I know many of you already have read my first novel, “Nebraska Doppleganer,” but for those who have asked me about basic premise, here is a peek at what the book is about — a synopsis of the first five chapters. All my books have been put into e-book format.

This novel is based upon true incidents in World War II. There really were Americans who were scooped up and drafted into the military, not only by the Germans, but by the Italians, and Japanese.  My hero, John Krauss, sees the war from both sides of the war.

Chapter 1:

  Newspaper woman Cindy Krauss of Lincoln, Neb., learns that her 85-year-old grandfather, John Krauss, has a secret he wants to share, but she must come to his home in Kearney, Neb.

  When she arrives, the old man begins telling her about his past. His parents were native born Germans with sympathies toward Hitler during World War II, so much so that he was taken to Berlin to go to college, but ended up in uniform and became assigned to Field Marshall Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps.

Chapter 2:

  John Krauss begins telling his granddaughter his life’s story in the hope that she will write it correctly. He begins telling her about German-American society in the United States during the first part of the 20^th century. He tells her about how his father took him to the Berlin Olympics in 1936 for his high school graduation present. John described the atmosphere of cosmopolitan Berlin with its bright red bannered swastikas hanging from nearly every building. The young man is approached by a Gestapo agent, who informs him that because John’s father is still a German citizen, the young man also is considered a citizen of the Fatherland. He is instructed to immediately register for the Wehrmacht (German armed forces).

Chapter 3:

    John enrolls at Berlin University, begins to witness the rough-handed antics of the SS, and meets a new friend, Greta von Carlsen. John is forced to register for the draft before he’s allowed to begin his classes. Despite an age difference of about 10 years, Greta invites him to have a drink with her after school, and later offers to rent him a room in her sprawling suburban home. As it turns out, Greta, though born in Germany, immigrated to the United States before returning and marrying. Her husband, a noted aristocrat and flier, was killed in a mysterious plane crash during a Luftwaffe test.

  Once in Greta’s home, he meets a friend of Greta’s, Major Dieter Zeis of the German army.

Chapter 4:

  John explains a bit of history to his granddaughter, telling her how the world was much different in the late 1930s compared to the 21^st century. He recalled how his parents sent him $50 each month for his living expenses, and that living in Greta’s house brought with it much curiosity. This woman had a secret side to her. Was Major Zeis just a friend or a lover? Were either or both of them Nazis?

  Much to his surprise, young John Krauss becomes Greta’s lover as she begins slipping into his bed in the middle of the night.

  One of his questions was soon answered when he discovers Greta is a British agent who sends radio messages to London nearly every night.

Major Zeis is her brother-in-law and not a lover, nor is he a Nazi. On the contrary, it would appear much of Greta’s information was coming from the major.

  One weekend, the three take a motor trip south to Munich where Greta goes to a nearby village called Dachau to check out a rumor.

  Back in Berlin, John discovers a little bit of America at the Chicago Hofbrau where he can get a real hamburger and a coke.

Chapter 5:

  John Krauss explains the various components and makeup of Hitler’s Wehrmacht and what it was like being a part of an invading force. He explained how after World War I the League of Nations was formed and how it failed, and how the Treaty of Versailles caused many of the problems that triggered the war in Europe.

  John recalls being drafted into the Germany army and Major Zeis arranges for him to become a corporal in the medical corps assigned to his Medical Supply Depot. John then meets Sergeant Werner Schroeder, who is in charge of the staff and daily routine at the depot.

If you like what you’ve read so far, you can down-load the e-book format for $2.99 each at the Kindle Store of Amazon.com, or a my personal web site: www.oldwarriorbooks.com.  The sequel to this book is “Secret At Beckham Manor.”

I hope you’ll give it a try and, forgive this shameless self-promotion.

Merry Christmas,

Tom Morrow

quotetaker@msn.com

The popularity contest currently going on in the Republican Party is no different than what we saw back in 2008, when both parties’ candidates were jockeying for position. Until next summer, it’s going to be “flavor of the month” as polls bounce back and forth. A month ago it was Rick Perry until he his stand on immigration toppled him out of first place; right now it’s Herman Cain, and it looks as though he’ll soon be biting the dust as his past seems to be catching up with him. Mitt Romney floats along near the top as if he was just waiting for all the back-biting and bickering to stop so he could claim the GOP crown.
Most of promises all presidential candidates make during their campaigns are never fulfilled because the proposal(s) don’t get past the two houses on Capitol Hill. Even if one party controls everything, as President Obama found out, not much gets passed. After three years, Obama Care seems to be his only real victory.
So, many times whoever ends up in the White House is the winner of the popularity contest. He who “looks good.” He who “sounds good.” He (or she) who is able to raise the most money. Qualifications be damned.
Among all the multitudes standing on the current GOP candidate stage, only two seem to be saying anything in the way of common sense: Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich. But, they have baggage that will eliminate them from being seriously considered and eventually tapped as the final candidate: Neither is “good looking.” Paul is old and Gingrich is fat. Ron seems too radical and Newt has multiple divorces. No matter what they seem to be saying, most voters can’t get past those drawbacks. If looking good and sounding good will get you elected, then Romney has a clear shot just like Obama did in 2008, when his opponent was old, stale and seemingly out-of-touch.
Americans like good-looking and good-talkers. Whether they actually know what they’re talking about or what they’re saying actually has a chance of becoming reality seems to be of secondary consideration in the polling booth.
To my mind, the smartest guy on the stage is Newt. But, for the above reasons, he doesn’t stand a chance. Too bad because he knows how things work in Washington and has a better chance of accomplishing something more so than anyone else on the stage. And, boy are we desperate for something positive to happen in Washington.
But, being smart with know-how won’t get you elected — you must to be good-looking and a smooth talker — with lots of media money.

Tom Morrow — quotetaker@msn.com

Tom Morrow

KINDA, SORTA LIKE ‘PILING ON!’

  GOP Presidential candidate Herman Cain has his new flat-tax proposal two-thirds right. His so-called “9-9-9″ plan, for the most part, is a good idea. It’s that middle “9″ that’s beginning to have people worried.

  The “Left” won’t like the “9″ percent income tax — that’s because it’ll be everyone having to pay a flat 9 percent income tax. Currently, about 47 percent of Americans pay no income tax.

  Corporate taxes definitely need to be lowered and 9 percent seems to be not only fair, but a way to get our economy going and jobless rate down.

  But, it’s that 9 percent national “sales tax” that’s going to be the real sticking point. No Republican or Democrat congress will pass that one.

  Most states already have a sales tax. Here in California, depending upon what county you live, it’s 7 to 8 percent. If you add a 9 percent federal tax on top of that, well, paying 16 to 17 percent tax on items we buy is more than a bit much.

  BOTTOM LINE: Sorry, no one’s gonna buy that one. It “ain’t” gonna pass muster. Ol’ Herman might have a better chance amending his plan to a “9-9″ plan, or at the most, “9-2-9.” Other than that, I think Mr. Cain has a very good chance of being on the GOP ticket come next year — one way or the other.

—————-

  They’re at it again! A panel of judges on the U.S. Ninth Court of Appeals in San Francisco have, in effect, told a Poway teacher he can’t have any reference to “God” or “Lord” or “Jesus” in his classroom. But, nothing is being said about his displays of “Buddha” “Black Muslim” and “Hindu” slogans.

  Teacher Brad Johnson had “In God We Trust,” “One Nation Under God,” “God Bless America,” slogans displayed in his classroom. School officials ordered him to take down these displayed because the “promoted Christian-Judea viewpoints.” There was no comment from school officials about a 40-foot banner depicting a Tibetan prayer flag, images of Buddha, as well as posters of Hindu leader Mahatma Gandhi, black leader Malcom X, and the Buddhist leader the Dahli Lama.

  Talk about your double standards. This is “political correctness” taken to extremes, but that’s the reputation of the “Ninth.” Johnson is appealing to have the entire court panel make a judgement. He vows to take it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.

  Oh, by the way, the Poway school district officials admit Johnson is one of their best math teachers.

———–

  Heads up! Bill O’Reilly is going to have young Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, as a guest on Monday evening.

  That outta be enough to go with your Post Toasties this morning.

Tom Morrow — quotetaker@msn.com

Tom Morrow

SOUNDING OFF ABOUT TODAY EDUCATION

 I get letters from readers….

From Karen:

  I attended a vocational high school. In our senior year we were placed on a job in our chosen field.

  We went to school half a day and went to work the other half. After graduation most of us were hired full time by those employers.

  The vocation I learned there kept me employed my entire life. Every community should have this option. Our school not only had auto mechanics or drafting, but hotel/restaurant management, tailoring, cabinet making, accounting, commercial art, and business courses.

  It’s a shame these schools aren’t as prevalent now.

 From Ollie:

  Thanks for mentioning our failures in educating all of our children particularly when they can graduate with grade levels substantially below the 12th grade.
   And, we have also substantially cheated many of them when vocational education was vertually eliminated. Oceanside school district has $25 million to build a cultural center so that our students will have cullture even if they can’t get jobs.

  It also leaves our hands-on trade employers searching for partially-qualified employees.

  Go figure.

From John, an Arizona school teacher:

1.  Teaching Math In 1950′s:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?

2.  Teaching Math In 1960′s:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100 His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3.  Teaching Math In 1970′s:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4.  Teaching Math In 1980′s:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5.  Teaching Math In 1990′s:
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it’s ok. )

6.  Teaching Math In 2011:
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho.

 ———————

Friday’s History Challenge:

1. Who won the War of 1812? It was a stalemate. If anyone was the victor, it was Canada, which fought for the British.

2. Who was U.S. President during the War of 1812? James Madison

3. Two future presidents were military heroes during that war, who were they? William Henry Harrison and Andrew Jackson.

4.  Who was the famous Native American warrior fighting against the U.S.? The famous Shawnee chieftain, Tecumseh.

5.  What popular song was written in a battle during the War of 1812? “The Star Spangled Banner.”

TODAY’S GEOGRAPHY QUESTION:

What is the most-southern national capital city? (Be careful)

 ——————-

 ”The difference between praying in church and praying in a casino is that when you’re in a casino, prayers are more sincere.” — as told by a man of the cloth.

See you Wednesday…

Tom Morrow … quotetaker@msn.com

Tom Morrow

YOUNGSTERS AREN’T PREPARED FOR WORK!

  On a number of news and commentary TV programs recently, the “Talking Heads” and reporters say, despite the high unemployment rate, there are plenty of jobs in a number of skilled vocations. The problem is there’s a shortage of people who can do those jobs. Such as: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, auto mechanics, etc.

  Up until about 30 years ago, school districts offered vocational training in a variety of areas: auto mechanics, drafting, wood-working, welding, etc. Today, those types of offerings are few and far between.

  Here in Oceanside, our neighboring Vista Unified School District now has a technical-vocational high school up and operating with reported success. School districts across America should be doing the same thing. Presently we’re turning out students who are pretty good at passing tests, but few of them know how to make change at a cash register, and fewer yet could land a job in a vocation that requires only a minimum of ability.

  And, like the tech and vocational schools of yesteryear, students should get the basics of reading, writing, math, and HISTORY!

————————

Today’s History Challenge:

1. Who won the War of 1812?

2. Who was U.S. President during the War of 1812?

3. Two future presidents were military heroes during that war, who were they?

4.  Who was the famous Native American warrior fighting against the U.S.?

5.  What popular song was written in a battle during the War of 1812?

Answers on Sunday…

Tom Morrow — quotetaker@msn.com

Tom Morrow

A HISTORY TEACHER REPLIES TO COLUMN:

  Reader, old friend, and retired history teacher Jack Frazier responded to Sunday’s column thusly:

Tom,

  The turn away from teaching history began in the 1950′s with the USSR successfully launching Sputnik at which time Eisenhower pushed for students to become scientists and mathematicians to counter the Soviet threat. Of course, you already knew this.

  There has been a steady move to make history and government the bastard step-child of the educationalal system. Most educators would have a difficult time with your little quiz and if given a test used in the 40′s, 50′s or 60′s, would fail miserably.

  Teachers do not get a well rounded liberal arts education instead they are pushed to become “experts” in their particular field. Look at the curriculum at most schools and you will see a lop sided tilt in the number of science and math teachers to social studies teachers.

  As Pogo once said in the 60s’, “We have met the enemy and he is us!” The educrats are not really interested in anything other than the preservation of their jobs and have been unduly influenced by the very liberal activists in education. That was one reason I retired when I did. The CUSD (Carlsbad Unified School District) higher ups only wanted to teach a small amount of history and instead wanted teachers to teach to standardized tests where high scores mean more money for the district. A pity.

Jack

————–

“The Sky has already fallen … now what?” — The late Bonsall Eddie Haywood.

See you on Friday….

Tom Morrow — quotetaker@msn.com

Tom Morrow

WHAT OUR YOUTH DOESN’T KNOW

ABOUT HISTORY IS KILLING US!!!

Someone once said, “How can we know where we’re going in life if we don’t know where we’ve been.”

  That’s today’s youth. Actually, it’s pretty much anyone under the age of 40. For the past quarter century our school have steadily de-emphasized the teaching of history, and to even a bigger extent, geography. The basic history and civics courses most of us received in high school are sorely lacking.

  Educators may take exception to this, but why is it that each year student test scores come in lower and lower in history and civics in general. Recent statistics show some 11 percent of high school seniors weren’t qualified in history for that level. Many graduating seniors can’t name the 50 states, and some don’t even know there are 50.

  If you have school-age children or grandchildren, try asking some of these basic questions on history and geography — see how they fare:

  1.  Who was the first president of the United States?

  2.  Who was the U.S. president during the Civil War?

  3.  What side did Robert E. Lee fight for? The North or the South?

  4.  Who was U.S. president first? Franklin or Theodore Roosevelt?

  5.  We fought Germany in which war? World I or World War II?

  6.  Vietnam and Korea are located in Europe? Australia? or Asia?

  7.  What is the capital of California?

  8.  What is our largest state?

  9.  President Obama was a U.S. senator from what state?

10. Who’s buried in Grant’s tomb?

  Now, how many of you can answer those questions?

——————————– 

“I’ve often wonder — do whales leave warm spots in the ocean? — Cecil Scaglione

See you on Wednesday…

Tom Morrow — quotetaker@msn.com

  NOTE: I didn’t write this, but wish I was clever enough to do so.

  If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, ‘Who’s on First?’ might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO TELEPHONES TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT 

ABBOTT: “Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?”

COSTELLO: “Thanks I’m setting up an office in my den and I’m thinking about buying a computer.“

ABBOTT: “Mac?”

COSTELLO: “No, the name’s Lou.“

ABBOTT: “Your computer?”

COSTELLO: “I don’t own a computer. I want to buy one.“

ABBOTT: “Mac?”

COSTELLO: “I told you, my name’s Lou.“

ABBOTT: “What about Windows?”

COSTELLO: “Why? Will it get stuffy in here?”

ABBOTT: “Do you want a computer with Windows?”

COSTELLO: “I don’t know. What will I see when I look at the windows?”

ABBOTT: “Wallpaper.“

COSTELLO: “Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.”

ABBOTT: “Software for Windows?”

COSTELLO: “No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?”

ABBOTT: “Office.“

COSTELLO: “Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?”

ABBOTT: “I just did.“

COSTELLO: “You just did what?”

ABBOTT: “Recommend something.”

COSTELLO: “You recommended something?”

ABBOTT: “Yes.“

COSTELLO: “For my office?”

ABBOTT: “Yes.“

COSTELLO: “OK, what did you recommend for my office?”

ABBOTT: “Office.”

COSTELLO: “Yes, for my office!“

ABBOTT: “I recommend Office with Windows.”

COSTELLO: “I already have an office with windows! OK, let’s just say I’m sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?”

ABBOTT: “Word.”

COSTELLO: “What word?”

ABBOTT: “Word in Office.”

COSTELLO: “The only word in office is office.”

ABBOTT: “The Word in Office for Windows.”

COSTELLO: “Which word in office for windows?”

ABBOTT: “The Word you get when you click the blue ‘W’.”

COSTELLO: “I’m going to click your blue ‘W’ if you don’t start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? Do you have anything I can track my money with?”

ABBOTT: “Money.“

COSTELLO: “That’s right. What do you have?“

ABBOTT: “Money.“

COSTELLO: “I need money to track my money?”

ABBOTT: “It comes bundled with your computer.”

COSTELLO: “What’s bundled with my computer?”

ABBOTT: “Money.“

COSTELLO: “Money comes with my computer?”

ABBOTT: “Yes.  At no extra charge.“

COSTELLO: “I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?”

ABBOTT: “One copy.”

COSTELLO: “Isn’t it illegal to copy money?”

ABBOTT: “Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.“

COSTELLO: “They can give you a license to copy money?”

ABBOTT: “Why not? THEY OWN IT!“

(A few days later, Lou calls the store again)

ABBOTT: “Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?”

COSTELLO: “How do I turn my computer off?”

ABBOTT: “Click on ‘START.’”

———————

See you Sunday…

Tom Morrow — quotetaker@msn.com

  As many of you know, I “un-retired” nearly three years ago to help get a new airline off the ground. In these poor economic times, it almost sounds laughable when someone tells you there’s going to be a new airline created. Nonetheless, it’s true.

  The corporate framework of California Pacific Airlines has been in existence since early 2009. For more-than two years, about a dozen or so aviation veterans and executives have been putting together maintenance and safety manuals required for FAA certification. We’re well into the process, which is quite lengthy and difficult.

  From here on out, things will move very fast. We’ve already started adding more personnel. We should have our first two twin-engine jet airliners by the end of this year. By January, training flights under FAA supervision will have begun. By February or March we’ll have added upwards of 100 new jobs into San Diego North’s workplace. If all goes as planned, we should be “Wheels Up” by late April, early May.

  We’re planning to have four to five planes in service by this time next year. The Embraer 170, a Brazilian-built airliner, is a 70-passenger aircraft with a roomy two-by-two seat configuration.

  From Carlsbad’s Palomar Airport, CPAir will fly several daily round-trip, non-stop flights to San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. The airport has a new multi-million dollar terminal, streamlined security, and it’s staffed by U.S. Immigration personnel, which makes it an “international” airport. It’s significant how many people living in the San Diego area haven’t been to the new terminal, or even know there was one.

  So, by summer of next year, there will be an alternative for flying into and out of San Diego County. You won’t have to fight those long and tedious security lines down at Lindbergh Field, and the parking at Palomar is just $5 bucks a day; long-term is less. Wanna go to the many resorts and theme parks of San Diego North or Orange County, we’ll be a better alternative. Wanna go to San Diego itself? Palomar Airport is only 35 miles south and the Coaster rail is close by to whisk you downtown.

  So, that’s what I’ve been doing with a lot of my time. Among many chores, one of my primary responsibilities is publishing a bi-monthly magazine, which will serve as our inflight publication once we get into the air.

  For those of you who’ve been asking, as well as those who didn’t believe it, that’s the latest on the new California Pacific Airlines. I’ll update you further as we move along. But, a few of you aren’t really going to believe any of this until our first planes taxi up to the Palomar terminal. I’ll let you know so you can come down and watch ‘em land.

Tom Morrow — tmorrow@flycpair.com