According to Wikipedia, February 28, 1953 is the day that James Watson and Francis Crick told friends and associates that they had determined the chemical structure of the DNA molecule. This certainly has had wide reaching implications for much of daily life, medical science, and law enforcement - rarely does a day go by that one doesn't hear something in the news or other media relating to genetics.
Today, 55 years on, "Their Finest Hour" recognizes Watson and Crick's discoveries - certainly a finest hour!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Two greats have passed...
Father of Modern American Conservatism
November 24, 1925 - February 27, 2008
Voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers
January 23, 1929 - February 27, 2008
May they both rest in peace.
Monday, February 25, 2008
TFH 2/25/2008: Corporal William D. Morgan, USMC
Fitting that I restart tributes to moments of greatness with somebody from my adopted home town/region of Pittsburgh, PA.
From Medal of Honor Citiations:
*MORGAN, WILLIAM D.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Company H, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 25 February 1969. Entered service at: Pittsburgh, Pa. Born: 17 September 1947, Pittsburgh, Pa. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company H, in operations against the enemy. While participating in Operation DEWEY CANYON southeast of Vandergrift Combat Base, 1 of the squads of Cpl. Morgan's platoon was temporarily pinned down and sustained several casualties while attacking a North Vietnamese Army force occupying a heavily fortified bunker complex. Observing that 2 of the wounded marines had fallen in a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire and that all attempts to evacuate them were halted by a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Cpl. Morgan unhesitatingly maneuvered through the dense jungle undergrowth to a road that passed in front of a hostile emplacement which was the principal source of enemy fire. Fully aware of the possible consequences of his valiant action, but thinking only of the welfare of his injured companions, Cpl. Morgan shouted words of encouragement to them as he initiated an aggressive assault against the hostile bunker. While charging across the open road, he was clearly visible to the hostile soldiers who turned their fire in his direction and mortally wounded him, but his diversionary tactic enabled the remainder of his squad to retrieve their casualties and overrun the North Vietnamese Army position. His heroic and determined actions saved the lives of 2 fellow marines and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the enemy. Cpl. Morgan's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Services. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Corporal Morgan, I am forever grateful for your service, heroism, and sacrifice for the cause of Freedom. February 25, 1969 was your finest hour!
From Medal of Honor Citiations:
*MORGAN, WILLIAM D.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Company H, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 25 February 1969. Entered service at: Pittsburgh, Pa. Born: 17 September 1947, Pittsburgh, Pa. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company H, in operations against the enemy. While participating in Operation DEWEY CANYON southeast of Vandergrift Combat Base, 1 of the squads of Cpl. Morgan's platoon was temporarily pinned down and sustained several casualties while attacking a North Vietnamese Army force occupying a heavily fortified bunker complex. Observing that 2 of the wounded marines had fallen in a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire and that all attempts to evacuate them were halted by a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Cpl. Morgan unhesitatingly maneuvered through the dense jungle undergrowth to a road that passed in front of a hostile emplacement which was the principal source of enemy fire. Fully aware of the possible consequences of his valiant action, but thinking only of the welfare of his injured companions, Cpl. Morgan shouted words of encouragement to them as he initiated an aggressive assault against the hostile bunker. While charging across the open road, he was clearly visible to the hostile soldiers who turned their fire in his direction and mortally wounded him, but his diversionary tactic enabled the remainder of his squad to retrieve their casualties and overrun the North Vietnamese Army position. His heroic and determined actions saved the lives of 2 fellow marines and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the enemy. Cpl. Morgan's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Services. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Corporal Morgan, I am forever grateful for your service, heroism, and sacrifice for the cause of Freedom. February 25, 1969 was your finest hour!
Rush Hits the nail on the head
As is usually the case, Rush was right on with today's opening monolouge.
I really got to get back into posting...
It is an election year...
My church and diocese are in ecclesiastical turmoil...
There are lots of stories out there I can find talking about individuals' finest hours...
And I've got opinions, and you're going to hear 'em...
My church and diocese are in ecclesiastical turmoil...
There are lots of stories out there I can find talking about individuals' finest hours...
And I've got opinions, and you're going to hear 'em...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Who's the racist?
I'll let Governor "Less Red" Ed Rendell (D-PA) speak for himself. Interesting that even though the remarks were made to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a Google search for "Rendell" and "Obama" against "post-gazette.com" only produces a reference to Mr. Rendell's slur in a columnist's piece, not as news.
Hat tip: Drudge
Hat tip: Drudge
America's Dog!
Image from the New York TimesCongratulations to Uno, the 15-inch Beagle, 2008 Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! He's the first ever Beagle (my favorite dog breed, by the way) to win at Westminster. FINALLY, a winner that looks like somebody's pet and companion and NOT one of those ridiculous poodles or other silly looking dogs.