Carlos Santana

     I first became a fan of Carlos Santana back in 1968. 
I had returned from Vietnam and was discharged from
the Army. A buddy of mine had tickets to the concert at
Fillmore. The list of performers was immense, but all I
can remember is Al Bloomfield, Jefferson Airplane, Janise
Joplin, the Doors, and the Byrds. Not being one of the top names of the day, Santana had to perform during the afternoon while the more recognized names had the nighttime spots.
If I remember correctly, Santana hit the stage around 4
or 5pm, and his first song lasted thirty minutes in length.
Carlos' first big hit was 'Black Magic Woman', but it would
not come out until after this concert. I loved the way he 
plays the guitar. It doesn't have to be loud to be good.
While most of the groups of the day blasted out their message, Santana let their music make an impression on
you. Like good wine, Carlos has only gotten better over 
the years. He has become a national treasure. Give a 
listen to this sample and see if I can make you a fan of
one of the best guitarist in the world...Carlos Santana!

http://youtu.be/ACdwCIld3kE

New Book (Caribbean Caper)

     I have just completed another book. If you are keeping
count, that makes six I have listed on Amazon.com. The 
latest is a fictional murder-mystery and involves the 
usual characters... The handsome private-eye...the beautiful
client...and the loyal secretary. It takes place in the vacationland
of Jamaica and North Texas. The underwater scenery is spectacular...
but of course that all takes place in your mind.. There you are
not limited to the 42 inch screen but the vastness of your
imagination..

"Following in the footsteps of Earl Stanley Gardner, I have attempted to write my first murder-mystery... Naturally, it involves a lot of locations in North Texas, but also localities in Jamaica. My hero is a private-eye named David Dallas,..and he takes on the case of a beautiful woman, whose boyfriend is missing after a trip to the islands.." Remember all Ron Stone books can be found for digital download at http://www.amazon.com/Ron-Stone/e/B004C64JLO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Please click on Amazon link to view Ron Stone's author page which includes his bio.

 

Confident Cowboys ??

     To no ones surprise, I will admit to being
a Dallas Cowboy fan,...since 1960!!  I have not been
the most ardent supporter of some players (and
owners), but Dallas has always been my team.
   Last Sunday's game against Buffalo might have been the best I have ever seen them play. I won't call it
a perfect game since my Dad taught me 'there is always room for improvement.'
   Dallas is currently one game behind the New York
Giants for the lead in the NFC Eastern Division of the 
NFL. The two teams still have two regular season meetings against each other. New York will visit 
Dallas on December 20th, and the Cowboys close out
the regular season on January 1st by visiting the Giants.
   Dallas quarterback Tony Romo needed a good game to raise his ego after fourth quarter flops earlier this
year put him in a mental funk. Last Sunday against Buffalo he was close to perfection. Romo completed 23 of 26 passes (completed first 13 passes in a row) for three touchdowns. More importantly, he made good decisions when he had to. Praise must also be passed out to the offensive line of Dallas. They provided Romo with enough time to order a pizza before passing the ball. Rookie running back DeMarco Murray may have been a surprise for some, but when he was taken in the college draft I told my wife 'the Cowboys just stole
the best running back in the draft.'  That admission

came from someone who has no love for the University of Oklahoma.
   To say the playoff hopes of the Cowboys lies in 
their own hands, is to state the obvious. Most of those 4 early season losses could very well have gone the
other way...but that is to speak of spilled milk. Dallas
needs to look ahead and not behind.
   First up will be the Washington Redskins this coming
Sunday. Rivalry games always teeter on emotional
moments for me, and this is a rivalry dating back over fifty years. If Dallas plays it's normal game they should have no problem with the Redskins, who are having
more than their share of problems this season. Then it will be another opportunity for Dallas fans to greet each other on Monday with the phrase,..'How 'bout
them Cowboys?'

Colonel Aaron Bank.... Father of Special Forces

     The name may not be familiar to you but it is
one known to the intelligence community of
the world and one feared by the Germans in 
World War II. Colonel Aaron Bank was an officer of the United States Army and the founder of the Army Special Forces.
He is famous for his exploits as an OSS officer in
World War II. He parachuted into occupied France
in 1943 and recruited, coordinated, and led resistance
fighters against the Nazis. He personally led one 
unsuccessful effort to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
The Colonel was proud to be called the 'Father of the
Green Berets.' He survived World War II and was
instrumental in forming guerrilla warfare units in
the Army. Bank died in Dana Point, California in 2004 
at the age of 101.
    The V-42 Stiletto knife was designed according to
the parameters of Colonel Bank and became a standard
issue item to Green Berets. The stacked leather handle

was designed to be easily handled in cold weather. The
double-edged stiletto was razor sharp and would pass
through tough materials with ease. The grip above the
guard was formed to keep the knife from slipping in
wet weather or when wearing gloves. The pointed end
of the handle made both ends of the stiletto lethal.
   I served with the Special Forces at Phu Bai, South 
Vietnam from January 1965 until March 1967. While the
Marines will swear by their K-Bar knives, I loved the 
feel and handling characteristics of the V-42. I was 
contacted by the company making this reproduction of
the V-42 about a commemorative model with Colonel Bank's
signature on it. Needless to say, I ordered one and it arrived
today.