What do you think, a cup of tea before brandy?

  Today started very early, so after I ate breakfast, after the weighing and measuring and medicating, I hit the recliner to watch Winged Migrations, and it did sooth me to sleep again. Then I got ready to go pick up more medicines, and go to the YMCA, which didn't work as I had forgotten to bring my gym bag with the stuff. Back to home, wife has gone line dancing and then I did a light workout at the Y, 3.1 miles rowing slowly - wondering why that muscle in my shoulder is protesting, and then 9.54 miles on the bicycle. Feel like a real animal, a fat animal but (that is Bigelow Vanilla Chai) I am started back on course. Dropped off three DVDs and picked up three.

  So Rand Paul is officially a Presidential contender. But the party elite won't support him, the Democrats won't support him, and for some reason he isn't showing why I should support him, I will have to give him some time. Is there anyone I would support? Yes, but they aren't running -- do remember that you may write my name in William Earl Dungey, I just won't spend millions on advertising and promises I won't keep. I will just get out of your way, like a great government should. You can tell I have been watching Atlas Shrugged, John Galt might have been correct.

  If you expect productivity from me, I have been killing moss, spread the crystals and what it turn black, then die... going to thatch it and then rake it and then mow it. Thursday I would guess, Appleseed in Idaho this weekend, near Lewiston the home of 22LR ammunition.

My new improved MS 8.? is a trial, but once I learn new ways I will....

So I woke early enough, from dreams not worth remembering and my wife is off to morning prayer, once there was a story that started with the prayer wheels stopping, and when they did bad things happened. As I got up, weighed, measured and medicated for the future I had time to read Psalms 37 and be content.

Then I could go to the computer and Facebook, finding my sister thanking a cousin for posting about the Blood Moon, or Eclipses visible in Tacoma, Washington. So going to the page, I find I am on time and take my coffee and wander walking down the road to see behind the tall trees and outside of the noisy porch lights. There it is, cool, so cool. Normal would be heavy cloud cover but not this morning in that direction. Thank y'all for sharing. My wife was scraping the ice off her windshield and had locked me out of the front door, so I put my clogs in front of the door and walked bare foot to the garage door to go inside.  Back on Facebook I find one of my friends has recommended just watching it on the computer monitor (????) when the clouds break, get outside and look!

I am getting a lot of error messages from the improved software and its opportunities for me to be wonderful in lock step with the system, but I have time, and I have books with pages and I could actually go somewhere and do something with my body and stuff. Keep that thought, I could actually go and shoot this morning, although I have two weekends of Appleseed in this month, or I could wait. Still dark except for the Moon in its recovery from being behind the Earthball, or were we acting like an Eight ball?

A particularly Good Friday

Good Friday, a very good day to remember what government is all about. Remember Jesus was crucified today long ago, and with all the college education and historic references I often wonder how it becomes that humans don't see that nothing has changed, unless their heart has.

So there is a group of fools that want the mob and the church and the government to bend to their will and their way. Doesn't matter what the group is, doesn't matter about what they are called, doesn't matter what their point is... they will not be different from the historic normal. They will destroy all opposing voices, no matter the logic, the science, the faith, the kindness and goodness - they will destroy all that show another way.

The groups and peoples that they must destroy are following God, believing in eternity, and working for love, selflessly, join them or attack them, the stronger their beliefs the more they will resist the government and those that seek to destroy them. And all they should be doing is loving their oppressors more and praying for them, and living an example that is based on their leader, who died at the hands of a government without a soul, without a heart in perfect political posture. Good Friday, and nothing seems to change, except your heart.

Cost effective weapons... for the poor nations and the deep indebt pretending to be rich ones...

 The whole basis of the Anti-Gun Goofs, get rid of the guns and death stops immediately -- doesn't work in real life and if you are an oppressed people or group, being defenseless means trusting in the hereafter which comes sooner than it should in many cases.

Now the nuclear weapon option is the same as that favorite automatic firearm - something to make the big guys, or those you fear more than life itself, afraid of you. So the same simpletons that want to disarm the law abiding, want to control the nuclear weapons, but they don't want to go to war over it.

Nuclear weapons sound so cool, but they do cost money, you have large expenses defending them and they could become a target that would hurt your country more than your enemies if you weapons are in your own country. Kind of like storing dynamite in your kitchen pantry, not a great idea.

So, knowing how stupid nuclear weapons are, an honest assessment, I would never buy one, I think guarding them is the most boring service I have ever participated in. Still, because we have them, the Russians have them, the Chinese have them, the Indians have them, the Pakistanis have them, Britain has them, the French have them - the Swedes, Germans and Japanese could have them in about two shakes of something's tail, if they were stupid countries, which they definitely aren't... but then the United States and its allied partners were the good guys with big guns on the block. What happened to Ukraine? Well, they gave up Soviet nuclear weapons and got raped soon after, in historic terms. They were dis'd by big Gun toting Russia, once a family member. So now countries have to decide on GUNs (Big Guns) or Butter, cause the USA doesn't seem to be very strong and certain, suffering from old age. Can't remember what it came in the room to get, and got distracted, it has been a long time since it was in its prime...

I am not going to worry about who has the guns, nor the nukes. They have to use them and die, otherwise not use them and find a better way to get along in this little place called Earth. Take away the nukes or the guns, and the peoples of the earth which hardly think they are the same or equal with those others living so strangely over there... or they may just build a different kind of weapon to kill all those they fear. Fear, ah, they may never ever conquer that - the most frightened think they can buy better protection, the lowest and most humble know they have nothing to fear, nothing to lose and so little time to enjoy the beauty all around them. For sure the best laid plans of mice and men... same result.

Hope all have a beautiful life, live in love and practice the best of your humanity daily for it will keep your balance as we all go flying off the edge, following the lost into the pit.

So what happened to America, American values and what is the future?

  I don't know, but I do have an opinion. When the entertainment industry needs to resort to vampires, werewolves and walking dead for adventure and romance because the reality of shy fumbling and foolishness most young folks went through has gone out with promiscuity, free love, cheap thrills and stupidity enthroned as King, well, what are you going to entertain an audience with?

  I was enticed into re-looking piracy, which is a romantic idea but then it is going on today, Tom Hanks starred in a reality, that no one fell in love with the poor Somali fishermen turned big time pirates about. Closer to the reality of piracy of all ages - a gang of thugs stealing treasure, so your car jacking bands in city service station areas, are really pirates looking for quick loot, just haven't a boat to float in... Like I said it sounds romantic. Elizabethan Pyrates, hers, got knighted and rewarded in keeping a Roman Catholic King from the English shores, and led to the Dutch independence. Which would follow with several wars between the Dutch and the English until they all decided commerce was King, certainly cheaper and more profitable.

  So I have ordered a bunch of DVDs about piracy, the old sailing ship kind, some historic stories from back in the day, and even put myself way down on the list for the first Season of Black Sails. Which I probably won't like as much as the older stories from my parents era. I have two books in hand, both written within the last ten or so years, and both are taking the current lust and culture back to the good old days and trying to entertain me, I have already decided that one book I must put on my military History blinders (dims all glaring errors) and just see how the story works. The other one I haven't been deeply offended yet, but I likely will become so.

  When I start to worry a bit, I do know I must find real people - they aren't on television, in my entertainment, but along my life lived in real time - the NOW. I didn't take the garbage to the street, nor did I mow the lawn today, just to cut it short in the dry moment. I am elevating the foot! All I seem to be good for, still it is healing bruising is disappearing and swelling is way down.

  I do have a few good Historical books about real war with pyrates, between nations and of the past, and always lovely drawings of ships and sails - the true romance is getting all that in the water, with the wind and aweigh! Okay, a few crew and some cannons for effect and sailing on.

Finish a second buppa tea and then start on the whiskey...

I went to church today, very happy to have participated, hope I will be the better for it, and that those there really did like me being around.

I got home and made my feet naked, watched '2010 The Year we make contact' which I slept through the first portion there of... but woke to the end of the world and we know it. What is going on on Europa? Like waving a red flag in front of a bull to tell Man he must not eat of the tree of (fill in the blank).

Mostly, I then watched the movie Day of the Seige, about the breaking the cresting wave of the Ottomans on the battlements of Vienna in 1683, on September 11th. Very interesting story.

I was waiting for the official reports to start coming in from the participants in the Known Distance Appleseed I had helped with on Saturday. My foot wasn't up to two days worth, but my spirit was - twenty-eight center fire rifles with shooters attached. By Sunday evening the rains had worn them down to only seven to close and clean up. Eight Full Distance Riflemen made, six cold bore first round hits on the Daniel Morgan shingle (steel at 250 meters), and so I got the idea that the old Appleseed spirit of shooting your best for Liberty was Back!

I was beaten by the end of the first day of the shoot, I had only a couple of things to present in instruction but spent most of the day as Line Boss hollering the Line commands to keep everyone apace and safe. Since we were rapidly falling behind on the schedule the apace thing wasn't working. Too many words. I had to pull off the road and sleep for almost an hour before safely resuming my drive home. Then I slept long and hard after dinner with my wife that was still upset I had gone off in the morning to a range. She mentioned that I hadn't told her, but I am sure I mentioned that I would be at ranges three weekends this month.

Anyway, they did have a great day today, the link is on the left, I only claimed one day of helping because I had nothing more for Sunday, when they would have been doing too much walking for my foot. Isn't it really great to see so many rifles and shooters on line? Yes, it is, and that means this is America.

Well, I am being nobody that anyone listens to...

  So allow me to say, that the nuclear weapons are political weapons of terror, used to cause fear and compliance in enemies, allies and to destroy any capability for love of humanity.

  Really intelligent nations will never buy any, build any, nor proudly proclaim they want to use them in the future. The planet isn't large enough to get away from the effects.  The fact that President Anyone having been properly selected and elected and serving in office of the Presidency of the United States of America should have the code for the release of the weapon is terrifying. I only trust President Truman, Eisenhower and Kennedy to not abuse the responsibility. The standards for the Presidency have been slipping ever since - and the weapons have gotten BETTER (???).

  In the United States of America, there are too many, influenced by Hollywood movies, that think there might be a way to survive a nuclear war.  The idea that America will surrender to mad men with nukes is a cartoon wish or suicidal, so what are y'all doing, Iran?

  You have more to fear from Israel building the Third Temple than Israel using nukes... but then you don't fear anything, do you?

I admit, I am a bad patient... just haven't the patience to be still...

  Unless it is an ambush, and that hasn't been needed skill for a long, long time. 

The surgery was on Tuesday, and it is only Wednesday and I have had the covering off the wound to see the stitches and see if I will be fine by Friday. I do heal quickly, drinking lots of liquids, laying around watching war movies and cleaning up a very little bit in the computer cave. But I want to move too much and do stuff.

And I shouldn't.  I did find my laptop will take the new improved Quicken program, so I upgraded that computer, but I think I will check if I can combine the other two desk tops into one old clunky box and then see about getting something newer and faster and dynamic - like I really need such a thing.

This week is going to be different...

  Starts off like most weeks, my wife is gone hiking with her crew of friends, and I have some more writing to do on the Appleseed COI, Call to Acton, and then smoothing the performance down to the essentials. One of the other Shoot Bosses sent me his pre- April 1775 History. And it was really long, covers most of what I do, and MORE, so I see how he would want to see mine which I can read in less than ten minutes - just enough information to set the stage and allow the listener to research on their own. Very much like our marksmanship presentation - all the basic information and practice with live rounds, then we send them home to practice dry and get polished on each position and shot.

I have been kicking around a Presidential write in campaign, for 2016, just everyone write in "William Earl Dungey" because they just need to know that there are people not voting for public fools, just personal and private ones.

There is my official announcement, write my name in if you can't find a real leader to elect, and for sure just keep passing that message along - kind of like Paul Revere telling everyone 'the regulars are out', with the internet it should be even easier.  I suppose I should have a standard to explain what I have as core beliefs and my concept of being the Chief Executive. I will get back to y'all about that soon.

  Starting this evening the preparation for tomorrow's operation, small removal of a cyst filled with joint lubricant, and out patient kind of thing. I believe I will be doing light office work until the Known Distance Appleseed in Eagle Creek, Oregon - this weekend. The weekend after I have duties in Ariel, Washington instructing at another Appleseed. The ammunition is getting back on the store shelves, get some and sign up to learn about marksmanship, history and our heritage, the American Rifleman.

So the nation is late... really, others have done it before...

I have heard it over and over, repeated by women that I thought were smarter than that... 'I would vote for Hillary, because she would be the first woman President.' - well, I have been wrong before, they aren't smarter than that. The current President of the Republic of  Korea is a woman, with a mad man just across the DMZ with nukes, delivery systems and historic reasons to go to war.  So the United States won't be the first, India had one, the Iron Lady of Britain was a Prime Minister of note that freed the Argentinians. The current Chancellor of Germany is a woman, holding the fragile European Union together.... No, women have taken positions of power and done well. Mister Clinton, husband to Hillary, spent his opportunity leading a California airhead astray, so I am not sure why anyone that couldn't function as a wife will do any better as a LEADER of the FREE WORLD. (I know that is just media hype, but I love rubbing their faces in it, and no, I won't follow).

   I left off the discussion the number of women in positions of power in Europe before modern democracy showed up. Frederick the Great (?Prussia) said something about his power was absolute and effective if he wasn't beset by three women (Russia, Austria, France) during his time. Elizabeth the First wasn't the fine lady Elizabeth the Second is, but either is so far above a Hillary. And I know there are thousands of real, wonderful women, that would be worth following or allowing to be the Chief Executive of this nation, that could do the job better than most men, but they aren't in the media spotlight - that glaring one that hides all the scars and secret emails sent and received - do I think the NSA data compromise should have been just a tad later? Nah.

   It could really be that Hillary would become President because - the old boys in the backroom think they can handle her, or that the media doesn't want to go the extra effort to really investigate all the corruption of the Clintons in Arkansas and the White House and how come she couldn't defeat the Obama myth with real facts and actions in the primaries. It could be the reason the old grandmotherly lady, like President Reagan, is just going to be elected for the smell of fresh cookies from the oven - even if Martha Stewart has done more cookie baking than Hillary. One look at Hillary, and grandma comes to mind - not your nor my grandma, but you get my idea. COOKIES!

  It isn't bad to be thought an older woman, a cookie baker. Golda Meir was extremely effective, but a long personal career in politics. Hillary couldn't come close to that kind of commitment 'what difference does it make?' such a thoughtless American view from self above the world...  There is even a woman in Argentina in charge now... rumbles are that she is ruining the country, but men have done so in the past, so things happen. 

  In the end, I do think Hillary is smart enough to become President of the United States of America - because most of the voters -  that aren't voting more than once, or just from the list of the dead, or walking Zombies - those other voters are just not caring, some one has to be President so it is her turn because...
They are too lazy to get out of their personal comfort zone and find a much better candidate and get her elected, the Republicans won't find one of their own women to lift up for consideration (leading from the rear was invented by Republicans in the 20th Century). I liking conspiracy theories, think the whole idea of Hillary for President is to get as much money in her political coffers so she can take it and run the country from behind the curtain and pretend she is still a player.

  After sixteen years of the last two Presidents - it doesn't really matter to me - the political parties are the same coin on different faces - and both of them want to CONTROL the rest of us - not represent our views, values, and voice in the hollowed Hallow Halls of Congress. We the People just don't go to Washington, D.C. with money, women and favors to keep their attention from the Big Money folks  - yes, and both of those sides of the coin take it from them. 

   What a waste of words, for my two readers, but I can haul the M1 out, put a 1907 fine leather sling upon it and work out what might be Fixer's problem with his rifle and positions. Y'all have a wonderful day with the LORD. Ya hear?

So you are in Fight or Flight mode or do you Freeze?

   I have had a great weathered weekend in Port Townsend at the Jefferson County Sportsmen Association range doing an Appleseed. I couldn't have asked for a better crew and line of thirteen shooters, two of them walk ons, that replaced two that had trouble adjusting to day light saving, if only Congress would get the message and stop legislating stupid mind tricks to disturb the populous of peoples.

   By the second day I must have given up, they just weren't shooting well, starting early and finishing LATE - like after Cease Fire has been called three times. I benched the offender until I could discuss his failings without killing him over and over in my mind. I guess if I were going to guess what their major flaw was it would be fussing the shot and losing the Rifleman's cadence - when the High Power shooter came to give us a briefing about his sport, I made sure they understood that our time standard was five seconds shorter than his. Different dance, different rhythm. I gave them a bit of a break, putting a peppermint on the center square, and five rounds - the peppermint counting five points, and four more for a hit in each of the other squares - giving them more NPOA drill. Told a dangerous olde man story, and had some show and tell, hands on, with firing a Brown Bess musket, which had just enough of a mechanical issue they really understood the bayonet was very important to the soldier of that period. Then we went back to one more Appleseed Qualification Test and the final Red Coat target - one new Rifleman, a fine young lady, and the scores on the Redcoat were outstanding for the two day event - they had settled into marksmanship. There were equipment issues, but most troubling was my lack of control and some prepared speeches that were needed in a certain order.

It was a very good starting event for my year, now to get it to the point I will be proud of the whole thing, what a standard. After effects, the After Action Report link is on the left, some great pictures --- which we can't post on Facebook - seems the enemies of the range are monitoring and attempting to destroy them and the club is frightened, they have not allowed photographs for the last three or four Appleseeds there, this time we were permitted a bit. But then told not to post on Face Book or other social media. And that is the last time I will shoot boss that venue. It is over for me there. The range is nice, the other shooting events and folks appreciate what we are doing, But -- that fear thing is stifling.

The freeze thing, it does seem according to reports, that ISIS gains the trust of their victims to make them believe that they will still live if they cooperate with their captors. No one does, but it is something to latch on to... now you know - RESIST! they are not going to allow you - your Liberty. RESIST! Fight, flight but never Freeze with your hands up.
 

Some of our shooters were from former Iron Curtain countries - and the one I had to talk to about my rules on my range, told me that he was on shift in the computer room when the country went mad and overthrew the leadership, tried and executed the same. He told me, in confidence, that the whole thing was a set up by the secret police - so the powers behind the throne would continue to pull strings of the new government. They had to execute the old rulers since they couldn't be allowed to talk. He and his friends walked out in the confusion of who is in charge, why couldn't they, I am just going over there. I do love talking to people that understand what they wanted from America, Americans don't get it, you have to rebel, resist, question and find a better way.

Say a little prayer for me... each night....

One of my favorite Vietnam Era songs, dating myself again.  My wife mentioned that Saturday was the anniversary of her arrival in the United States of America, 7 March and seven days later 14 March will be another anniversary of our official government approved, married in a church in front of my family...

When wondering what she ever saw in me - I got just two reasons that she was willing to share - one is not my fault so I don't count it. But the one I locked on to - was that I kept my promises. Don't you know that a reputation is a terrible thing to live up to? That is a high bar, thank you, love.

She left everything behind, and went through Japan and California trusting to a young man from a different culture to make good. Of course on my end, I was praying that she would come, be here, show up - I had been away from her for two years and four months, living on letters and pictures - pre-internet. No telephone calls either, they were still getting rid of the straw roofs on the houses. Modern Korea hadn't arrived yet.  I had been stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma playing army and burying the dead from Vietnam, then I went to Germany, found most people drunk or on drugs, no real purpose in the training nor service there, and so I volunteered again for Vietnam. So I got to do my tour in Vietnam, survived (nothing ever happened to me) and came back to the 82nd Airborne, as a leg. Did Jump School made Staff Sergeant (promotion board in Vietnam - had to lock up my rifle and ammunition and dress for the board then return to the firebase).

Her flight was one suspected of having a bomb on board, didn't unload for hour plus, no alarming the passengers nor the waiting families. But no bomb, and she came down the stairs without a smile, and she tells me she was wondering why I wore clown pants (colorful bellbottoms) the car had dangling wiring and wasn't clean and new (like the movies). 

I drove to Mrs. Johnson's, to meet my mentor mother the lady that kept the household I could hide in from my family and failings (I was a teenage boy). Then I took her to see my sister and her new baby Paula Jean, they lived in the country in a trailer (Paula made friends with snakes). Then we were almost prepared to meet my mother and my family -- which was great on my mother's side - but she didn't understand anything of my wife's expectations of her new mother-in-law and American clashing with Korean cultural norms. Ah, I didn't know either, but I knew it was all my wife and me against the world. Came close to punching my brother that thought if I called my wife Yobo, then he could. She wouldn't complain to anyone but me about that, he came so close to hurting badly.

Enough about that stuff, it is TBT, but I got up and going early this morning, wife is off hiking weather is perfect, and I had to knock out some time sweating at the YMCA before meeting the doctor. The YMCA was great, many miles on machines, hot looking women working out to music below my rowing machine - not that I really care about the women, but the music is interesting. Anyway I was so pumped, I jumped up and ran part of a lap - yes, both feet off the ground one foot down stretch it out and repeat.  Cool!
I also met a former Priest turned financier of some kind, the conversation was interesting, I felt sorry he was described as not believing in God, he didn't deny it, but liked that I mentioned all human relationships with God are personal. He also agreed with several of my opinions on modern 'merica. I went back to knocking out some more exercises then showered and reported to the clinic.


Met the doctor, discussed the options, signed consent forms, went and got x-rays, went home to wait for the call for what day and time the end will be... well, I wouldn't have consented to that -- but I was BLUE when I had started the day so well. I did get a laugh on my way out - I had been charming and cute and nice to all the staff trying to make sure the olde man with the NRA Life Member ball cap and a leather coat on...was safely handled. Any way, at the heavy glass door (they do get heavy when one is depressed - it weighed the same when I came in didn't it?) right in front of my nose, on the glass was the No Gun sign. So stupid, to trust my health to people surrounded and afraid of their own fears, especially ones that I don't share. Giggling. The pistol wasn't the kind I carry, I was good. I know the difference.

Anyway, operation is on Saint Patrick's Day, a good sign, and I have affordable care... and I know the LORD loves me, and my wife will worry just because she is that way. Well, get the trash out, make supper and get better prepared for the Appleseed this weekend - procrastination only works until performance time... I will never learn.

In the 16th Century Spain and Portugal raced to conquer the world... converts and colonies

  The remainder of Europe was paying attention but had been left at the starting gate, and Spain and Portugal were bringing home spices, gold and silver and tales of great empires to conquer and savage peoples to plunder and convert. Always the mission to spread the gospel.

  England seemed interested; sponsoring explorations, quietly accepting part of the plunder from the Spanish Main and even knighting returning captains that demonstrated the superior ship building and tactical sense against the lumbering Spanish Galleons. Since the plantation system of colonization and conquest was begun in Ireland, moving Scots to settle in Ireland and conquer and confront those savage Catholic Gaels with Presbyterian Celts the idea would be worked in the North American effort. Religion would always be a very important factor in politics, good to have God on your side.

  Virginia, during Queen Elizabeth's reign, brought back tobacco and failure, later attempts were to become permanent and begin to grow. Religious opportunity, and other unwanted could be dumped on those shores to regain their freedom and become a new community.  The passage for the lowly was very much a one way trip, a starter for bringing the rest of a family over, once it became clear that there weren't treasure troves for everyone, a hard life of worship, work, productivity and commerce would make the hard voyage a fearful memory. There was land for the taking and clearing, the locals didn't use it and they seemed to get sick in bunches and died off.


   The Dutch, Swedes and French were all prepared to engage in the race for trade and colonization, with various success, depending on leadership and goals of their nations. Always more people from Europe willing to work for their better future and build a new world.

   So, in many years what was in North America, were the survivors... loosely in contact with the home country, fashions years behind or years ahead - and what was really happening in the English colonies reported a bit by dispatches, financial reports and annual accounting to the company directors in English cities. What was happening in the creation of the colonials would never be clear until the normal constant war peace cycle of European powers would be fought mainly in North America during the Seven Years War our French and Indian War, started by a Virginia Militia Officer working for the Governor of Virginia, to secure the Ohio River area for the Crown. The name of the officer was George Washington.

When I was news... or just new...

I have always been interested in me, although I could be an expert on procrastination I will never get around to it, and this blog is all about me and what I see. It was not a giant launch to go to Facebook and 'everyone' was on Facebook and then expanding their friends, or unfriending them - what a concept, I can unfriend you. In so many ways I have been a loner I am very surprised I have so many people willing to link to me - some of them are very fine people of a much different view, and I like to listen to them, they could be wrong, but they are making a point I should consider.  And some of them are very quiet, and don't visit very often, they have a real life and don't do virtual with the same passion they do reality.

Facebook makes its money the same way cable and television did - gain audience, deliver the audience to commercial interruption. Which might be why I seem to have misplaced my interest in commercial television. Now, Facebook doesn't intrude into my mind that I notice, oh, there are attempts to see what I will look at, and the real interesting stuff which you must click on gives you an almost automatic page covering ad, that you have to click to remove - stop wasting my time - make me upset enough I am gone.

I still say the best part of Facebook is the postings from folks I care about, but they aren't living on the net, so something different is happening in their lives and they will give me a glimpse in photos or notes. So it is best when they are doing stuff, and come back for a quick note.

Troubling about Facebook, there are some strange people on it. Not in my friends and family, of course, but sometimes when I drop a comment on a post from some one of a different persuasion some ugly vulgar bully shows up to display their beastly best (which isn't very good at all, Oscar Wilde they ain't). And there are the lurkers, the stalkers - waiting in ambush to make a name for themselves because you have a popular post and larger circle of friends, and no one should be that nice - it just isn't fair.  That will never happen to me, I am not nice nor popular - but then I thought that was an artificial standard of public posture, used to keep the children in line and make daily a smooth journey through our time.

I only want to be nice because: my mother would be proud, beautiful women won't cower in fear, children will smile and talk to me (even if I can't catch it all), dogs won't bite nor cringe, and smiles are always better than frowns for promoting a handsome image... and I will always be thankful for that help.

Rumor is that one of my 'friends' may stop her facebooking... is that going to be a verb? She already dumpt blogging, which hurt me because she was good. Seems she has gotten to the point that Facebook doesn't satisfy, plowing through a stoney field isn't easy nor necessary if you are just grazing cattle, only if you are going to plant. We would miss her, but the world still has her - somewhere doing real life better. Kind of like my favorite pastor moving on, can't stop going to church because it wasn't about the pastor, I can stop going to Facebook when it no longer meets my needs and enjoyment. No long term contract.

Did you ever make a difference? what happened?

  Not enough people talk about religion or politics - to maintain the calm it is easier to smile pleasantly and be a bit vague about your opinion. That is a result of lack of civility in conversation, because 'everyone knows...'  Not cowardly but prudent. Or am I just making excuses?

   I went to Battle Ground to the school house early Saturday morning and met men and women that are making a difference, really.  I know, they aren't on any red carpet, in the news and if they were making a difference it would be noted.  And it is, just your senses have been dulled by electronic information overload and you have difficulty finding out about them. Okay, just type in: http://appleseedinfo.org/ or hit this link Appleseed Information. Everything you need to know about them is through that page. The map of the United States on the right of the page will zoom you to where you can find Appleseed Events in the state you selected, and a link so you could sign up for the two day rifle marksmanship, history and heritage event. Your rifle, with sling, 500 rounds and sixty dollars to find out if you 'know very much what you are about'.

  Could say I went to encourage the youngsters to carry on, to get the word out, to meet new folks on the trail, to see some I hadn't seen for awhile at any range. But then some of them are a bit older than I, so youngster doesn't fit. What they all are is dedicated and determined to make America a nation of Riflemen again. To tell the story of April 19, 1775, to honor the heritage of the men and women of peaceful colonial towns exercising their rights being rudely suppressed by violent undisciplined military action.  A people that knew they could govern themselves better than someone far off that didn't care about them and certain unalienable rights. I do so love to read and study and then share about them, for we should be just like them and attuned to the love of Liberty.  Are we?

  First thing, get out of my Caravan and greet the first person I see that I don't know - Colycat - introduce myself, shake his hand and give him one of my new business cards. I would be spreading them around all morning. I am not really well known enough not to need the card, haven't made enough of a difference yet, although since lots of these people, that didn't need my card, had strong opinions of my value and are looking forward to working with me on the trail, on different ranges and dates. I hope.

  Twenty-one total participants.  Instructor Boot Camp, is about stirring the mind, spirit and preparing for another great year of sharing our best with those people committing to participate in the rifle marksmanship clinic and hearing the history. Colycat was laid back Passionate about the mission, I would dislike shooting Known Distance against him - he has the fire, probably shoots very well, but is humble enough not to rub it in, not without a lot of smiling. Kind of 'just glad we could do this together'.

  He had a checklist of things he wanted done, schedule of when it should be done, and goals to emphasize for our presentations and instruction. Ben and Flipper brought a bunch of food, Tionico had his coffee making perfection and always happy to share it. Spent hours talking with him after the first day before we headed off to sleep at eleven. I slept in the school, that sleeping bag is the best investment I made in Germany, bought it for German winters but it works internationally. Got it about 1984, and been using it ever since. Tionico slept in his van, better mattress system than the one I use.

   First day was about instruction in Prone and Sitting, steady hold factors and Natural Point of Aim, slings and presentation techniques. And Kenjo presented very well the 1907 leather sling, keeping it very simple, he used the same fine little green book I recommend.

   The second day would be about the telling of the history, Nero had a great ten minute outline about the people that started the country and the two reasons they came to colonize - and why that was all the difference. Then we told the three strikes of the match, the dangerous olde men stories and American Amazon gave her version of the wedding that never was. I couldn't get as good with the Third Strike of the Match, and crept into the Benediction a bit.  Colycat got up to do that, as he listened to my long standing complaint about the name of the closing call to Liberty... I know the need for the closure, the call for volunteers and supporters, and to leave a good feeling. A suggestion was to name it 'A Call to Acton', and I like that, have to build that link in mine and that would be very appropriate - what stirred Isaac Davis to lead, train and equip his minuteman company - what set him on the course of History saying 'I have not a man that is afraid to go.' offering their commitment to be the first in the march, to lead, to be the ones first engaged?  What was it? It was a great difference to be stepping out to be the one, he made a difference that I talk about still today.

I was asked to find a citation for the written in dispatches about Death on a Pale Horse.  My portable library was a hit, should make a bibliography of the readings I recommend for study of the Revolutionary War story telling. We already have more than we can tell in two days, but the hunger to hear it is out there and I should start building some relationships to perform Libertyseeds for the non-shooters. Yep, don't have too much time to start making a difference.

  

Getting prepared for a season in Liberty...

  First clear your mind of fears. Just because someone offers a really great deal, doesn't mean they are undercover BAFTE agents, informants nor Moms For Goodness Good Gun Cents. So meet the person at Denny's. The public diner is better than the parking lot behind the motorcycle leather shoppe. And I can get breakfast and a coffee.

   Being me, I was there one day early and had two eggs over easy, bacon, sour dough toast and red potatoes. Where are the grits? Oh, the Great NorthWest doesn't know what is good for it.

   Repeat the next day, with a bright red woolen coat and a faded red RWVA ball cap, good looking old guy.  Sees another fellow - figuring it is the man I was to meet. How do I decide that - a good looking OD green army ammo can swinging from his hand. And he give me four boxes of 22LR standard velocity made in the Philippines, because they can make and ship it all the way across the Pacific, and make a profit. We will take it. Thank you, sir.

   So I meet Jeff, who kindly remembers me from Walla Walla - and I put him on the correct range area - Waitsburg - where I was photographing turkeys in the morning on the berm.

   We go inside and I buy him a coffee and we share some thoughts on shooting, why the donation of ammunition (he ordered a case and wasn't going to shoot it all, must be a good guy). Good supporter of the program, hasn't earned his patch yet, but hopes to - maybe at Medicine Lake?  I encourage him to keep talking about shooting and the Appleseed program and offer and get him a bunch of trifolds to keep for passing out where he is from.

   Liberty will not be strangled by Tyranny, but smothered by Concerns of What ifs, like feathers in a pillow, very light as an individual, but a ton of them still weighs 2000 pounds, and little action or reason can get through.  Now I have two thousand round more for sharing the marksmanship and History, and reminding our shooters of the heritage they should be enjoying and the price that was paid. Oh, yeah, I gave him my business card and the tale of the target upon it (braggin', just braggin').

What is America going to do about ISIS?

  Well, since political correctness, non violence and secularism are in control in the United States - I figure they are going to do nothing under the Democrats and the current President.

  I am sure that all people of that faith are not part of ISIS, just as I am sure all people of my faith aren't people of the Gun.  I also know that ISIS will kill Christians and Jews and other faiths that don't submit, because they have faith, real belief that what they do is honored by their Prophet and their God - and you in America - where you don't live in honor, have nothing but snide remarks and jokes in bad taste and so much compassion that you actually think that all faiths are the same, and no faith is scientifically superior to fairy tales,,,  well, what do you have to drive you to victory over EVIL?

  As a truly devote Christian, you should be standing up for the message of Christ, daily, praying constantly and loving all of God's creation, asking forgiveness for your sins, showering blessing upon the mass of humanity that needs the LORD.  But there aren't enough of you to overcome something as stupid as abortion, a medical procedure to end an unborn life. How will there be enough of you to struggle for the LORD against the Evil - be it a tyrannical government or a faith driven groups deciding on the final solution, in 1945 or in 2015 - seventy years and you are going to stand in helpless lines awaiting the judgement of crazed humans believing in Godless State or faithful followers of fallen angels in Legion understood as the one true god and his prophet.

   So I watched a famous mind (in his own) call for a HOLY WAR, which has been raging for centuries on Earth, he must have missed it. But he want the help of all the godless governments, he worships at the altar of LAW and Order, against the terrorist of ISIS. I will say he is right, no one is ready to do all that is necessary to restore God to Heaven and follow Him here on Earth, not in the numbers that God needs.

   Although, trust me, God will not be defeated but if you aren't ready today it is going to be harder tomorrow and today is the only constant. Take the time to find out the truth, read the Gospel, read the Bible or your book of faith and take sides and struggle to save yourself and the lost. Every day, pray all the way.

  Life and love are not a game, also they are too important to think of as a spectator sporting event.

Taking a personal break before paying bills and filing tax return... which could be another bill...

  As I have gone over a year now with the pacemaker, I have remarked at various times to lots of people that I did not know how much I had been affected by the problem that the pacemaker fixed until I started to heal.

  As I am no longer a paid productive member of society but just another leach that has enough credit and plastic to get my way, and needing so little except entertainment and the library is already covered by my taxes so it is almost free. Anyway, as I got healthier, and things happen (like I decide to do something, and I go do it!) or I have to have the garage cleaned out by... or the telephone service done by... or get my business cards, Appleseed t-shirts packed up, or many things and still find some time to make it to the gym (or in my case the YMCA) and sweat and study yoga pants parading by...(really, I am only there for the sweat, I dimly remember what was supposed to be attractive about such fashion  -  but I am olde enough not too befooled and befuddled by them).  Seriously, I am starting to feel like I could handle a few more productive years of work - scary thought that might be if I start looking does it count against the number of un-employed if I filed for unemployment? Could I? There is probably a law against it.

  It just got me to thinking, that those in poverty, that adjust to their circumstances with aide and assistance from several layers of government that want to take care of their needs (and keep their important job secure and votes going for the political party of question) would be just like me - stuck in the rut in the road to nowhere. Sustained but not important nor productive.  The design is fixed and the bankers, politicians and those that want control, official or not official control like or even LOVE the design of that rut in the road to No Where, USA. 

  There is a lot of discussion in Europe about the new government in Greece, which was elected, and wants to change its relationship with the Central Banks about its outstanding loans.... let them default, stand on their own two feet and break free of the bondage to the bankers.  Maybe the Americas would wake up, too.  But the world is much like Earl with slow blood circulation - not really awake and aware. Afraid of going to sleep to wake to find the ship sinking - like 'All is Lost' (fine dialog, Robert Redford).  As I tried to convince my cousin that gravity is a constant and we can adjust to it, government support and proficiency isn't a constant and must be discounted, since they only help big people of power and the bankers.. always. Only God considers us equally.

Just call me... isn't that a song?

  I made the big leap into getting all my services on one bill. The price was right, the number of checks I would have to write would be fewer.... and there is an advertisement on the television that if they can't make it within a two hour window I would get Comcast credit (as in a new currency that I can't use with anyone except Comcast? a non taxable credit? does the IRS know about it?).

  Email received, the hook up box has shipped. The box arrives, I set it up in the bedroom, nothing works. Sigh, so I now know why the return label was so in my face - they knew I had no ability to self hook up. But I went to the ground and hooked up at the cable box, and I have everything, internet and such. Hmm, check the outside line in - oops, it was disconnected, connect same move back into the bedroom. Success!

  Put the telephone on the modem, no line, nothing.  Hmm, I asked to port my long time home phone number to the new XFinity (Digital) Voice.  I received emails telling me that they had called and: "Thank you for choosing XFINITY Voice. We recently called your home phone number and provided you with your XFINITY Voice Security PIN. To protect the privacy of your account, we require the use of a Security PIN to manage calling features and view or discuss your call detail records online or through Comcast Customer Service." Do you see the same problem I do?

  And if the computer can't guide you through the set up they actually have a big area of their complaint department with long suffering folks talking about how sad the service is. A very LONG line of poor service and trouble switching the number. And I just did my business cards.

   A well known secret is that I, Earl, am not a fan of telephones - unless I want to call someone, and normally I don't. So I got rid of my cell phone after my cross country motorcycle trip and I live on Face book and emails. But really, no one wants to call me, and now I can add Comcast and Xfinity Voice to the list of folks that just don't love me enough to connect. This is Friday the 13th, and the telephones aren't ringing off the hooks here - so no telethon possible. It is so quiet here that I heard the mole annoy-er outside the home chirpping randomly in the night - and my hearing isn't normally that good. Who ever designed that device was thinking of Dune's thumpers and worms.

  Calls to former provider and then to Xfinity Vocie and I now have a very happy wife and two working telephones in the home. And I am so much smarter than when I first wrote this five hours ago.

Basing a life on irrational fears...

  Once taught that Europeans believed that sailing too far to the West one would sail off the edge of the world, I knew that was never true. Not only Viking sailed to find new lands to raid and conquer, the Basque fished far beyond that edge for a long time, and kept their fishing ground secret. But there were tales that told often enough, become a relative truth and increase a person's fear.

   A much more modern fear is the one surrounding firearms that has cause the almost complete disarming of the citizens of Australia and Great Britain.  You can look it up, frightened folks were fooled into their fears by media and the power hungry to protect lives. This fear is reinforced by media treatment of drama, adventure and exotic people and places - guns and sex and violence and adult language are entertainment or NEWS.

  So in a planet full of billions of people, one to fifty humans acting criminally and killing, wounding or destroying property with firearms is something to be frightened of, really?  The people engaged in such evil behavior are insane, possessed by demons, criminally intented (I made that phrase up), or on strange mental lapses from humankind. But they aren't Legion.

  More people die by drowning in the United States than by firearms, but it makes a quick sad, sorrowful report that a child drowns. What does a sane society do? Well, they have swimming classes, they provide life guards and safe places to swim, and they avoid driving off of bridges into the water, they wear floatation devices when working and recreating on boats and hook themselves up in heavy seas. There are answers, but they never outlaw water of over a quart because it has the capacity to drown some one, or many people.

  I would wonder why there aren't more Jaws movies, why most of the monsters for entertainment became Vampires, Aliens, dragons, dwarfs, trolls and orcs -- except that the summer spent on the beach didn't make tons of money after Jaws, and shark hunting went up.

  So the media makes money on firearms by presenting humans in the worse possible way with the firearms, if sex were at all like the movies some of humanity would quit engaging in it - you just are never going to get the woman the way Bond does.  Having watched professional wrestling, boxing, martial art combat and real combat - you will never fight nor see violence like it is presented in the media - it is quicker, uglier and often so ineffective. 

   My only point is the people start to believe the 'truth' presented by the media - especially in harmless entertainment. But it isn't harmless if it makes you fearful of things you can handle by rational thinking, training and good old common sense. Now, those in POWER, will always try to disarm the public, always -- or give them the illusion that the citizen has a right to arms - except the really lethal ones that those in POWER are afraid of.... rational thinking trumps media frightening movies, books and news.

Once known as a nation of Riflemen... it was never really true, was it?

  So it is Saturday morning, and I am going shooting something... and there are other people interested going to Olympia for a demonstration against Bloomberg's Anti-Gun Conspiracy - you know the former Mayor of New York that thought big sweet drinks would cause the fall of his city, so he just made them illegal. Well he came back after guns, fooled many of the people and they voted their rights away - except if it is a right it existed before the law and can't be voted away... but then the whole law to be voted on wasn't presented, the author of the law (must have been part of a coven) wrote it so badly that now lawyers and judges will have to rule on something that flew in the face of the US Constitution and the Washington State Constitution.

  This is all because the good Mayor has irrational fears and made irrational efforts to quell his fear. A second demonstration caused a stir in the elected officials that saw citizens carrying scary black rifles of some kind OPENLY into the viewers gallery to watch their elected officials - they were afraid, frightened beyond belief, and promptly dispatched the State Troopers to monitor the group, and passed some meaningless legislation declaring they were working in a gun free zone, except for: your great State Troopers, law enforcement folks, and those elected members and staff that were carrying concealed... or just like most gun free zones - criminals with intent. The fools have made enough problems with their Ninja Mall Rat gear and guns. So I will write a letter, which should be much more effective than parading around with elected officials that don't want my opinion, clutter or noise.


  So, I go shooting.  The range is less than two miles from my home, and I never knew it existed. Tacoma Sportsmen's Club Friendly folks, helpful, and I am looking forward to shooting this again in the future - just because I have no where to go but up. About a hundred rounds fired, I have some issues to work upon. Some pictures? Sure...

  You have heard that the United States of America was referred to as a nation of riflemen. Couldn't be that any more - the NRA is running around worried about votes in Congress and your home state - yes, they do teach rifle marksmanship and safety, and yes they do sponsor competitions and ranges. But they aren't building that rugged individual rifleman part of the American Heritage - only the Boers had as well known a tradition. No, when a cousin noticed I was posting NCAA rifle team completions on Face Book, he asked how many SEC colleges has rifle teams so I went to find out. SHOCK - hardly any, because you do know that rifles are scary things don't you? The list of competing colleges is only a wikipedia search away, or I can link it.

  I will have to continue to try and find the few, that would like to learn marksmanship, sixty dollars and five hundred rounds on a two day weekend, the Appleseed Project. I thought everyone was a rifleman, and it just isn't true - your circle of friends isn't like mine, is it? I feel so sorry for those that can't, and even worse for those that could but have been frightened back into their recliner in front of the cable by Mayor Bloomberg and his henchmen. Remember, if he has his way, no big sweet drinks.

So what is my excuse... Oh, I wasn't shot down in a helicopter in Iraq...

 There just had to be a reason I am not famous, aside from the fact my mother really hoped I would be humble - it would have made her so proud.

  I should be on the road to the YMCA, but like many part-time bloggers, a few words on Facebook and some comments and emails in the cyberspaces we haunt, there is no passion to get my message out.

  I am in the midst of rebuilding our life inside the home, new ISP (if I ever get connected), new phone service at the same number, new insulated garage doors with opener (which means I have to move all the junk and motorcycle to other areas - lovely). estimated time to completion is about six weeks which is two Appleseed events and one local competition shoot away. I could have counted the number of weekly garbage pick ups or something else. The truck is rumbling along the street now, lots of noises.

  Second cup of coffee, I did make it strong today, felt dehydrated yesterday so tanked up when I got home.  There are a couple pieces of furniture that will make my living a little better. And since I am up, if I plan and build it better the whole thing will be cool. Kind of a Spring time build the nest better feeling or something. The turning off computers has really loosened the chains and it is time to get going. Signed up for nine Revolutionary War Veterans Association events through June. Need to get the word out that by going to the RWVA forum you, too, can find a fine place to learn something about history and marksmanship with good people.

   Not doing things the normal way, is either going to get me deeper into the rut, or over the edge into the new one in another direction. Life is built on choices, may all of yours be wonderful, for mine have just amazed me.

 

So January is almost over, go shooting with anyone, why not?

  If a well regulated militia is necessary for the security of Free State --- why haven't you gone shooting with someone. Rumor has it that the Swiss did, I know I did this morning.

  It is difficult to convince some people to spend some time away on a range shooting targets, some folks are looking for other things to do and conquer.  But finally, one of the men from church decided he would go with me to the range and we had a great time. He and I learned many things, about ammunition, shooting and each other. One down, many others to work on next.

  We did go early enough to get positions and targets, sure enough there was a waiting list for most of the morning. I don't think the movie is driving the desire to shoot, I still think that many got some improvement in shooting device or a rifle for Christmas and a settling in, and zeroing. We started out on sighting squares and found his ammunition wasn't powering his Ruger 10/22, it was only 750 fps, and recommended for competition indoor ranges and bolt action. He changed to Blazer and everything worked better, but now he was shooting high. Adjustments are the thing.

  When I had settled down and zeroed the Stevens 414 Armory model, single shot target rifle from 1907? I switch to shooting  a Classification AQT, the RWVA green coat. Twenty round, five per target, and on the first time through I marked in a shingle for the fun of it. My first target was 204, still a bit looser than I wanted. But then I did nail the Shingle low center, surrounded by black. Put up another Classification AQT, without the shingle and just twenty rounds and my good intentions I scored 232 of  possible 250. I was happy but chilling, temperature was dropping while the fog had lifted and long since breakfast and I hadn't dressed heavy. I changed to the Marlin Liberty Training Rifle, and loaded three magazines with five rounds each and shot at the orange center of the target. High left - change the sights (it had been used as a loaner) and then shoot again. Had a great time. Total, about a hundred rounds for me, eighty or so for him, all rounds made in Lewiston, ID, ammunition capital of the Great Northwest. Yes, they were all on target and safe.

Saturday morning, I know you are on the range somewhere...

   I have my copy of all the Appleseed Event shoots in Washington, Idaho and Oregon. Will be putting them on my calendar to check for conflicts with other stuff that I need to do. One sister mentioned driving across the country (SD to FL and back) had gotten her over fear of driving long distance alone and might think about coming to Idaho to shoot. My brother said there were a couple members of the family that had guns she might use (we've been outed!) not that he had one. I said if Sherry could come up with a twenty-five meter range the traveling Appleseed show could go her way. Now that would be fun. I have been part of an Appleseed in Spearfish, South Dakota.

   Wife got out of the home early for morning prayer. I will grab another rifle and head that way soon.

Some nice guy from India called three times yesterday to tell me that I was sending too much data from my computers and he would help me clean out the virus or program that had taken it over. Since I had no patience I disconnected the modem, shut all the computers down and did something else, came back later and cleaned all the computers and reconnected the modem, then started shutting the computers down (two are off now as we speak) and I will shut this one down after this post. Amazing the amount of time to fill if one isn't on line trying to feed on snark, snarls and snippets.

   Do check your business cards for typing errors, this blog was listed on blogsport.com instead of blogspot.com --- which would have meant one or two fewer followers.

That is an old issued one, but even they had to be checked and re-issued when they were found flawed. Those were the days.

crazy lady in the bathrobe running down the street chasing you with a potted plant

  It is that kind of a world, one day an interesting little female with a mind and a laugh and she turns into a "crazy lady in the bathrobe running down the street chasing you with a potted plant" lovely one at that.

  Probably too many males in her life... admiring ones like me.

  Today, as I waited for the light to change and I could continue home to my list of things I will do when I get around to them, I said a little prayer for each driver and I looked at them. It was good, and I do hope their day goes really well from that point, which was my point.

  I watched Bill O'Reilly talk to the new reporter on Fox News, former Navy Aviator, F-18, and she was great and humble and she was nice to Bill, cause he really doesn't know much about the service in so many ways, but he was trying. He recommended she write a book, and she came back with she would title it Killing Bill O'Reilly, which works for me, but I think he suggested it earlier before the introduction/interview.

  Still doing war by proxy, either in books or movies. Need to pay bills tomorrow, almost the end of the month and the beginning of February can't be far behind.

Lots of talk about things one knows nothing about...

  Snipers, I was interested in becoming a sniper in Vietnam, didn't happen since I was on a re-enlistment bonus and had to work in my Military Occupation Specialty - so they shipped me off to where they needed my precision computing of big rounds on little targets. Could have had a larger score than many snipers, but it wasn't really being counted except by the enemy - since it was a team effort I would never believe anything except I got the rounds on target as fast and perfect as I could. I learned that going without enough sleep for days would affect my computing abilities and that as soon as someone asked us to shoot for them - everything else was gone all we did was shoot, moving ammunition for gun crews, getting chow for people that couldn't move from the mission... making sure it was quiet so only the important words were in the air to hear.

   When I am asked about war I tell them that if they read and study the Iliad, everything about war (as the Europeans fight it) is there. I watched two versions of the story on DVD yesterday. Helen of Troy and Troy, both are good films, but not the real story - although I wish I could merge them into a better telling, must have had a ton more money in Troy than Helen of Troy. The military action was better in Troy but the story was really shortened by nine years and a bunch of months in that one. It was a ten year effort. I have Robert Fagles' translation of The Iliad, he kept the poetry - I am not smart enough to know if he kept Homer's meter.

  Too many words for someone not working on their scholarship of the classic. So I have a fine condensation with illustrations: Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of THE ILIAD by Rosemary Sutcliff,  illustrated by Alan Lee.  Seems the book Amazon.com is selling is a newer version without Alan Lee's illustrations - get the Delacorte Press, 1993. Half price books might have one - it is a keeper. For free, on the Project Gutenberg eBook has the version I read and loved for many years - mainly because of the fine line drawings, The Adventures of Odysseus and The Tales of Troy, by Padraic Colum. I have his The Children of Odin, again with illustrations, 1920, but that was when men were men and sagas and myths meant something. Willy Pogany was the illustrator.

  If I were in charge, the books of classics, would have just enough quality illustration to promote the words, but not enough to pull you out of the story, I could always go back and look at the pictures. Well this was fun, hope your days are full of heroes and heroines (does anyone know that word now? or is it like Honor, just not well understood).

At 0200Z, that is Zero Two Hundred Zulu or 8PM Central Time Zone...

 Call in to The Squirrel Report, a pod cast... (you do understand I have no idea what a podcast is) and did I mention it is only on Thursday evening if the host, co-host and guests arrive? I called in last evening and left my two cents worth... it was all about me, although the topic list was right in front of my eyes.
 

Vinnie emailed me on the Revolutionary War Veterans Association forum, he really didn't like that my avatar was cut off by the software and so grabbed it, and modified it to make it great, so I thanked him, it wasn't more than an idea and I liked it and what he did I like even better, it is now again in the improved version my Facebook avatar - which means it is an official representation of me.

Having changed my avatar again, I then grabbed a picture of me shooting Ralph's 1903A3 in Custer, Washington, which was wonderful and before it was ILLEGAL to do so (pre-passage of I594), for my background. Don't you know I wish I wasn't so fat, until in the prone position cushioned on gravel? Yeah, then I don't mind.

  I need to get back on message, as I left the YMCA yesterday I called to one of my gym buddies, make sure you go shooting this month. I want to keep saying things like that in public, I want it to become a normal part of the conversation during the course of a week. Not something to be afraid of, and if you don't talk to the unknowing, uncertain and easily impressed by choice words and billions and billions of dollars the America, a nation of riflemen, will never return. More speaking up and in kind voice with the correct word choice there might be an opportunity to enlarge the not afraid of firearms community.

  If a person doesn't want to fire a firearm, that is fine, but they shouldn't be afraid of the firearm, I would like them to know enough to make it really safe or to get an adult to make it so. But then I don't believe everyone needs to fight in one of America's many conflicts, just know that they are going on and why. I also am getting positive that concentrating on the 2nd Amendment, instead of the entire Constitution and all the ten Amendments (Bill of Rights) is not effective and larger population is affected by the ten than the one.

  I am always going to be closer to anarchist than libertarian, because if the good choice isn't in your heart and mind, the LAW won't prevent bad behavior hurting others and their property. The law will only take more choices away from you if you pay attention to it, the best is to know right from wrong and do the right thing in all you do.  Wasn't that a Davy Crockett saying from Disney "Be sure you're right and then go ahead!" Will have to look it up, on my video collection of the same.

For sure, it isn't just for the police and military to know how to shoot very well, and to defend the political will of the politicians, it is for the people to know how to shoot very well, to be safe, and to make the political will of the Nation their own.

I like to see musicians, artists, authors, and poets working their skills and I want everyone to admire a great shooter, too. Not just the ones that have to fight, but the ones puncturing paper in competition or just practice for perfect on the local range. It is a good thing to persevere, to have patience and to perform to a point beyond expectations. Warms my heart, hope to see y'all on the range one day.

Overheard in the locker room...

  You know the place where men have to go to be manly... cause the women aren't following them there, except in Europe and on sitcoms about fake people. The women don't really want to know what is going on as conversation there. They do just think that men shouldn't be left alone too long without female supervision.

  Conversations are about work, how it was in the old days, how it is now. What kind of workout are you doing, how is the program, and how are you now - mostly about health issues. Some stories and thoughts about the military, money, bankers and politicians in general.

  So at the YMCA I have a better idea of the State of the Union than the President, since he is surrounded by other people that don't know, are afraid to speak out, or are afraid to tell him or us the truth they know so well. Doesn't matter, the government has never been small enough to fix anything.

 

New Weapons, new challenges... time is running... on...

So I have a Sergeant's Halberd, and being the kind of guy I am, I need to know how to use it.. it wasn't being used as a weapon as much as a symbol of authority by the 17th Century, and by the 19th Century, it was cast off by modern military in favor of more bullets and cannonballs, since muskets had bayonets and you could always carry a knife, axe, tomahawk or shovel for killing when the ammunition ran out or the powder wasn't dry. Yep, a symbol of authority. Still, since George Washington's Marblehead boatmen would use boarding pikes instead of muskets with bayonets, and one of his generals did an important night attack with unloaded bayoneted muskets - the idea that a halberd wasn't dangerous wasn't in anyone's mind.

The 1783 Advice to The Officers of the British Army, 6th edition, Chap. XIV "To the Sergeant" As by your appointment to the halbert, you are probably at the summit of your preferment (unless you have a pretty wife, sister, or daughter). you may now begin to take a little ease, and relax from that rigid discipline you observed, when corporal. Into whatever company you are admitted, you must be careful to impress every one with an idea of your own consequence, and to make people believe, that the sergeants are the only useful and intelligent men in the corps.
  I suspect that the comments about Sergeants, Corporals and Privates are humorous with intent.

  In the manual of arms for the British Army, and Baron Von Steuben's drill manual of the American Revolution period, include the espontoon for officers and the halberd for sergeants. The best depiction of the British Regiment in line order with a Sergeant with a halberd was in the great battle on Revolution, with Donald Sutherland as the British Army Sergeant? But like one can't trust cinema for realism with firearms, edged weapons and such are a very lost art. So although you may watch repeatedly battles from the periods of pikes and two handed swords - you aren't going to become enlightened by them.

  When the original Swiss Guard were hired for the Vatican and the Pope, they probably practiced with the halberd, but they have gone to guns for real, and tradition for parades. I am sure there are some guards that do practice and learn, but it would be an after duty hobby, maybe? Since these really are edged and pointy weapons, the folks at 'pretend' medieval faires and such are blunted and sheathed and often tied safe with safety lines of bright colors - cause they are sure some fool will hack and slash someone by accident and the law suits would follow the first aid fun.

  Friday as I goofed off from my normal YMCA workout I noted in the yard clean up, that the back woods is growing wild (no one is in charge and there are many trees and bushes that need my attention with the halberd and the two handed sword. One of my favorite Musashi stories, famed Japanese master swordsman, was about his examining a cut flower from another master swordsman and sending a cut flower in return - clearly demonstrating their own skills in making the stroke and understanding the other's message.

  Weapons control begins with a foundation, and balance, and drill, drill, drill -- and question, reflect and drill, drill, drill. Mastery will only be achieved when the student has control of self, then the form, then the weapon, then the situation.... and it is best never to need more than the control of self - but, drill, drill, drill.

Words do matter and maybe the White House it correct...

Terrorists are trying to make me afraid, very afraid. So much so that I will change my life to protect myself from their attempts to destroy my loves. But then, isn't the media participating? Doesn't the media say that only professionals are prepared to protect those things of value and my loves... if they thought my loves were worth protecting anyway.

So the White House doesn't want me, or anyone else to say that a commissioned officer attacking at Fort Hood, was not a Jihadist nor a Terrorist, but just a disgruntled employee.... yeah, right.

What I think they all are - are demon possessed humans - led astray by other Satanic followers that are distorting the Koran... which I haven't time to study, since I am still fully engaged in Bible study, have years to go on that one.

So, say a prayer asking for intervention, to cast the demons out into the swine herd to drown, and shoot straight killing the poor infected person, hopefully on their way to Heaven with a clean soul.

A jihad is a war of defense of  Islam, but like all GOOD reasons for some kind of action, it will be abused by political leaders for their own purposes. A Crusade is to take up the cross (Christianity) to defend against those wanting to attack that religion -- historically the people out to convert the world to Islam, or against the NAZIs in WWII. The idea of Israel as a nation is only worrisome to the Arabs, because as a democracy with capitalism and religious tolerance (read almost secular government) it demonstrates what is possible to oppressed masses of Asia, Africa and the world - if they don't continue tribalism, racism, communism (where some are more equal than others) and religious prosecution of minority faiths.

Now, terrorists don't make me afraid. Big ugly guys don't make me afraid, and a whole bunch of other things don't scare me much. When I think I should worry I find cover, or take appropriate action to save myself and all that I love. What does worry me more is an incompetent government, stupid people trying to rule my choices, and all those folks standing around getting it on video for Youtube, Facebook and the evening news instead of helping to fix the problem that is, not the one they feel is happening.

You want a free education, go to the public library and read. All ages, all kinds -- read and learn, the government will provide a test, if you pass it will give you a certificate. That is cost effective, have fun, the libraries rock!

Being left behind...

  So as I am watching the football games, which cost big money to sponsor (or get one's ad upon) I am noticing little ap games being offered. For free! Excuse me while I smile since I don't have a platform.

  I think I need to go find a store that sells what I want. A tactical game, by turn game but only against the computer, I can conquer the computers, humans are more difficult. Especially since real humans need supplies, the electronic ones remind me of the old westerns where the six guns blazed and the cartridge loops on the belts were always full. But I can't decide what platform I should go for, and I am not a joystick jockey, I have no appreciation for jerking and such, I am wanting to put the correct troops into the fray in sync with the battle flow. Any advice would be appreciated.

  So many important things to do, but only a demonstration at Olympia for this week. Well, time to head for the YMCA, the Zumba instructor will be dancing soon...

Coming up for air..

Been swimming in an alternate author's universe, lovely gift of a Barnes and Noble gift card for my birthday, and having tons of time. I ran off and purchased print books that I can't put down.... lovely. Not hardly enough excitement and violence in my life, I go from fighting with the Black Prince, to with the Sissies, to Bob Lee Swagger, to an embedded intelligence in a dead alien lifeless form trying to get back to a working body...

I should go off to the YMCA, the range, the movies, the backyard to rake and maybe even meet some humanity along the way... but adventure calls. Thank you, Mom, for showing me the way to leave home.

New Year, anything new?

  I am reading Crisis of Empire: Britain and America in the Eighteenth Century, by Jeremy Black an Englishman. Very well done look at the subject from a world viewpoint. In our self-centered approach, it should only be important if America is the big player - the movement of populations, clashes of commerce and culture, the struggles for dominance in Europe - the need for controllable labor - supplied by poor folks, slaves and indentured servants, the assumption that nobles and wealth mean superiority - and the swimming against the currents.  All fascinating stuff. Especially when comparing and contrasting to today - it is the same with different names for the why.

  Started on taxes today, sigh. Don't have enough paperwork yet but I have one. I also have a new improved income number - increase of 1 percent or 1.7 percent or none. So the tithe check has changed. I am still happy that gasoline prices have come down, although Sunday Morning wants me to worry about fracking in public near Teddy Roosevelt's Ranch. Get real, if you are a trust baby and think that you know what is best for the world, go to fix Africa and then return to make America truly perfect.

  Fixing my world, I am the tall guy that opens the curtains in the bedroom (and closes them, come to think on it). No one else is reaching that high. Need to write more checks and get them in the mail after church today, there is a combined service - which means it is given in two languages. The cultural orientation will be that New Year is an opportunity to celebrate again, and be even more generous. I am of the opinion that more time in Sunday School study and stirring sermons in our native tongues would be better - but I am not in charge. Converting American Protestants to Korean Wannabes isn't going to happen, but the Korean elders need the sound of salvation and success in their own language - they understand it better than English.

  So in the last week, I have exercised, virtuously and virtually, 117.4 miles, in 10 hours and forty-two minutes, for a calorie burn of 11,209, in six sessions (one per day - resting on Sunday).  My question then becomes why am I such a fat old man, but it doesn't need an answer from me - I am the fellow that eats, and I can open all the doors to opportunity in this home.

  Saw my grandchildren on Skype.com, and laugh at knowing once one has conquered self and the local world - I have run out of time to really enjoy it - so I will take it as I can. In the end they will do well, but not because of any PROGRAM from several government agencies love of them. Mostly because they have parents, and community that do love them. The government is more problem than solution to competent people, so sad. I could say that the competent people would like the government to control those less able than themselves - but I would be repeating what I have been reading about why the King of England was a great thing, or the Khan, or the Tsar, or the Pope --- someone has to do it. Control the unwashed masses.

   Don't you ever wonder why if most of the humans in your country are not as intelligent as you are, nor as capable, why they have any vote that counts the same as your own? Maybe that is why those special elite folks will use every advantage to maintain position on top of the heap.... they are afraid, very afraid.