As The Lizard Saw Me...

I may have been just another big tempting meal that it wished it could eat. They were out and about in pretty good numbers, along with some others, but most were not quite as cooperative as was this one in letting me get as many shots. This one was fairly brazen and stayed around while I took several shots of it with my little point and shoot Canon on full auto mode. I am 100% sure, but am still fairly certain, that this is a Greater (or was it a Lesser) Earless Lizard, and since this one looks so darned faded I would say it is the subspecies known as the Faded Earless Lizard. I got this shot on this past Saturday along the Pima Canyon Trail.

Of course I would have been too big a meal for that lizard of only about 6-7 inches or so, but lizard apparently sometimes bite off more than they can chew. Here is a pic, of what I think was a Tree Lizard (Ornate Tree Lizard) and it apparently did just that, that is bit off more than it could chew. Egads, what a way to go. Then again, probably not a bad way for a lizard to bite the big one (yes that was an intentional pun). It probably was pretty much in ecstasy thinking mmm what a scrumptious morsel, and then well...you can figure the rest. As for the bug, I suppose it too may have been thinking a nice sized meal was about to be had, heck the lizard was not all that much bigger than it.

For those of you who are old enough to remember the original Addams Family on TV in the 60's - does this remind you of the Marlin with the person's lower leg and foot sticking out of its mouth. It sure struck a bell with me, a warning bell to take human bites!

All the best,

Glenn B

As Things Would Have It...

I was all ready to blog tonight and just came to the business center in the hotel. I sat down ans started to log on, then realized i was not wearing my glasses. Guess where they are. If you guessed back in my room, well let me just say I hope you are right because I put them on top of my car when I got done hiking this evening. Hopefully I took them off of the car's roof and brought them back to my room. So as it is I am typing in a not quite blind state, but certainly a very blurry one. With that said let me just add that I had a great exercise and nature hike yesterday and another slower but just as good nature hike today. I got what I believe are some decent pictures of two or three species of lizard, and one interesting one of a lizard in a bizarre state that I will wait to comment on further until I can edit the pic for posting on the blog. I am working through either Wednesday or Thursday so it may be a while, but I will do my best to post again sooner than later; and next time will have my glasses right where they belong.

all the best,
Glenn B

The Swine Flu and You...

...and just what you can do to prevent becoming infected by it should be issues of primary concern to you right now. Why primary concern, well if for no other reason than because the Department of Homeland Security is fumbling the ball once again or so it seems in the face of a possible pending disastor. The swine flu was once believed to have combined with bird flu in pigs and then subsequently was believed to have been transferred to humans causing the 1918 flu pandemic; and is still believed to be capable of causing the next pandemic we will face. You may recall just a couple or few years back there were great concerns among public health officials, politicians, and scientists worldwide (as presented by the media) that we would soon be facing a new flu pandemic. Hopefully this current outbreak of swine flu in Mexico, the southern border states of the USA and in New York City will not evolve into an epidemic or worse into a pandemic but hope means little in the case of such diseases, and this strain has already shown itself capable of being spread from person to person and thus all of the concern. So what is left to do beyond hope that will help you fend off such an illness?

There is probably not much that the government can do to protect us should an epidemic occur, but there are steps to be taken by government to try to prevent the spread of the disease and apparently they are serious about at least trying something: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20090426/swine_flu_20_us_cases_confirmed. If what they are doing will be enough only time will tell, but surely this already could have been handled better since they have been yammering about the possibility for at least the last few years now (but oh yes that was the Bush regime and why would the current kingdom take advice from them).

The government could possibly have done something to very good effect had good border security already been in place once the first cases of this were noted in Mexico and they could have completely closed the borders. The truth of the matter is though that we have piss poor border security and tens of thousands of illegal aliens flow across our borders daily like water through a breached levy. The flu is already here so trying to stop and contain it at the border will not work. Of course the government could prevent anyone else who is outside of our borders and who already has the flu from entering and thereby spreading it further through that route. To do so the president would need to (and in my opinion should) in essence declare martial law along our borders and deploy the military with orders of shoot to stop anyone trying to enter illegally. Legal border crossings also would have to be halted completely until the flu had run its course. Others things that the government could do to prevent the spread here in the USA would follow those that Mexico has already implemented (see: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,517737,00.html.) These would be to shut down schools and other places where people meet and spread diseases regularly such as child care centers. People would be requested or required to work from home instead of at the office whenever possible. Meeting places such as houses of worship could be closed (see also: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gzz357patY4-QaJFvo9O95zMM_EQD97Q9KAG0). People with the disease would likely be quarantined (either voluntarily or forcefully). Do you think this sounds far fetched? if so go to PandemicFlu.gov and read what they say. Here is a link where the G discusses it in an FAQ format: http://pandemicflu.gov/faq/planningresponse/pr-0019.html.

Granted, at PandemicFlu.gov, they were talking about avian flu; but if you lock at the current response of the government you will realize they are now just as concerned over the current outbreak of Swine Flu. Why is that, well if for no other reason that pigs are so closely related to humans and the disease is easily passed between the two. Yet this disease is even more worrisome because it is being so easily transmitted between humans. Even though the PandemicFlu.gov site was apparently mostly about avian flu, one quick glance will show you their top news on that site currently is all about this outbreak of swine flu. The government is worried; and if these indecisive fumbling politicians are that worried maybe we should be worried too. The difference between the government and us though is that we can actually take some steps to try to reduce the risk of us getting this disease and we can do it now. The government can try to reduce the risks but the thing is they have already waited too long, the borders should have been restricted years ago, and should have been closed as soon as news of deaths in Mexico were confirmed, and if not then well certainly once the strain here in the USA was confirmed as being the same as that in Mexico where over 1,000 people have been infected in virtually no time (see: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/24/swine.flu/index.html). Take this outbreak seriously, even if the government does not tell you to do so, and be prepared just in case it does begin to spread like wildfire.

So exactly what can we do? Well we can and should start to implement strict health precautions. Start washing your hands many times a day. Carry alcohol gel cleanser with you at all times. if you must shake another person's hand or if you come in body to body contact (such as if a doctor treating a patient or police officer searching a suspect) well then wash up immediately afterward. Go out and buy whatever type of respirator (protective respiratory mask like you use for sanding or spraying paint but made to control disease) that the CDC recommends to help contain this disease (one to prevent yourself from getting it and another to prevent yourself from giving it to another if you have it). Stock up on canned goods, dry goods, frozen foods, bottled water, water filters, medical supplies. Buy a portable radio and flashlights and make sure you have plenty of batteries. Buy candles and matches. If you are armed check your ammo supplies. Get a 90 day supply of whatever prescription meds you need and get it now if at all possible; don't wait for this as you certainly will want to avoid pharmacies during a major outbreak of flu if there is an actual epidemic or pandemic. Teach your families about how to avoid contact with others in order to avoid the flu. Avoid large meetings of people, avoid physical contact such as hand shaking and contact sports, avoid gyms, avoid houses of worship (you can pray at home with your family just as effectively as you can at church). You do not need to be hermits, at least not until an outbreak actually occurs, but safe health habits are a thing to consider as are what to do should this outbreak turn into an epidemic or pandemic.

Not convinced yet, think that I am just another fanatic, nut or doomsayer, well then read the info at this link: http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/pandplan.html. Pay careful attention to all of the info at that link and especially to the small chart at the end of that page. Compare the two columns, one showing the effects of a pandemic of a mild strain of flu and one show the effects of a 1918 type flu. The first two rows seem to give virtually the same numbers. Then you get to numbers of people who will likely need to be hospitalized - it is an staggering jump. Then you move on to those needing care in ICU, the increase in numbers is awesome. Finally you arrive at the number of deaths caused by a mild type of flu as opposed to a severe type of flu like that of the 1918 pandemic. If you read that and do not immediately start to take some type of precautions you are less than intelligent. Remember, I am not trying to get you to panic, but I am trying to get you to educate yourself about the possible outcomes of what we are now faced with and to get you to d something to protect yourself and your loved ones. It may be all for naught, the outbreak may subside quickly. Then again it may spread just as quickly. Which would you rather be a victim or a survivor. I know the answer, and since it appears there is something I can do to try to prevent catching this illness, well then, I am going to do it. I suggest you do the same and that you take this outbreak seriously and be prepared just in case it does begin to spread like wildfire.

Of course, not to far down the road, someone on the news will be asking a politician or a public health official if this is possibly related to terrorism. It will be a good question and is one that the government should be looking into already behind the scenes. If terrorism is suspected and confirmed then the only way to contain the outbreak and recurrence or further waves of the outbreak will be to stop the terrorists who are spreading it. Why? Because even if the disease stops naturally, they will have more of it to spread around again and again. Hopefully this is not the cause, hopefully even the terrorists are not that fucking stupid, but heck I just keep thinking of that move 12 Monkeys and the thought of this possibly having been spread intentionally chills me to the bone. Enough of that though, it is just conjecture about possibilities for now.

For more information on the current outbreak of swine flu, and the pandemic of 1918, and what you can do to try to protect yourselves, go to these reference links:

http://pandemicflu.gov/index.html

http://cdc.gov/swineflu/pdf/HAN_042509.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_H1N1_flu_outbreak

Stay healthy; and remember this is not a case of anyone saying the sky is falling, but it sure is one heck of a tornado warning so follow the advice of the Boy Scout motto: 'Be prepared'!

All the best,
Glenn B

The ICE is melting...

...apparently from the top down, or so it seems. I just heard, on the news, that there have been calls for the resignation of Janet Napolitano as the head of DHS (parent department of ICE, the agency for which I work). cannot say that I am surprised after the things she has been saying and doing recently - things like what she said about 'right wing extremists' totally leaving out those on the left and seeming to implicate military veterans, gun owners, religious people, and those opposed to illegal immigration as prime candidates to become extremists, with her saying the 9/11 terrorists came into the USA from Canada, her stance on Work Site Enforcement investigations, her giving illegal aliens work permits, and the list goes on and on.

I get the feeling that many Americans are beginning to think it is amateur hour in our federal government lately, especially in the cases of political appointees selected by the president. As for me, well I'll keep my opinion on this one to myself, sort of job security by doing so.

Range Day

I spent last Friday at quarterly qualifications for my agency here in Tucson. To say that things are done differently than they are when I qualify at my home office in NY would be an understatement. I am not going to go into the specifics of how we differ at how the range is handled but I will say I was somewhat surprised at the amount of difference in techniques used by the instructors since we are a single agency with set rules and methods on how to run qualifications. Mind you now, I am not saying anything was done wrong - just different. We shot at a local sheriff's department range and I'll say man that was different too. Pretty spartan as far as police ranges go that I have visited before, but certainly up to the task.

As for me, I had a ball. I don't get to shoot on days as nice as was last Friday here in Tucson. Temps were in the 70s and there was a mild breeze at our backs. We had an outdoor class, then got right into qualifications. We shot in two shifts of about 10 people each shift, that keeping in line with the ratio of instructors to shooters. I was pretty happy with my shooting - well not so happy with my shooting the new Sig, but I guess I should not be too disappointed with a 246 out of 250. With the Glock 26 I shot somewhat better scoring 249 out of 250. The perfect score was just a bit too elusive for me that day. Only one other agent shot better than me getting a 250 on one of his quals, but let's just say he did not do so well on his other qual. I guess that had something to do with his shooting the wrong target that time around. He did a requal after that, but had a dismal but passing score on that.

I was very disappointed with my shotgun score first time around. I only got 4 out of 5; and my grouping of the 4 that were in was lousy. That can be attributed to a problem I was having racking the slide forward after each shot. It took a considerable second effort to get it to go forward. One of the instructors tried it and he too had the same problem and he is bigger and more muscular than me by far. That made me feel a little better because I am now certain it was the shotgun and not me. With me here on temporary duty I imagine it will not get sent in to our armorers until I return to my regular duty station. So I suppose that means a pool shotgun for me when out on operations. I may strip it down this weekend and try to figure out what is wrong with it, but I want to do so at a range and not i my hotel room since figuring out the problem will probably require trying to cycle live rounds though it. I kind of like my hotel walls intact and I'll bet the hotel management and other guests like em that way to.

If anyone else is having a similar problem with a Remington 870 while cycling 2 3/4" slugs through it, please let me know if you have found a solution.

All the best,
Glenn B

Still Alive and Kicking in Arizona

Yes folks I am still above ground and breathing; I just have not had time to blog, and very little access to a computer when I do have the time. I'll try something for this weekend.

All the best,
GB

Vote On The 2nd Amendment - Do it Now

I removed the link to the so called poll on the 2nd Amendment. Why? Well because every time I visited the link, and no matter how many more thousands or tens of thousands of votes were tallied, the end result was always 97% in favor, 2% opposed and 1% undecided with regard to the right to keep and bear arms being an individual right. Obviously the poll was a sham. Sorry to have bothered you with it.

A-Star

Yeeeeeee-haaaah - I spent about 3 1/2 hours today in an A-Star Helicopter with a Customs & Border Protection pilot out of Tucson. never having been in a helicopter before I will readily admit to a bit of apprehension before we took off, but once the skids left the ground it was all exhilaration. We flew south west of Tucson and assisted a few Border Patrol Agents who were on the ground looking for a group of illegals. Never found them but we did spot a horse skeleton, two coyotes, about 30-40 jackrabbits, probably the same number of cattle, a few flocks of doves, several vultures, a few hawks, and so forth. I had a blast and am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to do it a few more times before I leave the area.

Here is a link to a video of an A-Star, not of the one I was in mind you, just something I found on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZSep9lkfwQ

All the best,
Glenn B

Tucson Is GOOD For Me

So far, while out here in the beautiful southwest, I have lost 6 pounds. Well actually about 5 3/4 pounds but who is splitting hairs (by the en of this week it should hit at least minus 6 pounds - therefore about 2 pounds a week so far). The only thing I have done differently so far is to have cut out virtually all of my snacking on junk food. The only snacks i have had have been nuts and fresh fruit. I have stayed totally away from things like: potato chips, corn chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, cakes, cookies, candies, dried/sweetened fruit snacks, granola bars, soda (had one or two with sugar, otherwise they have been artificially sweetened). If I keep the weight loss up at this rate, and really stay here until the third week of June, well I figure I will lose at least another 20 pounds. That would be great but I also plan to start exercising regularly with the coming weekend. I figure at least 45 minutes to one hour of running/walking on the tread mill 3 days per week, and at least one hike in the mountains per week. That should trim me down even faster although I am not really concerned about losing weight swiftly. I would rather take it off slowly, and really get used to the new diet, the new exercise routine, and the new me so as to be better able to keep it going long term. This time around do not not to gain the weight back like I did several years ago when dropped about 40 pounds. I kept it off for 1 1/2 years that time, I intend to keep it off for my forever this time.

If I do keep the diet going, and do start exercising then, before I leave Tucson to return home, I suppose I will be below the 200 pound mark for the first time in years. I am hoping to get to 190 by then and think it possible with the diet and regular exercise. I will be satisfied with 200 though or anything below that. Then when I get home the real test will start, to see if i can continue the diet when back in the old grind with the old routines and habits (hopefully not the snacking and couch potato habits). Wish me luck.

All the best,
Glenn B

It's The Weekend

Well here we are at the start of another glorious weekend. Why glorious, if for no other reason than I don't have to work and hopefully neither do you. Sometime around 10, I am hoping to get away to Tombstone and Douglas, AZ for some area familiarization. Yesterday at work we visited the ports at Nogales. I hope I do not offend anyone when I say my personal opinion of Nogales, AZ is less than stellar. What a mess and a fairly smelly one too and the temps were only in the low 80s. With luck I won't have to head down that way all to much during the rest of my stay in Tucson.


Today the weather is cloudy and cool. Not bad but it does look like rain. I am none to sure my coworker who is to make the trip with me will still be all that hot on going to Tombstone but if not I suppose we can find another attraction to visit. There sure are a lot of things to do around here. Some I was already familiar with from previous visits here, others I have discovered for myself, and yet others I was made aware of by folks at the forums at The Gun Counter. Some spots I definitely will try to visit during my stay here are: more hiking trails (already did the Pima Canyon trail twice, and Madera Canyon once), Old Tucson, The Titan Missile Museum (off of Interstate 19 on the way to Nogales), The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Mt. Lemon, the Kitt's Peak Observatory, a couple of casinos (can you say mama needs a new pair of shoes, come on snake eyes) and on and on.

I have more pics to post from a trip to Pima Canyon, but need to wait till I get to a decent computer outside of the hotel to edit them before posting.

All the best,
GB

Busy At Work...

... is my excuse for not blogging a heck of a lot lately. This week has been a bit hectic. So far I worked 13 hours on Monday, 12 hours yesterday and a regular 8 hour day today. I don't figure I'll be getting a lot of time to blog while out here, especially in light of the fact we will probably be a lot busier than we have been so far. A good thing is that this weekend should be free so I am hoping to get in another hike at Madera Canyon, and maybe a trip to the border with a visit to Tombstone on the return trip. That should give me something to blog about if I have enough time on Saturday and Sunday. Sorry there has not been more, but thems the breaks.

All the best,
Glenn B

Leapin' Lizards

I went for a hike today at Madera Canyon. Not a long hike, just over 3 miles round trip, but a pretty steep trail for an old fart hefting an extra 20 or 25 pounds in a pack on his back. Still though, it was Paradise. The temps were in the mid to high 60s, and it was enough to bring out the lizards. At least it was enough to bring out some spiny lizards, I think they were yarrow's Spiny Lizards. Well I have a photo of one here for you to gawk at. Pretty colors, even prettier during mating season when the males take on some awesome blue hues on their dorsal scales. They also have a year round blue throat patch. This little guy was almost friendly. I saw him near the bottom of the trail on my walk down the mountain. Actually I heard him first as I walked by and he scampered through the dry leaves and under a rock (into that shady area to his left). A second or two of me waiting and he was already back out from hiding! These guys are pretty brazen, and this one should know better. Notice the duller rear half of its tail? That section of tail was lost and has regenerated. probably grabbed by a predator like a bird or snake, and the tail broke off still wriggling while the rest of the lizard scampered away to safety.

I saw a couple of others too, and I also got photos of them. it is a royal pain in the rear to post pics from the hotel computer, they only allow MS Paint to edit it. They do not have a photo editing program. I am sure there is one on the PC, they just do not have it set up to use it.

Maybe next time I'll get lucky and see a rattler.

All the best,
Glenn B

Tucson - First Day Off

Okay, today is my first full day off while out this way and I am going to make the most of it starting with a full breakfast right after I get done with the blogging. The hotel has a decent set-up for breakfast, and everything is mmm delicious. I have eaten breakfast every day that I have been here, which for me is unusual, but while not the norm it has an advantage because I have cut out almost all snacking. By 'almost all snacking' I mean I have completely cut out: candies, cakes, cookies, pretzels, chips, ice cream and just about whatever other junk you can think of. I have replaced them with breakfast and with a handful of nuts per day and a piece or two of fruit per day. No more smacking for 2 -3 hours per night as I watch the tube. I figure if I can do that for 3 months I should lose at least a pound or two!

After I eat I plan to head out somewhere. I am not too sure yet just where I'll be going, maybe to Nogales to become refamiliarized with the border area (a work related drive) and then maybe to Madera Canyon for a hike (my PT or the day). I already have hiked part of Pima Canyon, which is the closest trail to my hotel. I was going to post on that this morning but the pics I downloaded onto the hotel PC last night have been deleted. Oh well, I'll download them tonight or tomorrow and then upload them to my blog immediately. The desert is in bloom, and I got a few nice shots of flowers, and more of cacti and other desert plants. I have not seen a herp yet, but my bet is I may find some today.

Time to go now, I will write more tonight or tomorrow.

All the best,
Glenn B

The Trip West...

...went pretty well, all things considered. I woke up at about 0400 to start getting ready to go and Brendan actually got up after my first knock on his door at 0425. That was nice. We had a quick cup of coffee and Brendan had a quick bite to eat. Then we packed the car and almost headed to the airport. Thank you Brendan for asking me if I had everything. I had to go back inside and grab the shotgun case - jeesh! We were off in no time and got to the airport in little time since there was very little traffic on the road at that hour. The thing is though there still was traffic, not as i jam, but as in people already going to work either in the Big Apple or further east on Long Island.


Once at the airport it was a quick goodbye to Brendan and he was off back toward home, hopefully he could get a few winks before leaving again for school. I headed to the check in counter and man what a line! There were literally hundreds of people in the Delta terminal on one line or another. Luckily most people do self check in and do not require the services of a check in person as did I. Of course I need to let them know I fly armed and then sign the forms, wait to have my ID checked by the police, have the shotgun checked by TSA and so on. When the police officer arrived he checked my ID, then asked me to open the shotgun case, then told me I could absolutely, positively not have ammunition in with the shotgun. I explained the TSA and Delta regulations saying yes I could carry the ammo in the same hard sided case as the shotgun so long as the ammo was in either metal, plastic or fiber (cardboard) containers; I also offered to show him a copy of the regulations for both TSA and the airline that I had in my pocket. he refused to look at them and told me that this airport had special rules telling me I was dead wrong because when traveling through LaGuardia airport things were different. Funny how LEOS and people in general always feel that where they work is special with special rules that supersede the rules for the rest of us. He escorted me to TSA and he immediately told the guy at TSA that I had ammo then asked isn't that against the rules. The guy at TSA took a look and said 'Nope, that's okay because he packed it correctly'! TSA had me lock up the case and I was off with the cop to be walked through security. Luckily for me I had not said what was on my mind to the officer because I still had to have him escort me through security - lol. Actually he was pretty decent and courteous, just misinformed.


Once through security I met a NYPD officer with whom I used to work at JFK Airport when with Customs. That was a nice surprise. We chatted for a bit and went off to our gates. I had only a brief wait and was preboarded, always a nice touch. Then we were off to Atlanta for my connecting flight. Te trip to Atlanta was brief and pleasant. The wait once there was a bit longer tan the one I had had in NY but thankfully I did not have to go through security again. The flight from Atlanta itself was not so good. It was full, and I do mean full. It appeared as if every seat was taken. The seats, all three across, were pretty narrow and we were packed like sardines. It would have been ore bearable had the flight been a brief one like the initial leg to Atlanta, but this one wound up over 4 hours long. Getting on the ground was a relief, well that is until I got my luggage. When my shotgun case came out, i noticed the locks had been broken off of it. Two good locks gone, and then I had to fill out a claim with Delta. I now have 30 days to go to their repair shop to have it fixed or replaced. I imagine it will need to be replaced, but time will tell.

After that I hopped into a taxi and made my way to the hotel. my taxi driver - Miguel - was a great guy, and his driving was great too - nothing like a NY City cab driver. We got to the hotel pretty quickly and the fare was $42.00; he seemed happily surprised to get an $8 tip. I did not think it all that much since he helped me with my bags and all and was a good conversationalist (in English that I could understand). Oh well. Once in the hotel I was checked in quickly and courteously by Ruth the front desk clerk. Shortly after that I was in my room and somewhat disappointed. The room was nice, but had to have the worst layout of any hotel room in which I have ever been. The bedroom door only would open halfway because the dresser was crammed behind it. It opened into the bedroom, and I actually walked into the edge of it while dialing my cell phone. In the bathroom you had to close the door from the bedroom to be able to open the closet door, and you could not stand in front of the door when opening it because you would be backed up against the sink and there would not be enough clearance to get it open all the way.

Later on, I saw a room across from mine was open and unoccupied. The door was left ajar and held open with a chair because they were allowing the carpet to dry after being cleaned. I decided to take a peek. it was a much better layout. I called the front desk and the night clerk Chris helped me out. he told me that after 8 I could change to that room if I wanted. So at about 8:30, I called him and he brought the new card key to my room after changing my room number in the hotel system. I had already repacked my stuff and made the change in a couple of minutes. My new room is nicer and larger than the old, and overlooks the pool area. I like it.

This morning I had breakfast, cooked to order at the hotel. It was delicious and free. It is too bad the hotel only serve breakfast, it doe snot have a full service restaurant. restaurants might be a problem around our hotel; I was told they are all upscale and very expensive. So i guess I'll be driving a lot to find decent places to eat within a reasonable price range. I can live with that, at least I'll be eating.

As fr work, I went to the Tucson office yesterday. I got a car assigned to me. Its a 2002 with over 90 thousand miles on it, but it seems to work. It needed a jump start at first, but once going ran okay, the AC worked, the good time radio worked, and the brakes worked. If it doesn't rain while i am out here I may never know whether or not the windshield wipers work. I have got to go over to the office soon, so for now that is pretty much it.

I am still hopeful I'll be able to hook up with some local bloggers and shooting enthusiasts, and maybe some local herpers for some fun times.

All the best,
Glenn B

Battlestar Galactica

One good ting about not having to leave for AZ already was that I got to watch the final episode of Battlestar Galactica. For me that was a BIG DEAL! Maybe not the best of all possible endings, but a hopeful one - sort of. If those two were angels, well then I'll settle for warmer climes when I pass to the great beyond.

Later for you,
GB

Okay, so I havn't blogged in a bit...

...but that is only because I have been busy getting ready for my trip to Arizona this coming Monday. Hopefully once I am at my hotel they will have a computer or two available for guests and I'll be able to get off at least a few blogs a week while I'm in AZ. I'll try to get out something this weekend, but no promises, just to busy getting things done I should have done weeks ago plus my packing.

All the best,
GB

Not Driving...

...but will be flying. Sorry about that but things change. So I will not get to stop by to see any of you as I had hoped to do along my way west.

All the best,
GB

Biweekly Gun Shots 10 - American Derringer Standard

This edition of Biweekly Gun Shots is going small. Not miniaturized mind you, just small as in size of a real working gun. The one I would like to talk about is the High Standard Derringer in .22 Magnum. Sadly, that one, I am pretty certain, is out of production.

So the one I am left with to write about is the American Derringer Standard, and that may not be bad at all. From what I can see from the American Derringer Standard is a look alike when compared to a High Standard that was made back around my Border Patrol years (1979-1983). I had wanted one of those HS derringers back then, but somehow chose the Beretta Jetfire in .25 Auto instead. The Beretta was a good choice for a pocket pistol, but I still regret not also getting the HS. Now that they are gone, it seems that American Derringer has taken their place.

From what I can gather on the American derringer web site, they pride themselves in producing high quality firearms made in America from American parts. Imagine an old fashioned idea like that in business today here in the 21st century - I like it! The business was fonded by Robert A. Saunders back in 1980; and after his untimely passing in 1993 the business was transferred to Elizabeth Saunders, aka: Lady Derringer. Elizabeth is responsible for getting the pistol in question, the Derringer Standard, into production. My guess is she was a fan of the High Standard derringer too because even the American Derringer web site mentions the similarity between the two. If I am ever out that way, and who knows I may soon be, I'd like to visit their premises at 127 North Lacy Drive in Waco, TX.

As for the American Derringer Standard, its specs are as follow:

Chambered for 22 Magnum, double action, 2 shots, blue finish, 5" long by 3" high (no width supplied, but as I recall the HS was pretty thin and so I imagine is this one too), 1/4 or 1/3 trigger guard (in other words the trigger guard is minimal and there is no guard forward of the trigger, so be careful with the nose picking finger). As I recall the HS had a pretty heavy trigger pull, if this one has likewise then that minimalist trigger guard does not matter all that much.

I would love to own one of these; and I would carry it everywhere as a last ditch defensive weapon. It makes a great boot gun. It also has potential as a good pocket gun, especially in an inside the pocket holster. They (as in some holster manufacturer) used to make a holster for this (for the HS anyway) that resembled a wallet. too bad but I think they are illegal now. Then again maybe that was under the assault weapons ban that sunsetted under GWB. Check on that before buying or using such a holster.

American Derringer makes a variety of derringers in different sizes, and some of em are geared especially toward lady shooters. Check out their web site here, read about the history here and read a message from Lady Derringer and about her story from the links found on this page. They even have General Firearms Safety and Children & Firearms Safety links on that page - all worth a read. To me it sounds as if this lady has her act and her company together, and by that I mean that they are probably, as they claim, producing high quality firearms.

Now all I have to do is be really, really good until Christmas, and just keep wishing; and of course - saving some money might help here too.

All the best,
GB

So Just What Do You Pack...

...for a 5 or 6 day road trip and an extended stay away from home (and you thought I was asking about what type of pistol you pack - weren't you). I am of the opinion that one should travel light, but I'll be damned if I virtually ever do it that way. While traveling light is nice when backpacking, I find that redundancy is a good thing if you can bear the extra load in any type of travel situation.

Let me give you a few examples of my ideas along the lines of redundancy when it comes to travel. When I backpack or hike or hunt I take along two compasses - one in a pocket, one in my pack. I also take at least two bottles of water, two methods of fire starting (matches and a magnesium bar with flint striker), and of course extra socks. When I fly somewhere, well I prefer to travel light, and I pack as if I am going to do just that but then wind up doubling things like my socks and skivvies; and I also pack a change or two of clothes into my carry one besides what I have in my checked in luggage.

If I go on a trip for work, well then I almost always pack a second or backup pistol in addition to anything else on which I have doubled up. Sometimes I bring three guns, the third being a long arm.

When traveling anywhere by car I tend to pack most redundantly of all. I mean why not, if the car can take then I can bring it right! While there have been times that I regretted packing too much for a trip when I have flown somewhere, or even when I have gone on a hike up a mountain, the times I have regretted over packing my trunk, and all the other open spaces in my car, have been few and far between. One thing I make certain of when I do pack my car, so as to avoid becoming unhappy about having too much in there, is to always leave enough room for gifts I may pick up while traveling. Other than that I stuff it to the max.

If I was to go on a road trip of a few days duration here are some of the things I would pack:


Car Stuff:

Flares (at least 6 of them)

Emergency reflectors (at lest a few of them)

2 first aid kits one smaller - one larger

Flat Fix (at least 2 cans and large ones at that)

Extra Windshield Washer fluid in the trunk

Maps (yep at least two in case I lose one)

My GPS with charger (another form of map)

Water (a case for me and any passengers and possibly for the car so I included it hear)

Spare cash hidden in the car just for gas money (I once went hunting, got a deer, paid for it to be butchered and had exactly enough cash to gas up to make it home by sputtering on fumes).

A blanket in the trunk (in case I break down and my clothing is not enough to keep me warm)

MREs in the trunk

An old set of windshield wiper blades in the trunk

Battery cables

Jack and spare (no room for 2)

Flashlights, yep 2 of em

I do not bring tools for the car except for duct tape and nylon ties, as I am not a mechanic at all.

I do bring my Triple A card and the redundancy there is I also have towing on my insurance plan, but I prefer AAA.

For my own enjoyment I also bring along as many music CDs as I can. My collection is at about 125 or more, and all I can say it sure is nice to have a wide variety of music that you like when the radio is not picking up a signal or all the stations suck.

Pens and paper - in case I break down and have to leave the car, I can leave a note for the police.

Personal Gear:

Enough clothing to last 10 days without a trip to the laundromat (this is for an anticipated trip of a few days up to a couple of weeks) A jacket for warmth is included as is a hat if I need them or not.

Toiletries to last the trip, and an extra comb because I always seem to lose or forget them

A few pairs of shoes as in: one pair of running shoes or sneakers I am wearing, another pair for running or in case the first pair gets ruined, and a pair of boots for getting out (also dress shoes if an anticipated need)

My personal cell phone, and my work cell phone

Chargers for the phones

My credit cards, with one in the glove compartment in case I lose my wallet, and that stash of cash for gas, and my ATM card

Regarding prescription meds, enough meds to last me a week beyond the anticipated length of my trip

Two pocket knives

A day pack and a Camelback style day pack with emergency first aid kits and other emergency supplies and enough room in the main compartments for other stuff

Pocket flashlight, usually 2 of them

Extra car keys

Extra batteries for the flashlight

Extra bulbs in caps of flashlights

Camera with extra batteries.


Food and Drink:

A case of water like Poland Spring in the trunk.

A 6 pack of water in the cabin.

At least a 6 pack of soft drinks or juice.

A cooler with lunch and fruit.

Snacks including more fruit.

MREs in the trunk for an emergency.


Work Gear:

At least two extra magazines for my primary pistol

A backup pistol with at least two extra magazines

Extra pistol ammo to the tune of a couple hundred rounds

Shotgun with plenty of ammo (depending on the nature of the given assignment)

Gun Cleaning kit (usually a spare one is in my trunk and then I bring yet another)

Extra handcuffs and keys and two sets of leg irons

Flex ties

2 sets of binoculars (not just for work but also brought along on vacation trips)

Portable radio with 2 extra batteries

Body Armor with additional trauma plate and soft trauma pad, and two body armor carriers (the outer garment in which the Kevlar is placed) - one carrier nondescript for concealed wear and the other which identifies me as an LEO for outer wear.

Outer garment identifying me as a LEO (this in in addition to my body armor carrier) that is labelled likewise.

Large MagLight type flashlight and extra batteries and extra bulb.


The above is not at all inclusive list, but it covers a lot of the stuff I bring with me on a road trip. Remember one thing about redundancy, you can always lighten the load if need be, but if you don't have it in the first place - well that can be a big problem when you need it.

All the best,
Glenn B

The Mom Song

A friend sent this to me in an email, hat tip to Pat S. I have embedded it here from YouTube. This has got to be one of the most amusing songs I have ever heard and every bit of it is true because when it comes to the average mom these are the things you hear from her as you grow up! Sit back, turn on the volume, and enjoy.

Of course the above could not have gone unanswered for long, and apaprently did not. Below is the 'kids' response to the Mom Song. It too is great. Where the Mom Song had me smiling and actually brought a tear to my eye thinking back to when my mom told me all that stuff, the kids' reply almost had me fall off the chair laughing. Great stuff.

If both of those did not at leasdt make you smile, well then you must be having a miserable day indeed.

All the best,
Glenn B

Biweekly Gun Shots 9 - Kimber Model 82 .22LR

If any of you know got to shoot with me you would soon realize, if you have not figured it already, that I have an affinity for firearms chambered in .22LR. I don't know if its because they were the first firearms I ever shot, or because of the great variety of them, or because you can shoot em all day without hurting either your budget or your shoulder, or simply because they are lots of fun. I do know I like em, and I am always on the lookout for another good bargain when it comes to them.

One really good bargain on a surplus rifle in .22LR can be had over at the CMP. CMP stands for Civilian Marksmanship Program. Let me use there own words from their About Us page to describe them:

The CMP was created by the U.S. Congress. The original purpose was to provide civilians an opportunity to learn and practice marksmanship skills so they would be skilled marksmen if later called on to serve the U.S. military. Over the years the emphasis of the program shifted to focus on youth development through marksmanship. From 1916 until 1996 the CMP was administered by the U.S. Army. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 (TITLE XVI) created the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice & Firearms Safety, Inc. (CPRPFS) to take over administration and promotion of the CMP. The CPRPFS is a tax exempt not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that derives its mission from public law.

Now let me tell you they have some good deals on surplus rifles, although good deal does not necessarily mean inexpensive. One of the rifles they have up for sale is the Kimber Model 82 in .22LR. It looks like a fine rifle at that, and they are virtually new. What I mean by virtually new is that they have been in storage for quite sometime, and are taken out now and again for inspection or cleaning, but are all unfired. The Kimber is a bolt action, single shot, target rifle. It comes equipped with an adjustable trigger, 3 butt plate spacers, a hand stop assembly, front sight, and a Kimber rear aperture sight with inserts. It has a hefty weight of 10.75 lbs and overall length of 43 inches. The price is $600 plus $29.95 for shipping per rifle.

My guess is that the price is a good one. I'd probably get one myself if the budget was a bit better, and if I didn't have about 20 other gun purchases in mind right now. Yes, I will be playing the Mega Millions tonight, who knows! Seriously though, the price is a fair one for this rifle, especially in as new condition. I bought a Mossberg Model 44 from the CMP some years back, and that is a tack driver. It was not in new condition when I purchased it, all of the Mossberg M44s offered by the CMP were well used and very old but well worth their price. If I had a mind to sell it, I could easily triple what I paid for the Mossberg; while I doubt the same would be true of the Kimber, my bet is it is worth more than the CMP selling price. By the way, they again have Mossbergs for sale too, they are only $175 each plus shipping. I highly recommend them even though they may require some parts replacements.

All the best,
Glenn B

Westward Ho

As it stands right now, I should soon be trekking off to Arizona within the near future. My method of travel will most likely be automobile, and I figure it for a 5 day trip from my home to my destination. I am hopeful that along the way I may be able to stop by to meet one or two of you who read my blog; just a brief get together for a cup of coffee or lunch at a local diner in your neck of the woods as I pass through. So if any of you might be along a likely route from NY to AZ, and are not afraid to be seen in public with a middle aged geezer like me, let me know.

All the best,
GB

Today In History - "Mr. Watson — come here — I want to see you. "

It was March 10, 1876 when those words were shouted into the mouthpiece of a contraption that has since become indispensable in modern day life. Yes, those were the words spoken by Alexander Graham Bell to his assistant Thomas A. Watson (photo was dated 1876 and is actually one of Bell speaking into a prototype of the telephone). Watson quickly obeyed Bell's command to come to him for he had heard Bell's words clearly. While Watson was only as far away as the next room, he may as well have been a world away for the means by which he had heard Bell was the first telephone, and the telephone has definitely bridged a gap as wide as the world when it comes to communication. As a matter of fact, in 1915, when Bell was invited to participate in the celebration of the completed transcontinental telephone lines, he again uttered those same words to his faithful assistant Watson. This time Watson replied that it would take at least a week for him to do so. You see Watson was in San Fransicko Francisco at the time and Bell was calling him from New York City!

For more info see:

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trr002.html

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/today.html (go to March 10 if this brings up another day).

All the best,
Glenn B

NYC's Mayor Bloomberg Bites Off More Than He Can Chew

In my blog post immediately prior to this one I wrote the figurative words: "Choke on it Bloomberg" relating to the Henry Repeating Arms 22 pump action rifle being made within New York City. I suppose the mayor of the big apple once again has bitten off more than he can chew and he again has something else to choke on. This time though it is not the fact that a firearms manufacturer is legally producing firearms within NYC, but rather that a lawsuit filed by New York City against legal manufacturers has just been slapped down by the Supreme Court.

Here is the content of an email sent to me by the NRA. it is about time this country and our courts start to view firearms liability as being a problem of lawbreakers and not of they who legally manufacture or distribute firearms.

"NYC Lawsuit Against America's Firearms

Manufacturers Denied By U.S. Supreme Court

Fairfax, Va. -

On Monday, March 9, the U.S. Supreme Court denied consideration of New York City and Washington, D.C. lawsuits, New York v. Beretta and Lawson v. Beretta, respectively, that tried to hold American gun manufacturers responsible for the acts of criminals. The Court 's order leaves standing a pair of decisions by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and District of Columbia Court of Appeals, both of which found that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), enacted in 2005, prevents these types of lawsuits against lawful firearms manufacturers and dealers.

"Big city mayors conceived these lawsuits to try and litigate American gun manufacturers - who President Roosevelt referred to as "the arsenal of democracy" - out of business," said Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist. "NRA has always believed the courts would agree with Congress that the PLCAA rightfully stops these reckless and politically motivated lawsuits."

In 2000, New York City, Washington, D.C. and several individual plaintiffs sued gun manufacturers, based on the idea that although they manufactured a legal product, forcing them to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in legal fees just to prove their innocence in court would drive them into bankruptcy. In addition to being based on a bogus legal theory, these lawsuits endangered American armed forces and law enforcement. During congressional debate over the PLCAA, the Department of Defense agreed with the NRA that bankrupting U.S. gun makers and making us dependent on foreign countries like France, Russia or China for small arms is a threat to America's domestic and international security.

"We are pleased that the courts have recognized the misguided intent of these lawsuits," concluded Cox. " America's law-abiding firearms manufacturers must be protected from reckless suits that have no legal merit."

-NRA- "

I truly enjoyed reading that, I hope you did too.

All the best,
Glenn B

Biweekly Gun Shots 8 - Henry Pump Action Octagon in .22LR

I have always wanted a 22 rifle in pump action, but just have never gotten around to buying one. Most of the ones have seen over the years are many years older than me, and that is pretty darned old since I am passed the half century mark by a few. Then Taurus came out with one, but I was not impressed by write-ups I read, nor by what other shooters told me about them. Now Henry Repeating Arms Company is producing one that is a reminder of a bygone era of when these rifles were often seen and shot at carnivals, or seen accompanying boys on bicycles as they headed out down the road a ways to hunt squirrels.

Just take a look at this rifle (click on the pic to enlarge). I hope Henry does not mind me using their pic to illustrate it; it is a beauty. From the deeply blued octagonal barrel to the richly finished and wonderfully grained walnut stock, I think you have to admit it is one fine looking rifle. Besides that, what with the pump action fed by a 15 round tube magazine and it being chambered in .22LR (also chambered in .22 Magnum) it must be one heck of a fun plinker, target shooter or squirrel slayer. My bet is that it would put those bushy tails in the pot but if you prefer punching holes in paper I'll bet it would do the trick. It is not an inexpensive rifle for sure, what with a SRP of $515.00 (in .22LR), but that just makes me think it is a well made one. This would be a great find under the Christmas tree next Christmas; of course, it would also be nice as a birthday present so I could get in some squirrel hunting with it this coming fall. A man can wish, can't he!

For more info about it visit the Henry site at:

http://www.henryrepeating.com/h003tm_pumpoctagon.cfm

Of course there is a thing or two that makes the Henry Pump action rifle even more special. It is made in America, and better yet it is made in Brooklyn - and for those of you who don't know -yes Brooklyn is inside of New York City. Choke on it Bloomberg!

All the best,
Glenn B