The impact of watching American Sniper....a few weeks on.

Went to see the movie American Sniper some weeks ago (maybe 3 weeks). I have no complaints about the movie, but I'm done with Iraq War movies.  Have you ever felt like your body was so internally hot that you might spontaneously com-bust ? - that is how I felt during that entire movie, but again, I think it was a well presented movie.

A few days prior to seeing this movie, during a discussion in class, American Sniper was brought up - basically concerning it's possible impact on the trial that was then in session for the accused (now convicted) murderer of the two men. "American Sniper" was tossed around a few times before I made the comment - and no offense intended, to anyone, and not to take away from the accomplishments of one that is recognized as the best sniper ever - but I commented that there are many snipers in the military and that they are all American; this particular American sniper's name was Chris Kyle, and that is then who we should be talking of. I'm pretty sure that the military students were in a majority of consensus with my opinion.

Anyways, we talked a bit (just a small bit) about the impact and timing of the movie, and some of the 'seeming facts' that were coming out of the trial (taking someone who is known to be drunk/stoned to the firing range) - I was not there and therefore do not question or judge the processes used to assist those veterans who were mentally in need.

I have noted though, since viewing the movie, that I have seemed a little off-balance; a slight sense of just not myself. I told Melissa, after leaving the theater, that I was done with Iraq War movies. I kind of allowed myself to be drug to this movie, in a fashion, because she really wanted to see it and I felt that I needed to take her in order to be the kind and supportive person that I'm supposed to be. I'm not going to anymore though.

I'm not anti-war, by any means, but I think that there has rarely been a good reason to send our son's and daughter's off to fight in foreign countries, for interests that are not entirely clear - and this really seems to be one of those to me. As we send US Troops back to Iraq to deal with ISIS or ISIL or the Al Qaeda affiliate that is not affiliated with Al Qaeda - I'm just left wondering about the expenditure of life and resources that were committed to a cause that I never fully understood - because the U.S. does not involve itself in 'nation building'....so why did we go?

I do know that Uday and Qusay, by all accounts, were of an evil that the lack of presence of makes our world a better place. But we, as a Nation, do not selectively assassinate foreign leaders or their families- we do not interfere in sovereign nations affairs.

I felt that I needed to express this post, because it is a conundrum that I'm sure many other Veterans live with each day. It's just that some days it seems to come to the forefront more than others - and watching American Sniper sure did bring it back to the forefront for me.

Now I'm off to the gym, to sweat out the anger and frustration and sadness and restore my soul, somewhat, because that is basically all that one can do. It's called the 'new normal'; it's like the old normal - and it is normal, just not the same normal that we were once used too; and sometimes that takes a bit more time getting used to.

21 Mar: I was thinking at the gym, and on the way home about what upsets me- really upsets me, about this movie subject. Chris Kyle had to find a place, within himself, in order to live with himself; he determined that by doing his job he was saving the lives of countless Soldiers and Marines, and that is how he was able to face himself. Chris earned the right to NOT have to continue to make decisions and choices - that he had to make in Iraq, when he returned. I feel sorry for his wife and children, but I really feel sorry for Chris - who had the life, that he had Earned, taken away from him. Reminds me of the moment in 'Saving Private Ryan', when the Captain says, "Earn this". Chris did, and then it was taken from him.

Okay, I'm done with this subject. Sorry for being so long-winded on it. Had to work it out of my system.

He who hesitates....

Back in 2009, I was driving up to my buddy's place in North Texas. The sun was shining brightly and I had my smartphone/gps device plugged into the cigarette/power outlet. It worked fine, but there were these wires hanging about, constantly getting in the way and that got me thinking of why not produce a replacement back for cell phones that are embedded with a flexible solar cell technology and plug directly into the battery interface contacts. This leaves the mini (or micro) USB port available still (does anyone really know the difference ? and if we do, haven't we pretty much quit caring what the heck it's called!)

Anyways, I used a piece of napkin to sketch out my plans, but then had to train up a Army unit for deployment to Iraq and put this idea on the back burner. My buddy thought it was a heck of a good idea....I mean, when your not using your phone, turn it upside down and it charges. A little heat-sink grease and there should be no issues with overheating batteries etc.  Well, I found a similar item while I was in Iraq, so that idea was mute forever more. I did buy stock in Ascent Solar Technologies (ASTI) who produces quite a few items using a flexible solar cell technology. Smart stuff. Kudos for them, if they can ever get out of the cellar and into the mainstream.

After returning from Iraq in 2011, I started thinking about another 'spectacular' idea, this one involving Bluetooth technology. Assuming that many folks now own smartphones (or other devices enabled with Bluetooth) I decided that there must be a way to automatically recognize and join devices (I think BT 3.0 and 4.0 allows this)- so here's this idea: When walking into a big-box store (think Lowes, Home Depot, Sam's Club, or Costco) where locations of all items in the store are tracked using software - why can't they have a connected Bluetooth system that welcomes you, as you walk into the store, and then becomes interactive, asking you what you are shopping for today, and then directing you towards the proper aisle. Since BT technology is generally limited to about 30 feet, an additional antenna device could welcome the consumer to 'housewares' and then offer both the location and alternative ideas - the automated supply and stockage systems make this possible. The beauty of this entire idea is that it does not get rid of folks on the floor - you will always need human interface with some level of expertise in that section.

I'm working on my next idea....not sure what it is going to be though. I think I'd like to get away from automation stuff and work on building something.

Oh what goes through ones mind while driving across country.