This is a test post to prove to my wife, L, that it is possible to embed a web link in a blog post. As such, it should be read with sensitivity to the fact that I am an inexperienced blogger and do not need a bunch of crap, either.

I read today in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the military has worked with private industry to develop an electronic bugle to simulate the playing of Taps by a live bugler at funerals for honorably discharged veterans. Two things crossed my mind. First, is it really more dignified to have a guy with a toy "play" Taps than to not have the music at all? Second, if Tang and Teflon were the benefits of the space program, will electronic instruments be the benefit of the Bush military? Good grief.

By the way, do you think the element that plays "Taps" is made in China, or Japan? For the age of lots of the veterans in these funerals (World War II vets) I hope it is China. At least they were a nominal ally in the war.