In the Mail

That would be today's overnight mail.  There's this, for starters...

About which, this, from the Usual USAF Source:

And Eight Become Seven

President Barack Obama, who is in Europe for the Nuclear Security Summit, met with leaders of the G-7 (the US, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan) in the Netherlands Monday to discuss the situation in Ukraine. The seven nations, along with the Presidents of the European Union and the European Commission, expressed continuing support for the country through what is being called The Hague Declaration. The document denounces Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and once again makes a plea for a diplomatic solution. However, it also reaffirms that there will be "significant consequences" for Russia's actions. "This group came together because of shared beliefs and shared responsibilities," states the declaration. "Russia's actions in recent weeks are not consistent with them. Under these circumstances, we will not participate in the planned Sochi Summit. We will suspend our participation in the G-8 until Russia changes course and the environment comes back to [one] where the G-8 is able to have a meaningful discussion … "

And this:

James: Air Force Ready to "Step Up" in Ukraine if Asked

 
Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said the Air Force is "ready to step up to the plate" in Ukraine if it's asked, noting the service already has "kicked it up a notch with respect to some of our training, particularly with Poland and the Baltic policing mission." Speaking to Stars and Stripes at Ramstein AB, Germany, during her first trip to Europe and Afghanistan since becoming Secretary, James said the Air Force is able to surge if necessary. "The situation between Russia and the Ukraine is not currently affecting our operations here in Europe, in terms of the way we project to reshape the Air Force in the future and our current operations," she said.  

What the Hell does "step up to the plate" mean?  I don't like the sound of that at ALL.  

I like the looks of this, though:

Air Frame: Four Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcons zoom by the visitors of the Lightning in the Desert Air Show March 16, 2014, on Luke AFB, Ariz. The event was open to the general public to view vintage aircraft and the F-35A Lightning II. (Air Force photo by SrA. Marcy Copeland)

It's been years and years and years since I've been to an airshow.  I saw the Blue Angles (<== not a typo) perform over the San Francisco Bay back in 2000 or mebbe 2001 and that was the last airshow (sorta) I attended.

I also like the looks of this:

My next book or possibly two will be "free."  I use the scare-quotes coz that settlement means I overpaid for books I've bought in the past.

And now it's off to make the blog rounds.