Random thoughts and assorted loose ends on a Monday, while wondering if wireless Internet on a Marine base should be called “Semper Wi-Fi.” ...

Christopher Smith’s efforts to persuade the Army to name its Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV) after the “USS Macon” won’t get off the ground, after all.

The Army announced it has canceled development of the hybrid airship it had hoped to use for surveillance in Afghanistan. The airship was deemed overweight and behind schedule.

In a statement, the Army Space and Missile Defense Command cited “technical and performance challenges, and the limitations imposed by constrained resources.”

Smith, a Macon attorney and an honorary consul of the Kingdom of Denmark, had written the Department of Defense last October about considering the name “Macon” for the LEMV.

The original USS Macon airship had its maiden flight 80 years ago this spring. At one time it was the largest flying object in the world.

“As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained,” Smith said. “It was worth a shot.”

In 2010, Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract potentially worth $517 million to develop three LEMV airships. Despite his sentimentality, Smith agreed cancellation of the project was “fiscally the right move by the Army.” ...

Paul and Hazel Harpin, who own and operate Harpin’s Restaurant in Payne City, are understandably excited about the upcoming Elton John concert at the Macon Coliseum on Wednesday, March 20.

The Harpins are natives of England, so it will be a treat to see and hear the legendary British singer and musician. Paul and John are the same age (65).

But Paul will be able to claim something no one else in the audience will be able to boast. On March 25, 1970, he was one of the host chefs at John’s “launch” party at the Revolution, a London nightclub frequented by what Paul described as “rock ’n’ roll royalty.”

It was John’s 23rd birthday, and the little-known musician’s first album, titled “Elton John” was released the following month. Among those attending the launch party were John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles, Alan Price of The Animals, and members of the band Cream, whose former guitar player was Eric Clapton.

After the party, Paul stopped by to visit with Hazel. When he told her about this young singer named named Elton John, she said she had never heard him. ...

Speaking of Elton John, the preview sale of the Friends of the Library’s 45th annual Old Book Sale is going to have to work around the March 20 concert at the coliseum.

Friends of the Library President Andy Newton said the preview party for members will start an hour earlier and run from 4-7 p.m. to clear the way before the 8 p.m. concert.

The official sale is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It’s also the week of the Cherry Blossom Festival. ...

Girl Scout Troop 60617 from Lizella isn’t just selling the traditional fare of Girl Scout cookies. They are taking those Thin Mints, Do-Si-Dos, Trefoils and Tagalongs and asking folks to donate boxes for the members of the military overseas and the troop’s local hero project.

The troop will be hosting a booth sale at Wal-Mart on Zebulon Road from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to collect the donations. The girls also are seeking nominations for local heroes. For more information, call Angel Henning at 508-0116 or e-mail troop60617@gmail.com. ...

Have a magnificent Monday.

Reach Gris at 744-4275 or egrisamore@macon.com.