Standby for a word from the Admiral

  Crew of His Imperial Japanese Majesties Ship  AKAGI,

  Welcome to my foray into the world of blogging.  Those of you who follow me on Facebook know that Im often prone to go off on a tangent on a variety of historical, social, political, and naval matters, often peppered with a bit of off the wall stuff as well.  Too often, my posts there are of such length that they are truncated, which can result in someone missing it.  Of course, if what I have to say is really worth note, it should just reach out and grab you, but sometimes you must dig a little deeper to find the meat of the matter at hand.

  Though FB has been a great outlet, I don't think that it really is a format for some of the things that I would like to have a dialogue  about with you the reader.  Too often it will devolve into a mudslinging match of likes, " I wish there was an unlike button", or arguments between commentators.  My wife is of the opinion that what I have to say and the vast storehouse of useless information that I have stored in my head should be shared with others.  She encouraged me to take up this new format and for that I am most grateful.  Im even more grateful, and perplexed that she feels that what I have to say may be of some value to others.  I thought that any troupe of chimpanzees with a bucket of crack cocaine could easily come up with the thoughts and opinions that I hold, but she says otherwise.....and being married for almost 18 years, I've learned that, more often than not, it is best to defer to her judgement.

  So, I invite you onboard my favorite ship of the Japanese Imperial Navy, HIJMS AKAGI.  Feel free to wonder the flight deck when not in operation.  There will be free A6M Zero Fighter, B5N Kate Bomber, and D3A Val Dive Bomber rides.  We will embark on occasional strikes upon a wide range of targets, and once the air wing is recovered there will be sushi and sake for all hands.

  As commander of this Task Force, I will set my standing orders as need be and will convey my intentions from the bridge of this wonderful bejeweled Katana and flagship of the Combined Fleet.  So sit back and enjoy....or don't.....either way.......Underway...shift colors.