Imagine my surprise recently when I came across a very thinly disguised attempt at humor...on a business website!  Now, you too can own your very own COWBELL.  FOR 2 DOLLARS!  WHO KNEW? 

Bob "Punchy" Powell doesn't consider himself a "hero", in the military sense.  You see, he was a pilot in WWII, and flew the P-51 Mustang over the beaches of Normandy, during the D-Day invasion.  He has been heard to say that the guys on the ground that day were the real heroes...he was just doing his everyday job.

T'was the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp, Not an airplane was stirring, not even a Champ. The aircraft were fastened to tie downs with care, In hopes that — come morning — they all would be there. The fuel trucks were nestled, all snug in their spots, With gusts from two-forty at 39 knots. I slumped at the fuel desk, now finally caught up, And settled down comfortably, resting my butt.

With the tough job that the Transportation Security Administration has on their hands, and their (mostly deserved) reputation, imagine my surprise recently at the Milwaukee Airport just after going through security.  As I was putting my shoes back on, rethreading my belt, and stuffing the change back in my pockets, I happened to look up at a sign near the security area exit.

As a student of human nature, humor will often convey a behavioral concept better than anything else. While not related directly to aviation, this public service announcement is for all the husbands, boyfriends, and sons who are struggling with holiday gift selections. ACT WISELY!  THIMK!

John Slemp has been busy. . . He's been shooting great photos at the EAA AirVenture in OshKosh Wisconsin, (this year's event was so rainy it's unofficially been called "Splosh-Kosh.")