Monday, December 31, 2012
Notes from the gun shop...
We were open ½ day today, i.e. closed at noon. 7 background checks. Every AR that comes in sells within minutes. Yes, some folks are looking to sell their guns to make some money and they are making a profit. Of the so-called assault rifles there is one Hi-Point carbine in the rack. We had a bunch of Glocks on order and packed for us prior to the latest run on guns and so we have a few. I sold the last 19 today. Don't know when we'll get another. Buyers here have now apparently started on ammo, bullets, primers and powder. However, as much as the "black" rifles have been in demand, most everything has sold. People believe that they #1, have no say in their government and #2, there will be a ban of some sort. While hoping for the best they are preparing for the very worst. Young or old, male or female, it doesn't matter. This is not the way to ring in a new year.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Oath of Enlistment - We need to remember...
For those who want to see the oath in a version that is distributable or want to be reminded of their duty...
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our savior, whose sacrifice of his life in this world redeemed all of our sins, I hope that you are telling your friends about him.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
CHRISTMAS PAST Washington's Gift
Our revolution could have ended in despotism, like so many others.
BY THOMAS FLEMING
Tuesday, December 25, 2007 12:01 a.m.
There is a Christmas story at the birth of this country that very few Americans know. It involves a single act by George Washington--his refusal to take absolute power--that affirms our own deepest beliefs about self-government, and still has profound meaning in today's world. To appreciate its significance, however, we must revisit a dark period at the end of America's eight-year struggle for independence.
The story begins with Gen. Washington's arrival in Annapolis, Md., on Dec. 19, 1783. The country was finally at peace--just a few weeks earlier the last British army on American soil had sailed out of New York harbor. But the previous eight months had been a time of terrible turmoil and anguish for Gen. Washington, outwardly always so composed. His army had been discharged and sent home, unpaid, by a bankrupt Congress--without a victory parade or even a statement of thanks for their years of sacrifices and sufferings.
Instead, not a few congressmen and their allies in the press had waged a vitriolic smear campaign against the soldiers--especially the officers, because they supposedly demanded too much money for back pay and pensions. Washington had done his utmost to persuade Congress to pay them, yet failed, in this failure losing the admiration of many of the younger officers. Some sneeringly called him "The Great Illustrissimo"--a mocking reference to his world-wide fame. When he said farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York early in December, he had wept at the sight of anger and resentment on many faces.
Congressman Alexander Hamilton, once Washington's most gifted aide, had told him in a morose letter that there was a "principle of hostility to an army" loose in the country and too many congressmen shared it. Bitterly, Hamilton added that he had "an indifferent opinion of the honesty" of the United States of America.
Soon Hamilton was spreading an even lower opinion of Congress. Its members had fled Philadelphia when a few hundred unpaid soldiers in the city's garrison surrounded the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall), demanding back pay. Congressman Hamilton called the affair "weak and disgusting to the last degree" and soon resigned his seat.
The rest of the country agreed. There were hoots of derision and contempt for Congress in newspapers from Boston to Savannah. The politicians took refuge in the village of Princeton, N.J., where they rejected Washington's advice to fund a small postwar regular army, then wandered to Annapolis.
In Amsterdam, where brokers were trying to sell shares in an American loan negotiated by John Adams, sales plummeted. Even America's best friend in Europe, the Marquis de Lafayette, wondered aloud if the United States was about to collapse. A deeply discouraged Washington admitted he saw "one head turning into thirteen."
Was there anyone who could rescue the situation? Many people thought only George Washington could work this miracle.
Earlier in the year he had been urged to summarily dismiss Congress and rule as an uncrowned king, under the title of president. He emphatically refused to consider the idea. Now many people wondered if he might have changed his mind. At the very least he might appear before Congress and issue a scathing denunciation of their cowardly flight from Philadelphia and their ingratitude to his soldiers. That act would destroy whatever shreds of legitimacy the politicians had left.
At noon on Dec. 23, Washington and two aides walked from their hotel to the Annapolis State House, where Congress was sitting. Barely 20 delegates had bothered to show up.
The general and his aides took designated seats in the assembly chamber. The president of Congress, Thomas Mifflin of Pennsylvania, began the proceedings: "Sir, the United States in Congress assembled are prepared to receive your communications."
Mifflin had been one of the generals who attempted to humiliate Washington into resigning during the grim winter at Valley Forge. He had smeared Washington as a puffed-up egotist, denigrated his military ability, and used his wealth to persuade not a few congressmen to agree with him. A few months later, Mifflin was forced to quit the army after being accused of stealing millions as quartermaster general.
Addressing this scandal-tarred enemy, Washington drew a speech from his coat pocket and unfolded it with trembling hands. "Mr. President," he began in a low, strained voice. "The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place; I now have the honor of offering my sincere congratulations to Congress and of presenting myself before them to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country."
Washington went on to express his gratitude for the support of "my countrymen" and the "army in general." This reference to his soldiers ignited feelings so intense, he had to grip the speech with both hands to keep it steady. He continued: "I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God and those who have the superintendence of them \[Congress\] to his holy keeping."
For a long moment, Washington could not say another word. Tears streamed down his cheeks. The words touched a vein of religious faith in his inmost soul, born of battlefield experiences that had convinced him of the existence of a caring God who had protected him and his country again and again during the war. Without this faith he might never have been able to endure the frustrations and rage he had experienced in the previous eight months.
Washington then drew from his coat a parchment copy of his appointment as commander in chief. "Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theater of action and bidding farewell to this august body under whom I have long acted, I here offer my commission and take leave of all the employments of public life." Stepping forward, he handed the document to Mifflin.
This was--is--the most important moment in American history.
The man who could have dispersed this feckless Congress and obtained for himself and his soldiers rewards worthy of their courage was renouncing absolute power. By this visible, incontrovertible act, Washington did more to affirm America's government of the people than a thousand declarations by legislatures and treatises by philosophers.
Thomas Jefferson, author of the greatest of these declarations, witnessed this drama as a delegate from Virginia. Intuitively, he understood its historic dimension. "The moderation. . . . of a single character," he later wrote, "probably prevented this revolution from being closed, as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty it was intended to establish."
In Europe, Washington's resignation restored America's battered prestige. It was reported with awe and amazement in newspapers from London to Vienna. The Connecticut painter John Trumbull, studying in England, wrote that it had earned the "astonishment and admiration of this part of the world."
Washington shook hands with each member of Congress and not a few of the spectators. Meanwhile, his aides were bringing their horses and baggage wagons from their hotel. They had left orders for everything to be packed and ready for an immediate departure.
The next day, after an overnight stop at a tavern, they rode at a steady pace toward Mount Vernon. Finally, as twilight shrouded the winter sky, the house came into view beside the Potomac River. Past bare trees and wintry fields the three horsemen trotted toward the white-pillared porch and the green shuttered windows, aglow with candlelight. Waiting for them at the door was Martha Washington and two grandchildren. It was Christmas eve. Ex-Gen. Washington--and the United States of America--had survived the perils of both war and peace.
Mr. Fleming is the author, most recently, of "The Perils of Peace: America's Struggle for Survival After Yorktown" (Collins, 2007).
BY THOMAS FLEMING
Tuesday, December 25, 2007 12:01 a.m.
There is a Christmas story at the birth of this country that very few Americans know. It involves a single act by George Washington--his refusal to take absolute power--that affirms our own deepest beliefs about self-government, and still has profound meaning in today's world. To appreciate its significance, however, we must revisit a dark period at the end of America's eight-year struggle for independence.
The story begins with Gen. Washington's arrival in Annapolis, Md., on Dec. 19, 1783. The country was finally at peace--just a few weeks earlier the last British army on American soil had sailed out of New York harbor. But the previous eight months had been a time of terrible turmoil and anguish for Gen. Washington, outwardly always so composed. His army had been discharged and sent home, unpaid, by a bankrupt Congress--without a victory parade or even a statement of thanks for their years of sacrifices and sufferings.
Instead, not a few congressmen and their allies in the press had waged a vitriolic smear campaign against the soldiers--especially the officers, because they supposedly demanded too much money for back pay and pensions. Washington had done his utmost to persuade Congress to pay them, yet failed, in this failure losing the admiration of many of the younger officers. Some sneeringly called him "The Great Illustrissimo"--a mocking reference to his world-wide fame. When he said farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York early in December, he had wept at the sight of anger and resentment on many faces.
Congressman Alexander Hamilton, once Washington's most gifted aide, had told him in a morose letter that there was a "principle of hostility to an army" loose in the country and too many congressmen shared it. Bitterly, Hamilton added that he had "an indifferent opinion of the honesty" of the United States of America.
Soon Hamilton was spreading an even lower opinion of Congress. Its members had fled Philadelphia when a few hundred unpaid soldiers in the city's garrison surrounded the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall), demanding back pay. Congressman Hamilton called the affair "weak and disgusting to the last degree" and soon resigned his seat.
The rest of the country agreed. There were hoots of derision and contempt for Congress in newspapers from Boston to Savannah. The politicians took refuge in the village of Princeton, N.J., where they rejected Washington's advice to fund a small postwar regular army, then wandered to Annapolis.
In Amsterdam, where brokers were trying to sell shares in an American loan negotiated by John Adams, sales plummeted. Even America's best friend in Europe, the Marquis de Lafayette, wondered aloud if the United States was about to collapse. A deeply discouraged Washington admitted he saw "one head turning into thirteen."
Was there anyone who could rescue the situation? Many people thought only George Washington could work this miracle.
Earlier in the year he had been urged to summarily dismiss Congress and rule as an uncrowned king, under the title of president. He emphatically refused to consider the idea. Now many people wondered if he might have changed his mind. At the very least he might appear before Congress and issue a scathing denunciation of their cowardly flight from Philadelphia and their ingratitude to his soldiers. That act would destroy whatever shreds of legitimacy the politicians had left.
At noon on Dec. 23, Washington and two aides walked from their hotel to the Annapolis State House, where Congress was sitting. Barely 20 delegates had bothered to show up.
The general and his aides took designated seats in the assembly chamber. The president of Congress, Thomas Mifflin of Pennsylvania, began the proceedings: "Sir, the United States in Congress assembled are prepared to receive your communications."
Mifflin had been one of the generals who attempted to humiliate Washington into resigning during the grim winter at Valley Forge. He had smeared Washington as a puffed-up egotist, denigrated his military ability, and used his wealth to persuade not a few congressmen to agree with him. A few months later, Mifflin was forced to quit the army after being accused of stealing millions as quartermaster general.
Addressing this scandal-tarred enemy, Washington drew a speech from his coat pocket and unfolded it with trembling hands. "Mr. President," he began in a low, strained voice. "The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place; I now have the honor of offering my sincere congratulations to Congress and of presenting myself before them to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country."
Washington went on to express his gratitude for the support of "my countrymen" and the "army in general." This reference to his soldiers ignited feelings so intense, he had to grip the speech with both hands to keep it steady. He continued: "I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God and those who have the superintendence of them \[Congress\] to his holy keeping."
For a long moment, Washington could not say another word. Tears streamed down his cheeks. The words touched a vein of religious faith in his inmost soul, born of battlefield experiences that had convinced him of the existence of a caring God who had protected him and his country again and again during the war. Without this faith he might never have been able to endure the frustrations and rage he had experienced in the previous eight months.
Washington then drew from his coat a parchment copy of his appointment as commander in chief. "Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theater of action and bidding farewell to this august body under whom I have long acted, I here offer my commission and take leave of all the employments of public life." Stepping forward, he handed the document to Mifflin.
This was--is--the most important moment in American history.
The man who could have dispersed this feckless Congress and obtained for himself and his soldiers rewards worthy of their courage was renouncing absolute power. By this visible, incontrovertible act, Washington did more to affirm America's government of the people than a thousand declarations by legislatures and treatises by philosophers.
Thomas Jefferson, author of the greatest of these declarations, witnessed this drama as a delegate from Virginia. Intuitively, he understood its historic dimension. "The moderation. . . . of a single character," he later wrote, "probably prevented this revolution from being closed, as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty it was intended to establish."
In Europe, Washington's resignation restored America's battered prestige. It was reported with awe and amazement in newspapers from London to Vienna. The Connecticut painter John Trumbull, studying in England, wrote that it had earned the "astonishment and admiration of this part of the world."
Washington shook hands with each member of Congress and not a few of the spectators. Meanwhile, his aides were bringing their horses and baggage wagons from their hotel. They had left orders for everything to be packed and ready for an immediate departure.
The next day, after an overnight stop at a tavern, they rode at a steady pace toward Mount Vernon. Finally, as twilight shrouded the winter sky, the house came into view beside the Potomac River. Past bare trees and wintry fields the three horsemen trotted toward the white-pillared porch and the green shuttered windows, aglow with candlelight. Waiting for them at the door was Martha Washington and two grandchildren. It was Christmas eve. Ex-Gen. Washington--and the United States of America--had survived the perils of both war and peace.
Mr. Fleming is the author, most recently, of "The Perils of Peace: America's Struggle for Survival After Yorktown" (Collins, 2007).
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Notes from the gun shop...
I had to check with the boss man to see how things were going. Sales this week have been 3-5 times normal for this time of year. That's in dollar amounts. He received 11 AR-15 type rifles of various makes yesterday (ordered Monday) and sold 10. I saw one green stocked Bushmaster on the rack when I left this morning. 3 people were filling out background check forms (4473 and the VA state form). He's putting guns out but the racks and cases are starting to look a bit bare.
The election certainly didn't arouse anyone around here but even the stereotypical little old ladies I talk to believe that gun control of some sort is coming even though they acknowledge it will do no good. Most say that an armed presence of some sort must be in every school. Many think that the principal or vice-principal (where that person doesn't also have a classroom responsibility as many do in our elementary schools) could be that person. Of course, they would have to be trained. Obvious, too, is that this person should carry concealed. Everyone seems to have noticed, even the gun control advocates, that any resistance results in an end, one way or the other, to the attack.
So, the "panic" sales continue apace and will until there is nothing to be bought.
The election certainly didn't arouse anyone around here but even the stereotypical little old ladies I talk to believe that gun control of some sort is coming even though they acknowledge it will do no good. Most say that an armed presence of some sort must be in every school. Many think that the principal or vice-principal (where that person doesn't also have a classroom responsibility as many do in our elementary schools) could be that person. Of course, they would have to be trained. Obvious, too, is that this person should carry concealed. Everyone seems to have noticed, even the gun control advocates, that any resistance results in an end, one way or the other, to the attack.
So, the "panic" sales continue apace and will until there is nothing to be bought.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Thoughts on Newtown, Connecticut
At about 0930 on Friday, 14 Dec 2012, a man entered the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut and murdered 20 children aged 6-7 and 6 female staff members including the principal.
However, this is not the worst U.S. school murder ever. On 18 May 1927 in Bath Township, Michigan, a man committed 3 bombings and killed 38 elementary school children, two teachers, and four other adults; at least 58 people were injured. The perpetrator first killed his wife, and committed suicide with his last explosion. Most of the victims were children in the second to sixth grades (7–14 years of age[1]) attending the Bath Consolidated School. Their deaths constitute the deadliest mass murder in a school in United States history.
Apparently a 20-year old man with some degree of various personality "disorders" killed his mother and stole her legally owned firearms, specifically a Bushmaster AR-15 type rifle, a Glock and a Sig-Sauer pistol, went to the school. Shot his way through the door in some manner, went into the school and then went one room to another shooting children and staff as they appeared until the police response arrived and then shot himself. Among the details not in question is his shooting of individuals multiple times each and the reported expenditure of "hundreds" of rounds. (He could have actually expended about 150 rounds and still shot the victims 5-6 times each.) Whether or not he was aiming at the victims at ranges not exceeding about 35 feet or if he was simply shooting "from the hip" we might not ever know. 4 or 5 weapons were found at the scene, those mentioned and 1 or 2 others with what appears to be a shotgun found in the trunk of his mother's car.
Most of what I now know about the Sandy Hook event comes from various news reports and the reliability of those reports is in doubt. However, many people including, inevitably, the politicians have already reached various conclusions about what should be done based mostly on dogma supported by these "reports". In fact what we are discovering is that nothing the press has reported and not all of what the coroner has said in the news conference was accurate. So pretty much everything can be suspected as inaccurately reported for the moment. Still, the rush to ban guns, despite polls showing this is the LEAST desired course of action, continues.
"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C. S. Lewis
However, this is not the worst U.S. school murder ever. On 18 May 1927 in Bath Township, Michigan, a man committed 3 bombings and killed 38 elementary school children, two teachers, and four other adults; at least 58 people were injured. The perpetrator first killed his wife, and committed suicide with his last explosion. Most of the victims were children in the second to sixth grades (7–14 years of age[1]) attending the Bath Consolidated School. Their deaths constitute the deadliest mass murder in a school in United States history.
Apparently a 20-year old man with some degree of various personality "disorders" killed his mother and stole her legally owned firearms, specifically a Bushmaster AR-15 type rifle, a Glock and a Sig-Sauer pistol, went to the school. Shot his way through the door in some manner, went into the school and then went one room to another shooting children and staff as they appeared until the police response arrived and then shot himself. Among the details not in question is his shooting of individuals multiple times each and the reported expenditure of "hundreds" of rounds. (He could have actually expended about 150 rounds and still shot the victims 5-6 times each.) Whether or not he was aiming at the victims at ranges not exceeding about 35 feet or if he was simply shooting "from the hip" we might not ever know. 4 or 5 weapons were found at the scene, those mentioned and 1 or 2 others with what appears to be a shotgun found in the trunk of his mother's car.
Most of what I now know about the Sandy Hook event comes from various news reports and the reliability of those reports is in doubt. However, many people including, inevitably, the politicians have already reached various conclusions about what should be done based mostly on dogma supported by these "reports". In fact what we are discovering is that nothing the press has reported and not all of what the coroner has said in the news conference was accurate. So pretty much everything can be suspected as inaccurately reported for the moment. Still, the rush to ban guns, despite polls showing this is the LEAST desired course of action, continues.
"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C. S. Lewis
Notes from the gun shop...
Was at the shop Wednesday morning and the panic buying continues apace. I was there an hour, on my off day, and did 2 sales because the 4 other counter guys (including the boss) were busy. I saw 2 ARs go out the door. I went back at noon bearing pizzas for the crew as a Christmas gift. It was tough for them to find the time to eat a slice or two. VERY busy. The shelves are getting more and more bare. Almost all the Glocks and in-stock ARs were gone but there are more due in, supposedly already in transit. Some of those are already sold though. Ammo is starting to flow out the door more quickly and I sold a couple of bricks of primers to people concerned about future supply.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Notes from the gun shop...
It was a busy day today in the shop but not nearly as busy as Friday and Saturday. While we did 15 background checks today, they did 60 over the previous 2 days the shop was open. The terrible attack on the elementary school in Newtown, CT has emboldened politicians to call for more gun controls despite Connecticut being the 5th most strictly controlled state according to the gun control activists. This obviously prepared assault on 2nd amendment rights has frightened a number of people and Christmas shopping was replaced by precautionary purchases of semi-automatic pistols and rifles and high capacity magazines for them. We know that this is happening elsewhere in the country because all our distributors have, in 4 days, sold out of their stocks of many of these items. There are no AR-15 magazines to be had. The same applies to .223 and 7.62x39mm ammunition as it is almost literally flying off the shelves. We had 4 people working the counter today and it was about all we could do to keep up with the customers.
Unfortunately, I missed 1½ hours of the rush as I had to go to the dentist to deal with a developing abcess and to get the antibiotics to treat it. I had thought the discomfort was due to congestion from my cold until yesterday afternoon when I noticed that although the congestion was gone, the pain in the gum above one particular tooth was not. That tooth may require another root canal!
Unfortunately, I missed 1½ hours of the rush as I had to go to the dentist to deal with a developing abcess and to get the antibiotics to treat it. I had thought the discomfort was due to congestion from my cold until yesterday afternoon when I noticed that although the congestion was gone, the pain in the gum above one particular tooth was not. That tooth may require another root canal!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Bill of Rights Day
The Bill of Rights, came into effect as Constitutional Amendments on December 15, 1791. You should read them you might not get to enjoy them for long.
First Amendment – Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause; freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly; right to petition
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Second Amendment – Militia (United States), Sovereign state, Right to keep and bear arms.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.[60]
Third Amendment – Protection from quartering of troops.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Fourth Amendment – Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.
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.
Fifth Amendment – due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, eminent domain.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Sixth Amendment – Trial by jury and rights of the accused; Confrontation Clause, speedy trial, public trial, right to counsel
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Seventh Amendment – Civil trial by jury.
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Eighth Amendment – Prohibition of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Ninth Amendment – Protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Tenth Amendment – Powers of States and people.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Darne M1892 Rotating Breech Shotgun...
Had a Mr. Charles D____ bring this in for identification. I will attempt to post here all I know about it. It is a Darne manufactured side by side shotgun, apparently chambered for the 12 ga. 2½" shell but I was unable to verify this as I had no tools, not even a proper screwdriver with which to remove the forearm. It was definitely made before WWII as it was found in the forest by a US GI (Mr. D's father) during the Battle of the Bulge. I think we can safely say that this is a pretty unique acquisitional circumstance!
I got to shoulder the gun and it fits me to a "T". I'd love to quail hunt with such a gun. It is light, well made, comes to the shoulder easily and my eye is correctly aligned right down the rib. With light 12 or 16 ga loads it would be a delight on upland game.
Regis Darne is the designer and obviously he had a unique approach to solving engineering problems. This was his first approach to the problem and in 1881 he produced a hammer gun in which everthing rotated to the right to open the breach. Of his rotary breach guns, the 1881 has hammers, the 1892 does not and the 1908 has the lever on top in a more (now) conventional position. This last gun was produced in very limited numbers, some say as few as 1000 guns were made. Darne probably saw that his own sliding breach shotgun, for which he is much better known here, was a better system and less expensive to produce.
I don't think that there are very many in the U.S. as this is the first I've seen. Further, I can't remember reading much about them. Regis Darne's later sliding breach shotgun is much more well known.
The owner wanted a value on this gun. I believe it has the shorter chambers and may not be nitro proofed. But, again, I was unable to check because I didn't have a proper screwdriver or measuring tool. I estimated that it was worth between $2500 and $3000. I have now seen values nearing $4500 for this gun. I suspect that other gauges might be more desirable and perhaps more or less common. That has to affect value.
In sequence this is the method of operating the action...
Links:
- Darne by Jean Michel
I got to shoulder the gun and it fits me to a "T". I'd love to quail hunt with such a gun. It is light, well made, comes to the shoulder easily and my eye is correctly aligned right down the rib. With light 12 or 16 ga loads it would be a delight on upland game.
 |
| The action closed as seen from the right |
 |
| The Butt Plate |
 |
| The muzzles showing the "feather" rib and sight bead |
 |
| The action open as seen from the right side |
The owner wanted a value on this gun. I believe it has the shorter chambers and may not be nitro proofed. But, again, I was unable to check because I didn't have a proper screwdriver or measuring tool. I estimated that it was worth between $2500 and $3000. I have now seen values nearing $4500 for this gun. I suspect that other gauges might be more desirable and perhaps more or less common. That has to affect value.
 |
| The action open as seen from the rear |
 |
| The rib at the breach showing the matting and barrel marking |
Links:
- Darne by Jean Michel
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Had to get out of the house...
Had to get out of the house. Tried the other day but it was pretty foggy and wet and all I got was a good walk out of it. Actually it was pretty nice.
So, today, after lunch, I was out again. Wandered about a bit and with nobody parking anywhere nearby engaged in some plinking at pine cones and such with a safe background. Carried the USFA Rodeo (which I suppose will be approaching cult collector status according to the prices they are asking) I got from Rob L____ and the Remington 12CS I got from David M__. Sorry Rob, but I wore the Mernickle P6SA. The plinking was all done with the Remington. Yes, it is .22 WRF and the ammo is pricier than the .22 LR but I do have 6000 rounds on hand and this is why I got the rifle. The cartridges were sticking going in and coming out of the chamber so I took a moment to clean it and all was well. We both lay down for a rest about half-way through. I took a photo of the Remington reclining.
It was a pretty good day.
The bear hunters seem to predominate now. No birders (but I did jump another 2 grouse) and I think I was the only squirrel "hunter" out today.
 |
| Typical logging road after 20-40 years... |
 |
| Remington Model 12CS, .22 Winchester Rimfire (.22 Remington Special) |
The bear hunters seem to predominate now. No birders (but I did jump another 2 grouse) and I think I was the only squirrel "hunter" out today.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Notes from the gun shop...
People are trickling in to get their post-Obama re-election gun but it is nothing like 2008 around here. What is big are Christmas presents. However, I get the feeling that some Christmas presents are also post re-election guns. We did about 6 transfers today.
How do you feel about having to check off whether you are Hispanic or non-Hispanic if you are white? Interesting, isn't it. Not really necessary to identifying people as to whether or not they qualify for firearms possession, is it?
Had a long talk with Gary S_____ who just happens to also be a close friend of Walt, Ellie and Hunter L_____ over in West Virginia. And here we've been talking to one another for over 4 years not knowing this. I wrote and told Hunter and he knew right off who it was.
We have some neat guns in the shop. A really nice looking Rifle U.S. M1 .30 caliber (Garand) but I don't know how it gauges. The barrel appears to be new. There are 3 Colt revolvers in the case. A transitional Police Positive, a Police Positive Special and a Single Action from 1971 (the NRA gun) with what appears to be Ajax mother of pearl stocks. There is still one of the Winchester Model 61s in the rack. There is also a Nazi marked FN 1922 and a Colt 1908 hammerless pocket (.380).
How do you feel about having to check off whether you are Hispanic or non-Hispanic if you are white? Interesting, isn't it. Not really necessary to identifying people as to whether or not they qualify for firearms possession, is it?
Had a long talk with Gary S_____ who just happens to also be a close friend of Walt, Ellie and Hunter L_____ over in West Virginia. And here we've been talking to one another for over 4 years not knowing this. I wrote and told Hunter and he knew right off who it was.
We have some neat guns in the shop. A really nice looking Rifle U.S. M1 .30 caliber (Garand) but I don't know how it gauges. The barrel appears to be new. There are 3 Colt revolvers in the case. A transitional Police Positive, a Police Positive Special and a Single Action from 1971 (the NRA gun) with what appears to be Ajax mother of pearl stocks. There is still one of the Winchester Model 61s in the rack. There is also a Nazi marked FN 1922 and a Colt 1908 hammerless pocket (.380).
Saturday, December 01, 2012
"The 'eathen" by Rudyard Kipling
The 'eathen in 'is blindness bows down to wood an' stone;
'E don't obey no orders unless they is 'is own;
'E keeps 'is side-arms awful: 'e leaves 'em all about,
An' then comes up the Regiment an' pokes the 'eathen out.
All along o' dirtiness, all along o' mess,
All along o' doin' things rather-more-or-less,
All along of abby-nay, kul, an' hazar-ho,
Mind you keep your rifle an' yourself jus' so!
The young recruit is 'aughty -- 'e draf's from Gawd knows where;
They bid 'im show 'is stockin's an' lay 'is mattress square;
'E calls it bloomin' nonsense -- 'e doesn't know, no more --
An' then up comes 'is Company an'kicks'im round the floor!
The young recruit is 'ammered -- 'e takes it very hard;
'E 'angs 'is 'ead an' mutters -- 'e sulks about the yard;
'E talks o' "cruel tyrants" which 'e'll swing for by-an'-by,
An' the others 'ears an' mocks 'im, an' the boy goes orf to cry.
The young recruit is silly -- 'e thinks o' suicide.
'E's lost 'is gutter-devil; 'e 'asn't got 'is pride;
But day by day they kicks 'im, which 'elps 'im on a bit,
Till 'e finds 'isself one mornin' with a full an' proper kit.
Gettin' clear o' dirtiness, gettin' done with mess,
Gettin' shut o' doin' things rather-more-or-less;
Not so fond of abby-nay, kul, nor hazar-ho,
Learns to keep 'is ripe an "isself jus'so!
The young recruit is 'appy -- 'e throws a chest to suit;
You see 'im grow mustaches; you 'ear 'im slap' is boot.
'E learns to drop the "bloodies" from every word 'e slings,
An 'e shows an 'ealthy brisket when 'e strips for bars an' rings.
The cruel-tyrant-sergeants they watch 'im 'arf a year;
They watch 'im with 'is comrades, they watch 'im with 'is beer;
They watch 'im with the women at the regimental dance,
And the cruel-tyrant-sergeants send 'is name along for "Lance."
An' now 'e's 'arf o' nothin', an' all a private yet,
'Is room they up an' rags 'im to see what they will get.
They rags 'im low an' cunnin', each dirty trick they can,
But 'e learns to sweat 'is temper an 'e learns to sweat 'is man.
An', last, a Colour-Sergeant, as such to be obeyed,
'E schools 'is men at cricket, 'e tells 'em on parade,
They sees 'im quick an 'andy, uncommon set an' smart,
An' so 'e talks to orficers which 'ave the Core at 'eart.
'E learns to do 'is watchin' without it showin' plain;
'E learns to save a dummy, an' shove 'im straight again;
'E learns to check a ranker that's buyin' leave to shirk;
An 'e learns to make men like 'im so they'll learn to like their work.
An' when it comes to marchin' he'll see their socks are right,
An' when it comes: to action 'e shows 'em how to sight.
'E knows their ways of thinkin' and just what's in their mind;
'E knows when they are takin' on an' when they've fell be'ind.
'E knows each talkin' corp'ral that leads a squad astray;
'E feels 'is innards 'eavin', 'is bowels givin' way;
'E sees the blue-white faces all tryin 'ard to grin,
An 'e stands an' waits an' suffers till it's time to cap'em in.
An' now the hugly bullets come peckin' through the dust,
An' no one wants to face 'em, but every beggar must;
So, like a man in irons, which isn't glad to go,
They moves 'em off by companies uncommon stiff an' slow.
Of all 'is five years' schoolin' they don't remember much
Excep' the not retreatin', the step an' keepin' touch.
It looks like teachin' wasted when they duck an' spread an 'op --
But if 'e 'adn't learned 'em they'd be all about the shop.
An' now it's "'Oo goes backward?" an' now it's "'Oo comes on?"
And now it's "Get the doolies," an' now the Captain's gone;
An' now it's bloody murder, but all the while they 'ear
'Is voice, the same as barrick-drill, a-shepherdin' the rear.
'E's just as sick as they are, 'is 'eart is like to split,
But 'e works 'em, works 'em, works 'em till he feels them take the bit;
The rest is 'oldin' steady till the watchful bugles play,
An 'e lifts 'em, lifts 'em, lifts 'em through the charge that wins the day!
The 'eathen in 'is blindness bows down to wood an' stone --
'E don't obey no orders unless they is 'is own.
The 'eathen in 'is blindness must end where 'e began
But the backbone of the Army is the Non-commissioned Man!
Keep away from dirtiness -- keep away from mess,
Don't get into doin' things rather-more-or-less!
Let's ha' done with abby-nay, kul, and hazar-ho;
Mind you keep your rifle an' yourself jus' so!
'E don't obey no orders unless they is 'is own;
'E keeps 'is side-arms awful: 'e leaves 'em all about,
An' then comes up the Regiment an' pokes the 'eathen out.
All along o' dirtiness, all along o' mess,
All along o' doin' things rather-more-or-less,
All along of abby-nay, kul, an' hazar-ho,
Mind you keep your rifle an' yourself jus' so!
The young recruit is 'aughty -- 'e draf's from Gawd knows where;
They bid 'im show 'is stockin's an' lay 'is mattress square;
'E calls it bloomin' nonsense -- 'e doesn't know, no more --
An' then up comes 'is Company an'kicks'im round the floor!
The young recruit is 'ammered -- 'e takes it very hard;
'E 'angs 'is 'ead an' mutters -- 'e sulks about the yard;
'E talks o' "cruel tyrants" which 'e'll swing for by-an'-by,
An' the others 'ears an' mocks 'im, an' the boy goes orf to cry.
The young recruit is silly -- 'e thinks o' suicide.
'E's lost 'is gutter-devil; 'e 'asn't got 'is pride;
But day by day they kicks 'im, which 'elps 'im on a bit,
Till 'e finds 'isself one mornin' with a full an' proper kit.
Gettin' clear o' dirtiness, gettin' done with mess,
Gettin' shut o' doin' things rather-more-or-less;
Not so fond of abby-nay, kul, nor hazar-ho,
Learns to keep 'is ripe an "isself jus'so!
The young recruit is 'appy -- 'e throws a chest to suit;
You see 'im grow mustaches; you 'ear 'im slap' is boot.
'E learns to drop the "bloodies" from every word 'e slings,
An 'e shows an 'ealthy brisket when 'e strips for bars an' rings.
The cruel-tyrant-sergeants they watch 'im 'arf a year;
They watch 'im with 'is comrades, they watch 'im with 'is beer;
They watch 'im with the women at the regimental dance,
And the cruel-tyrant-sergeants send 'is name along for "Lance."
An' now 'e's 'arf o' nothin', an' all a private yet,
'Is room they up an' rags 'im to see what they will get.
They rags 'im low an' cunnin', each dirty trick they can,
But 'e learns to sweat 'is temper an 'e learns to sweat 'is man.
An', last, a Colour-Sergeant, as such to be obeyed,
'E schools 'is men at cricket, 'e tells 'em on parade,
They sees 'im quick an 'andy, uncommon set an' smart,
An' so 'e talks to orficers which 'ave the Core at 'eart.
'E learns to do 'is watchin' without it showin' plain;
'E learns to save a dummy, an' shove 'im straight again;
'E learns to check a ranker that's buyin' leave to shirk;
An 'e learns to make men like 'im so they'll learn to like their work.
An' when it comes to marchin' he'll see their socks are right,
An' when it comes: to action 'e shows 'em how to sight.
'E knows their ways of thinkin' and just what's in their mind;
'E knows when they are takin' on an' when they've fell be'ind.
'E knows each talkin' corp'ral that leads a squad astray;
'E feels 'is innards 'eavin', 'is bowels givin' way;
'E sees the blue-white faces all tryin 'ard to grin,
An 'e stands an' waits an' suffers till it's time to cap'em in.
An' now the hugly bullets come peckin' through the dust,
An' no one wants to face 'em, but every beggar must;
So, like a man in irons, which isn't glad to go,
They moves 'em off by companies uncommon stiff an' slow.
Of all 'is five years' schoolin' they don't remember much
Excep' the not retreatin', the step an' keepin' touch.
It looks like teachin' wasted when they duck an' spread an 'op --
But if 'e 'adn't learned 'em they'd be all about the shop.
An' now it's "'Oo goes backward?" an' now it's "'Oo comes on?"
And now it's "Get the doolies," an' now the Captain's gone;
An' now it's bloody murder, but all the while they 'ear
'Is voice, the same as barrick-drill, a-shepherdin' the rear.
'E's just as sick as they are, 'is 'eart is like to split,
But 'e works 'em, works 'em, works 'em till he feels them take the bit;
The rest is 'oldin' steady till the watchful bugles play,
An 'e lifts 'em, lifts 'em, lifts 'em through the charge that wins the day!
The 'eathen in 'is blindness bows down to wood an' stone --
'E don't obey no orders unless they is 'is own.
The 'eathen in 'is blindness must end where 'e began
But the backbone of the Army is the Non-commissioned Man!
Keep away from dirtiness -- keep away from mess,
Don't get into doin' things rather-more-or-less!
Let's ha' done with abby-nay, kul, and hazar-ho;
Mind you keep your rifle an' yourself jus' so!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Hunting
Got out to do a bit of hunting today. Went up to the mountain northwest of Elkhorn Lake and hunted that area. No mast here either. Jumped more grouse which was a bit of a surprise but saw no sign of deer OR bear. When I say no sign I mean no sign at all. Not a print, not any scat, not a single rub, not a thing. I took the Savage 99 in .308 Winchester. Would have gotten a photo of the gun out in the woods but my camera battery died. I did get a photo of of the heavy fog that was on the mountain when I started in. It was a wet and dreary day but it wasn't too cold and moving quietly was easy in the rain and with the sopping wet leaves.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Notes from the gun shop...
Boy were things busy today. We were short one man and there were a lot of people through the store. Didn't do that much business, but there were a lot of questions to be answered as people were shopping for Christmas presents. A lot of lucky people will apparently be getting guns for Christmas.
Notable guns? Well, we took in a family inheritance of 10 mostly sad guns. In that bunch there was a good Marlin 336 and a Winchester Model 67A. We also took in a Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless (.32 ACP) in excellent condition but without a box. In addition we bought a Uberti 7th Cavalry and a U.S. Carbine .30 caliber M1 (Inland mfg) with sling and oiler in excellent condition.
Sadly, we had a regular customer who's hunting season this year convinced him that his hunting days were over. He brought all his guns in to sell. I hope I never get there.
Notable guns? Well, we took in a family inheritance of 10 mostly sad guns. In that bunch there was a good Marlin 336 and a Winchester Model 67A. We also took in a Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless (.32 ACP) in excellent condition but without a box. In addition we bought a Uberti 7th Cavalry and a U.S. Carbine .30 caliber M1 (Inland mfg) with sling and oiler in excellent condition.
Sadly, we had a regular customer who's hunting season this year convinced him that his hunting days were over. He brought all his guns in to sell. I hope I never get there.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving...
Once upon a time in a land far, far, away (Plymouth Colony) a number of people who had miraculously survived a period of starvation and want. They were so happy to be alive, to have survived both the ocean voyage and the period afterwards that they had a day of Thanksgiving in which they prayed after which they "feasted". The story is quite remarkable because these people had fled a place where they and their families were persecuted for political purposes because of their religious beliefs. They were so fearful of this persecution that they had embarked on a dangerous cross-Atlantic voyage in a small ship. Among that group of celebrants of God's mercy were your ancestors. Because of them and many others who took chances, risked their lives, labored all their lives, you get to live in the freest, safest, most comfortable place the world has ever known. Don't throw it away.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Notes from the gun shop...
Wow, we were busy today. Not as busy as on Saturday, but busy. Had a lot of people through the store on the second day of regular rifle season. Had 5 or 6 of the Remington 770 rifles come in with some sort of problem. With other guns malfunctions are often a matter of operator headspace, i.e. it is the shooter's fault, but not with the 770. One gun, also a 770, had a cheap scope they had managed to mess up through misoperation. They didn't want to spend the $40.00 replacement scope offered. We've also noted that a great number of screws are either ignored until they vibrate out and are lost OR are tightened until something breaks. Of course none of these faults is noticed until the shooter tries to actually use the firearm.
We also had a couple, just a couple, of people looking for guns or ammunition due to the election. This run on ammo, primers, etc, is a non-issue around here but apparently is a big thing elsewhere. One lady said that was because we already have ours...
No reports in the shop of big bucks however the boss man had killed a deer injured so many times previously, with so much scar tissue, that the meat processor to whom he takes his venison didn't want to waste effort to process it.
We also had a couple, just a couple, of people looking for guns or ammunition due to the election. This run on ammo, primers, etc, is a non-issue around here but apparently is a big thing elsewhere. One lady said that was because we already have ours...
No reports in the shop of big bucks however the boss man had killed a deer injured so many times previously, with so much scar tissue, that the meat processor to whom he takes his venison didn't want to waste effort to process it.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tommy by Rudyard Kipling
I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer,
The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here."
The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:
O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";
But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play.
I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls,
But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls!
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside";
But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide,
The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide,
O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide.
Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap;
An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit.
Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?"
But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll.
We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints;
While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind",
But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind,
There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind,
O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind.
You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all:
We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace.
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot;
An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please;
An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!
The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here."
The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:
O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";
But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play.
I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls,
But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls!
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside";
But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide,
The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide,
O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide.
Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap;
An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit.
Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?"
But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll.
We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints;
While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind",
But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind,
There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind,
O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind.
You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all:
We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace.
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot;
An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please;
An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Gone hunting today...
Went out to Leading Ridge Road near Bradley Pond and had a great time. Saw no bear sign and no deer or deer sign but there were squirrels AND turkey AND GROUSE. I jumped FIVE, that's 5 grouse! I've not seen grouse up there for several years. My dad took me up there just after the area was clear cut back in the 1970s and Mike Mays and I hunted there before he retired. Yes, he killed a deer up above the pond. I used to see deer up there in the laurel thickets all the time. Nothing today. I also used to hunt grouse up there with our Golden Retriever, Belle (Queen's Golden Belle) after I got my driver's license in 1971. That means I've been hunting up there on my own for 41 years.
One thing this tramping around proved is that I'm out of shape. The rifle was heavy and my legs tired in no time at all. I need to work on that.
One thing this tramping around proved is that I'm out of shape. The rifle was heavy and my legs tired in no time at all. I need to work on that.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Notes from the gun shop...
We were mighty busy today with lots of phone calls looking for ammo and a number of people coming through the door who needed our time, not just stuff.
Had a guy bring in a Remington 742 caliber .30-06 which had supposedly fired before locking completely ripping out half the locking lugs. HOWEVER, the case was in one piece although the shoulder was blown all the forward to the case mouth, an almost cylindrical case. Oh, and the primer was flattened. The bolt is jammed to the rear. The rest of the gun is apparently fine. I was told this was a problem with the 742s. anyone care to comment?
We aren't having a lot of people rushing in to buy guns as with the 2008 election but we are having a few and we have already run into a back order situation on all AR-15 rifles and receivers. We still have some in stock but can't order more for immediate delivery. Dittos on the S&W Bodyguard .380. We aren't getting the rush on powder or primers at this time either. I think that local people either have "enough" from the last rush or no money to spend now but that in other places the demand is high enough to cause shortages we'll feel here.
We have some neat guns in the cases. Yes, we have the Ruger LCP and LCR but we also have 2 Winchester Model 61s, a SIG 938, a Colt Police Positive in .38 S&W and a Police Positive Special in .38 S&W Special.
I heard about 5 "from my cold dead hands" comments today. One from a young lady who was looking to buy HER first handgun (although she has experience with her dad's guns). I hope it doesn't come to that!
One hears nothing good about the election in the shop but Nana has a friend who now tells us that the Democrats are more humane. I'm trying to figure out how that applies to this administration.
Had a guy bring in a Remington 742 caliber .30-06 which had supposedly fired before locking completely ripping out half the locking lugs. HOWEVER, the case was in one piece although the shoulder was blown all the forward to the case mouth, an almost cylindrical case. Oh, and the primer was flattened. The bolt is jammed to the rear. The rest of the gun is apparently fine. I was told this was a problem with the 742s. anyone care to comment?
We aren't having a lot of people rushing in to buy guns as with the 2008 election but we are having a few and we have already run into a back order situation on all AR-15 rifles and receivers. We still have some in stock but can't order more for immediate delivery. Dittos on the S&W Bodyguard .380. We aren't getting the rush on powder or primers at this time either. I think that local people either have "enough" from the last rush or no money to spend now but that in other places the demand is high enough to cause shortages we'll feel here.
We have some neat guns in the cases. Yes, we have the Ruger LCP and LCR but we also have 2 Winchester Model 61s, a SIG 938, a Colt Police Positive in .38 S&W and a Police Positive Special in .38 S&W Special.
I heard about 5 "from my cold dead hands" comments today. One from a young lady who was looking to buy HER first handgun (although she has experience with her dad's guns). I hope it doesn't come to that!
One hears nothing good about the election in the shop but Nana has a friend who now tells us that the Democrats are more humane. I'm trying to figure out how that applies to this administration.
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Notes from the gun shop...
I had delayed writing this because on Monday, immediately after work, I was tired. On Tuesday I was obsessed with the election. This morning I was angry/disappointed/upset/out of sorts. So, now, finally, here's the short run down...
We had a good and busy day on Monday. 12 backgrounds, a couple for multiple sales (if I remember correctly), but you get the idea. Busy. It is about time for muzzleloading season and many guns abandoned after the last season are finding their way to the shop for immediate repair, i.e. nipple and/or breech plug removal/replacement. Not all can be helped. Some were nice guns, once. Too bad. You have to clean as well as load 'em and shoot 'em.
We've still got the Winchester 61s in the rack. There's a Colt 1908 Hammerless Pocket .380 in the case as well as the Police Positive Special.
We joked on Monday what would happen on Wednesday if Obama won re-election. Well, he did and this, Wednesday, morning (I was only there from 10 to 12) we had 3 people come in wanting to look at guns to buy specifically giving the election results as the reason. They were right, too. Senator Feinstein has already moved to institute a gun ban and there would be no "grandfathering" clause. In other words those that have them now would be forced to turn them in. That's not all folks. The U.S. has, immediately following the election victory, backed the UN Arms Treaty Talks! So, get ready for another run on guns and ammo. It might not last as long or run as deep because people won't have the money this time around, but maybe, they'll be spending their food stamps and unemployment benefits.
We had a good and busy day on Monday. 12 backgrounds, a couple for multiple sales (if I remember correctly), but you get the idea. Busy. It is about time for muzzleloading season and many guns abandoned after the last season are finding their way to the shop for immediate repair, i.e. nipple and/or breech plug removal/replacement. Not all can be helped. Some were nice guns, once. Too bad. You have to clean as well as load 'em and shoot 'em.
We've still got the Winchester 61s in the rack. There's a Colt 1908 Hammerless Pocket .380 in the case as well as the Police Positive Special.
We joked on Monday what would happen on Wednesday if Obama won re-election. Well, he did and this, Wednesday, morning (I was only there from 10 to 12) we had 3 people come in wanting to look at guns to buy specifically giving the election results as the reason. They were right, too. Senator Feinstein has already moved to institute a gun ban and there would be no "grandfathering" clause. In other words those that have them now would be forced to turn them in. That's not all folks. The U.S. has, immediately following the election victory, backed the UN Arms Treaty Talks! So, get ready for another run on guns and ammo. It might not last as long or run as deep because people won't have the money this time around, but maybe, they'll be spending their food stamps and unemployment benefits.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Notes from the gun shop...
It was quite a day and pretty busy all the time. There are some neat guns in the shop right now. TWO Winchester Model 61s, a pre-64 Model 94, a waffle-top Marlin, a Colt Police Positive Special (albeit reblued), and... heck I can't remember them all. This is pretty good.
Sandy started to make herself felt on Monday and we had a pretty steady rain with fairly cold temps so a lot of people who didn't work because of the storm came in to see us to pass the time. We did sell 10 or so guns but did a whole lot of other business.
Sandy started to make herself felt on Monday and we had a pretty steady rain with fairly cold temps so a lot of people who didn't work because of the storm came in to see us to pass the time. We did sell 10 or so guns but did a whole lot of other business.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Evaluating sources of information...
Everyone should be reviewing the sources of information they use to make decisions. Whether it is for whom one votes in an election or which refrigerator one buys, one should use all available tools and reasoning to discern the best information so that one can take the most favorable course of action. Look back at your life and honestly answer yourself as to how many times you would have been better served to have just smiled, nodded and ignored advice because the bearer of that advice was not in a position to know and/or completely unreliable as a source of information. I think you'll see just what I mean. Of course, we do judge reliability from experience with a source and sometimes it takes some time before we discover that some people are simply liars. Still, as in all things, one must do the best one can with what's available.
Intelligence source and information reliability rating systems are used in intelligence analysis.
A system commonly employed rates the reliability of the source as well as the information. The source reliability is rated between A (history of complete reliability) to E (history of invalid information), with F for source without sufficient history to establish reliability level. The information content is rated between 1 (confirmed) to 5 (improbable), with 6 for information whose reliability can not be evaluated.
For example, a confirmed information from a reliable source has rating A1, an unknown-validity information from a new source without reputation is rated F6, an inconsistent illogical information from a known liar is E5, a confirmed information from a moderately doubtful source is C1.
The evaluation matrix as described in the Field Manual FM 2-22.3:
Intelligence source and information reliability rating systems are used in intelligence analysis.
A system commonly employed rates the reliability of the source as well as the information. The source reliability is rated between A (history of complete reliability) to E (history of invalid information), with F for source without sufficient history to establish reliability level. The information content is rated between 1 (confirmed) to 5 (improbable), with 6 for information whose reliability can not be evaluated.
For example, a confirmed information from a reliable source has rating A1, an unknown-validity information from a new source without reputation is rated F6, an inconsistent illogical information from a known liar is E5, a confirmed information from a moderately doubtful source is C1.
The evaluation matrix as described in the Field Manual FM 2-22.3:
Source reliability
| Rating | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| A | Reliable | No doubt about the source's authenticity, trustworthiness, or competency. History of complete reliability. |
| B | Usually reliable | Minor doubts. History of mostly valid information. |
| C | Fairly reliable | Doubts. Provided valid information in the past. |
| D | Not usually reliable | Significant doubts. Provided valid information in the past. |
| E | Unreliable | Lacks authenticity, trustworthiness, and competency. History of invalid information. |
| F | Cannot be judged | Insufficient information to evaluate reliability. May or may not be reliable. |
Information reliability
| Rating | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirmed | Logical, consistent with other relevant information, confirmed by independent sources. |
| 2 | Probably true | Logical, consistent with other relevant information, not confirmed. |
| 3 | Possibly true | Reasonably logical, agrees with some relevant information, not confirmed. |
| 4 | Doubtfully true | Not logical but possible, no other information on the subject, not confirmed. |
| 5 | Improbable | Not logical, contradicted by other relevant information. |
| 6 | Cannot be judged | The validity of the information can not be determined. |
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Notes from the gun shop...
Tardy with this report because I've gotten out of the habit. Anyway, we had a middling busy day on Monday past and there were some nice guns contained within the confines of our establishment. First off, I found a re-blued Colt Police Positive Special with "pearl" grips. A 4" barreled gun, it might be a grand shooter and it isn't too expensive. Also, there was a pair of Winchester Model 61s, both .22LR, one a 1947 and the other a 1953 if I remember correctly but I might be off a year or two. Boss man is asking just under $1000 for either of them. We had a fella bring in a gorgeous, 2", flat-latch S&W Kit Gun trying to tempt Boss man into a trade deal but Boss man resisted the temptation to pay retail and the fella took all his trading stock home with him. There was also a nice Colt 1908 hammerless pocket pistol (.380) but I'm not certain that isn't already bound for someplace else.
Got to talk with and help a number of people including several young people interested in buying their first handgun(s). All in all a good day.
Got to talk with and help a number of people including several young people interested in buying their first handgun(s). All in all a good day.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Truck troubles...
It happens. Battery was dead. Usually happens at a bad time, did today. Took Linda's Jeep to drop the dog, run to the grocery while I thought the battery was charging. No go. Pulled the battery and got a new OEM battery from the dealer. Clearly the 3-year warranty on the Advance Auto "Optima" battery was not going to be honored as the receipt was gone from the glove box. Then my 5/16" open end wrench broke so I had to get another... So it goes.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Visiting family...
We have been in LA visiting relatives. That is we have been in lower Alabama visiting my sister-in-law in Atmore and son who lives in Cantonment, FL. Everything went well. David was well and Nana's house was in pretty good shape. We got a bonus in that brother-in-law Tony come over from Green Cove Springs for a visit. We saw Uncle Colvin as well.
Visiting with Mickey is always interesting. We got to help put an Air Tractor 802A in a hanger. A very tight fit with only a couple of inches to spare at each wing tip. That's nearly 60 FEET of wingspan. Officially it is 59.2 feet but it seemed bigger. They are using these to spray/fertilize pines for the paper companies.
There is a counter-insurgency (i.e. armed and armored version) the AT802U. In flight it is pretty quiet. These would scare the stuffing out of me. I am told this is the largest single engine agricultural aircraft made. You can see how big the plane is here.
Mickey does fabric work on planes as well but says he doesn't want to take on the work load employees would give him despite being able to work full time on just this aspect of aircraft re-building/maintenance.
Up and down the road we spent one night each way at Sevierville, TN. Both times we ate a Joe's Crab Shack. The apple-dumpling a la mode is a meal in and of itself. Didn't eat one but saw it delivered. I had the scallops, mussels and crab combo. You get an ear of corn and two small potatoes with the meal. Think low-country boil.Good food if a bit expensive. Loud music. Nice young people serving. Was full when I left.
Bailey is resting after a week of watching Sue's dog, Shorty (a miniature dachshund). I'm glad to be home, too.
Visiting with Mickey is always interesting. We got to help put an Air Tractor 802A in a hanger. A very tight fit with only a couple of inches to spare at each wing tip. That's nearly 60 FEET of wingspan. Officially it is 59.2 feet but it seemed bigger. They are using these to spray/fertilize pines for the paper companies.
There is a counter-insurgency (i.e. armed and armored version) the AT802U. In flight it is pretty quiet. These would scare the stuffing out of me. I am told this is the largest single engine agricultural aircraft made. You can see how big the plane is here.
Mickey does fabric work on planes as well but says he doesn't want to take on the work load employees would give him despite being able to work full time on just this aspect of aircraft re-building/maintenance.
Up and down the road we spent one night each way at Sevierville, TN. Both times we ate a Joe's Crab Shack. The apple-dumpling a la mode is a meal in and of itself. Didn't eat one but saw it delivered. I had the scallops, mussels and crab combo. You get an ear of corn and two small potatoes with the meal. Think low-country boil.Good food if a bit expensive. Loud music. Nice young people serving. Was full when I left.
Bailey is resting after a week of watching Sue's dog, Shorty (a miniature dachshund). I'm glad to be home, too.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Sunday drive...
Nana and I took a drive down VA 42 and 39 to US 220 south and on to Hot Springs and then we came home. Nothing seemed to be open in downtown Hot Springs but there were plenty of people golfing on The Homestead course. Saw deer in the median at the junction of 220 and 39 as we came home. We also saw the wonderful view from Dan Ingall's Overlook. Western Virginia is just beautiful, isn't it? I wish I owned some big acreage in Bath County.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Range day with Tactical Solutions conversion...
I mounted a 2½X Weaver handgun scope on my Tactical Solutions .22 LR conversion which is mounted on my old Combat Commander frame. I'm still shooting that Remington Golden Bullet ammo. The first target was not all that impressive. There was a breeze but, I think most of the problem was me. I did give the scope some adjustment right. Notice how the shots are spread across the target. One has to wonder how much of this is due to the ammunition used and how much is me...
So, I was thinking, maybe I can't shoot this scope well, let's try it without the scope and I took it off. Here's that target. It looks pretty good in the bull if you ignore all the other shots spread across this target.
Ok, so my cataracts are making it hard to use the open sights. They, and the target, tend to blur. I put the scope back on and shot this target. I did adjust the sight right and left a bit as I shot. That's a bunch of shots in that big hole at 8 o'clock. I think I need to fine tune this before taking it hunting. I do believe the gun will shoot, even if I'm having some issues.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Notes from the gun shop...
Yesterday was busy, busy. Not so many gun sales but lots of ammo. Some really nice guns did go out the door, just not a lot of volume on guns. We did get to see some regulars come through the door including Jim Kilbourne. He's a good fellow. We managed to have a little talk about the 116th Museum. Other than that, nothing really unusual. For the lever-gun guys we do have an F and a P prefix 336 RC, the P with a straight grip!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Game Check Stations in Augusta County, VA
| Store Name | Address & Telephone |
|---|---|
| 3-B GROCERY |
2594 EASTSIDE HIGHWAY, CRIMORA, VA 24431 Telephone: (540) 249-5075 (map) |
| B & R GROCERY |
2475 MT. TORRY ROAD, LYNDHURST, VA 22952 Telephone: (540) 943-9294 (map) |
| CRAIGSVILLE IGA |
139 WEST CRAIG STREET, CRAIGSVILLE, VA 24430 Telephone: (540) 997-5011 (map) |
| DEERFIELD GROCERY |
3070 DEERFIELD VALLEY ROAD, DEERFIELD, VA 24432 Telephone: (540) 939-4656 (map) |
| DOMINION OUTDOORS |
15 ANGELA COURT, FISHERSVILLE, VA 22939 Telephone: (540) 337-9218 (map) |
| GREENVILLE GROCERY AND DELI |
148 MAIN STREET, GREENVILLE, VA 24440 Telephone: (540) 337-1184 (map) |
| JAKE'S CONVENIENCE & SUBWAY |
2436 CHURCHVILLE AVENUE, STAUNTON, VA 24401 Telephone: (540) 886-5229 (map) |
| LOCKHART'S MARKET |
1730 SPRINGHILL ROAD, STAUNTON, VA 24401 Telephone: (540) 886-9820 (map) |
| MIDDLEBROOK GENERAL STORE |
GENERAL DELIVERY, MIDDLEBROOK, VA 24459 Telephone: (540) 886-5815 (map) |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW GENERAL STORE |
162 SHENANDOAH MOUNTAIN DRIVE, WEST AUGUSTA, VA 24485 Telephone: (540) 939-4650 (map) |
| NEW HOPE GROCERY |
67 BATTLEFIELD ROAD, STAUNTON, VA 24401 Telephone: (540) 363-5321 (map) |
| NORTH RIVER COUNTRY STORE |
1434 NORTH RIVER ROAD, MT SOLON, VA 22843 Telephone: (540) 350-2695 (map) |
| P & J SERVICE CENTER |
ROUTE 42, CRAIGSVILLE, VA 24430 Telephone: (540) 997-5412 (map) |
| SHERANDO GROCERY |
1889 MT TORREY ROAD, LYNDHURST, VA 22952 Telephone: (540) 941-4805 (map) |
| SPEEDY'S FOOD MART |
1705 NORTH DELPHINE AVENUE, WAYNESBORO, VA 22980 Telephone: (540) 949-0005 (map) |
| STOKESVILLE MARKET |
90 NORTH RIVER ROAD, MT SOLON, VA 22843 Telephone: (540) 350-2177 (map) |
| TAYLOR'S GROCERY |
1785 LEE HIGHWAY, FORT DEFIANCE, VA 24437 Telephone: (540) 248-5800 (map) |
| THE GUN SHACK |
1105 LAUREL HILL ROAD, VERONA, VA 24482 Telephone: (540) 248-3681 (map) |
| THE MEATING PLACE |
1070 MIDDLEBROOK ROAD, STAUNTON, VA 24401 Telephone: (540) 885-0197 (map) |
| VALLEY SPORTSMAN |
2627 STUARTS DRAFT HWY #105, STUARTS DRAFT, VA 24477 Telephone: (540) 324-0170 (map) |
| WADE'S STORE |
2635 WEST BEV STREET, STAUNTON, VA 24401 Telephone: (540) 886-3886 (map) |
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Notes from the gun shop...
Well, it was quite a day. Several times we had all three of us working the counter and a line forming. Other times it was pretty quiet but mostly, busy. Not a lot of gun sales but a lot of sales of ammo and associated "stuff".
A couple of neat guns in the shop right now. One is a Winchester 1885 Winder Musket, a .22 LR training rifle. This one has only the "issue" open rear sights and it looks really good, but... The but is that it has been expertly reblued with little loss of marks and no dishing of flat surfaces. Also, the wood has typical pressure and bump dents from being in and out of an institutional rack for many years. The bore looks good, I think it would shoot. Nice gun. I think boss man wants about $1900 for that one.
Then a really nice Colt "Black Army" Model 1911 came in the door. It seems to be all correct and came with a 1918 dated holster. MOST of the finish remains but there is some scratching from some source, perhaps the holster, and the magazine is correct but has had the bottom finish removed, possibly with steel wool by somebody who thought it had to be improperly finished. Don't know what boss man wants for that one. The owner's grandfather apparently brought it back from his service as an officer in WWI. I might head over there for photos if the weather breaks. Can't get any good photos with the indoor light at the shop.
A couple of neat guns in the shop right now. One is a Winchester 1885 Winder Musket, a .22 LR training rifle. This one has only the "issue" open rear sights and it looks really good, but... The but is that it has been expertly reblued with little loss of marks and no dishing of flat surfaces. Also, the wood has typical pressure and bump dents from being in and out of an institutional rack for many years. The bore looks good, I think it would shoot. Nice gun. I think boss man wants about $1900 for that one.
Then a really nice Colt "Black Army" Model 1911 came in the door. It seems to be all correct and came with a 1918 dated holster. MOST of the finish remains but there is some scratching from some source, perhaps the holster, and the magazine is correct but has had the bottom finish removed, possibly with steel wool by somebody who thought it had to be improperly finished. Don't know what boss man wants for that one. The owner's grandfather apparently brought it back from his service as an officer in WWI. I might head over there for photos if the weather breaks. Can't get any good photos with the indoor light at the shop.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
George Washington's Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation
I wish that I had done as Mr. Washington had done. As I read them again in preparation of recording the list here, for you, I am struck by how often I have found them to be of use and how I have lessened myself when I did not adhere to them. Oh, yes, I have failed to follow the rules a few times and I think that I have always paid the price for it. I hope that you will read and heed and perhaps take the time to copy them down (and not by cutting and pasting as I've done here!). There is a downloadable PDF version.
1st - Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.
2nd - When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered.
3rd -Show Nothing to your Friend that may affright him.
4th - In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.
5th - If You Cough, Sneeze, Sigh, or Yawn, do it not Loud but Privately; and Speak not in your Yawning, but put Your handkerchief or Hand before your face and turn aside.
6th - Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.
7th - Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Dressed.
8th - At Play and at Fire its Good manners to Give Place to the last Commer, and affect not to Speak Louder than Ordinary.
9th - Spit not in the Fire, nor Stoop low before it neither Put your Hands into the Flames to warm them, nor Set your Feet upon the Fire especially if there be meat before it.
10th - When you Sit down, Keep your Feet firm and Even, without putting one on the other or Crossing them.
11th - Shift not yourself in the Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails.
12th - Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs roll not the Eyes lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak.
13th - Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others, if you See any filth or thick Spittle put your foot Dexterously upon it if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions, Put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths return Thanks to him who puts it off.
14th - Turn not your Back to others especially in Speaking, Jog not the Table or Desk on which Another reads or writes, lean not upon any one.
15th - Keep your Nails clean and Short, also your Hands and Teeth Clean yet without Showing any great Concern for them.
16th - Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the Hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close.
17th - Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play'd Withal.
18th - Read no Letters, Books, or Papers in Company but when there is a Necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave: come not near the Books or Writings of Another so as to read them unless desired or give your opinion of them unasked also look not nigh when another is writing a Letter.
19th - Let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave.
20th - The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.
21st - Reproach none for the Infirmities of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof.
22nd - Show not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.
23rd - When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always show Pity to the Suffering Offender.
24th - Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Public Spectacle.
25th - Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremony are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.
26th - In Pulling off your Hat to Persons of Distinction, as Noblemen, Justices, Churchmen &c make a Reverence, bowing more or less according to the Custom of the Better Bred, and Quality of the Person. Amongst your equals expect not always that they Should begin with you first, but to Pull off the Hat when there is no need is Affectation, in the Manner of Saluting and resaluting in words keep to the most usual Custom.
27th - Tis ill manners to bid one more eminent than yourself be covered as well as not to do it to whom it's due Likewise he that makes too much haste to Put on his hat does not well, yet he ought to Put it on at the first, or at most the Second time of being asked; now what is herein Spoken, of Qualification in behavior in Saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of Place, and Sitting down for ceremonies without Bounds is troublesome.
28th - If any one come to Speak to you while you are are Sitting Stand up though he be your Inferior, and when you Present Seats let it be to every one according to his Degree.
29th - When you meet with one of Greater Quality than yourself, Stop, and retire especially if it be at a Door or any Straight place to give way for him to Pass.
30th - In walking the highest Place in most Countries Seems to be on the right hand therefore Place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to Honor: but if three walk together the middest Place is the most Honorable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together.
31st - If any one far Surpasses others, either in age, Estate, or Merit yet would give Place to a meaner than himself in his own lodging or elsewhere the one ought not to except it, So he on the other part should not use much earnestness nor offer it above once or twice.
32nd - To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the chief Place in your Lodging and he to who 'is offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the Second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.
33rd - They that are in Dignity or in office have in all places Precedency but whilst they are Young they ought to respect those that are their equals in Birth or other Qualities, though they have no Public charge.
34th - It is good Manners to prefer them to whom we Speak before ourselves especially if they be above us with whom in no Sort we ought to begin.
35th - Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.
36th - Artificers & Persons of low Degree ought not to use many ceremonies to Lords, or Others of high Degree but Respect and highly Honor them, and those of high Degree ought to treat them with affability & Courtesy, without Arrogance.
337th - In speaking to men of Quality do not lean nor Look them full in the Face, nor approach too near them at lest Keep a full Pace from them.
38th - In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physician if you be not Knowing therein.
39th - In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.
40th - Strive not with your Superiors in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.
41st - Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Professes; it Savours of arrogance.
42nd - Let thy ceremonies in Courtesy be proper to the Dignity of his place with whom thou converses for it is absurd to act the same with a Clown and a Prince.
43rd - Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery.
44th - When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.
45th - Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in public or in Private; presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it & in reproving Show no Sign of Cholar but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness.
46th - Take all Admonitions thankfully in what Time or Place Soever given but afterwards not being culpable take a Time & Place convenient to let him him know it that gave them.
47th - Mock not nor Jest at any thing of Importance break [n]o Jest that are Sharp Biting and if you Deliver any thing witty and Pleasant abstain from Laughing thereat yourself.
48th - Wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts.
49th - Use no Reproachful Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile.
50th - Be not hasty to believe flying Reports to the Disparagement of any.
51st - Wear not your Cloths, foul, ripped or Dusty but See they be Brushed once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any Uncleaness.
52nd - In your Apparel be Modest and endeavor to accommodate Nature, rather than to procure Admiration keep to the Fashion of your equals Such as are Civil and orderly with respect to Times and Places.
53rd - Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking your Arms kick not the earth with R feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.
54th - Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Decked, if your Shoes fit well if your Stockings sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely.
55th - Eat not in the Streets, nor in the House, out of Season.
56th - Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'is better to be alone than in bad Company.
57th - In walking up and Down in a House, only with One in Company if he be Greater than yourself, at the first give him the Right hand and Stop not till he does and be not the first that turns, and when you do turn let it be with your face towards him, if he be a Man of Great Quality, walk not with him Cheek by Joul but Somewhat behind him; but yet in Such a Manner that he may easily Speak to you.
58th - Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'is a Sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern.
59th - Never express anything unbecoming, nor Act against the Rules Moral before your inferiors.
60th - Be not immodest in urging your Friends to Discover a Secret.
61st - Utter not base and frivolous things amongst grave and Learned Men nor very Difficult Questions or Subjects, among the Ignorant or things hard to be believed, Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences amongst your Betters nor Equals.
62nd - Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend.
63rd - A Man ought not to value himself of his Achievements, or rare Qualities of wit; much less of his riches Virtue or Kindred.
64th - Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, though there Seem to be Some cause.
65th - Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest Scoff at none although they give Occasion.
66th - Be not froward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive when it's a time to Converse.
67th - Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding.
68th - Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice without being Asked & when desired do it briefly.
69th - If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained; and be not obstinate in your own Opinion, in Things indifferent be of the Major Side.
70th - Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents Masters and Superiors.
71st - Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of Others and ask not how they came. What you may Speak in Secret to your Friend deliver not before others.
72nd - Speak not in an unknown Tongue in Company but in your own Language and that as those of Quality do and not as the Vulgar; Sublime matters treat Seriously.
73rd - Think before you Speak pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your Words too hastily but orderly & distinctly.
74th - When Another Speaks be attentive your Self and disturb not the Audience if any hesitate in his Words help him not nor Prompt him without desired, Interrupt him not, nor Answer him till his Speech be ended.
75th - In the midst of Discourse ask not of what one treateth but if you Perceive any Stop because of your coming you may well intreat him gently to Proceed: If a Person of Quality comes in while your Conversing it's handsome to Repeat what was said before.
76th - While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face.
77th - Treat with men at fit Times about Business & Whisper not in the Company of Others.
78th - Make no Comparisons and if any of the Company be Commended for any brave act of Virtue, commend not another for the Same.
79th - Be not apt to relate News if you know not the truth thereof. In Discoursing of things you Have heard Name not your Author always A Secret Discover not.
80th - Be not Tedious in Discourse or in reading unless you find the Company pleased therewith.
81st - Be not Curious to Know the Affairs of Others neither approach those that Speak in Private.
82nd - Undertake not what you cannot Perform but be Careful to keep your Promise.
83rd - When you deliver a matter do it without Passion & with Discretion, however mean the Person be you do it too.
84th - When your Superiors talk to any Body hearken not neither Speak nor Laugh.
85th - In Company of these of Higher Quality than yourself Speak not til you are asked a Question then Stand upright put of your Hat & Answer in few words.
86th - In Disputes, be not So Desirous to Overcome as not to give Liberty to each one to deliver his Opinion and Submit to the Judgment of the Major Part especially if they are Judges of the Dispute.
87th - Let thy carriage be such as becomes a Man Grave Settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others Say.
88th - Be not tedious in Discourse, make not many Digressions, nor repeat often the Same manner of Discourse.
89th - Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust.
90th - Being Set at meat Scratch not neither Spit Cough or blow your Nose except there's a Necessity for it.
91st - Make no Show of taking great Delight in your Victuals, Feed not with Greediness; cut your Bread with a Knife, lean not on the Table neither find fault with what you Eat.
92nd - Take no Salt or cut Bread with your Knife Greasy.
93rd - Entertaining any one at the table, it is decent to present him with meat; Undertake not to help others undesired by the Master.
94th - If you Soak bread in the Sauce let it be no more than what you put in your Mouth at a time and blow not your broth at Table but Stay till Cools of it Self.
95th - Put not your meat to your Mouth with your Knife in your hand neither Spit forth the Stones of any fruit Pie upon a Dish nor Cast anything under the table.
96th - It's unbecoming to Stoop much to ones Meat Keep your Fingers clean & when foul wipe them on a Corner of your Table Napkin.
97th - Put not another bit into your mouth till the former be swallowed. Let not your morsels be too big for the jowls.
98th - Drink not nor talk with your mouth full; neither gaze about you while you are drinking.
99th - Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after drinking, wipe your lips; breath not then or ever with too great a noise, for its uncivil.
100th - Cleanse not your teeth with the table cloth napkin, fork, or knife; but if others do it, let it be done without a peep to them.
101st - Rinse not your mouth in the presence of others.
102nd - It is out of use to call upon the company often to eat; nor need you drink to others every time you drink.
103rd - In the company of your betters, be not longer in eating than they are; lay not your arm but only your hand upon the table.
104th - It belongs to the chiefest in company to unfold his napkin and fall to meat first, but he ought then to begin in time & to dispatch with dexterity that the slowest may have time allowed him.
105th - Be not angry at the table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, show it not; put on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish of meat a feast.
106th - Set not yourself at the upper of the table; but if it be your due or that the master of the house will have it so, contend not, least you should trouble the company.
107th - If others talk at the table, be attentive but talk not with meat in your mouth.
108th - When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously & with reverence. Honor & obey your natural parents although they be poor.
109th - Let your recreations be manful not sinful.
110th - Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.
1st - Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.
2nd - When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered.
3rd -Show Nothing to your Friend that may affright him.
4th - In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.
5th - If You Cough, Sneeze, Sigh, or Yawn, do it not Loud but Privately; and Speak not in your Yawning, but put Your handkerchief or Hand before your face and turn aside.
6th - Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.
7th - Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Dressed.
8th - At Play and at Fire its Good manners to Give Place to the last Commer, and affect not to Speak Louder than Ordinary.
9th - Spit not in the Fire, nor Stoop low before it neither Put your Hands into the Flames to warm them, nor Set your Feet upon the Fire especially if there be meat before it.
10th - When you Sit down, Keep your Feet firm and Even, without putting one on the other or Crossing them.
11th - Shift not yourself in the Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails.
12th - Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs roll not the Eyes lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak.
13th - Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others, if you See any filth or thick Spittle put your foot Dexterously upon it if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions, Put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths return Thanks to him who puts it off.
14th - Turn not your Back to others especially in Speaking, Jog not the Table or Desk on which Another reads or writes, lean not upon any one.
15th - Keep your Nails clean and Short, also your Hands and Teeth Clean yet without Showing any great Concern for them.
16th - Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the Hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close.
17th - Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play'd Withal.
18th - Read no Letters, Books, or Papers in Company but when there is a Necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave: come not near the Books or Writings of Another so as to read them unless desired or give your opinion of them unasked also look not nigh when another is writing a Letter.
19th - Let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave.
20th - The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.
21st - Reproach none for the Infirmities of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof.
22nd - Show not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.
23rd - When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always show Pity to the Suffering Offender.
24th - Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Public Spectacle.
25th - Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremony are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.
26th - In Pulling off your Hat to Persons of Distinction, as Noblemen, Justices, Churchmen &c make a Reverence, bowing more or less according to the Custom of the Better Bred, and Quality of the Person. Amongst your equals expect not always that they Should begin with you first, but to Pull off the Hat when there is no need is Affectation, in the Manner of Saluting and resaluting in words keep to the most usual Custom.
27th - Tis ill manners to bid one more eminent than yourself be covered as well as not to do it to whom it's due Likewise he that makes too much haste to Put on his hat does not well, yet he ought to Put it on at the first, or at most the Second time of being asked; now what is herein Spoken, of Qualification in behavior in Saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of Place, and Sitting down for ceremonies without Bounds is troublesome.
28th - If any one come to Speak to you while you are are Sitting Stand up though he be your Inferior, and when you Present Seats let it be to every one according to his Degree.
29th - When you meet with one of Greater Quality than yourself, Stop, and retire especially if it be at a Door or any Straight place to give way for him to Pass.
30th - In walking the highest Place in most Countries Seems to be on the right hand therefore Place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to Honor: but if three walk together the middest Place is the most Honorable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together.
31st - If any one far Surpasses others, either in age, Estate, or Merit yet would give Place to a meaner than himself in his own lodging or elsewhere the one ought not to except it, So he on the other part should not use much earnestness nor offer it above once or twice.
32nd - To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the chief Place in your Lodging and he to who 'is offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the Second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.
33rd - They that are in Dignity or in office have in all places Precedency but whilst they are Young they ought to respect those that are their equals in Birth or other Qualities, though they have no Public charge.
34th - It is good Manners to prefer them to whom we Speak before ourselves especially if they be above us with whom in no Sort we ought to begin.
35th - Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.
36th - Artificers & Persons of low Degree ought not to use many ceremonies to Lords, or Others of high Degree but Respect and highly Honor them, and those of high Degree ought to treat them with affability & Courtesy, without Arrogance.
337th - In speaking to men of Quality do not lean nor Look them full in the Face, nor approach too near them at lest Keep a full Pace from them.
38th - In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physician if you be not Knowing therein.
39th - In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.
40th - Strive not with your Superiors in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.
41st - Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Professes; it Savours of arrogance.
42nd - Let thy ceremonies in Courtesy be proper to the Dignity of his place with whom thou converses for it is absurd to act the same with a Clown and a Prince.
43rd - Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery.
44th - When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.
45th - Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in public or in Private; presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it & in reproving Show no Sign of Cholar but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness.
46th - Take all Admonitions thankfully in what Time or Place Soever given but afterwards not being culpable take a Time & Place convenient to let him him know it that gave them.
47th - Mock not nor Jest at any thing of Importance break [n]o Jest that are Sharp Biting and if you Deliver any thing witty and Pleasant abstain from Laughing thereat yourself.
48th - Wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts.
49th - Use no Reproachful Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile.
50th - Be not hasty to believe flying Reports to the Disparagement of any.
51st - Wear not your Cloths, foul, ripped or Dusty but See they be Brushed once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any Uncleaness.
52nd - In your Apparel be Modest and endeavor to accommodate Nature, rather than to procure Admiration keep to the Fashion of your equals Such as are Civil and orderly with respect to Times and Places.
53rd - Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking your Arms kick not the earth with R feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.
54th - Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Decked, if your Shoes fit well if your Stockings sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely.
55th - Eat not in the Streets, nor in the House, out of Season.
56th - Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'is better to be alone than in bad Company.
57th - In walking up and Down in a House, only with One in Company if he be Greater than yourself, at the first give him the Right hand and Stop not till he does and be not the first that turns, and when you do turn let it be with your face towards him, if he be a Man of Great Quality, walk not with him Cheek by Joul but Somewhat behind him; but yet in Such a Manner that he may easily Speak to you.
58th - Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'is a Sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern.
59th - Never express anything unbecoming, nor Act against the Rules Moral before your inferiors.
60th - Be not immodest in urging your Friends to Discover a Secret.
61st - Utter not base and frivolous things amongst grave and Learned Men nor very Difficult Questions or Subjects, among the Ignorant or things hard to be believed, Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences amongst your Betters nor Equals.
62nd - Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend.
63rd - A Man ought not to value himself of his Achievements, or rare Qualities of wit; much less of his riches Virtue or Kindred.
64th - Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, though there Seem to be Some cause.
65th - Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest Scoff at none although they give Occasion.
66th - Be not froward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive when it's a time to Converse.
67th - Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding.
68th - Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice without being Asked & when desired do it briefly.
69th - If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained; and be not obstinate in your own Opinion, in Things indifferent be of the Major Side.
70th - Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents Masters and Superiors.
71st - Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of Others and ask not how they came. What you may Speak in Secret to your Friend deliver not before others.
72nd - Speak not in an unknown Tongue in Company but in your own Language and that as those of Quality do and not as the Vulgar; Sublime matters treat Seriously.
73rd - Think before you Speak pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your Words too hastily but orderly & distinctly.
74th - When Another Speaks be attentive your Self and disturb not the Audience if any hesitate in his Words help him not nor Prompt him without desired, Interrupt him not, nor Answer him till his Speech be ended.
75th - In the midst of Discourse ask not of what one treateth but if you Perceive any Stop because of your coming you may well intreat him gently to Proceed: If a Person of Quality comes in while your Conversing it's handsome to Repeat what was said before.
76th - While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face.
77th - Treat with men at fit Times about Business & Whisper not in the Company of Others.
78th - Make no Comparisons and if any of the Company be Commended for any brave act of Virtue, commend not another for the Same.
79th - Be not apt to relate News if you know not the truth thereof. In Discoursing of things you Have heard Name not your Author always A Secret Discover not.
80th - Be not Tedious in Discourse or in reading unless you find the Company pleased therewith.
81st - Be not Curious to Know the Affairs of Others neither approach those that Speak in Private.
82nd - Undertake not what you cannot Perform but be Careful to keep your Promise.
83rd - When you deliver a matter do it without Passion & with Discretion, however mean the Person be you do it too.
84th - When your Superiors talk to any Body hearken not neither Speak nor Laugh.
85th - In Company of these of Higher Quality than yourself Speak not til you are asked a Question then Stand upright put of your Hat & Answer in few words.
86th - In Disputes, be not So Desirous to Overcome as not to give Liberty to each one to deliver his Opinion and Submit to the Judgment of the Major Part especially if they are Judges of the Dispute.
87th - Let thy carriage be such as becomes a Man Grave Settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others Say.
88th - Be not tedious in Discourse, make not many Digressions, nor repeat often the Same manner of Discourse.
89th - Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust.
90th - Being Set at meat Scratch not neither Spit Cough or blow your Nose except there's a Necessity for it.
91st - Make no Show of taking great Delight in your Victuals, Feed not with Greediness; cut your Bread with a Knife, lean not on the Table neither find fault with what you Eat.
92nd - Take no Salt or cut Bread with your Knife Greasy.
93rd - Entertaining any one at the table, it is decent to present him with meat; Undertake not to help others undesired by the Master.
94th - If you Soak bread in the Sauce let it be no more than what you put in your Mouth at a time and blow not your broth at Table but Stay till Cools of it Self.
95th - Put not your meat to your Mouth with your Knife in your hand neither Spit forth the Stones of any fruit Pie upon a Dish nor Cast anything under the table.
96th - It's unbecoming to Stoop much to ones Meat Keep your Fingers clean & when foul wipe them on a Corner of your Table Napkin.
97th - Put not another bit into your mouth till the former be swallowed. Let not your morsels be too big for the jowls.
98th - Drink not nor talk with your mouth full; neither gaze about you while you are drinking.
99th - Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after drinking, wipe your lips; breath not then or ever with too great a noise, for its uncivil.
100th - Cleanse not your teeth with the table cloth napkin, fork, or knife; but if others do it, let it be done without a peep to them.
101st - Rinse not your mouth in the presence of others.
102nd - It is out of use to call upon the company often to eat; nor need you drink to others every time you drink.
103rd - In the company of your betters, be not longer in eating than they are; lay not your arm but only your hand upon the table.
104th - It belongs to the chiefest in company to unfold his napkin and fall to meat first, but he ought then to begin in time & to dispatch with dexterity that the slowest may have time allowed him.
105th - Be not angry at the table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, show it not; put on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish of meat a feast.
106th - Set not yourself at the upper of the table; but if it be your due or that the master of the house will have it so, contend not, least you should trouble the company.
107th - If others talk at the table, be attentive but talk not with meat in your mouth.
108th - When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously & with reverence. Honor & obey your natural parents although they be poor.
109th - Let your recreations be manful not sinful.
110th - Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.
Friday, September 14, 2012
At the other job...
we have a Model 1888 rifle with the rod bayonet. This "trapdoor" seems all correct with a bore that should do well if a shooter was wanted. I do believe that they will be asking $1000.00 for that one. That's about at the top of the price range for these in this condition but they are always open to negotiation including trades.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The eyes have it...
As you might remember, last year's eye examination revealed that I have cataracts developing in both eyes. Noticeably thicker this year than last, I still do not meet the criteria for surgery. Looks like I'll have to put up with deteriorating eyesight for a while longer.
Of course, this affects my shooting and may be, in part, why I haven't been shooting as well as I used to. That is really the most irritating thing about it.
I am relieved though that I have no signs of macular degeneration, a condition that was blinding my father. Then again, I don't smoke either and that reportedly contributes to macular degeneration.
Of course my eyes had to be dilated for the exam and I am only just now able to see well enough to write this.
Of course, this affects my shooting and may be, in part, why I haven't been shooting as well as I used to. That is really the most irritating thing about it.
I am relieved though that I have no signs of macular degeneration, a condition that was blinding my father. Then again, I don't smoke either and that reportedly contributes to macular degeneration.
Of course my eyes had to be dilated for the exam and I am only just now able to see well enough to write this.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Up and down...
We haven't been doing much except home maintenance/chores and then yesterday a bunch of things happened at once.
First, it was the 11th anniversary of 9/11. There are no words to describe the impact of this act of war on the country. Whether one thinks about it or not, the changes wrought have been pervasive and are likely permanent. We now have HS grads abusing citizens just because they've chosen to travel in the name of security and we are no closer to defeating this enemy than we were 11 years ago, mostly because of vacillating foreign policy decisions that have convinced them that they have a chance of defeating us.
We had an opportunity to have dinner with you in the middle of the week. I think your Mom and Dad were glad we took care of the cooking. We really enjoyed the magic/gymnastics/yoga show. Yes, Kirk, you look good in your football uniform. I hope you got some good tips on situps from me. I hadn't done 20 situps in a row for a long time now. Dittos on the pushups! Hope you feel better today Madeline!
This morning, we awoke to discover that yesterday's activities in Egypt and Libya were worse than we'd thought. The Islamic nutters have been hard at it. They attacked our embassy in Egypt to tear down the U.S. flag and try to fly one that extolled Mohammed as the one true prophet. They attacked a consulate in Benghazi, Libya and murdered our ambassador and 3 other diplomatic workers. The "protestors" claim that they are striking back because the prophet was insulted by a film made in the U.S. They are too ignorant to know that their "prophet" was nothing more than a perverted, political opportunist who created the cult for political purposes. This cult codifies the abuse of women, finds justification for many perversions, and exploits the uneducated.
The truth is that you are still going to be experiencing these attacks for many years. Although our President finally made a more definitive statement condemning the Libyan attack (not the Egyptian apparently), he's been thinking that since he was once a practicing Muslim (not understanding that now being an apostate he's among the lowest of the low to them) he would be in a unique position to engender love and understanding between us and them. He's been wrong. It is up to us, you, your parents, your aunts, uncles and cousins, to be right.
First, it was the 11th anniversary of 9/11. There are no words to describe the impact of this act of war on the country. Whether one thinks about it or not, the changes wrought have been pervasive and are likely permanent. We now have HS grads abusing citizens just because they've chosen to travel in the name of security and we are no closer to defeating this enemy than we were 11 years ago, mostly because of vacillating foreign policy decisions that have convinced them that they have a chance of defeating us.
We had an opportunity to have dinner with you in the middle of the week. I think your Mom and Dad were glad we took care of the cooking. We really enjoyed the magic/gymnastics/yoga show. Yes, Kirk, you look good in your football uniform. I hope you got some good tips on situps from me. I hadn't done 20 situps in a row for a long time now. Dittos on the pushups! Hope you feel better today Madeline!
This morning, we awoke to discover that yesterday's activities in Egypt and Libya were worse than we'd thought. The Islamic nutters have been hard at it. They attacked our embassy in Egypt to tear down the U.S. flag and try to fly one that extolled Mohammed as the one true prophet. They attacked a consulate in Benghazi, Libya and murdered our ambassador and 3 other diplomatic workers. The "protestors" claim that they are striking back because the prophet was insulted by a film made in the U.S. They are too ignorant to know that their "prophet" was nothing more than a perverted, political opportunist who created the cult for political purposes. This cult codifies the abuse of women, finds justification for many perversions, and exploits the uneducated.
The truth is that you are still going to be experiencing these attacks for many years. Although our President finally made a more definitive statement condemning the Libyan attack (not the Egyptian apparently), he's been thinking that since he was once a practicing Muslim (not understanding that now being an apostate he's among the lowest of the low to them) he would be in a unique position to engender love and understanding between us and them. He's been wrong. It is up to us, you, your parents, your aunts, uncles and cousins, to be right.