Sniper Country Duty Roster

I have a 3-15X50 Nightforce F1 with an illuminated FFP MLR reticle, which is basically a milliradian reticle with big hashmarks at 1 mil intervals and a smaller hashmark at half-mil points. Nice scope. Good glass. Tenth milliradian adjustments.

I prefer the Premier Gen II reticles, which have 0.2 mil diameter dots at 1 mil intervals with a hashmark in between. Scopes with those reticles are available from Premier Reticles. On the used markets are available Leupold scopes with Premier Reticles Gen II FFP reticles, all of which have MOA or fractional MOA adjustments.

There are also available used Schmidt and Benders with Gen II FFP reticles, with both MOA and milliradian adjustments. I don't think there will be many more news ones, save for what might currently be in dealer stock.

The Nightforce, U.S. Optics, S&B, and Premier Reticles are available with 0.1 milliradian clicks, which is the only thing which makes sense for a milliradian reticle.

There is currently at least one Leupold scope available with 0.05 milliradian clicks, although 0.1 mil clicks are promised "real soon now" - I'm not holding my breath. Leupold is way behind the curve and getting more so daily.

There are other manufacturers who sell scopes with FFP reticles at lower prices. I don't have any experience with them.

Lindy
Rockport, Texas, U.S.A. - Friday, January 23, 2009, at 01:08:12 (ZULU)

The first usage of the executive order - as we now know it - was John Quincy Adams on July 11, 1826. At least to my understanding / memory. Interestingly enough, it was for the military to show mourning - for a period of 6 months - over the death of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

As for legal doctrine, well, there isn't any. There is no NO *NO* Constitutional backing of the executive order. People want to twist part of Article 2 section 3 (he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed) into some kind of statement that executive orders are allowed. They're not. The courts have overturned executive orders before - but they did so based on legal challenges, which unfortunately gave more legitimacy to the executive order by treating it as law when it wasn't.

-->.... and what is B.O. going to do with the remaining "undesireables" in GITMO, when he closes the doors?

Last I heard, Barry Soetero (also spelled "Sottero" sometimes, look him up, the guy goes by a different name now) was talking to the USMC about that very same problem.

The last I heard, his last comment on the matter - made while walking out the door - was "Party at Duman's!"

Bravo
Friday, January 23, 2009, at 01:44:19 (ZULU)

Party at Duman's?  Hehehehehee....

Duman
Friday, January 23, 2009, at 03:38:10 (ZULU)

Well, that was just Barry Soetero's suggestion.

If it were MY suggestion, I'd be wondering how to teach jihadis to write "Dear Mom, I am now a Cuban citizen" on post cards in spanish.

Last one out, turn off the lights. Or not. We ain't payin' the electric bill any more.

Now does anyone have any first-hand experience in comparing the CProducts DPMS mags with the DPMS brand mags? I'm gonna order 40 or 50 of one of 'em, and I'm hoping CProducts makes one just as good for a third less.

Bravo
Friday, January 23, 2009, at 06:04:49 (ZULU)

   We do NOT want these fuckers to be Cuban citizens. They'd either start helping the gov't there think up new ways to be assholes, or float over here on doors to become instant citizens.

....btw, we need to start our own environmental campaign on the coast of Florida.... FEED the sharks!

   Yeah, I know it's fucked up.... press one to see my finger. If you come to this country, then fly the flag of the country you escaped, refuse to assimilate, try to use all of our resources while bitching that you don't get more, you really deserve to be chum.

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Friday, January 23, 2009, at 13:01:04 (ZULU)

This round is a bit finicky about copper fouling but it outdoes the .223 in just about ever use I've had for it. The little CZ is a nice gun! Much less fouling than my Browning. My best performer was a Thompson Encore that would shoot quarter size groups at about any speed with more than a hundred rounds down range at a session. The model 7 Remington I have now is fair but the speed has to be held to about 22-250 range like about 3600fps. It's a little enemic on yotes unless you hit them perfect.

Brogers
Friday, January 23, 2009, at 14:31:26 (ZULU)

CDC'
Friday, January 23, 2009, at 15:43:02 (ZULU)

a belated Thank You for the info on Mother's Polish-it workie goood!  Sure shines up brass better than any of the other stuff I've tried, media seems to last longer, too.

 We just missed a good opportunity to be rid of the Gitmo detainees, we could have dropped them off in Gaza.  Surely they could have walked from there...

Best to All and W6,

Erik

Erik in Kodiak
Friday, January 23, 2009, at 18:25:35 (ZULU)

Not trying to interupt or derail the bitch-and-moan-athon, but the real question is:

"What are you doing to PREVENT this NOW?"

Nothing? Bitching and moaning, especially to the choir, is a bit less profitable than nothing.

Here's the deal..... eric holder is the current nominee for Attorney General. In case you don't know, holder is a clinton administration refugee that was instrumental in anti-gun work-around executive efforts done. Skirted legislation AND the courts.

He, as part of a group, argued in the Heller case that the DC ban was fine since (in his opinion) the Second Amendment didn't apply to individiuals.

I could go on and on - the end all is that eric holder makes janet reno look like John Wayne.

Before the nomination confirmation is heard (as early as next week!) call your two senators and tell them that eric holder is NOT to be confirmed as Attorney General!

I went as far as to explain that if holder was confirmed, and the voting record showed my senators had voted to confirm him, THEY would share the responsibility of any anti-gun efforts the Department of "justice" put through.

Think Branch Davidians, and "I take full responsibility" janet reno......

Remind them that they represent you, and if they don't, they can be replaced with someone who does. Guns are a "hot topic" issue, you can cite the recent sales "flood".

Four calls should take a total of 10 minutes. Your tax dollars pay for this toll-free number: 877-762-8762. Just let the operator know which senator you're looking for, they'll forward your call to the appropriate staff. Look up your senators online, and call their offices in-state as well....... Sometimes it rings for a bit, but they do get to you.

Make it understood though, that if your senator votes to confirm holder, they're tying their wagon to his office. Whatever he does, it'll reflect on THEM, and you'll be more than happy to let EVERYONE in your state know they can express their discontent by voting that senator OUT.

Just like before, during the clinton administration.

Write e-mails, and drop 'em a post card or two also. Since staffers typically only want your zip code (not name) when you call, you just became a "vocal minority". Act like a dead demopublican - "vote" often.

Fair warning - do NOT assume that a republican senator is against holder! One of my senators is a very influential republican, who has already stated he's supporting holder. I'm working to change his mind.

Of course, you can always bitch and moan about things later. But if you don't take this 10 minutes and call those three phone numbers now though, then YOU have done nothing and have abrogated your liberty to even bitch and moan!

In the end, it's still about YOU doing YOUR part. If you don't do it, nobody will. The price of liberty is eternal vigilance!

If you can't find the in-state office phone number for your senators, PM me. I'll get it to you ASAP. If you don't know your senators (shame on you!) then PM me your state, I'll get you all the info ASAP.

Bravo
Friday, January 23, 2009, at 19:57:08 (ZULU)

You're welcome on the polish recommendation.  John Shaw recommended it in his book ("You Can't Miss") too (before I tried it).  I've also used Flitz and Autosol (both German products) to similar effect.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Saturday, January 24, 2009, at 00:22:08 (ZULU)

Bravo, you're older than I thought if you remember that.....

:D

Leslie
Saturday, January 24, 2009, at 00:43:21 (ZULU)

Funniest damn thing I've seen in quite a while.

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Saturday, January 24, 2009, at 04:11:47 (ZULU)

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Saturday, January 24, 2009, at 04:20:20 (ZULU)

I'm a week ahead of you. Two E-Mails through Gun Owners of America and a phone call to as****e Durbins office. The attitude of this guy toward gun owners is unbelievable. Basically it's F*** YOU. I'll tell you he's not heard the last of me.

Gary Kaney
N.W., ILL, - Saturday, January 24, 2009, at 10:49:20 (ZULU)

Anybody on this site especially from Ill. hit your senators hard with this one

Gary Kaney
N.W., ILL, - Saturday, January 24, 2009, at 10:53:59 (ZULU)

"Address Gun Violence in Cities: Obama and Biden would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment, which restricts the ability of local law enforcement to access important gun trace information, and give police officers across the nation the tools they need to solve gun crimes and fight the illegal arms trade. Obama and Biden also favor commonsense measures that respect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, while keeping guns away from children and from criminals. They support closing the gun show loophole and making guns in this country childproof. They also support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent."

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you.

CDC'
Saturday, January 24, 2009, at 14:34:04 (ZULU)

There are rules of thumb, but in political activism a hand-written note weighs about 20 times more than an e-mail.

Politicians and other criminals judge how sincere you are in defense of your Rights, by the effort you put forth. Therefore, for every person upset enough to call, there are 500 more that are equally upset but too lazy to call.

Am I saying just write a letter and that's it? Heavens no. I'm saying we should all pretend to be good dead demopublicans - write several letters, make several phone calls, and even drop an e-mail or two ;-) Vote early, vote often.

One of the "senate leaders" for the republicrats - and a devout anti-gun voter (though pro-gun lecturer and NRA A+ rated senator) - is orrin hatch. Call his office, and let him know you're quite upset at his press statement of support in regards to the eric holder confirmation. You're all now citizens of his state (Utah), you live in zip code 84770 (Saint George), or 84606 (Provo), or 84110 (SLC).

Bravo
Saturday, January 24, 2009, at 17:08:54 (ZULU)

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htweap/articles/20090107.aspx

Afghans Rediscover The Lee-Enfield

January 7, 2009: Afghan traditionalists are changing the way the Taliban fight. This can be seen by the increase in the use of sniping by the Taliban. In the last year, NATO units in southern Afghanistan estimate there has been a 25 percent increase in sniping incidents. This is not seen as a major danger. NATO troops wear protective bests and helmets that can stop bullets fired at long range, making it very frustrating for the Taliban shooters trying to hit a distant target in a vulnerable spot.

This shift in tactics is largely a reaction to the better training, and weapons, of U.S. and NATO infantry. Afghans, and especially the Taliban, consider themselves great warriors. But they are getting tired of being defeated every time they get into a firefight with the foreign troops. Worse yet, if the Taliban stay put during a fight, the damned foreigners bring in a warplane that drops a smart bomb or two, bringing an inglorious (for the Taliban) end to the action.

Then some of the young guys remembered grandpa decrying the decline in marksmanship years ago. Back before the Russians showed up, in the 1980s, the best an Afghan could hope to have was a World War II, or World War I, era bolt action rifle. These weapons were eclipsed in the 1980s by full automatic AK-47s and the RPG rocket launcher. The young guys took to the AK, and the thrill of emptying a 30 round magazine on full automatic. Not bad for a brief firefight, and suddenly hardly anyone, except a few old timers, wanted to use the old bolt action rifle.

What was not noticed much outside of Afghanistan, was that this shift in weaponry brought to an end a long Afghan tradition of precision, long range shooting. Before the 1980s, this skill was treasured for both hunting and warfare. When doing neither, Afghan men played games centered on marksmanship. One, for example, involved a group of men chipping in and buying a goat. The animal was then tethered to a rock, often on a hill, and then the half dozen or so men moved several hundred meters away and drew lots to see who would fire in what order. The first man to drop the goat, won it. Since Afghanistan was the poorest nation in Asia, ammo was expensive, and older men taught the young boys all the proper moves needed to get that first shot off accurately.

During the 1980s, Saudi Arabia spent billions of dollars to arm Afghans with all the AK-47s and ammo they could use, and they used lots of it. But rarely for target practice. Compared to bolt-action rifles like the British Lee-Enfield, the AK-47 was much less accurate when one shot at a time was fired. The old timers, or a few young traditionalists, kept their Lee-Enfields, and made themselves useful picking off Russian soldiers at long distances, on those rare occasions where that was needed.

The Lee-Enfield is one of the oldest, and still widely used, rifles on the planet. Over 17 million were manufactured between 1895 and the 1980s. While there are more AK-47s out there (over 20 million in private hands), these are looked down on by those who use their rifles for hunting, or killing with a minimum expenditure of ammunition. The 8.8 pound Lee-Enfield is a bolt-action rifle (with a ten round magazine) noted for its accuracy and sturdiness. The inaccurate AK-47 has a hard time hitting anything more than a hundred meters away, while the Lee-Enfield can drop an animal, or a man, at over 400 meters.

There are millions of Lee-Enfields still in use throughout India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and even Iraq and other Persian Gulf nations. These are largely World War II leftovers. In the early half of the 20th century, the British gave out millions of these weapons to allies, or those being courted. Noting the accuracy of the Lee-Enfield (.303 caliber, or 7.7mm), the locals came to prize the rifle for hunting, and self-defense. There are still many gunsmiths throughout the region (and at least one factory in India) that will refurbish century old Lee-Enfields to "like new" condition. Ammunition is still manufactured, with the high quality stuff going for a dollar a round, and lesser quality for 25 cents a round. These rifles sell in the west for $500-1,000. The Lee-Enfield will carry on well into the 21st century.

One place where the Lee-Enfield found lots of fans was Afghanistan. There, the Afghans had been introduced to rifles in the 19th century, and they treasured these weapons. This was particularly true with the introduction of smokeless powder rifles in the late 19th century. Many Afghans were still using black powder rifles well into the 20th century. But once Lee-Enfields began show up in large numbers after World War I (1914-18), no one wanted the larger, heavier and less accurate black powder rifles (which always gave off your position, with all that smoke, after you fired a round.) Now, wealthy drug lords are buying expensive hunting and sniper rifles for their militias, but so far, the Taliban Snipers appear to be using grandpa's old Lee-Enfield.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Sunday, January 25, 2009, at 02:22:20 (ZULU)

TOOLS EXPLAINED

DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching

flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the

chest and flings your beer across the room, denting the

freshly-painted project which you had carefully set in the corner

where nothing could get to it.

WIRE WHEEL: Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere

under the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes

fingerprints and hard-earned calluses from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, 'Oh sh -- '

ELECTRIC HAND DRILL: Normally used for spinning pop rivets in their

holes until you die of old age.

SKILL SAW: A portable cutting tool used to make studs too short.

PLIERS: Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation

of blood-blisters.

BELT SANDER: An electric sanding tool commonly used to convert minor

touch-up jobs into major refinishing jobs.

HACKSAW: One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board

principle. It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable

motion, and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more

dismal your future becomes.

VISE-GRIPS: Generally used after pliers to completely round off bolt

heads. If nothing else is available, they can also be used to

transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your hand.

OXYACETYLENE TORCH: Used almost entirely for lighting various

flammable objects in your shop on fire. Also handy for igniting the

grease inside the wheel hub out of which you want to remove a

bearing race.

TABLE SAW: A large stationary power tool commonly used to launch

wood projectiles for testing wall integrity.

HYDRAULIC FLOOR JACK: Us ed for lowering an automobile to the ground

after you have installed your new brake shoes, trapping the jack

handle firmly under the bumper.

BAND SAW: A large stationary power saw primarily used by most shops

to cut good aluminum sheet into smaller pieces that more easily fit

into the trash can after you cut on the inside of the line instead

of the outside edge.

TWO-TON ENGINE HOIST: A tool for testing the maximum tensile

strength of everything you forgot to disconnect.

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER: Normally used to stab the vacuum seals under

lids or for opening old-style paper-and-tin oil cans and splashing oil on your shirt; but can also be used, as the name implies, to strip out Phillips screw heads.

STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER: A tool for opening paint cans. Sometimes used

to convert common slotted screws into non-removable screws and

butchering your palms.

PRY BAR: A tool used to crumple the metal surrounding that clip or

bracket you needed to remove in order to replace a 50 cent part.

HOSE CUTTER: A tool used to make hoses too short.

HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays

is used as a kind of divining rod to locate the most expensive

parts adjacent the object we are trying to hit.

UTILITY KNIFE: Used to open and slice through the contents of

cardboard cartons delivered to your front door; works particularly

well on contents such as seats, vinyl records, liquids in plastic

bottles, collector magazines, refund checks, and rubber or plastic

parts. Especially useful for slicing work clothes, but only while

in use.

DAMM-IT TOOL: Any handy tool that you grab and throw across the

garage while yelling 'DAMM-IT' at the top of your lungs. It is also, most often, the next tool that you will need.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Sunday, January 25, 2009, at 17:44:37 (ZULU)

    The wife and kid want to go on a mission trip to Nicaragua with the church they attend. (sending THAT congregation to promote christianity is about like sending Jenna Jameson to a high school to promote family values) How stable is that country? How much concern is there over basic health and safety? Should I sell guns to FedEx my mother in law there?

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Monday, January 26, 2009, at 03:25:31 (ZULU)

If you're out there, could you explain why Israel continues to build new settlements in the West Bank?  I thought this was supposed to be Palestinian territory.  Or did I miss something?

Duman
Monday, January 26, 2009, at 16:07:10 (ZULU)

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_985.html

US State Dept - Nicaragua - Country Specific Information

in part:

SAFETY AND SECURITY:   Municipal elections took place across Nicaragua on November 9, 2008.  Violent demonstrations followed as opposition groups questioned the authenticity of the results.  Activities observed during protests included but were not limited to tear gas, rubber bullets, setting off fireworks, rock-throwing, tire burning, road blocks, bus and vehicle burning, and physical violence between law enforcement and protestors and between political rivals.  Political demonstrations and strikes continue to occur sporadically, are usually limited to urban areas, and occasionally become violent.  U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local media reports, to avoid crowds and blockades during such occurrences and to exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gathering.

U.S. citizens are cautioned that strong currents and undertows off sections of Nicaragua's Pacific coast have resulted in a number of incidents of drowning.  Powerful waves have also resulted in broken bones, and injuries caused by sting rays are not uncommon in popular resort bathing areas.  Warning signs are not posted, and lifeguards and rescue equipment are not readily available.  U.S. citizens contemplating beach activities in Nicaragua's Pacific waters should exercise appropriate caution.

Hiking in volcanic or other remote areas can be dangerous and travelers should take appropriate precautions.  Hikers should have appropriate dress, footwear, and sufficient consumables for any trek undertaken.  Individuals who travel to remote tourist or other areas for hiking activities are encouraged to hire a local guide familiar with the terrain and area.  In particular, there have been instances of hikers perishing or losing their way on the volcanoes at Ometepe Island.  While they may look like easy climbs, the terrain is treacherous and heavily overgrown.

Although extensive de-mining operations have been conducted to clear rural areas of northern Nicaragua of landmines left from the civil war in the 1980s, visitors venturing off the main roads in these areas are cautioned that the possibility of encountering landmines still exists.

Domestic travel within Nicaragua by land and air, particularly to the Atlantic side can be dangerous.  Domestic airlines use small airstrips with minimal safety equipment and little boarding security.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

Back to Top

CRIME:  Violent crime in Managua is increasing and petty street crimes are very common.  Gang activity also is increasing, though not at levels found in neighboring Central American countries.  Pick-pocketing and occasional armed robberies occur on crowded buses, at bus stops and in open markets like the Oriental and Huembes Markets.   Gang violence, drive-by shootings, robbery, assault and stabbings are most frequently encountered in poorer neighborhoods, including the Ticabus area, a major arrival and departure point for tourist buses.  However, in recent months it spread to more upscale neighborhoods and near major hotels, including the Zona Hippos.  In 2008, a U.S. citizen was critically injured in a gang-motivated drive-by shooting that occurred in the San Judas area.  Another U.S. citizen was kidnapped and left for dead in the Villa Fontana area of Managua.

U.S. citizens are increasingly targeted shortly after arriving in the country by criminals posing as Nicaraguan police officers who pull their vehicles – including those operated by reputable hotels -- over for inspection.  In each case, the incidents happened after dark and involved gun-wielding assailants who robbed passengers of all valuables and drove them to remote locations where they were left to fend for themselves.  Some assailants employed threats of physical violence.  While the traditional scene of these attacks has been the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway, this activity has recently spread to the Managua-Leon Highway.  The U.S. Embassy warns U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution when driving at night from Managua’s International Airport and to avoid traveling the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway at night.

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when approached by strangers offering assistance.  Several U.S. citizens traveling by bus from San Juan del Sur to Managua have reported being victimized by fellow women travelers who offered to assist them in locating and/or sharing a taxi upon arrival in Managua.  In all cases, upon entering the taxi, the U.S. citizens have been held at knife-point, robbed of their valuables, and driven around to ATM machines to withdraw funds from their accounts.

Violent criminal activities and petty crime are also increasing in the tourist destination of San Juan del Sur.  In 2008, a U.S. citizen family was violently assaulted and kidnapped by several armed men.  Other American citizens have been the victims of armed robberies by assailants wielding machetes, knives, and/or guns along the beaches in and around San Juan del Sur.  U.S. citizens should exercise particular caution when visiting the following beaches: Maderas, Marsella, Yankee, Coco, and Remanso.  

Police coverage is extremely sparse outside major urban areas, particularly in Nicaragua’s Atlantic coast autonomous regions.  Lack of adequate police coverage has resulted in these areas being used by drug traffickers and other criminal elements.   Street crime and petty theft are a common problem in Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields, and the Corn Islands along the Atlantic coast.  For security reasons, the Embassy has limited travel by its staff to the North and South Atlantic Autonomous Regions (RAAN and RAAS), including the Corn Islands.  Given the area’s geographical isolation, the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens who choose to travel in the Caribbean costal area is constrained.  Police presence on Little Corn Island is made up of volunteers with little to no formal training, and is minimal on Corn Island and other remote areas.

In late 2007, a U.S. citizen was assaulted and violently raped while on vacation in Little Corn Island.  U.S. citizens have previously been the victims of sexual assault on this island and other beaches in the country.  The Embassy recommends traveling in groups when in isolated areas.  Single travelers should exercise special caution while traveling in the Corn Islands and other remote areas of the country.

Throughout the country, U.S. travelers should utilize hotels and guest houses that have strong security elements in place, including but not limited to rooms equipped with safes for securing valuables and travel documents and adequate access control precautions.

Visitors should avoid walking and instead use officially registered taxicabs.  Radio-dispatched taxis are recommended and can be found at the International Airport and at the larger hotels.  Robbery, kidnapping, and assault on passengers in taxis in Managua are increasing in frequency and violence, with passengers subjected to beating, sexual assault, stabbings, and even murder.  Several U.S. citizens reported brutal attacks in taxis during 2008, particularly around the International Airport area.

Before taking a taxi, make sure that it has a red license plate and that the number is legible.  Select taxis carefully and note the driver's name and license number.  Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before departing, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change.  Also, check that the taxi is properly labeled with the cooperativa (company) name and logo.  Purse and jewelry snatchings sometimes occur at stoplights.  While riding in a vehicle, windows should be closed, car doors locked, and valuables placed out of sight.

Do not resist a robbery attempt.  Many criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have resisted.  Do not hitchhike or go home with strangers, particularly from nightspots.  Travel in groups of two or more persons whenever possible.  Use the same common sense while traveling in Nicaragua that you would in any high-crime area of a major U.S. city.  Do not wear excessive jewelry in downtown or rural areas.  Do not carry large sums of money, ATM, or credit cards that are not needed, or other valuables.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, January 26, 2009, at 16:27:38 (ZULU)

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Monday, January 26, 2009, at 18:47:50 (ZULU)

  Thanks for the info. I'd rather they stayed and and got pissed at me and the boy's father, than go and find out the folks at their church are morons.

  Neither of them has any real survival skills, nor any willingness to learn. They both seem to think they can wander through life unharmed, just because they refuse to believe it's possible.

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Monday, January 26, 2009, at 18:51:31 (ZULU)

I can hardly wait.

Brogers
Monday, January 26, 2009, at 21:41:12 (ZULU)

CDC'
Monday, January 26, 2009, at 21:50:14 (ZULU)

Police State - where only the police and military may lawfully possess firearms.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, January 26, 2009, at 23:14:01 (ZULU)

I thought the landmines off the roads were a nice touch.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, January 26, 2009, at 23:20:21 (ZULU)

********

Dear Mr. Udelhofen:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate

hearing from you, and I would like to take this opportunity to

address your concerns.

President Obama nominated Eric Holder, former Deputy

Attorney General of the United States, to be the next Attorney

General on December 1, 2008. The Constitution requires the

Senate to advise and consent on Presidential nominations of certain

senior government officials. Though deference should be given to

the President's nominees for his Cabinet, the Senate has a

responsibility to ensure that any nominee possesses the

qualifications, integrity and independence that is necessary to carry

out his responsibilities on behalf of the American people.

On January 15, 2009 the Senate Judiciary Committee, of

which I am a member, held a hearing to examine Eric Holder's

nomination. During this hearing, my colleagues and I asked Mr.

Holder tough, but fair, questions about what his priorities as

attorney general will be, as well as his record as a prosecutor,

judge and Deputy Attorney General during the Clinton

Administration. I asked him questions about his ability to work

independently from the White House, his commitment to closing

Guantanamo Bay, and his ideas about improving local law

enforcement.

I will carefully consider the answers the nominee gave at

the hearing, his responses to written questions, and all of the

relevant facts before I vote on this nomination. Please be assured

that I will keep your views in mind.

Again, thank you for contacting me.

Sincerely,

Herb Kohl

U.S. Senator

*********

Well that's about what I expected but it's better then the auto reply from Fiengold.

JLU

Joe Udelhofen
Oconomowoc, WI, USA - Monday, January 26, 2009, at 23:53:08 (ZULU)

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/01/president-ob-10.html

UnPat

UnPat
Detained, Peoples Republic of America - Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 06:45:34 (ZULU)

It is a British take on the (then) coming financial crisis, with typical British dry humor.

The site is in Spanish, but the video is in English, just click on the play arrow and sit back and laugh...

.... or cry!

http://www.clarin.com/diario/2008/10/01/um/m-01772238.htm

-

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 13:22:42 (ZULU)

That looks like a Monte Python skit.  "John Cleese explains Wall-Street"

Duman
Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 14:07:19 (ZULU)

>"Apparently our Nation doesnt rate for the first formal public address."<

That's because he has to honor the people that really financed his campaign.  Screw the locals, he doesn't need the US folks anymore.

-

Duman...

Yup, I think that is where it comes from.

-

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 14:32:23 (ZULU)

Just received this in the email:

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Gun Law Update

Jan. 5, 2009 - Gun Ban Lists Revealed

The new Brady gun ban lists are already leaked

by Alan Korwin, Author

Gun Laws of America

Jan. 5, 2009

1. Officials stocking up on AR-15-style long guns

2. Preliminary gun ban list revealed

1. S&W sales

With bans on AR-15 and AR-15-styled rifles to the public expected under the Obama administration (see gun-ban lists below), Smith and Wesson has just announced expansion of that market, with the sale of 275 of its M&P15 rifles to the Chicago police department. http://tinyurl.com/742qre

Chicago, president-elect Obama’s home town, has virtual bans on handguns and strict repressive limits on long guns, but police are excluded and criminals blithely ignore the provisions.

The M&P15 strongly resembles the AR-15, a high quality, semi automatic long gun used by the U.S. military and the public for decades. What the Chicago police expect to do with 275 of the guns, vilified as assault weapons by the lamestream media, was undisclosed. Assault, it has been noted, is a type of behavior, not a type of hardware. In other news, the Minnesota State Patrol has purchased 90 of the high-quality M&P15 firearms, which retail for more than $1,000 each. In still other news, actor David Spade donated $100,000 to the Phoenix police department, to buy 50 new AR-15 rifles made by Colt, an S&W competitor. Spade was apparently moved by a “news” broadcast that said Phoenix officers had to buy their own rifles due to lack of funding, and he wanted to help them out.

2. Gun-ban list proposed

Slipping below the radar (or under the short-term memory cap), the Democrats have already leaked a gun-ban list, even under the Bush administration when they knew full well it had no chance of passage (HR 1022, 110th Congress). It serves as a framework for the new list the Bradys plan to introduce shortly. I have an outline of the Brady’s current plans and targets of opportunity, I’m working on getting that news out asap after these ban lists, probably be ready in the next few days. It’s horrific. They’re going after the courts, regulatory agencies, firearms dealers and statutes in an all out effort to restrict we the people. They’ve made little mention of criminals.

Now more than ever, attention to the entire Bill of Rights is critical. Gun bans will impact our freedoms under search and seizure, due process, confiscated property, states rights, free speech, right to assemble and more, in addition to the Second Amendment. See what 250 of your peers thought during our recent Bill of Rights Day event at the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix: http://www.gunlaws.com/BOR-Day-2008-Report.htm

The Democrats current gun-ban-list proposal (final list will be worse): Rifles (or copies or duplicates): M1 Carbine, Sturm Ruger Mini-14, AR-15, Bushmaster XM15, Armalite M15, AR-10, Thompson 1927, Thompson M1; AK, AKM, AKS, AK-47, AK-74, ARM, MAK90, NHM 90, NHM 91, SA 85, SA 93, VEPR;  Olympic Arms PCR; AR70, Calico Liberty, Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle or Dragunov SVU, Fabrique National FN/FAL, FN/LAR, or FNC, Hi-Point Carbine, HK-91, HK-93, HK-94, HK-PSG-1, Thompson  1927 Commando, Kel-Tec Sub Rifle; Saiga, SAR-8, SAR-4800, SKS with detachable magazine, SLG 95, SLR 95 or 96, Steyr AU, Tavor, Uzi, Galil and Uzi Sporter, Galil Sporter, or Galil Sniper Rifle (Galatz).

Pistols (or copies or duplicates): Calico M-110, MAC-10, MAC-11, or MPA3, Olympic Arms OA, TEC-9, TEC-DC9, TEC-22 Scorpion, or AB-10, Uzi.

Shotguns (or copies or duplicates): Armscor 30 BG, SPAS 12 or LAW 12, Striker 12, Streetsweeper.

Catch-all category (for anything missed or new designs): A semiautomatic rifle that accepts a detachable magazine and has (i) a folding or telescoping stock, (ii) a threaded barrel, (iii) a pistol grip (which includes ANYTHING that can serve as a grip, see below), (iv) a forward grip; or a barrel shroud. Any semiautomatic rifle with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 10 rounds (except tubular magazine .22 rimfire rifles). A semiautomatic pistol that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine, and has (i) a second pistol grip, (ii) a threaded barrel, (iii) a barrel shroud or (iv) can accept a detachable magazine outside of the pistol grip, and (v) a semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 10 rounds. A semiautomatic shotgun with (i) a folding or telescoping stock, (ii) a pistol grip (see definition below), (iii) the ability to accept a detachable magazine or a fixed magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds, and (iv) a shotgun with a revolving cylinder. Frames or receivers for the above are included, along with conversion kits.

Attorney General gets carte blanche to ban guns at will:  Under the proposal, the U.S. Attorney General can add any “semiautomatic rifle or shotgun originally designed for military or law enforcement use, or a firearm based on the design of such a firearm, that is not particularly suitable for sporting purposes, as determined by the Attorney General.” Note that Obama’s pick for this office (Eric Holder, confirmation hearing set for Jan. 15) wrote a brief in the Heller case supporting the position that you have no right to have a     working firearm in your own home.

In making this determination, the bill says, “there shall be a rebuttable presumption that a firearm procured for use by the United States military or any federal law enforcement agency is not particularly suitable for sporting purposes, and a firearm shall not be determined to be particularly suitable for sporting purposes solely because the firearm is suitable for use in a sporting event.”

In plain English this means that ANY firearm ever obtained by federal officers or the military is not suitable for the public. That presumption can be challenged only by suing the federal government over each firearm it decides to ban, in a court it runs with a judge it pays. This virtually dismisses the principles of the Second Amendment. The last part is particularly clever, stating that a firearm doesn’t have a sporting purpose just because it can be used for sporting purpose -- is that devious or what? And of course, “sporting purpose” is a rights infringement with no constitutional or historical support whatsoever, invented by domestic enemies of the right to keep and bear arms to further their cause of disarming the innocent.

If these near-total bans aren’t enough, the most dangerous part may be the phrase “pistol grip” because: “The term ‘pistol grip’ means a grip, a thumbhole stock, or any other characteristic that can function as a grip.” In other words, any semi-auto long gun with a grip (that’s ALL semi-auto long guns) would be banned under the existing proposal. It’s not clear what they hope to achieve by deceptively banning guns with grips instead of just calling to ban the guns -- even an idjit can tell it’s the same thing.

I didn’t cover here all the magazine bans, transfer bans, dealer record-keeping and centralized reporting, and a host of nuisance details -- there will be time enough for that when the new lists are released soon: “As soon as President-elect Obama is inaugurated and the 111th Congress is sworn in,” according to Ms. Brady. Congress is set to be sworn in on Jan. 6, Inauguration Day is Jan. 20.

No one expects the new proposal to be less abusive than the current one supported by the party of the Democrats. Remember -- these bans were proposed when the congressional anti-rights crowd had no chance of success. Now they are ready to run wild, or according to Sarah herself, “I have never been so confident.” The “news” media has failed to report on any of this, preferring instead to blare that the incoming president supports the Second Amendment and commonsense (sic) laws.

To see the whole bill, go to http://thomas.loc.gov and search for HR 1022, (switch to the 110th Congress if the 111th has begun). The excellent Firearms Coalition started by the late Neal Knox and now run by his family members makes these important points about the upcoming Judiciary hearings for AG nominee Holder:

“The Democrat members of the Judiciary Committee are all sworn enemies to the Second Amendment and are unlikely to be swayed at all by any firearms related arguments, but might hesitate to confirm based on Holder’s participation in the pardons of 16 Puerto Rican terrorists and billionaire financier and arms merchant Marc Rich [and perhaps the Elian Gonzalez abduction by federal agents Holder authorized]. Any letters to Democrats should focus on those issues.

“On the Republican side, Arlen Specter, the ranking Republican on the committee has never been a friend to gun rights, but he owes his reelection to NRA support and has expressed concern over the pardon issues.  Among the other Republicans, most are relatively reliable votes, but only Coburn has routinely taken a leadership role on Second Amendment matters.  All of them need to be pressed hard to do everything they can to block the appointment.

“For more information about Eric Holder and why his appointment must be fought tooth and nail, go to our web site at http://www.FirearmsCoalition.org.”

Respectfully submitted,

Alan Korwin, Author

Gun Laws of America

http://www.gunlaws.com/gloa.htm

Permission to circulate or post this Gun Law Update granted.

Sign up for future alerts on my home page:

http://www.gunlaws.com

Take a look at our books --

that school teachers would NEVER recommend:

http://www.gunlaws.com/books.htm

Get a book that will make you more effective politically,

act smarter, master the game, defend your rights better:

http://www.gunlaws.com/books3.htm

Alan Korwin

Bloomfield Press

"We publish the gun laws."

4848 E. Cactus, #505-440

Scottsdale, AZ 85254

602-996-4020 Phone

602-494-0679 Fax

1-800-707-4020 Orders

http://www.gunlaws.com

alan@gunlaws.com

Call, write, fax or click for free full-color catalog

(This is our address and info as of Jan. 1, 2007)

If you can read this, thank a teacher.

If you're reading this in English, thank a veteran.

"No one could make a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little."

--Edmund Burke

Contact:

Alan Korwin

BLOOMFIELD PRESS

"We publish the gun laws."

4848 E. Cactus #505-440

Scottsdale, AZ 85254

602-996-4020 Phone

602-494-0679 FAX

1-800-707-4020 Orders

http://www.gunlaws.com

alan@gunlaws.com

Call, write, fax or click for a free full-color catalog

Encourage politicians to pass more laws...

with expiration dates.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Duman
Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 15:59:44 (ZULU)

It just doesn't get any better than that.

CDC'
Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 17:25:25 (ZULU)

Brogers
Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 17:42:43 (ZULU)

>" Actually just the mention of her name can cure a 4 minute boner for me! "<

You crack me up Dude!

-

They say the definition of "insane" is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different outcome.

When I moved to Connecticut in 1980, they arrested the mayor of Bridgeport for big time theft and fraud.

And they arrested the mayor after him and the mayor after him and the mayor after him... every mayor of Bridgeport has gone to jail, and the current one isn't lookin' to good.

They arrested the Mayor of Wallingford a few years back for having sex with TWO 14 year old girls (at the same time - way to go dude), and he is in "da joint" for a long time.

The last governor (Roland) went to the federal joint for bribe taking and fixing state contracts.

And today, they arrested the mayor of the capital, Hartford, for taking bribes and other skulduggery.

Is being a political office holder in Connecticut some kind of I.Q. test or what?

We make New Joisey and Chicago look like Sunday School Faerie Tales - dem bums ain't got nuttin on us!!

-

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 19:59:39 (ZULU)

As does mentioning the names of: Roseanne Barr,Rosie O'Donnell,Nancy Pelosie,and Janet Reno.....Best form of birth control there is.

'Lito,

Guess the City of Racine, Wi. ranks right with ya.They just popped the Mayor there on kiddie porn charges.I think he is gonna be the favorite prison yard bitch.

UnPat

UnPat
Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 20:32:37 (ZULU)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMnSp4qEXNM&NR=1

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 23:19:55 (ZULU)

Just got a call re: an order I placed.  Hogden is 6-mos. behind on 8-lb kegs of H-335 or Varget, they didn't indicate which one (I forgot to ask).  I'm assuming H-335, since they switched to only mfg. 1-lb. units for the next several months.  Could be both, or even encompass more powders.

Duman
Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at 14:33:24 (ZULU)

Wow !

Regards,

Joisey Steve

Steven Dzupin
Usa - Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at 17:32:33 (ZULU)

>"http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY

Wow !"<

Wow is right.

We are not going to be Numero uno very much longer, and Obama hasn't got a clue as to what to do.

-

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at 23:07:37 (ZULU)

As the school marm told your great-grandpa;  "Readin', writin' and 'rithmetic".

CDC'
Thursday, January 29, 2009, at 00:20:30 (ZULU)

<edited to be more clear>

medicjim
Thursday, January 29, 2009, at 01:51:59 (ZULU)

CDC'
Thursday, January 29, 2009, at 13:45:05 (ZULU)

A degree is meaningless, it is the knowledge you retain that matters.

medicjim
Thursday, January 29, 2009, at 14:00:36 (ZULU)

I understand what you're saying, but I have to humbly disagree.  As we become more complex, as a society, certifications, degrees, etc., are the only things that give others confidence that  you actually have some qualifications to perform certain activities.  

An idiot with an engineering degree will have more opportunities than a really smart hobbyist with no diploma.  I've seen extremely bright IT guys get bounced, and replaced with boneheads with paper.  It's the paper trail that gives employers, etc., the indemnification if something goes sideways.  "I did my job, I hired a guy with an XYZ degree."

Then there are "mini-diplomas", such as "Project Management Institute" or "Six-Sigma Black Belt".  They're useless for the most part, but they are given legitimacy by pseudo organizational bodies, and have become part of the "requirements for hiring" by many employers.

Then there is the pecking order of schools.  For some reason, Harvard holds the high ground in business, but I've never been impressed with anything coming out of Harvard.  Don't get me wrong, there are bright folks highly qualified coming from these places, but overall many of these 'elite' schools are over rated.

Duman
Thursday, January 29, 2009, at 16:47:21 (ZULU)

medicjim
Thursday, January 29, 2009, at 17:51:21 (ZULU)

   I've noticed that a lot of the certifications that'll get you hired are pretty hollow; show up, write a check, take an open book test with the answers on the board, and bam! You're certified. Only marginally harder than renting a video.

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Thursday, January 29, 2009, at 18:48:59 (ZULU)

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Thursday, January 29, 2009, at 18:58:04 (ZULU)

Know why? Because it's illegal to give a job applicant an IQ test, which would largely obviate the need for credentials.

Fortunately, although I have a boatload of credentials, I'm turning down work, so I don't care. People who have to find a job in this environment need to learn to play the game. And they have my profound sympathy.

Lindy
Rockport, Texas, U.S.A. - Thursday, January 29, 2009, at 22:07:00 (ZULU)

and claimed experience because of possible complaints back to them if the applicant with the most education was rejected and then possibly the other turned out to be a bad choice. I think the bottom line is that stupid people can get an education but they are still stupid. That does not mean that smart people can't be educated and become smarter.  

Brogers
Friday, January 30, 2009, at 15:20:42 (ZULU)

Education does not make one smarter. It makes one less ignorant, or, from the other perspective, imparts knowledge.

Being educated is one thing. An education is available to most. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has most of their courses available online free to anyone with a computer and an Internet connection - but without being able to get academic credit for them.

Being able to convince a prospective employer of that education is a separate issue, and the purpose of credentials.

Some occupations require a specific body of knowledge. Airline pilots, and the fields of medicine and engineering are examples. Others require an ability to learn an occupation for which there is little or no specific academic preparation.

For the latter, a university degree in any field is a demonstration that the applicant has a minimum amount of intelligence, has some facility with learning new material, and has the persistance to stick through difficult tasks.

As such, it's not a bad thing - until the lack of it is used to screen out people who have those characteristics, even though they lack the academic credential, by people who have not the ability to distinguish those who do from those who don't.

So, there is where we are. Getting a job is a game of convincing the prospective employer that the applicant should be hired. Gifted applicants may not have to play the credential game - but the game is still there.

Lindy
Rockport, Texas, U.S.A. - Friday, January 30, 2009, at 15:41:39 (ZULU)

Brogers
Friday, January 30, 2009, at 16:57:36 (ZULU)

CDC'
Saturday, January 31, 2009, at 01:46:39 (ZULU)

Certainly the experience of education teaches one how to learn better, as does experience in any field help one know how to do it better.

But getting better at learning doesn't make you smarter - it just makes you better at learning.

If that were not the case, the I.Q. of a person measured in, say, the 10th grade, would be markedly higher after they finished college.

That's not the case.

An old saying is, "You can't cure stupid." That's a crude way to put it, but the idea is the same. You can't teach calculus to a pig, either, no matter how hard you try.

Lindy
Rockport, Texas, U.S.A. - Saturday, January 31, 2009, at 03:42:57 (ZULU)

Darren
East Bay, CA, USA - Saturday, January 31, 2009, at 04:37:43 (ZULU)

U.S. Optics has licensed the Gen II for use in a spotting scope, but, so far as I know, not in a rifle scope.

There are existing Leupolds and Schmidt & Benders with that reticle, but no more will be made absent future licensing of the reticle from those or other companies.

Lindy
Rockport, Texas, U.S.A. - Saturday, January 31, 2009, at 05:04:13 (ZULU)

Joe M
Saturday, January 31, 2009, at 17:19:38 (ZULU)

Welcome back.  I had to rassle with my own home computer too.

Sounds like your (ex?) wife is running all the usual bogus gambits. (Which doesn't make them any less serious).  We're rooting for you.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Saturday, January 31, 2009, at 21:15:56 (ZULU)

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