit?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 18, 2026 10:18 PM (8zz6B)

75 I remember it being frigging loud.

The Oregon Air National Guard has had a fighter squadron at Portland Airport since the 40's, and they used to have Phantoms.

Yes, they were loud.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:18 PM (n1OCj)

76 Wait, why didnt you just say three parts grenadine?

It would make it easier to calculate. That’s from the 1957 cocktails book.

I use .4 to .55 ounces per part, calculating based on how much line juice is in one line. Math is sadly involved.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at February 18, 2026 10:18 PM (EXyHK)

77 There's something wrong with calling chicken nuggets "boneless wings"?

Oat milk and almond milk have entered the chat.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at February 18, 2026 10:18 PM (lnUu7)

78 Sorry, wings have bones.
Nuggets and tenders should remain on the kiddie menu.
Go to Buffalo, in a few months, and have your mind blown.
It is the silver lining in a very dark cloud of a city.

Posted by: AOC's tits need to be bigger to win the WH at February 18, 2026 10:18 PM (u7Cty)

79

Stocked up today from the liquor store.

Ammo is always stocked up.

Posted by: four seasons at February 18, 2026 10:18 PM (3ek7K)

80 If Three Gorges goes down, a million Chinese are gonna be swept out to sea.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:19 PM (46za5)

81 When officers arrived at the St. Petersburg residence, they reported spotting the Chick-fil-A delicacy "broken apart in the living room where the incident occurred." The sandwich was not collected as evidence.

I take it they didn't have a dog. My late beagle would have scarfed that sucker down before you had a chance to pick it up and throw it back at the douchebag boyfriend.

Posted by: nerdygirl at February 18, 2026 10:19 PM (0Htd1)

82 My entry for sexiest airframe:

North American XB-70 Valkyrie

Posted by: browndog head cocked to the side at February 18, 2026 10:19 PM (3sXRv)

83 Would the plaintiff have an easier time of having a judge find their is no Buffalo in the Wild Wings?
Just asking.
Posted by: Tonypete

I bet the "boneless wings" are from domestic chickens too, so they're also not Wild.

It's a three-fer. Not buffalo, not wild, not wings.

Like the People's Democratic Republic of Korea.

Posted by: mikeski at February 18, 2026 10:19 PM (VHUov)

84 Hiya T!🙂
Swell ONT!

Posted by: COMountainMarie at February 18, 2026 10:20 PM (LNeRu)

85 If Three Gorges goes down, a million Chinese are gonna be swept out to sea.
Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:19 PM (46za5)

What's the downside?

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:20 PM (zZu0s)

86

Aetius,

not enough of them swept away??

Posted by: four seasons at February 18, 2026 10:20 PM (3ek7K)

87 Trump reportedly told US could hit Iran as soon as Saturday, as he mulls potential strikes

Saturday is supposedly when the Gerald R. Ford arrives on station.
Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:09 PM (n1OCj)

Bomb the mosques on Friday, when they are full of goatrapers with their asses in the air.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 18, 2026 10:21 PM (8zz6B)

88 Go to Buffalo, in a few months, and have your mind blown.
It is the silver lining in a very dark cloud of a city.
Posted by: AOC's tits need to be bigger to win the WH at February 18, 2026 10:18 PM (u7Cty)

Hey now ...

***Spock eyebrow***

Posted by: browndog head cocked to the side at February 18, 2026 10:21 PM (3sXRv)

89 I don't understand the sport in the photo
I mean I know what I am looking at, but I don't understand it

why

Posted by: Don Black: Heads up- I might be joking at February 18, 2026 10:21 PM (ZxPkt)

90 Really if any of you guys are near wright-paterson and have not been to the Air Force Museum, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:21 PM (zZu0s)

91 Shockingly, the judge did not dismiss the case outright.

I'm thinking the judge and lawyers are trying to figure out if they get a bunch of free boneless chicken wings out of this case. They can call it evidence. This case may drag on for years.

Posted by: nerdygirl at February 18, 2026 10:21 PM (0Htd1)

92 I passed one on display on the way home from the texas MoMe. Its parked at the corner of some intersection on this long ass country road heading to Rt30 not "too" far from Corsicana. Very cool to look at. I remember one flying a long time ago at an air show. I remember it being frigging loud.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 18, 2026 10:15 PM (snZF9)

I’ll bet it was Canton, Texas. They’ve got a little military park there with a good bit of Vietnam era stuff. Stopped there with my 12 year old grandson once and looked around.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:21 PM (46za5)

93 That luge thing. Is that a chick on the bottom or, or...?

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 10:22 PM (LA6Ib)

94 85 If Three Gorges goes down, a million Chinese are gonna be swept out to sea.
Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:19 PM (46za5)

What's the downside?
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:20 PM (zZu0s)

M.A.D.

That's what ...

Posted by: browndog head cocked to the side at February 18, 2026 10:22 PM (3sXRv)

95 Lookswise, I’m still a fan of the corsair. Black Sheep style. Wouldn’t fare well against a Phantom I suppose. I just like the WWII planes.

Posted by: mot at February 18, 2026 10:22 PM (gkbzD)

96 Price of used airplanes must be way up. Immediately after WWII, one could have purchased a surplus Grumman Goose for just a few thousand bucks. And gotten free artillery shells to ram up your poopchute, if so inclined.

Posted by: Decline and Fall of the West at February 18, 2026 10:22 PM (oftw2)

97 2 Gonna leave the carrot chips back at the cafe, salt or no...
Posted by: JQ at February 18

You should at least try them first! 😂

Posted by: Piper at February 18, 2026 10:23 PM (Wmg4n)

98 Yew tree looks like something out of the Wizard of Oz.

Posted by: Joemarine at February 18, 2026 10:23 PM (y171U)

99 That olympic sport in the photo looks gay enough without those leotards.

Posted by: nerdygirl at February 18, 2026 10:23 PM (0Htd1)

100 If Three Gorges goes down, a million Chinese are gonna be swept out to sea.
Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:19 PM (46za5)

What's the downside?
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:20 PM (zZu0s)

Cheap invasion of Japan, Korea, and/or Taiwan?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at February 18, 2026 10:23 PM (S/Y4j)

101 Have you tried Scorned Woman hot sauce?
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at February 18, 2026 10:12 PM (XeU6L)

One of my favorites. Hardly see it in the stores anymore..

Posted by: Joe Kidd at February 18, 2026 10:24 PM (nbLIj)

102 -
Not so much going as concluding. Iran has been at war with us since 1979
Posted by: Methos
------------------
Rapprochement is the way to handle this.

Posted by: Valerie Jarrett at February 18, 2026 10:24 PM (XeU6L)

103 Bomb the mosques on Friday, when they are full of goatrapers with their asses in the air.

Rumor has it that the plan is to take out all the facilities used to control the population - Revolutionary Guard headquarters and bases, et. al.

Try to eliminate the regime's ability to suppress revolts.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:24 PM (n1OCj)

104 Evenin'

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at February 18, 2026 10:24 PM (wiltx)

105 You should at least try them first! 😂
Posted by: Piper
---------

I don't really care for fresh carrots anyway. I seriously doubt that *dried* carrots would be better.

More for you! LOL.

Posted by: JQ at February 18, 2026 10:25 PM (rdVOm)

106 > If Three Gorges goes down, a million Chinese are gonna be swept out to sea.
-----------
More like 10 million.

But... who's counting.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 18, 2026 10:25 PM (jtM2q)

107 I remember one flying a long time ago at an air show. I remember it being frigging loud.

I recall seeing the USAF Thunderbirds flying F-4s. Kind of like the ballerina hippos scene in Fantasia.

Posted by: Oddbob at February 18, 2026 10:26 PM (Fs0KI)

108 >>>
Bomb the mosques on Friday, when they are full of goatrapers with their asses in the air.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
---

Those stories, back to back, of guys checking in to emergency with live 8" shells up their butt, foreshadowing.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 10:26 PM (LA6Ib)

109 To Joey Bag of Donuts, her name is Trigglypuff.

Posted by: nerdygirl at February 18, 2026 10:26 PM (0Htd1)

110 The Church Age ended in 1988. All the roofs should have been removed then.

Posted by: Roast The Friary! at February 18, 2026 10:26 PM (oftw2)

111 Good evening morons en bedankt Dino

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 18, 2026 10:28 PM (RIvkX)

112 That luge thing. Is that a chick on the bottom or, or...?
Posted by: Braenyard

or, it's as gay as an autographed speedo from Liberace. Correct.

Posted by: mikeski at February 18, 2026 10:28 PM (VHUov)

113 103 Bomb the mosques on Friday, when they are full of goatrapers with their asses in the air.

Rumor has it that the plan is to take out all the facilities used to control the population - Revolutionary Guard headquarters and bases, et. al.

Try to eliminate the regime's ability to suppress revolts.
Posted by: The ARC of History!
------

Let's just cut to the chase an bomb everything.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 10:29 PM (LA6Ib)

114 Hi folks. Are we all getting along tonight?

I watched a movie called "Frostbiter" which, if you really love Sam Raimi's "Evil Dead" movie but you've already seen it 40 times this week, well, maybe try this. Vinegar Syndrome's transfer is far better than the movie deserves, but then, they tend to do that.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 18, 2026 10:29 PM (CHHv1)

115 Rumor has it that the plan is to take out all the facilities used to control the population - Revolutionary Guard headquarters and bases, et. al.

Try to eliminate the regime's ability to suppress revolts.
Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 18, 2026 10:24 PM (n1OCj)

Mosques are definitely part of the command and control apparatus of the regime. And they are full of committed muzzies. Not Christians, not Jews, not Zoroastrians. Worthy targets.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 18, 2026 10:29 PM (8zz6B)

116 it's as gay as an autographed speedo from Liberace. Correct.
Posted by: mikeski at February 18, 2026 10:28 PM (VHUov)

Damn. Thats pretty gay.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 10:30 PM (zZu0s)

117 Caller says he's on fire but he might be really really high.
=====

I could probably name 1,000 people who might say this.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 18, 2026 10:30 PM (RIvkX)

118 In a real life fantasy arms have been passed out to know resistance and like minded people. When the bombing ceases people come out and clear the debris and detritus.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 10:30 PM (LA6Ib)

119 Not all in Pittsburgh, of course.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 18, 2026 10:31 PM (RIvkX)

120 Lookswise, I’m still a fan of the corsair. Black Sheep style. Wouldn’t fare well against a Phantom I suppose. I just like the WWII planes.
Posted by: mot
------------------------------
FWIW, Jesse Folmar shot down a Mig15 while flying a Cosair.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at February 18, 2026 10:31 PM (XeU6L)

121 Ash Wednesday, so Goggle has a little bug telling us about ramadan....

Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 18, 2026 10:31 PM (uQesX)

122 At no point in my life did I ever hope to be in a sport that included sliding down a mountain with another man that close to me. Top or bottom, I want no part of that.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 18, 2026 10:32 PM (viF8m)

123

Remember, don't eat in public during ramadan unless you are a muzzie.

Posted by: four seasons at February 18, 2026 10:33 PM (3ek7K)

124 You will celebrate blessed ramadan and like it!

Posted by: Imam Mamdani at February 18, 2026 10:33 PM (Mqqv0)

125 18 The F-4 is still, to this day, one of the (if not "the") sexiest planes in existence.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 18, 2026 10:05 PM (jtM2q)
*******
"Living proof that if you put big enough engines on it, even a brick can fly"
-- Some clever military type
Posted by: Cicero
--------
You're missing a "1" and a "0" in the name of the brick.

Posted by: buddhaha at February 18, 2026 10:33 PM (Bgaiu)

126 First time I saw the Blue Angels when I was a kid, they were flying the F4. That airframe was so dominant in the 60’s that both the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds flew them.

It probably had better straight line speed than most of our front line aircraft do today. Not stealthy, not that maneuverable, but damn it was fast.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:33 PM (46za5)

127 Ash Wednesday, so Goggle has a little bug telling us about ramadan....
Posted by: OrangeEnt
===

Did you -
A) Convert, or
B) Die?

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 18, 2026 10:33 PM (/lPRQ)

128 I don't really care for fresh carrots anyway. I seriously doubt that *dried* carrots would be better.

More for you! LOL.
Posted by: JQ at February 18

Oh my gosh! No, these are fresh carrots cut into chips. I am dying. Like these. https://redirme.com/9j6wm4

Posted by: Piper at February 18, 2026 10:33 PM (Wmg4n)

129 F-4s are maintenance hogs! Buying it may be OK, but keeping it flyable will make the purchase price seem small. I say this from direct personal experience. However, the crews thought they were the best aircraft of all times!

Posted by: LRob in OK at February 18, 2026 10:35 PM (7D3Aa)

130 Many many years ago, original Frank's supposedly was the sauce for Buffalo wings. My late, great husband, (supposedly) hung out at the bar in Buffalo NY where the recipe originated...
Of course, he told a lot of tall tales🤪...

Posted by: COMountainMarie at February 18, 2026 10:35 PM (LNeRu)

131 I recognized Muckross Abbey immediately. My husband, son and DIL were there several years ago, and I can only describe it as a holy place.

The entire Killarney park is gorgeous. But this site touched my soul. At the time nothing was roped off and you could wander alone as there were no other tourists.

I took many photos (which are stored somewhere). I like to collect antique postcards of where we go on trips, and I have a few old ones I found on etsy of Muckross Abbey. I frame them in mulit-frames for our basement/library/pool hall. Good memories...

It ticked me off that they were burned out by Cromwell, or possibly it would be standing today.

That magnificent yew tree you don't forget, and it won't let you forget the men who lived there.

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at February 18, 2026 10:35 PM (WONhk)

132 Damn. Thats pretty gay.

Last year’s Son of SilverCon hotel was a few blocks from the Hollywood Cars Museum (which I recommend, especially if you share Ace’s love of Vespa). They have several of Liberace’s cars.

When the singers of the Total Eclipse of the Heart literal video sang that “the gayest man on earth would call this over the top” I don’t think they were taking Liberace into consideration.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at February 18, 2026 10:36 PM (EXyHK)

133 Thanks Mr. Dino. Good stuff.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * sporting my Andrew Breitbart attitude at February 18, 2026 10:36 PM (TtTH3)

134 I liked the centered Cafe and was hoping it would continue. Orderly, neat, a well-centered life is a good life. The kind of life people who make the Pittsburgh Scanner could never hope to live.

Posted by: Steady Eddie at February 18, 2026 10:36 PM (oftw2)

135 That airframe was so dominant in the 60’s that both the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds flew them.

It may have been the Pentagon's first "One Size Fits Everything Because We Said So Damn It" platform.

Posted by: Oddbob at February 18, 2026 10:36 PM (Fs0KI)

136 Turn around, bright eyes.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 18, 2026 10:37 PM (spvY+)

137 >>>Oh my gosh! No, these are fresh carrots cut into chips.
--------

OK. Still-- more for you! LOL.

Posted by: JQ at February 18, 2026 10:37 PM (rdVOm)

138 The F-4 is still, to this day, one of the (if not "the") sexiest planes in existence.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 18, 2026 10:05 PM (jtM2q)
*******
"Living proof that if you put big enough engines on it, even a brick can fly"
-- Some clever military type
Posted by: Cicero

I thought that was the Space Shuttle. I seem to remember that from Space Cowboys.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at February 18, 2026 10:38 PM (S/Y4j)

139 I thought that was the Space Shuttle.

If you can find it, check out the "glide" ratio of the shuttle. It came down steeply! And landed at a significant speed.

Posted by: LRob in OK at February 18, 2026 10:40 PM (7D3Aa)

140 Beautiful photo up top.

Surprised the music link wasn’t to the Screaming Trees.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 18, 2026 10:40 PM (A5RD0)

141 If you can find it, check out the "glide" ratio of the shuttle. It came down steeply! And landed at a significant speed.

"This is flying, this is falling! With style."

Posted by: Oddbob at February 18, 2026 10:41 PM (Fs0KI)

142 If things kick off with Iran, first priority has to be the ballistic missile sites, and they’re dispersed around the country. They’ve threatened to launch every missile they’ve got at Israel and the US bases in the era, and they still have a lot.

Next priority is ties to their threats to the Straits of Hormuz - all naval assets and shore to surface missile sites need to be destroyed. Only after those are eliminated can more wide ranging strikes be undertaken.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:41 PM (46za5)

143 s/is/isn't/

Posted by: Oddbob at February 18, 2026 10:42 PM (Fs0KI)

144 Sinead O'Connor and the Chieftains! I saw the Chieftains in concert before they all started dying. First time I heard of them was their music in "Barry Lyndon". The XO introduced me to Irish music when we were first dating. It took me a few years to catch on: the Irish waged war on England with music.

War with Iran: I'm sitting down here in StratCom's back yard, listening for air traffic. During Gulf War I, there were days when air traffic from Offut was constant and loud. We were in our house in those days. During the Air Shows, all sorts of planes came in over our roof -- B-17, B-19, P-51, you name it. I'd just stand in the driveway as soon as I heard engines.

Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin at February 18, 2026 10:43 PM (DK5Sh)

145 The Pittsburgh Scanner is like reading 'Barney Miller' scripts.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at February 18, 2026 10:43 PM (wiltx)

146 2002 Pt Mugu airshow. I was there with the wife and we were making an early exit as the F4s were doing their maneuvers. IIRC, four were coming in low. They disappeared behind a building, then I saw three of them pop up. Split second later, there was a fireball. One of the engines flamed out on the fourth. Crew had no chance.

Just looked up their names:

Commander Michael Storm Norman, and Marine Captain Andrew Mutt Muhs...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at February 18, 2026 10:45 PM (nbLIj)

147 The moment saw that tree I said I've been there.
Then I had to go google maps and I did stop by there a dozen years ago while circling south west Ireland with some friends. Beautiful area.

Posted by: From about That Time at February 18, 2026 10:46 PM (sl73Y)

148 A Junkers JU52's stall speed was like 55 MPH. Saw one flying once and it seemed to just hang there at an air show. Not a small plane either. (Trimotor)

Posted by: Could Add Floats or Skis at February 18, 2026 10:46 PM (oftw2)

149 Here y' go. A new image webwork, freshly and hurriedly whomped up, with a slight assist by Grok.

https://bit.ly/fine-with-dogs

Maybe for once I can get a meme in before some other of the world wide web of webworkers.

Posted by: mindful webworker - still webworking at February 18, 2026 10:46 PM (oq2IS)

150 I’m reading a book right now about the B-36, probably the last word on it. 687 pages worth, by Graham Simons.

There was a lot of political machinations going on at the time, inter-service rivalries, defense budgets, and even the government forcing mergers of defense contractors. They killed the Northrup “Flying Wing” at the time, the Navy was pissed off, etc. Then Korea. Defense budgets ramped up again, Truman at first wanted a blockade, till he was informed the Navy didn’t have that capability any longer.

B-36 had six (6) 28 cylinder piston engines. I bet that sounded awesome. I think I read they needed new spark plugs every flight. That oughtta keep the Crew Chief busy. LOL

Posted by: Common Tater at February 18, 2026 10:47 PM (17+JQ)

151 If Three Gorges goes down, a million Chinese are gonna be swept out to sea.
Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:19 PM (46za5)

A statistic.

Posted by: Communists at February 18, 2026 10:47 PM (wiltx)

152 Here y' go. A new image webwork, freshly and hurriedly whomped up, with a slight assist by Grok.

Nice.

Posted by: Oddbob at February 18, 2026 10:49 PM (Fs0KI)

153 Excellent mystery click TR.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * sporting my Andrew Breitbart attitude at February 18, 2026 10:49 PM (TtTH3)

154 The day I have been waiting for years has finally arrived!!! My daughter now understands first hand the joys of menopause. After the grief she gave me when I was going through it, it's pay back time!

Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin at February 18, 2026 10:51 PM (DK5Sh)

155 War?
Maybe.
What we're going to see and hear is some top shelf misdirection.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 18, 2026 10:51 PM (2WIwB)

156
Posted by: mindful webworker - still webworking at February 18, 2026 10:46 PM (oq2IS)

I like it...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at February 18, 2026 10:52 PM (nbLIj)

157 Kids roasting their influencer mom

https://youtube.com/shorts/ryBUd5zaRw8

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at February 18, 2026 10:52 PM (S/Y4j)

158 Did you -
A) Convert, or
B) Die?
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 18, 2026 10:33 PM (/lPRQ)

Neither, I think. Although, I am covered in ashes.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 18, 2026 10:52 PM (uQesX)

159 Praying for all the Christian morons find comfort in their sorrow.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 18, 2026 10:53 PM (RIvkX)

160 If Three Gorges goes down, a million Chinese are gonna be swept out to sea.
Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:19 PM (46za5)

A statistic.
Posted by: Communists at February 18, 2026 10:47 PM (wiltx)

Mao: those are rookie numbers.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at February 18, 2026 10:54 PM (S/Y4j)

161 Neither, I think. Although, I am covered in ashes.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 18, 2026 10:52 PM (uQesX)

Sackcloth makes the ensemble complete.

Posted by: RickZ at February 18, 2026 10:55 PM (gKDq2)

162 Really if any of you guys are near wright-paterson and have not been to the Air Force Museum, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Posted by: Aetius451AD
------
I've been there 3 times. First time, there was one giant quonset hanger building. Last time, they're up to three of them, plus a big concrete lobby. I'd recommend getting a motel and spending at least two days. It's huge. There is an actual B-36 inside.

Posted by: buddhaha at February 18, 2026 10:57 PM (Bgaiu)

163 Sackcloth makes the ensemble complete.
Posted by: RickZ at February 18, 2026 10:55 PM (gKDq2)

I actually get my clothes from Nordstrom's, not Sacks.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 18, 2026 10:58 PM (uQesX)

164 159 Praying for all the Christian morons find comfort in their sorrow.
Posted by: San Franpsycho

Blessings and peace be upon you, friend.

Thank you.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 18, 2026 10:59 PM (A5RD0)

165 I never understood the two people on the one sled.
Looks gay. But maybe the fans like that kind of stuff.
They should do it in the nude. Gold medal time!

Posted by: Case at February 18, 2026 11:00 PM (j6kTf)

166
Reminder: SOTU is on February 24!

C'mon, Trump, you can knock over Cuba and Iran between now and then.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at February 18, 2026 11:01 PM (HEaqw)

167 Didn't Saks just pull the plug?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 18, 2026 11:01 PM (nWPIJ)

168 A word of warning on that Phantom II for sale.

It is an F4H-1 Phantom II. You think it looks like every other Phantom but it does not. They enlarged the canopy starting with the F-4B and it remained unchanged for the rest of production.

The RIO/GIB canopy is appreciably smaller than the F-4B's.

There is one other civilian F-4 in US air space, it is owned by the Collings Foundation.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:02 PM (2GVsD)

169 Liberace's House, the one he died in, actually was his Mom's house for many years in Palm Springs, has been torn down. Only a big fireplace/chimney remains.

Posted by: Gay News Network at February 18, 2026 11:02 PM (oftw2)

170 Three Gorges Dam is a crime against humanity. Not just the millions of people who were cleared out to make way for it, but the historical sites and buildings. The whole time the ChiComs were building it, I kept hoping they would change their minds and stop. Same with the Aswan Dam. I still shudder to think of the archeological treasures flooded by both dams.

Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin at February 18, 2026 11:02 PM (DK5Sh)

171
When the singers of the Total Eclipse of the Heart literal video sang that “the gayest man on earth would call this over the top” I don’t think they were taking Liberace into consideration.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair
---

Sound man did a good job with her voice on that master.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 11:02 PM (LA6Ib)

172 169 Liberace's House, the one he died in, actually was his Mom's house for many years in Palm Springs, has been torn down. Only a big fireplace/chimney remains.
Posted by: Gay News Network at February 18, 2026 11:02 PM (oftw2)

---------

Big chimney? Because that's hot.

Posted by: Mayor Pete at February 18, 2026 11:03 PM (nWPIJ)

173 I've been there 3 times. First time, there was one giant quonset hanger building. Last time, they're up to three of them, plus a big concrete lobby. I'd recommend getting a motel and spending at least two days. It's huge. There is an actual B-36 inside.
Posted by: buddhaha at February 18, 2026 10:57 PM (Bgaiu)

I have not been in at... least 15 years. Last time I was there, they were working on an ICBM exhibit.

I always wanted to go when I had the money handy to buy one of the leather jackets.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 18, 2026 11:05 PM (bss/y)

174 nWPIJ)

168 A word of warning on that Phantom II for sale.

It is an F4H-1 Phantom II. You think it looks like every other Phantom but it does not. They enlarged the canopy starting with the F-4B and it remained unchanged for the rest of production.

The RIO/GIB canopy is appreciably smaller than the F-4B's.“

Oh damn well I was all set to buy it if not for that.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 11:05 PM (46za5)

175 The United States Air Force Museum has three B-17s in its collection:

B-17D The Swoose - still under restoration.
B-17F Memphis Belle - on display
B-17G Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby - on loan to the NASM

All three Flying Fortresses are combat veterans.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:05 PM (2GVsD)

176 Big chimney? Because that's hot.
Posted by: Mayor Pete at February 18, 2026 11:03 PM (nWPIJ)

Liber-ace was packing heat?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 18, 2026 11:06 PM (bss/y)

177 Memphis Belle is the cutaway?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 18, 2026 11:06 PM (bss/y)

178 There's a B-17 at a nearby air museum. I went inside. For what was considered a heavy bomber, it's surprisingly cramped inside.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 18, 2026 11:07 PM (nWPIJ)

179 Memphis Belle is not cutaway. Though it is hard to really view it as the USAFM has decided to display it 'in flight'

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:07 PM (2GVsD)

180 Liber-ace was packing heat?
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 18, 2026 11:06 PM (bss/y)

Nah, Liberace was fudge-packing.

Posted by: RickZ at February 18, 2026 11:07 PM (gKDq2)

181 @149 Nicely done. Dogs are the best people.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 18, 2026 11:07 PM (CHHv1)

182 Dean Martin's Palm Spring home, in contrast, is being gutted, but will retain the original facade and look of the original mid-century ranch. Liberace's was added onto so many times, in mostly tacky ways, that the Zoning and Preservation Board said, Yeah, go ahead and tear it down.

Posted by: Gay News Network. at February 18, 2026 11:10 PM (oftw2)

183 179 Memphis Belle is not cutaway. Though it is hard to really view it as the USAFM has decided to display it 'in flight'
Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:07 PM (2GVsD)

I may be having a stroke. I thought there was a B-17 cut away that you could walk through.

B-29?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 18, 2026 11:10 PM (bss/y)

184 167 Didn't Saks just pull the plug?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 18, 2026 11:01 PM (nWPIJ)

They are closing Saks Fifth Avenue stores, but the Saks store in NYC 5th ave. is remaining open.

Posted by: Joemarine at February 18, 2026 11:11 PM (y171U)

185 The two man or two woman luge is really weird.

Posted by: Cow Demon at February 18, 2026 11:12 PM (hJH5n)

186 B-17F Memphis Belle
Robert Morgan was a local. I have spoken topeople who witnessed this:
Flying just above the rooftops of downtown Asheville, a B-17 headed for the gap between city hall and the county courthouse. But the plane’s wingspan was too wide to squeeze through the divide. A crash looked imminent, however the pilot banked the bomber 60 degrees and passed one of the wings through the narrow space before pulling up and disappearing over Sunset Mountain. One onlooker exclaimed, “somebody ought to court-martial whoever is flying that plane!” It was 1943, and pilot Robert K. Morgan was on a 31-city publicity tour with the Memphis Belle, the plane that carried him safely through 25 missions in Europe during World War II.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at February 18, 2026 11:12 PM (XeU6L)

187 There is also the EAA museum to visit.

For those who built Monogram kits back in the stone age you probably remember the little brochures showcasing Sheperd Paine's work in creating dioramas with Monogram kits that was included with many kits.

The EAA is very lucky to have on display three of Mr. Paine's diorama masterpieces - the B-17G, P-61, and the B-24.

Here is one of them:
http://sheperdpaine.atspace.com/p61.htm

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:13 PM (2GVsD)

188 If Three Gorges goes down, a million Chinese are gonna be swept out to sea.
Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:19 PM (46za5)

https://archive.org/details/battle-of-the-yellow-river

"The Chinese did find one place where the ground was low enough and suitable for creating a flood that could halt the Japanese. Curiously enough, this spot was at Huayuankou, a small village ten miles north of Chengchow [...]

In its unpredictable journeyings, the new river has gone on a rampage through eleven counties and three provinces, submerged eleven cities, 4,000 villages, and upwards of 2,000,000 square mow of land; it has driven 2,000,000 people from their homes "

Guess how many peasants died in the flood to delay the IJA for 3 weeks?

Posted by: 13times at February 18, 2026 11:13 PM (xLK0i)

189 185 The two man or two woman luge is really weird.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 18, 2026 11:12 PM (hJH5n)

--------

Yep. An ill-timed boner and your aerodynamics are completely shot.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 18, 2026 11:13 PM (nWPIJ)

190 166
Reminder: SOTU is on February 24!

C'mon, Trump, you can knock over Cuba and Iran between now and then.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia
---

Yes, it would be super coming into SOTU with a long staff of pelts.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 11:13 PM (LA6Ib)

191 Liberace was from Wisconsin, like JJ Sefton and Mis Hum.

Posted by: NTTAWWT at February 18, 2026 11:13 PM (oftw2)

192 Yes, it would be super coming into SOTU with a long staff of pelts.

---------

We could have the first Triumph ever right down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 18, 2026 11:14 PM (nWPIJ)

193 Sound man did a good job with her voice on that master.

It was amazingly well done all around. Perfectly in line with the original.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at February 18, 2026 11:15 PM (EXyHK)

194 --------

Yep. An ill-timed boner and your aerodynamics are completely shot.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43)
---

Mid-air refueling only different.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 11:15 PM (LA6Ib)

195 http://sheperdpaine.atspace.com/p61.htm

So cool.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 18, 2026 11:15 PM (RIvkX)

196 There might be Aetius but I know they have three complete B-17s in their collection.

The Pensacola Naval Air Museum has a full PBY Catalina on display along with a complete fuselage that has sections of skin cutaway.

Deutch's Museum has their Me 262A-1 on display with selective parts of skin removed and covered by plexiglass.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:15 PM (2GVsD)

197 If Three Gorges goes down, a million Chinese are gonna be swept out to sea.
Posted by: Tom Servo

Shucks, I'd still be plumb out of fucks, not counting the 0 given for Nancy Guthrie...

Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at February 18, 2026 11:16 PM (nACjZ)

198 Have been aboard B-17 Sentimental Journey. Engines by Studebaker.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at February 18, 2026 11:16 PM (XeU6L)

199 I love boneless wings. Chicken bones give me trust issues.

Posted by: Cow Demon at February 18, 2026 11:17 PM (hJH5n)

200 B-17G, going from memory they should be R-1820-97.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:17 PM (2GVsD)

201 If Three Gorges goes down, a million Chinese are gonna be swept out to sea.
Posted by: Tom

Only a million?

Posted by: Cow Demon at February 18, 2026 11:17 PM (hJH5n)

202 Yep. An ill-timed boner and your aerodynamics are completely shot.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43)

Whoa! You can time those?

Posted by: Randy Senior Citizen. at February 18, 2026 11:18 PM (oftw2)

203 Even if the Olympics are turning you off the the US hockey team is still full of some great young men proud to be wear our flag and doing us proud.

Great win.

https://tinyurl.com/bdz9473x

Posted by: JackStraw at February 18, 2026 11:18 PM (viF8m)

204 Who will be first to stop covering the Nancy Guthrie story every hour on the hour?

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 18, 2026 11:18 PM (RIvkX)

205 97 2 Gonna leave the carrot chips back at the cafe, salt or no...
Posted by: JQ at February 18

You should at least try them first! 😂
Posted by: Piper
---

Thought of the day:
a carrot, is a carrot, is a carrot.
Cutting board,+ knife (cleaver preferred) + carrot =
carrot chips

I buy the mini's, wash them in a tupperware type and have a go at them.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 11:18 PM (LA6Ib)

206 Our son always planned trips around breweries, distilleries, or vineyards in the UK and Europe. Plus dinners and hotels. I simply showed up. I was fine with this as he or my husband drove...no tours for us and we found our way. Son learned stick shift in one small village in northern France. I still remember a little girl's face on a bike staring at the Americans as he attempted to drive in the round about.

Another small place, like Muckross Abbey, that made me want to move there was in Scotland, after a trip to Dalwhinney distillery (a Highland's distillery tour). We stopped at this small watermill that served lunch. I knew nothing about it other than the peace of that village in early spring (plus I had been drinking Scotch). I wish I could have flour from this mill and stayed for a week of peace. I have a postcard of this happy place on our dresser mirror. I loved the people and that village.

Sometimes it's the unexpected places you remember the most. Oh, the palaces, cathedrals and museums are grand, but I'm a country girl at heart.

Blair Atholl Watermill (Scotland)

https://tinyurl.com/ymnycjtx

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at February 18, 2026 11:18 PM (WONhk)

207 Yep. An ill-timed boner and your aerodynamics are completely shot"

I thought that's how they stuck together...

Posted by: man at February 18, 2026 11:20 PM (cGjQu)

208 Deutch's Museum has their Me 262A-1 on display with selective parts of skin removed and covered by plexiglass.
Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:15 PM (2GVsD)

The Me-262 there had the 88mm fitted. Brilliant idea.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 18, 2026 11:20 PM (bss/y)

209 The only thing gayer than 2 man luge would be 3 man luge. Or would it be called the slippery fuckpile?

Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at February 18, 2026 11:20 PM (nACjZ)

210 204 Who will be first to stop covering the Nancy Guthrie story every hour on the hour?
Posted by: San Franpsycho
--

Don't have a TV so missing the fun. However, until they come up with something they ought to back off.
Possibly the cops want it to pressurize the criminals.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 11:21 PM (LA6Ib)

211 Forget the F-4 (though I love them)! I want a B-52D. And it has to be the D model.

Posted by: Cow Demon at February 18, 2026 11:21 PM (hJH5n)

212 The only thing gayer than 2 man luge would be 3 man luge. Or would it be called the slippery fuckpile?
Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at February 18, 2026 11:20 PM (nACjZ)

Wait until you hear about the 4-man luge.

Posted by: RickZ at February 18, 2026 11:22 PM (gKDq2)

213 213

Posted by: Cow Demon at February 18, 2026 11:22 PM (hJH5n)

214
The two man or two woman luge is really weird.
Posted by: Cow Demon

Side Hackers!

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 18, 2026 11:22 PM (Cqx++)

215 I prefer my carrots to be ground to mush, and to be safely contained within a carrot cake.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at February 18, 2026 11:22 PM (lnUu7)

216 There were only four Me 262s converted to be Kanonvogel with the 50mm cannon in the nose.

The only flyable one suffered an engine failure enroute to being loaded aboard HMS Reaper and crashed.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:22 PM (2GVsD)

217 I meant the ME-262 at Wright-Patterson.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 18, 2026 11:23 PM (bss/y)

218 https://tinyurl.com/bdz9473x
Posted by: JackStraw at February 18, 2026 11:18 PM (viF8m)

Thanks. USA! That's where that chant started, in the 1980 hockey wins!

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at February 18, 2026 11:23 PM (WONhk)

219 211 Forget the F-4 (though I love them)! I want a B-52D. And it has to be the D model.

---------

You know about the cup sizes?

Posted by: George Costanza at February 18, 2026 11:23 PM (nWPIJ)

220 The one in the Deutch's Museum had been flown to Austria at war's end. In the 1950's the plane was returned to Germany. It is unrestored.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:23 PM (2GVsD)

221 Wait until you hear about the 4-man luge.
Posted by: RickZ

OTOH, the 4-boob luge sounds a little too hot for the winter olympics

Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at February 18, 2026 11:25 PM (nACjZ)

222 Nein nein nein

The one at the USAFM is a straight fighter, Schwable, an Me 262A-1a, though if it is fitted with R4M rockets it should be an Me 262A-1b. If my memory is correct.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:25 PM (2GVsD)

223 220 The one in the Deutch's Museum had been flown to Austria at war's end. In the 1950's the plane was returned to Germany. It is unrestored.
Posted by: Anna Puma

Wes Moore piloted that plane to Austria.

Posted by: Joe Isuzu at February 18, 2026 11:26 PM (oftw2)

224 The one at the USAFM is a straight fighter, Schwable, an Me 262A-1a, though if it is fitted with R4M rockets it should be an Me 262A-1b. If my memory is correct.
Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:25 PM (2GVsD)

I bow to your expertise.

Maybe they had an 88 sitting beside the plane and had a picture of one of the proposed planes?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 18, 2026 11:26 PM (bss/y)

225 This just in: Steven Colbert is an effeminate blowhard.

I can't believe CBS hasn't cut his mic.

He's a blatant liar. He's also an idiot. And effeminate. He has few followers. Why does he have any followers at all? Why has CBS not just shoved him in front of a moving train?

Posted by: Crusader at February 18, 2026 11:27 PM (Cjcf6)

226 To fit a 5cm cannon was quite a feat already, to fit an 8,8cm yeesh.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:28 PM (2GVsD)

227 203 Even if the Olympics are turning you off the the US hockey team is still full of some great young men proud to be wear our flag and doing us proud.

Great win.

https://tinyurl.com/bdz9473x
Posted by: JackStraw at February 18, 2026 11:18 PM (viF8m)

Excepting Brady Tkachuk's slew foot on Dahlin today ...

***Spock eyebrow***

Posted by: browndog called for boarding at February 18, 2026 11:28 PM (3sXRv)

228 Catbert >> Colbert

Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at February 18, 2026 11:28 PM (nACjZ)

229 Why has CBS not just shoved him in front of a moving train?
Posted by: Crusader at February 18, 2026 11:27 PM (Cjcf6)
====

Reliability.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 18, 2026 11:28 PM (RIvkX)

230 Happy Ash Wednesday
__________________

Oh, thank God. Literally. I thought we still had an India immigrant problem.

And, that guy throwing the Chic Filet sandwich is fine. We already set the precedent in DC. If the rock type roll Subway uses isn't enough for batter, a chicken sandwich from Chic Filet is light and fluffy. I don't know about the drink. Blue Poweraid. Getting that stuff in the ground water could be an environmental crime.

Posted by: Orson at February 18, 2026 11:29 PM (dIske)

231 The only thing gayer than 2 man luge would be 3 man luge. Or would it be called the slippery fuckpile?
Posted by: Drink Like Vikings

Give it a decade. The proposal is written.

Woodchippers.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at February 18, 2026 11:29 PM (vB7nK)

232 "If you can find it, check out the "glide" ratio of the shuttle. It came down steeply. And landed at a significant speed."

And loud. I was really surprised the first time I watch the final decent at the SLF. I swear it sounded like it was rattling coming in at an angle of a thrown rock.

The simulator aircraft was a Grumman Gulfstream II that came in under full reverse thrust at an angle of20 to 30 degrees.

Posted by: pawn at February 18, 2026 11:29 PM (+rKuc)

233 I passed one on display on the way home from the texas MoMe. Its parked at the corner of some intersection on this long ass country road heading to Rt30 not "too" far from Corsicana. Very cool to look at. I remember one flying a long time ago at an air show. I remember it being frigging loud.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 18, 2026 10:15 PM (snZF9)

I’ll bet it was Canton, Texas. They’ve got a little military park there with a good bit of Vietnam era stuff. Stopped there with my 12 year old grandson once and looked around.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 18, 2026 10:21 PM (46za5)

Yup, that sounds like it. I looked at the map and yeah I went through there.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 18, 2026 11:29 PM (snZF9)

234 I prefer my carrots to be ground to mush, and to be safely contained within a carrot cake.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy
--------

Yes! Now we're talkin' *how to eat carrots!*

Posted by: JQ at February 18, 2026 11:31 PM (rdVOm)

235 For those who are hankering for a new tool Me 262 this year.

Das Werk is releasing a Me 262A-1a in 1/32 scale.
Border Models is also releasing one in 1/35 scale.

No word about an Me 262B-1a or Me 262B-1a/U1.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:31 PM (2GVsD)

236 OTOH, the 4-boob luge sounds a little too hot for the winter olympics
Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at February 18, 2026 11:25 PM (nACjZ)

That would be the Women's 8-Boob Luge.

Posted by: RickZ at February 18, 2026 11:33 PM (gKDq2)

237 CNN's anchors on a luge

PPV gold

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:33 PM (2GVsD)

238 CNN's anchors on a luge
PPV gold
Posted by: Anna Puma

On, under, in front of, dragged behind. No bad combinations to be had.

Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at February 18, 2026 11:35 PM (nACjZ)

239 You're right, anna. Looking it up, I must be having a psychotic episode. I could have sworn. It seemed insane.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 18, 2026 11:35 PM (bss/y)

240 Yes! Now we're talkin' *how to eat carrots!*
Posted by: JQ at February 18, 2026 11:31 PM (rdVOm)

I'm very happy I discovered and learned to make carrot-ginger-cashew soup. The carrots are pureed. Better than baby food, too.

Posted by: RickZ at February 18, 2026 11:35 PM (gKDq2)

241 Haha, I don't mind carrots *in other stuff* I just don't like them fresh/raw.

I blame those old ladies what brought the lime jello with julienned carrots in it, to church potlucks!

Posted by: JQ at February 18, 2026 11:38 PM (rdVOm)

242 This probably ain't Halim's first nuisance lawsuit rodeo. Hope BWW countersues his bitch ass into oblivion.

Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at February 18, 2026 11:38 PM (nACjZ)

243 Ash Wednesday's Mass was very nice. I am becoming Roman Catholic after Easter, from a lifetime and many generations of conservative Presbyterians. When we moved we found a church but it did not feel right somehow. This one does, with traditional music and I understand, from readings and class, what Mass means. Lent has a fuller meaning to me this year as well, to grow in faith remembering the sacrifice of Jesus.

Beautiful day, too, of rare snow in these Western mountains that were in our prayers. Simply beautiful and peaceful and most welcome. We got about 6" here and many feet in the mountains for water this summer as well as current skiers needs.In winter I simply need it for beauty...and snow in the west is nicer than the east as it is not as wet.

This snowfall is what we normally have a couple of times a week starting in late November. A weird year of half the normal snowpack. Maybe we'll crack average if it goes through May...and my tulips and daffodils will bloom with snow. As long as no hard freeze on the plum blossoms, it can snow for months!

I hope y'all had a good day and have a wonderful night. G'night.

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at February 18, 2026 11:39 PM (WONhk)

244 Cooked carrots are ok.. like in ~~chili~~ spring rolls or what-have-you...

Posted by: JQ at February 18, 2026 11:39 PM (rdVOm)

245 Aetius

Tis all good. I know where every surviving Me 262 is and what it was. Unless the Russians have one stashed away.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:39 PM (2GVsD)

246 Anna Puma

If the Russians still had one, they would fill it with explosives and use it as a glide bomb.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 18, 2026 11:42 PM (u82oZ)

247 Saw more of the Olympics today than I had so far. It was on at the hospital where MiladyJo was being advised about upcoming thing. Mercifully, the sound was off so we didn't hear any announcers or commercials. Main thing we saw was speed skaters, where one crashed out. They had to keep running that over and over.

But, heavens! Commercials these days! Even without sound they were obnoxiously frenetic. We don't watch broadcast TV as a rule, so it's always a bit of culture shock to be exposed to it. Didn't watch closely, but I did notice one commercial that fit the mixed-race couple trope. Still a thing, I guess.

Posted by: mindful webworker likes dogs at February 18, 2026 11:43 PM (oq2IS)

248 B-36 had six (6) 28 cylinder piston engines. I bet that sounded awesome. I think I read they needed new spark plugs every flight. That oughtta keep the Crew Chief busy. LOL

Posted by: Common Tater at February 18, 2026 10:47 PM (17+JQ)

That engine has to be a nightmare to rebuild. Harley engines are pretty much 2 cylinders of a radial airplane engine. I can't imagine 28 cylinders. I can just see going to the machinist who does my cylinders. "Hey dude, here's 28 for you. Couple days, right?" lol.

The bad part, $2800 for that alone. I can't imagine the overall cost of doing an engine like that.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 18, 2026 11:44 PM (snZF9)

249 >>Thanks. USA! That's where that chant started, in the 1980 hockey wins!

I know exactly where I was when it happened.

I grew up playing hockey in that era in the Boston. We lived it. But the idea a bunch of college kids were going to take down the professional Russians was crazy.

One of the greatest sports moments ever. Just spectacular.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 18, 2026 11:44 PM (viF8m)

250 Ash Wednesday's Mass was very nice. I am becoming Roman Catholic after Easter, from a lifetime and many generations of conservative Presbyterians. When we moved we found a church but it did not feel right somehow. This one does, with traditional music and I understand, from readings and class, what Mass means. Lent has a fuller meaning to me this year as well, to grow in faith remembering the sacrifice of Jesus.
----

Christy I'm glad you feel spiritually moved. I felt something similar moving from Southern Baptist to Lutheran (Missouri Synod). I'm happy for you.

Posted by: Crusader at February 18, 2026 11:44 PM (Cjcf6)

251 >>>Beautiful day, too, of rare snow in these Western mountains that were in our prayers. Simply beautiful and peaceful and most welcome.
---

Excellent, thought you may have been so desperate for snow that you were in that party of 10 missing.
Glad you got your snow.
JQ's turn next.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 11:45 PM (LA6Ib)

252 Ok, anna, I went down a bit of a wikihole there. The ME-163. The article says that the british (aside from one unauthorized test flight) never flew the aircraft 'powered' because of the danger of the fuel.

Did we?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 18, 2026 11:45 PM (bss/y)

253 Not so much going as concluding. Iran has been at war with us since 1979.
Posted by: Methos
----------
Been waiting, impatiently for the payback/deferred reckoning.

Posted by: scampydog at February 18, 2026 11:46 PM (41CYW)

254 Lutheran (Missouri Synod), is it the conservative one?
I like the Baptist preacher but the congregation is like, um, not welcoming.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 11:47 PM (LA6Ib)

255 ----------
Been waiting, impatiently for the payback/deferred reckoning.
Posted by: scampydog
---

You betcha'.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 11:49 PM (LA6Ib)

256 Never paid attention to the Komet or its Suisei Japanese derivative. I just build FW 190s, Bf 109s, and Me 262s for WWII Luftwaffe.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:49 PM (2GVsD)

257 One of the greatest sports moments ever. Just spectacular.
Posted by: JackStraw

Ken Morrow was a defenseman on the Gold Medal Team. Months later he was on the Islanders and won the Stanley Cup, the first of four consecutive Cups. So, In just a little over 4 years, Ken won a Gold Medal and four Stanley cups.

Posted by: Winning Streak, Par Excellence at February 18, 2026 11:50 PM (oftw2)

258 >>This snowfall is what we normally have a couple of times a week starting in late November.
--------

Happy for you, ChristyBlinky!

We got a bit of snow last night, but only about half inch, and snow/hail/rain mixed throughout the day. Ground is wet but all snow is melted now. Might get more tomorrow night, but don't expect it to stick. Oh well. It'll look pretty for a few hours anyhow...

Posted by: JQ at February 18, 2026 11:50 PM (rdVOm)

259 Well back to masking the canopy on a Tamiya F-14 Tomcat.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 18, 2026 11:50 PM (2GVsD)

260 As far as I can tell, we planned to try powered flight, but found the airframe was deteriorating. So...

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 18, 2026 11:51 PM (bss/y)

261 Morons

https://youtube.com/shorts/rxNqBnra6dU

No, I don't care is this is suitable for work!

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at February 18, 2026 11:53 PM (S/Y4j)

262 225 This just in: Steven Colbert is an effeminate blowhard.

I can't believe CBS hasn't cut his mic.

He's a blatant liar. He's also an idiot. And effeminate. He has few followers. Why does he have any followers at all? Why has CBS not just shoved him in front of a moving train?
Posted by: Crusader

You'd be giving him what he wants. Then he too, like Kimmel, can ride the wave of false martyrdom. Colbert fighting the tyrant BADORANGEMAN. The msm will gladly provide a bukkake of praise for Colbert. Better for him to pout and whine on his little watched, soon to be cancelled TV show, while fading away.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at February 18, 2026 11:53 PM (wiltx)

263 I always liked Smokey and the Bandit, the first one, it was a good movie. I've watched it many times. It never gets old to me. Jackie Gleason was hilarious as the Texas Sheriff.
Why can't they make good comedy movies anymore? I guess they wouldn't be politically correct or something.

Posted by: Case at February 18, 2026 11:53 PM (j6kTf)

264 Tough day. My neph-mew Maceo ("MAY-see-oh") got diagnosed with advanced heart and kidney disease, and might have lymphoma. Had fluid drained from his pleura and abdomen. No real symptoms until about two weeks ago. I'm going to visit this weekend. His mama is torn up over it. He's a trooper but he hates getting meds and we're probably going to have to measure his life in weeks. He's comfortable for now.

Posted by: Dark Litigator at February 18, 2026 11:54 PM (KAi1n)

265 We stopped at Muckross Abbey on our way to Kilarney. It's been years ago, but I seem to remember it was a pretty good walk down a country lane to get back to the Abbey. When I saw the picture I thought "I've been there!" Very much a ruins, but you can get a sense of what it must have been. Seems spooky and possibly haunted. Wherever we went on our trip to Ireland, if we asked "what happened to it?" the answer was always the same. "Cromwell"

Posted by: Indiana Lurker at February 18, 2026 11:54 PM (3ZVqj)

266 One of the greatest sports moments ever. Just spectacular.
Posted by: JackStraw at February 18, 2026 11:44 PM (viF8m)
____________________

You know it's momentus when you can remember the sportscaster and exactly what he said nearly 50 years ago.

"Do you believe in miracles!!!! YES!"
- Al Michaels

Posted by: Orson at February 18, 2026 11:55 PM (dIske)

267 Lutheran (Missouri Synod), is it the conservative one?
I like the Baptist preacher but the congregation is like, um, not welcoming.
----

Yes, Missouri Synod is still faithfully conservative. The doctrinal differences between them and Southern Baptist are relatively small, and yet the Missouri Synod seems to come down on each difference as the one that takes the scriptures more literally. For example, "communion" in Baptist circles is taken as "symbolic", whereas the Missouri Synod teaches the communion to be *literal*--you are literally communing with Christ when you participate. It makes un-confessed sin very uncomfortable when you believe you aren't going thru the motions but meeting Christ himself at communion.

But I have no angst against conservative Baptist denominations--they served me well for decades.

Posted by: Crusader at February 18, 2026 11:56 PM (Cjcf6)

268 It’s me again, the guy who complained about the ads in the cafe thread. Thank you to those that provided helpful suggestions.

I am not complaining about the fact that there are ads and intentionally do not use an ad blocker or disable JavaScript because I don’t want to take away Ace’s revenue.

As noted in my previous comment, I would be more than happy to pay something on the regular via subscription if possible just to keep the site breaking ads away. I know myself well enough that I would not remember to regularly donate through PayPal. I believe I left a pretty good sum many years ago, but normally forget.

Some of you seem to have the same experience I am having. Indeed it does occur when clicking on Continue Reading. It’s not the 3 second countdown I mind so much. It is the fact that the ad frequently hijacks the browser history such that I can’t go “Back” to the “front page” without refreshing which seems to reset the page state causing the problem to occur for every post. It happens with Chrome on my laptop and desktop and it happens with Safari on my iPhone and iPad, so pretty repeatable for me.

Posted by: Seattle Chris at February 18, 2026 11:56 PM (imOJr)

269 >>Ken Morrow was a defenseman on the Gold Medal Team. Months later he was on the Islanders and won the Stanley Cup, the first of four consecutive Cups. So, In just a little over 4 years, Ken won a Gold Medal and four Stanley cups.

I was talking about a magical moment and you had to spoil it.

drop your gloves

Posted by: JackStraw - Lifelong Rangers fan at February 18, 2026 11:56 PM (viF8m)

270 Aimen Halim, the man who is suing Buffalo Wings.

Curious to find out if he belongs to one of America's currently aggrieved groups. After searching images to no avail pursued DDG AI, no joy; and after modest persistence came up with this from Grok.

The name Aimen Halim is of clear Arabic origin (Aimen/Ayman is a common Muslim/Arabic given name meaning "blessed" or "fortunate," and Halim is an Arabic surname meaning "gentle" or one of the names of God in Islam). This strongly suggests he is likely of Arab or Middle Eastern descent, and possibly Muslim
===

Liberty Ships

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 11:57 PM (LA6Ib)

271 Posted by: Dark Litigator at February 18, 2026 11:54 PM
-------

Sorry to hear Maceo is having health issues. Sending him extra rubbys from Idaho...

Posted by: JQ at February 18, 2026 11:58 PM (rdVOm)

272 I brought home a bottle of Baron’s hot sauce from a visit to Antigua. Made from scotch bonnet peppers - hot as heck but still had a nice flavor. Wish I could find a source for it in the states!

Posted by: Insensitive Clod at February 18, 2026 11:59 PM (0I5n7)

273 Herb Brooks wins best GM and coach for putting together and coaching the 1980 team.

Posted by: Dark Litigator at February 18, 2026 11:59 PM (KAi1n)

274 Good ONT this evening - thanks! The bit about the cloister was very interesting.

Posted by: 496 at February 18, 2026 11:59 PM (FN3wE)

275 Did Muckross in 2024. The whole estate is living history. The manor house is pure Downton Abbey but the tenant cottages are pre WW1 tech. No electric no running water dirt or flagstone floors and thatch roof, open fireplaces and wood is premium fuel. Poor folk burn peat. Hard to believe it was typical little over 100 years ago

Posted by: Harry case at February 19, 2026 12:00 AM (rZb50)

276 Dark L

So sad to hear about Maceo. I will ask for the intercession of St Francis.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 19, 2026 12:00 AM (A5RD0)

277 20 17 Hard to believe that we may be at war in three days.

---------

You'll wish you bought that F-4 when you had the chance.

Unless they done got blowed up already, Iran still has some F-4s the Shah bought...and I recommend the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson. They also have a military vehicle museum on the grounds

Posted by: Azjaeger at February 19, 2026 12:01 AM (3/XaG)

278 Lutheran (Missouri Synod), is it the conservative one?
-
It used to be.

It seems like the liberal clergy are running everything these days. There's a lot of virtue signalling about being anti-white supremacy and pro-immigration going on, and promoting women within the organization where ever they can get away with it.

Posted by: Methos at February 19, 2026 12:01 AM (vSvIl)

279 Lutheran (Missouri Synod), is it the conservative one?
-
It used to be.
-----

Stop it. The Missouri Synod isn't littered with liberalism yet. There's no sign they're moving that way.

Posted by: Crusader at February 19, 2026 12:03 AM (Cjcf6)

280 drop your gloves
Posted by: JackStraw

Yeah, well, "1940!" was a great chant, until it wasn't.

Posted by: Billy Smith at February 19, 2026 12:04 AM (oftw2)

281 But I have no angst against conservative Baptist denominations--they served me well for decades.
Posted by: Crusader
---

I am similar. Each denomination that truly seeks Him in their heart will be received. Denominational fights encourage them to study more, that brings them closer. (OT was by the numbers, NT was contradictory. He did that on purpose) However, for me, the Eucharist is a no go.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 19, 2026 12:06 AM (LA6Ib)

282 Not so much going as concluding. Iran has been at war with us since 1979.
Posted by: Methos
----------
Been waiting, impatiently for the payback/deferred reckoning.

Posted by: scampydog at February 18, 2026 11:46 PM (41CYW)

I have been waiting for us to hit those mofos with a 50 megaton turban winder....or unwinder if thats better.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 19, 2026 12:06 AM (snZF9)

283 Every church as gone apostate and believers have been warned to get out since 1988.

Posted by: Come Out Of Her, My People at February 19, 2026 12:06 AM (oftw2)

284 Thank you, Nurse. "Raa!" (That's what Maceo sounds like.)

Posted by: Dark Litigator at February 19, 2026 12:07 AM (KAi1n)

285 Every church as gone apostate and believers have been warned to get out since 1988.
----

Fascinating. Please explain.

Posted by: Crusader at February 19, 2026 12:08 AM (Cjcf6)

286 B-36 had six (6) 28 cylinder piston engines. I bet that sounded awesome. I think I read they needed new spark plugs every flight. That oughtta keep the Crew Chief busy. LOL

Posted by: Common Tater at February 18, 2026 10:47 PM (17+JQ)
---
That engine has to be a nightmare to rebuild. Harley engines are pretty much 2 cylinders of a radial airplane engine. I can't imagine 28 cylinders. I can just see going to the machinist who does my cylinders. "Hey dude, here's 28 for you. Couple days, right?" lol.

The bad part, $2800 for that alone. I can't imagine the overall cost of doing an engine like that.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division
+++
Uncle had a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver with 9 cylinder radial.
Aside from the awesome STOL capability, it had an oil fill spout in the cockpit so you could keep it topped off during long flights. Always had a case of oil nest to the pilots seat.

Never got into technical details with him but I assume radials with cylinders orientated downward had to have a constant oil drip to stay lubed.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 19, 2026 12:09 AM (/lPRQ)

287 280 drop your gloves
Posted by: JackStraw

Yeah, well, "1940!" was a great chant, until it wasn't.
Posted by: Billy Smith
---

While you are at it:
George Foreman was the U.S. Olympic boxing champion in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

After winning his gold medal against Jonas Cepulis, he famously carried a miniature American flag around the ring, which sparked controversy and debate about his patriotism during a time of significant racial unrest in the United States.

Yeah, black man, pro America, caused a lot of questions about Others patriotism, commie wiki.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 19, 2026 12:10 AM (LA6Ib)

288 Excellent, thought you may have been so desperate for snow that you were in that party of 10 missing.
Glad you got your snow.
JQ's turn next.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 18, 2026 11:45 PM (LA6Ib)
..................................
No...lol...I have more sense, even when young, not to run out to ski in an expected 10' dump in Tahoe.In the back country because the resorts were closed. That guide company is going to be sued, big time. Horrible decision.

I am thankful, and if we catch up to average snowpack I will be very, very thankful. I love it, which baffles my family in the South. I think a weird throwback to ancestors who loved snow. Fifty years and counting on how much I love it...and I arrived with crocus blooming in snow one February 1974, and am seeing it again this year. XXXX

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at February 19, 2026 12:11 AM (WONhk)

289 Stop it. The Missouri Synod isn't littered with liberalism yet. There's no sign they're moving that way.
-
95% convention vote condemning "white Supremacy" as if it's an actual issue (it isn't except for those standing with the Communists).

Calls for understanding rather than condemnation of sexual deviancy, and a denial of the Right of Self Defense (more virtue signalling) in the new reinterpretation of the Catechism published a couple of years ago. That foul text is being used to instruct the next generation of clergy.

Synod sent instructions to all its schools on how to interfere with ICE if they for some reason are present, according to the newsletter on their website.

And there are loads of clergy who openly support antifa and BLM, but they find a way to excommunicate folks who are deemed too far right.

The bottom line is their clergy are a bunch of useless followers who have been chasing what they thought was popular 20 years after the fact and no notable faction trying to slow it down, much less kick the left out as they famously did a couple generations ago.

Posted by: Methos at February 19, 2026 12:12 AM (vSvIl)

290 Seattle Chris, deal with it. Yourself. Quietly, without comment.
We are no longer interested.

Posted by: From about That Time at February 19, 2026 12:13 AM (sl73Y)

291 +++
Uncle had a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver with 9 cylinder radial.
Aside from the awesome STOL capability, it had an oil fill spout in the cockpit so you could keep it topped off during long flights. Always had a case of oil nest to the pilots seat.
---

Digressing from greatness, my IH (cabover) Cargostar had hatch in the front seat for the same thing.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 19, 2026 12:14 AM (LA6Ib)

292 95% convention vote condemning "white Supremacy" as if it's an actual issue (it isn't except for those standing with the Communists).

Calls for understanding rather than condemnation of sexual deviancy, and a denial of the Right of Self Defense (more virtue signalling) in the new reinterpretation of the Catechism published a couple of years ago. That foul text is being used to instruct the next generation of clergy.

Synod sent instructions to all its schools on how to interfere with ICE if they for some reason are present, according to the newsletter on their website.
-----

Do you have links for this?

Posted by: Crusader at February 19, 2026 12:14 AM (Cjcf6)

293 Just heard a cut from Rick Braun's CD that covers many of Chuck Mangoione's songs. The cut was Give It All You Got which he wrote as the theme for the 80s Winter Olympics. I remember watching (on Tv) as he played it live at the closing ceremonies.

Posted by: buddhaha at February 19, 2026 12:15 AM (Bgaiu)

294 95% convention vote condemning "white Supremacy" as if it's an actual issue (it isn't except for those standing with the Communists).

Calls for understanding rather than condemnation of sexual deviancy, and a denial of the Right of Self Defense (more virtue signalling) in the new reinterpretation of the Catechism published a couple of years ago. That foul text is being used to instruct the next generation of clergy.

Synod sent instructions to all its schools on how to interfere with ICE if they for some reason are present, according to the newsletter on their website.
-----

Do you have links for this?
-----

Because their own website mentions none of this:

https://www.lcms.org/

Posted by: Crusader at February 19, 2026 12:17 AM (Cjcf6)

295 That's what Maceo sounds like.

https://tinyurl.com/yh7j6fyp

Posted by: JackStraw - Lifelong Rangers fan at February 19, 2026 12:18 AM (viF8m)

296 Some of you seem to have the same experience I am having. Indeed it does occur when clicking on Continue Reading. It’s not the 3 second countdown I mind so much. It is the fact that the ad frequently hijacks the browser history such that I can’t go “Back” to the “front page” without refreshing which seems to reset the page state causing the problem to occur for every post. It happens with Chrome on my laptop and desktop and it happens with Safari on my iPhone and iPad, so pretty repeatable for me.
Posted by: Seattle Chris at February 18, 2026 11:56 PM (imOJr)

Well, the answer is right there. Never, never, never use the "continue Reading" link. It is worse than useless, because it gives the malwware an opportunity to attack your device. Use "comments" instead. You will see everything that "continue reading" is supposed to provide, but avoid the malware.

Using Brave, if I click on a post, there may be a pause for a few seconds with the mouse cursor frozen as the ad-blocker in brave wrestles with the malware. Once actually into acecomments.mu.nu, though, it's clear sailing thereafter.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 19, 2026 12:18 AM (8zz6B)

297 Digressing from greatness, my IH (cabover) Cargostar had hatch in the front seat for the same thing.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends
===

Neither would pass modern emissions standards.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 19, 2026 12:18 AM (/lPRQ)

298 Do you have links for this?
Posted by: Crusader at February 19, 2026 12:14 AM (Cjcf6)

I don't have them ready at hand. I did at one point, as I emailed members of my former congregation my reasons for leaving. I'm sure I discussed it here around that time, too.

Posted by: Methos at February 19, 2026 12:19 AM (vSvIl)

299
Fascinating. Please explain.
Posted by: Crusader at February 19, 2026 12:08 AM (Cjcf6)

Our liberal Presbyterian USA did in 2014, along with the Episcopalians, so not sure about 1988 date.

I love Presbyterian (PCA) one of the conservative branches. However, and stones and rotten fruit may be thrown at me, I like a traditional service and we could not find one in any Protestant churches around here who were not the liberals we fled in FL.

My mother's church in MS is wonderful. I grew up with a traditional service and music.

I cannot explain my conversion except that this priest is very good, my son and grands attend, and something between it all and the Holy Spirit drew me to this point. I feel I have worshipped when I leave, vs being irritated. If that makes sense.

All have to search and find the church who welcomes them, who enriches your soul, and you leave a better person.
Ok, all the churches except the ones who think same sex marriage is ok, and a ghey in the pulpit is ok...which is the reason our FL church imploded. People have left Presbyterian USA by the tens of thousands. Baptists are the only denomination holding on.

I did not leave Presbyterian USA,they left me.

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at February 19, 2026 12:19 AM (WONhk)

300 Last I heard seven people were confirmed dead in the skiing accident in California. And it will be sometime before they can recover the bodies. So sad.

Posted by: Case at February 19, 2026 12:24 AM (j6kTf)

301 299: Crusader was responding to an obvious troll poster. It was an all encompassing declarations that all churches are apostate and that is simply not true.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at February 19, 2026 12:25 AM (wiltx)

302 US men's cross country with a spectacular upset today, getting silver in the 2-man sprint relay. This gives the US 3 medals in cross country - ever - with two of them coming in this Olympics. Last and hitherto only medal was *50* years ago.

Unfortunately yesterday the heavily favored undefeated-this-season US men's speed skating pursuit (a very cool event) lost to ... Chy-nah.

The Norwegian guy (now with 5 golds, matching Eric Heiden's number in 1980), Klaebo, who anchored their relay, is like a different species. Sort of like Spitz or Phelps at their peak - just in a different class altogether. Sucker usually makes his move on a big uphill leg, just pulls away - uphill. Monster.

Posted by: rhomboid at February 19, 2026 12:27 AM (U/Byj)

303 DC sewage spill..the jokes write themselves

Posted by: a dude in MI at February 19, 2026 12:27 AM (+I6Y/)

304 In 2014 (I think that's correct) our church went along with the Presbytery ghey rule vote. We had honchos show up from Orlando to explain things to us. It did not go well. For starters, our church members owned the expensive land the church was on next to a river. To leave that denomination, which is what some wanted, we were wrongly told we'd have to pay.A lie.

I asked this simple question and my mic was cut: I said, "How do you stand now on abortion? I can't find this. If Catholics are clear, why aren't you?" In front of 300 church members and close friends. This man said he'd speak to me later. I knew I was not out of line because one of my sons was sitting next to me and would have poked me.

He came over and tried to change my mind about abortion. I said nope politely. He said I am basically a Calvinist and I said, "I guess so." Ha!

Two months later we were in Scotland, at St. Giles, and the same vote was going on there...which was the very heart of where Presbyterians and my redneck ancestors arrived from. Along with some French Huguenots.

For me to convert to becoming Catholic is no small thing and I have prayed about it and it is right.

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at February 19, 2026 12:28 AM (WONhk)

305 303 DC sewage spill..the jokes write themselves
Posted by: a dude in MI at February 19, 2026 12:27 AM (+I6Y/)

How can they tell?

DC is built on a swamp... again.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 19, 2026 12:28 AM (bss/y)

306 Puddleglum, I wouldn't classify Methos (if in fact, "our" Methos of long-standing) as a troll.

Disclaimer: I have no personal knowledge of "church apostacy" or any of that conversation, just noting that the nick is not an unknown one.

Posted by: JQ at February 19, 2026 12:29 AM (rdVOm)

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