Richmond Times-Dispatch; Jan-June 1908

[swamphen]

 ;D

[Carthaginian]

OoC:

I do love Teddy Roosevelt. I'd dig the poor SOB up and clone him if possible... an unending stream of President Roosevelt stretching into eternity to keep the US from turning into the national equivalent of Jean-Luc Picard- a whiny, emo social worker that would rather talk it out than step up and assume greatness. ;D

I base my characterizations of Roosevelt off two sources (no laughing):
1.) Tom Berenger in the 1997 TBS movie 'Rough Riders.' I know that the movie was knee-deep in bull manure, but the portrayal of Roosevelt is excellent. Emotional, loyal, dedicated, excited and optimistic to a fault... all those aspects are captured by Berenger's acting- if not accurately, at least desiring to be so.
2.) Robin Williams in last year's 'Night at the Museum.' All around, I'd say that this was the best portrayal of Roosevelt in any movie... Williams is a genius. Only an actor of his caliber could make a wax model of Roosevelt seem more lifelike than the 'real people' in the movie. I think that Williams did strive for a more accurate portrayal than Berrenger, despite the comedic nature of the movie.


No matter who is acting as Roosevelt, one thing must be remembered: the man is a dynamo. He doesn't stop spinning no matter what; if something gets in his way or is interjected into the works, it is chewed up and hurled back out if it can't adjust to the motion.

That's what I'm trying to capture with 'my' Roosevelt.
He leads, you follow, and everyone else either gets on the bandwagon or out of the way.

[Carthaginian]

FROM: Trans-Mississippi War Dept. HQ
TO: Maj. T. S. Baldwin, CO

RE: New Personnel Arrivals

This is a notification of transfer of 8 military personnel and 6 new civilian flight mechanics to Camp La Paz.
Expect arrival on or about 5-7 FEB 1908 via train. Personnel will arrive under supervision of Lt. T E. Selfridge.
XXX MESSAGE ENDS XXX

[Carthaginian]

*Ft. Joseph Wheeler, Anniston, Alabama*

"Lt. Patton expects us to do WHAT?!?! Hell, we just got this truck running again and he wants me to bugger it up again? What kind of FOOL is that guy? He fall off his horse too many times?"

"That's what he told me he wanted to do with it, Sergeant. I don't ask questions, I just follow orders... no matter how damn screwball they might seem."

"Well, Corp, if he wants to ruin ANOTHER truck, he can take that broken-down one over there... tell him if he can fix it and keep it running, he can HAVE it!."

"With pleasure, Sergeant."

[Carthaginian]

*La Paz, California*

"Major Baldwin, what brings you out to our test site today?" the dapper man with the greased hair and mustache asked. His uniform was soaked to the skin in sweat, indicating that he had spent today on the ground. This was unusual for Major Nathan B. Forrest III, as he preferred to be in the air aboard the 'drop ship' whenever possible. He proclaimed that he would rather view the process of dropping the modified 200-pounder shells form the air and observe from 'the better vantage point' the effects of dropping the bombs on the target and the airship; Baldwin himself simply believed that it was the most effective way for the Missouri native to beat the desert heat. "Everything went smoothly again today. We dropped 25-pounders in large quantities today- we wanted to evaluate the effects of the lighter weapons on 'soft targets.' By the way... we're having barbecued goat for supper tonight in the mess hall."

*"What in the hell does that m..." wondered Baldwin... and then the answer hit him. "So, Major Forrest, I presume that the local farmers were compensated for their livestock? We cannot afford to have the locals in an uproar. They are already nervous enough as-is... what with these massive machines defying God's de facto decree that man is a ground-bound species. I do believe that witnessing our airships raining fire and brimstone from the sky would drive them over the edge."

"Don't worry, sir... I had them shipped from San Deigo specially for these tests. I wouldn't dream of violating the agreements not to harm the property of the locals." Only a slight note of sarcasm tinged Forrest's voice; his rather affluent upbringing left him unimpressed by the station of the locals... but unfortunately, he was the best damn airship commander in the Confederacy's young Air Corps. "How fares your project back in Florida? Any new successes?

"Actually, we had one from over 1000 feet yesterday. Stone Mountain took up 5 jumpers and all made it safely to the ground. I received word via telegraph this morning. Only one injury this time... a sprained ankle. I believe that Major Chennault with the aeroplane division might be interested in trying the device soon. It would greatly increase their hopes of survival when testing new designs. Major Chennault has told me that one of his newer designs flew for over 4 hours yesterday... thought it was a special design produced especially for range of action. Lieutenant Luke was piloting it, and he flew over 180 miles in a day. The scouting potential of the aeroplane is something that we must not overlook. We could patrol the entire DRM border with a few dozen. Instead of requiring several cavalry divisions, we could deploy 7or 8 aeroplanes every 200 miles and maintain a constant vigil!"

"I'm sure General Pershing will absolutely adore your marginalization of cavalry."

"Major Forrest, the General of the Army may take a walk for all I care. 'Black Jack' Pershing might be an excellent tactician in his field, but he is hide-bound and too traditional. The day of a man and his horse scouting the land is over... why see 5 miles when you can see 25? The answer is clear- we must move forward!"

"I agree, Sir, I agree. Come, let's see how the tests fared."

The two men mounted their horses and rode the 3 miles to the site of the bombing run. The smell was almost unbearable... burning hair, singed flesh, and emptied bowels. The men on the site had already made the count- of 200 goats in the beaten zone, only 5 survived physically unscathed and even they were completely in shock. Forrest's remark about 'goat for supper' clearly didn't refer to this particular herd. Most of the dead had sustained wounds ranging from mortal to instantly fatal, only a few had lingered any amount of time. The majority lay in grisly condition.

"Major, I'd like to make my report: 'On the test regarding use of light exploding munitions dropped from an airship against infantry targets in positions unprotected by overhead cover, I judge the results satisfactory in all ways. Also, given the limited amount of firepower possessed of such an infantry company capable of doing satisfactory damage to a target of such size as an airship, I would rate chances of success as excellent."

"I've seen enough, Major Forrest. Let's get somewhere where it doesn't stink."

"Yes, Sir."

[Borys]

OOC
Ahoj!

Lieutenant Luke was piloting it, and he flew over 180 miles in a day.

Let me guess - orphan brought up by "relatives" on a farm in driest part of Arizona? With a crazy hermit "uncle" in nearby hills?
Borys

[Carthaginian]

OOC
Ahoj!

Lieutenant Luke was piloting it, and he flew over 180 miles in a day.

Let me guess - orphan brought up by "relatives" on a farm in driest part of Arizona? With a crazy hermit "uncle" in nearby hills?
Borys

LOL... nah. The Force is NOT strong with this one.
This is actually Frank Luke, the OTL ace known for firing his twin .45's at signs and trees while riding his motorcycle down country lanes at breakneck speeds. I couldn't think of anyone better to have as a test pilot.

[maddox]

Luke Skywalker is already claimed by the New Swiss airforce.  Just to mention.

[Desertfox]

Well not yet...he is trying to join. He is in fact based on Frank Luke Jr. with some WW Manzo mixed in. In from Arizona so I'm familiar with that crazy ballon buster. ;D

[Carthaginian]

Luke Skywalker is already claimed by the New Swiss airforce.  Just to mention.

Mine is the real Frank Luke, as he was born in the CSA. ;)
Not trying to co-opt anyone else's people, but Lt. Frank Luke is going to be majorly important to the Confederate Air Corps in the 1910's-20's. Get used to seeing his name in a lot of twixes coming out of La Paz. :)

[Carthaginian]

Mobile Press-Regester, 01MAR1908

The city of Mobile was today shocked at the new posters being used by the Navy to entice men into enlisting. First displayed at the Water Street offices of the Gulf Command, it was spread throughout the city and one can only assume the rest of the country by late afternoon. It's lewd language and suggestive illustration caused a calamitous uproar amongst the more mature members of our fair city, and evoked stares and vulgar behavior in the younger. It is understandable that the Fleet Renewal Program designed to bring the Confederate Navy up to modern standards demands increased enlistment- and the Press-Register encourages all men of age to serve their country- however, many think this suggestive piece is inappropriate.

[Borys]

THE WHORE OF BABYLON! HOW LOW HAS OUR GREAT NATION FALLEN? THE WORLD WONDERS!

[Ithekro]

At least its not the heathens to the west.  Their women ride horses in a very unlady like fashion.  They have even been know to wear pants.

[Carthaginian]

At least its not the heathens to the west.  Their women ride horses in a very unlady like fashion.  They have even been know to wear pants.

Which 'heathens' would that be? ;)

[Borys]

Ahoj!
I prefer not to mention the depreved Brandenburgers ... who have a cottage industry turning out postcards of indecently clad strumpets like this:
http://www.bildpostkarten.uni-osnabrueck.de/displayimage.php?album=114&pos=32
http://www.bildpostkarten.uni-osnabrueck.de/displayimage.php?pos=-7334
http://www.bildpostkarten.uni-osnabrueck.de/displayimage.php?album=114&pos=38
http://www.bildpostkarten.uni-osnabrueck.de/displayimage.php?album=114&pos=24

There 77 postcards in that ... collection. SEVENTY SEVEN!

Borys