Well I hope everyone is feeling better now that a deal has been made between the big spenders and the huge spenders. Instead of a 10% spending increase there's going to be a 7% increase. Ever heard someone brag about saving by buying something not needed on sale with money they don't have? We've maxed out all those other credit cards, so maybe we won't max this one quite so fast. Don't hold your breath.
Let's see, we spend our little hearts out and unemployment is still officially 9%+. I suppose one could argue that without all this spending it would've been worse.
If spending is reduced to the level of 3 years ago, will unemployment get worse or better?
Regardless, we're still faced with so much debt that I doubt it matters. Every great nation eventually falls under its own weight. I suppose now is our time on the slide.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Brown Stuff
Did you know that if you wait a few weeks to clean a Nagant you get brown stuff out of the barrel?
Huh. Go figure.
It's purely my own fault. I know better.
Huh. Go figure.
It's purely my own fault. I know better.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Knife Fight
At the gun show last week, a knife sales guy mentioned that the folder I bought is sometimes carried as a backup to a gun. I commented that for a backup I'd carry a fixed blade instead.
Actually, if I'm ever involved in a knife fight, I want the other guy to be at least 20 feet away and I have my 45. Bring a gun to a knife fight? Hell yes.
Actually, if I'm ever involved in a knife fight, I want the other guy to be at least 20 feet away and I have my 45. Bring a gun to a knife fight? Hell yes.
Bad With The Good
The worse part about going to the range and partaking in launching projectiles comes afterwards. I really don't like cleaning guns.
End of The Rainbow
I'm somewhat amused at all the BS flying back and forth concerning the debt limit. The only way the country will default on loans if the Fed. decides to default.
As with any family, there is a decision about where to put limited revenue. In the family situation food and shelter come first, then the creditors. With a government creditors should come first followed by . . . .
In either case the amount borrowed should never exceed the amount that can be payed back. I have kept out of financial problems by not using a credit card unless we can pay it off at the end of the month. And things like mortgage and car loans are modest enough that they have never put a strain on the family. To some observers I have lived below my means, but that's not the case. They have lived above theirs.
For the last decade(s) the Fed has followed the population in living above it's means. They've been following the rainbow but not to a pot of gold. Instead they've fallen into s pile of shit, just like any rational human would've predicted.
Maybe 20 years ago I told my father-in-law that I'm planning to take care of myself in my old age, and not counting on any help from the government. That there's a good possibility that Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid will not exist. He looked at me like I was crazy. Yep he's a liberal. As recent as a year ago he said that the prediction hasn't happened yet. Looks to me like the possibility is a lot more possible today.
When you Max out a credit card, and get another to help pay the first, only disaster can be the result. That's what the Fed has been doing for a long time. As expected, the result is devastating.
My financial adviser once told me "it's not how much you make, it's how much you spend". The Fed has ignored that for a long time, and now it's dragging the rest of down with them. Those of us still working, our children and our grandchildren will be paying for their obnoxious spending. I predict a second, or even third rate country in the future.
As with any family, there is a decision about where to put limited revenue. In the family situation food and shelter come first, then the creditors. With a government creditors should come first followed by . . . .
In either case the amount borrowed should never exceed the amount that can be payed back. I have kept out of financial problems by not using a credit card unless we can pay it off at the end of the month. And things like mortgage and car loans are modest enough that they have never put a strain on the family. To some observers I have lived below my means, but that's not the case. They have lived above theirs.
For the last decade(s) the Fed has followed the population in living above it's means. They've been following the rainbow but not to a pot of gold. Instead they've fallen into s pile of shit, just like any rational human would've predicted.
Maybe 20 years ago I told my father-in-law that I'm planning to take care of myself in my old age, and not counting on any help from the government. That there's a good possibility that Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid will not exist. He looked at me like I was crazy. Yep he's a liberal. As recent as a year ago he said that the prediction hasn't happened yet. Looks to me like the possibility is a lot more possible today.
When you Max out a credit card, and get another to help pay the first, only disaster can be the result. That's what the Fed has been doing for a long time. As expected, the result is devastating.
My financial adviser once told me "it's not how much you make, it's how much you spend". The Fed has ignored that for a long time, and now it's dragging the rest of down with them. Those of us still working, our children and our grandchildren will be paying for their obnoxious spending. I predict a second, or even third rate country in the future.
Laser Sights
At first glance the laser built into the grips of a pistol seems to be a great accessory. That's before the practical is considered. The laser is located on the right side and top of the grip. With your finger on the trigger, that's fine. But before firing the finger is above the trigger guard, tending to block the laser. So your finger is on or too near the trigger to use this device. Not a good idea to me.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Hot Range
It seems that when most get to be about my age they start thinking about moving south to a warmer climate. The Boss and I are exceptions in that as we age our tolerance for heat is decreasing, and for cold increasing. Here in my part of Ohio we've seen high temperatures in the 90s for the last 8 days, with a few in the high 90s, and continuing heat index over 100.
Despite the heat I ventured out in the cruel world today and spent a few hours melting in the shade at the range with my eldest son. I started out shooting at clay birds 200 yards away with the SMLE, one of the sweetest shooting rifles I own. I had troubles hitting those little orange specks standing, even with a sling. Once I sat down and rested my elbow on the bench, they started disappearing with regularity.
Then I switched to my old Ruger Security Six 357 Mag. Again I blew dirt around the orange clays, but this time at 100 yards. No rest for steadiness this time though, as I definitely need to get my long range revolver work back on track.
Finally I practiced drawing and firing the trusty 1911. I'm relatively new to this kind of shooting and have been struggling with grip and clicking off the safety. I think I finally found a way that works for me.
Whenever the range officer announced "the range is hot" he wasn't kidding. It was scorching.
By then I was so sweaty that my shoes squished when I walked. By 3PM we were heading back to the comfort of air conditioning. Although we did stop on the way to check out a new paintball field. If things ever cool off again, we'll be back there to play.
Despite the heat I ventured out in the cruel world today and spent a few hours melting in the shade at the range with my eldest son. I started out shooting at clay birds 200 yards away with the SMLE, one of the sweetest shooting rifles I own. I had troubles hitting those little orange specks standing, even with a sling. Once I sat down and rested my elbow on the bench, they started disappearing with regularity.
Then I switched to my old Ruger Security Six 357 Mag. Again I blew dirt around the orange clays, but this time at 100 yards. No rest for steadiness this time though, as I definitely need to get my long range revolver work back on track.
Finally I practiced drawing and firing the trusty 1911. I'm relatively new to this kind of shooting and have been struggling with grip and clicking off the safety. I think I finally found a way that works for me.
Whenever the range officer announced "the range is hot" he wasn't kidding. It was scorching.
By then I was so sweaty that my shoes squished when I walked. By 3PM we were heading back to the comfort of air conditioning. Although we did stop on the way to check out a new paintball field. If things ever cool off again, we'll be back there to play.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Checkering or Not
Last Saturday I managed to get a little trigger time plinking with my Buckmark. 22lr target pistol. It was miserably hot out there, in the shade, with sweat running down my legs, and everywhere else.
There are a lot of folks who really think that checkering everywhere the hand touches on a pistol is almost a necessity. The above mentioned Buckmark has no checkering at all, and I had absolutely no problem with my sweaty hands.
And my 1911 45 carry gun has smooth grips and no strap checkering. I've also shot it with hands sweat soggy.
I find sharp checkering to be a negative, not a positive on a carry gun. Knit shirts tend to catch on the checkering, spoiling concealability. And if the gun actually fits your hand, there's no need for it.
There are a lot of folks who really think that checkering everywhere the hand touches on a pistol is almost a necessity. The above mentioned Buckmark has no checkering at all, and I had absolutely no problem with my sweaty hands.
And my 1911 45 carry gun has smooth grips and no strap checkering. I've also shot it with hands sweat soggy.
I find sharp checkering to be a negative, not a positive on a carry gun. Knit shirts tend to catch on the checkering, spoiling concealability. And if the gun actually fits your hand, there's no need for it.
Like a Novel
I just finished reading the longest novel that has ever graced these old fingers, called Atlas Shrugged. It's well over 1,000 pages of scary stuff, once you get past the very, very slow going.
It's a struggle between "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need" and "get the hell out of my way". The latter eventually wins the day, but only after escaping, thus allowing the former to self destruct.
If you pay attention, that's basically what's going on today in Washington and, well, I guess the entire country. Those who wish to support the unable and unwilling by redistributing from the able and willing, have been on the uptick for a long time. And now there are those that are finally standing ground, toe to toe, fighting for our intended capitalist existence.
I find it interesting that some continue to support the socialist agenda despite all the evidence, today and yesterday, that it's not the best economic system. In fact, in most forms, it leads to tyranny and economic collapse. Then again, maybe that's what these people actually want, tyranny. Our present administration, being the opposite of transparent, is socialist lite. They seem to be doing everything possible, that they can get away with, to sidestep the constitution and grow government into an even bigger monster.
If they had their way we'd be very socialist/communist, with them telling us what color of underwear to wear. But the armed citizen, the 2A, keeps getting in the way. And they're certainly working on that stumbling block through the UN, statistical fabrications and illegal transactions.
It's a struggle between "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need" and "get the hell out of my way". The latter eventually wins the day, but only after escaping, thus allowing the former to self destruct.
If you pay attention, that's basically what's going on today in Washington and, well, I guess the entire country. Those who wish to support the unable and unwilling by redistributing from the able and willing, have been on the uptick for a long time. And now there are those that are finally standing ground, toe to toe, fighting for our intended capitalist existence.
I find it interesting that some continue to support the socialist agenda despite all the evidence, today and yesterday, that it's not the best economic system. In fact, in most forms, it leads to tyranny and economic collapse. Then again, maybe that's what these people actually want, tyranny. Our present administration, being the opposite of transparent, is socialist lite. They seem to be doing everything possible, that they can get away with, to sidestep the constitution and grow government into an even bigger monster.
If they had their way we'd be very socialist/communist, with them telling us what color of underwear to wear. But the armed citizen, the 2A, keeps getting in the way. And they're certainly working on that stumbling block through the UN, statistical fabrications and illegal transactions.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Show - Not Range
Today was one of those high temperature, high humidity days so I decided to stay in the AC and go to a gun show instead of the range. I really don't like my guns to be covered in human sweat.
I went looking for a 454 casul lever rifle, but no luck. I saw a really good deal on a Mossburg pump with telescoping stock and and pistol grip. It would be a nice tool to have if uninvited guests come calling. I was able to resist the temptation this time around.
I did spend a little bit of money though. I came away with a brick of 22lr, 150 Federal 357 brass, a new folding knife, sling and swivel for the AR and 400 round of AR ammunition. Everybody needs 22lr, even if they don't need it, and I was below the 1000 round minimum, as dictated by the Boss, for the AR.
One of these days I'll start loading for the AR. I have dies, bullets and brass, but so far not the ambition.
I went looking for a 454 casul lever rifle, but no luck. I saw a really good deal on a Mossburg pump with telescoping stock and and pistol grip. It would be a nice tool to have if uninvited guests come calling. I was able to resist the temptation this time around.
I did spend a little bit of money though. I came away with a brick of 22lr, 150 Federal 357 brass, a new folding knife, sling and swivel for the AR and 400 round of AR ammunition. Everybody needs 22lr, even if they don't need it, and I was below the 1000 round minimum, as dictated by the Boss, for the AR.
One of these days I'll start loading for the AR. I have dies, bullets and brass, but so far not the ambition.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
No Joy
This next week I will have been a temporary employee for 1-1/2 years. The company policy is that this is the maximum duration. I've asked about this coming deadline, but so far I've heard nothing definite about future employment. Co-workers are certain that they want to keep me, but I wonder.
My supervisor is acting as if I'll be there indefinitely, or as long as I keep walking in the door. Despite that, I still have an uneasy feeling.
My supervisor is acting as if I'll be there indefinitely, or as long as I keep walking in the door. Despite that, I still have an uneasy feeling.
Here Piggy, Piggy
Several years ago I went to Tennessee for a long weekend of hog hunting. I harvested a 230 pounder the first day, then later in the hunt a Russian that weighed a bit over 450 pounds. The head of the larger is hanging on the basement wall. I thought he was rather handsome, but the Boss banished him to the basement, out of sight from our "civilized" guests.
I thought I bagged a BIG pig, but he pales in comparison to this guy.
I thought I bagged a BIG pig, but he pales in comparison to this guy.
Head Shaking
Every time a read a little more about the ATF "promoting" the illegal sale of weapons that ended up with the Mexican cartels and other similar places, all I can do is shake my head. And at the same time there are some more anti-gun regulations coming from the administration.
So our government has been arming the international criminals, and then they are trying to put the squeeze on US citizens.
We must be among the most easy going people in the world, to tolerate this shit.
So our government has been arming the international criminals, and then they are trying to put the squeeze on US citizens.
We must be among the most easy going people in the world, to tolerate this shit.
Saturday Fun
Last Saturday my eldest and I visited the local paintball field for some over due people shooting. My eldest is 39 and I am 60, so we were the eldest by far, but we didn't have any problems with the competition.
We were both using new (for us) old markers for the first time, and both are electronic controlled pneumatic paintball markers. His was set to shoot 2 balls with every trigger pull, while mine switched to full automatic with the third squeeze. Despite the heat we played about 5 hours, and only left when we both needed to buy more paint balls. I used about 900 paintballs. The car thermometer registered the outside temperature at 92. Around here, that kind of temperature also comes with high humidity, so needless to say we were both soggy with sweat.
Mine is a Promaster, which joins the SLG and A-5, with the optional electronic trigger system, in the stable.
We were both using new (for us) old markers for the first time, and both are electronic controlled pneumatic paintball markers. His was set to shoot 2 balls with every trigger pull, while mine switched to full automatic with the third squeeze. Despite the heat we played about 5 hours, and only left when we both needed to buy more paint balls. I used about 900 paintballs. The car thermometer registered the outside temperature at 92. Around here, that kind of temperature also comes with high humidity, so needless to say we were both soggy with sweat.
Mine is a Promaster, which joins the SLG and A-5, with the optional electronic trigger system, in the stable.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Bad Question
Apparently Fox is having a poll.
Can Congress and Obama strike a deal to fix the nation's economy?
It's been said that one must always be sure of the premise. The question assumes that government CAN fix the economy, the very same economy that government meddling screwed up in the first place. The same government that has put us in so much debt, that we'll likely never recover. The logical answer is that government can't fix anything, whether there's a deal or not.
Can Congress and Obama strike a deal to fix the nation's economy?
It's been said that one must always be sure of the premise. The question assumes that government CAN fix the economy, the very same economy that government meddling screwed up in the first place. The same government that has put us in so much debt, that we'll likely never recover. The logical answer is that government can't fix anything, whether there's a deal or not.
Inventory Reduction
The Boss and I spent the afternoon in the basement storage area sorting things into 3 different groups, keep, pitch and garage sale. When I do home projects I never return unused items to the store, so I've collected an impressive bunch of electrical and plumbing parts and pieces. That stuff now uses quite a bit of less space.
Back in the dark ages I went to school to study engineering. My father did the same, but health issues and WWII kept him from graduating. I kept all my math, science and engineering text books, and so did Dad. Some of my academic studies have not been touched since school, and at my age, never will be. So our storage shelves containing boxes of books, have been reduced by 2. Unlike the other stuff, none of these are being scrapped.
Back in the dark ages I went to school to study engineering. My father did the same, but health issues and WWII kept him from graduating. I kept all my math, science and engineering text books, and so did Dad. Some of my academic studies have not been touched since school, and at my age, never will be. So our storage shelves containing boxes of books, have been reduced by 2. Unlike the other stuff, none of these are being scrapped.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Some Voters Shouldn't
There was a time when only those that owned property could vote in an election. I suppose the rational was that the leaches in society wouldn't be able to elect themselves more benefits from those that worked for it than was willing to be given to them.
It's too late now, but we should enact something similar today. Anyone receiving a government check, of any kind, should not be allowed to vote. Why would the leaches be allowed to vote themselves a share of what I work hard to obtain? That's like the swirling you see when the toilet is flushed, as far as our society is considered. It's too late to solve our present problems, but it would sure help to keep things from getting worse.
It's too late now, but we should enact something similar today. Anyone receiving a government check, of any kind, should not be allowed to vote. Why would the leaches be allowed to vote themselves a share of what I work hard to obtain? That's like the swirling you see when the toilet is flushed, as far as our society is considered. It's too late to solve our present problems, but it would sure help to keep things from getting worse.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Celebration of the Past
Tomorrow is the day we celebrate the birth of this nation, a nation that I was lucky enough to be born within. This nation was once the great shining beacon that most people looked to as an example of what "the people" could accomplish. A nation of greatness that I fear is no more.
We've let the government become strong and powerful. In the name of compassion for the have-nots, and laziness, we've allowed the various levels to control too much. We've perverted "equal opportunity" into "equal results". Consequently we are now falling down the cliff into ruin, at the hands of our own leaders(?).
History if full of great nations that have risen and fallen. We as a nation have been sitting on the top longer than most. The inevitable is upon us. As with most in history, we are being destroyed from within.
We've let the government become strong and powerful. In the name of compassion for the have-nots, and laziness, we've allowed the various levels to control too much. We've perverted "equal opportunity" into "equal results". Consequently we are now falling down the cliff into ruin, at the hands of our own leaders(?).
History if full of great nations that have risen and fallen. We as a nation have been sitting on the top longer than most. The inevitable is upon us. As with most in history, we are being destroyed from within.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Guns & Booze
The governor here in Ohio has signed a bill that changes the law and now allows licensed carry in establishments that serve alcohol. It will be legal as long as the establishment does not post a no guns sign, and he who carries does not drink. As you can imagine there's a percentage of the population that's screaming at the top of their lungs.
I think that 3 of the states surrounding Ohio has similar laws, I know that Indiana does, and it hasn't been a problem there. I also know that I've been carrying into alcohol serving establishments, though illegally, for years. Guns and alcohol does not mix, so I don't drink when I do.
I think that 3 of the states surrounding Ohio has similar laws, I know that Indiana does, and it hasn't been a problem there. I also know that I've been carrying into alcohol serving establishments, though illegally, for years. Guns and alcohol does not mix, so I don't drink when I do.
And Now There Are 4
States that is, with "constitutional carry". Wyoming joins the club today.
In addition I've read that Wisconsin has passed a law that allows for the licensing of concealed carry.
We're getting more and more civilized.
In addition I've read that Wisconsin has passed a law that allows for the licensing of concealed carry.
We're getting more and more civilized.
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