Index – The Best of Neptunus Lex

On March 6, 2012 we lost Lex. He died doing what he wanted to do, teaching Naval Aviators how to be even better.

Lex as a TOPGUN Instructor

For many of us, the Lexicans, he became more than just a blogger but a friend.  Carroll “Lex” LeFon not only enjoyed writing, but he enjoyed the interaction of the “commentariat”, many of whom he called “the best friends I never met”.

Soon after his accident, his website, Neptunus Lex, went down. If it weren’t for one Lexican, who copied and pasted most (about 70%) of his posts for later reading, “the lightness of Lex”, all 9  years’ worth of his work, would have been gone forever. Since this “Best of“ index has gotten so big, I have built another secondary index (“Rest of“ ) And there’s over 1,000 1,700 of his posts not indexed.

In Memory of CAPT Carroll “Lex” LeFon, and the Wonderful Community He Fostered

Welcome. The idea was floated that a ‘talk amongst yourselves’ blog would be a good addition to for the Non-Facebook Crowd. Here it is.

Audrey Hepburn

…Was an elegant spirit

Over the years I have gained an appreciation of classic Hollywood, largely through 2 cinimaphile friends, screenwriter Robert Avrech and another  friend of some 30 years.

When Robert had a post about Audrey, as is my nature since she interested me, I had to learn more about her. Her son, Sean Ferrer, wrote a beautiful book about her, from a son’s viewpoint who knew her as a mother and friend.

Valentine’s Day 02/14/2007

By lex, on February 14th, 2007

Which it might be an post-solstice echo of consumerist culture foisted on unsuspecting masses of sheeple by a ruthlessly bottom line-driven consortium of jewellers, greeting card manufacturers and chocolateers, but there’s also a chance that it isn’t – a possibility that the wise man ignores at his peril while performing risk/reward calculus.

Which in our case meant three single red roses (each with a spray of baby’s breath), three greeting cards and one little trifling jewel box with an itty-bitty necklace in it.

A Bit of Alternate History

I have mentioned this before, but I really enjoy history. I find it fascinating that many times there is such a monumental shift that originated from such a simple thing.

I enjoyed the move Battle of Britain many years ago. IIRC the box office take was disappointing, but in an era before CGI – the Heinkels, Spitfires, and Messerschmidts you saw were real.

Mr. Maduro

“Aerial view of the Tienditas Bridge, along the border between Cucuta, Colombia, and Tachira, Venezuela, after Venezuelan military forces blocked it with containers, Feb. 6, 2019.” Courtesy Voice of America

It wasn’t long ago that Venezuela was one of the most prosperous countries in Latin America, and Caracas one of the most prosperous communities.  They have more oil reserves than Saudi Arabia and more poverty than Columbia today.

The deterioration of their oil industry began with the election of Hugo Chavez.

DNA Testing

Last year, a 40 year crime mystery was solved, thanks to DNA testing. Back in the 70s, a criminal known as the East Area Rapist terrorized women and confounded police.

I can remember talking with my business partner of some 20 years, who came to this country from Finland when she was 18. Went from Finland to Redondo Beach in So Cal (talk about a change!) initially.

She was immensely proud of her late father, who was one of the ski troopers who frustrated Stalin’s army back in 1940.

MCRD

Before I left for San Diego last week, I learned that one of the Lexicans has a son who was to graduate at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. A couple of us Lexicans wanted to meet him there.

I had always seen the entrance there at the base of Washington Street – right next to Lindbergh Field. It appeared like it gained entrance to a small facility.

Appeared.

I thought it looked strange to see a parked 757 literally feet from the fence.

And I thought that there would be 100-200 parents and family that would be in bleachers like a Little League game. That the Lexican would be easy to find.

After going through a thorough search, Marine Corps style (no pictures were allowed) I gained entrance and was I in for a surprise.

The bleachers, nearly full, were more befitting of a small stadium.

The parade ground alone could be used as a runway!

And when I saw the “bleachers” and how full they were, it was obvious that I would be watching this ceremony by myself.

It looked like there were a thousand or 2 Marines all standing out there at parade rest, but I learned later that there were 488 graduates.

I have always felt that a pass in review, with all of the soldiers or Marines in perfect harmony and precision, is a thing of beauty to watch, and they did not disappoint.

Anyway, congratulations after that long road to becoming a Marine.

 

An Invitation From Mr. Hearst

I just got back from a quick drive down to San Diego and because I have come to think of the 300 mile I5 slog from Stockton to the Grapevine as mind-numbing (literally, other than the Harris Ranch near the middle for a nice steak) – there is literally nothing. I’m trying to decide which is more boring – this or driving across the Texas panhandle on I40. At least there you have Amarillo and The Big Texan (if you can eat their monster 72 oz steak it’s free! Pepto-Bismol included!). Years ago, I used to think of the 500 mile drive to San Diego as long but certainly doable; these days I like to break it up.

Particularly with LA traffic. Used to be you could time it to be there outside of rush hour, but these days it just seems like it is bad – and worse. A  couple of years ago, I hit Los Angeles area at about 1600 and it took me literally 4-5 hours to traverse the LA – and Orange County – area. First thing in San Diego I had late at night was a martini at Anthony’s on the waterfront. Now closed.

Anyway point is, these days I like to take the roads less traveled. Make the journey an adventure too.