Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Plane Pr0n of a Different Sort

This is interesting...
Chief of Staff 2013 Reading List Released: Gen. Mark Welsh, Air Force Chief of Staff, issued his 2013 reading list for airmen. The list features 14 books, but is not limited to reading recommendations since it also includes seven films, 11 pieces of art, 10 songs, three photographers' galleries, and seven TED talks. These selections "highlight our heritage and fighting spirit, as well as encourage innovation and forward thinking," wrote Welsh in his introductory message. "We are the world's greatest air force because of our airmen . . . and we must continue to strengthen that team," he stated. "Take a look at the list and find something that grabs your attention. Hopefully it'll expand your mind, and ultimately make our great team even better," he concluded. (See also the 2012 list.)
I believe this is the first time the Chief of Staff's reading list has included art, photography, and anything from the TED talks.  There's enough stuff in the links above to keep an aviation historian (or buff, you choose) busy for hours and hours.  I began with a quick look at the art link and found this, among other things:


There's mo' betta stuff at the art link, and it's ALL good.  Check out the TED Talks, too.  Hell... everything is good, if not great, here.

8 comments:

  1. I started with the art list, which was great. When I grow up, I want to paint war heroes.

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    1. Haven't you already painted a war hero or two? I seem to recall that you have, but I could be mistaken.

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    2. I have, but not on a grand scale where there is recognition as a "war artist." I don't really need recognition, but I would like to be known well enough that someone says, "Hey Lou, would you paint our wounded warriors..." or something like that. It just seems like I would be making a real contribution at that point.

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    3. You're contributing, Lou, a lot more than most.

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  2. The art was fantastic. The film list surprising, who da thunk one of my favorites ("The Blue Max") would make the list.

    All in all not bad, not bad at all. I am pleasantly surprised.

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    1. I was surprised, as well, and thought about titling the post as another in the "Not Your Father's Air Force" series. As for the films... I've seen most of those. I'm betraying my advanced age (yet again) but I saw "The Blue Max" in a theatre, as a first-run film. I thank The Deity At Hand that I can't say the same for "12 o'clock High." Wait. Mebbe I CAN! (Just kidding... I was only four in 1949.) ;-)

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  3. I've alway loved the Ploesti Raid artwork. I can almost feel the kapok seat cushion as my ass is trying to suck it up in fear while I (the pilot or crewman) is trying to keep the aircraft flying in a proper manner.

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Just be polite... that's all I ask.