...and we have lost, at least temporarily, another excellent blogger. Heck, I just found the guy (although he has been around for awhile) and was really enjoying his blog and then for reasons unknown, The Hermit over at 'Smoke signals' decided to call it quits for blogging. He said he will still be reading others blogs just not blogging himself. He will be missed in that regard; he had a great blog chock full of information about guns and planning for survival, and other posts about: family, our military, politics, daily life, movie reviews and other things. I also enjoyed his pics of the area in which he lived.
Plenty of good reading there still to be enjoyed in his past posts that I have not read yet, so I imagine they will keep me busy for a bit.
Oh well, his latest post title was I'll be off line for awhile. One can only hope that indicates it will be just a temporary hiatus. Hurry back Hermit!
All the best,
Glenn B
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Rainy Day Blahs For Me...
...but not because of the rain itself. It was rather because of bad timing on my part and because most of the shooters in the Phoenix area seem very averse to shooting at an outdoor range in a little rain. I debated going to the Ben Avery Range early this afternoon despite the fact that it was raining on and off and cool outside. The rain and coolness would not have bothered me in the least, I kind of like that sort of weather and shooting in it just adds another aspect of reality to the type of situation in which one may find one's self in a real life defensive shooting. What I am trying to say is that the sun is not always shining, not even here in Phoenix, so why not shoot in the rainy weather now and then too to be ready to shoot in any type of situation.
Works for me and I was ready to do it today but then bad timing came into play on my part. I had to take care of some errands today since today was my only day off this weekend. So I went to Walmart and Costco and Big 5 Sporting Goods first. That took longer than I had planned - Costco was mobbed and it took me a long time to get my 4 or 5 purchases through the checkout (yes they were things I will need for the upcoming week). When I got back to my apartment I had a quick lunch, then realized: 'Holy time travel Batman - it's already 2:30PM'. The Ben Avery Range closes at 3PM on Sundays at this time of year. That was definitely out. So instead of going there, I did this and that, then I decided to go to an indoor range. I looked some up on the Internet and found one not too far away called Shooter's World. I called them and they told me there would be an hour and a half wait because they were crowded today because of the rain.
I then called the Scottsdale gun club, quite a bit further away, but within reason. No one answered the telephone there. I tried several times but always got an answering machine even though their website says they are open til 7PM on Sundays and I was calling them between about 3 & 4. I even tried several different options from the voice menu but never got through to a real person. I decided to give it a shot anyway. I drove up that way, probably 20 or 25 miles in all and when I got there I found the place was packed. I guess I got there around 5PM or a little earlier. A customer told me there was a long wait and there were about ten people on line waiting to get in to shoot. I just looked around their shop, turned around and walked out. Outside I met one of the range employees and asked him about how long was the wait. He said at least an hour maybe 90 minutes. He also told me it was all because of the rain and that usually there is no to little wait even on weekends.
Rain - heck it sprinkled a few times today, and at other times once or twice it was a steady rain for all of 5 to 10 minutes in places I was at. It was on and off all day. If that is enough to make everyone flock to only indoor activities I am amazed, then again I suppose people out this way are really used to sunny days. They supposedly have been getting more rain than usual lately. As I said above, I certainly would have gladly gone to the outdoor range in the rain today. The rain would have assured a few things - the more realistic shooting scenario I mentioned above than only shooting when nice outside, that there would have been less people at the outdoor range and no wait like I had there last week, also that there would have been less down time between cease fires not having to wait for so many people to set up targets, and that there would have been less likelihood of their being jerks at the range. Jerks, morons, imbeciles, peckerwoods and arsehats seem to prefer nice weather at outdoor ranges. Too bad I started my day off late and that I decided to do my shopping earlier instead of later. Heck I could have gone shopping after the range as easily as before going there. Oh well, I suppose there is always next weekend.
All the best,
Glenn B
Works for me and I was ready to do it today but then bad timing came into play on my part. I had to take care of some errands today since today was my only day off this weekend. So I went to Walmart and Costco and Big 5 Sporting Goods first. That took longer than I had planned - Costco was mobbed and it took me a long time to get my 4 or 5 purchases through the checkout (yes they were things I will need for the upcoming week). When I got back to my apartment I had a quick lunch, then realized: 'Holy time travel Batman - it's already 2:30PM'. The Ben Avery Range closes at 3PM on Sundays at this time of year. That was definitely out. So instead of going there, I did this and that, then I decided to go to an indoor range. I looked some up on the Internet and found one not too far away called Shooter's World. I called them and they told me there would be an hour and a half wait because they were crowded today because of the rain.
I then called the Scottsdale gun club, quite a bit further away, but within reason. No one answered the telephone there. I tried several times but always got an answering machine even though their website says they are open til 7PM on Sundays and I was calling them between about 3 & 4. I even tried several different options from the voice menu but never got through to a real person. I decided to give it a shot anyway. I drove up that way, probably 20 or 25 miles in all and when I got there I found the place was packed. I guess I got there around 5PM or a little earlier. A customer told me there was a long wait and there were about ten people on line waiting to get in to shoot. I just looked around their shop, turned around and walked out. Outside I met one of the range employees and asked him about how long was the wait. He said at least an hour maybe 90 minutes. He also told me it was all because of the rain and that usually there is no to little wait even on weekends.
Rain - heck it sprinkled a few times today, and at other times once or twice it was a steady rain for all of 5 to 10 minutes in places I was at. It was on and off all day. If that is enough to make everyone flock to only indoor activities I am amazed, then again I suppose people out this way are really used to sunny days. They supposedly have been getting more rain than usual lately. As I said above, I certainly would have gladly gone to the outdoor range in the rain today. The rain would have assured a few things - the more realistic shooting scenario I mentioned above than only shooting when nice outside, that there would have been less people at the outdoor range and no wait like I had there last week, also that there would have been less down time between cease fires not having to wait for so many people to set up targets, and that there would have been less likelihood of their being jerks at the range. Jerks, morons, imbeciles, peckerwoods and arsehats seem to prefer nice weather at outdoor ranges. Too bad I started my day off late and that I decided to do my shopping earlier instead of later. Heck I could have gone shopping after the range as easily as before going there. Oh well, I suppose there is always next weekend.
All the best,
Glenn B
12 Gauge Slug Ammo and Walmart
I do not like shopping at Walmart but sometimes find myself therein looking for what I need. Today I did just that and I happened to come a cross a pretty good deal on something I did not expect to buy. They had Winchester Super-X 12 gauge 2 3/4" shotgun shells going for $3.17 per box of five. I have not seen 2 3/4" 12 gauge slugs going for less than $4.00 per box in store and not below $3.77 online (that was at http://sportsmansguide.com/ with a club member discount and did not include shipping). Of course I had to pay tax so it wound up being a bit more but not much. I bought a few boxes. I need to sight in my issued Remington 870. The rear sight came loose recently and while I got it back on okay and just qualified with it, I shot a few inches low at 25 yards. Could have been me, could have been the sights need adjusting. So, I'll take it to the range, probably next weekend and fire a bunch of rounds through it until it is shooting pretty much dead center.
If you are in the Phoenix area and want a good deal on those shells visit the Walmart on Bethany Home Road and about 15th Avenue; who knows all Walmarts may have them at the same price.
All the best,
Glenn B
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Another Patriot Gone
Alexander Haig 1924 - 2010 he passed away today. Whether from the left or the right - this man was viewed by most as a great patriot. He served our country well with 30 years in the military and many years in various appointments in federal government in Washington, DC.
Keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
All the best,
Glenn B
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Junction of the Pine Creek Loop Trail...
...and the Ballantine Trail - reason enough to take up hiking. Places that look as beautiful as this, or even nicer, are why I go hiking when I get the chance. Besides that, I may lose a few pounds while at it. This shot was taken last weekend on a hike north of Phoenix. I only hiked 3 miles that day but it was awesome nonetheless. You just gotta love places that look like this - tha is as long as you have enough water with you. Mine is in my pack all the way to the left side in the photo as you look at it.Click on the pic to enlarge.
All the best,
Glenn B
Starbucks Appreciation Day - Sunday February 21st
If you are a law abiding firearms owner within the USA, I urge you to visit your local Starbucks this coming Sunday, February 21, 2010. While there, if the counter clerk is not too busy, chat them up briefly along these lines:
'Hi how ya doing? I just wanted to let you know that American firearms owners appreciate Starbucks policy on legal carry of firearms in their stores and that is why I am spending my money here. Can I get a medium black coffee with no room please.'
You might also ask to speak to the manager if he has a moment so that you can let him know how much you appreciate Starbucks policy.
Why am I urging you to do so. Well Starbucks recently told the Brady Campaign to basically sit on a stick when the BC tried to shove a petition against firearms carry in Starbucks down the throat of Starbucks Corporate HQ. Starbucks reply was basically that they are neutral and will continue to allow people to legally carry firearms into their stores.
I also suggest sending a letter or email to Starbucks corporate to let them know you appreciate this policy. While letters and emails are great, please remember that Starbucks is a business and if you give them your business and let them know why you are spending your money there, they will take notice. So I urge you to at least spend some money there this coming Sunday and let them know why you are doing it.
All the best,
Glenn B
'Hi how ya doing? I just wanted to let you know that American firearms owners appreciate Starbucks policy on legal carry of firearms in their stores and that is why I am spending my money here. Can I get a medium black coffee with no room please.'
You might also ask to speak to the manager if he has a moment so that you can let him know how much you appreciate Starbucks policy.
Why am I urging you to do so. Well Starbucks recently told the Brady Campaign to basically sit on a stick when the BC tried to shove a petition against firearms carry in Starbucks down the throat of Starbucks Corporate HQ. Starbucks reply was basically that they are neutral and will continue to allow people to legally carry firearms into their stores.
I also suggest sending a letter or email to Starbucks corporate to let them know you appreciate this policy. While letters and emails are great, please remember that Starbucks is a business and if you give them your business and let them know why you are spending your money there, they will take notice. So I urge you to at least spend some money there this coming Sunday and let them know why you are doing it.
I was not a regular Starbcuks customer having gone there only infrequently for a pick me upper cup of coffee but now I will shop there more frequently and I ill let them know why I am doing so.
The hat tip goes to Another Gun Blog for the heads up on this one.All the best,
Glenn B
Monday, February 15, 2010
East Palo Alto, CA Detective Allegedly Advocates Shooting People...
...who are legally and openly carrying unloaded firearms or exercising their 2nd Amendment rights in California. Is that hard to believe, it was for me. That was when I read about it on a firearms forum. Then I read a news article about it.
As per the article, Gun Rights Advocates Target California Detective Following Facebook Posts, the statements made by the detective indicate he was talking about shooting someone for that person having had exercised 2nd Amendment rights. This was all in a FaceBook posting specifically with regard to people in California legally carrying unloaded firearms in the open.
""Sounds like you had someone practicing their 2nd amendment rights last night!" Tuason wrote. "Should've pulled the AR out and prone them all out! And if one of them makes a furtive movement … 2 weeks off!!!" -- referring to the modified duty, commonly known as desk duty, that typically follows any instance in which an officer is investigated for firing his weapon."
Being an LEO, and being someone who believes in upholding our Constitution and our rights as U.S. Citizens and being an ardent supporter of our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms, that got me pretty riled up. So I sent off an email to the East Palo Alto Police Department voicing my disdain regarding such hatred and bias allegedly coming from a police officer. If you value your 2nd Amendments rights, and all other rights, then I suggest you do the same.
Now, some may say that Detective Tuason was exercising his right to free speech when he allegedly wrote those words. That may be so, but as part of his employment he has no such freedom to exhibit bias and hatred toward others, and is likely not allowed to advocate what would amount to murder for someone exercising their rights under our Constitution. That should go for off duty conduct as well as on duty conduct. Masking the reason for shooting someone by saying that they should be shot because they made a furtive movement after they were ordered into the prone position by a police officer is an abhorrent statement and seems to me only to be suggestive of premeditated murder in which the officer is just waiting for some excuse to kill a law abiding gun owner. Remember, in such a situation as he allegedly described, the person would have been carrying legally and should not have been ordered to lie down in the first place simply for carrying a weapon openly. Even if that could be justified he then said the person should be shot if they made a furtive movement - mind you not a threatening movement. If this statement was actually made by the officer, not only is the statement abhorrent but it is, in my opinion, a good indication that this officer is not fit to serve because he either intends or desires to violate the law and is encouraging others to do so and that violation includes killing of a law abiding citizen. Such statements alone should be grounds for his removal from any position as a sworn law enforcement officer as I see it. I let the East Palo Alto Police Department know just that in my email to them.
If you would like to contact the East Palo Alto Police Department, you can do so via this link:
http://www.ci.east-palo-alto.ca.us/contact.html
I encourage you to do so regarding the intolerable statements allegedly made by Detective Tuason.
All the best,
Glenn B
As per the article, Gun Rights Advocates Target California Detective Following Facebook Posts, the statements made by the detective indicate he was talking about shooting someone for that person having had exercised 2nd Amendment rights. This was all in a FaceBook posting specifically with regard to people in California legally carrying unloaded firearms in the open.
""Sounds like you had someone practicing their 2nd amendment rights last night!" Tuason wrote. "Should've pulled the AR out and prone them all out! And if one of them makes a furtive movement … 2 weeks off!!!" -- referring to the modified duty, commonly known as desk duty, that typically follows any instance in which an officer is investigated for firing his weapon."
Being an LEO, and being someone who believes in upholding our Constitution and our rights as U.S. Citizens and being an ardent supporter of our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms, that got me pretty riled up. So I sent off an email to the East Palo Alto Police Department voicing my disdain regarding such hatred and bias allegedly coming from a police officer. If you value your 2nd Amendments rights, and all other rights, then I suggest you do the same.
Now, some may say that Detective Tuason was exercising his right to free speech when he allegedly wrote those words. That may be so, but as part of his employment he has no such freedom to exhibit bias and hatred toward others, and is likely not allowed to advocate what would amount to murder for someone exercising their rights under our Constitution. That should go for off duty conduct as well as on duty conduct. Masking the reason for shooting someone by saying that they should be shot because they made a furtive movement after they were ordered into the prone position by a police officer is an abhorrent statement and seems to me only to be suggestive of premeditated murder in which the officer is just waiting for some excuse to kill a law abiding gun owner. Remember, in such a situation as he allegedly described, the person would have been carrying legally and should not have been ordered to lie down in the first place simply for carrying a weapon openly. Even if that could be justified he then said the person should be shot if they made a furtive movement - mind you not a threatening movement. If this statement was actually made by the officer, not only is the statement abhorrent but it is, in my opinion, a good indication that this officer is not fit to serve because he either intends or desires to violate the law and is encouraging others to do so and that violation includes killing of a law abiding citizen. Such statements alone should be grounds for his removal from any position as a sworn law enforcement officer as I see it. I let the East Palo Alto Police Department know just that in my email to them.
If you would like to contact the East Palo Alto Police Department, you can do so via this link:
http://www.ci.east-palo-alto.ca.us/contact.html
I encourage you to do so regarding the intolerable statements allegedly made by Detective Tuason.
All the best,
Glenn B
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Ballseye's Gun Shots 47 - Ben Avery Shooting Facility
After over a month and a half in Phoenix, I finally got to go out and do some shooting today. I chose an outdoor range, I would have had to have been loopy not to have done so being that it was a beautiful sunny day in the low seventies. I may as well enjoy this fine weather as much as I can while I am out here, it has not been a good winter back home - not unless you are a polar bear or something like that (or a global warming fanatic - go figure how it getting colder is proof of global warming) with all the snow and very cold temperatures this year.
The range I chose was the Ben Avery Shooting facility. It is a state run range, I think run by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and it is located just a short distance off of Interstate 17, maybe 20 or 25 miles north of downtown Phoenix.
Once I got there I made my way to the main range and then to the registration building. I paid a mere $7.00 for unlimited shooting during their business hours (open Sundays from 8-3PM in the winter months) and then asked for some targets. The lady asked me if I had been to the range before and when I said no she asked me to sit down and watch a 7 minute video that explained range protocol for this particular range. Good idea. The video was short, safety orientated, to the point and explained the particular rules for this particular range. After that I went to buy my targets but had to wait on a line of about 10 other shooters in front of me. The range was packed and more people kept coming - it really was that nice of a day. he targets i chose were bull's eye targets with a paper size of about 12x12". They were only .15 each - not bad. Once done buying them, I headed to the range and had to stop by the range masters booth to check in and be assigned a shooting point. I got number 14 - coincidence I suppose that the date was the 14th. In all the main range has 67 points. There are several other ranges - check the website for more info here.
Luckily a cease fire was going on when I was assigned my point. I had plenty of time to find my shooting table, get a target backer, set up and place my targets. They use a very wide target backer, I easily fit two of my targets across its face, probably could have fit three or four across, and then at least another row below that. Soon after setting up it was time to start shooting. I began with shooting my issued Sig 299 and fired exactly 87 rounds through it. That was a complete compliments of rounds in the pistol and two spare mags worth plus another box of 50 rounds.I also shot my Glock 26. I put maybe 75 to 100 rounds through it. While i was quite satisfied with how I was shooting the Sig, I was quite disappointed with the Glock. Since I got it, I have shot about 4 to 5" to the left at 15 to 20 yards consistently. This is true even when resting on support on the bench. I need to have the sights adjusted but each time I have qualified with it there was one reason or another why they could not be adjusted on those days. I qualify this week out here, and I will insist they get adjusted and that I have time and ammo enough to make sure it was done right.
I also brought along my Henry Survival Rifle but am disappointed to say I only had 16 rounds of ammo for it. I stopped at two Walmarts and at one Big Five Sporting Goods store only to find that neither Walmart had .22LR ammo at all and the Big Five only had bricks I wanted two boxes of 50 at most). I would have sworn I bought a box of a hundred rounds of .22LR when I went to the gun show here last month - but I cannot find it. As a matter of fact, I just checked my blog from back then and I noted then that I indeed bought a box of 100 rounds of CCI Standard Velocity .22LR ammo. Must be in the trunk. I shot 14 of the 16 rounds I had, two jammed for some reason and I discarded them. I did okay shooting it at 15 yards, would have definitely hit a pigeon sized game animal, maybe even a sparrow each time. For a survival rifle you would think that better accuracy would be tantamount. I do not know if it is me or the rifle but judging by how I shoot with other rifles in .22LR I figure it is this particular rifle. Not bad, just not very good. I did as well, actually much better, in group size at 15 yards with the Sig pistol. Of course it could be I need to find some ammo that the Henry really likes, time will tell.
While at the range, during the first cease fire after I had started shooting, went to my bench to grab 2 new targets. I got yelled at by a range officer. Lot of new unfamiliar rules at this range for me, and going to the bench is not allowed during ceasefires because they allow you to leave your unloaded firearms on the bench during the cease fire. That is something I am not used to from ranges at home which make you unload your firearms then rack rifles and shotguns or holster pistols when a cease fire is called. I got over it, even apologized to the range officer, and promised not to make another mistake. I kept my promise.
I have to point out that everyone who worked at the range, from the lady who took my range fee to the guy who assigned my my point to the guy who yelled at me to some other ranges officers to whom I spoke, were all very polite and helpful. They answered any questions I had, corrected me firmly but politely (he only yelled because I still had on my muffs) when I pulled that one boner, and were interested in where I was from and why I was there and so on (but were not nosy). I also had the chance to speak to a guy who was shooting an AR next to me. Nice guy, we talked about the range, shooting and ARs a bit. Brendan is in the market for one back home - he wants a Stag Model 8, so any info was appreciated. That gentleman asked me if I kept my brass and I told him feel free to scoop it up. He donates it to some organization or another.
One slightly strange thing happened though. A guy walks over to my point, just as a new shooting session had begun. I was at the bench and had just assembled my Henry Survival Rifle. He started telling me he had just bought an original Air Force survival rifle with an extra custom made heavy barrel, all for only $50 at a garage sale, and as he was doing so he kept looking at my rifle closer and closer actually bending over it so his eyes were only maybe 6 to 8 inches from the receiver and he then kind of absent mindedly pointed along the serial number as if reading it. I am pretty certain he was not just making small talk but was actually checking the serial number and trying to look nonchalant, like he was not doing what I thought he was doing. Maybe someone had a similar rifle stolen, I don't know why he was reading it but it seemed pretty obvious. Of course, it is possible my imagination is too active but it sure looked to me as if he was reading it. After that he left and I started shooting. When I went into the range building to say goodbye to the lady who took my range fee, the same guy was in there at the counter. He was very polite, even gave me some directions. Oh well...
You can bet that I will be back to this range again if I have the chance before I leave Phoenix. Hopefully I will be able to make it there a few more times. It was a fun couple of hours, especially since the folks there were so nice.
All the best,
Glenn B
The range I chose was the Ben Avery Shooting facility. It is a state run range, I think run by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and it is located just a short distance off of Interstate 17, maybe 20 or 25 miles north of downtown Phoenix.
Once I got there I made my way to the main range and then to the registration building. I paid a mere $7.00 for unlimited shooting during their business hours (open Sundays from 8-3PM in the winter months) and then asked for some targets. The lady asked me if I had been to the range before and when I said no she asked me to sit down and watch a 7 minute video that explained range protocol for this particular range. Good idea. The video was short, safety orientated, to the point and explained the particular rules for this particular range. After that I went to buy my targets but had to wait on a line of about 10 other shooters in front of me. The range was packed and more people kept coming - it really was that nice of a day. he targets i chose were bull's eye targets with a paper size of about 12x12". They were only .15 each - not bad. Once done buying them, I headed to the range and had to stop by the range masters booth to check in and be assigned a shooting point. I got number 14 - coincidence I suppose that the date was the 14th. In all the main range has 67 points. There are several other ranges - check the website for more info here.
Luckily a cease fire was going on when I was assigned my point. I had plenty of time to find my shooting table, get a target backer, set up and place my targets. They use a very wide target backer, I easily fit two of my targets across its face, probably could have fit three or four across, and then at least another row below that. Soon after setting up it was time to start shooting. I began with shooting my issued Sig 299 and fired exactly 87 rounds through it. That was a complete compliments of rounds in the pistol and two spare mags worth plus another box of 50 rounds.I also shot my Glock 26. I put maybe 75 to 100 rounds through it. While i was quite satisfied with how I was shooting the Sig, I was quite disappointed with the Glock. Since I got it, I have shot about 4 to 5" to the left at 15 to 20 yards consistently. This is true even when resting on support on the bench. I need to have the sights adjusted but each time I have qualified with it there was one reason or another why they could not be adjusted on those days. I qualify this week out here, and I will insist they get adjusted and that I have time and ammo enough to make sure it was done right.
I also brought along my Henry Survival Rifle but am disappointed to say I only had 16 rounds of ammo for it. I stopped at two Walmarts and at one Big Five Sporting Goods store only to find that neither Walmart had .22LR ammo at all and the Big Five only had bricks I wanted two boxes of 50 at most). I would have sworn I bought a box of a hundred rounds of .22LR when I went to the gun show here last month - but I cannot find it. As a matter of fact, I just checked my blog from back then and I noted then that I indeed bought a box of 100 rounds of CCI Standard Velocity .22LR ammo. Must be in the trunk. I shot 14 of the 16 rounds I had, two jammed for some reason and I discarded them. I did okay shooting it at 15 yards, would have definitely hit a pigeon sized game animal, maybe even a sparrow each time. For a survival rifle you would think that better accuracy would be tantamount. I do not know if it is me or the rifle but judging by how I shoot with other rifles in .22LR I figure it is this particular rifle. Not bad, just not very good. I did as well, actually much better, in group size at 15 yards with the Sig pistol. Of course it could be I need to find some ammo that the Henry really likes, time will tell.
While at the range, during the first cease fire after I had started shooting, went to my bench to grab 2 new targets. I got yelled at by a range officer. Lot of new unfamiliar rules at this range for me, and going to the bench is not allowed during ceasefires because they allow you to leave your unloaded firearms on the bench during the cease fire. That is something I am not used to from ranges at home which make you unload your firearms then rack rifles and shotguns or holster pistols when a cease fire is called. I got over it, even apologized to the range officer, and promised not to make another mistake. I kept my promise.
I have to point out that everyone who worked at the range, from the lady who took my range fee to the guy who assigned my my point to the guy who yelled at me to some other ranges officers to whom I spoke, were all very polite and helpful. They answered any questions I had, corrected me firmly but politely (he only yelled because I still had on my muffs) when I pulled that one boner, and were interested in where I was from and why I was there and so on (but were not nosy). I also had the chance to speak to a guy who was shooting an AR next to me. Nice guy, we talked about the range, shooting and ARs a bit. Brendan is in the market for one back home - he wants a Stag Model 8, so any info was appreciated. That gentleman asked me if I kept my brass and I told him feel free to scoop it up. He donates it to some organization or another.
One slightly strange thing happened though. A guy walks over to my point, just as a new shooting session had begun. I was at the bench and had just assembled my Henry Survival Rifle. He started telling me he had just bought an original Air Force survival rifle with an extra custom made heavy barrel, all for only $50 at a garage sale, and as he was doing so he kept looking at my rifle closer and closer actually bending over it so his eyes were only maybe 6 to 8 inches from the receiver and he then kind of absent mindedly pointed along the serial number as if reading it. I am pretty certain he was not just making small talk but was actually checking the serial number and trying to look nonchalant, like he was not doing what I thought he was doing. Maybe someone had a similar rifle stolen, I don't know why he was reading it but it seemed pretty obvious. Of course, it is possible my imagination is too active but it sure looked to me as if he was reading it. After that he left and I started shooting. When I went into the range building to say goodbye to the lady who took my range fee, the same guy was in there at the counter. He was very polite, even gave me some directions. Oh well...
You can bet that I will be back to this range again if I have the chance before I leave Phoenix. Hopefully I will be able to make it there a few more times. It was a fun couple of hours, especially since the folks there were so nice.
All the best,
Glenn B
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The Spirits Are With Me...
...and now I must choose between them. I found a place called Total Wine and decided to give it a shot in my search for a bottle of Knappogue Castle Single Malt Irish Whiskey. Despite the name - Total Wine, this place was a total spirits emporium. It had just about everything a mortal soul could desire when it came to spirits, from wine to Champagne to beer to ale to cider to cordials to hard spirits of all sorts. Being in this place could be pretty trying if you went in looking for nothing in particular if only because they have such a wide variety. I sort of knew what I wanted, the Knappogue Castle and maybe an Ommegang Abbey Ale or two.
What I decided on was a bit more than that: one bottle of Knappogue Castle Single Malt Irish Whiskey, two bottles of Ommegang Abbey Ale, two bottles of Hacker-Pschorr Hefe Weiss Bier (probably the first weiss bier I have tasted some 36 or 37 years ago) and a half case of Paulaner Hefe Weiss Bier (maybe my favorite hefe weiss bier). That should last me awhile, potentially for the remainder of my stay here since I also already had two or three bottles of wine. Now while I could easily finish it all by myself, that would be a lot of drinking to do alone, so I suppose I'll have to pass out the invites to some of my coworkers.
Right now, I am enjoying a Hacker-Pschorr Weiss Bier. Absolutely fantastic! It went well with my dinner of steak smothered in onions and shrooms along with a couple of eggs. The bier is supplying most of my carbs this evening. Mmmmm good.
All the best,
Glenn B
What I decided on was a bit more than that: one bottle of Knappogue Castle Single Malt Irish Whiskey, two bottles of Ommegang Abbey Ale, two bottles of Hacker-Pschorr Hefe Weiss Bier (probably the first weiss bier I have tasted some 36 or 37 years ago) and a half case of Paulaner Hefe Weiss Bier (maybe my favorite hefe weiss bier). That should last me awhile, potentially for the remainder of my stay here since I also already had two or three bottles of wine. Now while I could easily finish it all by myself, that would be a lot of drinking to do alone, so I suppose I'll have to pass out the invites to some of my coworkers.
Right now, I am enjoying a Hacker-Pschorr Weiss Bier. Absolutely fantastic! It went well with my dinner of steak smothered in onions and shrooms along with a couple of eggs. The bier is supplying most of my carbs this evening. Mmmmm good.
All the best,
Glenn B
Friday, February 12, 2010
St. Valentine's Day Card Blues
I've got the St. Valentine's Day card blues. Note I placed 'St.', aka: SAINT, before 'Valentine's' because it is actually a holy day named after a saint in the Christian religion. I am not blue because barely anyone remembers this is a day meant to celebrate a saint, I am not all that religious. I don't have the blues because I have been suckered in, for years now, by the likes of Hallmark and feel compelled to buy my sweetheart a nice card and gift for this day. I certainly am not blue because I already received a nice card from my lovely wife for this occasion. Nor am I blue because I bought a card for her last week that I then lost and did not find until today - only 2 days before the day.
I am not blue because when I got to the post office today, the one I found only because it was listed in my GPS, there was a sign in the window that tried to explain that they do not sell stamps. Now, though we are getting closer to why I am blue that is not the reason but it compels me to ask: Why have a post office if it does not sell stamps? Yet, that was not too bad. I could always find another Post Office nearby, one that did sell stamps.
So why have the blues? I am blue because this is what I saw when I walked up to the front door of the post office at which I had hoped to buy stamps today. Yes folks, I kid you not! The United States Post office located on E. McDowell
Road in Phoenix, AZ had this sign, pictured to the right, in its front window. It was prominently displayed so that all could see that the U.S. Post Office is run by morons. Maybe the reason for their long standing inability to turn a profit is apparent in the wording of said notice. If they don't SALE stamps that could explain a lot. Please note that said notification is signed: McDowell Management. Can you imagine that the management of that particular branch of the Post Office approved that message for placement in the front window. I cannot.
So why be blue over bad grammar? After all, it was only one little mistake, wasn't it? I work for Uncle Sam, thankfully not for the Post Office. That sign exemplifies, for me, the fact that our government is run, in great part, by idiotic boobs. Other things like it are evident throughout the current administration, one that seems to be one based upon mistakes because of incompetent federal workers, management, appointees, and elected officials. I once had great pride in our federal government but as of late it has been shaken to the bedrock. The Post Office is a prime example of why I have lost that confidence. Branches that do not sale stamps when that is one of the main reasons for the existence of the Post Office, in which the management approves of notices with bad grammar and employees who obviously have less than good command of the English language are allowed to officially place such on display for all to see, just make me feel miserable because such is a sign of how our whole government is failing from the bottom to the top (or would that be from the top to the bottom). I also have the blues because after seeing that I decided to wait until tomorrow to send the card - maybe not a good move but I already sent my love a nice PajamaGram.
Of course, I am not a grammar expert. I make grammatical mistakes too - you surely have seen them here in my blog; I probably made a few in this post. The thing is though, if I wrote something like - with such a glaring mistake as that - in an official document, my supervisor would correct me. He also would laugh at me if I thought it would get finalized without correction. If he did not catch it and correct it then that would be a shame. It would be even worse had it been some sort of public notice we needed to post and it had been posted with the mistake included, then left that way for all to see, and left long enough for it to begin to curl at the edges. As a matter of fact, my fifth grade teacher probably would have slammed me upside my head (as they say) had I handed in a project with a grammatical error like that one. That sign is a disgrace and it is indicative of what we are becoming, or maybe what we have already become, which is a Third World Nation. That is why I have the blues and I only noticed it because of a St. Valentine's Day card that I am overdue in sending!
All the best,
Glenn B
I am not blue because when I got to the post office today, the one I found only because it was listed in my GPS, there was a sign in the window that tried to explain that they do not sell stamps. Now, though we are getting closer to why I am blue that is not the reason but it compels me to ask: Why have a post office if it does not sell stamps? Yet, that was not too bad. I could always find another Post Office nearby, one that did sell stamps.
So why have the blues? I am blue because this is what I saw when I walked up to the front door of the post office at which I had hoped to buy stamps today. Yes folks, I kid you not! The United States Post office located on E. McDowell
Road in Phoenix, AZ had this sign, pictured to the right, in its front window. It was prominently displayed so that all could see that the U.S. Post Office is run by morons. Maybe the reason for their long standing inability to turn a profit is apparent in the wording of said notice. If they don't SALE stamps that could explain a lot. Please note that said notification is signed: McDowell Management. Can you imagine that the management of that particular branch of the Post Office approved that message for placement in the front window. I cannot.So why be blue over bad grammar? After all, it was only one little mistake, wasn't it? I work for Uncle Sam, thankfully not for the Post Office. That sign exemplifies, for me, the fact that our government is run, in great part, by idiotic boobs. Other things like it are evident throughout the current administration, one that seems to be one based upon mistakes because of incompetent federal workers, management, appointees, and elected officials. I once had great pride in our federal government but as of late it has been shaken to the bedrock. The Post Office is a prime example of why I have lost that confidence. Branches that do not sale stamps when that is one of the main reasons for the existence of the Post Office, in which the management approves of notices with bad grammar and employees who obviously have less than good command of the English language are allowed to officially place such on display for all to see, just make me feel miserable because such is a sign of how our whole government is failing from the bottom to the top (or would that be from the top to the bottom). I also have the blues because after seeing that I decided to wait until tomorrow to send the card - maybe not a good move but I already sent my love a nice PajamaGram.
Of course, I am not a grammar expert. I make grammatical mistakes too - you surely have seen them here in my blog; I probably made a few in this post. The thing is though, if I wrote something like - with such a glaring mistake as that - in an official document, my supervisor would correct me. He also would laugh at me if I thought it would get finalized without correction. If he did not catch it and correct it then that would be a shame. It would be even worse had it been some sort of public notice we needed to post and it had been posted with the mistake included, then left that way for all to see, and left long enough for it to begin to curl at the edges. As a matter of fact, my fifth grade teacher probably would have slammed me upside my head (as they say) had I handed in a project with a grammatical error like that one. That sign is a disgrace and it is indicative of what we are becoming, or maybe what we have already become, which is a Third World Nation. That is why I have the blues and I only noticed it because of a St. Valentine's Day card that I am overdue in sending!
All the best,
Glenn B
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wanted To Write A Fairly Long Post Tonight...
...but I went to a wine tasting in support of a group that fosters dogs needing homes and now I have a splitting headache. Maybe one of the wines did not agree with me but I only had a few small tastes. I don't know but the head is throbbing and I am not about to write much.
I will put this out though: I can tell you I enjoyed the evening - the wine tasting charity event in support of man's best friend, getting to taste a few wines, having fun playing with and petting some puppies a bit, making friends with a mutt, being surrounded by younger woman including three coworkers (guys you do not know what you are missing when you pass up and event like this - must have been 10 women to each guy that showed up - but alas I am an old married man so I could only pet the puppies) and then sitting down for a really good dinner with company that was even better (two really nice coworkers). The food was great and the company even better. I am happy I was asked if I wanted to go along.
It was a good night until now anyhow, so off for some rest for me.
All the best,
Glenn B
I will put this out though: I can tell you I enjoyed the evening - the wine tasting charity event in support of man's best friend, getting to taste a few wines, having fun playing with and petting some puppies a bit, making friends with a mutt, being surrounded by younger woman including three coworkers (guys you do not know what you are missing when you pass up and event like this - must have been 10 women to each guy that showed up - but alas I am an old married man so I could only pet the puppies) and then sitting down for a really good dinner with company that was even better (two really nice coworkers). The food was great and the company even better. I am happy I was asked if I wanted to go along.
It was a good night until now anyhow, so off for some rest for me.
All the best,
Glenn B
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
So - Representative John Murtha (D) Has Died
He passed away due to complications of gall bladder surgery, that surgery reportedly damaged his intestines, see here. I have mixed feelings. I owe the man a debt of gratitude for his service in the military during the Vietnam conflict. Then again, I despised his politics, what I believed were his repeated insulting deceits while in office and what I saw as his brazen unpatriotic rhetoric. I think his politics stank and while maybe he was the well meaning sort, he was doing us almost irreparable harm by way of his politics in my opinion. So, I mourn the fallen ex-serviceman with genuine sympathy and my condolences go his family and loved ones. Yet, at the same time, I am brought to the point of almost celebrating, with unmitigated joy, that he is out of the House of Representatives. I only find myself not doing so because his being out of politics was brought about by his tragic and untimely death and he was, after all, an ex-marine and he is owed respect for that if for nothing else.
With mixed feelings,
Glenn B
With mixed feelings,
Glenn B
A New Gun After Phoenix or Just Wishful Thinking
I have been here in Phoenix for about a month and a half. In that time I was able to squirrel away a decent amount of cash. What with not having to spend on my ordinary expenses from out of my own pocket, being on per diem and all, I have put away about $1,200 of what I would have otherwise spent of my own money. Getting the per diem has allowed me to do that. I figure that once another 2 months goes by, if I keep going at this rate, I'll have about another $2,000 saved up for a total of about $3,200 or so. That will be a nice chunk of change. Some will go toward new flooring for the living room, some will go toward a new computer or tuition for my son, and I think the rest will have to go for something along the lines of a new rifle. maybe something I have been wanting in .308 or maybe an AK of one sort or another that is still legal in NY. I am figuring on putting aside at least a grand to $1,200 for the rifle - whatever I decide to buy.
I have had designs to get a new gun a few times in the past but my hopes were smashed on the rocks below for one reason or another. This time though, it looks as if things are on target. Even if it winds up I don't get to put that much aside for a rifle, I will almost undoubtedly have a few hundred put aside for one. That would put something like a Marlin XS7 in .308 in my sights. I would rather get an AK or maybe even a Springfield M1A1 or a Ruger Mini 30 - something along the lines of a SHTF rifle but I will settle for less if it comes to that. I suppose I am leaning toward an AK because there are parts available for them worldwide, ammo is cheap, and they are workhorse guns.
All the best,
Glenn B
I have had designs to get a new gun a few times in the past but my hopes were smashed on the rocks below for one reason or another. This time though, it looks as if things are on target. Even if it winds up I don't get to put that much aside for a rifle, I will almost undoubtedly have a few hundred put aside for one. That would put something like a Marlin XS7 in .308 in my sights. I would rather get an AK or maybe even a Springfield M1A1 or a Ruger Mini 30 - something along the lines of a SHTF rifle but I will settle for less if it comes to that. I suppose I am leaning toward an AK because there are parts available for them worldwide, ammo is cheap, and they are workhorse guns.
All the best,
Glenn B
The Dubliner - Phoenix
I made it up to The Dubliner tonight and surprisingly got there before The Waters, well at least before Krystal of The Waters (she was solo tonight), started playing. She does a great rendition of Dylan's 'Don't Think Twice, It's All Right' - good for an older middle aged guy's soul. I enjoyed her singing as I enjoyed dinner which was a Pub Steak. Pretty decent food and better entertainment made for a good night.
Krystal did 4 or was it 5 songs and then opened up the mike to others (open mike night). The next couple of soloists were pretty good. One did a couple of Jethro Tull songs, the other sang 5 pretty funny songs including Hitler's bar mitzvah (and he claimed go be half Jewish). It was a good time. The 4th and final singer I stayed to listen to tried to be funny and maybe would have been had he not tried as hard. Not as much talent there as compared to the others but 3 out of 4 ain't bad. Anyhow, I went there to hear The Waters and was quite content to settle for listening to the the fiery red headed half of the duo.
I did not stay til the end, wish I had had the chance but I had to get back before the witching hour to make sure I get up early tomorrow.
All the best,
Glenn B
Krystal did 4 or was it 5 songs and then opened up the mike to others (open mike night). The next couple of soloists were pretty good. One did a couple of Jethro Tull songs, the other sang 5 pretty funny songs including Hitler's bar mitzvah (and he claimed go be half Jewish). It was a good time. The 4th and final singer I stayed to listen to tried to be funny and maybe would have been had he not tried as hard. Not as much talent there as compared to the others but 3 out of 4 ain't bad. Anyhow, I went there to hear The Waters and was quite content to settle for listening to the the fiery red headed half of the duo.
I did not stay til the end, wish I had had the chance but I had to get back before the witching hour to make sure I get up early tomorrow.
All the best,
Glenn B
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Book of Eli
I decided to take in a movie earlier this evening. I walked over to the theater, maybe a mile away, and was truly looking forward to seeing The Book Of Eli. I was way too early, so I took another walk. Got back about 10 minutes early and figured I would go for it thinking the movie would not be crowded with the Superbowl being played. I was right. When the trailers for upcoming movies started I was the sole occupant of the theater. Just before the movie started there were a total of 67 people there to watch it. One or two more came in awhile later.
At 1 hour and 7 minutes into the actual movie (yeah I noted the time when it started and when i left) I got up to look for the manager. I tried,up ti;l that moment to disregard the black scratches continually across the entire screen, and the green scratches, and the flecks of dirt or dust particles too. I tried to convince myself that this was all part of the film. Well if it was part of the film it got to the point where I figured the film sucked. So I left and sought out the manager. He told me, once I mentioned the green streaks or scratches, that they meant the film itself (or whatever medium it is) was scratched. He said he would order a new one and that I was the first person to complain. I find it hard to believe that people are so accepting of low quality and annoying crap like that as to sit there and watch the whole movie all the way through without complaining to the management. Maybe, had it been an excellent movie, I would have stayed but it was mediocre to just okay at best up to the point I got to. I declined the refund and took a free pass. I want to see it all the way through once they get a better copy - he said within two days. I hope so. Even if mediocre to just okay at best, it is a sci-fi adventure and I am a sucker for them.
Oh well, off to dinner I suppose. I am thinking of a nice lamb stew if I can find it. Off to an Irish restaurant I think, as I had planned earlier.
All the best,
Glenn B
At 1 hour and 7 minutes into the actual movie (yeah I noted the time when it started and when i left) I got up to look for the manager. I tried,up ti;l that moment to disregard the black scratches continually across the entire screen, and the green scratches, and the flecks of dirt or dust particles too. I tried to convince myself that this was all part of the film. Well if it was part of the film it got to the point where I figured the film sucked. So I left and sought out the manager. He told me, once I mentioned the green streaks or scratches, that they meant the film itself (or whatever medium it is) was scratched. He said he would order a new one and that I was the first person to complain. I find it hard to believe that people are so accepting of low quality and annoying crap like that as to sit there and watch the whole movie all the way through without complaining to the management. Maybe, had it been an excellent movie, I would have stayed but it was mediocre to just okay at best up to the point I got to. I declined the refund and took a free pass. I want to see it all the way through once they get a better copy - he said within two days. I hope so. Even if mediocre to just okay at best, it is a sci-fi adventure and I am a sucker for them.
Oh well, off to dinner I suppose. I am thinking of a nice lamb stew if I can find it. Off to an Irish restaurant I think, as I had planned earlier.
All the best,
Glenn B
THE WATERS - One Hundred Thousand Memories...-
...sixty thousand sunny days and forty thousand rains...(I hope In got that quote just right).
'The Waters' made every drop of that rain well worthwhile, it was raining last night when I saw them and rainy night or not they filled the air with song and warmth. The Waters is a local Phoenix band. Krystal, Sturgis and a drummer whose name I am sorry I do not know. I have seen them twice now - once just Krystal & Sturgis and once with the drummer too. They are truly wonderful together. Krystal has a voice that fills one with amazement and the accompaniment of Sturgis on Guitar only makes it all the better. I think they are not only a musical duo but also married to one another and I suppose that only helps them make the songs ever so much more enjoyable.
The Waters
Subject: Dubliner Open Mic
Start Date: Sunday, February 7, 2010 9:00PM
End Date: Monday, February 8, 2010 12:00AM
Summary: 3841 E. Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix
NW corner of 40th St. & Thunderbird
I saw them Saturday night at Rosie McCaffrey's. It was an excellent performance; pretty nice bar/restaurant too of the Irish Pub variety. I plan to be at The Dubliner later tonight to hear them again.
All the best,
Glenn B
'The Waters' made every drop of that rain well worthwhile, it was raining last night when I saw them and rainy night or not they filled the air with song and warmth. The Waters is a local Phoenix band. Krystal, Sturgis and a drummer whose name I am sorry I do not know. I have seen them twice now - once just Krystal & Sturgis and once with the drummer too. They are truly wonderful together. Krystal has a voice that fills one with amazement and the accompaniment of Sturgis on Guitar only makes it all the better. I think they are not only a musical duo but also married to one another and I suppose that only helps them make the songs ever so much more enjoyable.
The Waters
Subject: Dubliner Open Mic
Start Date: Sunday, February 7, 2010 9:00PM
End Date: Monday, February 8, 2010 12:00AM
Summary: 3841 E. Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix
NW corner of 40th St. & Thunderbird
I saw them Saturday night at Rosie McCaffrey's. It was an excellent performance; pretty nice bar/restaurant too of the Irish Pub variety. I plan to be at The Dubliner later tonight to hear them again.
All the best,
Glenn B
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Things You See While On Surveillance...
...are sometimes quite unexpected but certainly welcome nonetheless when like this sight. Such are the subjects in this quick surveillance snapshot (and that is all it is - a quick snapshot). Being that I was in the middle of a quite densely populated area these three guys and the other eight or nine that were with them were an amusing treat for me. I can tell you this, they did not tarry long in the busy parking lot that we were in at the time. As a matter of fact they made a speedy get away toward the backside of the lot and toward some backyards almost as soon as I took the above shot. I just had time to flick into the video mode and got a few of them on the run.
Too bad I did not get any shots as good as these of the bad guy.
All the best,
Glenn B
Danish Navy Rescues Hijacked Crew
The Danish Navy came to the rescue of a hijacked ship's crew - see here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584932,00.html?test=latestnews. Danish naval forces boarded the ship and freed the crew and they tout it is some amazing feat although if you read the linked article closely you will probably be of the same opinion as my own - there were no pirates aboard at the time. You see, the article goes on to state that a Russian naval vessel sent forces to board a skiff on which the pirates were apparently making a get away. Oh well, we have to remember this is the Danish Navy giving the story!
Along the lines of possible further embellishment consider that the Danes are also claiming this was the first time that naval forces have ever been sent in to perform a rescue during a hijacking. Are they kidding or are they just splitting hairs? I seem to remember this from recent history: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/12/somalia.pirates/. I have to hand it to whoever wrote the article because they point out both the one I just mentioned and another:
"French commandos stormed a yacht last April with five hostages on board but one, skipper Florent Lemacon, was killed during the operation. American snipers also shot dead three pirates in April 2009 holding an American captain hostage on board a lifeboat after the crew of the Maersk Alabama had persuaded the pirates to leave the main ship."
All the best,
Glenn B
Along the lines of possible further embellishment consider that the Danes are also claiming this was the first time that naval forces have ever been sent in to perform a rescue during a hijacking. Are they kidding or are they just splitting hairs? I seem to remember this from recent history: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/12/somalia.pirates/. I have to hand it to whoever wrote the article because they point out both the one I just mentioned and another:
"French commandos stormed a yacht last April with five hostages on board but one, skipper Florent Lemacon, was killed during the operation. American snipers also shot dead three pirates in April 2009 holding an American captain hostage on board a lifeboat after the crew of the Maersk Alabama had persuaded the pirates to leave the main ship."
All the best,
Glenn B
North By Northwest (or was that northeast)?
Imagine going to the beach to watch the sunset. A nice way to spend an evening, don't you think! Well, maybe not quite so nice if you go to the beach, walk out on the at least partially frozen sea, then get yourself lost. According to news reports here, and here, this is what it seems happened to a middle aged man in Germany who trekked out onto the ice near St. Peter-Ording close to the Danish border. (A hat tip to Bayou Renaissance man for posting about this here.)Since the temperatures would soon go down to -20C you maybe able to imagine that the man would have succumbed to the cold had he somehow not found his way back to shore or had he not been rescued. This guy was not finding his way to the shore but disorientated or not, he had his salvation with him and kept his wits enough to use it. Lucky for him - someone was watching - even if she was about 350 miles away and note I really mean it was lucky for him - very lucky.
What happened was that this fellow started setting off his camera flash in the hope that someone would see it (at least that is what was reported). Someone did see it and she had the sense to realize it was someone in need who was setting off the flashes. The woman who saw it was looking at her computer screen monitoring a web cam that was set up on the same beach pointed at the very same sunset that our sad-sack nature lover decided to get a better view of by hiking out onto the ice of the frozen North Sea. Local authorities, local to the area where the guy was lost, responded and flashed the headlights of their vehicles on an off to direct the lost and cold sunset worshipper back to shore. Then they, according to one report, chewed him out for having done something so foolish.
I will not even go into how stupid I think it was on the nature lover's part to trek out on the ice of the North Sea (heck I used to preach to my kids never to walk or skate on a frozen pond let alone walk out on a frozen sea) especially as unprepared as he seems to have been for survival. I will comment though on how easily remedied his situation would have been as far as becoming disorientated. Had he had the least amount of knowledge and sense before setting out on a hike in nature, he would have prepared himself with the most basic of equipment to assure he would not get lost. That basic equipment is available to anyone who has a few bucks to spend. It is called a compass. Had he been in possession of a compass all he would have needed to have done would have been to take it out and get a reading from it and then walk toward the direction of shore - that is presuming that he had enough smarts to realize in which direction shore would be found. An easy way to make sure of that would have been to have taken a compass reading before he set off on the ice.
I have a very good sense of direction. Not so much that I can tell you that one way is north with impeccable reliability but in that if I set out on a rambling hike I can almost always find my way back to my starting point without much difficulty. Note I said almost always. I have gotten disorientated before, turned around so much so that I did not know which way to proceed to hit my desired destination. So what did I do? First of all I stopped. Then I made a conscious effort to remain calm. Then I looked and listened. Now you may be thinking - looked and listened for what. Well as I would have, had I been in this guy's shoes, I would have looked for the last light of the sun's setting. That would have given me a sense of direction. If not, say it already was too dark or was snowing and I could not make out direction through the swirling whiteness, then the listening comes to play. I once found myself turned around in the woods and listened intently through the wind and through the sound of tree branches rustling to hear the sounds from a distant highway. Once I picked up the sound of passing vehicles (from about a mile away and in a snowstorm at that) I knew which direction I had to go to get back to my starting point. The thing is, had I not heard the traffic, I would still have been okay. I had a compass with me, and I knew which direction would get me going my destination.
I carry a compass with me virtually every time I am out and about in natural settings on hikes, short walks, backpacking trips, fishing trips and so on. Why? Simply because I do not want to get lost and wind up in a situation that might kill me. I have almost no compass reading skills. I do not plot my hikes using a compass. I go out and hike and I turn around and hike back even if I zigged and zagged to get where I was going. I am lucky in that way because I can usually find my way back with ease. Again, I point out I use a term like usually. I carry the compass in case it does not work out as usual and I do not need to be a map maker to use one effectively enough to get me back to safety. I take a reading for direction before I go, then I have a good idea which way I have to use to return. When I change course, I pick out landmarks and take a new reading from there. I always have an idea of which general direction I would have to walk to get back to where I started out. Mind you, if I was going to go out on an extended backpacking trek into a remote location, I would take maps and I would learn how to orient using those maps, a compass and landmarks. I have a very general idea how to do it already because I have read up on it before but even without such knowledge you can use a compass to make sure you get back to from where you started. In the case of the guy who was lost on the North Sea all he would have had to do was look at the compass and then walk in the direction of land - and maybe also hope he did not fall through the ice at a weak spot.
Now that I am back to that almost completely hapless hiker, let me point out something he did right. He kept his wits about him when he was lost, at least enough to think of using his flash as an emergency beacon. It is important to remain calm if you get lost. It is easy, very easy, to panic but panic helps nothing except maybe that it helps your downfall or demise. Apparently he must have had enough sense to put fresh batteries into his camera before going off to take pictures of the sunset in the frozen north. Why he did not have enough sense to bring along a compass is beyond me. My guess is that he also did not have a flashlight. I carry a flashlight with me, in my pants pocket, almost everywhere I go. I leave it behind pretty much only when I forget it. When I hike, I take extra batteries too.
A flashlight cannot only be used to help illuminate your way but can also be used as a signal device. Think about how lucky this guy was that the woman watching the web cam did not just think he was taking pictures; some people probably would have thought so and paid him no or little mind. If however he had been signalling on and off with a flashlight (such as an SOS signal) it would have been much more obvious that he needed help. The SOS while not the most simple, is certainly one of the most simple distress signals in the world. It is Morse code and essentially means I need help, or send help, or I am in distress. It is simply a series of three dots followed by three dashes followed by three dots. Very easy to accomplish with a flashlight by turning it on and off. Even if you forget the order and put it out as O-S-O or three dashes followed by three dots followed by three dashes - chances are someone would realize you are trying to send and SOS because it is a standard distress signal around the world and it follows the pattern of three. The ironic thing in this situation is that the SOS signal originated in Germany, and one has to wonder if the ice trekker even knew it existed.
If you forget the whole SOS thin then remember this - three of anything is also an international distress code. So if the guy lost out on the ice kept setting off his flash in sets of three flashes, then waited awhile, then repeated the three flashes, it should have signaled that he needed help. Three whistle blasts (another good signal device to carry while hiking), three short bursts of light from a flashlight, three gunshots (not all that great during hunting season so carry a signal whistle), three dark lines - of broken branches or stones or mud or whatever - in the snow out in field (as could be seen by air rescue crews) all would be distress signals. Lucky for our lost Ice Man of the North that he used a light because my guess is no one would have heard a whistle in his case.
If you think your sense of direction is infallible and you figure you cannot get lost - maybe as did this guy - well then I wish you luck when you do get lost - luck like this man had out on the ice. I think though that the chances of such a lucky save repeating itself in the event you get lost are slim to none. So I strongly suggest being prepared before you set out - even on something like a short exercise hike in the woods. You would be surprised how easy it is to get turned around if you fall and hit your head and become dazed even momentarily, or because of something as simple as you hiking off trail or losing a trail. You might also be surprised at how easily people can panic when they become lost and how much easier it is to become even more lost when you panic. So before you go make some preparation. Think about your trip beforehand. Think about what to do if you get lost before you get lost. Think about remaining calm and how you would convince yourself to avoid panic. At the very least carry a compass and a flashlight with fresh batteries. Have a basic idea of how to use the compass. Take a compass reading before you set off, take readings as you go along, keep in mind the general direction that you have to go in order to return to your starting point. Also take along a flashlight, I carry a Mini-mag Light but there are many others available. Those with LED bulbs are much easier on the batteries.
There are many other things I take along on a hike that would help insure my survival if I ever got lost or otherwise stuck out in the woods or another harsh environment unexpectedly. I always carry a knife unless I forget one. Since I usually take two or three I hardly ever forget to have at least one of them with me. When hiking I also carry plenty of water, some high energy food, a small first aid kit, a space blanket, glow sticks (those plastic tubes filled with luminescent goop that is activated when you bend the plastic tube breaking the inner glass tube that contains the catalyst to make the goop glow) a flashlight, an extra light, extra batteries, water, some high energy food, water (did I mention water already), a waterproof hat for warmth, matches in a waterproof container or waterproof matches, a small fire starter like a candle (something that will make it easier to get a blaze going), a magnesium fire starter bar (in case the matches do not work or I lose them) and water. All of that can be carried in a small daypack with room left over for a sweater. I also carry a gun when I legally can do so - which right now is always.
Don't think you need it all - take it all anyway, it may save your life.
All the best,
Glenn B
What happened was that this fellow started setting off his camera flash in the hope that someone would see it (at least that is what was reported). Someone did see it and she had the sense to realize it was someone in need who was setting off the flashes. The woman who saw it was looking at her computer screen monitoring a web cam that was set up on the same beach pointed at the very same sunset that our sad-sack nature lover decided to get a better view of by hiking out onto the ice of the frozen North Sea. Local authorities, local to the area where the guy was lost, responded and flashed the headlights of their vehicles on an off to direct the lost and cold sunset worshipper back to shore. Then they, according to one report, chewed him out for having done something so foolish.
I will not even go into how stupid I think it was on the nature lover's part to trek out on the ice of the North Sea (heck I used to preach to my kids never to walk or skate on a frozen pond let alone walk out on a frozen sea) especially as unprepared as he seems to have been for survival. I will comment though on how easily remedied his situation would have been as far as becoming disorientated. Had he had the least amount of knowledge and sense before setting out on a hike in nature, he would have prepared himself with the most basic of equipment to assure he would not get lost. That basic equipment is available to anyone who has a few bucks to spend. It is called a compass. Had he been in possession of a compass all he would have needed to have done would have been to take it out and get a reading from it and then walk toward the direction of shore - that is presuming that he had enough smarts to realize in which direction shore would be found. An easy way to make sure of that would have been to have taken a compass reading before he set off on the ice.
I have a very good sense of direction. Not so much that I can tell you that one way is north with impeccable reliability but in that if I set out on a rambling hike I can almost always find my way back to my starting point without much difficulty. Note I said almost always. I have gotten disorientated before, turned around so much so that I did not know which way to proceed to hit my desired destination. So what did I do? First of all I stopped. Then I made a conscious effort to remain calm. Then I looked and listened. Now you may be thinking - looked and listened for what. Well as I would have, had I been in this guy's shoes, I would have looked for the last light of the sun's setting. That would have given me a sense of direction. If not, say it already was too dark or was snowing and I could not make out direction through the swirling whiteness, then the listening comes to play. I once found myself turned around in the woods and listened intently through the wind and through the sound of tree branches rustling to hear the sounds from a distant highway. Once I picked up the sound of passing vehicles (from about a mile away and in a snowstorm at that) I knew which direction I had to go to get back to my starting point. The thing is, had I not heard the traffic, I would still have been okay. I had a compass with me, and I knew which direction would get me going my destination.
I carry a compass with me virtually every time I am out and about in natural settings on hikes, short walks, backpacking trips, fishing trips and so on. Why? Simply because I do not want to get lost and wind up in a situation that might kill me. I have almost no compass reading skills. I do not plot my hikes using a compass. I go out and hike and I turn around and hike back even if I zigged and zagged to get where I was going. I am lucky in that way because I can usually find my way back with ease. Again, I point out I use a term like usually. I carry the compass in case it does not work out as usual and I do not need to be a map maker to use one effectively enough to get me back to safety. I take a reading for direction before I go, then I have a good idea which way I have to use to return. When I change course, I pick out landmarks and take a new reading from there. I always have an idea of which general direction I would have to walk to get back to where I started out. Mind you, if I was going to go out on an extended backpacking trek into a remote location, I would take maps and I would learn how to orient using those maps, a compass and landmarks. I have a very general idea how to do it already because I have read up on it before but even without such knowledge you can use a compass to make sure you get back to from where you started. In the case of the guy who was lost on the North Sea all he would have had to do was look at the compass and then walk in the direction of land - and maybe also hope he did not fall through the ice at a weak spot.
Now that I am back to that almost completely hapless hiker, let me point out something he did right. He kept his wits about him when he was lost, at least enough to think of using his flash as an emergency beacon. It is important to remain calm if you get lost. It is easy, very easy, to panic but panic helps nothing except maybe that it helps your downfall or demise. Apparently he must have had enough sense to put fresh batteries into his camera before going off to take pictures of the sunset in the frozen north. Why he did not have enough sense to bring along a compass is beyond me. My guess is that he also did not have a flashlight. I carry a flashlight with me, in my pants pocket, almost everywhere I go. I leave it behind pretty much only when I forget it. When I hike, I take extra batteries too.
A flashlight cannot only be used to help illuminate your way but can also be used as a signal device. Think about how lucky this guy was that the woman watching the web cam did not just think he was taking pictures; some people probably would have thought so and paid him no or little mind. If however he had been signalling on and off with a flashlight (such as an SOS signal) it would have been much more obvious that he needed help. The SOS while not the most simple, is certainly one of the most simple distress signals in the world. It is Morse code and essentially means I need help, or send help, or I am in distress. It is simply a series of three dots followed by three dashes followed by three dots. Very easy to accomplish with a flashlight by turning it on and off. Even if you forget the order and put it out as O-S-O or three dashes followed by three dots followed by three dashes - chances are someone would realize you are trying to send and SOS because it is a standard distress signal around the world and it follows the pattern of three. The ironic thing in this situation is that the SOS signal originated in Germany, and one has to wonder if the ice trekker even knew it existed.
If you forget the whole SOS thin then remember this - three of anything is also an international distress code. So if the guy lost out on the ice kept setting off his flash in sets of three flashes, then waited awhile, then repeated the three flashes, it should have signaled that he needed help. Three whistle blasts (another good signal device to carry while hiking), three short bursts of light from a flashlight, three gunshots (not all that great during hunting season so carry a signal whistle), three dark lines - of broken branches or stones or mud or whatever - in the snow out in field (as could be seen by air rescue crews) all would be distress signals. Lucky for our lost Ice Man of the North that he used a light because my guess is no one would have heard a whistle in his case.
If you think your sense of direction is infallible and you figure you cannot get lost - maybe as did this guy - well then I wish you luck when you do get lost - luck like this man had out on the ice. I think though that the chances of such a lucky save repeating itself in the event you get lost are slim to none. So I strongly suggest being prepared before you set out - even on something like a short exercise hike in the woods. You would be surprised how easy it is to get turned around if you fall and hit your head and become dazed even momentarily, or because of something as simple as you hiking off trail or losing a trail. You might also be surprised at how easily people can panic when they become lost and how much easier it is to become even more lost when you panic. So before you go make some preparation. Think about your trip beforehand. Think about what to do if you get lost before you get lost. Think about remaining calm and how you would convince yourself to avoid panic. At the very least carry a compass and a flashlight with fresh batteries. Have a basic idea of how to use the compass. Take a compass reading before you set off, take readings as you go along, keep in mind the general direction that you have to go in order to return to your starting point. Also take along a flashlight, I carry a Mini-mag Light but there are many others available. Those with LED bulbs are much easier on the batteries.
There are many other things I take along on a hike that would help insure my survival if I ever got lost or otherwise stuck out in the woods or another harsh environment unexpectedly. I always carry a knife unless I forget one. Since I usually take two or three I hardly ever forget to have at least one of them with me. When hiking I also carry plenty of water, some high energy food, a small first aid kit, a space blanket, glow sticks (those plastic tubes filled with luminescent goop that is activated when you bend the plastic tube breaking the inner glass tube that contains the catalyst to make the goop glow) a flashlight, an extra light, extra batteries, water, some high energy food, water (did I mention water already), a waterproof hat for warmth, matches in a waterproof container or waterproof matches, a small fire starter like a candle (something that will make it easier to get a blaze going), a magnesium fire starter bar (in case the matches do not work or I lose them) and water. All of that can be carried in a small daypack with room left over for a sweater. I also carry a gun when I legally can do so - which right now is always.
Don't think you need it all - take it all anyway, it may save your life.
All the best,
Glenn B
Post Script: Before I sign off, let me point out I am a cynic by nature or maybe by way of how I was nurtured. Being a cynic, let me ppint out that neither the lost man nor the woman who was his savior allowed their names to be released to the press. Being the cynic I am it has me wondering, was it just coincidence that both were watching the same sunset that saved the man or was it all a set-up? How does this tie in with them not wanting their names released? You see, if they are friends, and their names are released, then a mutual acquaintance of both could put one and one together to come up with three and realize something is amiss. Of course, it probably was not a scam and with luck like mine I suppose it is just envy of that guy's good fortune that turned on my cynical switch.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Today In History - Something Happened That Possibly Was More Important Than Anyhting Accomplished By MLK...
...but little if any recognition is given to the historical importance of this day for African Americans. It being Black History Month - you would think you would hear about something of such great importance to African Americans - especially as important as this event even if it was something done by other than African Americans. Why? If only because it had such a great effect for them but even more so because it allowed them to create great effect afterwards. Yet, I have not heard anything from our president about today being a day of significant importance for African Americans. Now it is possible I missed it because I have not listened to or watched every news program today although I did look online and I did watch the news this morning for an hour or more and I did listen to the news several times today on the radio. In what news reports I watched this morning, and from what I heard today on the radio, and from what I have seen online, I have not heard or seen any mention of today's great significance for the black community.
I also just checked the White House web site and guess what - no mention of it there either, nor on the White House blog. Imagine that! I have to wonder just how many people realize just how important a day this was, and is, historically for African Americans (and others).
Do you know the historical significance? Today, February 3rd, in 1870, the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified. It was a big step forward in American history. Sure there was still an awful lot to overcome, but nonetheless it was one of the most important pieces of legislation in our history. Its effects changed this country forever even if it took until recent decades for the changes to kick into overdrive and until recently for them to reach their highest potential. I am assuming, by now, you know exactly what this is about but if not let me spell it out for you word for word:
Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Of course, there was also another major piece of legislation that was ratified on this date, but this time in 1913. It also brought about major change in the lives of Americans and it is one for which we are still paying and suffering to endure. It is something that our children and their childrens' children will have to suffer and pay for as well. Maybe you have guessed it. Yes, on this date in 1913, the Sixteenth Amendment was ratified. That is the one that gave Congress the power to levy the Income Tax:
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
One had a grand result in equality for all. The other, I think, was a disaster of inequality and injustice because I believe it steals the fruits of peoples' labors and doles them out to they who refuse to work. What a faulty system and what a shame because it has over the long run led to the type of economy under which we now find ourselves burdened - tax and spend and tax again and spend again - ad infinitum. There is a great irony in that both of these amendments were ratified today - one leading to burdening the people with income tax and leading up to our current tax and spend economy - the other leading to equality in voting, regardless of prior servitude, that ultimately led to the election of our current president - a president who would apparently tax us and our children into servitude.
All the best,
Glenn B
References:
http://www.todayinhistory.com/
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bhmintro1.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
I also just checked the White House web site and guess what - no mention of it there either, nor on the White House blog. Imagine that! I have to wonder just how many people realize just how important a day this was, and is, historically for African Americans (and others).
Do you know the historical significance? Today, February 3rd, in 1870, the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified. It was a big step forward in American history. Sure there was still an awful lot to overcome, but nonetheless it was one of the most important pieces of legislation in our history. Its effects changed this country forever even if it took until recent decades for the changes to kick into overdrive and until recently for them to reach their highest potential. I am assuming, by now, you know exactly what this is about but if not let me spell it out for you word for word:
Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Of course, there was also another major piece of legislation that was ratified on this date, but this time in 1913. It also brought about major change in the lives of Americans and it is one for which we are still paying and suffering to endure. It is something that our children and their childrens' children will have to suffer and pay for as well. Maybe you have guessed it. Yes, on this date in 1913, the Sixteenth Amendment was ratified. That is the one that gave Congress the power to levy the Income Tax:
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
One had a grand result in equality for all. The other, I think, was a disaster of inequality and injustice because I believe it steals the fruits of peoples' labors and doles them out to they who refuse to work. What a faulty system and what a shame because it has over the long run led to the type of economy under which we now find ourselves burdened - tax and spend and tax again and spend again - ad infinitum. There is a great irony in that both of these amendments were ratified today - one leading to burdening the people with income tax and leading up to our current tax and spend economy - the other leading to equality in voting, regardless of prior servitude, that ultimately led to the election of our current president - a president who would apparently tax us and our children into servitude.
All the best,
Glenn B
References:
http://www.todayinhistory.com/
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bhmintro1.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
I Am Not Advocating Violence, But Just Wondering...
...what would happen if after the next terrorist attack on the United States, committed by a Muslim, someone in the USA, a citizen and other than a Islamist, were to go out and kill a large number of Muslims. For instance, FOX News today reported that U.S. Officials are saying a terrorist attack within the USA is imminent (government officials reportedly said it will take place within the next 6 months). Let us for a moment assume that this information is correct. let us ow look forward and imagine that the attack has just take place. For our hypothetical purposes here, let us also imagine that the attack involved a single bomber or a small group of bombers who set off several explosive devices inside of the NYC subway system during rush hour killing hundreds of people and wound hundreds more. Let also also imagine that al Qaeda claims responsibility for the bombing and that they promise more to be forthcoming in the very near future.
Now, imagine if you will, a U.S. citizen maybe like me (no I have no intention of doing anything like this), maybe like you, maybe like anyone of us has had enough. He is incensed, he is fed up, he is disgusted with the response of the U.S. Government and state and local governments which all tell 'we the people' to remain calm because 'the system has worked' and government is doing all it can to protect us. Now imagine that this person goes out and buys a shotgun and also buys a few hundred rounds of ammunition. Then imagine this person showing up at services at the local Muslim mosque and opening fire during services. Imagine that 20 or 30 Muslims are killed. Imagine that 40 or 50 ore are wounded, most seriously with some almost sure to die from their wounds.
Can you imagine the outcome of such a scenario. What would it be? Would he be condemned by the Muslim community as a racist? Would the press hail him or demionize him? Would the terrorists think twice before committing another act of terrorism in the USA? Would they instead retaliate? If there was retaliation, would other US Citizens be prompted to take similar action and have them killing Islamists. What would the reaction of our government be - both out in the open and behind closed doors? What would be the reaction of 'we the people'?
Remember, this country has a small Muslim population by comparison percentage wise to places like Denmark, France and great Britain. Would violence in the USA against Muslims help to reduce or increase the threat of terrorism within our shores and in the long run would it help prevent any potential for an Islamic takeover of our country.
As I said, and I want to stress this - I am not advocating any form of illegal violence, I am only wondering what would happen if such would take place - what would the short term - mid-term and long term results be? What do you think?
All the best,
Glenn B
Now, imagine if you will, a U.S. citizen maybe like me (no I have no intention of doing anything like this), maybe like you, maybe like anyone of us has had enough. He is incensed, he is fed up, he is disgusted with the response of the U.S. Government and state and local governments which all tell 'we the people' to remain calm because 'the system has worked' and government is doing all it can to protect us. Now imagine that this person goes out and buys a shotgun and also buys a few hundred rounds of ammunition. Then imagine this person showing up at services at the local Muslim mosque and opening fire during services. Imagine that 20 or 30 Muslims are killed. Imagine that 40 or 50 ore are wounded, most seriously with some almost sure to die from their wounds.
Can you imagine the outcome of such a scenario. What would it be? Would he be condemned by the Muslim community as a racist? Would the press hail him or demionize him? Would the terrorists think twice before committing another act of terrorism in the USA? Would they instead retaliate? If there was retaliation, would other US Citizens be prompted to take similar action and have them killing Islamists. What would the reaction of our government be - both out in the open and behind closed doors? What would be the reaction of 'we the people'?
Remember, this country has a small Muslim population by comparison percentage wise to places like Denmark, France and great Britain. Would violence in the USA against Muslims help to reduce or increase the threat of terrorism within our shores and in the long run would it help prevent any potential for an Islamic takeover of our country.
As I said, and I want to stress this - I am not advocating any form of illegal violence, I am only wondering what would happen if such would take place - what would the short term - mid-term and long term results be? What do you think?
All the best,
Glenn B
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Defending My Favorite Holiday
My favorite holiday falls on this day every year. What's that you say? This is not a holiday. Well then, it should be and anyway I treat it like one regardless. There is no better makebelieve or real holiday in all the year as far as I am concerned. Of course there are some great days to enjoy throughout the year such as: my daughter's and son's birthdays, my wife's birthday, our anniversary, my own birthday, Christmas Eve and Christmas - and before I forget Halloween and Thanksgiving are right up there - in fact Thanksgiving is my favorite real holiday bar none (well maybe except for Festivus - that is a real one, isn't it). I should point out though that there is no other holiday real or fake that comes close to Groundhogs' Day - it is my favorite holiday among them all even if it is only a holiday in my mind. "Why is that?" you may ask.
It is because on Groundhogs' Day no one expects anything from me. I do not have to remember, at my peril, that it is my anniversary or another important day in someone else's life. I do not have to worry about hurthing someone's feelings by forgetting their special day. I don't have to worry that I may suffer an eternity in hell for missing church on a high holy day or for not having remained religious. I don't have to look for the card with the religious saying or witty little jingle or the phrase saying how much I love someone or how much they mean to me or about how much I hope they enjoy the holiday or their birthday. I do not have to shop for the perfect gift(s) for weeks on end only to find out - after shopping for it, buying it, wrapping it and remembering to give it on time - that the other person already had what I got or that said person loathed that perfect gift that I picked out. I don't have to worry about wishing somebody a happy birthday only to find out I made them feel older. I do not have to worry about choosing between Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas or Happy Chanukah and finding someway to offend someone no matter how hard I try to get it right. I don't have to starve myself in anticipation of some great and festive meal only to find out the turkey is dry as a sun bleached bone or the lamb has so much garlic in it as to make you gag. I don't have to figure out how to put on a smile while chewing and then lick my lips and say: MMMMmmmmmmmmmm Gooooooooooooooooood to whomever prepared a feast fit for Frankenstein. I don't have to worry about overeating when the holiday meal turns out great (and mind you most of them turn out better than that) and then having to sit around with my pants open because I overdid it. I don't have to worry about the strain and stress of getting the whole family together and then someone (used to usually be me but I got better for the most part) opening his or her mouth over something stupid and ruining the meal for everyone. I do not have to worry about getting dressed up (never really do anyhow but do try to look somewhat better on holidays). I don't have to worry about only having one or two drinks early on because I may be the one stuck driving home later on from a relative's home. Heck, I do not even have to worry about driving to the relatives' home at all cause none of them celebrate this holiday. I don't have to worry if we got enough food, or enough wine or beer, or desert. I don't have to worry about a gosh darned thing because today is my favorite holiday and a makebelieve one at that - today is Groundhogs' Day - and I don't have to do a thing to enjoy it except to celebrate it in my own private way while the Groundhog does all the work.
Celebrating it, at least for me, means doing nothing at all special - well except for making sure to be up fairly early to hear the announcement as to just what the fat furry short tailed burrowing little buck toothedbastard rodent had to say about how long winter will last. Of course, I go with the expert, the one, the only Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania and of legend. He may not be right all of the time, some say he is on track with his predictions as few as 39% of the time see here. Others give him an on target percentage of 80%, see here. How ever many times he gets it right or wrong, I can tell you this, listening to a pretty much mindless Groundhog, about the weather, is as good as or better than giving any credence to most meteorologists and weathermen. In fact, or maybe in fiction, the groundhog's forecasts are undoubtedly much more accurate than any predictions of doom and gloom as presented by Al Gore and the global warming lunatics (or should that be climate change lunatics now that the little adorable rodent has predicted 6 more weeks of winter).
Now of course, Punxsutawney Phil has his detractors. There are several other imposters out there such as Staten Island Chuck in NY and others across the nation, some of whom actually disagree in their forecasts and who have tried to tell us that spring is just around the corner. Ask anyone up in the northeast what they think of that, and of global warming right about now! I think they will agree that Punxsutawney Phil has got it right again! Then there is also PETA - the wacko (as I see them) animals rights group that reportedly wants to see Punxsutawney Phil replaced with a robot. No folks, I am not making that up, click on this link and see for yourselves.
Detractors or not, Phil and his holiday are okay by me. I mean I look at it this way: The little fur ball does all the heavy lifting today; there is nothing expected from me regarding this holiday and that is why I like it so much. He has to stay awake, come out nice and early, confront the camera and cheers of the throng who come to see him, make his prediction under pressure before the masses, and he has to put his own reputation on the line each year when he predicts whether or not we will have 6 more weeks of winter or not. And if he is right or wrong - who cares. It is not like he ruined any one's day by getting it wrong - is it? Well at least he hasn't ruined any one's day who is older than about 5 or 6 or with an IQ above the minus levels. It is a day all in fun, meant to be mildly festive with no stress or strain on anyone except maybe Phil and the guys who pull him out of his hole at an all too early hour - and if that stresses them out a little bit - heck it only happens one day out of the year. Just looking at the little brown booger will tell you this - he is well cared for, and just about as happy as awoodchuck groundhog could be. I can tell you this, while those (in my opinion) bums at PETA may someday lobby successfully to make it illegal to ever again enjoy a medium rare hamburger smothered with fried onions and slathered with real Cheddar cheese, I will fight tooth and nail to prevent them from taking the groundhog out of Groundhogs' Day. Replacement with a robot indeed - what sour pussed weenies they all must be to even hint at such a thing!
This is without a doubt the best holiday of all time. With that, I wish you all, each and everyone (except you folks at PETA and like groups):
All the best,
Glenn B
It is because on Groundhogs' Day no one expects anything from me. I do not have to remember, at my peril, that it is my anniversary or another important day in someone else's life. I do not have to worry about hurthing someone's feelings by forgetting their special day. I don't have to worry that I may suffer an eternity in hell for missing church on a high holy day or for not having remained religious. I don't have to look for the card with the religious saying or witty little jingle or the phrase saying how much I love someone or how much they mean to me or about how much I hope they enjoy the holiday or their birthday. I do not have to shop for the perfect gift(s) for weeks on end only to find out - after shopping for it, buying it, wrapping it and remembering to give it on time - that the other person already had what I got or that said person loathed that perfect gift that I picked out. I don't have to worry about wishing somebody a happy birthday only to find out I made them feel older. I do not have to worry about choosing between Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas or Happy Chanukah and finding someway to offend someone no matter how hard I try to get it right. I don't have to starve myself in anticipation of some great and festive meal only to find out the turkey is dry as a sun bleached bone or the lamb has so much garlic in it as to make you gag. I don't have to figure out how to put on a smile while chewing and then lick my lips and say: MMMMmmmmmmmmmm Gooooooooooooooooood to whomever prepared a feast fit for Frankenstein. I don't have to worry about overeating when the holiday meal turns out great (and mind you most of them turn out better than that) and then having to sit around with my pants open because I overdid it. I don't have to worry about the strain and stress of getting the whole family together and then someone (used to usually be me but I got better for the most part) opening his or her mouth over something stupid and ruining the meal for everyone. I do not have to worry about getting dressed up (never really do anyhow but do try to look somewhat better on holidays). I don't have to worry about only having one or two drinks early on because I may be the one stuck driving home later on from a relative's home. Heck, I do not even have to worry about driving to the relatives' home at all cause none of them celebrate this holiday. I don't have to worry if we got enough food, or enough wine or beer, or desert. I don't have to worry about a gosh darned thing because today is my favorite holiday and a makebelieve one at that - today is Groundhogs' Day - and I don't have to do a thing to enjoy it except to celebrate it in my own private way while the Groundhog does all the work.
Celebrating it, at least for me, means doing nothing at all special - well except for making sure to be up fairly early to hear the announcement as to just what the fat furry short tailed burrowing little buck toothed
Now of course, Punxsutawney Phil has his detractors. There are several other imposters out there such as Staten Island Chuck in NY and others across the nation, some of whom actually disagree in their forecasts and who have tried to tell us that spring is just around the corner. Ask anyone up in the northeast what they think of that, and of global warming right about now! I think they will agree that Punxsutawney Phil has got it right again! Then there is also PETA - the wacko (as I see them) animals rights group that reportedly wants to see Punxsutawney Phil replaced with a robot. No folks, I am not making that up, click on this link and see for yourselves.
Detractors or not, Phil and his holiday are okay by me. I mean I look at it this way: The little fur ball does all the heavy lifting today; there is nothing expected from me regarding this holiday and that is why I like it so much. He has to stay awake, come out nice and early, confront the camera and cheers of the throng who come to see him, make his prediction under pressure before the masses, and he has to put his own reputation on the line each year when he predicts whether or not we will have 6 more weeks of winter or not. And if he is right or wrong - who cares. It is not like he ruined any one's day by getting it wrong - is it? Well at least he hasn't ruined any one's day who is older than about 5 or 6 or with an IQ above the minus levels. It is a day all in fun, meant to be mildly festive with no stress or strain on anyone except maybe Phil and the guys who pull him out of his hole at an all too early hour - and if that stresses them out a little bit - heck it only happens one day out of the year. Just looking at the little brown booger will tell you this - he is well cared for, and just about as happy as a
This is without a doubt the best holiday of all time. With that, I wish you all, each and everyone (except you folks at PETA and like groups):
HAPPY GROUNDHOGS' DAY
All the best,
Glenn B
Friday, January 29, 2010
New Blog Link Added - Sheepdog's Blog
Tonight I added a new blog link to my blog roll:
Sheepdog's Blog under 'Grumps, Geeks, Gun Guys, and Geniuses - All Worth A Read and Who Gave Me A Courtesy Link - Thanks'
All the best,
Glenn
Sheepdog's Blog under 'Grumps, Geeks, Gun Guys, and Geniuses - All Worth A Read and Who Gave Me A Courtesy Link - Thanks'
All the best,
Glenn
Linked To A Medical Info Site
I was checking the Internet tonight to see if I could figure out what other sites to this blog. I like to keep up on who provides links to this blog on their blog roll. If I find another blog with a respectful link to my site in its blog roll, I give that blog a reciprocal courtesy link. I also list lots of links on my blog site that do not reciprocate to me but I try to make sure that anyone who gives a link to my blog (in a respectful manner) gets likewise from me for their site.
Well, while looking tonight, I was quite surprised to find that my blog - or at least a post in my blog - was given a link on OrganizedWisdom.com at:
http://organizedwisdom.com/Ear_Damage_from_Gunshots and at:
http://organizedwisdom.com/Ballseyes_Boomers_Ballseyes_Firearms_Training_and_Tactics_4_Eyes_and_Ears/17190/5086/health
Not only did they provide a link but it was lsited under the header:
All the best,
Glenn B
Well, while looking tonight, I was quite surprised to find that my blog - or at least a post in my blog - was given a link on OrganizedWisdom.com at:
http://organizedwisdom.com/Ear_Damage_from_Gunshots and at:
http://organizedwisdom.com/Ballseyes_Boomers_Ballseyes_Firearms_Training_and_Tactics_4_Eyes_and_Ears/17190/5086/health
Not only did they provide a link but it was lsited under the header:
"The Top 10 Resources on Ear Damage from Gunshots
Expert-approved health links for the Ear Damage from Gunshots WisdomCard"
What does that do for me? Not much except to amuse me greatly. They provide that link under a section about 'Ear Damage From Gunshots'. I am okay with that because their posting of it the link seems to indicate they are not anti-gun since my post basically tells you how to protect your eyes and ears while enjoying shooting sports. I am not saying they are pro-gun but hopefully are at least neutral.
What does that do for me? Not much except to amuse me greatly. They provide that link under a section about 'Ear Damage From Gunshots'. I am okay with that because their posting of it the link seems to indicate they are not anti-gun since my post basically tells you how to protect your eyes and ears while enjoying shooting sports. I am not saying they are pro-gun but hopefully are at least neutral.
All the best,
Glenn B
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