Now, all you lurkers who are intimidated by a thousand comments on an article... Here's virgin territory to step up and say hi.

And if any of you want to be reporters for the Ejectia Gazette, we'll be talking soon.

And you'd better fear and respect The Monster, because I sure as hell do.

I cannot *wait* to see how it looks -- this is better than being five years old, and waiting for the Disneyland gates to open.

/me is off to think of "what I can teach".

Have sent my official notice to volunteer as a professional designer and am looking forward to contributing in any way I can.

Question: Is there to be a planning and zoning commission? Because if there is I'm probably going to have to start drafting a request for a variance!

You never know where you'll meet them...

--------------
Graying duo keep passenger in check

By Kevin Cullen, Globe Staff | June 5, 2007

Shortly before landing, Bob Hayden and a flight attendant had agreed on a signal: When she waved the plastic handcuffs, he would discreetly leave his seat and restrain an unruly passenger who had frightened some of the 150 people on board a Minneapolis-to-Boston flight Saturday night with erratic behavior.

Hayden, a 65-year-old former police commander, had enlisted a gray-haired gentleman sitting next to him to assist. The man turned out to be a former US Marine.

"I had looked around the plane for help, and all the younger guys had averted their eyes. When I asked the guy next to me if he was up to it, all he said was, 'Retired captain. USMC.' I said, 'You'll do,' " Hayden recalled. "So, basically, a couple of grandfathers took care of the situation."

The incident on Northwest Airlines Flight 720 ended peacefully, but not before Hayden, a former Boston police deputy superintendent and former Lawrence police chief, and the retired Marine had handcuffed one man and stood guard over another until the plane touched down safely at Logan International Airport around 7:50 p.m.

State Police troopers escorted two men off the flight. Trooper Thomas Murphy, a State Police spokesman, said one of the men was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for "an unspecified medical issue, possibly mental health."

He said State Police detectives will investigate whether the man's behavior should be treated as a medical or criminal matter. A second man escorted off the plane identified himself as the unruly passenger's brother. Murphy said police would not release the names of the men, who Hayden said appeared to be in their 30s or 40s.

Dean Breest, a spokesman for Northwest, confirmed that "there was an incident that required State Police to come on board the aircraft" but declined further comment.

Hayden said the unruly man's behavior upset some passengers. One told Hayden the man had said, "Your lives are going to change today forever," as he shouted and refused to take his seat before takeoff and at various times during the nearly three-hour flight. He said that at one point the man lay on his back and was screaming, moaning, and thrashing on the floor.

"Some people were crying," Hayden said. "I thought it might be a diversion. I kept scanning the back of the plane to see if anyone was going to rush forward. The flight attendants did a great job, literally surrounding the two guys who were making all the noise. I told one of the flight attendants I was a retired police officer and would be willing to assist, so we agreed on a signal."

When the captain announced preparations for landing, the man jumped up shouting, the flight attendant held up the handcuffs, and Hayden and the Marine came bounding down the aisle. Hayden said he and the retired Marine, whose name he never got, received an ovation from fellow passengers, and "some free air miles."

Hayden's wife of 42 years, Katie, who was also on the flight, was less impressed. Even as her husband struggled with the agitated passenger, she barely looked up from "The Richest Man in Babylon," the book she was reading.

"The woman sitting in front of us was very upset and asked me how I could just sit there reading," Katie Hayden said. "Bob's been shot at. He's been stabbed. He's taken knives away. He knows how to handle those situations. I figured he would go up there and step on somebody's neck, and that would be the end of it. I knew how that situation would end. I didn't know how the book would end."

So what we're aiming for is something like Wikipedia, only with accountability and expertise? I like this.

Folks, Richard has just given me a chance to teach something. The staff at the Boston Globe worked hard to produce that story. It's not right for us to put the whole thing here. Instead, quote a couple of grafs, and give a nice link to the Globe story, so that they can get the ad impressions.

This is a beautiful example of the kind of story the Gazette will want to link to, or even editorialize about. But the proprieties must be observed at all times, fellow citizens.

Hola, Ya'll.
I've had my blue vest dry cleaned and loaded up my pink stickerator. Step right up and say howdy.

Awesome!

Whenever I fly I talk to the men around me just to prepare for this kind of possibility. My fear is that I won't have time to arrange for a signal of some sort with an attendant...

Can we get this guy to write our new Constitution?

Guys, I've been reading the comments you've left and let me tell you - I'm impressed and can't wait to be a part of this community. I'm new to comments so I tend to not want to say anything until I read them all and let me tell you - you all are a hard gang to follow so far.

Bill, you are the man. I have sent everything you have written to my friends and family - I am very glad that there are others out there as well and Ejectia! is on it's way.

I feel kinda silly because I really don't know what I'm good at - it's something I've been thinking about for a long time (I took an extended.. uh, siesta after high school and a year of college to come back and get a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics). I'm getting ready to go back to school to get my master's but heavens, I'm not an expert in Physics, by any means!

I will do what I can, when I can - I just need something to do :) Can you provide a list of a few things that are needed - maybe, simple basic things so you and the others can focus on the more expertise-requiring items?

Allright! Can't wait to see the new digs and make myself at home.

Being a non-tech person, I have no idea of the work that you folks are doing but I'm no less thankful for it.

Best,
Michael

Cheers, Bill. I can't say I'm exactly sure about where we're going, but I can't wait to get there!

The email address in the post is wrong.

It is missing a c in the second eject.

Hi Kari,

Glad you've stepped out of the shadows - Welcome!

...and don't downplay your abilities - I know a LOT of people who never got it together enough to come out of that post-HS-siesta...

- MuscleDaddy

Kari, a BS in physics and math means a) you know a LOT more about physics and math than most of us here and b)stuff in those fields that you don't know - you know how to find out who does know. Welcome!

There have been several comments by women saying they're "just" stay at home moms. Since I'm a middle aged man who's only child is a 3 year old girl, the knowledge those moms bring is gold for me.

Mr. Macklin, you interested in being a copy editor for the Gazette, as well as other duties as may come along? a Send me an email and I'll get you signed up.

you're right, too many comments in the last thread...

read & lurked for awhile, bought the book, and excited to see where this goes. And God bless all the sheepdogs!

-BillH

Thanks for the update. Very exciting - can't wait until the grand opening! In the meantime, will continue pondering what I can contribute... But I liked Kari's suggestion of a list of things that might be needed. My past experience volunteering is that everyone wants to help, but we don't want to get in the way... So ideas are welcome. And perhaps after Day One, we will start to see how we can contribute.
BTW, that visual image with which you started... Please tell me that the new beach will be nicer?

Awesome story (posted by Richard). Granpas kickin butt!

And yes, I agree with The Monster as well. Perhaps some linky love would be the more appropriate thing to do.

Anyways, hi everyone!

Here's a quick little reference on basic HTML tags.
bold, italic, and link
Use the XHTML side.

Hint. make your open and closed tags first and put your content in the middle. Oh, and PREVIEW is your friend!

Monster,

I'm interested in the Ejectia Gazette in whatever capacity I can contribute. This will certainly give me the opportunity to dust off some lesser used skills.

I clicked the email link and replied, but was bounced back with:

We're writing to let you know that the group that you tried to contact
(EjectiaGazette) doesn't exist.

Kari, I for one am *very* impressed with a physics and math degree. I'm also one of those who took an extended hiatus [cough..."husband"]; and have now in my dotage, headed back to the books alongside my fulltime job, so I know just how hard it is.

And just how wonderful it feels to be doing it.

/madm raises her hand to volunteer for whatever she can be used for. Can an International-Relations-degree-seeker be used anywhere?

Dearest madm,

I thank you for your interest, your post, and the recommendation of an individual to write our constitution. I am sure your sentiments are offered in all sincerity, and in the best interests of Ejectia. I wish only to inform you that a committee is already in place to draft our constitution. If your nominee wishes to participate, please have him email me: mpaulesakabasil@msn.com. In the interim, madame, your comments and ideas are most welcome. Please be aware that we have a structure already in place. While the present group has no official mandate from Ejectia to go beyond a simple draft of basic principles, to the more complex task of a constitution, the authority to do so within the established group is at least implicit if not exactly confirmed. I stand for Ejectia, as a Senator, pro tem, and I welcome your further comments and observations.

Sincerely,

Mark Paules

Madm,

To paraphrase Mr. Paules:

"Thanks! We're on it, and we're glad you're here! Throw out any other ideas you have, 'cause we're listening!"

- MuscleDaddy

I can't wait for the launch of ejectia. Unfortunately, my experience is limited to a few years as a history major at university, so I have nothing to contribute. But hey, here's to waiting for the day when I can finally put forth something meaningful to this project...

"And you'd better fear and respect The Monster, because I sure as hell do."

Posted by: Bill Whittle

Me Beastie. Me fear no Monster.

Respect is another matter entirely. Volunteering his skills for the creation of Ejectia commands it and it is freely given.

Hail and well met Monster.

I KNEW this was going to rock!

Bill, for our proposals for the library, are you looking for more practical/"survival" stuff to start? Maybe we should solicit certain input:

"Doc Russia" had a couple of GREAT posts on putting together a REAL emergency medical kit, and Kim duToit has three or four great posts talking about what to put in your "SHTF" kit. We should definitely ask permission to post those.

Serious inquiry - anyone know how to hotwire a MODERN car (I could hotwire my '57 Plymouth Belvedere, but these new cars stump me). That is actually useful knowledge in an emergency/SHTF situation.

I don't think we should censor knowlege (like hotwiring a car) that seems shady in its nature, since we're hoping to self-select for good "Remnant" types, and knowing, for example, how to pick a lock might well save someone's life in a hairy situation.

Assuming you can teach that kinda stuff online.

Dear Muscles,

As soon as I have the authority, I will award you a degree in vernacular English. Pith is good. Also, congrats on your impending second born. We know what causes this now. Science has it figured out.

Mark..er, excuse me...

Dear Senator Paules;

That was without a doubt the loveliest rejection letter I've ever read. I'm suddenly feeling much more secure in my new government's hands.

We have a senator? :)
w@@t!

@Monster: re: the article nicked from the news website -

1. If they do not want it copied, disable right-click.
2. This is the new media, it was attributed, and any news organization worth anything will continue to update the relevant post as long as it's news. And afterwards, for the sake of completeness.
3. My respect for observing the "propriety" of big media ended with Rathergate. I will always link a fellow blogger, the MSM is on their own. They need to earn back their credibility.

Just tellin' it like it is, thank you for your time.

Dave,

Because you were a history major, you already do have something to contribute. An interest in history for history's sake is something that isn't being encouraged enough, especially by those who would rather we forget history's greatest failures.

We rely on historians to tell us about past success, that we emulate them, or mistakes, that we may avoid repeating them. Even if they don't realize that's what they're doing at the time.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to clean the cheeze-whiz out of the "plumber's crack" on the Dougman statue. Can't you guys at least wait until the city's built to start playing practical jokes?

Dave, I'm going to second suboptimal's point that you've undoubtedly got something to contribute as a History Major.

Steven Peden - I doubt it will be hard to get permission on those posts. Might even be able to get them to rewrite them specifically for that.

suboptimal - It wasn't me, I swear. *Walks away whistling nonchalantly, while trying to hide can of cheese-whiz behind his back*...

Thanks for the update!

Sounds like a lot is going on in the background.

Just discovered Bill yesterday and was amazed at the clear thought, and how it resonated in me. I, too, feel alone at times in a crowded room. I read for an hour and bought the book. I am an Airline Captain and willing to contribute in any way I can. I do not see myself as a writer normally, but I am also a history major and will be mulling how I can contribute. Right now I am enjoying soaking all of this in. Bravo......

Sorry, I'm still lurking--but I may come out one of these days . . . Nothing to contribute though.

Since I work in the environmental industry, I would love to work the environment beat for the Ejectia Gazette. Let me know when and how I can help.

Bias disclosure: I am a GW/GHG denier, and really dislike most environmental activists/organizations. I may not be objective, but I will be fair.

Mark,

WooHoo! Another degree!

That's me, though - full of pith & vinegar!

Science? I repeat: I did not have s... no wait, that's not right...

- MuscleDaddy

Stephen,

Taking your points one at a time:

1. Copying for personal use or 'fair use' under the copyright law would suffer if they employed techincal means to discourage copying the whole article.

2. It wasn't a proper attribution. It said 'Globe', not 'Boston Globe'. Even with a proper attribution, reprinting an entire article is probably the sort of thing that could get Bill a nastygram from the New York Times Company, and might give them a chance to show this as an example of how the 'sphere doesn't follow the rules. Furthermore, the industry Bill works in looks very unkindly upon 'intellectual property' violations, and is dominated by Pink People.

3. I'm no fan of the Legacy Media either. I do not respect them; I respect the rule lf law, and journalistic ethics that they have long abandoned. I live by those rules because I respect myself and Bill, and I ask others to do so here because they respect what we're doing here.

Hi. I mostly lurk, but I have posted an occasional comment or two - some of them e-mailed directly to Bill during the period when the comments were disabled.

A little about me: Since I was a kid, I felt a burning need to learn how to do things by hand that, even in the '60s, were done by machine. For instance, I eschewed mixers in favor of learning to mix various batters by hand, ditto kneading bread. My reason? What if SHTF and there was no electricity? (Thank you, Stephen, for that wonderful abbreviation!) I suppose I might be called a low-level survivalist.

As for what to contribute - Well, I raise sheep and have some experience in the fiber arts. While it's definitely hard to teach such hands-on skills online without video - which I certainly don't have the expertise to deal with - I can provide some articles about fiber properties and maybe some references. I regard it as the kind of information that would be invaluable a SHTF situation. Anybody interested?

JMC,

That's exactly some of the stuff we'll be looking for - the point here is less about information and more about expertise, ability & wisdom - all of which are more valuable in a SHTF situation.

"Knowledge without wisdom is as an axe without an edge - better suited to bruise than to cut with precision."

Don't really recall where that one came from, but it's in my constantly-growing book-o'-quotes & phrases.

- MuscleDaddy

To all those who fear they have no direct or usable contributions to make -- even if you've done nothing since high school but vegetate, listen and think -- as registered citizens of Ejectia, your VOTES, on any issue ever discussed in any of the established fora (including later evolutions of the Constitution itself) will be pivotal, helping to establish the official Ejectian concensus on everything from good manners and pet care, to immigration law and the importance of returning to space. You name it. If someone finds it relevant, it will be discussed and debated, and if it's debated, it will be open to voting at the end of the debate. And that voting will play a vital role in the construction of this vicarious society.

Even if you're not in on the initial earth-moving and plumbing installation, and never "publish" a book or treatise that winds up in the University of Ejectia Library, just getting involved in the discussions and punching the appropriate chads in their wake will be a vital contribution.

So fear not! You'll have a voice in this, whether you think it worthy or not. And that's the cool thing about all this -- whether you speak or listen, read or write, just look at it or really get in there and live it, we're all better off for it in the end.

Man, I gotta' find some place to hang my shiny new senator badge.

GHS

Hmm, not sure what I'd have to contribute either, from a pre-meditated point of view. I'm your archetypal jack-of-all-trades. I'll never be as useful as a master/expert on any given topic, but I have a reasonable amount of knowledge about a lot of things. Hmm, I shall ponder... Maybe "Living with Dyslexia" lol

Bill,

I'm also looking forward to the site and contributing what I can. Take it from someone who can watch a program on how tracker organs are made, what cavemen wore for underwear, or detailed descriptions of fighter plane dogfights with equal fascination that I'll be exploring every cobwebbed corner of Ejectia. Interesting idea for your outline, one thought that stuck me though was the possibility of those who would want to destroy our little utopia gleaning information about commercial flights and using it to their advantage. Trying to decide if I'm being realistic, paranoid, a party pooper, or all three. FWIW, Ray

I simply wish to add my own welcome to all the new posters, especially any "lurkers" who are "considering" coming out from the shadows.

And on this June 6, 2007, to say one more time:

To ALL of those who have served, are serving, or will serve;

And in honorable memory of all of those who were there, and especially those who gave their full measure, on this date in 1944;

Thank You, Sirs and Madames.

I am seeing the makings of the world's largest think tank. I can also see a day when we attract some high level "ideas people" in government and industry for the purpose of finding intelligent opinion and new technology. At this point, it seems only the remnant has been aware of this project and or we are the only ones who believe in it.
I am still worried about the degenerates finding us and writing their graffiti all over the walls. I hope we can find a reasonable solution to contain the rot that seems inevitable in any society. Not to mention the terrorists who hate anything decent.
And yes, Remember June 6, 1944 and those who stepped up. We are forever in your debt.

Good debate between The Monster and Stephen. I look forward to seeing more such debates, perhaps on pre-agreed-upon topics and times, in the Arena.

I almost forgot,

Mr. Johnson, you are definitely not alone. This month's issue of Discover magazine features an article on politically correct global warming. Fellow deniers stand tall. The science has finally caught up to the politics.

Readers should be aware that Bill has appointed senators, pro tem, who are very busy behind the scenes building the new, virtual city-state. As a group we are rather not into titles. We are more a working group than anything else. My preference is for the good people of this place to address me simply as Mark. Or Mark P. will do. Elections will be held sometime down the road. Your input as always is deeply appreciated. Each of us who post on these threads is a peer. Informal address is completely appropriate.

Elydo - I know more than one person who could have benefitted from "Living with Dyslexia" when they were growing up. I think that would be totally helpful.

My wife found this site and told me to read the intro. It sounds rather intriguing (sp). I am almost 50 and have spent my time plinking around with computers of all sizes. Was a COBOL programmer for a number of years. Have worked on Mainframes, Mid-range, and PC's in many capacities. Programmer, Analyst, Project Manager, advisor, Disaster Recover advisor ...the list goes on. I am also interested in history, am a civil war buff, do live shoots with replica rifled muskets and breech loaders, make my own ammo, camp outdoors a little. I also love to drive, drove limo for a while, met some "famous" people. Was in the military for a short career - young and stupid comes to mind for the exit process (but if not for that - I would never have met my beautiful wife). I also an a crack shot with a 22 rifle. Very conservative in my views - the Repubs are too far left for me.

Have a great day - let me know what I can do for the cause.

Lyle

Greetings Charles,

I think you're right about what you're seeing here - I know I have to occasionally shake myself as I look around and the potential enormity of the whole thing creeps up on me.

Welcome!

- MuscleDaddy

Lyle,
Welcome aboard. Perhaps you might want to share with us your knowledge of civil war weapons and the experience of shooting each? Just a thought.
I know I'd like to learn about it, if you are so inclined, when submissions are opened.

I first heard of Bill Whittle on about the first of June. I linked to here from LGF. Since I am somewhat skeptical from 61 years of experience, I have observed this idea of EJECTIA since that date. Not a long time at all.

I am one of those who has seen the decay of society and felt the overwhelming desire to do something about it. I have also felt despair at the fact that there seemed to be no way to do so. Then comes the idea of EJECTIA. Deep inside came the voice that said, "Yes! Maybe this is it." I made my first post on June 5 under the name of Gideon. Today I have changed it to Gideon300. I will stay with that.

I do soooo hope that this endeavor will be successful. I am watching with great anticipation. I also hope that tolerance of the baser troll elements will be practically non-existent. I hope that a system of controls can be implemented early on to ban abusive commenters rapidly and with extreme prejudice. maybe some comments could fall under a misdemeanor category, while others would fall under a felony category. All society is based under rules of law. In my view, EJECTIA must have it's own system or face failure.

Personally, I have quite a few things that I can contribute, as I have lived in several wilderness areas. I also have 43 years of experience as a machinist and tool and die maker. I understand physics, firearms, prototype machinery, auto mechanics, gold exploration and mining, explosives, and survival skills. I am a Viet Nam era veteran. I am a Bible scholar of 33 years. I've seen a lot in my lifetime.

Are any of these things helpful? If so, please let me know.

Hats off to the foundation layers of Ejectia! Upon your expertise, hard work and diligence we the populace will be placed. I look forward to putting my small stamp in this haven of experts.

The individual with the talent is not always the best person to evaluate the quality and importance of their abilities, so I want to encourage all to put a mark on this community and let the citizens of Ejectia! apply value to your contribution!

Deano

Good Morning.
I can't describe how beautiful
this June,06 morning is.
Perfect is as close as I can come.
To all who have served
and to those who are serving Thank You.

"So what we're aiming for is something like Wikipedia, only with accountability and expertise? I like this."

Me too. I have been saying Caveat utilis Wiki for some time now.

I have a Ph.D. in astronomy, and broad interest in the sciences. Is there a place for me?

Gideon300,

I soooo look forward to picking your brain (blacksmith, knifemaker, fabricator, recently done some coin-striking...did you say die-maker? WooHoo!)!!

Kent,
"I have a Ph.D. in astronomy, and broad interest in the sciences. Is there a place for me?"

With a motto like "Let Us Fly to the Stars on a Thunderous Chair"? - What do YOU think?

Welcome!

- MuscleDaddy

Hello,

I am a longtime lurker, a Canadian who lived in SoCal for some time after 9/11 and has friends in both Canadian and US militaries, but who grew up Mennonite and pacifist. So I'm all over the map in many ways. My expertise is fairly abstract - bioinformatics and software engineering - but I may draw on the community and contribute my experiences as I build my log home in the next 2 years (land is bought, wife is motivated, so it's definitely 'when', not 'if').

I'm enjoying watching people realize the strength of community and the importance of protecting each other. I am interested in how narrowly American Ejectia will become, or if it will be able to grow in soil with different ingredients.

Cheers from Canada,
Block

Goo'day all, It is when we as humans put ourselves outside our comfort zones that we really get a chance to grow,No? I have a slight case of lurkitis, but am controlling it with an old herbal remedy, not to worry. I would be honored and terrified to help write the Constitution if there is an opening. Will a Bill of Rights be instilled in it so we have one distinct document, kiss-ed and planted deep in the rich earthy loam of love?
Welcome to all of us on the good ship ejectia. May long she sail, her proud white sweep giving form and purpose to the winds of life.

Bill,

Great to see that big brain up to its old tricks. I look forward to the success of this project and predict it will lead to things great in nature. As for myself, I know you will fully endorse me as village idiot. Now just what perks come with such a title I can't wait to hear. Cheers, my friend. Eric

Kent - I'm planning on getting my Masters in physics and then, hopefully, my Doctorate in Astrophysics, so I think you have a lot to contribute that I would be interested in.

Mr. Johnson - can I contact you through your website for some info regarding GW? I have some questions regarding what is being said in the media, etc. re: global warming.

Any ideas on a list of things to do for those of us who hungrily wait to do something? I also think it should be in another post - I get kinda confused sometimes as to what I've read or what I've not read when scrolling through comments. Comments lack the organization to be efficient at giving out news.

As for my contribution... been thinking about that.

I could teach someone calculus (probably) or write up a simple document on calculus basics.

I could write book reviews on books that I have previously read - my personal library is huge - or take suggested books and read them then write a review.

Hmmm... I could probably tutor basic Physics (calc-based Physics) or again write up a tutorial of sorts. Might even be a good idea for me to learn better.

How about have a science section of the library with papers and treatises on past, present and future ideas and theories? If so, I would love to organize it. I know basic HTML and I could probably whip up a skeleton to fill out...

WOO HOO - good to hear whats going on in the works! I am looking forward to doing what little I can. Suboptimal just made my heart leap for joy as history is definitely a passion of mine, and my first thought when I read the first hints of what Bill and Co. are plotting was that I would surely love to write something about the bits of history that I have loved...my husband and I have just recently become involved in historical reenactments for Texas history (ie Battle of Goliad, Battle of San Jacinto) and am always eager for a chance to share history.

Bill, (or someone who might know) - I was wondering if, on the proposals that you will be opening the doors for soon - if that could extend into next week? I have an idea already and will be working on one, but I am a relentless editor, and sometimes it takes me a few days to flesh an idea out.

A curtsey to everyone, and give you joy!

Block,

Welcome - and a fine question you pose...

I think the best answer is that, initially, our focus is to secure a place of expertise, wisdom and critical thinking for the purpose of EITHER stemming the tide of drain-circling that our American society/culture seems to be heading toward OR providing an opportunity for a better level of preparedness on the part of the Remnant, should it actually come to that.

While we currently see this as a prodominantly American issue (for our purposes here) that must needs be dealt with through (in part) a reawakening/reinforcing of those values/skills once so prevalent in the US, I feel comfortable saying that international inclusion of those who find resonance in those values will always be welcome.

- MuscleDaddy

I'll email this to the library committee as well, but here's a quick proposal.

I intend to document making a peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread, an 2 oatmeal cookies and a glass of whole milk from scratch.

The goal is to teach a small child about the source of the common things around her. Thus, we will begin by planting wheat, oats, strawberries, peanuts and sugar cane. Each will be harvested and processed into a usable form by me and the small child. We WILL be using power tools for some operations (like a food processor) and we will purchase more raw materials than we have grown - like extra unmilled wheat grains - because of the small amount of land we have available. We will include a visit to a local dairy to milk a cow and get cream to churn into butter. Including growing time, I expect the project to take 4-6 months.

This document will be a mixture of text and video. Final running time will be 15-30 minutes. I have little skill or expertise, and will be learning video editing as we go.

Richard - that is excellent.

One of the largest deficiencies of understanding among our young people is a lack of understanding of the WORTH & VALUE of things (as opposed to the simple monetary cost) - and that comes from being so far removed from an understanding of the EFFORT that goes into them.

Some real Web of Trust stuff...

- MuscleDaddy

Absolutely amazing. A lot must be going on behind those curtains. Can't wait to see what comes of this!

I was a Boy Scout until I was 18 - didn't quite make Eagle, but I got to Life - although I'm not quite the outdoors type (I do miss the trips now, though). Although I'm in one of those mid-college siestas, I do have some skill with a keyboard, so if there's any writing/editing that needs done I'd be happy to help. Unfortunately, given my age and my experiences, I think I'm more suited to learn than to teach at this stage, but if I can help out, I'm hendershotjc-at-comcast.net.

Richard, if I wore a hat, I'd take it off to you in salute.

I'm reminded of I, Pencil by Leonard Read, in which the most remarkable statement is made:

Simple? Yet, not a single person on the face of this earth knows how to make me. This sounds fantastic, doesn't it? Especially when it is realized that there are about one and one-half billion of my kind produced in the U.S.A. each year.

Eric Laing,
The position of Village Idiot has been filled. But the mindless capering really is getting hard on the knees. I think I'll just stick with the maniacal cackling.

Kari Wolfe,
These are just our temporary digs. Think of it as milling around in a hotel lobby waiting for the banquet room to open.

Sharon Ferguson,
Can't! Hardly! Wait!

Eighth Shadow,
Welcome!

Hey Shadow,

Welcome - learn then teach!

- MuscleDaddy

Could we have numbers for posts. Currently we have date and time, but it would make it much easier for a dinosaur like myself if each post were numbered.

Hi, all. I'm a lurker type. Looking forward to Ejectia. I have been so very frustrated with the (lack of) direction this great country is taking and it is good to find like-minded folk.

I've a M.S. in Forestry. I've done many years of work in various laboratories and have homeschooled my child for a few years. Hope to put all that education to good use.

MuscleDaddy, My brain is open for the picking just as soon as EJECTIA takes form, and there are specific areas for specific types of comments. That will make duplicate posts unneccessary. I'm quite the dinosaur and I type slowly.

Wow, my head is swimming with all the possibilities here. Thank you to all who are putting so much effort into making a place for us all to grow and serve.
I'm not sure what I could help with other than common sense. I'm a mother of 5 straight A students and would love to have a teen, preteen, and child area maybe. You all are roll models that I would love for my children to see and emulate. I would much rather have them research homework on a site such as ejectia! rather than many of the alternatives.
I'm looking forward to an eventual list of what needs done to help -- til then I'll stay out of the way. Godspeed!

Gideon300,

That's what I'm looking forward to! Right now it looks like those of us who are the makers/builders will have a district of the city to ourselves...

- MuscleDaddy

P.S. - I'll ask about numbered posts here, but I think that on this site we've got what we've got.

MuscleDaddy
Any suggestions on how an old guy can keep up with that?

x-lurker,
Consider a more permanent handle.
MommaCinco perhaps?

Daddyquatro,
Thanks, great idea! I think I'll go for it.

Gideon300, we're working on something even better; the nested approach where replies to a comment are shown under and to the right of the 'parent':

Comment 1
  Reply 1.1 to comment 1
    Reply 1.1.1 to comment 1.1
    Reply 1.1.2 to comment 1.1
  Reply 1.2 to comment 1
Comment 2
  Reply 2.1 to comment 2

We want you to have the option of viewing in chronological order as well. I'll talk to the Architecture guys about a clear comment number though. It really does help.

MommaCinco,

Mother of FIVE?!? All with straight A's?!? You have loads of wisdom and advice! Looking forward to connecting.

Thoroughly enthralled by your essays and the idea of Ejectica. Made your essays required reading in my household.

I have 24+ years experience in IT (SQL Server, Oracle, VB6, C++, ASP, etc.). Will help however I am able.

Thanks Monster, good to know that. We dinosaurs need all the help we can get.

The Monster,
A thousand apologies for not entering "The" before "Monster" on my last post. No disrespect intended. Please allow me to live.

Swampy! Nice to see you over here. I'm sure we'll find a way to put your mad skillz to work.

I guess I could really offer advice on "creative discipline and incentives". There's a lot of luck in there too though.

It's very interesting what amazes one person is just every day life to another. It just reinforces the fact that together we could be an incredible force on our nation. We all are so different but have that one goal.

Gideon, we're friends here. I'm only "The Monster" because on some sites "Monster" was already taken. Call me whatever you want, just so you call me in time for dinner. (Part of how I got the nick in the first place is being 6'6", nearly 300#, so I'm not joking about dinner. Monster HUNGRY!!!)

Hey Monster,
You just brought to my mind some other skills that I can share. I'm a good cook. My specialties are sourdough cooking and smoke cooking. Including, but not limited to,
pulled pork, smoked beef brisket, smoked ham, smoked turkey, and smoked salmon. Sourdoughh breads, bisquits, sourdough cakes, and sourdough pancakes.

Gideon300,

I'm liking you more & more!

- MuscleDaddy

Kari Wolfe - If you would like to help in the Library organization, please shoot me an Email: eukonidor-at-gmail-dot-com

Looking forward to some things in the science section, myself.

Gideon300 - You're really making me hungry here.

mamacinco - congratulations on your educational success. Wow.

Oops, MommaCinco, I usually pay more attention to spelling and capitalization than that.

Kari Wolfe-
You may contact me in any way that is convenient for you. While I have strong opinions regarding GW, I do not profess to be an expert. I have worked primarily in hazardous waste and Superfund cleanup. I will answer your questions to the best of my abilities. I can give you my impressions and observations regarding the debate and the participants. I am an interested observer not a climate researcher nor activist. Feel free to contact me by email or in the comment section.

Block- Bioinformatics? May I be so nosy as to ask what exactly you're doing? I used to work on something like that...

Kari: I have a confession to make: I have very little natural mathematical ability. Naturally, this made going the science route in college a bit challenging, shall we say. What saved my hide was online walkthroughs of sections of mathematical concepts and processes. So if you wonder if this could be useful, the answer is a HELL-YEAH.

Gideon: Oh-ho? Sourdough? We've been trying to get and keep a starter going, but the sad fact is we have NO IDEA. I'm pretty sure the one we got from a friend is dead now, in fact. And we're planning on getting a smoker next major holiday...

LabRat,
Sourdough starter? Easy! Sourdough cooking? Also easy. It's all about learning a few simple tricks. Just wait till Ejectia gets rolling.

Gideon- I am hungry for a mid afternoon snack. Can you put together a sampler plate to go?

Mr. Johnson -
Reference possible sampler plate from Gideon - I know you spoke first but you may have to wait in line - I suspect the "Chase" loungers (did I just make a joke?) will chime in here any moment and lay claim to "but we were here first" or possibly just promise you unlimited libations in order to be first in line.
Good luck.
Andrea

Unlimited libations or first in line for a sampler plate? Hmm..a dilemma. Either way, I think I win.

I think we can find room in The Chase Lounge for Gideon's smokers next to my pizza ovens. Bread oven's on backorder but should be here in time for Grand Opening.

All this talk of starters has reminded me of the most mouthwatering dessert I have ever had. Anyone have the starter for Friendship Cake?

D4 no ly -
Friendship Cake - new one to me. Splain please?
Andrea

Andrea,
It's been probably 15 years since I've made one but it's like sourdough; you have to have the starter, like a cup of juice.
In a gallon jar you add peaches, marichino (sp?) cherries... and the other stuff I have forgotten. It basically sits on your kitchen counter and ferments for two weeks. Then you make the cakes. One batch makes two cakes if I remember right.
OMG!
Best! Dessert! Ever!

Forgot the most important part. It's called friendship cake because you have to get the starter from a friend.

D4: There was a similar concept going around my church group fifteen to twenty years ago--a type of sourdough coffee cake made from a starter, and usually called "Herman." Very tasty.

OH! Never heard the fermented fruit part in conjunction with a cake. However, the fruit part. That's a good one. We never had a "starter" - we just started. One jar, fruits, sugar and Mother Nature. We used peaches and plums and cherries and who knows what, throw in some sugar, cover and yes, let it sit a couple of weeks and it will ferment and it is wonderful over ice cream or cake. Will ask my aged Auntie how our Grandmother made it - now she was the b e s t cook!
Andrea

andrea - regarding making a joke in referring to Chase Loungers: Since the name itself is a joke, how can you not?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm a Chase Lounger,
I'm a Chase Lounger,
Seeing Dougman's butt,
My, my, my (my eyes!!!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh, I'm going to burn for that one!!

I swear, reading some of these comments I half expect the next one to come up:

"Well, my day job is Cancer Research, but I do on-call brain surgery on weekends. When I really want to get away from it all, I fly my hand-built ultralight up north to my fields where I'm developing a strain of drought-resistant wheat and working on converting the leftover plant matter to biodeisel.

But the only thing my grandkids say this grandma is any good at is telling bedtime stories. Hope I can be useful."

Now, while I couldn't teach making PBJ's anything like Richard Riley, I've been thinking of the phrase, "explain it to me like I'm five" a lot lately. Take the knowledge/expertise distinction in use around here. Doing rocket science takes knowledge and skill. Explaining rocket science to me like I'm five, so I get it? That takes expertise.

And if nothing else, everyone here has the capacity to play the role of Expert in Offering Feedback on the whole "explain it to me like I'm five" projects anyone else has going. Yeay!

Oh, and btw, I've asked if voluntary cash contributions would be welcome at this point. Heck, if nothing else something to spring for a couple pizzas for those doing the heavly lifting behind the scenes (or maybe some of this single malt of which you speak). Any word on that?

My god. I don't even have a sweet tooth- I eat dessert like once a month if that- and that sounds AMAZING.

Mr. Johnson, thank you. I'll get a hold of you through your blog.

LabRat, (laughs) I don't feel that I have that much "natural mathematical ability" - I just work my butt off and ask questions of people who know what they're talking about :) But thanks :) Pick a mathematical (or physical) topic and I'll study it for a while and write up a tutorial for you :)

And I definitely want that sourdough starter! I've been picking up recipes online and teaching myself to cook some. :)

Didn't

Yeasts are everywhere in nature. The following is for a simple sourdough starter. Remember, always use non-metalic containers with non-metallic lids. Each starter will develope it's own personality according to the brand of flour you use. If you change flour the starter will change also.

Take 3-4 potatoes. Wash lightly to remove any dirt. Cut them up into small pieces leaving the skins on. Place them in lukewarm water and soak for a few hours. If you want, you can add 1/8 cup pinto beans and 1/8 cup natural rice. This will add different natural yeasts. Do not heat and do not refrigerate. Use enough soaking water to have 4-6 cups of water after soaking. Pour off water and discard the potatoes.

I use a gallon jar with a plastic lid. Pour 4-6 cups of the potatoe water into your container. Add 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir to disolve sugar. Pour 1/2 cup of flour into the water and stir with plastic or wooden utensil. Keep adding flour in 1/2 cup increments until the mixture becomes slightly thicker than pancake batter. Don't worry if there are a few lumps in the mixture. The fermentation will take care of that. Put your lid on, but make sure the fermenting mixture can vent. If you don't let it vent, you will have a very messy explosion. Set aside at room temperature and after a few hours it will start bubbling. Let the fermentation finish before use. This can be determined by the fact that it is no longer foaming and bubbling. Feel free to stir the fermenting mixture every few hours if you want to. This method is completely natural, and your first starter will take longer to work than subsequent feedings will take.

For a cheat, you can add a package of dry activated yeast to 1/4 cup warm water. Stir to dissolve and let it set for 5 minutes. Then add this to your new starter. This will make your new starter work much faster. After 4 or 5 subsequent feedings, this manufactured yeast will be gone and your starter will be completely natural. If you decide to do the yeast trick, you should only start with 4 cups of the potatoe water.

GHS - I was just wondering when I'd see a post from you, and here you were! How goes it, big fella?

The Monster - Hmm, I always thought that's what we called politicians' egos. But we large sized folk need good names as well. Of course, folks have generally called me Tiny or some such.

As for my expertise, I have a career's worth of military experience. Mostly combat arms, but that also includes parachuting, rappelling, knots and rigging, building A-frames and gin poles, general engineering, demolitions, nuke weapons, some construction management, field expedients of all types and natures, how to plan and conduct cross country movement on foot or vehicle mounted, basic first aid that will keep someone going until trained help arrives and things of that nature. Since coming back to Civvie Street, I've learned Systems Analysis, some Database Analysis (not Administration), home plumbing and electrical wiring, electronics (very basic), medical transcription, Technical Writing for manufacturing, software, or pharmaceutical companies. (I'm curious, and enjoy figuring out how things work together, so I always try to feed the gray elephant between my ears, so kind of a broad experience base.)

And most definitely on this day of days, I've two things to say:

Thanks to all who have served (which definitely includes family members), still serve, and who plan to serve!

And to Absent Comrades. They are no longer physically alive, but they live forever in our hearts.

Sapper Mike

Agreed. To all who have served and are currently serving - thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done and are doing for this country.