The Cancer Ward

Home

2011-11-23T09:27:00.000-08:00

There is something about coming home. To the home you grew up in. It's true you can never go back. It's just not quite the same as when you were younger. But still it's home. It holds so many memories, good and bad of growing up.

Yet, it's comfortable and safe and warm. It's an old sweater that has seen better days, but it feels good.

That's what it is, safety and comfort. A place of refuge from the rest of the world, and going home to the place you grew up even moreso.

And soon, family and friends will gather for a day of Food, Fun, and Thanks. We will laugh, argue, annoy, perhaps cry, and laugh more. In the end, it will be all good.

Then it will be over. Too soon.. And we will disperse and go back to our own homes. The places we live, the places we call home.

But still there is but one Home.

And it's good to be here.

Deer Season 2012 - Final Report

2011-11-20T07:24:00.000-08:00

Well another Deer Camp goes into the books, and as usually happens the new guy goes home with the Trophy.   Yes, since 1989 our Deer Camp has awarded "The Big Buck Award". There are certain criteria that have to be met to win however. Your deer must be taken between opening time of Firearm Season on Friday morning to 12 Noon on Sunday. The deer must be the first one you take. In other words, if you take a doe first, then you are out of the running for the trophy. The deer must be back in camp by noon Sunday. You pull in at 12:01 with the buck of a lifetime, and you lose. Size is determined first by points then by Boone and Crockett scoring, yes, we'll break out a tape measure if need be. Decision of the Camp Director is final and shall not be questioned. the trophy is officially awarded at 12:01 on Sunday afternoon.   The winner must display the trophy either in their home or office for the next year and bring it back to deer camp the following year. You also must pay for getting your own engraving done. If you win that year and there is no more room for names, then you must create/expand the award.

The magic of the interwebz and Facebook has also netted us at least two and maybe three new people for next year. John has a friend from Practical Rifle, and there's a mutual friend from the Aurora Sportsmen's Club that has called me and wants to join us next year. Plus Pierre Khoury has stated he'll be back next year, and I truly look forward to that. And if there's anyone reading that would like to join us. Let me, your humble host and Camp Director, know and we'll get you what you need to hunt down here, and put you on some deer.

So this afternoon John and Roger will pick up their deer from the processor, Pat, had to leave early this morning, so he already has one of his in nice white packages from the processor, but he's bringing the other home to butcher himself. I prefer to bring home the white packages, as opposed to doing all that work.

I'm glad that I had this time with several great friends. I'm pretty sure that they've had as much fun this year as I've had.   And I'm really looking forward and planning for next year's camp.

Deer Season-2012

2011-11-17T11:29:00.000-08:00

This has been one of the best year's I've had Deer Hunting. In fact, I'll go ahead and say that it has been the best ever. Why?

I've been down here 3 weeks, the longest time I've spent hunting ever. Yet, I haven't gotten a deer. In fact I haven't even seen as many as I have in years past. My two favorite Honey Holes have seem to have dried up. The usual scrapes and rubs aren't there and I haven't seen much of any other sign either.

However what has made this year truly special is that a long time friend and former solider that I served with drove all the way from Pittsburgh, on a whim, to hunt with me for 3 days. I was humbled, honored and reduced to tears. Khoury, you have no idea what that meant and means to me. I can't wait for you to come back next year and every year after that.

Then my friend and former ASC Board of Director John Kopecky is down here for his first Deer Hunt. I've got him outfitted with a shotgun, stand and fall arrest system. I'm setting him up along the pipeline where he have a really god chance of seeing deer along with being able to watch in the woods. Especially, if he goes up in the tree as high as I go, about 30 ft. You can see a whole lot more of the woods the higher you go. Whether or not he gets one, I hope he he has a good time, and becomes part of our Deer Camp. And John has friend that want's to come, but couldn't make it this year.

Then my friend Pat is also down here. This is his third year, and he's as excited this year as he was his first. He got two deer last year. Both firsts for him a doe with bow and buck with his shotgun.

Even if I take nothing*, this is the best year of deer hunting ever.

*Even though as of this post I haven't taken anything with my bow, I still have this afternoon, and then Firearm Season opens tomorrow and runs through Sunday. Hope Spring Eternal !!!

Occupy, My Ass.

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

I've avoided all the idiodcracy of the latest news simply by not having TV. However, despite my best efforts I still keep reading about the "Occupy" morons. Here's what it boils down to very simply.

They want to rob you. And they want the .gov to hold the gun.

Yep, that's it. They want to do to you what the Nazi's did to the Jews. What Stalin did to the kulaks.

That's all it is. They want free stuff, from you, and they want the government to take it from you and give it to them. It's a short putt from taxing wealth to confiscating wealth to "elimination of the wealthy". We've seen it several times in the 20th century. Which is why many of us who are the producers also own guns. We're not going to let it happen again. So to those who want to come and take what I have, simply because I have more than you, through the sweat of my brow, I say "Bring it".

And bring a whole bunch of friends, because I'll have no problem piling up your bodies at my door.

Finding my Muse

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Yeah, you. Get over here. Sit down and start typing and don't get up until you have something good. I'll handcuff you and tie you up if need be.

That's what it feels like. Only at gunpoint. A very large gun.

Tam has her snarky take on the days events.

With Brigid it just seems to flow. She has a natural ability to write prose that grabs you and holds you.

Roberta gets right to the point..

Mary is a dear and long time friend.

Were I twenty years younger, I'd be chasing Nicki

Then Tony and folks at The Weekly Nitpick, take one subject and do it to death. Rightly and funny.*

But they all make it look effortless. With me it's like a term paper due everyday. That big project the boss assigned to be completed or the company is doomed. And it's all self imposed pressure. I feel like I owe it to you, my reader(s). And in a sense I do, but this is for me and for my son. It's supposed to be about what I've learned and want to pass on to him. In case you didn't read the liner notes. It's called "The Cancer Ward", not only because I grew up reading Solzhenitsyn, but because I have a terminal case of it. And an 11 Year Old son.

So I apologize if I'm not as meticulous in writing and posting as I should be. I'm also out grabbing as much as I can from life in the time I have left. But do know that I feel guilty when I neglect my blog for more than a day or two. And I do pretty good when I can get two or three stories ahead and have them in the queue and ready to go. I can then drop in topical stories and posts without the dreaded "I HAVE NOTHING TO WRITE ABOUT, ARRRGGHHHH!!!!" pounding my head against the wall. So enjoy these. Written in advance as they were.

*I just noticed that 5 out of 6 of my favorite bloggers are women. Although the Weekly Nitpick has female contributors the vast majority of the articles are written by men, and 3 of the 5 are primarily Gun Blogs. Women and Guns, *sigh*......

Tab Clearing

2011-11-13T09:52:00.000-08:00

When they finished tearing up my street and left these pipes, my first thought was "These will make one helluva potato gun."

Southport, Indy. Ride it like you stole it, Dude

I wanted to follow this truck to wherever it was going, just hoping that it might really contain a Firefly.

Why in G-d's name does the Dept of Environment and Natural Resources have the responsibility for Food Service Sanitation? Shouldn't there be a county Board of Health? One more of example of why .gov is stupid.

My buddy Andrew Graves. I love this shirt. The front has a small badge imprinted (South Carolina Citizen's Militia) under which reads "Constitutional Enforcement Division". And yes, we were open carrying.

In addition to the giant pink peace symbol on the hood, it has every liberal bumper sticker ever printed on it. I'm glad that Hippy-dipshits like this can freely express their stupidity in this great country and that there are brave men and women standing guard around the clock to keep their Hippy-ass from being stoned to death by the practitioners o the "religion of peace". They have the right to express their opinion and so do I.
You are a Moronic Fuck-tard.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Those that served with me will recognize the patch. I'm told that this solider was in the 92nd MP Co.

And this is a few years old, but still just as poignant.

    And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
    Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
    And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
    That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day

Robert's 11th Birthday Party.

2011-11-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, it got changed from Friday night to Saturday, I'm sure because she found out I was planning to leave town to go hunting for 3 weeks right after his party, on Friday. Regardless, I go to the his school because the first half of the party is running RC cars all over the schoolyard. Hey wait, where are all the other parents going? What? It's just going to be me and her alone with 8 boys. Oh sweet and fluffy L-rd, spare me. Well, I'll just do my best to avoid her and concentrate on the boys and the cars.

Which goes pretty well until the batteries die and it's time to head to Gino's East for Pizza and Cake. Presents, I'm informed will be opened at her place. Yep, I'm going to have to go into the belly of the beast. Better get uparmored, as this going to suck. But, for my son, I'll pay any price including playing nice with the WINO*. So we divide up the boys between the two cars, and naturally I manage to find a parking space close to Gino's East, while the WINO, of course, passed several perfectly good spots and parked half a town away. So me and 4 boys get to Gino's East first. Now, it being Halloween, we're greeted by these two. The Valkyrie and the Referee.

Okay, I tell the Valkyrie that I'm here with (last name) party of 10 or so.   I'm informed that because we're 5 minutes late they "gave away our reservation". Now, in front of the podium in the picture is a bench and on this bench is a woman about my age with her young son, waiting to be seated.

So, I ask the Valkyrie "Does that costume come with a shield and a sword?"

"What?!? ...... No.

"To bad. Because in about 5 minutes my ex-wife is going to come through that door, and you'll get to walk through the gates of hell and tell her that you gave away her reservation.   It won't be pretty, once she's done with you. I've dealt with her for years, so I'm just going to sit over here and watch the carnage. May G-d have pity on your soul."

All said with a smile and final laugh.

The lady on the bench was "surprised" , yeah, that's a good way to describe the look on her face. Both the Valkyrie and Referee blanched.   The boys were over by the video games and I went and sat down with a view out the door and on the boys. Smiling.

Suddenly the Valkyrie and Referee huddled up and start scribbling on the podium. I continued to smile. I looked over and smiled at the nice lady waiting for a table. She was still in shock.

Sure enough, about 5 minutes later the WINO walks in with the other boys, looks at me and I point at the two hosts. She says her name and that she has a reservation for 10 people. "Oh, right this way." says the Valkyrie. The nice lady still waiting for a table starts laughing. I, again, smile at her, and get a WTF? look from the WINO.

Anyway, we eat pizza, drink soda and have a piece of birthday cake.

Then it's time to get the boys to the WINO's place. They are having a sleepover, so I tell the boys to stay up to at least 4am and 5am would be better. They agree. Party all night long!!!

So once there, it's time to open presents. Robert opens all the ones from his friends (his gift from his Mom is the party), and finally he opens mine.

Yeah, I'm big on wrapping paper. I'm a guy, okay.

What did I get him.? A framed copy of Rudyard Kipling's Poem "IF" to hang on his wall. I was surprised and amazed that all the boys sat still and quietly listened as he read aloud.

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, '
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

I think he understands.

*For those of you playing along at home: WINO=Wife In Name Only.

Road Trip Report (Part Twoith.)

2011-11-09T09:33:00.000-08:00

Where was I, Oh yeah. South Carolina. Trying to get form Aiken to Ceasar's Head State Park. And I had decided to take the "scenic" route. And boy, was it scenic. It also took me almost 5 hours to go 129 miles. Every wide spot in the toad had it's own 30 or 35 MPH zone. Not to mention that it's not a straight shot. Not just twists and a turns but Hey, I didn't see any signs back at that intersection, and I'm not seeing any signs saying that I'm still on US 25. Dammit!!! Turn around again. Eventually I make to Caesar's Head, and it's only a 45 minute drive up hill on a twisting road, with overhangs that will kill you if you look over, and I'm towing a camper. In a Saab 9-3. Fortunately, it's a stick, so it's second and third gear all the way up (trying to go to fourth gear will HOLY CRAP CURVE!!! send me over the edge.)

Finally at the top and pull into position. Yep, there's no room to back in. It's well after dark, and screw it, I'm not driving off this mountain, until it's time to leave. The car stays in front of the camper. Andrew and George and whoever else shows up can drive. But I don't really care to come off this mountain.

But we must, for food and to go shooting. We go to a practical rifle match and I out shoot our host. With his rifle. I'm not sure if that's a faux pas or not. Wait? What?!?! There's no bacon? How can you not have bacon!! But despite that we had a lot of fun. We talked and laughed and told our stories to each other. Hopefully, they learned something from my mistakes and errors. They are really nice and good guys. I'm proud to call them my Friends.

But like all good things, they must come to an end. We managed to get the camper out and headed down the mountain. 2nd gear all the way so the brakes wouldn't catch fire and/or I go over the side to a fiery death. I get to the main road and onto finally onto the interstate (screw scenery, I've seen enough). The view from Ceasar's Head.

So after 140,000 miles, trying to push a camper uphill and then coming downhill in 2nd, the clutch decides to give up the ghost. Right on the SC/GA border. 88 miles from Atlanta and the nearest Saab dealer. Did I mention that it's 2am and I'm in the WE:COME TO GEORGIA! rest stop. So I call the nearest towing firm (I now love my Blackberry), and agree to pay whatever amount to get to the Saab dealer in Atlanta, and let the driver sleep in until morning (the dealership opens at 9am). So I settle in with the rest of the truckers and grab some sleep. I wake up at 7am and begin my wait for the tow truck. I forgot I'm on "Southern time" in which 7am means "When I git thar", which is 9am. Okay. I call the dealership and let them know I'm coming. They can't guarantee that they'll get it done today, but they'll do there best. Chad finally delivers, me, my car and the camper at around 10:30. And the dealership has the parts, a mechanic and a bay open. Things are looking up. So I begin my sitting and waiting. The service manager is nice and gives me a car to go grab lunch and tells me to keep the key, just in case I need to grab a room for the night.

Which it turns out I won't. The mechanic gets it down right around 4pm. $1700 less rich and I'm back on the road. Which I drive all the way to another rest stop in Kentucky, and I again spend a night with the truckers. Morning breaks and once more on the road and hey, Jim Beam Distillery tours. What the heck. Oh there's free samples (max three). And the Red Stag is not cheaper in the company store. Back to my folks by noon, and spend a couple of days there. Then back home to Chicago. Aside from the clutch, a good trip, only wish I had budgeted more time to see more folks I know in that part of the US.

Road Trip Report (Part Oneith.)

2011-10-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Finally pulled into Festung Scout at about 12:30 last night, after an exciting week on the road.   And what a week it was.
Got to see my old First Sergeant (Wayne Cobb) and one of my soldiers (Mike Alan Engle) in Anniston, AL. We enjoyed catching up over dinner and then Wayne and Lucy were kind enough to open their home to us and let us spend the night. The next day he gave us a tour of Ft. McClellan. Or actually, what's left of it. Some of the old MP building are in use, mostly but .gov agencies (DHS, Local LE, and couple of colleges), most of the housing areas have gone to seed, although some have been rehabbed. There are many still for sale. Cheap.   It does tug at the heart to see a place that was so instrumental in our lives to have fallen so far. It would have almost been better if they would have bulldozed the place. Although the "Starships" or Basic Training buildings would need a wee bit of explosives to bring down. So there are plants and trees growing everywhere, and I'm sure many a passed on drill instructor and First Sergeant are spinning in their graves over it. Despite the loss of Ft. McMuffin, Anniston doesn't look any worse than anywhere else in the country, economy wise. There's still the Depot and local industry (like the Goodyear plant). But one place that was busy was CMP.
Like entering Nirvana, I was greeted by racks of M1 Garands, some `03 Springfields, 1917 Enfields, and a variety of .22LR Target rifles. There were boxes of bayonets, and counter to order parts. I roamed around trying not to be tempted. That lasted all of about 30 seconds. I spotted a H&R M1 with at very low throat and muzzle erosion numbers. Listed as Rack Grade. With the Rack Grade price. Why so cheap I asked? "Some Greek carved his girlfriend's name in the stock." Sure enough "KAROLA". Well, Carol, you're coming home with me !!   Some paperwork, a little waiting and my Rifle will be delivered by Fedex when I get home. (Had I been willing to pay Alabama's 10% sales tax, I could have taken it with me.) Oh, and you can take the bayonet and sling home with you for cheaper than shipping.
Next onto Atlanta and to meet with another of my soldiers and First Sergeants. However, do to scheduling conflicts I wasn't able to meet with either, so I continued on to Aiken SC.
Aiken being the home of my predecessor as president of the Aurora Sportsmen's Club, Mark Meyer. While I got him caught up on the doings at ASC, he told me about life as a Yankee in the South. While the cost of living of decidedly less, there are drawbacks. #1 being that a you are living in the South, and the South is full of Southerners. Who individually are great people. As a group, well, there's a good reason Sherman burned the place. Well actually he didn't, "The Battle of Aiken" was the last Confederate victory of the Civil War. Seems whatever forces the Rebs had, put up a stand and prevented Aiken from being put to the torch. However, what none of the local worthies remember is that Sherman simply avoided a drawn out fight, went around the Reb forces and burned Burnettown instead.

While there Mark showed my his backyard range and Patrick's Deer Stand. After letting my try his PlumCrazy AR, we hopped in his truck and headed off to the local gun shop, so that I could get my own complete composite AR lower for $90 like her paid for his.
Alas, since I'm from the People's Democrat Republic of Illinois, our Beloved Atty Gen, Her Worshipfulness Lisa Madigan, has determined that PlumCrazy's are pistols, so they a SC FFL can't sell me one. (Stupid Gun Laws and overweening politicians strike again.) I leave empty handed.   But not completely. Sue gave me pictures of their son Jake being all badass as Marine holding an M240, even though he is a logistics weenie.   But still he is serving and I thank him for his service. I also asked for and got from Patrick a letter for his NJROTC asking for contributions to help support their Rifle Team. Last year, the CMP Crew from ASC help Patrick raise more money then the locals. So in addition to out shooting the Rebs, he out fund raises them. Earning him the well deserved title of "Damn Yankee". Now having thoroughly enjoyed my self with the the Meyer's it was time to move onward, and little did I know, upward.   Going from Aiken to Ceasar's Head State Park gave me two choices. Either I could stay on the Interstate System, as I had driven the entire trip or take US 25 up through South Carolina. According to Mapquest staying on the interstate would add about 35 extra miles to the trip. Oh, what the heck, let's see some of this country. US 25 it is !!

Next Post- You can't get from one place to another in SC without going somewhere you don't want to.

On the Road

2011-10-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Since last Tuesday, I've been on the road. Seen several good friends I have not seen for years and met several friends that' I've known for years in person. I've seen quite a bit of this beautiful country and will post some pics and tell more later. Suffice to say, I've had a really good week. And it's not over yet. But I just wanted to let everyone know I'm still kicking and having fun.

Youth Deer Camp

2011-10-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

No deer were hurt in the making of this post.

Unfortunately.

This past week was the Youth Deer Season here in Illinois and for the past 2 years I've been taking Robert and one of his friends (and his dad) out to the Aurora Sportsmen's Club to hunt deer. This is one of my dreams to have a group of 5-8 boys and their dads come, setup Deer Camp for the weekend and Hunt. Get the boys away from video games and school and girls and moms and sisters and everything and just go be in the outdoors.

First there was getting packed up. Loading up the car and camper with everything we need to not only hunt but spend a long weekend camping. As I'm packing up the stuff in the hunting box, Robert sees the Butt-out tool. and asks what it's for. Now he cleaned pheasants and he's familiar with the process of field dressing, so this is nothing new. I explain how it works to remove the anal alimentary canal on the deer. He looked at again and then looked at me and said "Oh, I thought that was how we dragged them out of the woods." |O_O|

So we've got the camper loaded and head out to Shabbona State Park to setup camp. We've got a couple of spaces (since there are 6 people) and when we arrive Pat and his son Jack are already there with their tent setup and fire going. We quickly get the camper setup and start dinner. As prep for the upcoming Cub Scout Campout (and the Boy Scouts) Robert makes dinner. Italian Beef Sandwiches and pan fired French Fries. Which is a hit. After dinner there is a sit down with a map as we discuss where we think the deer will be and where we're going to setup. Then there is my favorite part. Hanging around the campfire. The boys make some S'mores and we all just enjoy the night. Since we'll be getting up at 4:30 bedtime is a little earlier the usual, but surprisingly there's not an argument or complaints. Setting up camp (and playing some tackle football), has worn the boys out.

First thing the the next morning is Jack getting out of the tent and saying "Wow, look at all the stars!! Yes, be out and away from civilization and it's nighttime lighting allows you to see thousands if not millions more stars then you normally can. It's simply beautiful. We head off for showers and a then a quick breakfast of deer bacon and eggs. We head over to the Aurora Sportsmen's Club, wish each other luck and head out in the rising sunshine to our spots.

We wait for a bit and listen to the birds greet the morning, there's a rooster off in the distance and then the turkeys at Hoka Turkey Farm wake up. Lots of turkeys. Thousands of turkey's off in the distance. I hit the Bleat-In-Heat can a few times. and we wait. Suddenly off to our right, the something coming down the trail we came in on. Antlers !!!

They stop well short of us. All we can see are a forked set of antlers sticking up from the brush. "Can I shoot" asks Robert very quietly, gun up on his shoulder. "Not yet." I whisper in his ear. "Wait until you are sure of your target, and then aim for his back." The antlers move up and down, then there's a grunt snort, and he cuts off through the brush to our right, heard, but unseen.

"That was SOOOoooooo Cooool!!!!" he says. I can recognize the after effects of an adrenaline dump. "Nice job not shooting," I reply. "You have to have a good clear shot, before you pull the trigger."

Then shortly we spot a pointed set of ears moving through the brush, and they stop short. Coyote !!! "Dad can I shoot?" "Yes, wait until you can be sure of your target." I reply. But Wily decides instead to move off to yelp and howl at us, never giving us a clear shot.

So we wait. But a ten year old can only sit and wait so long. I have a couple of deer calls, a rattling bag, and the Bleat-in-Heat can. So Robert wants to try them. I tell him that we should really only use one at a time as they have different purposes. So we try one. And wait. Then we do the next. And wait. I show him how to use the rattling bag. I rattle, then he does for few minutes. And we wait some more. Then he does the Bleat-in-Heat can a few times. And we wait. He's getting bored, so we get up and walk around a bit. That's the picture above. We got back and sit. And he starts playing with the calls. Pretty soon it sounds like a Deer Party. Several bucks are grunt snorting and fighting as a lone doe bleats that she's looking for a boyfriend. Sounds like if your a deer and not here, you are missing all the fun, as all the deer are here!!

We go back to camp for lunch, the boys play football while the dads nap. Jim and his son Conner join us after Conner's morning baseball game. We again go over a plan for the afternoon hunt and head out. We walk out to our spots and begin the process of waiting.

We spotted nothing, but had a good time looking at various Spiders (including a couple of Marble Spiders and an Orb Weaver), following tracks and looking for scat and droppings. Finally it began to get dark so we made our way back to the car and then back to camp. Pat and Jack made Steak sandwiches for us (Wow!!) for dinner, then it was sit by the fire and discuss the days events. Deer were seen but none close enough, nor moving slow enough to take a shot. Plans were laid for the next day, and as the fire burned down, we headed off to sleep.

The morning was Blueberry pancakes (sans syrup as it's not a camping trip unless I forget something.) and more deer bacon. Mmmmmm. Again, off before the sun comes up and the boys are just dazzled by the number of stars they can see.

We get to the parking lot and head out. Hopes are high as we're starting to figure out where the deer "are".

There is some walking, much sitting and some talking. But mostly just being. Being together and enjoying the beauty of nature. It really doesn't get any better then this. A father and son outdoors together. I hope Robert remembers it.

As the morning grows longer, we accept that the deer have outsmarted us and head back to camp for lunch. As a concession to the boys, it's Tube Steaks and chips. We pack up the camper and the boys decide that instead of more hunting, they want to shoot a slug through their guns (Rossi Combos. A single shot 20ga barrel with a swappable single shot .22 LR barrel). So we head to the range. I fully expected the boys to fire one slug and say "That's enough, can we shoot .22 now?" Turns out Conner was just that, one slug and done. My Robert on the other hand is recoil junkie. Not content to shoot all five of his slugs, he also shoots Conner's other four. The boys burn through an entire box of .22LR ammo, 550 rounds. And Jim and I look at each other when there is $1.00 bet made as to whether Robert can hit, within five shots, a pink shotgun hull to knock off a tiny Rubber duck they have brought along. He nails it on the third shot and the bet paid off when during the next break we examine the hull.

Finally, all the targets are shot, the ammo exhausted. Nothing left but to finish out the weekend with dinner at Robert's favorite restaurant, Pub West. Trent, as always, is a great host and serves some of the tastiest food. Cheeseburgers for the boys, Jim has an Italian Beef and I go with the Texas Burger. We eat, enjoy some football and at long last head out.

A few weeks back, after the Zombie Shoot about an hour or so after I returned Robert to his mother, I got a text. "He was returned Tired and Cranky, and if he doesn't straighten up, he won't be going to cub scouts next week." I took that as a point of pride. In fact, I joked with Jim that I expected to get a text this weekend complaining that I "returned him Tired, Cranky, Dirty, Sticky and Bruised" (from shooting the slugs).

But I know that he had as much fun as I did.

Dialysis Training

2011-10-05T22:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm in. But please, give me some credit. I'm a college graduate. I took High School Chemistry (along with Reloading, and doing some "weird science" experiments with my son, I've brushed up on some advanced chemistry). I can work a computer and having spent the last three plus years in chemo; I'm a past master at infection control procedures.

Walk me though. Give me the manual and show me step by step. I get the "Why" for most of it. If I have a question I'll stop and ask.

But this start in the middle, then go to near the beginning and then let's talk about the the shutdown procedure, before you go back and show you the start-up process.

Whoever wrote the training manual needs to be clubbed over the head and fired. While his replacement watches. Dude, You are telling a story about how perform a step-by-step process. It has a beginning, middle and end. The story is much better if you tell it in that order.

So tomorrow is day three. I told my instructor that I want to "solo". Setup and run the machine myself. I'll use the manual to do it each and every time until I develop good habits and the muscle memory to do it the same way, every night, without fail.

Because you can't skip a night. So it will go hunting with me. (Supplies to be delivered to the campground. That will be fun !!)

But please, I've read the book, done all the "quizzes", let me walk through it, and then once I solo, I'll be more than happy to come back for however many days you want me to and I'll demonstrate my proficiency until you are satisfied that I can do it, repeatedly without screwing up.

Please, give me some credit.

An Evening With Friends

2011-10-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

Several months ago I went to my first Indy blogmeet and was welcomed into the group like I was long lost brother. Tam, Roberta, Brigid and everyone else in the group are as warm and kind in real life as they are in their blogs.

And since that time the ladies have shown me how friendly and caring shooters are in the whole and these fine folks in particular. And over the course, of my monthly visits to Indy, I was invited to dine and spend time with these nice people.   And as we talked and laughed like we had known each other for years, a germ of an idea came to me. I wanted to show how much I value and treasure their friendship and repay their kindness by doing something for them that hopefully would be a wonderful and unique experience. I had a one pointed mentioned that I missed going to the Elgin Symphony, so when Brigid said that she had never been or hadn't been in a very long time, I asked if they would like to go see the Indianapolis Symphony? Excited with the idea we began to look at dates and performances, and finally settled on going to see Mahler's 1st the last weekend of September. I was saddened when Roberta and Tam had to beg off, but thrilled that Midwest Chick and Brigid were game.

Suddenly I had a "non-date" with two very lovely ladies to a "grown-up event", so this night was going to be special.

And it was, it started when I was greeted at the door by something low-slung and in black. Once we got a very-excited-to-see-me Barkley (I was excited to him too!!) back under control, I was knocked out by two knock-outs. WOW !!!   The ultimate expression of the Little Black Dress and the Red Number that just WOW !!!

And like Prom night, pictures were take and greeting hugs exchanged and mmmmmm vanilla perfume. Out to open the car doors for the ladies and were off to the Big City. Give the car to the valet and inside the elegant building which houses the theater and the Symphony. The on-going highlight of the evening was watching the faces of the people (especially men) seeing someone walking around with not one, but two gorgeous ladies dressed to the nines, one on each arm. The looks of surprise and envy were just like the Mastercard commercial - Priceless. The ladies made great sport of it, as I grew concerned that they were going to cause of fellow concertgoers to walk into balusters or the stately columns that dot the lobby as they did double takes and stared.
A pre-concert beverage along with more catching up conversation and it's time to find our seats. From the ISO's website, there really are no bad seats, but some are better than others, so I wanted seats that would ensure that we be able to really enjoy not only the music but he musicians as well.
The music was phenomenal. The opening piece, Ades' Violin Concerto was magnificently performed by Lela Josefowicz, it is technically challenging and wild ranging, Ades' piece confuses difficultly with artistry. Ms Josefowicz breathed love and life into what could have easily become a muddled mess.
During the intermission the two ladies again spent their time touching up their tactical lip-gloss, to the shock and dismay of fellow concert-goers and it seemed that we had pickup a tail of novice nuns (yes, in the habits), also out to enjoy an evening of music, though I never thought that Mahler made the Top 100 in the Catholic Church.
Meanwhile back to to seats for the feature piece. Mahler's 1st. While the ISO much acclaimed new Music Director Krzysztof Urbanski was elsewhere this evening,guest conductor Larry Rachleff took over and did a magnificent job of leading the large ensemble (Mahler always liked bigger and more when it came to instruments) in the complex work that can be flat and un--inspired, as is frequently the case in most recordings of the work. Therefore I was somewhat skeptical as to what kind of performance we could expect. Needless to say I was greatly surprised and impressed. Mr. Rachleff's light and lively treatment brought out all the complex and intertwined themes that were clear and distinct. The musicians obviously enjoying the work and that enjoyment growing as the lengthy work progressed. Leading up to the finally which brought the audience to it's feet for a lengthy ovation.
Having paid our respects to the orchestra, we departed to retrieve the car from the valet. Upon presenting my stub, the attendant could not find the key and announced that they had probably went to retrieve as they would begin to bring up the vehicles once the performance ended. After standing by the curb on the Circle and doing the tourist thing (craning our necks upward to to see the Civil War Victory ~~Finger to the South~~ column), I noticed my car park further down round the circle. Going back inside, I pointed out my car to the attendant who sheepishly admitted that they had not been able to figure out how to remove the key from the ignition of a stick shift Saab, so had parked it, with the key in it, where they could keep an eye on it. Disdaining a tip, the ladies and I laughed and walked 'round the circle to were I helped them in the car (again, getting stares and double takes from passer-by) and eliciting complimentary comments from the street vendors next to where the car had been ~~left~~ parked.
A quick trip back to Small Town and the Stone Creek Dining Company for an extremely tasty meal of Steak, Shrimp, Scallops, and Chicken, along with all the trimmings. More conversation and laughs that frequently had me wiping tears from my eyes we were laughing so hard ("and then Sonny the cockateil said....") along with the "church lady" with her teenage daughter sitting in the booth catty-corner who kept shooting me very disproving looks (Two woman !?!?! and look, they can't even be half his age !!! Hhhhrrmmppph !!!).

And all too quickly the night was ending. A return to the current Range, where once again I was met by something low-slung and black (Hi Barkley !!), hugs and a return to my parents home, where I just managed to sneak in before curfew.

I can't thank Midwest Chick and Brigid for a truly wonderful evening of friends, music and food. I had been so looking forward to it and it was everything I had hoped for and more. I also would like to thank Mr. B for letting me borrow his Significant Other for the evening, you sir a very fortunate and lucky man.   I was an distinct privilege and true honor to escort both of you ladies last evening. It's something I'll never forget, Thank you.

Be careful what you ask for

2011-09-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Seems the White House wants to hear from We, The People. So on the White House. org website they have created a way to start a petition and have stated that if enough people "sign" the petition they will speak to the subject. Maybe not support it, but they will address the issue.

So this is your chance. If you're reading this, you're probably on several .gov watchlists. Might as well go for all of them!!

My friend Sean S. at NC gun blog has links to all the petitions

Topics:
Supporting HB822 (National Reciprocity)

Repealing the Hughes Amendment ('86 Machine Gun Registry)

Taking Suppressors off the NFA

Taking SBS/SBR's off the NFA

Support an Independent Prosecutor for Fast and Furioius

You have to sign up with your name, e-mail, city and state. We're all on "the list" anyway and they can't use it for spam. If the petitions get to 500 signers the White House has to respond.

I want to see the press briefing where the White House explains its position on the above petitions. Hehehehehehehehehe

Fast and Furious

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Finally someone has come out and said it

Operation Fast and Furious was not botched. It was planned. And of course they just couldn't do the small fry.

See the administration made the claim that the bad people from south of the border were buying their guns at Gun shops, Gun shows and from other private sales and that the 2A was to blame. However, some one went back and ran the numbers and Whoopsie!! turns out almost all the guns came from Mexican Police and Military sources.

Well that simply won't do.
So what to do get more guns into from US FFL's into the hands of Mexican cartels? Why ship them directly from the FFL's using the ATF (with Porkulous Money) and eliminating the middle men of the Mexican Police and Army.

So quit calling this thing botched. It wasn't. No one can point to anywhere in the plan to seizure or capture the guns nor arrest or kill the bad guys with the guns. The ATF higher up painstakingly did things to ensure that the guns slipped from ATF control/observation and disappeared, mostly into Mexico, only to sadly turn up at more and more murder scenes.

Yes, murder scenes. And like every freedom loving American, I don't care who is being murdered. I want the person that pulled the trigger either fried or put in a jail he never comes out of. And those that knew of, participated in and allowed this to happen, need to be tried for those murders.

Go back and read what ATF Agent Newell said about working cases where gun dealers "allowed" guns to walk. It was Agent Newell that ordered the dealers to sell those guns against the dealers will and better judgement and Agent Newell let them walk.

No one was killed in Watergate. Agent Newell has the blood of US Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry and hundreds of Mexican and a growing number of Americans on his hands. For this and this alone he needs to brought up on charges. Then and only then will the entire rotten edifice of Fast and Furious will come tumbling down. Yes, Monica, we are to the point of a Special Prosecutor.

To Hell and Back

2011-09-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

I spent the last weekend with Robert. Time that I cherish. And we did have fun as well. We "worked" at the BB Gun Range at Northern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days. Robert does really well with the young kids teaching the 4 Rules and helping them with cocking, aiming and shooting the Daisy Red Rider's we use. It's a lot of fun introducing new shooters (mostly kids and moms, as most Dads are too cool to shoot BB Guns.) We have simple knock down targets, film canisters on string and everyone's favorite the bell-hop bell. A challenge to hit, but gives a satisfying "DING" when you hit it, and everyone on the line knows when you do. Everyone gets to watch a 3 minute video and then about 5 minutes of actual shooting. Yes, as many BB's as you can safely fire.

The best part comes later. The guys that run the range go to Knob Creek each year. And they have a simple rule. If you work the BB gun range, they take you to Knob Creek for the the Machine Gun Shoot. SO each year we have several teenagers of family and friends that also work the range. All really good kids, and fun to be around. The prospect of shooting machine guns has Robert captivated. He gets it that "things" are earned.

We we got home we had a couple of hours before he was due to go back to his mom's. He's liking WWII movies, so I've picked up a couple of the "9 WWII movies for $4.99" out the bins at Wal-Mart, I also scored a 16 pack of John Wayne movies to include McClintock! So grab one of the CD's and it has To Hell and Back - Audie Murphy. Wikipedia for some back story and then pop in the movie. Yeah, somewhat cheesey. You can tell that Audie was somewhat uncomfortable playing himself and wanted it as a tribute to those friends killed during the war. Robert was just in awe.

Those are the lessons I want to teach. That is what I want to pass on.

Still Augering In.

2011-09-28T03:01:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was the suck. I mean really?!? My Hemoglobin can "bounce" around from a 6.5 to a 7.7? Neither being "good", but one somewhat less "BAD" then the other. I had to do all the "Check again to see if he's still breathing?" crap, and the Nurse Practitioner didn't think that I looked like a 6.5. I sure felt like one. And yeah I did go camping with a bunch of Cub Scouts last weekend. And yeah, I cooked breakfast for the entire crew. And yeah, I then spent two days working the BB Gun Range at Hunting and Fishing Days.

So if I can dig deep and do all that on less then half the fucking oxygen of all you medical types, why am I getting worse? 9.6 in hospital three weeks ago, 8.8 two weeks ago, 8.1 last week, and somewhere between 7.7 and 6.5 this week. Oh, and now there's blood (at least hemoglobin) in my urine. The steriods have induced diabetes (yes, insulin twice a day.) and now a Blood Transfusion this morning of two maybe three units. That should make me feel better. Well, at least like I can breathe. But this is it. I see the kidney doc next Monday. If they (and by they I mean all my docs) haven't talked and come up with their recommendations then I'll tell them what the Fucking Plan is.

This shit ends. No more steroids, no more Cytoxan. And the stem cell can wait. I'm not playing my last card on a "Hail Mary" that I don't think will work to save my kidneys. They've been so damaged and destroyed over the course of the last several years that I don't think they'll "recover". And I'm not willing to take a chance on maybe becoming eligible for a kidney transplant. You'll have to give me better odds then a "possible maybe". I'll do dialysis. I can live with that. I can do maintenance chemo for as long as it *works*. "Works" meaning that the Multiple Myeloma doesn't begin to attack any other organs or systems. I'll be anemic, hopefully less edemaic, but I'll be able to live on somewhat my own terms.

But I'm mad as hell that they did this to me.

I just want the Poster.

2011-09-28T02:26:00.000-07:00

If you never seen Firefly, you need to watch it.

But this clearly demonstrates the mindset we are up against.

Having been duely warned, the Prof takes it down and replaces it with this:

That really honks off the Brownshirts.

See when it comes to the Left the 1A is okay when you agree with them and their positions. But left a leftist know that they are also fascists and the gloves really come off.

And hell yeah. I want *that* Firefly poster.

Chores.

2011-09-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

As usual I do things uphill backwards. When I wrote about Parenting Techiniques, I probably should have posted the ground rules or what drives the techniques.

The first thing that I kept telling the WINO is that our job as parents is to raise happy, healthy, disciplined ethical moral, responsible adults. People that go out and take the place in society as productive members.

Period.

And everything we do and did has to be directed toward that goal.

It was like talking to a wall.

I believe in chores. Age appropriate. At 5 years old you can unload the silver ware from the dishwasher (I'll take the knives first). At 8 you can unload the dishes as well. At 10 you load the dishwasher, properly.

At 7 you can pick up the dog poop in the backyard like you promised when we got you the dog. At 10 or 11 you can start cutting the grass.

In fact at several points as the kids were growing up we would sit and have a family meeting. The WINO drafted and wrote out "The Chore Lists" that everyone agreed to. Yes, even her. She wrote them, they are in her hand writing. But when I would direct the kids to do their chores, I was "A Slavedriver" or "Why does it have to be done on your schedule?" Because I can't serve dinner I cooked, (my chore), if all the clean dishes are in the dishwasher that the kids need to unload." And then the fight was on.

This is how bad is was. I hated the weekends. Because the would end the same way each time, no matter what I did.
Friday night- Pizza and a beer night. Which was really just pizza night, although she might have a beer. But before she got home I would ask the kids to 1) Get their homework done (always Job#1) and then 2) get their dirty clothes down stairs, so I could do laundry (my chore) and 3) pick their "stuff" around the house and their rooms. My reasoning being that if we got *that* our the way, we could then do fun things the rest of weekend. The kids would want to and would get my wife on their side with "It's been a long week, leave them alone for one night." To which I would say, "Fine, I'm doing laundry now. If you want clean clothes next week , then get it downstairs." That I put my foot down on. I was doing laundry once a week. Not whenever you demanded it. And don't let me catch you doing loads in between. You're not wasting my water, gas and detergent just because you were too lazy to bring it downstairs when I was doing it.

Now, Saturday was generally run the kids to sports and activities, cutting the grass, and possibly getting the the grocery shopping for the week. So it got blown out of the water as far as getting anything fun in.

Sunday morning she would get up early and go to weight watchers. Meanwhile I got up, go the kids moving, and showering while I made a good breakfast (bacon and eggs, or pancakes, or waffles or breakfast burrito's and such), and got everyone fed, dressed and ready for church. She would get back in time to eat and the we'd load up in the car and head to church. And I would offer her "Mom time" meaning that I would take the kids and we go. Usually out to the Aurora Sportsmen's Club, where we would shoot some trap and some .22LR. This gave her the opportunity to do whatever she wished. Scrap-booking, Work-work, take a nap, go shopping, anything she wanted. And we would be back sometime after it got dark (we could shoot out there until legal sunset.)

And when we got back all hell would break loose. See, the house was still a mess, and we're getting ready to head back into the work week and your three went off to have fun while leaving me in this pigsty to clean up all your messes, and on and on. Pointing out that I tried to get them to do their chores on Friday fell on deaf ears and was again told that "Why does it have to done on your schedule?!?!" Because you turn into a tweaked out raving bitch on Sunday afternoon because it isn't done. If you don't like the way I do it, then don't bitch when it doesn't get done.

I hated it. Here I am trying to be a good father and spend time, good quality bonding time ( and both kids sdid have lots of fun shooting. It's one sport where age or physical strength doesn't make the difference, it's skill) while trying to give my wife some time to her self. And all I did was catch hell from her.

So parents. The most important thing is that you have to be together, you have work as team. But that's another rant for another time. That's how important that is.

Parenting Techniques

2011-09-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Over on ArmedPoliteSocirrty.com there have been a few threads that been about Parenting, including the one that start off with Parenting and letting your kids play with Toy Guns vs Real Guns.

Now one area the WINO⁽¹⁾ constantly argued about where what could be called parenting "techniques", so here are I couple I used that would piss her off to no end. She thought I was a lousy parent when I would use them, so I'm asking The Cancer Ward Brain Trust for their opinion.

1) The "I'll laugh at you". She thought this was simply horrible. Generally it involved the child telling me their "plan". I would explain the possible consequences (usually some type potential minor injury, a scrape or cut; perhaps merely wounded pride) along with the admonishment of "If you still decide to do "X", then if and when "Y" happens, I will laugh at you. I'll have to use rubbing alcohol and the Mercurochrome to clean the wound and you know how much that stings and burns and I'll enjoy it. " My wife thought it was horrible that my child could be standing there as a minor trickle of blood would be running down a knee or elbow, I would point, laugh and say I told you so, before going to get the rubbing alcohol, Mercurochrome and band-aids. However, I have discovered that using this on my son has now dissuaded him from doing things now that will could cause injuries somewhat above and beyond a minor cut or scrape. Not that I would laugh at him if he ever walked in with a broken bone, but he doesn't know that.⁽²⁾

2) "Wanna Bet?" Over the years, when there has been a slight difference of opinion as to a potential outcome, I have given my kids the chance to prove either themselves or their theory but putting their money where their mouth is. The amount varies depending on their age and their confidence level in their position. I do expect and demand to get paid off, however my "winnings" are always plowed back to the kids in one form or another at a later date. And I have only lost once. And that was when I bet my son $20 that he could not leave the souvenir B-29 we bought at the National Air & Space museum alone and in the box for a month. He gave it to me and told me to hide it. I told him "No" and put it, in the box, on a shelf in his room. He went through hell that month. The temptation was overpowering, but at the end of the month the box was still taped shut (it hadn't been tampered with, I checked) and I paid off. It's a very nice toy and he learned the difference between toys you play with and toys you admire as it still sits on his shelf, aka "unplayed with" (meaning he takes it down and looks at it, but he doesn't take and run through house and outside with it going "Zooooooommmmmmm, pew, pew, pew, pew" as he dive bombs his army men and then crashes it into the ground like he did the very nice P-47 I had got him a couple of years earlier.) So again, when I look at my son and say "Wanna Bet? Or "You willing put money on that?" He really stops and thinks. Actually he and my daughter stop and say "Never bet against Dad, he always wins. Except that one time!!!" Again, he's re-considered his position and it generally causes a change in his course of action.

3) "I know what you're thinking" I just look at him and say "I wasn't always 46. I was ten once also. I know you want to X, Y, and Z. And if you do X, Y and Z I will do to you what Grandpa did you me, which was A, B, and C. And if you don't think so, let's call him and he can tell you about it." And yes, there have been some phone calls where Grandpa tells my son of how he used the Steak and Shake Yard Stick (which he still has and my son has seen) on my backside. My son normally leaves those phone calls looking like and there's some comment of "Grandpa was really mean". To which I reply "Well, I was really dumb sometimes, learn from my mistakes." And again, he is dissuaded from that/those course of action.

4) "Your Call" or "Sibling Justice" Having grown up with 4 brothers and 2 sisters, there was some/a lot of "internal policing" and what I call "sibling justice". Like when I tell my son not to shoot his teenage sister (she's 7 years older) with Nerf Guns or Super Soakers. "You can, but you'll have to survive the beatdown she'll give you when she catches you." There has been a time or two when I heard my daughter scream my son's name, him hauling ass through the dining room and out the garage door with a Nerf Gun/SuperSoaker in one hand and a big o'l cheese-eating grin on his face, followed shortly thereafter by my extremely pissed off teenage daughter in hot pursuit. My wife thought it was horrible when I would let them fight⁽³⁾, but as long as closed fists weren't being used and it didn't get out of hand, I would let them settle things between them. And generally an hour of less later they would be in one or the others rooms playing a cardgame, boardgame, or some-such together, peacefully. Whereas if my wife tired to break them up, generally the matter would not be resolved and issue would continue to fester and boil with more yelling, slamming of doors and just all around unpleasantness for hours or even days.

So what say you?

⁽¹⁾ WINO=Wife In Name Only
⁽²⁾ I tried one time to explain to the WINO, this bit of dialogue from Band of Brothers, she just looked at me like I had two heads:

CPT Ronald Spiers: What is it?
1SG Carwood Lipton: Nothing.
CPT Spiers: Well, I'd better get back to Battalion before they disappear. You want to ask me, don't you?
1SG Lipton: Ask you what, sir?
CPT Spiers: You want to know if they're true or not... the stories about me. Did you ever notice with stories like that, everyone says they heard it from someone who was there. But then when you ask *that* person, they say *they* heard it from someone who was there. It's nothing new, really. I bet if you went back two thousand years, you'd hear a couple of centurions standing around, yakking about how Tertius lopped off the heads of some Carthaginian prisoners.
1SG Lipton: Well, maybe they kept talking about it because they never heard Tertius deny it.
CPT Spiers: Well, maybe that's because Tertius knew there was some value to the men thinking he was the meanest, toughest son of a bitch in the whole Roman Legion.
[Turns to leave]
1SG Lipton: Sir? These men aren't really concerned about the stories. They're just glad to have you as our CO. They're happy to have a good leader again.
CPT Spiers: Well, from what I've heard, they've always had one. I've been told there's always been one man they could count on. Led them into the Bois Jacques, held them together when they had the crap shelled out of them in the woods. Every day, he kept their spirits up, kept the men focused, gave 'em direction... all the things a good combat leader does. You don't have any idea who I'm talking about, do you?
1SG Lipton: No, sir.
CPT Spiers: Hell, it was you, First Sergeant. Ever since Winters made Battalion, you've been the leader of Easy Company. Oh, and you're not going to be First Sergeant much longer, First Sergeant.
1SG Lipton: Sir?
CPT Spiers: Winters put you in for a battlefield commission, and Sink approved on your behalf. You should get the official notice in a few days. Congratulations, Lieutenant.

⁽³⁾ It was really more "wrestling" and Robert could surprisingly hold his against Meghan own most times, when he got caught. Simply because the chase ended when both were pretty winded and there wasn't much fight left in either.

Since all the cool kids are doing it.

2011-09-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Saw this on Old NFO's and Tam's blog. Apparently Og started this one. I missed the 100 books one when I was in the hospital, I'll play catch-up with that one later.

But here's my EDC* knife. Yeah, not very tact-i-kewl or high speed. This is version 3.0 of the Vicotrianox Huntsman the WINO bought me when she went to Switzerland while we were stationed in Germany. The original, 1.0 got stolen at one of my jobs, I replaced it, only to give 2.0 to the Air and Space Museum in DC during Boy Scout Jamboree Week. I guess they thought that Robert and I were going to hijack the lunar lander in our Cub Scout Uniforms. Robert felt bad that I had to surrender my knife and bought me this one. It'll be a very interesting day should someone try to take it from me.

My son has a Mini-Leatherman. Of course, unlike when I was in school and you were some kind of weirdo if you didn't have a Buck Knife, Robert only carries it when we're not going somewhere that will get him taken away to a wussification re-education camp, otherwise it resides in my dresser drawer. Yes, he got his Whittling Chit in Cub Scouts several years ago.

So what's in your pocket?

*Every Day Carry.

The Debt that Never Be Re-Paid

2011-09-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

I've supported the Wounded Warrior Project both personally and when I was President of the Aurora Sportsmen's Club through our Veteran's Day events.

You should too. We owe these people a debt we can never repay. Go donate now.

Oh, and as if you need a reason, Carteach is giving a away stuff you can win if you donate.

Why are you still here? Go.

Still in Limbo

2011-09-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

First I'd like to thank everyone that e-mailed me and/or posted comments. You have no idea what those mean to me. Thank you.

Second. We're still in limbo. I don't think that the doc up at Mayo has all the facts regarding my kidneys and I think that he thinks that if we do the stem cell "right away" he can either save or restore my kidney function.

I think it's a Hail Mary pass at best.

Since I was diagnosed, I've accepted that I'm on a "glide path". And when I finished full-on chemo last April, I remember the conversation with the oncologist here. We had "knocked it down" I wasn't in remission and I wasn't cured. There was just "less". And I could do either no or maintenance chemo. But either way the disease would come back and at that point "the last arrow in the quiver" would be a stem cell transplant. Unless they came up with some new treatment in the meantime. That was it.

From talking with my nephrologist then my kidneys were down to about 30% function and I need to decide whether to go on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. I choose peritoneal simply because hemodialysis ties you to going to center every other day for 4-5 hour at a time. Peritoneal is done at home each night while you sleep. You simply attach yourself to the machine that's about the size of a pair of shoeboxes and dump the fluids out in the morning. You can still travel and live your life as long as you have a place to plug in the machine each night.

Other then the anemia, the only real affect that this disease has had on my is my kidneys. It hasn't impacted any other organs or systems, yet.

So that was "glide path" Maintenance Chemo. I knew I "lose" my kidneys and go on dialysis, but even then as long as "nothing else was going wrong", I'd continue with the Maintenance Chemo until it didn't "work", with "not working" being something else going south.

So I figured that since nothing else appeared to be going wrong, that I would probably be on maintenance chemo for years after I started dialysis.

That all changed last week. But as I sit here and type, I don't think they shared enough info to give me a good recommendation. I don't want to rush into something only to be told later "We probably should have held off." I'm not saying I don't want to do it, but I am saying I'm not willing to gamble with my life. If losing my kidneys will buy me time, then fine, I'm ready to start dialysis. If you want to take a chance that it *might* work, but take away a future option, well that's a horse of entirely different color.

I want them to look at all my labs for the past year plus and then give me my alternatives and their recommendation. So more phone calls and follow ups tomorrow. Maybe I'll just copy this and e-mail it to my docs.

Oh, and more Gun stuff in the future. There's been quite few things that have been going on that I need to get off my chest. Even some fun stuff.

Aside from that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the Play?

2011-09-14T11:46:00.001-07:00

Okay, I knew today would be busy. Made a little tight on the schedule, but hey, I'll go with it.

10am- Appointment with the surgeon who installed the "drain line" in my gut. "Hey doc, it's still leaking fluid around the hole. A pinkish/yellowish fluid. I change the dressing twice a day and it's saturated. It's sore and tender" Doc- " Looks fine, Not infected and that's normal, just keep changing the dressing and if it's still leaking in two weeks come into the office and I'll look at it." Sorry, I don't think I should be leaking. I like having all my fluids inside me. I'm funny that way.

11am - Appointment with GP. Now this will be fun. See they put me on Steroids when I was in the hospital. I'm (am/was) supposed to take them for either one or four days after chemo (they couldn't decide), however, these makes my blood sugar go crazy. (as in the high 300's). They gave me a starter kit with a Freestyle Freedom Lite tester and a weeks worth of strips, finger pokey things and needles. I used four days worth while in the Hospital. The day I got out I went to Wal-mart and turned in the prescription "Be about an hour". So I wandered around W-M for an hour. (No P-O-W sightings to report). Now my Oncologist wrote the script for the Insulin (Lovemir (sp)) Pen, and the GP wrote one for the testing supplies. (Right hand meet left hand) Come back an hour later. "There's a problem, we've called your doc. Can we reach you at this number?" Sure, fine, call me when it's ready and I'll come back and get it. I can go another day or two. Well next day, no call, so I call the doc (GP). They have a new call center which is designed so that they never have to actually talk to the patients, because, that's just ooooh Ick. Anyway, I leave a message. The next day (and yes for those following along, I'm out of test supplies at this point), I get a call from a nurse. She's not sure where I can get plutonium, but is pretty sure that Walgreens doesn't carry it. Oh, that's not the message I left. Insulin, Test Supplies, Wal-mart. Okay, got it now. She'll call me back.

She doesn't.

Which puts me in the GP's office at 10:55am, (having filed out the same four forms with all my Insurance info again, for the 87th time this month. Seriously, it that all some of you do is copy blank forms for me to fill out. And I'm going to wear my insurance card around my neck from now on.)

My phone rings:

507 area code.... (I live in the 630/312/847/708 area code. 507 I don't recognize)

"Hello"

"Hi, this is Jamie at the Mayo Clinic Stem Cell Transplant Center. When can you come in for your transplant?"

Whabbaaawhoba?'

'This is Jamie at the Mayo Stem Cell Transplant Center, we need to schedule your transplant, when can you be here?"

"Wait, what?!?! Since, Errrrr, ummm, what, hold on.."

Just for clarification, Jamie's tone came across as "If you're not here tomorrow, you will die!! Die!!!! DIE!!!!!."

"Hey, this is news to me. In fact, I'm literally walking back to the exam room of my GP office's as we speak. Can I get back to you, because no one has really talked to me about this yet."

"Okay, can I give you a call tomorrow to get this scheduled (again with the if you delay one more second, you will die tone of voice)

"Yes, fine, please."

So now I have even more to discuss with him.

Starting with the fact that "NONE OF MY DOCTORS ARE FUCKING TALKING TO EACH OTHER !!!! OR TO FUCKING ME FOR THAT MATTER !!!

He tries to go get my oncologist on the phone, but he's not in today. (Wait, it gets better). He also can't get my nephrologist.

He checks with the nurse and the insulin problem is that my insurance doesn't cover this meter/test kit. (It's crap like this that makes people start taking fucking hostages.) So he write a script for a different tester, but then give a free sample packet of the "wrong" kind of kit. Whatever.

I'm not doing well at this point. I'm barely able to hold it together. My world literally just blew up. And I can tell I'm sucking big wind. Last week, my hemoglobin was 9.6. Which is bad. I should get Aranesp when it gets below 10, but because there wasn't an order for it last week, the nurse wouldn't give it to me, (nor did she go check) after I pointed it out to her on my lab results. "Hey, I'm below 10, I get a shot!!"

When I would walk my heart would be on fire, my leg muscles burned and cramped, not charlie horses, but the muscles cramp and pull so hard and so tight, it feels like they are being ripped off my bones, for minutes at a time. It's an indescribable pain, a paralying pain. I can only lay there on the floor in pain until it passes. So physically, this week has sucked. I'd get dizzy if I moved to fast or climbed up the stairs from the basement. I couldn't get enough air. And then collapse onto the floor in muscle ripping pain.

Fed up, I say screw it and head to the Oncologist. If I can just make it there, I'll get some Aranesp and I'll be able to breathe. Yeah, I'll just live under the covers until I wake up late Wednesday, but I can see a finish line. Oncologist, treatment, home, sleep. Dog, you're on your own for the next day. I'll leave the back door open for you and feed you when I get up to go to the bathroom

I get settled in and talk to the nurse. Heather. G-d takes care of drunks and fools and thus I am dually blessed. Heather came from Mayo. She worked in the Stem Cell Transplant Center. Finally, I ask questions, lots of questions, not enough questions. I need to know what will happen to me, step by step, how it works, where I stay.

Really I'll need a caregiver(s) to be with me for the 100 days I'm up there. No, it's just me and the dog. No, I don't have family. I mean I do, but my parents are in their 80's my mom is deaf and my dad blind, they can barely take care of each other and sometimes my dog. Yeah, I'm going to have to setup a roster, a schedule, recruit family and friends, I need to call my insurance company, whadda mean I need to rent a place up there for three months, I'm there. You mean I can't leave? Come home? What about after? A year, really, no sick kids, no sick people, NO HUNTING!?!?!

I had my fall planned. Savnnah, Georgia; Hunting and Camping with my son. Two Weeks of Deer Camp, Taking a couple of new people hunting and shooting. I just wanted to make to December.

If only I could have made to December.

No treatment today because with them wanting to schedule a Stem Cell Transplant, you don't know the timing. Fuck me.

"Draw blood."

"I said "Draw Blood", I want labs done. I know my hemoglobin is low and I'm hurting."

"Please draw blood and check my hemoglobin. I can't breathe."

They do and it comes back 8.8.

I knew it was really low.

"What do you mean you can't give me Growth Factor (Aranesp) if they are going to do a stem cell ?"

"They aren't going to do it tomorrow and it I don't get my hemoglobin up, I won't make it to Mayo for a Stem Cell. Where's Patti (the head nurse)!!!"

Patti takes one look at me and says "Give him the shot".

I get my Aranesp. I get some answers. But now I need to find people that can go to Rochester and spend some time with me. So if you're not doing anything and want to spend some one-on-one time with yours truly. I'd love the company. (I think my insurance company will cover some/most/all of caregiver expenses, but I'll find out when I cal them tomorrow.)

You won't have to do anything but 1) be there 2) call 911 if needed.

Thanks for reading.

Just call me Dax

2011-09-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

Like Jadzia Dax in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine series I now have something residing in my gut. It's my new port for my Peritoneal Dialysis port.

It will take about a month for the wound to scar over and heal. Once that happens I can start nightly dialysis.

However, I may not have to start so soon. I talked to the oncologist about going back and adding Cyroxin to the chemo mix when I start back up next week. That might help the kidney function, now that most of the fluid is off. I want to try that for as long as it works.

He's still concerned about the Light Kappa Chain to Light Lambda Chain ratio, but he's talking to the docs at Mayo and seeing if my idea is worth trying. He's also got to talk to the Nephrologist, but I'm hopeful.

If all goes well, (and it should) I'll be out of here tomorrow. I'll rescue my dog from the neighbors and work on finding a name for my new best friend that's installed in my gut. Life is always interesting. And I am blessed and privileged to have such exceptional friends.

The Next Step

2011-09-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

Well tomorrow I'm scheduled for surgery. Nothing major, they just install the port that I will use for dialysis. I get put under and the port or line gets install under my peritoneum which will be used as the filter. It's something that I know has been coming, I just didn't expect to get here that soon.

Peritoneal Dialysis will allow me to still travel to Indy and other places. I can still hunt. Camping will just have to be somewhere where there's power for the machine I'll have to use each night. Fortunately that means that I can still Deer Hunt.

It will be just one more thing to add to my life. And it gives me time.

Which is all I ask for and all I need.

On the Way To Central DuPage Hospital

2011-08-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

I called the nephrologist today. We're setting up an admission for the hospital for today, once they have room..

I'll be in for a couple of days while they administer heavy doses of diuretics to get the excess fluids out of me. So it looks like I'll miss the Dove Season Opener on Thursday, but should be out (and in better shape) for the Cub Scout Campout this Saturday/Sunday. I'm all packed and am bringing the laptop and Firefly DVD's. The dog is going to the neighbors to stay, while I'm in.

I had my Fall planned out through the end of November. I had a clear path. Now, it's all chaos.

It feels like the end of Serenity (the movie):

ZOE
Sir, we have a green light.
Inspection's pos and we're clear
for upthrust.

MAL
Think she'll hold together?

ZOE
She's tore up plenty. But she'll fly true.

MAL
Make sure everything's secure.
Could be bumpy.

ZOE
Always is.

And they weren't talking about the ship.

Damn.

2011-08-29T14:19:00.001-07:00

Just got back from the Oncologist's.

No Chemo (Velcade) today.

He's conferring with the Nephrologist.

And I'm sitting here waiting for him to call.

The diuretics are not getting the water off. I'm up two pounds since I saw the Kidney doc last week. I should have been down 5 or more.

The Neprologist wants to put me in the hospital for a couple of days to get the water out using massive doses of diuretics where they can monitor me.

The Oncologist says that the water problem may be signalling that my light kappa chain to light lambda chain ratio may be going bad.

They drew blood today and the results of this blood work should be back by the end of this week.

If that's the case, that the ratio is bad, it means that the maintenance chemo is not working any more.

So it may be time for a stem cell transplant. He said probably within the next month.

I had hoped it would last longer. I thought I would be on maintenance for years.

I have my fall planned out. Several camping and hunting trips with my son, going to see my Army buds on my way to and from the APS SE meetup, spending practically all of November deer hunting with friends and the remainder of the month with my parents.

I wanted to make it through to at least December before Dialysis. Looks like that won't happen.

I was prepared for my kidneys to fail. Dialysis would be something that I would simply "add" to my life.

It would become another daily chore, something to hook-up to before I went to sleep each night, and something to "empty" in the morning.

Something that would buy me time.

I wanted to make longer before the stem cell.

I wanted years, not months. I wanted time.

Time to be with my son.

I need time.

Damn.

Gun Show and a Blogmeet.

2011-08-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

Got to attend the Indy 1500 ~~Gun~~ Fun Show today. I should have arrived earlier and brought large bags of cash.

For someone from Illinois, to go to show where you can touch it, simply by asking politely and not having to go through the "I'll show you mine" FOID card song and dance is one thing, but being able to (not your humble scribe, but others) to take your purchase home the same day, it simply incredible.

The other thing was the size. It was easily 3x the size of either the Kane County or DuPage County shows we have up here. And the selection!! If you could name it, I'm sure it was somewhere on a table there. I saw not one but TWO M2 Browning Heavy Barrel .50Caliber Machine Guns for sale (with "optional" tripods), well, one was actually marked SOLD by the time I passed it.

I did pickup a leather holster for the LCR for $20, some Large Pistol Primers, and tumbler (with FREE media!) Got a deal on the Tumbler and primers because I made a "package deal" offer near the end of the show., OH HEY, it's an hour earlier in Indiana and I promised Brigid I'd save her a seat at the Blogmeet!

So I head up too Broad Ripple and get to the Brew Pub, with checking the Blackberry, 5 minutes to 3:00pm. Good, I'll just go in and see if I can find our...Holy Crap, that's a lot of people!! So we start a second table going, by grouping a couple of tables end to end. Then more people show up, so before the waitress can even bus the dishes of the horrified family, that was forced to watch the blogmeet, we grabbed two of those tables and and add them to the second table we've started. Much to the waitresses chagrin. I got to sit with Don, Old Grouch, Brigid, Mrs D. Peter, Mad Saint Jack, Jeff, and Kerry.

Thanks to Jeff, I'm officially a recipient of Wheel Barrows of Cash from the NRA I'll post a picture. I'm truly honored. Even more humbling than going to a Blogmeet and being able to call these great folks my friends, were that we had two "lurkers" although I think groupies would be a better term (just kidding guys).

So I had a great time in Indy, got Mom a wireless mouse, hopefully that will make her more comfortable using the computer. I'm asking Kelly and Sydney to give her encouragement so that she gets on. I think if you guys spend some time with her, she'll get more comfortable with and that will get her to re-connect with all her relatives, (and give Dad a break).

Anyway, I'll be back in Indy the weekend of 1 Oct. I think there's a group of us going to the ISO to hear Mahler's #1. Should be another good time.

This business will get out of control, and we'll be lucky to live through it.

2011-08-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

In the movie "The Hunt For Red October", there's a scene were an American and Soviet aircraft have bumped into one another and the damaged American Tomcat is attempting to land on the carrier. It doesn't make it, and crashes on the flight deck.

The Admiral (Fred Thompson) rushes up to the flight deck and says to Jack Ryan:

"This business will get out of control, it will get out of control and we'll be lucky to live through it."

It's crap like this that's going to be the next spark:

Now, I'm not exactly sure what I would have done in this situation, but I sure as hell, would have been cuffed and stuffed for going batshitfarking crazy.

Deny me my 1st Amendment Rights under color of law ?

Game On !!! Go Ahead, Tase Me Bro !!!!

If the Congressman condones or ordered this, he needs to resign NOW. The cop needs to be fired. If he can't respect the basic fundamental 1st Amendment Rights of the people, he needs to go and the rest of that department needs to be re-trained on the fundamental rights and protections that EVERY citizen has in this country.

Dialysis

2011-08-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

Met with the kidney doc today. We again talked about dialysis. It's coming, sooner rather than later. He doesn't like the looks of my legs (not that they were all that great to begin with), but the amount of fluid is "shocking". I'm up to 279lbs. My stomach is distended and I look like I'm, well, "retaining fluids".

Crap. He's doubling up (or doubling down) on the diuretics and adding another one. I have until Monday to drop some of this water, or after chemo on Monday he's going to put in the hospital and give me industrial strength diuretics for a day or two and get this out of me.

And I'm planning on hunting the Dove season opener on Thursday. Yeah, I know priorities. So Mon-Wed in the Hospital then Thursday hunting. I can do that. I might even feel and do better.

Either way, dialysis is coming soon, I had hoped to make to the being of next year. Here's why. I can either do hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Both options suck, it's just trying to choose the least sucky one. I'm leaning toward peritoneal, which, while is sounds really gross to use my own peritoneal membrane to filter basically my pee, it does allow me the freedom to travel do certain things. However, it also limits what I can do. Hemodialysis ties me here, to a schedule of going and spending 3-5 hours at a treatment center every other day. There goes trips to Indy, Hunting, and anything else I want to do. With Peritoneal I can travel, as long as I can find an outlet to plug in my machine at night. And somewhere to dump all the waste fluid bags. From wikipedia:

It does free patients from the routine of having to go to a dialysis clinic on a fixed schedule multiple times per week, and it can be done while travelling with a minimum of specialized equipment.

Okay, not great, but do-able. It will mean that camping will be in the camper only, where there is power. So Cub Scout camping will be out. Or maybe I can do it before and immediately after. I might be able to do that.

Anyway, I'm heading to Indy this weekend to see my parents. I'll spend some time with Mom and greet her more comfortable with her new computer and FB, I thought she would take to it like a fish to water. Try, try again. There's the Indy 1500 Fun Show and a Blogmeet on Sunday. It's shaping up to be a good weekend before a week of suck.

Pictures ARRRRRGGGHHHHH!!!

2011-08-23T23:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, first thing is that I always go to look for my camera immediately after I say to myself, "That would be a great picture!!"or after I get back from whatever event I just got back from.

I'm not a photographer, the only camera I have is on the phone and that's a pain to operate, and torture to get pictures up on the web. I have to fire up Blackberry's Desktop manager, then get to the media manager. Copy the pictures I want to the computer. Then go to Picasa, find the damn pictures where ever they were downloaded to (it varies each time). Download the pic's from computer to a folder in Picasa (and that seems to be pretty random, no matter which folder I pick.) Then copy and paste the link from Picasa to the web.

What a flaming pain in the ass.

If someone knows a faster way to get pictures from my Blackberry into Picasa, I'd love to here it.

In the meantime, enjoy Robert enjoying banging steel:

Got lucky on the timing of that one.

How jobs are created-101.

2011-08-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

There's been a lot of debate back and forth about Rick Perry and Texas Job numbers. First a couple of disclaimers. I am not endorsing Rick Perry. In fact, I do not have a candidate picked out, but I can tell you who I'm not going to vote for. Barak Obama, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Hillary Clinton, Rick Santorum. The others I'm still considering.

Matthias Shaprio is an IT guy by day, math geek by night. He took the raw BLS* numbers and graphed them Compared state to state and factored in things like population growth and contraction.

And he posted it all here: Do read that first.

Now as I said this post is about how jobs are created. So let's look at what Texas does to create jobs that other states don't.

The first one is actually what Texas doesn't do. There is no Income Tax in Texas (well, there's the federal IRS one, but not a State Income Tax). So people who work get to keep more of their money.

Second thing Texas doesn't do is require a bunch of bureaucrats to approve everything you do if you start or run a business. Texas is one of the least regulatory states when it comes to businesses permits, applications, approvals and the like. They do a pretty good job of keeping the .gov out of your way.

There it is. That simple. And it has nothing to do with Gov. Goodhair. He simply stays out of your way, and keeps his hand out of your pocket.

"Treat me with Benign Neglect."

*- Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Debt and Deficit Plan We Can All Support

2011-08-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

Any Questions?

Well, that was fun.

2011-08-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

Had Robert for the last two weeks. Did a bunch of mad engineering, Cub Scout stuff, and turning Money into Smoke, Noise and Steel Target Clangs.

So tomorrow is Sunday. I can either sit at home, clean house, and maybe get caught up on my blogging, or I can break out a shotgun, grab some ammo and head out to ASC for some Trap, 5-Stand and Skeet with some friends.

Well, that was a no-brainer.

Going to have to find a lady to clean house soon anyway......

Free Swag

2011-08-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

LuckyGunner.com has launched a Sellier & Bellot T-Shirt Giveaway for the Month of August.

With any purchase of S&B Rifle Ammo worth $30 or more, customers will get this free S&B Rifle T-Shirt: http://www.luckygunner.com/cool-apparel-t-shirts-sellier-bellot

Here are all the details including the coupon code and how to redeem it: http://www.luckygunner.com/sellierbellot-tshirt-giveaway

If you don't know S&B ammo, it's good stuff. I've run several thousand through my 1911 with nary a hiccup. You load it it goes bang, and it quite accurate. More so than most other factory ammo.

And of course LuckyGunner posts their inventory on-line so there are no annoying backorders and double shipping charges. So order with confidence.

Pay It Forward

2011-08-06T00:43:00.000-07:00

$.89 for a box of Saltines from Aldi
$3 for 3 bags of balloons from the Dollar Store
$15 for 550 rounds of .22LR
2 - .22 Rifles
2 - 11 Year Old Boys
One Day of Pure Fun Shooting

Priceless

(There was also a 1911, 150 rounds of 185gr .45ACP and a steel target, Thanks Craig, for the loan!!)

Reactive Targets. Kids get bored after about 10 rounds of punching holes in paper. Steel is a bunch of fun. You know right away whether you hit it or not. It's called BANG and CLANG for a reason.

Robert brought along one of his friends who lives around the corner from us and is also a member of his Cub Scout den. Good kid, listens well, was very safe, and follow directions. I have always encouraged both kids to bring their friends out to shoot with us. It's not an activity that other kids get to do, unless they have relatives "downstate" or somewhere out "in the country". But most suburban kids never get a chance to shoot and that's a shame and it's a problem. I know, I've worked our club's Civilian Marksmanship Program when we had ROTC cadets come out and shoot our AR-15's (semi-auto, civilian version of the Army's M-16) to get some instruction in Basic Rifle Marksmanship, along with some live fire practice. Well over half the kids had never had a real firearm in their hands before in their lives. Ever. And in 2 years or less, they were going to be somewhere in the ass-crack of the world, with real bad guys shooting at them, they are expected to complete the mission and bring home the 30 or so folks they had brought with them.

That's a problem.

So I try to introduce as many kids as I can to the shooting sports. Even if they don't ever pick-up another firearm in their lives, I want them to remember the one time they did.

And that it was fun.

Because at some point they are likely to be standing in a voting booth. And maybe they'll remember that time they busted clay pigeons, shot crackers and popped balloons, and they WON"T vote for the guy that wants ban guns. Maybe they read the Constitution and learn what the Founding Fathers intended for this government, the limits they (tried) to put on it. Maybe instead they'll vote for the person that wants to preserve all our rights. And get us back to limits that the US Constitution places on government. Maybe.

Anyway, that's what I hope, for everyone's sake.

Each one, Teach one.

She's Here !!!

2011-08-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

Well, not yet. But soon. Very, very, very soon. We'll be down there in Indy the later part of next week, so figure by Saturday, 13 August.

Who or what am I talking about? My Mom.

After a several year hiatus, I broke down and got her a new laptop computer. I pity the Comcast installer who will be coming out later this week or early next week to install the internet connection. With any luck, they'll simply have to flip a switch somewhere and mail her a router. Which I will have to install, along with getting her computer up and running. Yeah ME !!!!

That however is not the bad part.

This is bad part. Facebook. And this blog.

I have very eclectic groups of friends. I have my family. Lots of them. I have the people I went to high school with. I have my Army buddies. I have the friends I shoot with. And I have my friends from various internet Gun Boards. We have very different senses of humor and common touchstones. Things that are absolutely hilarious to my Army buds, generate looks of curiosity and puzzlement from my shooting friends. And many of my high school friends have no idea when it comes to various 2nd Amendment issues and firearms. So at any one time only ~20% of my friends have any idea what I'm talking about (if even that many).

But my Mom will be reading every (Hi Mom!!!) word. All of them.

So now my philosophy and practice (for the most part) of "Never write anything on the internet you wouldn't want your Mom to read or be read in court." will be put to the test.

So Mom. Here's the way it is.

I was in the Army, sometimes in the Army we used bad words. As both a solider and Officer, I learned how to use those words. As some of my shooting friends will tell you, I was able to use them to great effect when I was President of the Aurora Sportsmen's Club. Frequently.

I use them here.

I love you and hope you enjoy finding your family and friends and reconnecting with everyone there is out here. Please, don't send anyone you meet on the internet money, your address or any info about you. Especially, if they are from Nigeria. You are welcome to read this blog, and I'm sure you'll read it to Dad. You can leave comments, criticize my grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

I love you both very much and hope you enjoy cyber-stalking all our relatives and maybe finding your old friends and maybe making some new ones. (Do NOT send them Money.) I know your family looks forward to seeing you on here.

And if you have any questions, you can send me an E-mail or call. I always have my Blackberry on and with me.

Or just call Kelly.

Somethings to be thankful for.

2011-07-23T23:06:00.000-07:00

That in 49 states you wouldn't have to spend an hour and a half running for your life from a madman on a rather small island.

That is why I own guns.

BATFE:
$1.12 Billion Budget
2359 Agents

US Marine Corps
$29 Billion Budget
202,779 Marines

Be thankful that we DON'T get all the government we pay for.....

I'm still here

2011-07-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog,

Sorry I've been gone for so long. It's been an interesting month. Yep, I'm back on Chemo. One more week to go and then I'm off of it for 4 weeks.

But, inspite of that I've still been busy. After I went to the Blogger shoot, Robert and I went to T-Town (Teutopolis, IL) to see family one weekend and then Peoria to see some of the folks I had served with in Germany. More on those later.

In fact, I've been typing alot. Just not on this computer, but on the laptop. It's pretty much stream of consciousness on several different topics. All of them are fuzzy and messy and desperately need re-write and editing before they get turned into electrons on the interwebz.

The other thing other then it being summer and being outside and busy is that I've been doing more reading, not just other bloggers and the interwebz stuff, but real dead tree books. Between War and Peace: How America Ends It's Wars is a series of essays examining the end and aftermath of America's wars, how they ended and the reactions thereafter. And the consensus is that we are great at winning wars. We're reeeeaaaallllllyyyyy good at kicking ass and taking names. However, we pretty much fail after we spike the ball in the endzone. The only time we had anything that even almost, kinda, sorta, maybe had a plan was WWII in Germany. Although Mr. Morganthau's plan of turning Germany into a land of non--mechanized, peasant farmers quickly fell apart with the start of the Cold War and there were as many "terrorist" attacks in post-war Germany as in Iraq after Gulf WarII.

In GWB's Decision Points he explains the circumstances and the processes he used to arrive at his decisions, and agree or disagree, he sought out opinions, advice and guidance before making decisions, including some that were unpopular. But I will give him this. He made all of them based on his principals, not political gain.

There were a couple other books, but nothing worth mentioning.

And I've been sleeping. These four weeks on suck. One more to got and then 4 weeks off.

I can't wait.

In the meantime, meet my new hero. Ron Swanson:

On the 4th of July

2011-07-03T01:21:00.000-07:00

My friend Stephanie sent me a link on facebook about how we, as Americans need a Seder for the 4th of July. Dennis Prager has a good idea about how, like Passover where Jews recall the Exodus from Egypt 3000 years+ ago, we need to recall what happened in 1776.

The war had started on Lexington Common on April 19th, 1775. It was well over a year later before we declared our Independence.

And when we did, Thomas Jefferson wrote a document that just sings with rhetorical flourishes that fully exemplify what could be called "The American Ethos."

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We had had enough of King George III and British rule.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness

Go back and read that again. It clearly states that there is a right, and a duty to rebel when any government becomes onerous and overbearing.

They then listed 28 specific grievances against King George and British rule in America. Funny thing though is how many would apply today.

They then pointed out that they had tried to resolve the issues, but had been rebuffed and ignored by the King and Parliament, and that by so doing had given the colonies no choice but to declare their independence from Britain.

That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved;

Finally, they swore an oath:

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

And many did pay dearly as the war raged throughout the colonies.

So this 4th of July weekend, take 10 minutes and conduct the ritual with family and friends to recall why we celebrate. Then go enjoy the Barbecue and Fireworks. I guarantee it'll be more meaningful.

A Musical Interlude

2011-06-23T01:58:00.000-07:00

With all the rain we've had, yeah....

H/T to Rob at My Tumultuous Journey
and yes, they are also easy on the ears...

These are our "Betters"?

2011-06-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hearings started today in the US House of Representatives today regarding the BATFE's Operation Fast and Furious. For those of you unfamiliar, this was a case where Federally Licenced Firearm Dealers (aka FFL's) reported to the Phoenix ATF office their suspicions that certain buyers were buying guns to give/sell to "Prohibited Persons" (people who cannot legally buy firearms). These are called "Straw Purchases" and are illegal. As in going to Federal Prison illegal. And these guns were going to drug gangs both in the US and Mexico.

In an effort to "prove" that US FFL's were selling guns to Mexican Drug Gangs/Cartels, the highest levels of the BATFE ordered that the sales and allowing the guns to "walk" were to continue, despite the warnings and red flags raised by several BATFE agents. Warnings that these guns probably could and would be used against US Law Enforcement Officers.

Tragically this is what transpired. Customs and Border Patrol Officer Brian Terry was killed in a firefight with Mexican Drug Gang Members shortly before Christmas 2010, with guns that had been allowed to "walk".

Now hundreds of firearms that were allowed to "walk" are in the hands of drug cartels and other criminals. Mostly likely some of those guns will end up killing Americans. Guns that had the BATFE done their job would have been prevented from going into the wrong hands.

BATFE agents that raised the warnings were threatened with retribution if they didn't "follow the company line".

It is simply unconscionable that the very agency charged with preventing such crimes, actively encouraged it, by allowing it to continued unabated. Those that made that decision need to not only be removed from office, but also held to account for the murder of Officer Terry and any others killed or maimed by guns they allowed to "walk".

Sadly that won't happen. They will be shuffled off to a nice retirement courtesy of you and I, and the whole sordid affair will be swept under the rug. And the BATFE will continue on as before, possibly with more funding to "improve" their methods and tactics. I say enough. The BATFE needs to be disbanded as they should have been at the end of Prohibition. They serve no function that cannot be readily absorb by other Federal Agencies. The FBI already operates the NICS system for the background checks on gun buyers. Licensing and inspecting FFL's could easily be done by the FBI and reduce the duplication of effort when it comes to enforcing the law.

Creating crime to justify your existence, simply proves that you need not to exist. The BATFE needs to go.

First They Came For The Light Bulbs.

2011-06-15T01:59:00.000-07:00

Not content to make people start hoarding 100W light bulbs. Now they are going after rat poison. Yep, in true "We know what's best for you, peasant" mode, the EPA has banned the sale of rodent poisons. Unless your are a exterminator then you can ~~gouge~~ sell the the bait stations to consumers as part of a treatment.

Really.

If you are not outraged yet, you're not paying attention.

Legalize DDT, it's much safer then DEET.

Department of Education has a SWAT Team ?!?!?!?!?

2011-06-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

A while back there was a news item about the US Dept. of Education buying 27 short barrelled Remington 870 Shotguns. That was back in March 2010 and there was much nattering on various gun blogs about why the DOE needed shotguns. However, most of the nattering had to do with the fact that why the hell we even need a Federal Department of Education when this is clearly a function of Parents and the Local School Boards. Period. Full Stop.

Well now we know why they need them. Since having your own Tact-I-Cool SWAT Team seems to be a requirement of every Federal Bureaucracy. (I mean even the USDA has a SWAT unit, for what ? Do they really expect this ? )

As I've stated, having a professional, well-trained group able to stop or prevent, isolate and contain VERY BAD PEOPLE about to do VERY BAD THINGS, is a good thing. But, and this is very important, this gives the LEA the option to use these folks WHEN THEY ARE NOT NEEDED. Because to justify the extra cost associated with the toys and the "training" that goes along with having one of these units, they get used in situations where other, less flashy methods could achieve the desired result of bad people being arrested and brought before the bar of justice.

Not to long ago we had the Keystone Kops of the Pima County Sheriff's Office shoot a two combat tour veteran of Iraq, in his own home. Now we have this.

Okay, "Dynamic Entry" is justified when the warrant servers believe that the evidence may be readily destroyed or someone inside may be hurt or killed.

But what in G-d's name justifies the use of the DOE SWAT team in this case. They were looking for a whole bunch of paperwork and computer stuff.. Did they think she would flush a computer down the toilet ? Or her maybe burn a bunch of paperwork before Johnnie Law could get inside? Why not simply surround the house and then knock? If anybody comes squirting out, put the habeas grabbus on them. Easy Peezy, Lemon Squeezey. More then likely, no one gets shot, and at worst maybe some grass stains from the tackle. Then go through the house and execute the search warrant.

So here's the warrant. So again, tell me why the US Department of Education needs a SWAT Team for this?

Hanging out with Gunnies

2011-06-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

The highlight of last weekend was not getting to shoot free ammo out of other people's fully automatic firearms, but was being around other bloggers. And not just bloggers, but Gun Bloggers.

If you ever spend anytime with people who like to shoot, aka "Gunnies", you'll discover that they are generous to a fault. Here's the best example I can give.

About a year or so ago we were teaching the live fire portion of a Illinois Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Education class. We had one kid, a little younger, about 10 years old if I remember correctly, and he was somewhat smaller then the other kids in the class. He was having a hard time hitting the clay birds with Youth Sized Remington 870 in 20 gauge, as it was a little big for him. One of our club members, who is not an Hunter Ed Instructor was walking by and had stopped to watch and talk to us instructors. When he saw that the kid was having trouble getting on the bird, he said "Hey, hold on. Let me go get my 28 gauge and try that." And hustles off toward the parking lot. We let some other kids shoot and he comes back with his 28 guage Over/Under and a couple of boxes of 28 gauge shells.

We show the kid how to load the gun and take the safety off and be ready to shoot. The kid calls pull and breaks the bird with his first shot. He then proceeds to dust about seven or eight birds in row. I was standing back behind the firing line with the kid's Dad. Dad is suddenly all smiles, as visions of a Father/Son bird hunt ending with filled game bags, dance through his head. He smiles, looks at me and asks, "How much for a gun like that." I smile, because I shoot with the club member who has volunteered his shotgun for the kid to use and know the gun well.

"About a year or two of college." is my answer. The dad looks at me somewhat confused. I simply smile and say , "That's a Ceaesar Guerini Maxum Sporting Model that has been "fitted" (meaning: custom built) to the club member. So that's somewhere around $15,000 in shotgun your son is holding."

All the blood drained from dad's face. I'm not sure whether it was because the Father/Son bird hunt dream ended, or he suddenly had visions of his 10 year old son dropping or otherwise "breaking" a $15,000 shotgun, or both.

But that's what "Gun People" are like. If you're out on a range, they will simply offer to let you shoot their guns. They are polite and courteous. They smile and enjoy themselves while shooting and want you to enjoy yourself as well. They are friendly and personable and fun to be around.

So getting to spend the weekend with the people whose blogs I read on daily basis, plus pioneers of the internet 2nd Amendment movement, like Oleg Volk, made me as giddy as a a teenage girl. And I'm not the only one to feel that way. But it was really great to meet, talk with, and share a meal with the likes of Tam and Kenn Blanchard, along with everyone else there.

However, the nicest people were our hosts. LuckyGunner.com They went well out of their way to make sure that we had a good time. Especially their Marketing Director Angela DeGloma. Now, I normally think that marketing people are as about as useful as a kickstand on a tank. But she setup and organized this past weekend's festivities. And did a magnificent job. It was the first and only time in my life I have ever given someone with "Marketing" in their title a standing ovation. She earned it. And LuckyGunner.com has earned my business.

Videos from The Blogger Shoot

2011-05-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

At the blogger shoot I palled around with Ryan Finn from thetruthaboutguns.com He was kind enough to shoot some video of me shooting. Here's some of the fun we had.

First, the venerable M16. Yes, a real one. Not an AR:

Then a Thompson.Yep a real Tommy Gun:

Next a M1919:

And an MG34:

Here are some other Toys I shot. That's me behind the camera this time. And only the Czech's would think that 7.62x54R would make a good machine gun round.

Of course they have to be "fed"

Other fun:

That's just a taste of what we did ALL DAY LONG !!! Yep, I'm still smiling and can't wait to go back next year !!!! Thanks again to LuckyGunner.com for inviting us !!!

Gun Skul

2011-05-31T17:46:00.000-07:00

The second day of the LuckyGunner.com Blogger shoot there were to be classes from Rangemaster.com on Defensive Pistol and Defensive Shotgun. You could sign up for either or both. These were to be distilled versions of their 16 hour-two day courses that they normally offer. Keep in mind that we are all gun bloggers and, in theory, should have extensive knowledge, skills, and abilities on both firearms.

Naturally, I arrived on the short bus. Keep in mind that I live in Illinois, so I don't get a chance to wear the necessary CCW or Open Carry kit every day. So, I'm not entirely comfortable with my gear, nor is it "broken in", so I'm already handicapped there. Then the next problem. I love the 1911 platform, well because:

However, I have short, squat, fat sausages for fingers, and I have the factory grips on the gun.   LynnAnn Givens, one of Rangemasters' instructors quickly pointed out that I definitely need very thin grips. Which also means that double stack magazine guns are just right out for me.

Anywho, Tom Givens is a great instructor, he combines the lesson with some humor to make the point and message stick. However, this class was like drinking from a firehose. He taught it "By The Numbers", but there was so much information, especially about the proper grip, stance and the draw sequence to take in, for someone [adjusts dunce's cap] all at once. I understood the message, but there just wasn't the time to practice enough to get each step, well not perfect, but right.   Especially me, the guy down at the end of the line with the new and improperly fitted gear. It wasn't that I was sweeping my neighbor or the line with my gun, but things like: I needed to get my hand up higher on the gun. My support hand needed to wrapped tighter on my shooting hand. My thumbs need to be pointed up. The mechanics of getting the my body, aka "The Shooting Platform" setup for the shot.   I sucked. Badly.

The good news is that both Tom and LynnAnn are good instructors and more importantly, I was a willing student. I didn't go there with the attitude that "I know everything about it." But instead wanted to learn.   When LynnAnn corrected my thumbs (for the 12th time), it was always with the idea of instilling knowledge and developing the right skills.

The good news is that I now have the knowledge. And as Tom pointed out, most of this can be practiced at home with a unloaded firearm.   Make sure it's unloaded, and then check it again. Check one more time just to be sure.   But practice each step, then once you master that step, add the next step.   Do that until your doing all the steps perfectly each time.   It may (in my case will) take some time, but once you got all the steps mastered, then two, or four times a week, practice the complete presentation 20-30+ times.   Studies show that you will develop muscle memory, it becomes automatic, once you do the same task ~3,000 times, the same way.   If you take 5 minutes of practice per session, then in roughly 6 months it will become automatic.

However, the key is perfect practice. As I always tell Robert, "Amateurs practice until they do it right, Professionals practice until they can't do it wrong."

There were 27 of us in the first class, so Tom and the rest of the Rangemaster instructors had their hands full running two relay of shooters. Again, it wasn't that people were being unsafe, it was getting the proper techniques and skills ingrained. You could tell people who had been to Gun School(s) before. They had just one small jagged hole in their target.   Mine, however, looked more like a sieve, with a nice "shotgun" style pattern to it.

We did not get a chance to shoot shotguns because the range had to close earlier then was initially planned. So Rangemaster was kind enough to give us Defensive Pistol 2.0 class. Again, this was focused on doing the fundamentals correctly and working on reloading.   We shot off many a magazine load of ammo (Again, free and provided by LuckyGunner.com) as we worked on getting the techniques down correctly.

The second class, Pistol 2.0, after lunch, only had 11 students as the rest wandered over to where KRISS Arms was letting us try out their firearms, along with the few folks who were still there with their full auto toys.   Or if you wanted to shoot what you brought, you could do that as well.

The "Final" was a shoot off between two students.   The course of fire was put two into the circle of an IDPA target at three yards and then knock down a reactive target at 5 yards. The reactive target being a rubber/plastic human shaped torso wearing a hooded sweatshirt. Only way to knock down the reactive was with a Center of Mass hit. Hit it anywhere else and it would just stand there and mock you. Since there was an odd number, I was last. Jennifer from injennifershead.com had shot earlier and had smoked the other guy. She was High-Fiveing other people while he was still shooting. I mean as in not even close, her shot string sounded almost like full auto. Finally it's my turn to shoot and since I was the odd man out, Tom picked Jennifer for me to shoot against. Great, let's pick on the slow kid. How about put a "Kick Me" sign on my back, put me in wheelchair and push me off a cliff. Not only am I going to lose, but I'm going to get curbstomped. By a girl.

Step up to the line. Ready, GO !! And since G-d takes care of drunks and fools, thus making me doubly qualified, everything that LynnAnn had coached me on came into fruition. I won going away.
Jennifer is a great sport. During the class I got to shoot next to her and her husband, her husband being Michael aka Evylrobot of evylrobot.com. So I got to personally place an order for a belt and holster for a Ruger LCP with Crimson Trace grips with him. Score !!

So, if Tom and Lynn Ann can pound pistol skills into my thick skull and make them stick, they definitely have what it takes to teach. Rangemaster gets the Scout26 seal of approval. I highly recommend taking classes from them.

The Business Model

2011-05-31T12:02:00.000-07:00

I did get a chance to sit down with Brian from LuckyGunner and talk about Logistics. Having spent many years working in the field, I'm always interested in the nuts and bolts of how a company does what they do. Getting the stuff from the manufacturer to the customer or end user is the heart and soul of most businesses. The more effective and efficient you are at doing that, the better you take care of your customers and ergo, the more profitable you are. Many businesses make or break on how well the do the behind the scenes work to "make it happen".

As a caveat here, I will point out that 1) I mostly shoot shotgun; trap, skeet, sporting clays; so 2) I reload mostly shotgun, tailoring my loads to me and the game (to include most of my hunting loads) and the gun. 3) What metallic (Rifle/Pistol) cartridges other then .22LR, I do shot, I also generally reload; .45 ACP, .38 Spl, .32Win Spec. So I haven't ever ordered from LuckyGunner.com

Having said that, here is the business model in a nutshell. If you see it on their website, it's available to order. They put their inventory on-line. WYSIWYG. Wisseywig is how that's pronounced. What you see is what you get. There is no such thing a as back-order. You click on a caliber or type of ammo and it tells you right there how many they have. The good news is that you can't over order. However, the bad news is that if it shows fewer boxes/cases/flat then what you want, you can only get what they have in-stock. This is a challenge for the management of LuckyGunner. Inventory sitting on a shelf is the same as money sitting on a shelf. If you by X ammo, you can't by more Y ammo, until you sell X and then take that money to by Y. Therefore, it is a constant balancing act of trying to figure out what the customers want and having that product on the shelf when the customer wants it. Having past order history and trends allows them to somewhat predict what they need and then order from the manufacturers. However, the manufacturers may not have what the models or sales trends predict they need to have. So they are constantly looking at their inventory and projecting what they need to buy, based on what they are selling and what they project to sell.

Is it prefect. No. No system is. Simply because the market is constantly changing and what was selling like it was going out of style last year, has gone out of style, and now you are stuck with a ton of it on your shelves. Again, that's money that tied up that you could be using to buy inventory that could be making you money rather then just sitting on the shelf, mocking you and your bad decision making.

What does that mean for you the shooter/customer? It's not your problem. You look at what they have and buy it. Your order ships complete. There are no partial orders. You pay only one freight charge, not multiple ones for two or more shipments. And there is no frustration of having to wait days/weeks/months waiting for ammo. All the headaches are on LuckyGunner.

And having met them this weekend, I can attest that they are customer focused, and want to earn your business.

They get the Scout26 stamp of approval.

What do you do at a Full Auto Shoot?

2011-05-29T21:36:00.000-07:00


A Small Sample

So you walk up and ask if you can shoot it. LuckyGunner provides the Free Ammo and then you shoot !!!!

A German G3. Haven't seen one since Baumholder.

Then ask the other people if you can shoot what they brought.

I know why the M14 didn't last long as the Service rifle.

Something fun, but I can't remember what

Tannerite and bullets makes cars burn.

Many of the owners of the Full Auto guns are also re-enactors and/or have friends that are re-enactors, and/or the re-enactors were invited. Either way that added some period history and flavor to the various firearms being shot. Now this clip features the firing of a Civil War cannon. But ignore that. BTDT at ASC. Simply listen to the background "music". And you'll start to get some idea of the fun that was had at the Blogger Shoot.

Yes, Those were Anti-Tank guns in the middle of the firing line. Yes, they took on cars and the bus. You got very use to the cannon booms and the sound of the warm summer air being rent by hundreds, nay, thousands of bullets going downrange in very short periods of time, but constantly.

The Halftrack and the M5 Stuart got in on the action after we spent the morning shooting up cars, appliances and a bus, they also take on the school bus.

.
Ooops, I made a mess

As videos and pictures get upload, there will be much more to come....

On Memorial Day

2011-05-29T04:50:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, we were coming back from the American Legion Hall on Memorial Day. I was in my American Legion uniform, having served in the Honor Guard/Firing Detail detail at the local cemetery for our Memorial Day Observation. On the way home we had gone into the local Stop&Rob for one thing or another (which put me in bad mood to begin with) and at the check-out the Miss TeenAmericaWannabe at the register wished me a "Happy Memorial Day"

And I unloaded on her.

I didn't yell
or raise my voice
but said this
through tightly clenched teeth:

"There is one NOT g-ddamned thing "Happy" about Memorial Day. Everyone in this country that isn't in uniform honoring our war dead had damn well be better dressed in black mourning clothes. I just got back from the cemetery where we paid our respects and begged G-d to care of those 327 mostly 18-20 year old kids who died in mud filled trenches; freezing European forests; crappy little dots of islands; hot, shitty jungles, on some remote mountain or in some G-dforsaken desert. They died horrible, agonizing deaths all so you could go to the mall and shop without having worry about whether you were in the whites or blacks section, having to show your papieren, bitte and do it in Japanese to buy rancid Russian bread and then worry about being shot as a spy on your way home while wearing your burka.

"Those people gave you their everything for what you have today.

"Look around and ask if you want for anything, because I know those poor bastards would feel cheated if you did. If you saw Saving Private Ryan, then you probably missed the single most important lesson of that entire movie. Remember that cemetery at the end ? There are about two dozen in Europe, there's another big one on Oahu in Hawaii. There are quite few here in the US from the Revolutionary War on, and every American's knees should become weak and tears should flow when they visit those places on Memorial Day.

"Because there's no way any of us have "Earned This".

Daddy like belt fed

2011-05-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

Here at the end of Day One of the LuckeyGunner.com Blogger Shoot, I'm in my hotel room still grinning from ear to ear. Got a chance to shoot everything, at least twice. There were many collectors and owners of what are commonly referred to as "Class 3" firearms, meaning that they were in private hands prior to 1986, and owned by people in Free States (Not Illinois). Because had we done what we did today in Daleystan, we all would have been hauled off to jail for 'possessing' fully automatic firearms. Instead the Knox County Sheriff's SWAT team flew in on their Huey, landed and then proceeded to blended in with the crowd and get in the lines (very short) to shoot. This was a private event held on private land. The owner brought out his toys and invited friends who brought their toys. Then LuckyGunner.com invited us. And gave us ammo. You'd go and see what was being shot were, ask (if you didn't already know) what flavor of ammo the object of your desire ate. Go and get a couple of boxes of said ammo from the nice folks at LuckyGunner, or if you were watching, one of the three "Ammo Girls" they brought out would come and ask you if you needed ammo or a bottle of water. They then went and brought it back to you, so you wouldn't lose you place in line. Again, the lines consisting of 2 maybe 3 people at the most.

There were a bus, several cars, used appliances, cinder blocks and tannerite targets all over the range. Several; of the cars were set on fire, and the cars were barely recognizable as such by the end of the day.

There were Civil War cannons and WWII Anti Tank guns, like a US 37mm and a German 50mm Pak gun. Here though is the list of what I shot. For Free
G3
A real M16
Glock18
M1919 (John Basilone's gun in The Pacific)
MP44
Uk56
A real AK47
AK74
MG34
MG42
MP5
MP40
M60
Silenced MP5
and I forgot what else.

I haven't turned this much money into smoke and noise since I was in the Army. And yes, I'm still smiling.

Pictures and Videos to follow.

TANSTAAFL

2011-05-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

Last post from Chicago. I'm heading out to spend a couple of days with my parents. Then heading down to the Luckygunner.com Blogshoot. Then back to Indy for a few more days with the folks before heading back to Wheaton.

Yeah, you're probably as dizzy as I am.

I'm actually very excited. Going to get some great classes from Rangemaster on Defensive Handgun and Defensive Shotgun. Also shoot some machine guns, with Luckygunner.com picking up the ammo tab. And meet and get to spend some time with people I admire and like Oleg Volk, Tam , Old NFO, and Sebastian among others who'll be there.

They are also sponsoring an awards show in various categories called The Gunnies you can go there and vote for your favorites.

I've got the laptop so there will be blog posts from the event along with a whirlwind of just trying to keep up with all the goings on. I'll keep you posted.

When All You Have Is A Hammer, Every Problem Looks Like A Nail

2011-05-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

Over the last 20+ years, many police departments have become, for lack of better word, militarized. The trend accelerated after 9/11 what with the threat of terrorism. As a result, a great deal of money has been spent on training and equipment to deal with violent felons and suicidal terrorists.

All of which is well and good. When there are VERY BAD PEOPLE about to do VERY BAD THINGS.

However, given the dearth of violent felons and suicidal terrorists in most locales, those highly trained folks with their expensive toys sit idle.

or not.

If you got it, you use it. Often when it should not be used.

Here are the facts:
Jose Guerena, 26, a former Marine who served in Iraq twice in 2003 and 2005, had just gone to bed after working a 12-hour shift at the Asarco Mine in Pima County Arizona. His wife, Vanessa Guerena says she heard noise outside their home about 9 a.m. Thursday and woke her husband. Guerena told his wife and son to hide inside a closet and he grabbed the AR-15 rifle and prepared to defend his home and hearth, kit and kin.

When five SWAT members broke through the front door Guerena was crouched down pointing the gun at them, the Deputies began shooting. The Pima County Regional SWAT team fired 71 shots in seven seconds, striking Guerena 60 times.

After that stories diverge.

Some other facts. The Pima County Sheriffs Office was executing a SEARCH warrant. Not an ARREST Warrant. Meaning that the Police only had a suspicion of wrong doing, and NOT on a person whose only other runs in with the law consisted of traffic tickets.

There are also conflicting stories as to why they were executing the search warrant. Some stories say it was part of a drug investigation, others claim Guerena was part of a burglary crew. Neither of which, last I checked, had the death penalty as the maximum punishment.

The SWAT team has lawyered up and the search warrant and court documents showing what deputies were looking for and seized from Guerena's home have been sealed by a judge and are unavailable to the public. The Sheriff's office won't release anything related to what was seized other then to say that gun(s), body armor, and picture of Jesus Malverde found under a bed. Which, again, last I checked, are NOT illegal for any citizen to own or possess.

Now the PCSO say this was not a "No-knock" warrant. Yes, they claim that they knocked for 40 seconds before crashing in the front door. Sorry, 40 seconds isn't long enough. Was someone timing them?

And why not pinch the guy as he's driving home from the mine. It wouldn't be hard to pull him over on his way home from work and then execute the warrant. Removes the danger for both the officers and the citizen.

There was no need for SWAT to ever execute a "Dynamic Entry", unless the evidence is easily destroyed in seconds, there is no reason not to wait for the person to get to the door because there is :
1. A rape or murder in progresss
2. A terrorist act about to take place.
3. The world is about to end.

Outside of those three there is no reason for police to shoot an innocent-until-proven-guilty-in-a-court-of-law US Citizen SIXTY times in his own home. With his wife and children cowering in fear in a closet. We're not even allowed to do it in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our troops in Afghanistan are not allowed to shoot bomb-planting terrorists unless the terrorists shoot first, yet here in America the police are authorized to mow down (without warning) a citizen in his own home who hasn’t even taken the safety off his rifle?

Smashing in doors and taking the lives of citizens should be the last resort of a government, not the first.

Well, There Goes Another Amendment

2011-05-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

For those of you not paying attention the Fourth Amendment was repealed this week. First in Indiana we have a ruling in Barnes v. Indiana where the majority ruled that if the police want to enter your home for any or no reason you can't resist. Writing for the majority justice Steven David said:

"We believe ... a right to resist an unlawful police entry into a home is against public policy and is incompatible with modern Fourth Amendment jurisprudence," David said. "We also find that allowing resistance unnecessarily escalates the level of violence and therefore the risk of injuries to all parties involved without preventing the arrest."

Starting with the Magna Carta in 1215, it was common law that

"The poorest man may in his cottage bid defiance to all the forces of the crown. It may be frail - its roof may shake - the wind may blow through it - the storm may enter - the rain may enter - but the King of England cannot enter."

As Prime Minister William Pitt wrote in 1763.

Before and during the American Revolution the Red Coats pretty much busted into any house anytime they chose, because the colonists weren't considered "British Subjects", but "colonists". Remember the whole "Taxation Without Representation" thing? That's why they put:

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

In as Amendment #4.

So if Johnny Law come busting through your doors and windows and you shoot back, you're now in deep doo-doo. Doesn't matter if they raided your house because they got the wrong address on the "No-knock" warrant. Sorry but with the easy availability of police badges and police equipment goblins have taken to "announcing" themselves police when breaking into people's homes so as not to get shot. This makes it worse. Fortunately this ruling was just limited to Indiana, but I fear it may spread.

Not to be out done, the US Supreme Court decided that the whole 4th Amendment needs to be tossed. Bad cases make bad case law and this one is a bad case and this one is a prima facie example of how the 4th SHOULD work. In all previous 4A cases, if the Police got the wrong house then anything they found was suppressed or tossed out as evidence. Fruit of the Poisoned Tree was the term, meaning that if the warrant or the search (the "tree") is tainted, then any evidence gained from it (the "fruit") is as well.
Previously the police needed to get a warrant after convincing a judge that they had probable cause to believe that a crime had been or was about to be committed. Only then could they enter your home or other property. Over the years there were "exigent circumstances" permitted: Someone screaming for help, flames or smoke emanating for the structure, or in hot pursuit of a fleeing felon. But that those where very narrow and very limited and the police could NOT create them. . And over the years bad people got away with bad things because the police didn't follow the rules. Evidence illegally obtained was tossed and the perp walked.

Now, police officers and other agents of the state simply need to say "exigent circumstances" and all evidence is admissible, no matter how badly obtained. Fruit of the Poisoned Tree is gone. You have no right to refuse entry to any agent of the state, and anything they find they can use against you in court. Almost 800 years of Common and Codified Law gone in a moment.

But what really torques me is that:
1) Justice David was appointed by Gov. Mitch Daniels. So if he decides to run for President this appointment is an albatross around his neck. and
2) This is one of those very rare times I agree with Justice Ginsberg.

Now before everyone accuses me of being a Cop Basher, remember I was a Military Police Office in the Army. A Combat Cop. I know a little about Law Enforcement as I was one. But, I know that my first Duty is too the Constitution.

Cutting the Grass

2011-05-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

I've been doing it since I was about 10. It was a chore that was handed down from my father to me. My brothers all had the job so when it my turn, it was my turn. I learned to cut straight making neat rows with the wheel marks. Nice lines that showed I cared about neatness, and I did.

Soon it became a way to earn money. There was no First National Bank of Mom and Dad. Yes, they bought food and shelter, clothes and school books, transportation and the occasional vacation.

But we had to make or pay for own fun. Want one of those neat toys from the back pages of the comics (that we bought with our money), you pay for it from what you've earned.

And what you earned didn't include an allowance. There was no such thing. You lived in this house you were expected to contribute. Back in those days, there were fights, literally, to see who got the paper routes when one came open. Oh, and they would come open, prove yourself to be undependable or unreliable, and you got fired from being a paper-carrier. Forever. No second chances. Done. And you would be looked down upon by your peers. You failed at being a newspaper boy. That might cost you your friendship, parents would talk bad about the boy. Now days it adults in cars; then, it was kids on foot or bikes. Humping 40+ pounds of newspapers. The job sucked; rain, snow, 100 degrees+ it did not matter. The papers were plopped in bundles at the end of your driveway and you had to get them delivered or risk losing the job.

So you did it. The first life lesson in "Suck it up, Princess." You want that fancy new bike, it has a cost. 10 degrees below 0 on a February morning and you better not hit metal part at the bottom of the screen doors and make the dogs bark. Papers were delivered to the porch, or in between the screen and the front door. Not tossed in the driveway to get all wet and soggy.

Then you had to go around every week to collect the money. You had to sell also. If someone wasn't taking the paper, you knocked on those doors until they told you to never come back, or a new family moved in. You had to make change and turn in the receipts, and then get yelled out because your still delivering papers to those two or three houses who's owners are never home to collect from, but are the first to call if the paper is so much as a minute late.

It was a different world, you held the job until you got what you wanted out of it. That new bike or other expensive goody. You had the job for a couple of years, then you announced that you didn't want to do it any more. You're older and looking move up to a part time job somewhere. Anywhere indoors. And not at 4am every morning. Every morning. Not one day off. Unless you had the Afternoon paper. Then you got Sunday's off, because they didn't have a Sunday edition. But it paid less.

And we cut grass in the summer and shoveled snow in the winter. If they didn't have their own kids too do it, you could guarantee that they would come and take a gander at your own lawn and see if you trimmed and made straight lines. It had better look nice or it was "No thanks, kid. I do it myself." Sometimes we did not get the job not because we couldn't cut straight lines, but they did it themselves because there just wasn't money in the budget to hire out the neighbor kid. $5 to cut the grass was a lot of money in those days. You could feed a family of 4 at McDonalds for $5. And get change back.

Snow, on the other hand, there always seemed to be money in the budget to hire those two idiot neighbor kids. $5 between the two of 'em to hand shovel 100+ feet of two cars wide,12 inch deep wet, slushy, driven over snow. Yep, stay in there where it's warm and then point out all the spots that still need to be chiseled free of ice before paying up. And guess what, the reason we tore through it in no time is because we both have a crush on your daughter. And we'd shovel your driveway for free just to impress her as to how strong and tough we are. But it's getting dark and we have to move on to the next house. We will hand shovel 10-15 driveways a day after a heavy snow fall. And come home well after dark, cold, wet, hungry and tired. Inhale whatever Mom made for dinner, and go back for seconds and thirds; shortly after we'd collapse in bed and thank G-d that we didn't have to get up at 4am any more and deliver newspapers.

I'm Still Here

2011-05-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting week. Meaning that Wheaton Park District Baseball is in full swing. Although for the first time in many years, I'm not coaching or managing a team, I'm still actively involved with Robert and his team. His coach is very much in-tune with what I look for in a leader. In this case, it's all about winning. We had at least 10 practices before the other teams even had one. We also practice during the week, so with two games a week, plus one or two practices make for lots on time on the ball field. Oh, and BP starts 45 minutes before game time. Don't be late.

There's another dad and I who split the cost of taking the boys to the local batting cages to continue to work on their swings. Robert has his righthanded one down pretty good (still needs some work on his footwork), and is learning to slap-hit left handed. Since he's a fast runner, this gets him out of the box quicker and puts pressure on the infielders to make the play. He definitely has the skill to switch hit, now it's just practicing to do it right each time.

Also since the weather has at time been nicer, it's gotten me out of the house. Tried to go shooting last Friday, but arrived at the range just after the black wall cloud got there. Got missed by the tornado, but still got wet going into the office. I wanted to try out my new Ruger LCR that the members of ASC gave me in appreciation of my three years a president. I was really touched and choked up when they presented it to me. I still can't thank them enough for their kindness.

I've went back last Tuesday for my first cycle, first dose of Maintenance Chemo. Since it's Velcade only, it doesn't take as long, only about 2 hours. Hemoglobin was 9.4, which is worrisome. After a month of no chemo, I would have expected my red blood cells to have recovered. I thought I was more tired then "normal" but was starting to feel "better" before this round. A shot of Anranesp and I should be back up above 10 this week.

I'm working on a couple of longer posts, but Blogger has been kind of hit and miss the last couple of days. I'll finish them up and get them posted this week.

One Week After Bin-Laden's Death

2011-05-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been oover a week now since we got to see that iconic photo of Obama watching an Air Force General ~~play Black Ops~~ do something on a computer in the Situation Room at the White House. Various reports state that they were watching the raid on-line or it was a PowerPoint briefing by Leon Panetta. The story keeps changing as to what they were watching and why Hillary had her hand over her mouth (Shocked or covering a cough?) . Nevermind that. Crazy Ol' Uncle Joe Biden as usual couldn't keep his mouth shut and annouced to the world that it was Navy SEALs (Team 6) supported by the US Army's 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) that "got 'im". Even though he was reportedly unarmed in the firefight.

Bravo Zulu to all the folks in uniform and the Intel weenies that made this happen. I will shed no tears over the death of one greatest perpetrators of terrorism. It was long overdue and well done.

But let's examine a few points.

1. The Intel that lead to this event came prisoners we have at Guantanamo Bay. They may have even given up the lead(s) because of "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques".   Obama promised to close Guantanamo Bay within a year of taking office, yet it remains open, and there seem to be no plans to change anything there. However, the howls of protest from the usual lefty America hating groups have been reduced to crickets chirping.

2. Do you really think there was any way Bin-Laden would have been captured alive?
No.
Chance.
In.
Hell.

No matter what, think of the consequences had we captured him alive.

3. Had we captured Bin-Laden alive what would we have done with him ? Put him in the SuperMax prison at Florence, CO ? The US Disciplinary Barracks at Ft. Leavenworth ? or the still open Guantanamo Bay?

4. After that then what? A trial in New York? Washington? somewhere else in the US? or Guantanamo Bay? He would have jumped at the chance to testify in his own defense. We would then give him an international stage to daily rage/preach/incite against the Great Satan?

5. And how do we get him an impartial jury anywhere in the US? And what to do when he had been found guilty, a death sentence? Life in prison?   Maybe even less then life? Where? Ft. Leavenworth? Florence, CO? or Gitmo again?

6. Or think if the charges get dismissed or he's found Not Guilty on a technicality or three, then what ? Put him aboard the next flight to Pakistan? Afghanistan? Saudi Arabia?   Think of what would happen to any president who put Bin-Laden on trial and he gets to go free because of a technicality.

When Bin-Laden moved into that "mansion" six or so odd years ago, he had to know that we was never coming out of there alive. Because when SEAL Team 6 went into Abbotabad that night, there was no way Bin-Laden was coming out alive. He had to be killed and his body taken and dumped into the sea. Proper Muslim Funeral rituals or not, there could be no grave, no monument, no pilgrimage site. Only one person could give that order, and given all the possible outcomes, it was the only possible order to give. Frankly, I'm impressed that Obama did.   Again, Bravo Zulu.

Yet, in the aftermath and as a result of Bin-Laden's death, we still remain at Defcon Mauve or whatever the new color scheme is in Terror Level Ver46.0. We still have a lumbering new bureaucracy in the Department of Homeland Security. The gropers, perverts and child molesters of the TSA remain a fixture in the nations airports (Total terrorists caught to date: Zero).   Nothing changed for us since his death. Yet, everything that he caused by his terror remains.

So what did we really accomplish with his death?

The Height of Hypocrisy

2011-05-05T20:35:00.000-07:00

On the very Day that Illinois House Bill 148 was to be voted on.

On the Day where Illinois would either stand with the 49 other states or stand alone.

On the Day that the Family and Personal Protection Act would allow me and every other law abiding citizen of this state to protect themselves from the thugs and vermin that infest Chicago.

On the Day that the bill Mayor Daley has railed against.

Fought against.

Twisted arms.

Forged backroom deals.

Lied about it, in every way possible,

Done everything to prevent the good citizens of this state from exercising their fundamental right as outlined in the US Constitution and affirmed, not once, but TWICE, the second time coming against the VERY CITY he was elected to be mayor of and that he SWORE to uphold THAT Constitution.

He has the gall, the audacity, the nerve to ask that taxpayer funded armed men protect him and his family.

I'm writing the mayor a letter, and I promise to be nice, but it will point out all of the above. If you love liberty and this country, this cannot be allowed to stand. If we can NOT protect ourselves, then by G-d, I'll be damned if I have to help pay for his.

Chivalry and Modern Society.

2011-05-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

Every now and again I see something that hits me right between the eyes.

That link is to my friend Brigid's blog. I've read her blog for a couple of years now, and a couple of weekends ago go the chance to briefly meet her at the Indy Blogmeet. Unfortunately we sat at opposite ends of the table and didn't get a chance to talk.

Anyhow. I spend roughly every other weekend with my son. While we do "Dangerous Things" and work on Webelos achievements, the underlying theme in everything I do is to teach him to be a Gentleman. From If - by Rudyard Kipling, to The Boy Scout Oath, Motto and Law to Henry V to Leonidas and the 300 and how to hunt to provide for his family, to protect and defend that family, to the history of America and the American Revolution by going to Appleseeds to basic manners, saying Sir and Ma'am, telling him about my service as an Army Officer and what it means to be an Officer and a Leader. I may have been made an Officer by act of Congress, but my parents taught me to be Gentleman.

But I know I have limited time, so I try to pack as much as can into the limited time we have together.

It's a job that never ends as I still learn and have more to learn from my father. It's amazing how smart he got as I got older.

I just hope my son becomes, is and remains one.

Excuses Your Liberal Friends can use.....

2011-05-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

#12. I voted Democrat because my head is so firmly planted up my ass, it's unlikely that I'll ever have another point of view
#11. I voted Democrat because while we live in the greatest, most wonderful country in the world, I was promised "HOPE AND CHANGE
#10. I voted Democrat because I think that it's better to pay billions to people who hate us for their oil, but not drill our own because it might upset some endangered beetle or gopher.
#9. I voted Democrat because I believe liberal judges need to rewrite the Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would never get their agendas past the voters.
#8. I voted Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as the Democrats see fit.
#7. I voted Democrat because I think illegal aliens have a right to free health care, education, and Social Security benefits.
#6. I voted Democrat because I'm not concerned about millions of babies being aborted so long as we keep all death row inmates alive.
#5. I voted Democrat because I believe that people who can't tell us if it will rain on Friday can tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.
#4. I voted Democrat because I'm way too irresponsible to own a gun, and I know that my local police are all I need to protect me from murderers and thieves.
#3. I voted Democrat because Freedom of Speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.
#2. I voted Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending the money I earn than I would.
#1. I voted Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene, but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15% isn't.

This is What's Going to Start the Next Revolution

2011-04-30T23:18:00.000-07:00

It has NOT stopped one terrorist or terrorist attempt.

It's only purpose is to make us feel "safer".

It's Security Theatre. Period

You've got the Secretary of Homeland Security saying "The System Worked", when it totally failed. THE GUY'S DAD WALKED IN AND TOLD US HIS SON WAS GOING TO GO JIHAD ON US!!! and we still let him on a plane and only because he screwed up and the passengers beat the snot out of him did we NOT lose another airliner.

Then we get the Porn-O-Scopes, and then the lame/false explanation of how they work and how much they can see. (Answer: Everything.) Oh, and remember that they told us they weren't going to be storing images ? They lied about that too.

Then they grope a couple of young boys AFTER they get OFF the train. I mean WTF, O ? Seriously WTF ?!?! Not outraged yet . How about groping a 6 year old girl ? Or agents arrested for Child Porn ?

Can you say modern day Gestapo ? Just click on some of those video's posted on Youtube.

The outrages continue. At some point will the American People say "ENOUGH!!!!" ?

Another Indication That We're Winning

2011-04-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

Remember the big deal that they anti-2A groups when Wal-Mart pulled guns and ammo from many of their stores a couple of years ago. Turns out that was a poor business decision.

Given what Firearm and Ammo sales have been the last few years, it only makes sense.

And crime rates are dropping.

Go Figure.

Blogger Shoot; Need A Ride ?

2011-04-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's the deal for the LuckyGunner Blogger Shoot Memorial Day Weekend.

I have made reservations at the Econo-lodge for a Friday, 27 May Check-in and Sunday, 29 May Check-out for a room with two double beds.

If anyone on the way from Chicago, through Indy to Knoxville, needs a ride and place to stay, I'm willing to split fuel and room costs. I've got a 4 door Saab 9-3 that comfortably seats four with room for luggage and guns, and gets 30+MPG. If there are several people interested in hitching a lift, I also offer the option of pulling my camper (sleeps three very comfortably; or seven, if some of those seven REALLY LIKE each other.)

So there are are variety of options available. But I've basically got room for three more in the car with the option of spending the weekend in a camper at a campground near the shoot if you don't want to hotel it.

So if you are headed to the Blogger Shoot and are interested in any of the above options, send me an e-mail: scout26 at sbcglobal dot net and we can work out details. Your chariot awaits.

IL House of Representatives Expected to Vote Soon on Right to Carry Bill HB148!

2011-04-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

Illinois state representatives return to Springfield Tuesday, April 26 and many believe a vote on Right to Carry bill HB148 is imminent. It is urgent that you call your state representative and firmly but politely ask them to support your right to protect yourself and your family. Urge them to vote YES on HB148.

Every single vote will be critical for passage of the bill and it is common knowledge that legislators in the northeast portion of the state tend to oppose this legislation. If you live in the northeast part of the state, this call to action is especially important. If you have family or friends living in that area, please call them and urge them to contact their legislator.

Need help finding your state representative?

Go to Illinois State Board of Elections

or call 217-782-2000

Please join us at IllinoisCarry.com for the ongoing discussions about the bill and the support it is gaining as it makes its way through the legislative process.

Where have you been ?

2011-04-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

Once I started clicking on states, it suddenly dawned on me that I've been to almost all of them.

Hmmm, with only 13 I've missed, I might have to look into completing the map on of these days.

You can create your own as well

H/T to Nathan and Joanna

Dinner and a Show

2011-04-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

Got a chance today to meet up with several fellow bloggers at the Indy Blogmeet. Since the Broad Ripple Brew Pub was closed for Easter we went over to some Mediterranean Bistro instead.    The conversation was lively and the company very enjoyable. It's nice to put a face and voice to the words on a screen. I felt priviledged to attend.

While we were there we looked out the windows and observed eight or so of the local/resident hippies/homeless were hanging out on the "Rainbow Bridge", we made a couple of snarky comments regarding them and returned to more pleasant conversation and our very delightful food.

A while later I look out and a squad car with some of Indianapolis ~~Alcoholics Anonymous~~ Metropolitan Police with flashing light has pulled up in front of our dining establishment. My first thought was "Great, first time I open carry and I'm going to hassled by the cops." But no, Johnny Law had no interest in we law-abiding citizens. Apparently one of the apparently drunk hippies had accidentally done a backwards half gainer off the bridge and either in the water or more probably onto the concrete block riffles below.   OUCH. Soon the street had a fire truck and a ambulance or two. There was a small crowd to watch the goings-on. There were backboards and stretchers and I fully expected a rescue chopper at any moment. We however remained firmly seated at our table and continued our conversation. Eventually Mr. Swandive was recovered and take by ambulance to Wishard Hospital were he will be fete'd by the good taxpayers of Indy.

It truly was a pleasure to finally meet Tam, Roberta, Nathan and Brigid in person. There were three other people there, but there names have escaped me at the moment. I did thoroughly enjoy myself and will have to time my trips to visit my parents here to coincide with the Blogmeet, as it was like coming to meet new friends that you have known for years.

Illinois Concealed Carry - Where do the CPD rank and files stand ?

2011-04-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

Second City Cop makes an excellent point over on his blog.

My guess is that the Chicago FOP is scared to do and then publish a poll on RTC/CCW. Why ? Because it would show the same thing that SCC points out. The rank and file support the right of the people to keep and bear arms. Cops know they have nothing to fear from honest law-abiding citizens carrying to protect themselves and their loved ones.

49 other states can't be wrong.

OH HELL YES !!!!

2011-04-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

I just got the e-mail. I'm confirmed for the LuckyGunner Blogger shoot !!! Memorial Day Weekend.

WOOOHOOOOO !!!!

A final chance to flip the "Fun Switch" to Rock and Roll and light the place up !!!!

So I'll be swinging through Indy Memorial Day Weekend and spending a couple of days in Knoxville. Now the question is hotel it or pull the camper. I'll be at the Indy Blogger Meet-up on Sunday. If somebody wants to ride along and split gas, a room or grab a bunk in the camper, I'm game.

Also time to get serious and crank out some .45ACP ammo.

To quote Flounder at the end of Animal House, "Oh, boy!!! Is This Great ."

Atlas Shrugged, Part I

2011-04-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Went and saw it today. (I know I was supposed to go last Friday, but due to a variety of reasons didn't make it.)

Going to see a movie at 11AM on a Wednesday insures that you pretty much have your choice of seats. I stopped at the concession stand and grabbed a bag of popcorn and a "medium" Pepsi before the, $12.50!!! TWELVE DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS for 20 cents worth of syrup and 50 cents worth of Orville Reddenbacker?? You GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!!! So yeah, I can see the guys point when it gets down to brass-tacks after Dinner and a Movie.

Where was I ? Oh yeah, the actual movie.

At first I thought I might get a private screening, but there were about 20 people that came to join me, which meant that I wasn't the only one that cheered at the end.

So how was it ?

INCREDIBLE, MAGNIFICENT, AWE INSPIRING !!!

They did a great job "compressing" the book. The casting is great, except Mathew Marsden as Jim Taggart, Ayn described him as somewhat overweight, IIRC but that's the only "bad chioce" here.

Go see it. and if you haven't yet: Read the Book.

I can't wait for Part II

It's About Rights.

2011-04-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

Not a bad debate. I know Greg and he's passionate, like me. But we have to control our emotions in this debate. They are wrong and losing and they know it.

And just a quick point.
The science is in, the studies have been done. John Lott's work has been peer-reviewed and re analyzed more then any other research work done in modern history.

More guns do mean less crime.
If it didn't then why are are more states moving toward expanded freedom when it comes to gun laws. Go look, I''l wait.

Do you really think that if if did not work the states would be expanding gun rights ?

At last count there were FIVE states that had legislation pending to get rid of their permit systems (SC, NH, UT, MT, and ID).

It's not some "industry lobby" that's done this. It's been everyday people. I've talked with, shot with and march with them. We average over 5,000 people every second Tuesday in March. We get together and got to Springfield for IGOLD.

That's not any industry, that's "We the People." and our rights shall not be infringed.

What I Decided

2011-04-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been a very diligent poster the last week or so. Lots of things have been going on and not much time to write about it.

I've been writing grants to a wide variety of organizations to get money for the Aurora Sportsmen's Club, doing my *#$^%(#&^ taxes, and working with Robert on his Webelos advancements.

So I took in what everyone said. I got a bunch of input from my dear friends at APS along with some other friends and family that I spoke with in person and on the phone.

I more or less announced my decision and the reasons why here.

I really do thank everyone who offered they advice and opinions. It means a lot to me.

Atlas Shrugged

2011-04-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

If you haven't read the book, you should. If you haven't seen the movie, that's okay, because it comes out this Friday.

I'm going to do something I haven't done since Blackhawk Down came out.

I'm going to see a movie in a theather.
I usually check out a movie from the library, but mostly what are considered "Classics". Meaning Jimmy Stewart, Spencer Tracey, Montgomery Clift, Burt Lancaster, Henry Fonda, Gregory Peck, Steve McQueen and, of course, John Wayne.

So Hollyweird doesn't get much of my money.

However, in this case. The producers will get my dollar "vote".

And I can't wait to see the following part(s).

Thank you, thank you, very much.

2011-04-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Chicago's attorney creates an opening that every pro-2A lawsuit should use from here one out. He equates how the 1A works as a comparasion to the 2A. I can't wait to see how this case turns out.

Alan Gura, of Heller and MacDonald fame is seeking an injunction in Ezell v Chicago against the Chicago law that simultaneously requires live fire training to obtain a firearm license while banning the operation of public gun ranges inside the city of Chicago. After Gura's opening argument, the three judges in the case proceed to completely demolish the Chicago attorney's argument, leaving him blabbering and pretty much unable to make a coherent argument..

The 2A is on a roll, I sure hope TPTB in Springfield are listening. Right to Carry is coming. Either they can craft a law that we all agree on, or we'll have the courts shove one down their throats, and they sure won't like it.

Our Nation is much less today.

2011-04-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

COL Robert L. Howard, the most decorated man in modern history. Cancer did what enemy fire couldn't. Rest in Peace Sir, and Thank You.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HMTSfRe8b4

And from Brian Williams and NBC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8qyrPErF9Q

Who are these Feather Merchants ?

2011-04-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

Seriously.... What are you smoking.....I mean..... What the....Do you even have a pair......

Feather Merchants

Look "guys", and I really use that term loosely

We go out and kill things for our tribe to eat.

We make fire to cook said dead things on.

We go and defend those weaker then us.

To our Death, if necessary.

When the ship is sinking we ensure that Women and Children get in the lifeboats first. If there is not enough room then we die like men. Get it ?

Apparently not.

*Sigh*

I haven't made past 1 minute and I'm ready to choke 'em out and stuff them in a locker.

h/t to Breda for "exposing" these morons...

Playing with Fire (and Guns) !!

2011-04-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

"Just tell your mom that 'eyebrows grow back'." and with those words a weekend of living dangerously began.

Saturday we worked on building a couple of Jam Jar Jets and some Penny Stoves. We also futzed around with the Cystal Radio and the Foxhole Radio trying to get those to work. They are proving to be a challenge to get to work, but we haven't given up hope. I'll work on them and see if I can learn the secret, get them to work and then guide Robert.

We also went to Home Depot Saturday morning for their Kids Workshops, if you have young kids, especially boys, this a great opportunity to let learn to use hand tools and build something neat for mom. They hold them the first Saturday of each month. If you have Cub Scouts this can complete some of the requirements for the different levels. Oh, did I mention that they're free.

Anyway Saturday night after dinner we tested the Jam Jar Jets and Penny Stoves. Yes, our Jam Jar Jet broke also. It was really cool for the 40 seconds it worked before the heat made it crack. We learned quite a bit as we had a couple of different designs for each, so next time we'll build some with tweaked designs and these we'll use these toward his Webelos' Craftsman badge. However, in the continued Pussification/Nerfication of this country, he won't be allowed to actually use his Penny Stove while at any Boy Scout event. Don't get me started on that. Pretty soon they'll take away pocket knives and just let them play with rubber knives.

Sunday was more fire. Well more Firepower. Pheasant hunting at Rock Hollow Hunt Club. Once a month during the season, Brendan and Mary have "Kids Hunt Free" (Notice a trend here ?) Yep, a guided hunt over dogs for Pheasants. While Robert and his friend Conner gave their Rossi Single Shot 20ga shotguns a good work out (Robert fired 6 times and Conner 3), the pheasants won again, as none fell. However upon getting back to the clubhouse, the boys were drawn to the truck with about 20 dead hen pheasants sitting on it's tailgate. (Hens are legal to take at Preserve or "Put and Take" operations). They had been taken in one of the guided shoots that morning and the hunters had taken the cock pheasants while leaving the hens for club. One of the guides came over and had the boys mesmerized as he demonstrated how to clean one. Brendan then told the boys that they could take home some of those birds if the parents allowed.

Robert, of course picked the two largest hens. We stopped and got ice and since it was late when we got home, they got put in the garage fridge, still on ice.

Monday afternoon after school, Robert got the chance to clean "his" pheasants. He was impressed at the size of the heart of pheasant (He wouldn't eat one raw.) and wasn't happy about getting "pheasant poop" on his hands when he accidentally squeezed the intestines and didn't quite get all the entrails out on his first pheasant. He was also amazed at the amount of blood that was on his hand when he finished. I pointed out that those birds were living, breathing creatures and deserved out respect and thanks. I told him how each time I take a animal when out hunting I quietly say a prayer to thank it for giving it's life to sustain mine and that of those near and dear to me. He looked at me and said "That's cool, dad". He then asked when we'll have Pheasant Bake and I replied "Soon, Robert, very soon."

Illinois Right to Carry Needs Your Help.

2011-04-06T03:01:00.000-07:00

House Bill 148, " The Family and Personal protection Safety Act" (right to carry) is up for the 3^rd Reading in the House.

It now has 38 co-sponsors and it appears that there are more than 71 committed votes. "71" is important because that is the super majority that is required to make the Bill veto proof and also prevents the City of Chicago from suing to eliminatethe "no exemptions" clause which prevents home rule communities from passing an ordinance barring concealed carry.

All of us that are involved in pushing this through, need your help.

This is not the time to sit on the sidelines and say "it's never going to happen, why bother?"

The fact is we are close. very close.

If you have ever been at the scene of a great tragedy, car wreck, house fire, or maybe a tornado, there are always people who rush in and do what is necessary to help the victims until help arrives.

There are others who stand on the sidelines watching in stoic silence while still others wring their hands in anguish and ask why no one is doing anything.

That's the situation that we are in right now.

Each of you needs to decide who you are and what role you are going to take.

If you believe in the 2^nd Amendment guaranteed right to keep and bear arms, now is the time to come to our aid.

We need you to stop standing on the sidelines and stop wishing for someone to do something.

Call your State Representative and State Senator and tell them that you want to them to co-sponsor House Bill 148 and vote in favor of it.

If you do not know who your Representative or Senator is, follow this link:

http://www.elections.state.il.us/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx

Forward this to as many of your friends who live in Illinois as possible.

Why the Leftist must be Stopped.

2011-04-02T03:08:00.000-07:00

My friend Boris (a Russian Jew, now living in Israel) nails it in this post over at APS when we were discussing Earth Hour :

Environmentalism has long stopped being about the environment.

It has become a vehicle for anti-capitalist (not even leftist, just anti-capitalist).

For the last two centuries, capitalism, scientific and economic progress had - instead of coming to pieces in ever-expanding economical crises, like Marx predicted - made everybody in the world incredibly wealthy.

Economists estimate that the per-capita GDP in the United States in 1820 - already then one of the wealthiest countries in the world - stood at $1,257 per capita when translated into modern money. Today, the inhabitants of Lesotho are wealthier than this. The average Russian, Mexican, Kazakhstani is now orders of magnitude wealthier than the average American in the 1820's. The average per-capita income on the planet, according to the IMF, is $10,725.

And this is not even including wealth that cannot properly be measured with money. I am likely to live longer than the Americans of the Founding era. Thomas Jefferson, the most brilliant man on the North American continent in his lifetime, had owned 6700 books and donated them to the Library of Congress. There are now people who carry more books on their person. Next week I will go to Ireland. I will arrive within 8 hours, a time which includes spending 2 hours in Istanbul. I will travel in comfort that would be completely unimaginable even to the wealthiest men of 1820.

In short, capitalism in the general sense – the process of people buying and selling goods and engaging in the process of trade via the institutions of private property, investment, and banking – has succeeded beyond the wildest dreams of economists. Any sensible economist, even a Keynesian, believes now that the best way to ensure the greatest wealth and prosperity for the greatest number is to preserve this process at least in the general sense.

In a greater sense, Ayn Rand and Herbert Spencer were right. It turns out that the economy is not a zero-sum game. Money and resources are not re-allocated, they are made.

Neither did – like leftists predicted – capitalism lead to an intolerant, sexually-conservative bourgeois society. Nevada, San Francisco, Amsterdam are all products of capitalism and private property. Capitalism has led to the greatest liberalization of attitudes towards sex, political views, personal freedom known to the world.

But there are still people – mostly in the academic and para-academic world – that feel an inherent loathing of the capitalist system. They hate consumerism, they hate prosperity, they hate commercialization. They hate it for a variety of reasons – because a consumer can choose a book that the English Studies professor thinks is primitive, and his vote counts as much as the English studies professor's, because a consumer may reject the Film Studies' major's pathetic little student movie, because they've been taught by their environment to do so. There are great reasons they do it – but they all don't matter. Mises 'Anti-Capitalist Mentality' is the best document to read on this.

The important thing to realize that the radical leftist hates you – and the modern radical leftist is worse than the Communist of the 1930's. The Communists at least believed in science, progress, dams, and medicine. They built DNEPROGES, they invented nuclear power and sent men to space.
The radical leftist is not – whatever he claims – a liberal. Having abandoned religion, he has required a justification for his belief that everything around him is morally wrong. Since it is now clear to anybody who cares to look that capitalism in the broad sense leads to more wealth and freedom for everyone, it only remains to hate wealth and freedom.

This does not mean that the scientists who propose the theory of AGW are wrong. I don't know and I don't care. It's not relevant to what I am talking about.

The ideology of the warmist as it is promoted in the media and environmentalist organizations has little to do with the science of global warming.

The warmist contends not only that AGW is true. He contends also that the only legitimate solution to it is his solution. In the warmist's universe, nuclear power is evil. Adjusting to the (Actually very limited) effects of warming is irresponsible. Geoengineering is morally wrong.

So what is left? Only the deliberate slashing of emissions and accepting a reduced standard of living for all. If you do not want to do this – if you don't want the government to ban the vehicles you like, or tax the food you like, or raise the price of electric power deliberately so you will consume less – then you are evil.

Never mind the monstrous implications. Reducing the standard of living for a European means a 24-inch TV and not a 32-inch TV. Reducing the standard of living for the African or Indian who made the TV means starvation. But who cares?

The person who believes in this chain of ideas – that not only is global warming coming, but that it is our duty to reduce our standard of living – is a complete moral monster. He is opposed to your right to the pursuit of happiness and this person Hates. Your. Freedom.

The warmist is a monster. He is a well-dressed, tie-wearing monster who has managed to work himself into the respected echelons of society. He is the sort of person who will look at you and say: “Yeah, sure, in the modern world Indian children may feel happy that less of them are starving, but...”

This is why it is morally right to burn tires just to piss off these people. Because these people are monsters.

Eat the Rich

2011-04-02T02:55:00.000-07:00

The Iowahawk blog is a daily must read. In this post, and with help from Bill Whittle, he shows what would happen if we truly did go "down the rabbit hole" of leftist thinking and allowed Michael Moore to realize his dream of "Eat the Rich".

Slash/Hack/Cut -STOP the Spending NOW !!!!

Happy April Fools' Day

2011-04-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

The absolute best "Gotcha" was when I was working for Outer Circle Products. And it was Valentine's Day not April Fools.

My boss came in with a inventory sheet and said something about "The system shows a whole bunch of the stuff in the warehouse, but we can't find it and production needs it NOW NOW NOW"   "Bullcookies," said I, "If it's in the computer. It's in the warehouse." Needless to say, the location for this stuff was all the way in the far back ass end of our 650,000 sq ft warehouse. Someone had taken the golf cart so I had to hoof it from the offices in front end of the warehouse.

I finally get back there and sure enough there's the stuff. Funny, it was back here because we hadn't used that product in years. Maybe Charlie finally found a buyer for this close-out crap. Okay, all I need to do now is find one of my forklift drivers and have him start hauling the pallets to production.

I walk back to the main aisle and hmmmm, don't see any forklifts moving around. Head back closer and there's no one on the docks loading or unloading trailers and containers.     Get closer to the offices and I see forklifts parked all over the place. Now, I'm ticked. We've got a ton of work to do and everyone's decided to take break at the same time. Somebody better whip out a pad of "Hurt Feeling Reports" because I'm going to chew a whole bunch of ass.

I walk into the break/lunch room ready to rip off heads, when I get big hug from "STUPID CUPID". Some poofda is in a diaper with fairy wings and cupid bow, trying to give me a kiss. He almost got punched, but once I saw everyone in the room, I managed to slip away from him with some of my dignity.

My admin assistant had teamed up with a local radio station to have "STUPID CUPID" come visit your company and surprise your boss. Several pictures of me (and other bosses) got put up on the station's website and the taped shenanigans were played on the radio.   Everyone took pictures and utterly delighted in my being totally red-faced and embarrassed.   I'm glad I gave everyone a laugh and congratulated my boss and my admin assistant (along with everyone else) for having got me but good.

So Tracey, if you're reading this. I still owe you for that.......

What would you do ?

2011-03-29T00:06:00.000-07:00

Now we get to the audience participation part of the blog..

1. Think about the following question and give me your answer and why in the comments.
2. Forward a link to this blog to people you know. I'd like to get as much input from as many different people as possible on this.

Okay here's the deal. This is the choice I face. I just wonder what you guys, people who's opinion I respect, would do in my situation. What exactly is my situation you ask ?

I have Multiple Myeloma, which recently claimed Gerraldine Ferraro, there is no cure, only life prolonging treatment.

I just finished a year of chemo, Velcade and Cytoxan, and at this point the doctors tell me they've "knocked it down". I'm not "in remission" as there is now such thing with multiple myeloma. So I will NOT need a bone marrow/stem cell transplant now. I will eventually. The disease will come back and I'll have to go on full blown chemo, until that doesn't work. Then it's a Autologous HSCT.

The choice that I (and in this poll, you) face is this.

No Chemo: Your Quality of Life will improve as chemo won't be kicking your ass every other month, you'll still be tired and weak from the disease. You'll get monthly blood tests and the disease will (generally) return quicker than if you had gone on maintenance chemo, and you will most likely have to go on full blown chemo sooner.

Maintenance Chemo: That's four weeks on, four weeks off. Quality of Life won't be a nice as No Chemo as every other month it will be back to the suck. The upside is that you'll generally keep the disease "down" longer. Meaning it will be "later" before you have to go on full blown chemo again.

That's it. Either way you'll end up on full blown chemo, until that doesn't work, then it's a stem cell transplant.

It's the choice I have to make. I have to make my decision 11 April. I'll let you know what I've decided then. In the meantime, I'd like to hear what you would do and why.

Earth Hour

2011-03-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

Since I don't have the funds to buy a Ford V-20 GaiaHumper , I'll have to settle for celebrating Eurf Hour in one of the ways suggested by the fine folks of APS.

I'm also open to other ideas that you can put in the comments !!!

Why What Happened in Japan is an Endorsement of Nuclear Power

2011-03-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

The death toll from the Earthquake and Tsumani in Japan is currently estimated to be approximately 10,000 with at least another 10,000 missing. There are nearly 500,000 homeless, some living out of doors, unsheltered. Getting food, medicines, clothes and other needed supplies is a major hurdle and causing more people to die every day.

Yet what has all the media attention been focused on? The nuclear plant, that has only claimed 31 lives with 134 receiving significant doses of radiation, and a few hundred people maybe 1,000 at most will die from radiation causes.

Compare those numbers:
20,000+ dead and missing vs 31 dead with maybe 1,000 more later
500,000 homeless, suffering and dying.

And where's the focus again ?

The Enemy Of My Enemy.....

2011-03-23T22:48:00.000-07:00

is my friend.

I haven't posted simply because 1) I've been tire shopping (more on *that* later) and 2) I can't believe what is/has transpired in and around Libya.

And because it's personal between Quadafi and me. The fucker almost killed me. (1)

So yeah, given the chance, I'd make the bastard take a dirt nap, if it was the last thing I ever did.

But the way we're going about doing it, it's the "Uphill Backwards Amateur Hour !!". Remember when Reagan bombed Libya after the Berlin Disco bombing. He was on TV that night saying "YOU'RE G-DDAMNED RIGHT I ORDERED THE CODE RED!!!!" and had the evidence to back it up. Go watch that video. That my friends is distilled, 100% pure, I'd-follow-him-through-the-gates-of-hell-in-gasoline-soaked-underoos, leadership.

The way "we're" doing this makes it looks like the Europeans and the UN are dragging us into this. It feels like that if this goes pear shaped Obama can say "Hey, don't look at me, this is Hillary's War." If it goes well it boosts his "Hawkish" street cred. Well we might have dithered long enough to give Gadhafi a chance to regain control and do a Saddam after Gulf War I on those that have opposed him.

Meanwhile the lack of American leadership is truly telling. Everyone has their finger on their nose and making someone-not-me-farted faces. The Germans want out of any NATO involvement, the Italians want NATO in charge or their airbases (which happen to be closest) are off-limits. The Brits want Quadafi assassinated, which we quickly disavowed (Thank you, Senator Church), and the French want to run the operation by committee, which worked out so well for them in 1871, 1914, and 1940, 1954, and 1958, among others, off the top of my head.

We're not even a week into this and it's a fustercluck. Why ? Because of a complete and total lack of American Leadership. And just who is the American Leader. Remember that it's the guy who *you* wanted to answer that 3am phone call. Well it's still ruttin' ringing, and no one is picking up !!!

Has he been on TV like previous (*cough* Kennedy, *cough* Johnson, *cough*, Nixon, *cough* Ford, *cough*, Reagan, *cough*, Bush I, *cough* Cinton, *cough* Bush II) to explain to the American people why were lobbing cruise missles (at $1.1 a copy) at Mad Muomar ? Has he even talked to Congress (or the heads of various committees) why we are sending American pilots into harm's way ? Hello McFly ??

You can go elsewhere for his hypocritical prior statements and quotes. I don't have TV and AT&T has been dicking around with my DSL (They *reeeeeaaaaaalllllllyyyyyyyy* want me to switch to Comcast), so I'm not as in tune with what our Fearless Leader is doing other the Macarena during Carnival in Rio. Again, is this so he can say "Hey, I was out of the country when Gates and the Joint Chiefs wandered off the reservation !!" ??

Dude, you are IT. You can't vote present when American blood can and will be spilled.

Have you no sense of dignity, sir ?

Have you no honor, sir ?

History and the American people will judge. And neither are kind.

As I posted a while back, if you're going to do it, the do it right, we should have done this when the rebels were gaining ground and Khadfafi was back on his heels. And yeah, try to kill him, as a Colonel he's a legitimate military target (Thanks again, Senator Church). But no, we had to dick around to wait and let the gorram UN finally tell us that he's a no-good-nick and needs to go. But only after killing a small forest and further screwing up traffic in New York City for a couple of weeks.

So Get on TV and show us your War Face !! You've got a War Face, right ?

For those still unsure and some hints for our Fearless Leader here's Dave's Top Ten Reasons To Put JDAM in Khadffadi's Piehole.
1) Pan Am 103. I sooooooo wanted to see several flights of F/A-18's carpetbomb the airport when Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi was getting off the plane in Tripoli, with some Naplam as a nice lovely parting gift as they did a supersonic Fly-by.
2) He's been in power since 1969 and there have not been any elections since then.
3) I know people are worried about "Who takes his place ?" Yes, that person could be worse, he could also be a helluva lot better. You spends your money and you takes your chances.
4) When the French helped us in our Revolution, they didn't do it because they admired our ideals and principles, in fact if Louis the XVI knew what was going to transpire a few years later in his country, the Frogs would have been marching with the Redcoats. The French helped us because the absolutely hated the Brits and were for anything that twisted the Imperial tail.
5) A chance for elections. Hey, freedom is messy. Hopefully those that take power remember our assistance and respond accordingly. Hell, they were begging for Obama to save their bacon when Gadfadi started to regroup. This administration always seems to miss the opportunity to miss the opportunity.
6) Qadhaffi radiates the crazy. So if he's gone, then a source of Middle East (and African) terrorism/pot-stirring goes bye-bye.
7) Yes, Oil. Maybe, just maybe we can go back to 35 cents a gallon (I can dream, can't I), but the markets hate uncertainity. Uncertainty means higher oil prices, certainty means they come down and might even go lower.
8) We just barely missed him in '86, doesn't mean we can't try again in '11. We can say that we have a long memory (Senator Church can go rut himself).
9) There's a real chance for a better world. After what's happened in Iraq, Tunisia, and Egypt (and brewing elsewhere in the ME), it's worth a shot, and if they remember that it was Uncle Sugar that lent a helping hand, it *just* might be enough for the people to ignore the screaming beards that are always calling for jihad against the US.
10) Remember Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" and the rabid dog ? As they say in Texas "He needed killin'. ".

(1) In October of 1988 I had put in for leave over Christmas to go back to the States. CPT White approved my leave so I checked into flying Space Available on a Military Airlift Command flight out of either Ramstein or Rhein-Main and was laughed at by the airmen that answered they phones at those bases. I then went to the Scheduled Airline Ticket Office (SATO) and booked us on a flight to the US. Then about a week or two before we were to leave, Laura McKnight talked to Mary Ann and convinced her to go to the Kristkindlemarkts in Birkenfeld, Idar-Oberstein and Trier and spend Christmas weekend in Germany. So Mary Ann decided we should stay and I should save my leave. I volunteered to pull Duty Officer on Christmas Day, since Mary Ann and Laura would have been out shopping and sight-seeing that weekend, it would give whoever was on the duty roster that day with their family. So now down in my basement in the banker's box labeled "Dave's Army Documents" are our death warrants. The paperwork includes my canceled leave form, our flight reservations and the flight reservation cancellation form along with the credit card slips are in that box. We were booked on Pan Am Flight 103 out of Frankfurt on 21 Dec 1988. So yeah, it's personal.

I also had the chance to meet George "Geordy" Williams once. I ran into Kevin Burk during an field exercise and he introduced us. Kevin and I had gone to MP Officer Basic together and Kevin and Geordy had gone to college together. Kevin had the duty of serving as the Military Escort Officer for Geordy's body back to the states for his burial.

Justice is long overdue.

An Open Letter from Colleen Lawson*

2011-03-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Legislator:

Could you please help me decide which of my kids lives to save? Here's the problem:

Last night yet another of my kids found himself on the goodbye end of a robber's gun as the robber slowly counted down "5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2..."

I know you politicians told us "if it saves one life, then keeping guns away from law-abiding citizens is the right thing to do!" but I'm having a little trouble figuring out which life is the one to be saved. I've had most of these kids for 20 years or more, and I'm rather fond of them all.

My kid last night? It was his third time facing armed robbers in Chicago, in Illinois. Can you tell me how many times is just right and how many times is too many?

The one last night was in a convenience store at the time. He and his friend had gone into the store to buy soda, and they hid as the robber stuck his gun in the face of the store clerk and began counting down.

Do you give classes in hiding? Wait, that can't be right, cause many kids get found anyway, and it's not always easy to stay quiet if your heart is thudding and you're afraid. Maybe you give classes in what kids should do if they find themselves around guns. No, that's not right. State Rep. Annazette Collins proposed that idea, to keep kids safe and deglamorize firearms, and she was roundly trounced for the idea.

Mr. Legislator, all my kids have been robbed at gunpoint on the streets of Chicago -- well, all the young ones, who still live in Chicago. Does that mean that it's better for my kids to live someplace else? Wait, that can't be right, because you keep telling us that Chicago is a good place to raise children.

Is it best to just stay home? That can't be right, cause the first time he was robbed at gunpoint he was on the steps of his own house.

Maybe being in a group is best. No, that can't be right, either. The last time, three of my kids had grouped together for safety as they walked home from a friend's house. But their attackers had grouped together, too. Three unarmed victims, three robbers with guns, just over three blocks from home in what was once one of the three safest areas of the city.

Mr. Legislator, I have tried to keep my family safe by living in an area where lots of policemen live. But it seems to be open season on cops, too,in Chicago. Even Thomas Wortham, a cop who was also the son of a cop, was shot in front of his parents home as his father watched.

Should I try one of the other "safe" areas? No, less than twenty-four hours ago, an acquaintance of mine was in a group of 4 and got robbed in Lincoln Park by ... a group of 4.

Maybe only going out in daylight is the answer? Or maybe in an area that's more retail than residential? Gosh, that can't be right: Two of my girls were attacked mid-afternoon as they waited for a bus right outside a major shopping mall.

Perhaps you say that everything's fine because none of my kids were shot or killed, and because last night's robber chose to be contented with the money and goods, and let the clerk and customers go. But it would have been hard to say that as I wiped the blood from the face of the one who'd had her head slammed into the concrete sidewalk as she and her friends were robbed.

And that can't be right, anyhow, cause not everybody's kids escape uninjured.

Can you tell me if there is a questionnaire that we give to a criminal to determine which ones will be "nice" and not kill their victims? Just hurt them a "little" or leave them in fear for a while? How much is "a little"? How long is an okay "while"?

Maybe I've misunderstood the whole "if it saves one life" policy; Does it mean that, so long as it's MY kids life that's saved by being unarmed on the streets of Chicago, the disarmed citizen policy in Illinois is still justified? Which kid? What do I tell the siblings? What do I tell my neighbors, as they mourn for their slain kids?

What if it's your kid that gets killed or hurt, Mr. Legislator, and I'm unable to help?

A couple of these kids aren't mine by birth: they just hang out at my house cause they feel safe here. Should I tell them to stop feeling safe?

To me, they're all my kids, and I tell them every day how valuable they all are. One studies daily for her GED, one's in college to be a grade school teacher, one's still in high school, one works twelve hours a day helping underprivileged children, one's less than a semester away from getting his law degree. Should I ease up on the value talk? Should I tell them that, "Hey, folks die every day, that's just the way it is?" Devalue life a little bit so they don't think there's anything unusual about being helpless victims?

No. That can't be right. Because that is exactly how you grow a criminal. You desensitize him to the value of life, take away his sense of what is right and what is wrong, and expose him to crime after crime after crime after crime until he sees no hope for the future and learns to either be a victim or to look for victims.

And that is exactly how you grow a victim. Let them know that there is no chance of anyone nearby who has the ability to help them if they find themselves at the mercy of an attacker. Gee, it sounds like the same thing you tell a would-be attacker, doesn't it? Let them know that they need have no fear of anyone being able to fight back. And they will come. And they do come. And keep on coming. There are entire blocks in Chicago where street attacks have occurred weekly -- WEEKLY, Legislator! -- for years without a single arrest being made.

Dear Legislator, please tell me what I am to say to my kids today, when they ask me why this keeps happening to them. I really want to know. I don't mean to cut into your busy day. I just want to do what's right.

Don't you?

Maybe it would be easiest to just share with me what you tell your own kids and I will share it with mine.

I totally understand that your intentions were good when Illinois first believed that criminals would obey the same no-gun laws that the law-abiding follow ... but what do you tell your kids when they ask you why we have not ripped away that errant foundation as has every other state within America? What do you tell them when they ask how you will know which of them will be hurt or killed by an attacker, and how you have chosen that to be okay by you?

What do you tell your kids when they ask why we elected you, then gave some of you the right to conceal carry, and others of you the expense of a protection detail, and then nod our heads in submission as you tell the rest of us that it is better that we do not get the same ability to defend ourselves?

Criminals know that there are less than a thousand Chicago cops armed and able to stop them during any given shift these days.

I personally know thousands of Illinois private citizens who take their citizen responsibility seriously enough that 34 other states trust them to calmly, competently and maturely carry concealed firearms as they live their daily lives. The children in those states can stand on their own steps, shop in convenience stores and wait for busses near malls with the confidence that they and would-be criminals are constantly aware that someone may be right nearby to thwart an attack and help them stay safe. Someone who has so committed themselves to time, training and mastery of defense that they stand out easily as the calmest ones seen in an emergency situation.

But in Illinois, criminals and victims walk our streets with only the confidence that, unless you -- personally, Legislator -- stand in support of HB 148 and bring concealed carry to the lone holdout state of Illinois, no one will ever come to your children's aid if they, like my kids, find themselves at the mercy of an attack. This can't be right, can it?

Though I have taken the time to learn and master the calm and skill necessary to defend my family and yours, I cannot personally afford a security detail for my family at this time. If you won't allow me to defend my children - and yours - in the face of armed attack on the streets of Illinois, will you kindly share your protection detail with my family? My neighbor wants to hear your answer, too.

And, if you will not, then tell me, please: What shall I say to my kid today, as I help him through the sound he's heard again and again for the past 12 hours?

You remember -- the one that goes "5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ...?"

How long should he wait for the final "click"?

How long should I?

*Colleen Lawson was one of the plaintiff's in the landmark McDonald Vs Chicago Supreme Court decision.

It wasn’t St. Patrick’s Day, but it was in an Irish Pub.

2011-03-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

It wasn’t St. Patrick’s Day, but it was in an Irish Pub.

In Sachsenhausen. Frankfurt. Germany.

It was late winter/ early spring whenever Wintex/Cimex ’89 was, and it was still cold out at night..

It was me, 1LT Laura McKnight, CPT White, 1SG Cobb and commander’s driver PFC (or maybe SP4) Khoury.

It had been a long and boring exercise, but I’ll tell that story later.

Finally it was over and we had a night *free* in Frankfurt, so what to do?

We asked around and the consensus was “Go hit Sachsenhausen, lots of bars.”

So Laura and I hop the S-Bahn outside of Gibbs Kaserne take it to Konstablerwache to catch the U-Bahn, then it’s under the Main River and we’re in Sachsenhausen. But before we leave the U-Bahn station we check to see when the last train leaves and it says something like 24:00. So we’ve got time to drink and maybe listen to some crappy German rock bands, before heading back to the Gasthaus for the night and then the two hour drive in a Volkswagen van back to Baumholder the next day. The good news is that we can sleep in the van as it pokes along the Autobahn.

Anywho, I can’t remember if Khoury (sorry dude, you’ll always be Khoury, I can’t call you Pierre, just habit I guess.) went with us of if we stumbled into one another in Sachsenhausen. Either way enlisted men and officers aren’t supposed to socialize, but we figured that since he was our troop and all alone in the big city, that maybe we should keep an eye on him so he wouldn’t get in trouble. Yeah, that’s it. That’s our story and we’re stickin’ with it.

Anyway we end up in the Irish Pub in Sachsenhausen. And it’s packed. I mean wall-to-wall people. Whatever the local fire marshal had deemed was the maximum safe occupancy had long ago been exceed, and then doubled. Forget about finding a seat or a table, they’ve all been removed so that more people can be packed in. Not our concern, the Guinness is good, and Laura has run into some Field Artillery Captain that she had a crush on/previously dated or some such. So they wander away to talk. Khoury has quickly ditched us and is hitting on the Frauleins. So it’s just me and a really bad Irish Folksong singing, acoustic guitarist. He was stuck back in like a tiny cave in the far end of the place, and was 1) Not happy to be crammed into the cave, 2) Really pissed that no one except me was listening to him, and 3) I was singing along to the Irish folksongs I knew. Loudly. In fact at one point he told me he was a solo act. Fine dude, but I’m the only person in here even paying attention to you as everyone else is chatting up/hitting on one another and it’s so loud in here that even *I* can barely hear you.

Eventually Laura and her beau worm their way back through the crowd and she asks what time is it.

Oh, crap. I check my watch 00:45. Shit, we’ve got to get out of here and now to catch the last U-Bahn otherwise it’s a long walk back to Eckenheimerlandstrasse and the Gasthaus near Gibbs Kaserne.

Double shit, this place is packed and it’ll take 15 minutes just to get to the damn door.

I tell Laura to tell Captain Field Artillery she’ll call him later, I grab Khoury by the collar and pull his ear to my face and say: “Do what I do, and say what I say.” Khoury, being a highly trained MP just nods and prepares to follow my instructions.

Now Laura probably weighs all of 80 pounds soaking wet, thin as a rail. So, I grab one of Laura’s arms and pick her up, Khoury grabs the other and lifts. Laura is now off the ground, her head above the crowd.

And I scream “PREGNANT WOMAN GIVING BIRTH !!!! PREGNANT WOMAN GIVING BIRTH “ and Khoury starts it yelling also.

Everything got quiet as everyone turned to look at the commotion and suddenly the crowd parts, like Moses parting the Red Sea. People were looking at Laura and trying to figure out “Really, she’s the pregnant woman?” as we race outside with Laura being carried between the two of us.

No time to laugh, we’ve got to get to the U-bahn station. So slightly inebriated we run to the station, only to get there and be told by the cleaning crew that the last train left an hour ago. Yep, we had screwed up reading the times and now we are looking a loooonnnnggg walk back. Oh well, it’s not really all *that* cold out, and we’ve got all night. I started to feel sorry for Khoury as he would have to drive the van the next day while we slept in the back.

So we head out of the station and stop to get our bearings.

We see a US Army MP van come down the street. Now, I never pulled MP Duty Officer in Frankfurt, but I’m pretty sure that Sachsenhausen isn’t in any patrol area as there were no US Installations south of the Main River.

I can’t remember which of us jumped out in front of the VW van (might have been all of us), but one of the MP’s sticks his head out the window about yell at us, then stops and wrinkles up his face and says “Khoury? Is that you?” Yep, now it is old home week and Khoury might be able to save our bacon. Seems that they had gone through basic and AIT together. So this guy and his partner are willing take us back to Gibbs. I think the deal was that we didn’t see nothin’ or tell anyone about the nothin’ we saw.

Whenever Laura and I talk, the parting comment is always “PREGNANT WOMAN GIVING BIRTH!!!!”

Happy St. Pat's !!!

*Believe it or not I couldn't find a picture of one of those crappy USAREUR Volkswagen MP Vans. Just that Danish one.

ZOMG !!! RADIOACTIVITIES !1111ONEONE

2011-03-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Here's some more insight into what is going on at Fukushima and why we're not all going to die from glowing goiters in our necks. from someone else, a retired Air Force Officer who used to fly the WC-135 Constant Phoenix aircraft, so he knows a thing or three about radioactive clouds and from whence they came.

It's a refreshing insight from what you get from CNBABCBMSN. Simply because if you do a google search on the "experts" that the networks are bringing in to spread the panic, you'll find that none of them have a degree or any experience with nuclear reactors. No, they are all ANTI-Nuclear activists. So there's complete impartiality and the voice of experience in all things Fukushima.

Not.

Even the liberals are starting to get it.

2011-03-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

Eric Zorn of the Chicago Tribune has never been a fan of the 2nd Amendment (FYI, we tend to refer to it as "2A"), but he's got two recent posts on his blog:

The spread of Concealed Carry in the last 25 years which is simply screen captures from this site: Right to Carry Map It shows that we've gone
from this in 1986:
1- Unrestricted
8 - Shall Issue
26 - May Issue
15 - No-Issue

to this in 2011:
4 - Unrestricted
36 - Shall Issue
8 - May Issue
2 - No Issue*

*Wisconsin has no permit needed Open Carry. It will probably pass a Shall Issue Concealed Carry bill in the next several weeks.

And despite all the dire predictions of the Anti-2A groups (Brady, Violence Policy Center, Joyce Foundation., etc.), blood hasn't run in the streets, people aren't having shoot-outs over parking spaces/road rage, and it hasn't turned into the Wild West.

In fact it been the exact opposite, crime has gone DOWN in those states that have enacted Concealed Carry laws. Even Washington and Chicago experienced dramatic decreases in crime AFTER the Heller and McDonald decisions. Apparently the goblins figured out that they just might get ventilated, if they tried to burglarize homes that now may have an armed citizen.

His other posting Five Reasons Concealed Carry Supporters are Optimistic this Year nails it. We've put a full court press on. The Heller and McDonald decisions basically ruled that 1) The 2A is a fundamental right (meaning you need to have a damn good reason to put limits on it) and 2) They were only about the "Keep" part of "Keep and Bear Arms". There are cases wending their way through the courts that will ask the question "What about the 'Bear' part ?" So the legislature can either get on board and create a permitting system, or the US Supreme Court may craft the rules for them, and you might not like them.

At all.

Or as I like to say, "We'll be able to walk around with Machine Guns glued to our foreheads."

It's time that Illinois join the rest of the US and pass Concealed Carry, or it may be forced down their throats.

Tuesday's at Chemo

2011-03-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

I've posted this on Facebook, but I think it needs to go here. A friend on www.armedpolitesociety.com asked if we could take pictures of Flat Stanley doing things in our part of the country and e-mail him the pictures. So I took him to Chemo.

Picture a row of the 13 of the ugly hospital green "designed to be uncomfortable in whatever position they are in; as they are designed by the Marquis De Sade” chairs. They are the chairs that visitors sleep in when they come to stay with you in your room in the hospital. Each has one sometimes two IV pumps on each side. There are little tables attached to each side of the chair that can fold up or down if you know their secret to get them to stay up. The little tables are about 10" x 15". There's a short wall on each side of the chair, so you can't turn your head and look directly at the person next to you. One side has a red sharps box on it. But each wall only extends to the end of the chair between each position and a there's curtain you can draw from wall to wall, but no one does. If you recline your chair, your neighbor can see your legs.

There's TV on a swivel arm mounted on the other wall. It can never be adjusted to the correct viewing angle. Not many people watch TV, but if you do there’s drawer in desk at the far end of the nurses station with the headphones. Each headphone is in a baggie with your first and last name on it. They are filed in green hanging file folders, alphabetically by last name.

Many days almost all the chairs are filled and it can be hard to find one.

The nurse’s station sits opposite and behind the nurse station is the chemical or mixing room. There are six oncology nurses; Patti, Karen, Gwen, Laura, Josie, and Grace. Normally there are only four or five of the six on duty on any given day. Patti is in charge and everyone knows it. The others are a little "relaxed" on the days she's not there. They all are wonderful nurses and brave human beings.

There are two private rooms one at each end of the row of chairs. They have the same pump and chair arrangement, but no one requests to go in unless there's a procedure that the rest of the world doesn't need to see or every chair is filled. There's also a simple straight back chair between each station for those who came with or brought in their loved one to get treatment. I bet they are more comfortable then what the patients get.

I walk in, but I do so somewhat tentatively. The place does mostly breast cancer patients, so I'm normally the only guy. I don't want to embarrass any of the ladies, if there’s “something” going on that I shouldn’t see, as most of them have permanent lines in their chests.

I chat with or sometimes “flirt” with the “single” ladies, meaning that they, like me are there alone. They are mostly in their late fifties or older. I make ‘em smile or at least try to. For some of the regulars, if they’ve brought a family member or friend, I get introduced. More small talk and I can see the start of the evil eye(s) from the nurses’ station as I need to find my seat and get started. I always smile at anyone new.

I inquire who my nurse is for the day by asking "Who drew the short straw this morning?" It always gets a smile from the nurses and a puzzled look from anyone "new".

I fold up the chair arms if need be, put down my Chemo Record/Chart book, a book I brought to read, reading glass case, cell phone and head over to one of the three carts that has all the supplies on it.

Depending on who my nurse is determines what supplies I take. Grace has a latex allergy so I always make sure that I take the purple nitrile gloves and tourniquet. Josie likes the large vinyl gloves even though they are really one size to big on her hands. Patti like to use two 4" pieces of the clear hospital tape torn from one piece long ways placed on the front edge of the table where she can easily reach them after she does the stick. (I've been known to put a spare pair on the side, just in case she blows out a vein.) Josie, Laura and Karen like to use the backs of my hand for the IV; Gwen and Patti prefer the inner arm between the wrist and elbow. I've got the stick kit, plastic adapter for the blood vials, the two blood vials (Purple top and purple/black mixed) for the two labs they do before I get chemo to see if I "can" get it. Oval shaped IV sticky cover thingy, some gauze, band-aid and an alcohol wipe or two. Band-aid and gauze are for Matt or Areliea (the techs) to use when it's all done and they pull the IV. After everything is opened and setup in the proper order on the little shelf table that doesn't have my crap on it, I write my last name, first name on the blood vials, and put them in place. Then it's back to the cart for the heat pack. Squish it between my hands so the inner baggie breaks, squeeze it around so it gets good and warm, then head back and grab seat.

This simply shocks most of the new folks, as I’m the only person that gets themselves setup. One time I had one lady yelling at the nurses "Hey, he's stealing supplies!!!" They all looked up from the nurses’ station and said damn near in unison "No, that's just Dave. He's fine." She was stunned.

Here's Flat Stanley Picking out a chair. Careful Stanley, if you stay there you'll get the Chemo !!

Okay Let's head over the the cart to get the supplies we need to start an IV

I think we've got everything we need. Josie is our Nurse today, and she likes to wear 2 vinyl gloves.

Let's get everything setup and organized !!

We'll put our book and reading glasses on the other tray (along with the gauze and band-aid for later)

The process it self is pretty boring. After a while, my nurse will ask if my arm/hand is ready and I'll let 'em know whether I need to cook a few more minutes or "Yep, the turkey is done." I keep threatening to have one of those red pop-out-turkey-is-done buttons installed.

They go back to mixing room grab a saline pouch, find one of those round seats; the backless, rolling doctor stools and wheel themselves over to me. They tap around for a vein in the preferred area and we debate the pros and cons of each one we see/feel. Finally a swipe or three with an alcohol wipe, another tap or two, and then the "A Poke" announcement generally about two seconds after the stick. If blood fills the clear tubing then no rooting around is needed. I hate the rooting around, generally it means either the vein will blow and I end up with a large bruise or it will leak because they've punctured the other side and it looks like I've got blood poisoning for the next week or so. Rooting around generally means a re-stick, in a new vein, sometimes in the opposite hand or arm, so start over with new hot pack, and new IV starter kit.

Here's Josie, our nurse today !!

Our first stick, I think Flat Stanley got a little wobblely there.

Oh No !! The vein blew out !! Flat Stanley had trouble watching the needle go in.

Stick #2 He's up and doing better this time.

Hmmm, not getting any blood in the line, so we're rooting around to try to find the vein.

Sorry Josie, but two sticks and your out. Patti (the head nurse) comes to try a third stick. (Patti is camera shy.)

Success !!! We fill the first blood vial.

And now the second vial.

Hooking up the saline solution

Once they get good blood flow into the tubing, pull out the needle by pulling the cap at the end of the tubing. Cap with needle safely contained goes into the Sharps box on the wall. Twist off the little plastic cap at the end of the tubing (which they hand me to drop in the sharps box hanging on the wall. Then Twist on the round plastic vial filling adapter. (BTW, they are called VAC-U-TAINER's and are made by B-D. The Styrofoam trays that they are shipped in make great metallic cartridge reloading trays, so if you get in tight with the Pete the Lab guy, he’ll save them for you).

Fill each tube to about half to three quarters full. Tourniquet comes off and twist off the Blood vial adapter and attach the line to start the saline drip. Chemo drugs will later get attached to the saline line as the saline is used to rinse the line and make sure that all the Chemo drugs go in, YEA!!! We drop the rest of the non-bio hazard trash in trash can next to each chair. If I forgot to grab a juice box or three, some cookies, crackers or a warm blanket, now is the best time to ask. After the blood vials go into the lab/mixing room, the goodies get delivered with a smile.

I don't start my own IV's anymore, as Patti threatened to just watch me bleed out if I screwed it up. I'm not sure she wasn't entirely serious. Karen said it was because that REALLY scared the crap out of all the other patients. As in there was NO WAY they were going to do it. So I acquiesced. I'm a firm believer in not pissing off the nice ladies with the needles.

Yep, Saline. We use this to give us a constant line.

Josie is busy at her computer, Laura is asking her to double check the chemo drugs for another patient.

Here's the IV pump set-up and running.

And here I am with Flat Stanley, all hooked up and waiting for the blood test results.

I pass the blood tests, so here's the anti-nausea drug.

Here's the Aranesp, my Hemoglobin was a little low this time. (9.6)

The Cytoxan arrives.

We double check to make sure it's our name on the bag.

And up it goes !!

Ooops, we fell asleep and missed the changeover to Velcade !!

She takes the Chemo Chart/Lab book back to her station and does whatever computer/paperwork that nurses do. I start to read what I brought. I don’t make it very far, as I've generally fallen asleep when the chemo drugs are delivered. Sometimes the nurses arrive in what looks like full-on Tyvex Hazmat suits, complete with face shield and other times, they just have on plain lab coats and hang the bag and hook it up to the saline line and through the pump, no muss, no fuss. I'm not sure how many bags of crap they hook up and take down, because I mostly sleep through it. I sometimes only wake up when the pump alarm goes off, meaning that bag is empty and they can hang the next one. This goes one until I've emptied all the bags for the day, and takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours depending. Then one of the techs will pull the IV. I hold pressure on the gauze, and get a bandaid. The last baggie gets dumped with the rest in through the hole in the lid of the yellow CHEMO ONLY plastic tote by the nurses' station. I quickly say goodbye to everyone and head out. I go straight home most times. Sometimes, I get a Buck Double at the Burger King that's on the way. For the next day the only way to sleep is sitting up. Apparently the combo platter of chemo drugs I get gives you hiccups if you lay down anytime in the first ~12-20 hours afterwards. I mean 2-4 hours of hiccups, the kind where just when you think they're gone, you get one. I sleep sitting up in a chair to avoid them.

We get a new saline bag, to dilute the Velcade and flush the line.

Everything is empty so it's time to pull the IV.

Some direct pressure for a minute or so, then gauze and bandaid.

Where I'd rather be.

I got to know Al and Mary pretty well. They were in their late sixties or early seventies. Al was a big guy, as in built like what you’d expect a former NFL middle linebacker would look like at that age. She normally had a chair across from the Nurses’ Station. Al had been a member of the Aurora Sportsmen’s Club for many years, up until Mary got sick. Then she became his life. Most times, Mary was too weak to speak, but I could always get some smiles out her. Mostly though, she slept. Al and I traded ASC and hunting stories, when I wasn’t sleeping. We liked to watch the nurses work “harder” on their computer so they wouldn’t have to listen to us. One time Al and Mary weren’t there, so I asked Karen, who was my nurse that day, were Mary was. “They have another doctor appointment so they were coming in later in the afternoon.” was the answer.

Then I made the mistake once of asking, “Where’s Bernice been? I haven’t seen her is a couple of weeks.” I was very sharply told by Patti that they are not allowed to discuss other patients. All the other nurses just looked down or away. My eyeballs kinda clicked together as I now knew that she wasn’t coming back.

I haven’t seen Al or Mary in four months. I haven’t asked, but I heard through folks at ASC that knew Al, who told me that Mary had passed. I sent a condolence card to the address I found. I hope he got it.

Edith normally has first chair. Best way to describe is that she’s a mountain of a woman. As she could easily kick my ass and give Chuck Norris a good fight, but that would have been before. I haven’t seen her in four weeks now.

I hate making new friends at Chemo.

A excellent explanation of what has and is happening at Fukushima

2011-03-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

The original post written by Dr Josef Oehmen “Why I am not worried about Japan’s nuclear reactors.” is at the link below. A really good explanation of the situation.

Here

And another good explanation

Here

The Watermelons* are jumping with glee

2011-03-14T07:00:00.002-07:00

Over the problems the Japanese are having with the nuke plants that took Momma Nature's one-two punch last week.

And just when the US was starting to lean toward building more nuke plants.

They planned for a earthquake, but failed to plan for a Tsunami taking out the power to the pumps. They didn't have backup generators in hardened shelters. The goram** plant survived the twin killing of earth and water, but they didn't plan for hardened, reliable backup power source for the pumps. Doing that one simple thing and everyone would be focused on rescue and recovery ops and not on the nuke plants.

So now the Watermelons will point to the "dangers" of Nuclear power, while they protest coal fired plants and refuse to let us drill for oil. They pimp "alternative" sources like Wind and Solar.

A nuke plant on average needs .72 acres to generate 1MegaWatt. A wind farm needs 60 acres for that same MW (assumes that the wind is steady and constant all 24 hours). Go back and look again that's POINT 72 acres per MW for a nuke plant. So to replace Braidwood #1 and #2 south of Chicago (producing 2,360MW) you would need a wind farm of 141,600 acres. Braidwood actually sits on 4,457 acres, most of which is old striped mine ponds and lakes, and most of that is open to sportsmen and women for hunting and fishing. I know, the kids and I have hunted pheasant down there and there's lots of fishing and waterfowl hunt clubs in the area. That 141,600 acres would mean turning a little more then 2/3rds of fully sub-urbanized DuPage County into nothing but wind farm. And ask people who live near wind turbines about the noise. Now ask power company engineers about what to do when the wind isn't blowing, but people expect the lights to be on and electrical appliances to work.

Wind and Solar are nice supplements to Nuclear. See atoms keep emitting neutrons whether the wind is blowing or the sun is shining. Going back to pre-Industrial Revolution conditions or having brown or black-outs is not what I want for me, my kids or anyone else. Only through energy have we made dramatic strides in not only lengthening lives but also the quality of those lives.

I hope the Japanese can keep their nuclear plants under control, not only for their sake, but also ours.

*Green on the outside, Red on the inside.

**Firefly reference, the cool kids know what it means.

This is taking longer then the real thing

2011-03-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

I've been slogging through Peter H. Wilson's The Thirty Years War, like a dismounted knight in full armor through a German peasant's muddy farm field.

I'm on page 261 and no one, I mean not one person, has been defenestrated and it's only 490 more pages until the Peace of Westphalia.

The good news is that if anyone has a test on the genealogy of the Habsburgs in the Holy Roman and Spanish Empires along with all the heads of the lesser German kingdoms, principalities, bishoprics, and duchies prior to the Thirty Years War, I've got the crib notes.

Watch it all the way to the end

2011-03-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

Battlefield 315 explains the Teachers Union and the recent unpleasantness in Madison, Wisconsin. It's just like me talking to some of my liberal friends.

Here

If you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin' hard enough.

2011-03-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

It wasn't cheating. It was within letter of the rules, but maybe not the spirit.

Okay, definitely not the spirit.

The last two years Robert hasn't won anything Pinewood Derby. Every year I let him come up with the design and do most of the work. And every year he's been beaten by kids whose dads or grandfathers are engineers who just happen to have a workshop that would make Norm Abram cry. He hasn't won one of the various design awards, or even the giant candy bar they give out for dead last place. So on our way home from PWD last year, he looked at me and said "Dad, I'm tired of losing, I want to win next year." I agree, losing is well, for losers. The boy wants to win, then by g-d, were going to come up with a way to win.

So off we go to American Science and Surplus on Roosevelt Road in Geneva. After CabelaBassGanderProMountain this our favorite store. Their website doesn't do them justice. They have aisles and aisles of shelves filled with what most people would call junk. However to someone with a little electromechanical imagination or just a creative bent, there's hundreds of projects just waiting to be built. I can walk in there with $20 and walk out with enough stuff for projects to keep Robert and I busy over a rainy weekend. We've built crystal radios, foxhole radios, camp stoves, simple motors, a telegraph system and a jet powered pinewood derby car.

The rules state that the car cannot weigh more the 5 oz and cannot have motorized wheels or axles. So we were dealing with a weigh constraint and hey, if we use a fan that's NOT motorizing the wheels or axles.

Finding a ducted fan that had a positive thrust to weight ratio when powered by a 9v battery took some time, but if you dig through enough bins at AS&S they do have the right one. Robert did the sawing, cutting, sanding, painting, and assembly. I handled the wiring.

Then there was the testing. hehehehehehehe We both giggled like schoolgirls when we put the car on the floor, released the kill switch and watched as it took off like a rocket. hehehehehehehe

So today at the Pinewood Derby, there were some protests from other cub scouts and their parents "Hey, that's cheating !!"; "You can't do that!!" and "That's not fair !!". Oh yeah, show me the rules.

It was cool to watch it come down the ramp, and when they hit the level part of the track all the other cars would start to slow down, but Robert's sped up. hehehehehe

So here's the car:

And here's the result:

That's a first place trophy and ribbon, with the Derbydome to put the car in, along with one very happy Cub Scout.

I got a feeling they'll amend and revise the rules next year. But that's okay, Robert will be a Boy Scout then.

...A time to mourn

2011-03-11T20:44:00.001-08:00

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those in Japan after the earthquakes and tsunami's.

Fiddleing while Tripoli burns

2011-03-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

Hillary Clinton does damage control for the inept one. But this is the part that cheesed me off:

"Absent international authorization, the United States acting alone would be stepping into a situation whose consequences are unforeseeable," Clinton told a congressional hearing, stressing that NATO and the United Nations should take the lead in planning the next steps.

Last I checked WE were the leaders of the free world. If we lead, they will follow. Here you have a case of a people rising up against a madman and a tyrant. We put a smackdown on him once, and he still damn near killed me. We are the only nation on earth that has the assets capable of creating and then enforcing a no-fly zone. Yes, people are worried that it opens the door to be drawn deeper into the civil war that's currently engulfing Libya. But you craft the ROE so that NO Aircraft fly. The reason it failed in the First Gulf War was that we allowed Saddam to use helicopters. And Libya ain't the wooded hills and valleys of Bosnia and Kosovo. Use near shore ship based Aegis supplemented with land and carrier based AWACS over the population centers and that will allow the "rebels" to gain ground. Once Gadhafi is gone and/or dead, mission over.

So yeah, go back up and look at that list of carriers. Look at what type aircraft ours carry versus the other countries carriers. Here's a hint; VSTOL ground attack aircraft like Harriers don't do so well in a fight against Supersonic fighters. The British almost got their crumpets folded in Falklands by the Argentines because the Harriers couldn't protect the fleet from the Super Etendards and the bomb laden A-4's.

Try that against a US Carrier Battle Group and you'll be writing letters to pilots wives and mothers.

Gettin' my Inner Wookiee On. *

2011-03-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

Heading down to Springfield today for IGOLD. Exercising that 1st Amendment "Right to Petition for Redress of Grievances" and boy do I have some this year. First on that list is being able to exercise my 2nd Amendment Rights.

HB0148 - The Family and Personal Protection Act. Some call it CCW, others call it LTC. Whatever it's called it gives someone like me the right to defend myself and those around me. Even though I may "look good", as everyone says, Chemo has kicked the snot out of me.   I couldn't run more then 100ft and I've got maybe one punch left in me, and if that's the case 1) it better score for points; because, 2) the goblin is way too close.

Okay, Governor you got your massive tax hike and the public unions here are safe, for now. So it's time for a little giveback. This is it. Oh, and remember that we put Recall of the Governor IN the Constitution just a short time ago. We can exercise that one too. Tell Cullerton and Madigan they better get in line or they might get run over by the people.

Oh and I'll squawk to my elected representatives (and some that I don't elect, but know) about the massive tax hikes, cause they won't stand for long, that's for sure.

And there are of course a few other burrs under the saddle. But the 2A and LTC are Belles of the Ball today.

Today We March For Them.

* For those of you confused by the term:

It's like Musical Chairs, only with money.

2011-03-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

Largest holder of US debt dumps it all. Not so bad, right ? I mean someone else had to buy it, right ?

Yes, until they get skittish and try to sell it. Then that buyer wants a discount.

Still not so bad.

Well, Lather, Rinse, Repeat; until you get to the last guy and he won't buy it, nor will anyone buy any of your new debt that you need to issue in the next two weeks.

What happened in Wisconsin may just be the beginning of the beginning. Can you say Greece ?