Errors and Apologies department head, W Collection, informs us that the Pentagon is a wee exercised over our coverage of its recent beacon-assisted missile defense test. WC tells us the Five-Siders have taken umbrage at what they see as a snide insinuation that limiting the test to a single interception was somehow fraudulent. We hasten to correct that impression:
 
The X-Band Phased Array radar that is the heart of our entire missile defense system correctly distinguishes among incoming missiles and accompanying decoys. Unfortunately, the debris that results from a "kill" completely confounds the system's analytic capabilities, rendering it virtually useless after the first hit. Thus, limiting the trial to one interception was an indispensable condition of the test. So you can't blame the generals.
 
Still unexplored is the question of what to do if an enemy launches more than one missile at us - which could happen; rogue nations are so sneaky! They probably wouldn't even put radar beacons on them.
 
Speaking of debris, this week's burnt offering is a news clipping we're calling "Gone Missing". It concerns the continuing fallout from the most infamous state in our electoral history. Here's a hint: it has lots of sunshine but you can't see the Pacific Ocean from it unless you have very, very good vision.
 
And my, wasn't that a fast surplus! Here today, gone tomorrow. And tomorrow. And tomorrow. And tomorrow...WC is using the tax rebate to stock up on kitty food before the prices go up.
 
Today's inspirational message: if you're reaching for the stars, standing on a chair won't help.
 
Later,
Hank