Sniper Country Duty Roster

September 2008

Ken...

Actually...I would have voted for McCain, but I woulda held my nose when I pulled the lever :(((

Now, with this Palin gal, I'll be proud to vote that ticket...

If yo' is gonna beat on me, PLEASE don't use no steenkin Remington take-off barrel - I gots self respect!!

Where the hell is Marius.

I sent him an e-mail two or three weeks ago through SC and I haven't heard back??

I need to make a correction in the Remington trigger article.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Monday, September 1, 2008, at 01:34:22 (ZULU)

'Lito "If yo' is gonna beat on me, PLEASE don't use no steenkin Remington take-off barrel - I gots self respect!!..."

I have acquired alot of my winchester tutilage from you, so I'll use a shot-out m70 barrel in your case :))

"Where the hell is Marius...."

Good question -- I dunno....

Ken Hunter
Nokesville, Va, Keep America - God Fearing, Armed and Free!!!.. - Monday, September 1, 2008, at 03:58:51 (ZULU)

re: Remington take-off barrel

Is that anything like an ugly stick? {grin}

...internally microfluted tomato stake

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, September 1, 2008, at 17:27:49 (ZULU)

rod...

>"Is that anything like an ugly stick? {grin}

...internally microfluted tomato stake"<

Best laugh of the day :))))))

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Monday, September 1, 2008, at 23:33:23 (ZULU)

"...on Monday, U.S. forces formally handed control of a now largely peaceful Anbar to the Iraqi military. 'We are in the last 10 yards of this terrible fight. The goal is very near,' said Major-General John Kelly, commander of U.S. forces in Anbar, in a ceremony with U.S., Iraqi and tribal officials. Very few in the American media even noticed this remarkable victory."

Don't look for this story to be noticed much by the mainstream media - or by the hundreds of the brain-dead protesting the war at the Republican Convention.

Click on my name for the link.

Lindy
Creede, Colorado, U.S.A. - Tuesday, September 2, 2008, at 22:39:36 (ZULU)

CDC,

Was watching thew news tonight, and saw a piece on Parkinson's. It seems pedaling a bike at around 80 rpms will drastically reduce tremors. This was discovered by a doctor whane he entered in a tandem bike ride with a friend who had Parkinson's, when he noticed how much the tremors had gone away after they'd ridden a while, then stopped for a rest. They profiled one guy in the experiment who has taken to riding a stationary bike at home because he had noticed how well he was doing. Hope this is of some help to you.

Politics:

I'd rather see McCain as the VP and Governor hottie as the president. She seems to be the kinda chick that'll wade into a bar fight and start cleaning house. She's got my vote.

Charles,

You are forgiven for not ND'ing Obama. If you'd have shot his useless ass, Hillary would have a real shot at the presidency. Although I wouldn't mind seeing McCain's VP pick in a knock down, drag out, hair pullin' cat fight with her. Hillary would lose,

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Wednesday, September 3, 2008, at 03:21:13 (ZULU)

Gents: Anyone know the skinny on "near mfg" bases? It appears that a recent aquisition--a FN-PBR 24" fluted barrel (1:12) stuffed into a full length aluminum bedding block hogue stock--has this base on it. Need to know if this base is serviceable enough for hunting duty with a 30mm burris xtreme sitting on top:))

Lindy: Ain't that something? A few years back, a different Marine General once famously proclaimed the whole of Anbar as "Lost." This is a bad example (as it was a Marine, after all)--but my main gripe was the senior tier leadership within the army; a group that with few exceptions was wholly unprepared for an enemy that did not act like the one that they wanted to fight--indeed, spent their whole life expecting to fight. I watched as good damned advice was dismissed--mainly because the messenger wore a funny hat and was despised by these asshats. As I've said before--CENTCOM, CJTF-7 and CFLCC spent many months denying and then debating "whether there was an insurgency" in Iraq---and conequently, doing nothing to combat it all the while. Amazing. The up-side is that we now have REAL combat troops growing up with the knowledge of what works earned the hard way, and the knowledge of what does not--also learned the hard way from bad examples above them. The future my son will inherit will be a bright one because of this experience. Hell, we have far, far more multi-tour vets this time around than we had from the 'Nam. And, they're sticking around! Now, if we can only avoid a Clintonesque style draw down under an Obama administration (Charles--shoot me if this happens!)--we'll be just fine for a decade or two.

Ken: Make no mistake--I woulda hated to vote for Mcstain. But this lil' chippy he conjoured up outta Alaska is my kinda gal, too; CDC--get in line! If only to launch her chances down the road--I'm back in the voting mode, and will volunteer locally with the Repubs again. She is my kinda politico thru and thru. And, a hottie to boot. Paraphrase from an editorial: "She's the kind who is fine with allowing 'her man' to shoot the bear, but will pick up the rifle if he fails or falls just as readily." That is the natural endstate of feminisim; and she nails it on the states over the fed issue too. For all Mcstain's faults--he outdid himself with her. Something about a blind squirrel maybe...?

Lito: A prediction; Biden cannot debate Palin without coming across as an un-gentlemanly ungracious ass---thus turning off every split tail voter between NY and LA (exclusive, of course). I just can see it now...and I'm betting Obama's camp does too. Doesn't matter that they know it will happen, they can't stop it--cuz Biden is one of those morons who cannot help himself!

And, I find it unbelievable that Obama would even bring up her experience as being less than his own!!! That is shining a light into his own closet full of empty suits. He doesn't even have enough experience hidden away to make a bone, let alone a skeleton. WTF is he thinking? Did he buy into the rock-star savior crap? Went to his head? Maybe we are that lucky...

Oh, and it does not matter if you vote for McCain/ Palin on issues like, say, an aversion to communism--the left is already telling ya you are racist and can't wait to get in your face about it. This will get worse as we go, just watch. If Obama loses, some idiot in Philly predicts "a race war." My prediction: The more they tell someone they are racist, the more likely the vote goes against Obama. Nobody likes to be called names unjustly, and this tactic will not just backfire--but will explode in their faces as they overplay that stupid race-card for no damned reason at all. It actually will reinforce that connection to his Black separtist/ counter-racist church he no longer wants in his life.

My, how interesting things get on the turn of a name...

Joe M
Wednesday, September 3, 2008, at 22:42:35 (ZULU)

Joe,

Where the hell does Obama get the balls to say Palin lacks experience? She's been running a state, while he's only been running his mouth! The son of a bitch seems to think he deserves applause for voting "present".

As for the racism thing, I hear ya, man. I don't know how many times I've been all but outright accused of racism for being a white guy with the wrong accent, a neat, clean appearance, and acting like I was raised in the country.(which I was) Sometimes, I quite literally HAVE been accused of being racist, simply because I refused to assimilate with the trash I was surrounded with.

Hell, one time, another guy and myself were discussing hunting dogs while riding in a van with two black guys. One was just a plain old normal guy, who happened to be black. A real good guy I'd had many a conversation with, who I'd welcome in my home. The other guy was your typical black guy on a mission. I know damn well he heard the whole conversation, and knew we were discussing hunting over hounds, but he just had to blow up when I said I'd always wanted to hunt coons, but never knew anyone with some hounds! Called me a sick son of a bitch, blah, blah... I hate that shit.

On another occasion, I was asked to go out and seperate the staff into two groups; I went out, stood in the middle of the crowd, and asked "you people" to please stand in a group over here, and "you people" to stand over there. I had just called the ENTIRE GROUP "you people". Yeah, you guessed it. And guess who their ringleader was.

I guess I should be happy nobody had Jesse Jackson on speed dial. Apparently, it's a crime to be a clean cut white guy. It seems that our liberal education system is bent on indoctrinating our children to feel a certain amount of guilt over being born white. That should be a crime, in it's own right.

I'm not Jesus, and neither is my kid. We shouldn't be forced to pay for our forefathers' sins. Just because some groups choose to pick Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, John Wayne, or the men who fertilized the tree of liberty with their own blood for heroes, and others choose to pick thugs who brag about mistreating women, victimising others, flaunting the law, using drugs, and making their money by stealing from their own families, doesn't mean the former should be forced to pay for the latter's unwillingness to work for what they want.

Well, I've not slept in about 30 hours or so, and the old ADHD is kicking in, so I'm probably rambling. Good to hear from some of y'all I haven't heard from in a while. Dove season just opened here, and I hope you guys get to get out and enjoy some beautiful fall weather.

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Wednesday, September 3, 2008, at 23:25:37 (ZULU)

Guys,

While I'm puttering around, recuperating from spinal fusion, I keep dreaming of the hunts I intend to go on when I finally get in good enough shape to make them. I was daydreaming of an Alaskan sheep hunt while reading an article that mentioned something about the AR's benefits, one of them being light weight.

What do you guys think of an AR, possibly in .308, for a sheep rifle?

It'd be lightweight enough, the collapsible stock would be fucking awesome when climbing, where the awkward length of a full size rifle feels about as ridiculous as clown shoes on a ballet dancer, and it would be an absolute godsend to have a shorter balance point on your rifle during an endless deathmarch across frozen shale slopes.

I'd obviously be carrying either a very seriously hot loaded .45 Colt(Since I shoot my .45 Colts more than anything else), a .460, or similar for protection against predators or deranged sheep guides who have reached their wits' end waiting for a cripple from the flattest state in the lower 48 to wheeze his ass up the slope before the spring thaw.

I'm also beginning to dabble in long range handgunning, so a handgun shot at a sheep I'll never see twice could be a real possibility. (Elmer Keith's writing has helped me through the recovery process) The handgun would obviously not be my choice of weapons, unless an old billy's decided to include me in his turf war when I'm standing on an icy foothold the size of a Copenhagen can.

How would the AR function in that arctic climate? I remember, some time back, one of you guys was trying to freeze to death, in order to find out how cold you had to get your rifle before it crapped out, and to gather data. Would I be O.K. if I completely degreased the action and used lithium grease or graphite, or am I just jerking off, here?

Also, what about my choice of caliber? I'm picking on the .308 because of it's accuracy and caliber, and the fact that I've been wanting one for the last two or three years.

I don't know dick about sheep hunting, other than it takes place in really vicious, beautiful country I'd be happy to die in. What kinda calibers do the guys that aren't pimping rifles for a magazine suggest?

What do you guys suggest for optics? I was kinda thinking a fixed 7 or 8X would be just about right, since a fixed power scope would have no moving parts to fuck up. I like my 6X just fine for deer and coyotes in Kansas, but I think I might need another X or two up on the mountain.

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 02:26:28 (ZULU)

After watching Governer Palin's speech it is easy to see why the Old Media and the other Leftist hacks wanted to throttle her before she broke out. Obama is in trouble.

CDC'
Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 04:51:49 (ZULU)

Travis,

Not sure wich AR or variant your considering but one thing I can say without a doubt a DPMS LR-308 is anything but light.A Magpul PRS stock did alot to help counterbalance the 24in SS Bull Barrel but throw in a full mag,scope and some Badger Rings and I am around 15lbs.

Up in NW Wisconsin where I deer hunt it can get pretty cool for temps,maybe not Alaskan cold,but it is still cold.I never had good luck w/graphite stayin where its supposed too,as well never been a big believer in grease either.I use Hoppes #9 Oil.Couple drops here and there,collect excess w/ a Q-tip or gunrag.

I cant tell ya the advantages of Armalite,Rock,or Bushmaster over a DPMS as once I had mine it was look no further.I have been very happy with mine.I do know one advantage is... if the .308 were to be "too much" another upper chambered in .243 or .260 is a 2 pin swap over,and can use the same .308 mags.I dont know if this can be done with the other brands or not.Like I said I havent paid attention to what other calibers Brand XYZ offers.

Mags....DPMS also offers 4rd and 10rd as well as the 19rd mags.Again cant tell ya what the other guy has.

If your drivin...If ya havent done so,Check the transport laws of the States your drivin thru,Cant say for sure but some may not like high cap mags.Some have goofy little laws.And if it avoids a run in with Super Trooper(you know the type......He is so cool he wears the mirrors on the inside of his sunglasses)its worth the checkin.

AR's are fun to hunt with...but all the metal makes them damn cold to hang onto....pack/use the GOOD gloves.

Happy Huntin

UnPat

UnPat
Wi, USA - Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 08:56:27 (ZULU)

Travis

If your thinking about getting into handgun hunting. I'd think real hard about the 454 Casull. I have one and love it. I also have a 475 Linebaugh i like it but it is a little much. You don't go out and put 50 rds. through it at the range at one setting.

Gary Kaney
NW, ILL, - Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 12:02:22 (ZULU)

Travis - re: AR pattern rifles and cold.

I've shot my AR15 in -15C with TetraGun lube w/o issues. I'm moving to Ballistol as a less toxic substitute. The AR pattern does better with oils than grease.

Tetragun liquid is rated down to -73C

Ballistol is rated down to -50C

Break Free CLP -All the various grades of CLP come under the specification Mil-L-63460, and you may see it with the suffix letters A through D, depending upon temperature range and

viscocity.

Just be careful to pick a lube compatible with your ambient temperature goals and you should be fine.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 16:50:09 (ZULU)

Travis:

If you're driving to Alaska thru Canada, forget the AR pattern rifle. In Canadian law it's the same category as handguns, and there are many hoops a non-resident would have to jump thru to bring such into Canada even temporarily. (The standard answer is you can't, but of course the reality is just *much* more complicated.)

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 16:56:41 (ZULU)

UnPat: Common seasons in Alaska is September for most big game, though there are spring options as well. These hunts are not so cold, as far as the "Alaskan scales of cold" go:)) Only those resident-only february hunts in the Yukon will test lubes--and graphite was the only way to go. I learned that the hard way...my riffle became an expensive walking stick as I unzipped, unbuttoned and de-velcroed all the layers to get to my 629. Gotta love a revolver in 70-below when the wolves come a callin'. But, these one-off dead'o winter hunts aren't for the lower 48 types; not that ya can't handle it---just that they won't give ya a permit:))

AR pattern: That 24" HB pipe is not the choice I'd make for a general duty (hunting) 308. DPMS makes several barrel profiles and lengths for this style of rifle--and a couple would carry quite well. FWIW, my .260LR is a boat anchor glued on the far end of a lite-wt fishing pole! "Front heavy" begins to describe it, and "freakin' heavy" finishes the description. These are porch queens. (or bench...whatever...we had a porch on the Curry range back in the day). All that said--I would not recommend any of these AR patterns for an Alaskan hunt. If I could only take one stick in---I'd choose a 300WM bolt action---but that is the absolutely lightest round recommended for every thing walking land. A better choice is 300wby and up. .375HH is still king, BTW.

As for bighorn, a variable is NOT a bad idea (understatement alert). Here's another thought: I can run under 14 minutes for 2 miles still, and bang out 100 push ups in 2 minutes...and I would say that I am NOT anywhere near ready for a Wrangell/ St Elias Mountains' sheep hunt. Hardest thing I've done outside of Afghanistan is chase damned bighorns over those "hills." Some shots can be on your ridge (oh the luck) or across a valley. You MUST be able to determine full curl from 7/8ths curl to be legal. Not enough glass could screw you out of a shot, just as could too much glass. A variable is a must for the money that tag will cost you, IMHO. My 2-7x was too low powered for what I really needed and I missed out for it. I'd want at least 12x power on the upper end.

joe m
Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 18:05:52 (ZULU)

Just thought I would pop in and say I am a new dad, We had him back on the 16Th and everything went good. He was 7lbs 8oz and 20" long, and we named him Samuel Jonathan. I haven't been avoiding this site just real busy. Take care.

Jon

Jon Kujawa
Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 18:45:48 (ZULU)

Travis, Joe is spot on about the physical toughness of a sheep hunt and the caliber of rifle and optics. I used to live in Fairbanks and Palmer ,Ak. I traveled past some sheep hunting mountains of loose shale, most always socked in with wind and rain and low temps. This is for an August hunt(fall).It is the toughest hunt in North America, and very expensive for a non resident(must hire a guide).

Fred Hartman
Toledo, Ohio, USA - Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 19:50:05 (ZULU)

Congrats Jon..

medicjim
Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 21:00:20 (ZULU)

Jon: It's OK to gloat...it's OK to bask in your glory...it is all fine; you are the man! Enjoy every minute of family time God grants ya. And come by to brag anytime the mood strikes. We should see a whole lot of ya if you do this:)) So: Congrats, Dad...and that moniker is the best one any of us could have. I suspect everyone here enjoys the many, many challenges of living up to all that it implies, too. So, feel free to tell us all about your family--not just your guns or shooting. It is, after all, why "guns" have a use. Ya know---food, protection, respect...see how it entwines? Fatherhood is directly on topic, IMHO.

Joe M
Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 21:13:26 (ZULU)

Thanks guys,

I kinda feel bad I have not fired any of my rifles since April. Last weekend I had to bust out the numbers for the safe cause I forget. But I do have a good reason. And on the upside I'm saving tons of cash so next year I get A LOT of bullets and powder.

Jon Kujawa
Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 22:08:04 (ZULU)

Jon-K...

Congratulations - enjoy ALL of it NOW (including the diapers), it goes fast. Five years ago, by son was two - now he is sixteen and is growing a beard (on the weekends - it goes off every Monday morning)

:)))

Joe M...

You are dead right - Biden is such a punk that putting him on the same stage with Palin will make him look like a Brooklyn bar bouncer. Biden said he likes to "bloody someone's nose"... well, go ahead, asshole - do it infront of the whole country - I tripple dare you!!

And since when is the democratic party picking an empty suit for president and then giving him training wheels for a vice president... isn't it supposed to be the other way around - the vice president is in training to take over after the first chair retires in 8 years???????

This campaign was putting me to sleep for the last two years, but now it has turned out to be the best election since 94...

Newtie - DUDE - you gotta LOVE it!!!!!!!

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 22:48:43 (ZULU)

While we're bragging...

Got a new granddaughter. 7# 2oz. 19 3/4" and born on 8-22. Hope she's another Sarah Palin...

Congratulations, Jon K.

I'd like to have this T-shirt made. "Gov. Sarah Palin; Twice the Man as Hussein Obama" Any other suggestons?

My faith is renewed in McCain. Shows he can make the right decision for the right reason. Sarah has single-handedly turned this election around. She represents what Republicans WERE supposed to represent. I am looking forward to this...and almost feel sorry for Joe Biden.

Mk4
Texas, United States of America - Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 23:48:43 (ZULU)

MK4...

>" Sarah has single-handedly turned this election around. She represents what Republicans WERE supposed to represent. I am looking forward to this...and almost feel sorry for Joe Biden."<

Yup - that's very well said - she IS a classical conservative/Republican.

Joe Biden is such a worn out wanna bee - I think he has run in the presidential primaries every 4 years since the Korean war... and its always the same thing - he gets 1% of the vote and drops out in first or second cut.

The guy is pure and simply a SCHMUCK, and everyone on both sides hates the asshole. He a crude lowlife.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, Da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Friday, September 5, 2008, at 00:19:25 (ZULU)

Unpat,

The LR-308 was just what I had in mind, but I'm open to suggestions from the BTDT crowd. For hunting, I think a 4-6 rd. mag would be about right for hunting. Anything else would give the guide the idea that I'm planning to spray and pray.

On traveling, I was thinking I'd ship most of my gear well ahead of me.

Gary,

I've thought about one of the high end revolvers, but I really don't plan to use a handgun past 100 yards on game, unless I'm outta rifle ammo, or my rifle jams when I need to make a follow up shot. I really feel that a handgun is just an ambush weapon with longer range possibilties.

Joe M.,

What kinda ranges would you say I need to expect to be able to identify/shoot from, realistically, for this hunt? What barrel length would you suggest? It seems like I read some studies that said an 18" barrel would be just as good as a 22", and better than a 24". What's your opinion? Also, what's your opinion on the .308 for sheep and goats?

Jon,

Congrats! Being a Dad is one of the coolest adventures I've been on.

.....how the FUCK do you have a kid AND save money? I'm sure we'd all like to hear that one!

Fred,

I pretty much expect to damn near kill myself, just getting ready. If I can figure out how to get a gig in the area I plan to hunt for 6 months or so before the hunt that will allow me to train like I want to, I'll be able to scout and get myself where I need to be, physically, PLUS, I won't have to hire a guide for the cost of a new pickup!

Anyone else notice that a couple days ago, the media was saying Gov. Palin didn't know wtf she was doing, but as soon as she hands Osama his nuts on a plate, they start referring to her as a "Washington insider"?

The two faced bitches in the media need to just report the facts, and quit relaying opinions from supposed "experts" with no actual experience, whom nobody has ever heard of.

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Friday, September 5, 2008, at 07:04:25 (ZULU)

Obama on O'Rielly; “I think that the surge has succeeded in ways that nobody anticipated,” Obama said while refusing to retract his initial opposition to the surge. “I’ve already said it’s succeeded beyond our wildest dreams.”

I hate to quibble with The Styrofoam Messiah, but - in Senate hearings - McCain argued that a troop surge would cause exactly that success. It was on C-Span.

CDC'
Friday, September 5, 2008, at 12:28:03 (ZULU)

Travis: I saw nothing on my side of about 700 yards, and that was in poor vis, where i couldn't tll if they had horns let along full curls. A range finder---one that gets ya at least to 800, is a must. Some of those "ridge to ridge" shots are very hard to estimate on distance. Even with a map. 308? It could work, but I was happy with a 300wm. A 7mm would be about perfect, IMHO. These are also used by some to take moose as well...but I watched an ugly wounding of one with 7mm.

I watched McCain's speech, and the "vet" thing really impressed me. Kinda made me believe he was trustworthy on the level of "come by and pick up my kids" trustworthy. Hmmmm.

Joe M
Friday, September 5, 2008, at 13:36:47 (ZULU)

I'm not sure Mrs. Palin is more of a man than "O", but she definately has bigger......balls.

Good for a snicker http://rightvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/worshipme.jpg

There's another site that notes similarity between the setting of his acceptance speech and the Nuremburg Rallies site. "Ein Reich, ein Volk!" Oops.....wrong speech.

WR Moore
Friday, September 5, 2008, at 13:54:11 (ZULU)

WR Moore...

>"I'm not sure Mrs. Palin is more of a man than "O", but she definately has bigger......balls."<

Yeah, and they are higher up :))))))))))))))))))

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Friday, September 5, 2008, at 15:00:29 (ZULU)

Travis:

FWIW, my choice would be 7mm Rem mag in a nice bolt gun for chasing rams in the Alaskan mountains. Even so, a good rangefinder would be very helpful. Small estimation error makes a big difference in elevation once you get beyond (say) 400 meters.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, September 5, 2008, at 16:31:45 (ZULU)

Travis,

Take a look at the LR338L.Its lighter,then anything in the LR308 line up.Cant speak for the ballistics of the .338Federal.

UnPat

UnPat
Wi, USA - Friday, September 5, 2008, at 19:03:48 (ZULU)

Gents: Bravo said the Near base is a decent one...good enough for me. It'll stay around:)) I picked up the FN PBR/XP today (when i negotiated the trade/cash deal for the M21, I had my harley---Wisconsin may be "hunter friendly, but strapping a green rifle over the shoulder might be over the top illegal:))); seems like a reasonably well made mid-weight. Think Sendero or Coyote for comparisons. I need to scare up some glass and get to shooting...since the deal also included a case of BH 168SMKs, another pink rifle...and a grand for harley parts. It was a really nice M21...with the most beautiful walnut I've ever seen on a Mil-style weapon (and many high end bolters, too). But that was precisely why it needed to go...I want a rack grade to beat up.

click for the propaganda page--the one I just got is the 24" varient.

Joe M
Friday, September 5, 2008, at 22:51:16 (ZULU)

Joe,

Used to strap the Bennelli SBE to the Shovel all the time,went from Milwaukee County to Mid Racine County where the Trap Range is,had to ride past the scales where the State Boys always have a few cars sittin.Rode from Milwaukee to Florence Wi via Iron Mt Michigan to go Grouse huntin a few times,Along with runnin from Milwaukee to Walworth County to go Goose huntin......Never once got stopped or questioned.As long as its cased and unloaded nobody raises a fuss.Carring a loaded mag in your pocket can get ya a ticket,tho.For some reason they see a loaded mag the same as transporting a loaded gun.

***********

Got a real stroke of luck tonight.

Yesterday it rained all day and most of the night,Ran the Shovel into work anyway.Its only 9 miles from home to work.

This afternoon when I went to leave,I had this little voice tellin me...."Lube the Chain".Figured after runnin in the rain a shot of juice cant hurt it.Looked at c/phone's clock and I was runnin a couple minutes late,and thinkin I dont have time to lube the chain....Lil' voice gets louder...

So,I grabbed the can of lube,started sprayin the sections I could get at,rolled the bike back to hit the next section....What I saw next stopped me cold...The clip for the master link was missin.

First stop tomorrow is Farm and Barn,I know the Greedy Bastards M/C aint gonna have a masterlink for 530 chain,since they all went to belts.

UnPat

UnPat
Wi., USA - Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 04:27:18 (ZULU)

Travis: Consider a 7mm WSM with 160 grain Accubonds.

CDC'
Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 04:38:44 (ZULU)

Clicky. Interesting article on presidential candidates' stated intent to violate their oath of office.

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 06:51:03 (ZULU)

Unpat:

Glad you listened to your little voice. Would not have been pretty...

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 10:52:29 (ZULU)

Gotta love them little voices...

I often wonder if it's the same voice that got us in so much trouble when we were teenagers? Maybe he's trying to make up for it?

medicjim
Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 13:55:19 (ZULU)

Hmmmm. The remains of Hurricaine Jenna are due here in a few hours and I walk out of the house and look up to find two dozen vultures sitting on my roof.

Do they know something I don't?

medicjim
Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 16:01:51 (ZULU)

Election stuff,

After watching Denver get turned upside down for the Styrofoam Messiah (LOL!), I was really down. Not just because the 'security' really wrenched-up the city, but because it was still McCain vs. a charismatic talking head and his geriatric sidekick.

When I first heard about Palin, I thought McCain handed the election to Obama Joe. After hearing her speak, and reading her credentials, I'm convinced McCain hit this one out of the park. I'm not convinced she'll win-over as many women as hoped, but it solidified my confidence that the republicans can win.

Although, I have to wonder about her future son-in-law. It takes some real balls to knock-up the Governor's daughter....

Duman
Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 16:06:44 (ZULU)

Duman...

>"It takes some real balls to knock-up the Governor's daughter...."<

I don't think he'd want to do it to Arnold Schwarzenegger's daughter ;)

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 18:25:49 (ZULU)

'Lito,

"I don't think hed want to do it to Arnold Schwarzenegger's daughter ;)"

Hmmm: a deserved beating from a muscle-bound Dad, or the ire of a vindictive woman... I'll take the beating, at least we could have a beer together afterwards. ...at least there'd BE an afterwards.

But then you know all this doncha. ;-)

SSG Mac
Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 20:39:43 (ZULU)

I'd rather face Arnie than Todd Palin. Arnie fakes it. Palin doesn't. Click.

CDC'
Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 21:49:09 (ZULU)

Hey Jim,

Them vultures is just hunting for some democrats that took a flying leap over the palin/mcain ticket.... Them democrats ain't dropping in the streets down this way yet but they sure are foaming at the mouth....

Calvin

Calvin
e-burg, MD, U.S.A - Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 22:19:53 (ZULU)

MedicJim,

Trade ya a masterlink for them Vultures.Got spares now.I'll take Vultures on my roof over Owls.

Rod,

Seen some busted eng/trans cases,locked up rear wheels.....Your right it wouldnt have been pretty.

.....

Gotta agree with Mac....Few thumps an lumps and a beer all is cool...might even get in a few licks.But dealin with a ticked off woman...I would sooner push my Shovel 5 miles.

UnPat

UnPat
Wi, USA - Sunday, September 7, 2008, at 02:17:39 (ZULU)

Travis

What CDC said about the 7mm WSM. Bought one from him.

Gary Kaney
NW, ILL, - Sunday, September 7, 2008, at 11:42:51 (ZULU)

Harley Woes....

Bought an FXR from a friend (baaad idea) and have spent a lot of time working on it. I've never before had equipment that actually dis-assembles itself over time.

Last week, I was about to take a trip, noticed something odd. Looked closely, the swing-arm bolt was backing out. The retaining nut came off. Coulda been bad.

Yesterday, the oil filter assembly retaining bolt came out, and the filter was dragging, held on by the oil lines. I left a spill that woulda made Captain Hazelwood proud.

That BMW is looking better all the time....

Duman
Sunday, September 7, 2008, at 14:25:07 (ZULU)

Motorcycle country: I used to have a BSA 441 Victor, AKA "thumper", a single-cylinder dual-purpose bike. It didn't really ride down the road - it hopped when the plug fired. It was almost necessary to carry a spanner in one hand when riding, to tighten up the bits as they came loose.

My last two motorcycles were BMWs.

Lindy
Creede, Colorado, U.S.A. - Sunday, September 7, 2008, at 15:09:37 (ZULU)

"it hopped when the plug fired."

Lindy,I am glad there was a garbage bucket handy.I read this over the first cup.Better the garbage then my monitor.I forgot those really did do that.... along with a few other things.

Duman,Glad to hear ya found that.That would have been ugly.A buddy of mine takes his new Ulcer(ultra) Glide in for the 500 mile check up.The tech that worked on it stripped the nut that is on the end of the swing arm pivot bolt and left the floor board loose,and didnt say anything.My buddy picks up the bike,rides off.He gets a mile from his house and he cant hold it in a straight line.Limps it the last mile home,calls me to take a look.Find the prob,Call the dealer.They came and got it.

******

When I was at Farm and Barn,picked up a fuel filter for Angels Explorer.As she puts it,...Its Buckin when I try to pass someone.Swap out the filter.Outta curiosity drained some of the gas from it into a clear cup.Its sorta muddy lookin.Tried blowin thru it,got some more out,a few seconds later I licked my lips....Its Sweet....That aint good.Opened up the filter...its packed full w/a fine white-ish powder.Heated some water up in the microwave and scraped the powder into the water....it dissolves.Damnn....Sugar.

I wonder ?? Could it be the "Obama Blows Goats and Hitlery" sticker I made?

UnPat

UnPat
Wi, USA - Sunday, September 7, 2008, at 18:33:07 (ZULU)

UnPat: Might wanna use a more definitive test for sugar---damn-near everything will disolve in water! It is one heck of a solvent!

Joe M
Monday, September 8, 2008, at 00:18:22 (ZULU)

Unpat - http://secure.sciencecompany.com/Benedicts-Solution-4oz-P6408C670.aspx

Sugar does not dissolve in gasoline...

there is more to it, email me through the roster if you would like more info

medicjim
Monday, September 8, 2008, at 01:47:01 (ZULU)

Vultures:

I was riding colts for a guy that was keeping them across the road from a really old cemetary out in the middle of nowhere. Since it was near a creek, in a low lying area, it was humid as hell down there, so I tried to get saddled up and riding by daylight, and done before it got too hot.

Every morning, there'd be a flock of vultures perched on the tombstones. It was creepy as hell.

CDC & Gary,

I'd considered a 7mm magnum before, because of the super flat trajectory, but have no real experience with it, nor have I messed with the short mags. I suppose the shorter bolt throw would be a godsend on anything as long as a .300 or 7mm mag. Is there any cartridge suitable for big game with a trajectory flatter than the 7mm mag?

Also, how brutal would one of these short magnum calibers be in a rifle lightweight enough for a sheep hunt? Would it still be as brutal as I think it is, if I were to use a good recoil pad? I want the power and trajectory to get there and get the job done, but I want to be able to shoot it enough to get damn good with it, without ruining my shoulder. I'm a big enough guy to take the recoil, I'm just sick of my body parts trying to fall off! Between the spinal surgery I'm just getting over, and the two wrist surgeries I'm looking at, I'm gonna be off of surgery for a while!

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Monday, September 8, 2008, at 03:58:00 (ZULU)

Jim,Joe

Agreed,the use of hot water isnt the most conclusive.That and my taste buds were about all I had to work with.I hadnt had any beverages to drink while workin,and I was pretty sure the injectors sit in the intake ports and dont seal thru the water jacket like the big diesels(injector cups)do.So coolant contamination from the return side isnt likely.Checkin the manual later confirmed this.

The milky greyish residual that I blew out of the filter had a real fine grit when rubbed between the fingers.Almost like real fine cement mortar.In fact what I blew out of the filter sorta reminded me of cement cream.There wasnt any water seperation from what I drained out of filter after lettin sit.

Hot water wont break down any sand,rust,dirt that could have been in the bottom of a stations tanks and sucked up during a fuel up.Maybe in years and years but not in a 2 minute quick kitchen test.

Gasoline wont break down sugar.....But alcohol does.The more I think on it,the more I think it was powdered sugar that was used.

MedicJim,

Rostermail inbound.

UnPat

UnPat
Wi, USA - Monday, September 8, 2008, at 04:03:42 (ZULU)

Travis: Earlier this year I posted some techniques for managing recoil. Most were shamlessly stolen from Rick, Jim Carmichael, a excruciatingly detailed Russian manual, etc. If you - or anybody else - is interested, I'd be happy to repost the pertinent parts and to discuss it in greater detail.

CDC'
Monday, September 8, 2008, at 04:44:54 (ZULU)

CDC,

If it's not too much trouble, I'd sure read it, if you wouldn't mind posting it again. Did you ask your Dr. about that Parkinson's study that uses bicycling?

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Monday, September 8, 2008, at 04:50:03 (ZULU)

Travis

Badger Ordnance sells a removable muzzle break. G.A. Precision installs them. 200 bucks if i remember right.

Gary Kaney
N.W., ILL, - Monday, September 8, 2008, at 10:37:13 (ZULU)

Travis - CDC and Gary are dead on....I have a 7WSM built on a win 70 coyote reciever...about a #5 contour barrel. I put the Badger FTE brake on it. The recoil on that rifle is MUCH less than my #7 contour .260.... I'm not kidding. The 7WSM is very flat shooting with ~ 160 pills and will likely put sheep down plenty good.

That Badger brake is very good voodoo.

medicjim
subliminal "good"... you don't see this <g> , - Monday, September 8, 2008, at 13:49:12 (ZULU)

re: practice w/ 7mm WSM

The brake would seem to be an excellent idea. What about a similar dimension "cap" for field usage that could be swapped out afterwards. Would this permit shooting the same zero?

Or does the Badger Ord brake version have an "on/off" mode?

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, September 8, 2008, at 16:34:04 (ZULU)

The FTE brake does not have an 'off" mode, I do have a blind cap that is used to cover the threads when the brake is off. The FTE brake does not need "timed" threads as it has a "clamp" that allows you to lock the threads in place

medicjim
Monday, September 8, 2008, at 17:49:20 (ZULU)

Gents: I'd pay big bucks to hear Cheney say, "What Obama's essentially saying is that you NEED more experience to be the VP than you need to be the President...now you don't want 8 more years of THAT, do you?" Gawd...that'd be funny. And it would use the "more of the same" argument right back at "hizIslamicFaith-ef-ed-ness". Priceless.

(I watched Cheney discussing this...and for a second, I thought he was going here:))

Joe M
Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 01:15:47 (ZULU)

On managing recoil:

The right (duh) cheek is placed on the comb at the same place every time. The muscles in the back of the neck are relaxed to allow the weight of the shooter's head to completely rest on the rifle. This does three (maybe) important things; It increases the effective weight of the rifle. Turning an 8lb rifle in to a 16lb rifle reduces recoil. Resting your cheek on the comb keeps the rifle from getting a running start before it whacks you in the face so your head and the rifle recoil as a unit.

You don't want the rifle to whack you in the face. If it does, your body will involuntarily learn to anticipate the shot. That is a flinch which I'll define as any reaction to the trigger press that interferes with the shooter seeing the crosshairs on the point of aim through the fall of the firing pin. A flinch is a conditioned response that develops from an unconditioned reflex.

"Press->bang->blink and tighten up

becomes "press->blink and tighten up."

It is just like Pavlov's dog.

To decondition yourself you dryfire like your life depends on every shot then shoot a bunch with a wimpy rifle that feels like your real rifle. Using a muzzle brake - along with the best ear protection you can find - for practice looks like the same kind of deal.

(Added next day) In order to rest the cheek on the comb, the comb must be the right height. A padded comb helps a bunch. A Scope-EZE pad is made of Sorbothane and is one solution. You have to take it off to clean the rifle so I duct tape the things on. Nothing but class.

You don't want the rifle to get a running start before it punches your shoulder and you want the rifle to punch your shoulder where it doesn't hurt. Again, this is not avoid discomfort just for the sake of avoiding discomfort; It is to avoid associating pain with the press of the trigger. We want to avoid the click => flinch conditioned response.

More later.

CDC'
Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 06:34:22 (ZULU)

Charles: A familiar story- I'm headlong into a blind side divorce, akin to your problems a while back (IIRC). Been here before, so I know that once the wife is solely focused only on reasons to split--it is over. For all my stated faults many months back, these were addressed and altered accordingly---but that was never the issue all along. It is deeper and funnier, really. I'm retired, and she is trying to hook a career....and resents the hell out of it, making me the subject for her anger predicate (and I also realize that this is short term stuff...but she doesn't). As for the blind side, it is par for the course with her: One day, she's a cop...or a photog...or a truck driver...a college student orienting on biology/ medical--no wait, it's engineering. All of course are out-of-the-blue "right now" decisions as far as outside observers are concerned. In short, she mulls things to herself, then drops bombshells as done-deals. No sense in wringing hands over this, either: she is a great mom, and I'll just be moving on to god-knows where. It is all very cordial, so far...

Joe M
Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 14:30:09 (ZULU)

Joe M.

Sorry to hear that! Been there, been trough it... Sucks!

Larry (Sharon)

Larry J. Porter
Boonies of the Panhandle, Texas, USA!!!! - Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 15:02:29 (ZULU)

To everyone out there: Hey Gents I'm finally Back

Joe M Near makes great stuff. Don't know if you got my letter. Only problem I know of is that they look a little too nice to go on a "Rack Gun" or tacticle. Don't own any of their rings, but they can make pretty much anything you want in a base. Canada shipping to USA is a drag too. I'm holding a 10MOA winM70 SA base for Richard untill he sells it just to keep from having to ship it back across the border and then back again. He is an extreamly nice guy to deal with and will work with you to make anything you might need. Not to mention a pretty good long distance shooter.

Motor Cycle country: My 50 Pan should be through this week after 2 years in the shop. Should have done the work myself but two years ago thought it'd only take a month and it was in the middle of flying season. Picking up a Electra Glide Ultra Clasic after this season ends for good just to take on road trips.

Scope Country: now that the Night Force craze is in full swing and there's more of them out on the market, What's the latest opinion compared to Leupold and the other high enders. Gotta buy something in the next month in 3.5/6 X 15/20 power.

338LM: What's the latest news on who makes the best affordable "2500-6000" Rifle. I've been considering the TRG and the Mac.

Hope everyone's ding well. Anyone who isn't, I hope it gets better.

JC: It's time to go shooting, and I need to get a couple of cheek pads made. I'll drop you a line.

Cooper

Jeff Cooper
Gadsden, TN, USA - Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 16:03:16 (ZULU)

Joe - agreed, God knows where. But I've got a danged good hint.

Just don't try to keep up with Morgue. I've come to the conclusion he's like NASCAR - fun to watch and keep track of, not for me to emulate (GRIN)

OK, so I’m gonna ask for recommendations.

First off, I need some kydex stuff molded. Anyone know of someone that’s not afraid to try molding kydex?

Specifically, I’m looking for someone to make me some belt-mounted pouches. One for a compass, one for a Gerber multi-tool, and then the common double pistol mag and pistol mag / flashlight combo – but molded for MY flashlight, and the two CLOSE together.

Colors less obnoxious than flat black would be a bonus (GRIN)

Second off, anyone know of some MOLLE pistol mag pouches that secure the mag with those little bungee cords instead of a flap? I’m looking for just singles at this point. I’d prefer ones that have enough of my mag exposed that I can get a hand on ‘em.

Bravo
Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 16:04:24 (ZULU)

Joe:

sorry to hear about the pending divorce. You've already had your quota :-(

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 16:26:40 (ZULU)

Joe, Sorry to hear this.That Sucks.

UnPat

UnPat
Wi, USA - Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 17:30:56 (ZULU)

Joe,

I totally understand and my heart goes out to you. I am in the middle of one as well. After 16 years of marriage my wife decided to try to find "true love" while she was still "young enough an pretty enough" to capture it.

So I have my two boys 99.5% of the time while she works through her midlife identity issues... Almost funny, but a little pathetic at the same time. I keep marching on, taking care of my boys (13 and 10 year old), working, and paying bills...

Butthe good thing is that I have the house, my boys, and my dogs!

It will all eventually work out. Hang in there...

Michael

Michael
Los Gatos, CA, USA - Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 18:36:45 (ZULU)

Joe M.,

What a bite in the butt! Hope it stays cordial. If you need a place to crash in my AO you're always welcome.

Good luck & Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway
The sunny Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 21:00:39 (ZULU)

Joe M,

I am so sorry to here, hope thing work out for you.

JLU

Joe Udelhofen
Oconomowoc, WI, USA - Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 00:28:56 (ZULU)

Bravo........

Go here and learn how to do it yersef:

http://www.paracordsecrets.com/articles/35/article.html

Joe.......

Make sure the kids come first. Where will Peanut live?

Bolt out!

Bolt
Fighting the usual fall sinus attacks in...., NC, - Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 01:58:38 (ZULU)

Joe: Sorry to heat about the big D. That sucks.

Pat II
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 03:00:31 (ZULU)

Hi guys...

I can't say much about legal stuff on SC for a while, cuz some other "persons" might have found that I am on here, and be reading what's going on.

But - I will say that after three years of ups and downs - and kicking on doors, Yesterday and today - the worm has turned, and there are people really, honest injun, going to big time jail - like "Not less than 5 years" - minimum sentencing guidelines type jail - FINELY!!!

I'm in pig city :)))))))))))))))))))))))))

Drop me an e-mail if you wanna know more.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 04:35:22 (ZULU)

Joe: If you didn't have kids to raise, I would congratulate you. My wife and I are going to get a divorce as soon as our youngest goes to college. One of my brothers is on his fifth wife. This time it's true love. I told him that anybody who would get married twice is a slow learner.

Pablo: You have my e-mail address. Tell me what's going on.

Travis: So far my "recoil" post is pretty weak. Do you want me to finish it?

CDC'
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 06:11:55 (ZULU)

CDC, Yes! finish the lesson.

Sick'em 'Lito!

SSG Mac
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 10:36:51 (ZULU)

SSG Mac: I added a little. This time in the A.M. my fingers hop sround like a troupe of break-dancers.

CDC'
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 13:04:21 (ZULU)

CDC: Keep on posting that...it makes for great "gems" (cut and pasting into a desktop doc) for my personal archives. I dunno, but maybe a "lifecycle" or a similar high-end stationary is worth buying. Shit, even if it is marginal or less on the tremors, you still get an aerobic benefit that is easy on the knees:)) The used market on these is pretty good, as long as you avoid the semi-retail/ used shops (like play-it-again).

Gents: (CDC, you have it right--a bit o' congrats is in order)--Honestly, the only emotion that is strong right now is an underlying anger that is solely about the kiddies. She wants to use the moral crutch that they will be better off, ya know, from the effects of a loveless marriage and the fighting and all that. But, albeit not exactly an unbiased observer, I see our situation as infinately better than most relationships in this department. In fact, she and I are the punchline of family jokes akin to a 50's family sitcom. What pisses me off is that, in order to self justify--she wants to believe they will be better off. No...that is NOT the outcome here. And to deny it is just setting herself up for failure fromthe get go. As I see it now, reality will set in within a few years, and the bitterness directed at "me" (being the bogeyman for all her shortcomings)--will translate into emotional warfare thru my children. That, sadly, is the usual outcome in such matters...and, i can clearly see the mechanism that will bring it on over time. That pisses me off some, as I cannot change this path thru logic or reason.

As for the split--well, I have been willing to swallow much over the years in an effort to "make it work." Again, my motivation here is my children. Even now, I am low-keyed on attempts to salvage (no histrionics here, just a subtle theme) "for the kids." But, for me alone--I feel relief. It has been hard to deal with near total disrespect (the incidences of which are so universal as to defy listing all the ways it manifests) over these years. But I did swallow a ton of pride in this. In fact, her downward spiral--as it became apparent to me at least, coincided with my decision to directly confront these little digs as they happen. This did not alter her derisive attitude towards me (this stuff is subtle), but she did start doing this behind my back more. The mechanism, I believe, was to diminish me in her own eyes to help justify what is, at its very roots--a wholly selfish endeavor on her part. Grass is always greener--so coping strategies become essential to deny that "you are the cliche."

In short, I will miss my kids dearly--but this is exciting in a way akin to a PCS move. And, because there is not any bitterness yet, I "hope" it stays the way we are currently planning the split--a cordial parting. Honestly, the fine line I have to walk is to not be too happy about it, thus pissing her off for being insuuficiently destroyed by her dumping me:)) That said, I have no illusions about how fast things could go south, and am planning my contigencies accordingly. There are incentives for her to keep it cordial, very strong ones in the way I've proposed our path. My continued goodwill has teeth, mean nasty ones, should it falter. I am deeply involved in her families' land...in a no-fault state.

Joe M
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 14:05:15 (ZULU)

Joe: Sorry to hear about your coming big D. I know that Peanut will be your first priority.

HDR
OK, - Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 14:36:01 (ZULU)

"Oh, the sadomasochistic tedium of McCain's imprisonment in Hanoi being told over and over and over again at the Republican convention. Do McCain's credentials for the White House really consist only of that horrific ordeal? Americans owe every heroic, wounded veteran an incalculable debt of gratitude, but how do McCain's sufferings in a tiny, squalid cell 40 years ago logically translate into presidential aptitude in the 21st century? Cast him a statue or slap his name on a ship, and let's turn the damned page."

-Camille Paglia

Typical liberal thought, and as usual, totally missing the point. It is precisely his ordeal that goes straight to character. The dismissive argument is actually an acknowledgement of Obama's never-been-tested persona. Even the term "swiftboating" is enlightening to the liberal thought process. To them, it is just a political smear. But to those that ever serve anything but themselves--it is a damning indictment to have 95% of your "brothers in arms" actually stand against you. If I was a commie (hey, literary license here)---my conduct in uniform and out esnures that my brothers in arms would not stand against me out of the mutual respect we earned together. I know this in my heart. They would not vote for me, and probably say as much out loud...but there it would end---out of the mutual repect I alude to. So, the swiftboat vetrans made a strikingly derogatory statement that is closer to truth by its very nature than anything the liberals have ever encountered in thier lives--but due to a blind spot on honor, they miss this point entirely...and instead write it off "as politics." They have no sense of honor beyond that which they have for their egos, their persons. That is a sad life, IMHO.

Joe M
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 15:07:07 (ZULU)

CDC,

It's up to you, I'd probably just shoot from a shitty position, mop the blood up, pick up my shit, and keep hunting. ..... but I'm not above learning things from the BTDT crowd.

As for the exercise bike, craigslist.com is generally a good place to find that stuff cheap or free. I posted needing a free dishwasher, and was getting calls to come pick 'em up for weeks!

Speaking of which, I need to get one, for my rehab. I'm out of physical therapy, and am now doing my own PT. I'm walking rather briskly around the neighborhood for about an hour a day, and am starting to do some upper body stuff. I'm not exactly starting barfights, but I put front shoes on my own damn horse! It took me half a day, but I had to at least do that.

Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna HAVE to get my wrists operated on this year. I ran out of Percocets the other day, and found out that my pain tolerance for the ache in my forearms and wrists has disappeared. I was having the kinda gut wrenching pain where you can't sleep, and you're wondering what bullets taste like.

I guess it was bound to happen. I broke them 15 years ago, and had two operations to straighten my left one, which bends up so far, my forearm looks like a hockey stick. "Corrective" surgery, my ass!

McCain:

I don't beleive his service should be the focus, but it damn well should not be dismissed. It shows a hell of a lot more commitment than organising a bunch of gay, tree hugging terrorists.

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 18:26:29 (ZULU)

CDC,

Its worth the read.B'sides,your were just gettin to the good part.

UnPat

UnPat
Wi, USA - Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 19:07:45 (ZULU)

"I posted needing a free dishwasher, and was getting calls to come pick 'em up for weeks!"

Travis, my advice is to Hold out for the blond one that uses the "suck dry" feature throughout the monthly cycle.

Joe M
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 19:55:58 (ZULU)

Joe

I feel for you. Went through a cordial split 24 yrs. ago that took 13 months. She's still bitter against me to this day.

Gary Kaney
N.W., ILL, - Thursday, September 11, 2008, at 11:30:36 (ZULU)

A bit of trivia for youz bumz.

I have heard for years about how "accurate" the 16" Missouri Class battle ship guns were.

I was doing some research into something else a few days ago and came across some navel test data and specs for these guns.

I had heard "Those 16" guns could hold a 1/2 minute of angle"...

Well, "da trut" is - in good condition, they would hold 24 minutes of angle.

I got shotguns that will do better (but not at 22 miles ;).

More trivia for your next cocktail party after the "Thee-A-tur" :))

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Thursday, September 11, 2008, at 12:36:47 (ZULU)

Just a post to memorialize those lost seven years ago.

I remember it vividly and no amount of social repackaging has touched that memory.

BKS and all the rest of you in Texas, stay low and be safe, we are thinking about you.

medicjim
Thursday, September 11, 2008, at 13:57:36 (ZULU)

When I get a few minutes, I'm adding to and editing the recoil post. Feel free to comment. You guys are the guys who know this stuff.

CDC'
Thursday, September 11, 2008, at 18:11:11 (ZULU)

Re: 911 Video (7mb download)

Dedicated to the men, women and children who lost their lives;

all those who sacrificed their lives; And to all the Heroes that responded to the emergency 11 September 2001

(click)

Mk4
Texas, United States of America - Thursday, September 11, 2008, at 19:16:50 (ZULU)

Catshooter - email inbound, no attachments

medicjim
Thursday, September 11, 2008, at 21:53:10 (ZULU)

Lito,

Off hand, what would 24-MOA translate to at 22 miles (taking into account the Toyota Corolla and Aerola effects) ?

I'll bet the ground shook like hell ....

Duman
Thursday, September 11, 2008, at 23:52:01 (ZULU)

>>>>I'll bet the ground shook like hell ....<<<<

I recall in one of the early episodes of "Band of Brothers" when several of the Easy Co. troops were heading to their rendezvous point right after being air dropped the night before D-Day.

All of them hit the ground as the "16" shells came flying overhead. Sounded like several fighter jets flying low @ mach 2.

I suspect that was pretty close to real.

Mk4
Texas, United States of America - Friday, September 12, 2008, at 00:42:55 (ZULU)

Duman...

>"Lito,

Off hand, what would 24-MOA translate to at 22 miles (taking into account the Toyota Corolla and Aerola effects) ?

I'll bet the ground shook like hell ...."<

Actually, I worked backwards - the round will hit on a box that is 200 yds wide and 600 yds at 22 miles long in calm conditions.

200 yds at 22 miles is 24 moa. One MOA is 0.5 yds at one mile. At 22 miles, one moa is 11 yds - times 22 = ~200 yds wide

That does NOT mean that it will make a 24 inch "group" at 100 yds - the 24 moa @ 22 miles is with dispersion and ballistic "noise", but no wind.

I don't think they tested it at 100 yds ;))

One thing that is not well understood is that those shells hit the ground at the same angle that they were fired... so at 22 miles, they are crashing in traveling sideways.

About six months ago, I noted here that Dean Michaelis was getting out of being a "Super Snipie dude for hire", and off to become a nurse.

I got this from a fellow rosterfairian today.

http://www.dreammakersappaloosas.com/FireSale.html

It's all of Deans snipie stuff on the block.

The rooski laser is a good deal if is working... the rest is, well, priced in relation to Deans ego.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Friday, September 12, 2008, at 01:47:30 (ZULU)

Click for a photo of the friendly end of the Mighty Mo's 16" guns. My dad joined the Mo's crew just after Midway. He said that the blast was memorable. He saw some shit.

CDC'
Friday, September 12, 2008, at 04:16:43 (ZULU)

I can't imagine the thunder from a 16" gun. When I was at Ft. Sill the barracks windows would shake a little from the arty guys firing MUCH smaller stuff. I'm sure those 155's and 205's are like a flash in the pan compared to a 16. I'd like to know the length, weight and muzzle velocity of the projectile.

Marc

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Friday, September 12, 2008, at 04:29:14 (ZULU)

MK4,

Thank you for the link. The day passed and even though I was aware it was 9/11, it became clear to me that everyone else in my life could give a shit. Never came up at any time. As a nation, we are forgetting. I won`t. I refuse. My daughter still won`t fly in a plane because she remembers and she`s only 11. Today was a day just like any other, but it shouldn`t be. Thanks to all who serve, prayers to those that gave all.

Steve Racer
Somewhere in Dillsburg, PA, - Friday, September 12, 2008, at 06:29:53 (ZULU)

http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_16-50_mk7.htm

AP:2700 lbs at 2500fps, 72in length

HE:1900 lbs at 2690fps, 64inch length

Both new gun stats, MV dropped off with barrel wear.

I'm not sure if there were 16" guns at Normandy, Europe got all the old ships. 12" on the Arkansas, 14" on Texas and New York and any of the old Standard class that were in the Atlantic, plus the Brit BB's were all there. The fast BB's worked up in the Atlantic but were sent over to the Pacific ASAP, especially after the Tirpitz was sunk and there was no need to keep a modern BB in the Atlantic to counter her. S/F....Ken M

Ken M
Friday, September 12, 2008, at 07:29:41 (ZULU)

Joe,

"Travis, my advice is to Hold out for the blond one that uses the "suck dry" feature throughout the monthly cycle."

The current model's working pretty hard on getting replaced. Her Dr. put her on Prozac for a medical condition, and we really started to get along well; having pleasant conversations, talking about stuff, and treating each other with respect. As soon as she realised this, she quit taking it, and keeps the pills at work, so she can conveniently "forget" them on weekends, when we're together the most.

Last night, she and the boy came home from his first cross country meet, which I missed, due to really bad insomia, and a complete lack of desire to ride in a minivan with her family for an hour each way, just to be there when he takes off and finishes.

Really, cross country is NOT a spectator sport! The boy(he'll be 13 this weekend, but I'm too broke to get him a rifle for his birthday)understands this, and about ADHD making stuff like that agonising for me, so I contribute in other ways, like just hanging out, taing him fishing, discuccing the stuff you wonder about when you're 13, etc..

Anyways, when they got home, I was just getting up, and I asked him if he'd taken care of the dogs.(which he's currently grounded for NOT doing) Well, that was all it took for big ass to get a bad case of mad cow disease! Completely flew off the handle, and refused to listen to reason. When I made the point about his being grounded, it suddenly became about my tone. What a bunch of shit.

She wakes up about 4 a.m., every morning, even though she doesn't want to. Well, this morning, I'd left her a note to PLEASE make certain I was up and around before she leaves, because I have some stuff that HAS tobe done today. Most of which, she's been bitching at me about for 3 months, rather than spending her alloted bitching time to get on the phone and take care of it herself.

I asked her to make SURE I was awake because I'll have entire conversations with her while I'm still asleep. Eyes open, and everything. I even have sex in my sleep, at times. (Or so she says) Well, anyways, just as I was nodding off,(finally) she woke me up to tell me NOT to sleep too deeply, so I'll be easier to wake up!

.........and she wonders why I get pissed at her. She was completely bewildered when, since I couln't get back to sleep, I got pissed at her when she bitched about the way I made her breakfast. I'm pretty sure a lesser man would have already choked her to death. At times I regret taking the slide off my pistol and hiding it the time she told me she was gonna shoot herself with it. If it weren't for my stepson needing a man in his lfe, I'd have left her a LONG time ago.

'Lito,

"Navel test data"? Were those 16" belly buttons? That's one BIG bitch!

Fire sale: Those are some fucking ugly appaloosas!

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Friday, September 12, 2008, at 14:29:17 (ZULU)

Travis...

Aw Jeeze. I don't get no respect!!

It ain't my fault that I'm dyslexic - I misspell everything while I contemplate the existence of doG.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Friday, September 12, 2008, at 16:50:45 (ZULU)

Female bewilderment -

It is not us who changed, it is they who changed. They want to be equal to us and yet forget that they are a woman. It is they who want equal treatment, but forget (purposefully), that they do not have testicles between the legs, which, allow us men to be rational and sane. They want to us to be men and do man thing yet they also want us to do some of their woman thing such as child rearing, cleaning the house, being sensitive, spending quality time with them (yet they take no interest nor do they participate in any of our past time). And when we do comply with their request (being good men that we are) we get criticized for not knowing or recognizing what needs to be done, such as child rearing. Yet, as an example, our plea for safety and security for the child will be ignored and that we are being silly, amongst other things are ignored - go figure. They want us to be responsible, yet they take no ownership of the problems they create, the complaints that they throw out and the projects (aka, task) they set forth. They will start a project, call it a joint venture, but expect you to either clean it up or finish it, yet they will call you out on it if something went wrong.

In my humble opinion, the feminist movement, the advent of college (aka, brain washing) created many of the issues that we men have to share today. If only the gals will listen to Dr. Laura, she will straighten them out. It is surprising how well she knows the opposite gender and recommends what we men have either been thinking to ourselves or saying to our fellow two legged, testicle hanging, gun loving, types all along.

In a nut shell, I do not hate nor deplore them, but I am still bewildered by them and I am still figuring them out even at 42. I want one in my life and the one in my life is pretty good but she still confuses me, bewilders me, angers me, and takes away my time from shooting but I would not trade her for the world. The one thing I can say is that she is not afraid to speak her mind nor tell me when I am stepping out of bound. The sacrifices we have to make to make a relationship work - full time job it is.

I am off my little three legged stool. Stay safe, shoot straight and keep your guns oiled.

Darren
East Bay, California, USA - Friday, September 12, 2008, at 17:56:27 (ZULU)

MarcS of East SF, when were you in Fort Sill? I was there from 1985, December, to 1986 of March, if my memory services me correct. I was the third class for 0811 School (USMC). I still have photos of my instructors, class mates and in the field training. We used to go to the strip on our liberty. I suspect that it is gone now. Small world...

Darren
East Bay, California, USA - Friday, September 12, 2008, at 18:08:49 (ZULU)

The Wife !!

To quote the Blues brothers of 2000,

"It's cheaper to keep her "

Regards,

Joisey

Steven Dzupin
Ridgewood, New Joisey, Usa - Friday, September 12, 2008, at 21:41:37 (ZULU)

Joe M....are you gettimg my emails? Just curious.

Charles S. Hunt
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 00:28:18 (ZULU)

Krauthammer wrote: "Yes, Sarah Palin didn't know what it (the latest iteration of the "Bush Doctrine") is. But neither does Charlie Gibson. And at least she didn't pretend to know -- while he looked down his nose and over his glasses with weary disdain, sighing and "sounding like an impatient teacher," as the Times noted. In doing so, he captured perfectly the establishment snobbery and intellectual condescension that has characterized the chattering classes' reaction to the mother of five who presumes to play on their stage."

CDC'
Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 12:36:54 (ZULU)

Palin should have told Charlie Gibson that the Bush doctrine don't mean crap anymore....from here on out it will be the Palin Doctrine......"Screw with the U.S. and I'll take you on a moose hunt!"

Back on antibiotics.....damn it, Bolt out!

Bolt
Down with sinus infection...again, NC, - Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 13:32:09 (ZULU)

Just some insight from a Northeast Yankee voter...

Palin makes me nervous...she talks too much about "God's will". If you subscribe to the whole "God" thing, don't most religious tomes talk about God giving man free will for a purpose? Was that purpose to run around guessing what God wants? I doubt it. Bottom line, when I hear 'pentacostal' or 'envangelical', I think agressive, pushing my will upon you, organized religion, which I loathe.

I listened to the whole "Bush Doctrine" discussion and it pissed me off... it pissed me off enough to begin to like Palin. Someone who thinks THEY know what I need in government is about the only type of person that makes me more uneasy than someone who thinks "God" knows what I need in government.

This website has something of a unified bent...most of you are Christian males that uniformly agree on most things.... I am not of the same bent, but you tolerate me and I know that I exchange ideas freely here because you permit it. I am not an atheist in the sense that I have any wish what-so-ever to impose my belief (or lack there of) upon you...I'm just sharing my point of view...and I do vote.

regards

Jim

medicjim
Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 15:14:50 (ZULU)

I'm a devout and practicing Agnostic who grew up in a Christian home.

Christians who pray that their actions are consistent with God's will don't bother me a bit. Christians who claim that they have special insight in to God's will and are ready to use force to impose that understanding are not acceptable as leaders. C.S.Lewis is of the first type. Torquemada is an example of the second.

Charlie's handlers and Charlie's audience don't know the difference.

CDC'
Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 16:37:52 (ZULU)

Here is the thing about God's will and the will of man: it's just like the freedom we enjoy as Americans. I would go as far to say as this is where the concept of individual freedom originated. God expects us to act consistent with His will, but we have the freedom to do as we damn well please. Just like in America, we are free do do as we please, in most areas. What we do with that freedom, tells the story of who we are as an individual. Some of us are more inherently equipped than others. If I didn't have God to lean on, I doubt I would be nearly the person I am. Athiests and agnostics that have great character get my wholehearted respect.

As far as I am concerned, just because someone is a Christian or not (or even conservative or liberal), being polite and respectful is generally the accepted standard. I quit my railroad career in May (for a whole two days before my old boss tapped me to consult and work for him part time) to start up an audio recording biz. I'm finally starting to get a few clients, and for the most part they are resoundingly and actively liberal. That's OK, they are people and I treat them with respect. I avoid talking about politics when I can. When I can't (and I had a discussion with a guy today that I've done several musical projects with over the years), I just say "look, I love you man, but we are going to have to respectfully agree to disagree".

The same guy said "you of all people should be on board with Obama, he's all about the little guys like you and me.....I could see you supporting McCain if you were rich".

To which I replied "that's the thing....I AM GOING to be rich!" :-)

Geoff M
WI, USA - Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 18:16:21 (ZULU)

RE: Charlie Gibson. What an absolute asshat. Was I the only one wishing Todd Palin was going to come from off camera with a chair leg in his hand and anger in his eye?

Also - if anyone has the McCain and Palin acceptance speeches recorded, I need DVDs for some campaigning efforts. Email me at geoffmccormick (insert normal symbol here) charter (punctuation) net. I stopped down at the campaign office today, they are just getting ramped up...should have been earlier IMO but we'll work with it.

Geoff M
WI, USA - Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 18:19:58 (ZULU)

re: faith country

I was raised in a Christian home, now a lapsed agnostic :-)

(no aspersion on my still-practicing immediate family).

My father was a church Elder in the past, one of my sisters is a current church Elder (completely different church and place).

Concur with CDC's observations on Type I and Type II practitioners.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 18:38:07 (ZULU)

I won't get into this God thing too deep, other than to say that God and I "Are tight"!

Sometimes I tell God he is a pain in the ass and sometimes I think God for the good stuff that falls my way.

God and I talk from time, mostly I talk, sometimes he/she/it talks back and I find answers. I never pray and ask for stuff... it is against my religion.

Some people like the Itralians think of God as the great puppet master... something happens, like your dog dies, God made it happen... I don't think so.

I don't know if God is a personage like an ol' guy sitting in the clouds with a big book of names, making red "X"s when you do bad stuff, but somehow I doubt it - my best friend when I was a kid (Joey San Martin) died because of what a priest did, and I kept waiting for the bolt of lightening to strike him down and it never came...

I don't know if God is a big force that created it all (and "all" is Godamnn big) and doesn't care about the little bits of sand (us!)... I tend to think that way.

But some of the biggest scumbags I have ever known were religious nut cases (think back to the "Church Lady" in my custody case).

And I have know some non-believers that lived and behaved better than some priests that I (and Joey San Martin) have known.

But I damn well resent it big time, when someone tells me to believe in "their God"... cuz I know that "my" God (he/she/it) and I are on good terms - "We tight"!

I heard something interesting last night. I was at a table of 20-ish people and someone said something against republicans as though all other 19 people were (naturally) in agreement.

The woman across from me furrowed her brow, so I said, "Funny how the liberals assume that everyone that has an education is for Obama".

She said, "You know... what I find odd it that the conservatives will listen to the other side and debate issues, but the liberals just rant, call names, and insult people that disagree with them."

Right on!

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 19:55:32 (ZULU)

Darren, I was at Ft. Sill for about 2 weeks in Dec. of '88. I was going to go to my basic training there but the plan changed and I then went to Ft. Knox for basic (long story in Army paperwork).

Do you guys know anything about BSA rifles from England? A friend of mine inherited a sporter in .222 from his father who bought it from a fisherman that used it to shoot seals in Alaska a very long time ago. It doesn't say BSA on the barrel it has the actual name which I forget but the initials would be BSA so I ASSUMED it to be BSA. It's in prestine condition and looks to be of very good quality. The barrel was in tight contact with the stock all the way down the channel, the trigger sucked, and the scope was an old weaver 4X so I was surprised to get 1-1/2 MOA groups with it. If those issues were adressed I suspect it would shoot much better. I'm going to get the actual name and do some searching around the web tonight.

Marc

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 20:57:14 (ZULU)

What a great idea !

http://www.6mmbr.com/targetcam.html

All i need is the Range. LOL

Regards,

Joisey Steve

Steven Dzupin
Ridgewood, New Joisey, Usa - Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 21:08:02 (ZULU)

MarkS...

BSA stands for "Birmingham Small Arms".

They made SMLE rifles for the military, then Really great motobicycles (I used to race them), and now are down to selling Chinee' junk scopes.

Their civilian rifles are very good - made on Parker Hale actions.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 22:03:58 (ZULU)

re: target cam

I had the same idea, but didn't know how to find a transmitter/receiver combo that had enough range. This is the golden age for cheap electronics. Too bad it isn't also the golden age for firearm ownership :-(

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 22:36:22 (ZULU)

"Too bad it isn't also the golden age for firearm ownership" Careful, it might be after all, depending on who's elected.

CDC, I agree entirely. Guys, if you've got a spot of brain in your noggin (you all do) and the mindlessness of the more common Christian denominations annoys you, I highly recommend C.S. Lewis as a refreshing change. The man had a first-rate brain, was humble, and brought a warm humanity to his thoughts on God. No pretense at all, just a good man trying to understand & live up to holy ideals.

SSG Mac
Sunday, September 14, 2008, at 01:53:06 (ZULU)

Thanks 'Lito. I did some google searching and found out quite a bit. The one my friend has is a bolt rifle not a Martini. It's not worth more than three or four hundred bucks from what I'm told but I like it. Now it just needs some minor work to bring out it's potential.

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Sunday, September 14, 2008, at 01:55:42 (ZULU)

Chuck Hunt: Been trying to get a hold of you via cell. No luck so far, always get voice mail. You get any of my messages? Just curious. Joe

Joe Ducos
Turlock, CA, USA - Sunday, September 14, 2008, at 07:36:55 (ZULU)

MarcS,

I have just such a BSA rifle in the shop, not quite pristine but not too badly used either. Most of the "old seal rifles" that come in are in such bad shape that they are rarely worth working on. 222 Rem Mag is another "common" caliber for seals. You may already know this but Rem 700 short action bases will fit the BSA quite nicely. Nice find, and carefully tailored hand loads may really shine, none of the factory 222 Rem fodder available locally shoots at all well, even in truly accurate rifles.

222 Uber Alles,

Erik

Erik
Sunday, September 14, 2008, at 17:27:21 (ZULU)

Eric wrote:

"carefully tailored hand loads may really shine, none of the factory 222 Rem fodder available locally shoots at all well, even in truly accurate rifles."

Sad commentary on factory fodder, since 222 Rem was used to set some BR records in the 1960's. Supposed to be one of those "intrinsically accurate" cartridges (with a bit of encouragement, of course).

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Sunday, September 14, 2008, at 17:42:19 (ZULU)

Erik,

If I remember correctly you're in Kodiak is that right? Do you own a gun shop there?

I had a hard time believing the part about a fisherman using this as a seal rifle just because it's in such good condition. From what I understand those guys view rifles only as tools. I think the spare hammers in the bottom of my job box are better cared for than Inuit seal rifles.

Joe did you shoot the steel match yesterday? I planned on abalone diving up in Mendocino but the seas were rough so I slept in, had breakfast, took a nap then wrestled with the dogs in the yard. Really hard day :)

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Sunday, September 14, 2008, at 18:38:36 (ZULU)

Test

Marius
Sunday, September 14, 2008, at 21:45:55 (ZULU)

Charles: I "replied to" two emails--one on the down-n-dirty of my marital fun and games, and the other expressing interest in more info...did you get these? Since those---nada from your end.

I look at religion much the same as I do anything else, and especially "liberalism"---I do what I do, you what you do, and we agree to meet in the middle by these necessary rules that covers my butt or yours impartially. Follow me on this: I'm an old-school 'Merican. I do what I do, and don't believe I have much say in what you do, except where our paths cross. There, at these interestions of two or more individuals, lies the "rule of law"--governing our interaction where our paths cross. Like stop signs and door locks, or B&E charges. These things are necessary only because it where I stop and "we" start. A liberal is fine in my book, as long as he wants to do all that charity onto himself--with his own wallet. I could care less, and in fact, I would actually admire such a person, since I too am very much a "liberal" when it comes to Children's Miracle Network or Make-a-Wish---but only on my terms and my efforts. I harbor no illusios that YOU should do as I do, either. But, alas, most "liberals" as we know them do not want to "sponsor" their own Latin-American immigrant in THEIR homes, nor do they want to open THEIR wallets for charitable effort---they want the rest of us---us, the great masses of "them"--to do these things so that they can now feel good (without all that messy effort shit that is for the "them" to do). Religious fanatics--the guys who will tell me that, but for their way--I must surely go to hell on my own--this exemplifies the same thing as libs, but from opposing sides of the spectrum. Both a religious nutjob and a dyed in the wool lib want to reach out and dictate the behaviors of those around them. These are fighting actions, IMHO.

That political scrum over San Fran and the Corps (banning them from recruiting in Berkley or filming in the golden gate park) led to a discusion over federal aid to the city. OK, and all at once it occured to me what that really means:

I AM AN UNWILLING FINANCIER OF SANF FRANSISCO'S TOO EXPENSIVE SOCIAL LARGESSE!!!! The Feds, by seizing my tax dollars and shipping it off to SF has, in effect and directly---taxed my ass without representation! I had no say, either by voting or moving, in SF's socialism and whacko support to any and every whacko group---but my dollars are seized and distributed to underwrite those very poilicies. I would vote No, and seeing that I held a minority, i also woulda moved. But, by stripping me of my money at the federal level, then supporting this crap out west--I am effectively supporting such madness without recourse or redress.

Yes...this pisses me off, and finally for the correct reasons. Before, Federal aid to the cities and states was seen as merely evidence of much too high fed taxation rates; like why not leave the dollars at home, and let us locals decide if we need to tax them for our needs. I did not think of it past that---until the Marines' little fight. By taking my money and sending it to another city or state, the Fed has disenfranchized me and has, with no stretch of imagination needed, over stepped our founding principles by a larger margin than King Georgie the tres ever dreamed of.

In knowing this for the last many months, my considerable esteem for our founders has only grown by epic leaps. They stood up and risked it all for much smaller slights. Either they were so much better than the collective "we"--or that "we" is so much more the pussified gentry today, incapable of identifying a slight, let alone taking action to correct it. I pray it is something in between.

Joe M
Sunday, September 14, 2008, at 21:58:48 (ZULU)

Test

Marius
Sunday, September 14, 2008, at 22:26:33 (ZULU)

Joe, I agree. I just call that "The Golden Rule" ;-)

You're right about taxation, redistribution of wealth, Federal "aid" to localities etc. also. That kind of thinking got it's big start under FDR with his New Deal. The Supreme Court of he day over-ruled him on several attempts, properly telling him the government hadn't the authority to tax for any purpose other than that specified in the (gasp!) Constitution. He threatened to pack the court with his cronys (there were no limits on the size of the court at the time, there is now). The Supremes rolled over, and FDR started the flow of party favors buying votes & undermining the Republic.

You and I have exchanged e-mails about the Army's Officer Corps, and how this war will improve it. I think similar arguments can be made for the country as a whole: there's a whole cadre of young people who've hung all they have out on the line to protect this country now, and families that have seen them do it. All those people are going to care a whole lot more about someone trying to advance a Socialist agenda.

Palin, rightly, just laughs at the overblown attacks on he character. She mocks them, showing what officious boobs they are. The biggest fear of the Ernest Socialist is being laughed at, because they've built up thier power (and self image) by being so exquisitly SERIOUS about all thier pet causes. If you'd brought up the notion of the Federal government regulating how much water my toilet could use per flush 50 years ago, layghter's the only response you would have gotten (or merited). That same adult laughter in the face of adolescent buls**t might bring down the whole house of cards, and that's what has the socialist's panties in a knot.

It's a beautiful thing to watch.

SSG Mac
Monday, September 15, 2008, at 02:53:23 (ZULU)

Marc S: No, no time for the steel match. Had a bunch of other stuff to do 'round the house etc. Sounds like you had a rough day!! :-))))

Joe Ducos
Turlock, CA, USA - Monday, September 15, 2008, at 04:20:00 (ZULU)

Click for a description of the camera tricks ABC used to shrink - and diminish - Gov Palin.

Dem's have two basic plays: "Bork" them - i.e. make them look evil, or "Quayle" them, make them look stupid. They need to destroy Palin right now.

Cheney/Gingrich '08!!

CDC'
Monday, September 15, 2008, at 12:47:47 (ZULU)

Speaking of Pentecostal, anyone heard from Gooch lately?

Rod,

I was wondering about repeater, to extend the range. When I was looking at doing something similar, I looked at the price of just buying a spool of cable. As I recall, it wasn't all that expensve. As for the AV equipment, older camcorders(especally the big old VHS models) can be had for next to nothing at garage sales. For a monitor, you could use your laptop or get one of those portable DVD players people put in their cars. I've seen them as low as $30, but they can be had even cheaper at pawnshops. I worked with a kid that had one in his pickup. When we had slack time at work, he'd hook it up to his playstation, which was powered through the cigarette lighter and a power inverter.

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Monday, September 15, 2008, at 14:40:48 (ZULU)

Two major investment houses are down the tubes. It would be easy to look at the multi-tens-of-million dollar bonus checks of last year and say "just desserts, greedo." But, these quasi-banks are the underpinning of corporate capital for the little things: Like jobs. Oh, and lest we forget: The retirement nest eggs of the legions of "baby boomers" were invested where? Damn...

My many posts and over-the-top detailed emails on this subject laid this all out already, so no sense in covering that ground again.

But I am begining to pray that someday many of you will say "Joe, you were so wrong on that economic stuff..."

But, the economy is huge, interwoven and psychological. The segments are often viewed as independant of another by smart people who ought to know better. I look at the housing meltdown, and the dollar printing that tried to cover (congress) as a small series of charges that do not destroy the entire building, but instead sever a couple of critical load bearing walls that establish the destruction mechanism. The anology is that economic sectors residing on the other floors are still saying, "Too bad about those poor basement guys, eh?"---as they blythly continue business as usual. In that, this unwinding of the two-pronged assault is slow-mo; the psychology that "they have a problem, while my sector is still strong" is driving these erratic ups and downs. But, the damage is done, and the slow cave in is underway. Housing went, and now corp credit is going--taking chunks of the boomers' expected wealth with it. Next is personal debt, jobs and government itself (credit rating is huge if we want to try to borrow our way along as we are now).

The real problem is "easy money." My time is valued at X dollars, but the same dollars have a different value to congress and the fed (much, much lower, like .2X). That disconnect is called inflationary. Once I realize that my time is being shorted, I will get mad--and lose my respect for that green piece of toilet paper. But, due to corporate financing drying up--I will also loose that now-menial job anyway. And, my personal debt will go into default, since I have no respect for what it represents anyway. Psychological. The human factor...the aspect of economics that confounds the so-called experts every time:))

Congress will never understand that they are the problem at the heart of it all--and will only continue to print more money to "solve" the hydra-like crisises. Thus, the fed' gumbie'mint is fiddling while the dollar burns...harhar.

'29, IMHO, looks like a walk in the park to what I see before us.

CDC: Anecdotal evidence is mounting that the media is driving at least a part of the McPalin surge....but, as that evidence mounts, they become even more shrill, more vehenoment in their disgust over their man being down....it is as if they know they are helping the opposition, but their hatred renders them unable to stop themselves. They lost their objectivity long ago. But now, we witness their loss of objectivity on their subjectivity. They (media) are descending into a dantes' style hell of their personal beliefs. It is hilarious....may as well laugh. I love this stuff. Maybe they'll feast on the editorial boards once the economy has its final death throw.

Joe M
Monday, September 15, 2008, at 14:56:19 (ZULU)

CDC',

Your mention of Torquemada brought to mind the scene from "History of the World Part-I", where Mel Brooks does the tap-dance "The Inquisition."

Also, caught the tail end of "Dr. Strangelove" the other night.... I love the line from Slim Pickens, "If we was flyin' any lower, we'd need sleigh bells!"

Ack! Need coffee....

Duman
Monday, September 15, 2008, at 15:59:08 (ZULU)

Joe Ducos. Sorry, mang. I got the phone call the last day I was in the 'States. I tried calling back, we played phone tag. Got tied up with Boudicca in Port Aransas and some spare margaritas.....

Joe M. I never got any emails from you, might wanna check and see if the email address was right. Hang in there, it gets better.

Charles S. Hunt
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Monday, September 15, 2008, at 16:48:30 (ZULU)

Charles: Our email accounts seem to be editing stuff: Your addy came thru as @domain.co]---just like that. Did not notice until just now. Maybe I have a virus...

Joe M
Monday, September 15, 2008, at 17:15:38 (ZULU)

Travis re: electronic LR target monitor

Those are all excellent ideas. I tend to buy stuff like that new, probably because I tend not to play the Ebay/Kijji used gear game all that much.

I thought about a cable too, althought I was thinking along the lines

of fibre optic since they handle longer hauls better. Big problem with a cable-based solution is that the long-range facility I access is a club facility, not a small private operation. Based on past experience, anything infrastructure at a club tends to "move around" if it isn't reinforced concrete with a deep footing.

The $150 to $250 price range for a >1KM capable transmitter and receiver seems just fine.

The other trick I considered was a wireless network extender with a high-gain antenna to preferrentially direct most of the RF energy at the receiver. (So connect in the IP domain, rather than in the video domain).

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, September 15, 2008, at 17:30:01 (ZULU)

Hi Marc,

I am the gun dept manager for Mack's Sports Shop here in Kodiak, and you're right-the hammer in the bottom of your p/u bed gets more care than seal rifles. We don't see too many of the old rifles any more, too many of them have just been ruined over the years by neglect. This is sad as the stories that went with them are lost, too.

222 Rem country: I have an older 40X in 222 of unknown round count that will put any reasonable handload into 3/4 moa (esp in my wife's hands LOL) all day long but won't keep factory ammo inside 2 moa in anybody's hands. Except maybe one of the glossy gun magazine writer's -BBWWWaaahhhaaaaa!!

Has anybody tries one of the new 6.5x47 Lapua's?

Palin for (vice)President!!

Best to All,

Erik in Kodiak

Erik in Kodiak
Monday, September 15, 2008, at 18:34:19 (ZULU)

Lito,

Remember those high-power laser pointers from Wicked Lasers? My neighbor got one, green, 100mW output. The thing will cut black electrical tape, and will warm your skin (creepy feeling). Burns through batteries VERY quickly.

Not for kids.....

Duman
Monday, September 15, 2008, at 21:33:08 (ZULU)

OK guys, I don’t do this much – like about never - so I’m hoping that a shred or two of respect I’ve (possibly) earned here over the years will allow me to pull this off. Without a pie fight.

Morality is morality, but it has nothing to do with salvation. It’s wonderful to be a good person, moral and upright (and that’s all highly respectable and admirable!), but “All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God”.

That means ALL of us – no matter how moral, good, or whatever we are. Doesn’t matter how “spiritual” or “in harmony” we are either.

We’ve ALL failed, and NOBODY can ‘earn their way into Heaven’. No amount of “good works such that none may boast”, charity, etc. Just can’t happen – we can’t be ‘good enough’ to overcome the sin in our lives. Doesn’t matter how many Sunday services you sit through (sitting in a church means you’re a Christian in the same way sitting in a garage means you’re a car), how much you donate, what charitable “good works” you do – NOTHING.

The Good News is that Christ Jesus was the atonement for our sins. Literally the sacrifice that justifies us in the sight of God.

Salvation is a gift. If I give you a gift, and then mandate that you do whatever – that’s not a gift, it’s a bribe! And if I give you a gift after you’ve done something for me – that’s not a gift, it’s a payment! Salvation is a gift. Freely given. The only thing you need to do to get the gift is ACCEPT it.

People believe they need to get their lives straight to become saved. WRONG. God cleans up our lives from the inside out. The prisoners that come to understand their place in the universe will be forgiven – and God will change them from the inside out. Removing the desire to do wrong, and replacing it with the desire to live a righteous life. And the direction of living that righteous life comes from God – we should all be seeking His will. We’ve still got free will, so we can – and sometimes do – rebel against what God desires. That’s the nature of free will in conjunction with the nature of man. But God desires that relationship with us, and never gives up on us – the story of the Prodigal Son anyone?

We have free will. Free agency. We all may CHOOSE to do as we please. Without question. And as with many things in life, we learn more from our bad choices than from our good ones. Like the kiddo that eats too much candy and pukes – he had free will, and disregarded the parental instruction. We do the same thing. Things go so much smoother in life when following true wisdom though.

Many are the paths to destruction, but the gate to salvation is narrow. The “feel good” religions are among the paths to destruction. Not that a true relationship with God doesn’t “feel good”, but it’s not the same as the ‘entertainment’ services some of the mega-churches offer.

We are not God – and we will never be God. Humanism and some religions that believe this are flatly incorrect. They somehow believe that we can ‘earn’ our way to Heaven or being our own god (that whole “there’s a bit of god in each of us” stuff especially) – which would nullify the need for the sacrifice God made for all of us if it were true.

Jim, you know I think exceedingly highly of you, and count you among the few I call friend. Same for you Kittywhacker. But don’t put your faith in what you can do, or a relationship that doesn’t include Christ Jesus. I’m not talking down to you IN THE LEAST. It’s more of a “man, I found this wonderful new brand of beer, and I’d be more than happy to turn you on to it”. Sharing the good stuff, if you get my drift.

To accept that gift, we have to first off understand that we are all sinners. All have sinned – that’s just that. But understanding that God extended that opportunity to us, the capability of being justified in His sight through His son the Messiah, we choose to believe that the one He sent was His “one and only son”. We confess our sins, confess our belief in the Christ that can provide that atonement, and accept Him as Lord.

From there, it’s a matter of listening. God directs, we follow. Not out of some sense of duty, but out gratitude for the abundance He gives.

And lastly, let me explain that NO religion is ‘correct’. Religion is a man-made construct, nothing that God has decreed. God desires a personal, interactive RELATIONSHIP with each of us. That relationship is what matters – nothing else. Adam and Eve didn’t have ‘religion’, they had a relationship. Anyone that tells you that you have to do anything ‘in the name of a religion’ or do whatever ‘as part of the religion’ ought to be seriously scrutinized. And in 99.9% of the cases, run away from FAST. Wide are the paths to destruction.

If God wants me to stop doing something, He’s gonna let me know I need to stop doing that. PERSONALLY. And if He does tell me to stop doing that, He’s talking to ME – and I have neither the right nor responsibility to tell YOU to do likewise. If God wants you to stop doing the same thing, He will let you know. Personally. That’s a problem some people have – and God will take ‘em down a peg or thirteen, to remind them that they’re no ‘better’ than the people they’re badgering. Badgering others is an exercise of free agency, no doubt, but there is a price to pay for doing wrong. There always is. But we’re to be open to help, as we can (note: if you ever have to force anyone to do something, that’s not considered “help”).

For what it’s worth, I’ve got a quote that’s been on my office wall for years now:

“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may 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

And lastly, if you disagree with the above, remember that I’m just the messenger. The author is the one you really want to take it up with. I share this with you in the same way I’d share a bottomless ammo can – with gladness, and the best wishes for your happiness as well. Nothing more, but certainly nothing less.

Bravo
Monday, September 15, 2008, at 23:29:22 (ZULU)

Erik, One of my shooting partners has a 6.5X47 Lapua. I believe he gets Lapua 123 Scenars to fly at 3K FPS. When we shoot side by side we are very close in performance out to 1K (when I'm shooting my .243 with 115 DTACS at 3K). The rifles are almost identical with A5 stocks, Rock barrels, built by GAP. The only difference (besides colors) is that mine is on a 700 and his is based on a Surgeon. Both are tack drivers and require roughly 25%-30% less wind at 1K compared to a 175 SMK at 2,680. We're both on our first barrels. I think he's pushing 2 thousand rounds and I'm just over 1. I think his will last longer we'll see.

Marc

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 00:16:16 (ZULU)

Re: "long range remote target reporters"...aka video cameras, etc. One thing to keep in mind: I read an article some time ago wherein the authors, using Dr. Ohler's machines (and Dr. Ohler's assistance) measured ballistic coefficients over a 1,000 yard distance. All very interesting, but the "thing to keep in mind" was that overnight the rodents played billy heck with the cables...kept chewing on 'em. Now this was in AZ, so wherever y'all are located, may or may not be a problem. Beware the squirrel?

Relatedly, I have a scheme for long-range shooting in thishere windy neck of the woods...nightime! portable generator, floodlight and warm clothes might be all it takes...at least the wind (and the mirage) dies down after dark. This would be useful for establishing grouping and zero so's when you do shoot in the wind and mirage, you'd at least know it was the wind or the mirage, or the yips, and not the load or a poor zero.

SteveinButte
Butte, MT, USandA - Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 02:51:10 (ZULU)

Steve in Butte:

A night shoot is a good idea, but many formal ranges have rules against shooting at night :-(

Bart Bobbitt shot a record .308 Win group at dawn when the winds were non-existant.

From rec.guns Google archive:

From: Bartbob (bart...@aol.com)

Subject: Re: Bart Bobbitt: 20-shot 3.325" group at 800 yards

Newsgroups: rec.guns

Date: 1997/05/13

I used a .308 Win. with Sierra's 155-gr. Palma bullet with 45.3gr. of IMR4895 and RWS Primers in full-length sized WCC60 match cases. Had a 20X scope on the English Paramount action and shot prone with a bag under my front hand to steady the rifle. It was about 6AM in dead-calm wind conditions.

I hadn't thought about the rodent factor, it's certainly not an issue that can be dismissed out of hand.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 07:06:30 (ZULU)

re: rodents

Was watching a documentary about a commercial demolition blasting company (CDI). Once of the lessons learned for them was to run their trigger lines (prima cord) with some elevation. They learned the hard way on an earlier job that overnight rodents would chew thru the lines if laid on the ground - yikes!

They were taking down the cooling towers at the UK reactor site at Windscale. Each tower is 88 metres high and 58 metres at the base and supported by 64 steel-reinforced concrete legs above a cooling pond.

http://www.britishnucleargroup.com/calderhall/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sellafield

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 07:27:40 (ZULU)

Bravo,

When you get to saying something wrong, I'll argue with you.

As it is, who am I to argue, to begin with. Good Job Man. And no, I've no intention of turning this into Christiancountry. Just agreeing with the 'share a great beer' analogy.

Sean T.
Winnipeg, Mb., Canada - Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 18:22:25 (ZULU)

Lehman collapse over the weekend is a red light---but it is "one of them" in terms of the housing crisis/ meltdown. They were heavily invested in mortgage securities...so no new data comes out of it. But, AIG is the eureka that shows where my arguments are on to something:

AIG is well capitalized and has numerous segments (manufacturing/ aircraft leasing, real estate holdings, solid bottom lines across the empire)--but it is being downgraded repeatedly and may soon run out of ready cash to meet obligations. Ordinarily, ready cash would never be a problem for these guys---spin off a minor op and move on. What is happening here is they got exotic (and were the only game in town doing so) by insuring the very securities that brought down lehman's. Bear in mind that, as insurance goes, this still only represents less than 1/5th of this side of AIG. So, the thinking is that they will be unable to meet obligations in the near term, thus drving down the credit rating, thus driving down the stock. But, none of that should matter a bit, and wouldn't have moved the stock price .05 cents if it all happened last fall. What changed? The airplane thing is worth 1.some billion, yet they can't move it right now when they need it most. A lucrative business, well worth it last week. What is actually in play isn't whether it is still worth 1.3 billion, but "What is this 1.3 billion itself now worth?" And that is what changed from last fall to this fall...

This AIG thing, more than any other failure thus far, tells me that my belief that the dollar is the problem is dead on. And gents, this is worst case stuff. I could, but won't, explain in great detail what a failed dollar means to the planet...

Let's just say that this has more probability of starting wars than another terrorist attack on our soil...

Joe M
Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 18:22:26 (ZULU)

Erik,

Here recently, while I was dreaming about the sheep hunt I want to go on one of these days, I was wondering if here were any cattle ranches or at least enough outfitters with horses in Alaska for me to find work. Well, yesterday, I got the latest issue of Farm and Ranch living, which has diaries in every issue from four farms and ranches around the country, so you can get some insight into how they do things differently in othe parts of the country.

They had a diary from Pasagshak Ranch on Kodiak island, owned by the Flickinger family. I guess that answered that! I was really surprised to find that anyone would even try to ranch on Kodiak island, home of some of the biggest bears in the world, but it turns out that here are THREE ranches there!(The other two raise buffalo, mostly.) In their diary, they mentioned that they had one bear come in and kill(but not eat) TWENTY FIVE cows, in one night alone!

I guess, compared to them, we don't really have a coyote problem. Another killed two cows and one mare. They tracked down and shot the offending bear, but while skinning him, they rolled him over, apparently too far, as he rolled about 1/4 of a mile, right into Pasagshak bay! They took a canoe out to get him, as the seas were too rough to lunch a skiff, then used a come a long to drag him onto the beach. He squared at 9 1/2 feet.

If anyone wants the article, I could scan and e-mail it.

Bravo,

I feel ya on the "mega churches". My wife and I spent some time trying to find a church we both liked, but I finally more or less gave up. Now she goes to the church with the jumbotron, the band, huge gym, etc.. She gets pissed at me for calling it "clown church", because really, all they're missing is some clowns and a whorehouse.

On good works, I think you may not have worded it properly. The bible says that youwon' get into heaven on good works ALONE. That means you still should help people, but that alone won't do it. You can't build a church and still be an asshole. Showing God your receipts when you get to the pearly gates won't get it.

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 18:23:50 (ZULU)

I do good and honorable things because I think it's the right thing to do. I accept full responsibility and take full credit.

When I grow up, I want to be known as an "individualist, somewhat durable".

Besides... only GOOD girls go to heaven, it sounds like a boring place.

medicjim
Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 18:55:03 (ZULU)

I've been reading (and listening) to Joe's statements on the economy for a long time. The term "well thought out and researched" comes to mind. Among his talents is being able to look at the circumstances and extrapolate what appears the next domino that has to fall, if the chain reaction is not stopped.

If he's wrong, I'll be VERY happy - but expect that he's not. The way he makes his way to his conclusion is a bit different than the way I get to my conclusion - but they're the exact same conclusion.

I've said here before (and been derided for it before too) that 'an answer' is beans, bullets, and bandaids. I certainly hope everyone is stocking up on these. Charity begins at home.

Travis, you got it right on. That's why I put the quote in there about "not of good works lest none may boast". Charity is our command, but it's not enough in and of itself.

Jim, if at this point you aren't known as "individualist, somewhat durable", I'd question who exactly could be. Individualism is a wonderful thing.

Unfortunately, as it seems I'm learning more and more often, when I swim against the tide I'm learning that there's a reason for the tide and why people swim with it. Often after I've expended quite a bit of energy and more than a touch of hard earned greenbacks.

Sometimes not - and those are good times. But other times I kick myself for 'bucking the system' to no apparent usefulness.

But in the end, at least it can be said that I didn't swim with the tide without a danged good reason, and after swimming against it long enough to reason out WHY I ought to do things that way on my own.

In other words, I understand what you're doing (at least I think so) and consider it commendable. I'll let you know when I get enough wisdom to know when to swim with the tide, and when not to - still working on that one.

Bravo
Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 19:23:25 (ZULU)

Joe M...

I remember about a year and a half ago, a guy on TV (Glen Beck) predicted all of this, right down to the details - and he was right, dead, on!

This money thing in our country is like a big shell game. If regular private businesses ran their books like these large groups do, they would be in jail in a New York Second.

Unfortunately, this has been going on for so long that it is impossible to track where the money went, and when it gets this big, there is no stopping the tumbling down - this is just the beginning.

All of these companies use to be solid, but they discovered that they could buy and sell "packages" of loans that were made under the NINJA policy (No Income, No Job or Assets)... and each thought that could reach out to their sister companies, "if" something went wrong.

But all the big buffer "Sister" companies, Like AIG were playing the same game - so when one tumbled and reached out, they got nada, because the "reachee" was hollow too.

This is going to be like an avalanche of Dominoes, and each one that falls, pulls down two more, that pull down four more.

To paraphrase a great philosopher, "Hey mom, the banker isn't wearing any clothes".

Well, DUH.

It's gonna get worse, much worse, before it gets better... and who do you think is going to take the financial "hit".

Not the heads of these companies that left 6 months ago with $400,000,000 Parachutes.

In the end, it will be good for America, because we have been spending "Vapor money" for a long time, but in the process, a lot of people are gonna bleed.

(Put your loose change under the mattress.)

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 21:51:29 (ZULU)

Dayjavoo......on getting worse.

Time to read my copy of "Patriots:Surviving The Coming Collapse" again. I've only read it a half dozen times.

http://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.asp?bookid=35549

I'm skeered, Bolt out!

Bolt
Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 22:30:27 (ZULU)

Bravo, my friend, I couldn't have said it any better.

..and you're absolutely right about the difference between works and salvation.

Ephesians 2:8-9

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Works is nevertheless VERY important... but separate.

Heaven, I believe, will be anything BUT boring. Imagine traveling at the "speed of thought."

As far as Hell goes....every testimony I've heard of "near death experiences," describes that place... WAY beyond horrible.

Mk4
Texas, United States of America - Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 23:58:43 (ZULU)

Bolt:

+1 for Patriots:... book

Read it thru prior versions when it was an Internet novel too.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 00:06:06 (ZULU)

Marius.....I tried to send you an email, did you get it?

I don't usually get my theology inputs from TV (I'm one o' them pew-jumpin, toungue-speaking crazies)but I heard something on "Dharma and Greg" that struck me. Greg was researching religions to decide what he "wanted to believe" and wearing himself out. He happened to be reading the Bible at the time. She grabbed it, tossed it and said "Let me sum this up in two sentences...Old Testament--don't piss God off, it's unhealthy. New Testatment--Be good to people!"

Now, that's profound.

There will be lots of "bad girls" in Heaven. Thank God.

Taliban is getting really frisky lately. Area around Kabul is now Indian country for real. Whatever bush has in mind, and whatever McCain/Go-Bama gonna do with it, they better start doing it fast.

Charles S. Hunt
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 06:07:02 (ZULU)

Dudes when Marius prints "test" he is checking another acct. like mine, so the E-mails you send (lito) ; ) dont go to him.

Bravo you said what I wanted to but better.

Joe glad you woke-up to the taxation w/o representation problem that FDR started.

I wonder how many lives will be lost before the gov't returns to constitutional limits.

4eyes
Siloam Springs, AR, USA - Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 06:47:49 (ZULU)

Dayjavoo (all over again)???

Last night, the news announced that OUR GOVERNMENT has given AIG - American Insurance Group, a PRIVATE BUSINESS - $85,000,000,000 (that's "billion" with a "B")... to prop up their bad (no STUPID GREEDY) business decisions.

That's $85,000 PER WORKING FAMILY in America!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't believe the American people are sucker, or stupid, enough to let this fly.

Folks, you just saw where your kids education, your country cottage, your retirement, and that new truck went... all last night at 11 PM.

And the heads of AIG will walk with their golden parachutes, and absolutely NO liability for what they have done.

The reason that we stopped monopolies like this nearly a century ago was to prevent just this kind of thing happening.

This election won't fix anything... We need a friggin revolution.

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 12:37:12 (ZULU)

Lito - The AIG deal is a loan with associated control. The government owns majority interest in the company for the short period between now and when all the assets are sold off to pay off creditors. The stock holders are not being made whole.

medicjim
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 13:41:42 (ZULU)

4i's: I'm late to the party...but I arrived at last. Federal money to a city or state at a glance means that the people were taxed to the point where the fed has enough to "give" money to these localities. That, at a glance, strikes you as "tax rates are too high." Then, upon further thinking---it is seen as a sovereign issue when the fed attaches strings. So the problem can be summed up (incompletely) as a confiscation of monies combined with bribery and strong-arm tactics to undermine local authority (drive 55, drinking age to 21, etc). It finally dawned on me that there is another, more sinister aspect" disenfrachisement. I do not get to vote against gay pride parade funding in SF....but I "have" to pay for it thru this "federal aid" BS. I wonder why it took me so long to notice?

AIG bailout: Had to be done...but these folks are good for the money. Insuring "risk" on wall street---I bet they aren't in this business any more by the end of the last renewal periods:))

Aside from the dollar being the real problem all along, the regulatory aspect of "oversight" (rules if you will to minimize exposure, but not so much risk) are important. Problem is, the rules do not adapt as fast as the market. Securitized mortgages were created and in widespread use before congress ever heard of them---in fact, Congress got the word only when these turned toxic. So, Obama thinks the government (congress) has the expertise to understand, study, and then to regulate markets? Thats a hoot! Look at the federal budget and tell me you'd let these fucks run your personal checkbook---let alone America's corporate checkbook! McSame wants a "commission" to recommend any changes to regulation....a position that has a better chance of coming up with rules that might work without screwing things up worse, IMHO. If you stack congress with trial lawyers, don't expect economic genius, don't expect tort reforms (healthcare costs anyone?), in fact, don't expect anything but self interest and corruption. But, while they are there---do not allow them to regulate anything without adult supervision:)) Obama scares the hell out of me.

Lito is right...it is too far gone for anything else to work.

Joe M
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 13:49:30 (ZULU)

MedicJim...

It appears like a loan on the surface, and "must be paid" in two years, and the government (we, the people) now own 80% of AIG. That's like buying 80% of an empty box.

HA! (as the Original Pat would say).

They can't raise 85 Billion dollars in two years because people are pulling out of AIG, so what we have done is exactly what the mortgage banks have been doing in years past - we bought an empty business for 85 Billion dollars.

We have put a bandaid on a gaping wound

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 14:09:40 (ZULU)

I think I finally won against the Wisconsin Department of Revenuers. As I PSC's thru about 13 states over the many years, I NEVER had a problem maintaining my residency eslewhere---that is, until I got "here." These idiots decided that I was a resident, and owed them for 01-08 tax years with interest and penalties. This started when I was in Afghanistan, and these shitbags actually fought against the SSRA delay I requested (they lost that too). Then, they looked over my supporting documents and rejected them as insuficient---two decades of LES's showing another state, enlistment docs showing another state, 214s showing another state...well, since it was federal law on my side, and they wanted state law only to apply, I filed a counter-suit thru federal court. That prompted an agreement to "review" all documents originally offered to prove I was never a resident here (by law, by god).

Today, they erased what was now $15,546.21 of illegally assessed debt. No, I am not happy---I am still pissed. I am mulling suing them for the hassle of the whole BS, from credit reporting to quashed seizure actions I fought individually.

What shit hole...and yes, once the divorce ink is on paper, I am moving outta here. Liberal states...its all about YOUR money!

(note: I pay property taxes without much complaint and use the services they supposedly support)

Joe M
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 14:50:19 (ZULU)

Joe, the FM/FM and AIG deals are exactly what I was/am worried about. This is going to shit the bed because Uncle Sugar is bailing them out, not because the asshats are failing. Now all the other chumps are/will be expecting to be bailed out of the results of their Captain Insano decisions. Whereas what should be happening is that the personal property of the corporate officers should be liquidated and they should be imprisoned at hard labor. Do we have any salt mines? Hell, turn them into Soylent Green. The problem is basically one of having authority with no responsibility because of all these Golden Parachute/USG bailout deals. And the shareholders don't/can't do anything about it, from my understanding, the corporate officers have largely been insulated from shareholder intervention by changes in corporate law. It's insane.

Authority without responsibility has always been a recipe for disaster. This would have always been ugly, but now it'll be stupid because Uncle Sugar got involved. Happily, I'm heavily vested in metals; with minor holdings in wood, fiberglass and energetic chemicals as well as supporting positions in clothing and nylon. S/F......Ken M

Ken M
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 19:53:32 (ZULU)

Ken M: I am an absolutist on the "authority without responsibility" problem---I say if they are willing to execute authority, but balk at responsibility for those actions--then shove it down their throat til it comes out the other end. Then switch it up:))

That "problem" permeates so much of society; hell, Pelosi can't even bring herself to read the constitutional charter for congress to see if her branch has any role in the mess. She simply said "no" when asked if congress had any blame here. Rules? Regulations? Laws? Congress's fault? No--to her, this is rule-by-decree by the executive branch, I suppose. Maybe all that smack they talk about the imperial Bush became real to them? But, what a classic example of proper authority denying any responsibility, eh? She's a piece of work...

And the accountibility granted to exec's for good times needs to be equally applied for the bad...no doubt.

But, FM-FM by itself is the "house of cards." Remember a few weeks ago I posted on how the NY Fed had offered FM(2)-shares rather than T-bonds to help keep the financing of US debt (congresses' deficit spending) going from our foriegn underwriters? Well, to allow those two swamps to submerge in the bog woulda took the dollar itself down with it. AIG, OTOH, is actually well positioned to buy itself out of debt...just not within 24 hours. They needed weeks, not hours. Their exposure to the toxic defaulted securities is really quite small compared to the rest of their balance sheet. They are good for it, providing the government is good for their over-spending debt:)) And therein lies my warnings: The Gubmint cannot be good for debt of that size. Bye-bye, paper money...I'm just sitting here waiting for the ugly truth to sink in system-wide.

In fact, this realization that dollar is nothing is what is eating away at housing, wall street, and corporate finance underneath all the BS about bad loans and inflated realestate pricing. Kinda long in detail, but the short of it is this: The inflated pricing itself came from too many easy-Fed dollars (printing money for the hell of it) chasing too few goods. At first, nobody notices that everyone has too much cash-dollars--it is just a big ol' party. Prices rise and everyone feels rich. Slowly, a sector realizes that if everyone has a million dollars' in monopoly money, who is truly a millionaire? These early guys start saying US-dollar based assets (housing) aren't as good as euros or commodities...witness the euro's 50% rise earlier this year and the run-away ramp-up of copper, lead, oil etc. Anyway, too many dollars are out there for a dollar to be worth a dollar as you may understand it. It is this dawning-of-understanding we are witnessing now, and it starts where we see the problems---with the so-called smart money chasing "things" other than dollars or US-based real property (dollars disguised as goods---the diff is ya can't easily take it to the Eurozone)...but it hardly finishes there. Watch out, and read up on the Weimer republic for a guide as to what comes next.

IMHO, we crossed the rubicon for world-wide financial system collapse long before I started putting this all together in my warning-posts. Russia closed their markets yesterday, and they remain so today. Heheh...misery loves company! Oh, and there is no plan B for economics. It is collapse, starvation-war-death, re-do. In that order. Unless, of course, we can find about 4 billion volunteers to un-ass the planet:))

Joe M
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 20:34:33 (ZULU)

Boltster, I liked that book too.

As a matter of fact, if you get on his blog, you'll notice a 'contribution' from someone you know, back around the first of the month.

While I couldn't very well give my boy Unintended Consequences to read - or for that matter even read it to him while trying to 'edit on the fly' the salacious parts - I did read Patriots to the family.

Did I mention I hate the TV?

Another recommendation: Lights Out. If you want it, it's an e-book in PDF format. Not quite as 'polished' as Patriots, but just as fun IMO. Actually, the girlfriend liked it better than Patriots. Drop me a line if you're interested, I'll send it as an attachment.

Right now, my copy of Patriots is with a fellow rosterfarian (and great good friend!) while he's recuperating. After he's done, it's flying out to Wisconcin more than likely. I think my copy has seen almost as many miles as my copy of UC (GRIN)

Mk4, you got it right. I can't believe what 'life' will be like without the limitations we've got now.

4eyes, I think the number will be in large percentages. People are extremely adaptable - but they unrealistically cling to the known just because it's known. I expect many of them will be the victim of nothing more than "but it can't be this way, it's never been this way" mentality.

There's only one way out that doesn't involve the 'worst case scenario' that I can see:

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

In other words, a return to fundimentals. We discuss fundimentals in depth here, and sticking to them (true conservativism). In shooting, government, etc. There's a reason the Washington Monument has a plaque on the top of it - only seen from the outside looking down - which says "Laus Deo". Praise be to God. Seems that Washington had many things right - much more on the ball than either mcstain or ospama.

But then Washington warned us to steer clear of "foreign entanglements" (in context as "nation building") and refused a national debt.

Bravo
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 21:45:54 (ZULU)

Said to me: "I know there is now a right to own guns...now we just got to make sure only the 'right" people own the guns..." This democrat member of my extended family is an idiot...but to think about the Brady campaign in these terms oughta scare anyone into buying a gun, ammo and/or more ammo like right now:))

Joe M
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 22:50:02 (ZULU)

FWIW, gold prices exploded (analysts' words) today:)) With congress and the Fed (plus the machinations of "leverage") creating dollars from nothing...more folks are taking notice that this currency is undesirable. With every small fire that devalued dollars create (housing free-fall, AIG, FM-FM, Stearns, etc)--the gumbie-mint response is akin to throwing gasoline at it! The solution is the problem...and the problem only has the one solution. Why? Cuz the PONR came and went before any one noticed there was a problem. There is a draconian "out" still in play, maybe:

Slash federal spending (like whole departments and all foriegn aid), hike interest rates (7% or better), let failures run their course (cash under the matress stuff), and deal with the double digit unemployment afterwards...there it is. The true solution. Anybody advocating this in DC? On the campaign trail? Its called bringing on a world-class recession, and I am going on record as saying that to try to beat back this nasty event with wanton spending will be far, far worse for far, far longer. Things seem to be accelerating. Wouldn't it be something to see a national election postponed?

And, as I said before, nobody has the cajones to acknowledge the true problem, let alone to step up to this plate. It will go the other way. We'll keep on' keeping on with three shifts at the mint until we take out the entire world trading systems...and we'll all wish it was only just "a world-class recession."

I seriously hope I am the idiot. Never said that before...ever. While I was "out there" at first with this stuff---chicken little-like....gotta admit, its starting to look entirely plausible as time goes by, eh? Hey, even the MSM is taking note...click.

And another:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8058d308-84d3-11dd-b148-0000779fd18c.html?nclick_check=1

This one is a world view.

Joe M
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at 23:21:18 (ZULU)

I got it on the news tonight... the total govt cost of ALL of the recent bailouts is $814,000,000,000

Add that to the $7,000,000,000,000 (TRILLION) in national debt, the $6,500,000,000,000 in trade debt to china...

"A few billion here, a few trillion there... after a while, you're talkin' some real money"!!

Every working American family owes $143,140 in debt to china and others holding "T" bills (US Govt P.O.D [Print on demand] funny money).

Dig deep boys, and "Bend over, here it comes again"!

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Thursday, September 18, 2008, at 01:50:11 (ZULU)

A Leader doesn't say, "I'll provide leadership". A Leader says, "Here's the problem and this is what we are going to do to solve it". McCain is reacting to Obama and Obama is trying to panic us into a stampede.

These two yo-yos should calm down. I'm embarassed for them.

CDC'
Thursday, September 18, 2008, at 05:29:58 (ZULU)

Just after Ike went thru a south Texas Congressman, whose district was in the storms path and who stayed along with his family, was being interviewed. When asked how they had faired his reply was, "I made sure the family would be safe by having plenty of food, water and ammunition."

Now there is a man with the right priorities!!

Sarge

Sarge
Roswell, NM, USA - Thursday, September 18, 2008, at 08:48:29 (ZULU)

Click for the WSJ's take on the "rapid deleveraging".

Calmness is a virtue.

CDC'
Thursday, September 18, 2008, at 12:59:26 (ZULU)

CDC: Bloomberg the mayor, no dummy on finance (politics would be a different matter), predicts the next wave to be foriegn snubs on the next round of US debt auctioning. To some degree, this was already underway, but the "sweetened" shares of FM-FM kept things going thru the summer. Ha! Anyone wanna buy a few shares of Fannie/ Freddie? Come'on, I'll toss in a bridge. Once DC cannot pay its bills, the game is over. What they should do and what they will do can be expressed as 99:1 against the should. Slash the federal government from end to end is what is needed....but what is gonna happen is the big bluff of adding another row of printing machines at the mint (hence, Gumby reference). That will trash us.

Gold is just one place you should look. If you have a 401(k) that has options, shift toward ANY commodity linked fund. You may lose "money"---we all will, even if it is money already in our wallet---but gold, copper etc will maintain "purchasing power" regardless of the assigned "dollar" value of the whole. If you have ready cash reserves, buy a silo full of grain...think of "stuff" in terms of necessary to live. That is the new wealth.

The click-my-name this time is Time, explaining in layman's terms what wall street has done to us. Some of you have called me on the expert's analysis being distinctly different than my own. To that, I would say this: Think of a financial crisis as a big red bouncing ball in a magician's hands. All eyes are drawn to it. Today, this ball is wall street's woes. About 6 weeks ago, briefly all eyes went to bond markets. The experts have laser-focused on the sleight of hand, and still haven't realized that it is all part of the same magic trick: The dollar is exploding in numbers, and the value is imploding in real terms. Enter psychology (the hard part for me to grasp)--and there is a "lag" from one aspect of the crisis to the next, as people pursue the only model they know. That lag from one aspect to another reinforces that old human adage, "I believe what I want to believe." By having space between crisis, nobody really wants to think of them as one and the same--too horrible---these smart guys can tell themselves that "this is this problem", and "that is that problem," --all the while denying the really ugly possibility that they are one and the same. Human nature. Human nature can make this all go away too, though that is increasingly unlikely. If we all at once agree that no home in the US is worth less than 300K, and willingly pay it all at once---poof, no more crisis. We suck up all the inflation and loose dollars in one big bite. That's wishful thinking; my thought of slash and burn is the only course not needing a mass psychosis to get past this mess.

Interestingly, albeit only acedemically, the "depression" of 29-42 was said to be 'worsened" by tight Fed monetary policy. Thus today, we have stupidly "loose" money policy trying to stave off the collapse. Just yesterday, I advocated the medicine that the fed used in 29 (actually, 32)--but also advocated an undoing of all "new deal" shit with it. I've always felt that the Fed was correct back then, but Roosevelt blew it with his over-ride of tightened fiscal policy---you see, FDR used the government to print money any damned way, despite the fed. Too many miss this crucial dicotomy in policy--blaming the fed for deepening the crisis. Thus, our smart folks are taking the worng lesson. It was after posting it that I realized that I was parroting the original Fed response to the original depression (I really missed that). On the off-chance any one of you still listens to my rants, I thought I might wanna explain why the slashing of government spending is a must along with the emergency life-saving measure for the buck. One without the other is self canceling. Just ask the ghost of FDR...or take macro-Ec 101.

Or, think "micro-ec 101"....Let's say a Monet is up for sale. It is said to worth "millions." But I look in my wallet and decide it is only worth 50 bucks. Which is reality, mine or theirs? Now take a $1 loaf of bread. Last one on the shelf. Is it a dollar or does the guy who wants it the most have a fifty-spot on hand?

Lastly, can any of you imagine congress shutting down expenditures when soup lines start to form and nobody is working?

My prognosis: We are fucked.

Joe M
Thursday, September 18, 2008, at 14:26:43 (ZULU)

Joe, please allow me to interject a little bit of humor in the doom and gloom..... :-)

Youse guys have GOT to watch this video of McCain.....it appears to me this was an appearance on SNL or something. Gets in a couple really nice, and bone truthful, digs on her too, later on in the clip. This really is HILARIOUS.

http://maggiesfarm.anotherdotcom.com/archives/9404-McCain-sings-Streisand.html

Or click my name.

Geoff M
WI, USA - Thursday, September 18, 2008, at 21:03:31 (ZULU)

RE: AIG

They're books were murky, and have been under investigation for several years. Now we know the truth. Just another Enron....

Travelers, under Sandy Weil, broke the law when he merged the insurance/banking/investing services under one umbrella (I'll have to find the Business Week article....). Long story short, he broke a law made as a result of the collapse leading to the great depression. The fix wasn't to stop the merger, the fix was for congress to change the law (which happened).

So much for checks and balances....

Duman
Thursday, September 18, 2008, at 23:07:54 (ZULU)

Buffet is buying. Click.

"Buy when the cannons are firing, and sell when the trumpets are blowing." --Nathan Rothschild.

CDC'
Friday, September 19, 2008, at 06:24:08 (ZULU)

"RE: AIG

They're books were murky, and have been under investigation for several years. Now we know the truth. Just another Enron...."

Thats what I was thinkin when I saw Joe's post mentioning "Golden Parachutes" a couple,three days ago. I am also wondering if this is the beginning stages of a "National Healthcare Plan" the Clintons proposed years ago too.

UnPat

UnPat
Wi, USA - Friday, September 19, 2008, at 07:30:04 (ZULU)

IBD has a reputation for getting it right when most people are getting it wrong. Click.

CDC'
Friday, September 19, 2008, at 12:18:35 (ZULU)

Hey Ya'll,

Anyone had a Brian Sain sighting since the great flood ? Just want to know if him and his family are OK.

On the finical fiasco... bottom line is the federal reserve system is a cartel of private banks and the value of everyone's labor and savings is subject to their whim.. Dig deep enough and you'll find we are just being robbed by a few with fellow conspirators in government..

Stay liquid

Calvin

Calvin
e-burg, MD, U.S.A - Friday, September 19, 2008, at 13:19:49 (ZULU)

rifle country :-)

I have ordered a CZ 452 Silhouette model in .22LR .

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, September 19, 2008, at 16:32:50 (ZULU)

Calvin: A finiancial collapse shifts assets into the hands of that elite cabal of robber baron n=bankers you allude to. The step-by-step process that gets from here to there is so abstract as to defy explanation---particularly in this forum. But, by trashing the dollar, rendering it useless, they can at any time ressurect it or another currency at whim, while holding all the "paper' on our cars, homes, businesses...nobody can pay, cuz their policies ensured that, and then they own the world. Squeeze plays on desired assets that are NOT collateralized will complete the sweep. Power...it is raw, unconstrained by oversight or vote, and lords over such constructs as mere governments. If you know anything, then you know that Lincoln almost had it right. But the Rothschild-inspired cabal put the squash on his idea. For those who do not know---go find out. My propaganda is fairly biased.

Joe M
Friday, September 19, 2008, at 16:35:55 (ZULU)

Joe,

I could not agree more with you.. Once one understands the principals the details become unimportant. I think you may only be half right as to

the importance of discussing this on this forum.. I think the enemies of this republic should be exposed at every turn. Patriots everywhere ( and any one interested in freedom ) should have as much understanding of political/financial/moral enemies as well combatants on the battlefield.

Take a gander at this if your interested in learning more..

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5232639329002339531&q=FIAT

But all of this is unimportant to me at the moment, Iv'e being a voice crying in the wilderness about this stuff for to long to even care anymore.. The real issue of the day is WHERE's SAIN ?

Stay liquid

Calvin

Calvin
e-burg, MD, U.S.A - Friday, September 19, 2008, at 17:43:17 (ZULU)

IKE Quotation:

"I evaporated on the bus but now I beez back and I wants my respiration check from FEMA" - Unknown

lmao

brian k. sain
Friday, September 19, 2008, at 18:57:03 (ZULU)

Hey Brian,

Good quote and glad your still kicking !

Stay debris free

Calvin

Calvin
e-burg, MD, U.S.A - Friday, September 19, 2008, at 19:56:20 (ZULU)

Ron Paul on the financial crash...click my name

medicjim
Friday, September 19, 2008, at 20:08:08 (ZULU)

BKS:

Glad to hear you're still among us.

We want stories :-)

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 01:14:39 (ZULU)

rod reiger: Congratulations on the blessed event. It's always a joy.

CDC'
Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 04:03:36 (ZULU)

Greetings,

Joe: If/when you exit the cheddar head state, check out Sodak.

We are in the midst of hard times. Joe's commentary has fundamentally been correct, ie too much debt, governmentally, corporately and individually. In simplest terms, the financial giants fall is all attributable to too much bad debt and not enough liquid assets. As far as the "golden parachutes", read all of the previous/above posts that others have posted on this page. IMHO, it is spot on.

It used to be that you got a loan from a local bank, that loan officer made damn sure you had the assets or were otherwise good for the loan. If not, the bank that you worked for lost money and that loan officer felt the repercusions. In the recent past, God knows who bought the debt and whoever wrote the loan, repurcusions be damned, he still got his/her commision. Anybody see a problem with this?

Glenn Beck is right; This country is broke. Joe is right; you simply cannot print up more money and solve the problem.

On top of all this, we still do not have an energy policy. Ethinol was a stupid idea. Now that corn is around 10 dollars a bushel and soybeans are around 20-25 a bushel, watch food prices continue to rise. For years, historically, corn was between 2-3 dollars a bushel and soybeans 5-6 dollars a bushel. With corn at its current prices, who can afford to feed cattle/hogs? Watch the corresponding price in ham/beef.

Buckle up your seatblets, it is going to be a bumpy flight. Hopefully, people much brighter than me have a plan. I am not quite ready cash out the 401(K) just yet. Even though American investors lost something along the lines of 800 billion dollars this week.....

I am not a big fan of bailouts, but now that the federal taxpayers own AIG, there is a potential for profit for the USG. I am not holding my breathe, but it could happen.

Keep you powder dry folks.

Pat II
Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 04:14:15 (ZULU)

BKS: Glad you weathered the storm.....literally.

Pat II
Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 04:15:51 (ZULU)

Glad you're OK Brian. That was funny but your best (in that category) that I can remember was something like:

"Officer, dat was a bad, bad wreck. Dat man right there, he was ejaculated from the vehicle!"

If I keep hearing about these CZ's I'm going to have to get one too just to be like you guys.

Back to my brass prep chores. My .243 Lapua brass has 4 firings on all of them now and half of them have such loose pockets that the primers almost fall in. I'm just smashing them in a little too hard hoping they spread out some and grab the sides. Very smart move I'm sure.

Marc

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 05:17:32 (ZULU)

There's a primer staker gadget that'll tighten up those pockets. Alternately, you can try those Russian Wolf primers, those are extremely large IME and will give you a tightly seated primer. Or you can glue them in.

And regardless of what you do, you should probably back that load off a little bit. S/F.....Ken M

Ken M
Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 09:15:14 (ZULU)

Pat 2,

Take a gander at switching your 401/k to gold or silver.. At least you'll have something at the end of the day that has always had value..

Stay liquid

Calvin

Calvin
e-burg, MD, U.S.A - Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 12:43:23 (ZULU)

Pat-II

>"I am not a big fan of bailouts, but now that the federal taxpayers own AIG, there is a potential for profit for the USG. I am not holding my breathe, but it could happen."<

If the government owns AIG, that's a guarantee that they will fail and not make the two year balloon payment.

If the government owned the Sahara Desert, it would be out of sand in two years.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 14:56:11 (ZULU)

"So, that will be one super-sized bailout special, four small orders of taxpayer buyouts, and a milkshake. Would you like a side of reality with your order this morning, Mr. Sam?

Liquid? Beware that position. Buy stuff! While youz can stil afford to...

Here's what I watched this week: The government just said "we got the risk...youz guys have fun." Brilliant. And, untenable.

Perhaps an anology will help (since I always do anologies any damned way): Lets say the fed fairy decides to grant every last human one wish, but it is limited to one truckload per customer. Each and every human being all wished for a truck load of cash, large bills please. I'm last in line, and I see all this. Being a smart fella, I wish for the LAST and ONLY truckload of food. Who now is the richest man on the planet? Now think about what you are watching play out across the globe's financial centers...yeah. Pretty good'un, eh?

The guv just sent a message: You take all the rewards, we'll take all the risks. The entire world market system opted for the cash truckloads like right freakin' now---and Moscow even shut their market down again---for exploding up (after shutting it down twice in the same week for exploding down). Gyrations like this are scary--at least, to me.

Seriously, knowing what I know now, and knowing what congress cannot do (and what harm they manage to do)--I would NOT accept a free ride to the presidency next January--no freakin' way. Emperor maybe...but not a mere leg in a three way power share. Consensus is no way outta this one. A whole bunch of someones have to be mad, screwed and toast for this to be truly fixed. And, friday the Government volunteered us citizens to be those someones...connect the dots: If a market collapse is bad, imagine what is next.

(metaphor alert...anaolgies aren't my only flaw)

OTOH, I see exactly what the guv'mint is doing: They just bet the treasury on a pair of dueces, 8 high. But they did it with a gleam in their eye---one major bluff with an academy award nomination for best actor. They're betting that the markets, and foriegn governments will fold like a cheap suit (metaphors are just too easy). But, what choice did the guvmint have---they had a major stake in the pot already, and the market went "all in" with toxic exotic securitized debt. On friday, the markets started to fold while holding the royal flush of insolvency---but the cards aren't on the table yet.

The only thing certain is that when the bluff gets called inevitably and eventually---us tax payers will bear the brunt of the government's vain effort to make good on its bet. You do the math though: Can we be squeezed for an extra trillion this year? Heheheh.

No, this is a cynical delay of the obvious. Perhaps to kick the can to the next poor bastard that wins in November; perhaps just to try to take this issue off the table to help one of the poor bastards specifically. But, as sure as sunrise---Treasury and the Fed know exactly how dangerous this gambit is. The emperor's new clothes' is a great fable and apt as all hell here. But, this is the nuclear option, the final last ditch defense against a domino collapse of the economic systems of the planet. I never dreamed I'd see it deployed this year... There are no other ploys left to the guv now.

and, it won't work: The irresponsible Fed joined up with an irresponsible series of congresses and caused this by allowing too many dollars out in the first place (combined with some socialistic legislation that demanded irresponsible lending to the "needy," spending more than the next generation will have, and artificially holding credit down to give-away levels)---so, exponetially more dollars will different this time how? One last anology since I cannot help myself (its a sickness of my literacy): The problem is the dollar is a raging inferno, and we are trying to put out the blaze by throwing more dollars into it.

Yeah...that sums it up nice and tidy:) I hope my metahors and analogies come across as disgusted sarcasm...because that is my attitude when I type these econo-rants:))

Believe it or not...I am the eternal optimist! So what that the world gets flushed down the toilet...I'll far happier going rustic than I could ever be shopping the local supercenter.

Joe M
Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 16:01:32 (ZULU)

Hey Joe,

So just how much incentive do ya think there is for insurance companies to pay out now ? I sure wouldn't want to be making a claim right now in the aftermath of Ike..... I with ya on the buy stuff idea.. But ya gotta buy stuff to make more stuff so when there is no more stuff you can be the supplier of stuff.. How's that for simplified..?

Stay capitalized

Calvin

PS Please pardon the diversion to economics country...

Calvin
e-burg, MD, U.S.A - Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 17:31:53 (ZULU)

In a barter economy .22 ammo is better than gold.

CDC'
Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 17:54:44 (ZULU)

CDC...

>"In a barter economy .22 ammo is better than gold."<

In the aftermath of an economic collapse, a .45 beats a royal flush stock portfolio and a BMW every time ;)))))

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 18:04:22 (ZULU)

Some humor for your Saturday morning. Preacher blasting Obama's mama and the media coverage of Palin.

http://www.atlah.org/broadcast/ndnr09-03-08.html

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 18:17:10 (ZULU)

Pablo: "...45 beats a royal flush stock portfolio..."

I suspect that this crowd is standing pat.

CDC'
Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 18:59:54 (ZULU)

There's a very old saying: "Gold may not always get you guns - but guns will always get you gold."

Lindy
Northern Occupied Mexico, U.S.A. - Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 19:18:47 (ZULU)

Wednesday morning, 0034 something like that, became a grand-dad for the 6th time! Boy, again, Aiden Lee, 19 1/4", 7.4 lbs daughter-in-law, grandson all doing well. This is Sarge Jr.s 3rd boy!

They gotta figure out what's causing this problem!

Sarge

Sarge
Southern Area 51, NM, USA - Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 19:53:33 (ZULU)

"Believe it or not...I am the eternal optimist! So what that the world gets flushed down the toilet...I'll far happier going rustic than I could ever be shopping the local supercenter."

Depends upon just how rustic you get. Got more horses than I can comfortably feed, but even if they become basic transportation, horsedrawn farm implements are scarce. At least ones that still work.

Wagons, carriges and harness are available, but limited supply and expensive.

On the other hand, think about all the bureaucrats that might not be able to commute!

WR Moore
Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 20:44:57 (ZULU)

The thing to watch for now is a wild bull market...and a massive bubble of everything. In a way, the government just said that "we got the down-turns, you guys can have the upside." It's all up. And like all bubbles in the markets....

Joe M
Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 22:15:54 (ZULU)

Thanks KenM. Are you pulling my leg about the device that tightens pockets? It sounds like when I tell my apprentices to get me some toe nails or a lumber stretcher.

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Sunday, September 21, 2008, at 00:17:25 (ZULU)

MarcS - primer pocket swage

No, it's not the reloader's version of "prop wash" or a "left-handed monkey wrench". Personally, I would rather reduce loads a bit, since I suspect swaging a primer pocket to get it to hold a primer probably doesn't lead to as great a gas seal as a "good" pocket.

Here is a vendor of a primer pocket swage, there are probably others:

http://www.mountsplus.com/miva/merchant.mvc?page=MSP/PROD/23_Reloading/PPS-LG1-1PA

$US 36.95

One of the most frustrating problems with reloading is case failure. When the primer pocket becomes enlarged and will no longer hold the primer, the case is useless. Some shooters are even glueing their primers in with LOC-TITE! This is no longer a problem. By using the CASE SAVER, the primer pocket can be re-swaged to form a ring, or “SEATING SEAL” in the primer pocket.

Here is how it works:

1. The case is placed over the SUPPORT STAND.

2. The Guide Pin goes through the flash hole in the case and into the Guide Hole in the top of the SUPPORT STAND.

3. Rap the punch LIGHTLY until the primer pocket grips the PUNCH. This indicates the primer pocket diameter has been sufficiently reduced to allow a primer to once again be held firmly in the case.

4. This process can be repeated as often as the primer becomes loose greatly extending the life of the case.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Sunday, September 21, 2008, at 01:05:04 (ZULU)

The blanketass in me is laughing like hell. Someone is always saying they have a piece of paper that proves they can take your land/house.When the land was there before your grandfather was born and will be there when your grandkids are dead. How can you own it?

Maybe after everyone starves the bison will come back ; )

If you have a full belly and a dry place to sleep, everything else is a luxury. The last time there was a depression my family had the dustbowl to deal with at the same time. This time should be easy ; )

4eyes
Siloam Springs, AR, USA - Sunday, September 21, 2008, at 01:48:02 (ZULU)

Thanks Rod. I will reduce the charge weight and use that tool to help the ones I've damaged so far.

I love this place.

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Sunday, September 21, 2008, at 02:01:25 (ZULU)

Wasn't it Hobbes who said, "In nature, Man's life is nasty, poor, brutish and short"? I've got kids to raise. A Great Depression would be inconvenient. If events get way out of hand, I'd band together with my neighbors.

CDC'
Sunday, September 21, 2008, at 04:26:55 (ZULU)

Economics country,

CatShooter: If the government was running the Sahara, they would be out of sand in less than two years? Funny. I would like to tell you you're wrong. I can't.

Calvin: I am not there yet with he precious metals, but they have always been part of the portfolio.

Philospphy country: Hobbes stated " the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." Hobbes was writing in protest of the anarchy caused by the English War circa 1640s and of his support for authoritarian political system capable of providing peace and stability. The above quote was referring to the state of man in the conditions in which no peace or stabiltiy exist. FWIW.

I have managed to reference Calvin & Hobbes on Sniper Country. That's enuff for today.

Pat II
Sunday, September 21, 2008, at 23:49:21 (ZULU)

To All: I said hello and asked a few questions, a few days ago, and got no response. Pertinate questions reguarding shooting topics like scopes and accessories and responded to a refrence about a scope base that I have experience with. What'd I get in return, nothing. Nice to have folks welcomew you back after you've been out working your but off in a deadly job. 11 deaths so far this year and over 45 accidents, It's nice to have people say high, and how you been doing, and maybe answer a guestion that actually pertains to shooting. Thanks for making me feel so welcomed back and all the advise on the scope. Did everyone really dislike me that much. I've been on and off here since 2001 or earlier. Longer than most. This is a new low in unwelcomness and clickishness.

Opinions on the scopes and rifles would be appreciated

Jeff Cooper
Gadsden, TN, USA - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 03:53:09 (ZULU)

"clickishness"?

Jeff Cooper: Some of us old farts have CRS so bad that we can't remember who went where and who did what. I'm the worst of the lot. Where were you and what were you doing?

Sometimes questions receive no answer. Maybe nobody knows. Maybe we figure someone else will answer. I, for one, don't know beans about NF scopes or .338 Lapuas. There's no need to get snitty.

Pat II: Thanks for correcting the quote and the context. The point stands.

CDC'
Monday, September 22, 2008, at 05:43:33 (ZULU)

NF scopes have been nice IME, a step above Loopie about commensurate with the step up in price. I just wish they offered BDC/cam like adjustments. Don't currently own one, have a rackload of Mk 4's and LRT's, all M3 turrets. Not a huge fan of their 56mm objs, the 50's seem acceptable although right on the edge of too big.

338 LM, buy a GAP on a CZ550 seems to be the way to go, get exactly what you want/need. S/F.....Ken M

Ken M
Monday, September 22, 2008, at 06:53:18 (ZULU)

Jeff - you post started out with a discussion on near bases...I didn't read past that and missed your question. I joined in 2001 and didn't recall your name...sorry. Welcome back, glad you are still upright.

I bought my first nightforce last year...put it on a 7WSM. I like the mecanicals on the scope...but have thus far found the clarity not functionally better than the leupolds. I'll probably not buy another due to the cost.

Speaking of high cost...Premier Reticles has just come out with a new scope they are building without a partner...could be a winner. I'll be watching for the next year or so to see how the early adopters make out.

medicjim
Monday, September 22, 2008, at 12:32:19 (ZULU)

Jeff Cooper (the other one)

I looked for your post and it was on the 9th - that's in the last century! :)

>"Scope Country: now that the Night Force craze is in full swing and there's more of them out on the market, What's the latest opinion compared to Leupold and the other high enders. Gotta buy something in the next month in 3.5/6 X 15/20 power."<

My opinion it that they are good scopes, but way too heavy and large for anything except guns that are shot from static positions.

And at 3.5 to 15-20~ish power, the large objective is wasted.

In that power range, a Nikon Monarch would be a better choice, and half the price.

Or (dare I say it), the Bushnell:

http://www.swfa.com/pc-9847-185-bushnell-6-24x50-elite-4200-30mm-rifle-scope.aspx

... this is a scope that is made by the company that made the B&L scopes, it has a fine reputation. Also half the price of a NF.

>"338LM: What's the latest news on who makes the best affordable "2500-6000" Rifle. I've been considering the TRG and the Mac."<

By "2500-6000", do you mean yards or dollars (or Yen) :))))

TRG is nice but if you just want to try it and see if you like the 338 Lap, then the Armalite is a lot of gun for the money, and the Armalite has a nice mounting system if you are looking at rages past 1,200 yds.

I have one in 50BMG... and with a B&L 10x Tac, I can dial the elevation from 100 to 2,700 meters with no "holdover".

I "Wuv it!"

Sorry to be so late in answering - we're not snitty, just busy.

Ask me what I have been doing since you were away :(

On second thought - don't!!

Back to legal shit :((((

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 15:37:40 (ZULU)

Pat II,

Thank god the unknowing are paying a PREMIUM for gras-fed beef!

They don't realise that packers are just cutting out the feedlots altogether, saving both months in production but also the costs of "finishing".

On the bright side, however, beef that has never been to a feedlot likely has never received any antibiotics, as free ranging cattle are healthier. Cattle that have been through a salebarn or feedlot are 75% more likely to have some sort of illness that will require doctoring.

The down side, however, is rural economies being hurt by locals being out of work, farmers having a hard time getting a good price for their corn,(Hey, where's ll the damned ethanol plants I was promised?) local banks having to cover bad loans to farms and feeder operations that never would have thought they'd see the day when people would prefer NOT to have corn fed beef, since it's got more marbling,(fat) flavor,(duh) and is more tender, because in the last coupla months of a feeder steer's life, he's so fat, when he lays down, he has a hard time getting up! (Seriously, they just lay around and fart all day!) This immobility adds to their health problems because any animal that lays on it's side too much develops pneumonia, which requires antibiotics.

'Lito,

"If the government owned the Sahara Desert, it would be out of sand in two years." That ain't no shit!

Joe,

On that "last truckload of food" theory, I'd just wish to be your son in law. Free food, ammo, and guns! Now, who's the smart son of a bitch ?!?!?!

MarcS,

Good post! Imagine the shitstorm if Jimmy Swaggart or some other white guy called Obama's mama a whore? (which she was{is?}) As for the attacks on the pregnant daughter, I bet Obama's daughter's only about a year from being caught "dropping it like it's hot". Let's see how the piece of shit feels about what "his peeps" choose to show on mass media. (With my apologies to any normal, hard working, tax paying black guys that know how to read/write/speak english and pull their damn pants up! You're probably more pissed about how black folks are portrayed in the media than I am.)

Sarge,

Congrats! My stepson just turned 13, and I can't wait to turn his kids into cussing, spitting, hunting, fishing, trapping, gun toting bronc riders. Just not TOO soon.

WR Moore,

At Dad's estate sale, his buckboard went for under $1500, I believe. Wish I coulda afforded it, but I hate riding in the damn thing when I own pefectly good cowhorses. If you go to farm sales during shitty weather, a lot of this stuff can be picked up for a song. Most folks won't stand in freezing rain for a bargain. I will. That's why I need to build a really big shed, so I can spread all my crap out, and see what all I have! I'm pretty sure my shopsmith wan't intended for hanging shit on it!

MarcS,

When I was sent for board stretchers, nail straightenrs, etc., I used to walk out of sight, then go on break. It helps if you bring back douhnuts, and 'splain about how they didn't have them in the trailer, and the clerk at the quick shop didn't have any, either!

Jeff,

Thanks for serving. If we didn't think you were a dick before, .......

Generally, if nobody answers your question, they just didn't notice it, or they just don't know for sure. This ain't arfcom, where nobody has ever had a rifle that wouldn't shoot under half a inch, regardless of the load and conditions.

Folks here, if they don't know the answer, or don't have hard data and experience, won't speak up with a bunch of bullshit. Chances are, half the time, someone is actively looking for the answer, or is awaiting a chance to go out and shoot to find out what results they get with a load you asked about in their rifles.

You're really running a risk of alienating a very valuable resource here with that attitude. Not everyone get a parade.

Went to a cowboy shoot this weekend. First big all day thing I've been to since the back surgery. ......I didn't make it to the second day; WHO schedules the safety meeting for 8:15 a.m. on a SUNDAY? It ain't like we had to worry about wind conditions! The "big bore rifle" competition took place at 7 and 25 yards! I considered trying it with my handguns, but I'd been having ammo problems all day.

On that ammo problem, what was happening was, I had loaded up about 300 rounds for this match, using Winchester large pistol primers, used cases of various brands, and 5.8 grains of Trail Boss under a 250 gr. RNFP. My buddy and I were shooting four different pistols, and sharing a rifle. He had several squibs in his guns, and one in the rifle, and I had two hang up in my pistols.

We had a lot of loads that were so light, we could see them arcing towards the base of the target, and left some unburned powder in the gun. We also had the aforementioned squibs, which never left the barrel. Several of the light loads were so light, I stopped shooting, until I got a consensus from the spotters that they ALL saw them land.

These primers were all from the same lot, and had been stored on a shelf in my garage, where they stayed nice and dry. I hadn't been handling any solvents or anything, and my whole reloading setup was the same as usual.

Anyone see anything I mighta missed, or is this just a shitty batch of primers? It was surely a helluva way to waste $40 on match fees.

FYI:

If you take a shooter's gun that has one hung in the barrel so he can continue a shooting stage, ASK before you attack his gun with a range rod. Maybe he wants to do it himself, so he can examine it and deduce what happened. Maybe he has a certain way he wants it done.

Nobody damaged my gun, so far as I know, but I don't want someone monkeying with it without my say so. It just seems like it'd be the thing to do, to wait until he's done, THEN ask if he wants help with it! It pisses me off to have to ask who the hell has my gun, and WHERE the hell they went with it! Take it to the unloading table, let me stage it, or I'll take the stage DQ, stop shooting then and there, and go take care of it myself!

Is that too much to ask?

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 16:06:08 (ZULU)

I remember that I was once sent out for some "prop wash". Huh. Little did they know that the Hamilton Standard prop has a propietary finish that is supposed to be washed with a certain liquid soap to prevent the finish from being removed. It has an NSN. I was gone the appropriate amount of time (to have lunch, run my laundry, etc) to get the standard guffaws. Not nearly as much mirth was evidenced when I returned with 5 gallons of ruinously expensive propellor wash which was charged to the section's quarterly budget. Don't fuck with a man who knows the supply system.

Jeff....Don't get your feelers hurt. I'm still over here. Folks are still getting killed. Rosterfarians are still a great bucha folks. Hakuna matata, amigo.

News is saying the Marriott bombing has all the "earmarks" of AQ. Huh? Like, an exploding truck? McVeigh had the same earmark. My money is on the Indians getting a little tit for the Pakis's tat. AQ is being conspicuously quiet on this one. Local wit says it's the Indians. If we can get the Hindi and the Paki's at each other, maybe the Paks will be too busy to bankroll the Talibs and keep their wicks in Afghani affairs.

Charles S. Hunt
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 16:29:38 (ZULU)

Travis on primers:

Try the same load with different primers.

Something could have happened to the primers before they reached your hands too. Not too common, but anything is possible.

Use a sample size of at least 20.

What about your powder or powder measure? Squibs tend to be a powder measure issue in my experience. Unless you are talking really large case capacity, primers tend to either light up ok or don't fire at all. Changed anything in your powder measure setup since last successful production?

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 16:48:52 (ZULU)

Chuck,

Fox news is reporting that the truck burned in front of the Marriot for an extended period of time before it went boom. People still got killed.....WTF? Either fight the fire (max 15 minutes) or get out of the area.... how difficult is that decision...

medicjim
Monday, September 22, 2008, at 16:50:08 (ZULU)

Charles:

great prop wash story!

I don't mind pulling the new guy's leg, but not to the point of sending him somewhere else on a pointless errand.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 16:52:41 (ZULU)

Travis on primers: I bought a carton of Winchester large pistol primers Lot #WFL734G2451 on December 12, 1986. These primers have been stored in an air conditioned room. The first 750 fired normal. The last 150 has given 33 fail to fire on first trigger pull. Two of them took three tries before they fired. When they did fire the recoil and group was normal. These were shot in a Glock 21 .45 ACP.

HDR

Edited because of CRS.

HDR
OK, - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 17:56:31 (ZULU)

Greetings,

Jeff Cooper: I didn't sse your return post. Welcome back. Point taken on the shooting related topics. I actually used to post/read about shooting/ firearms topics on the roster.....

CDC: Hobbes absolutely supports your point, IMHO.

Pat II
Monday, September 22, 2008, at 19:09:50 (ZULU)

Shooting country? Oh. Ok.

Then don't click on my name! (oil is up massively, the flight away from the dollar begins before the bailout is even voted on---to my surprise)

Jeff: Morgue's your man on Night force scopes and 338 LM sticks. He swears by both, and knows something of their usage.

Divorce is turned for the worse. Might (likely) be selling some stuff, still mulling it over. Any interest in SCLE#47, less than 800 rounds, topped with a premier gen II loopy 3-10xM3LR and the high-speed low drag pod paws thingies, Bubble level and all the obligatory tactical stuff, like a Miller sling etc. May also part with the DPMS 260LR and badger base/ rings, a 5.5-22x50 NF scope with MLR, and a selcted culling of other nice things from the safe.

Is there a market for such things here (grin)?

And yes, I do this with some major regret. But, I am broke due to supporting another household along the way and other shennanigans. Cool psy-op to bust that one open this weekend, and no less painful because I was so damned clever....but, at least now I know the real reason for this BS. Now to get the *f* outta dodge. Be posting on the emporium soon. Be the first kid on your block to buy at Joe's...

Joe M
Monday, September 22, 2008, at 19:35:10 (ZULU)

Rod,

Most went off just fine, which makes me think it's not the powder. When I was farting around, shooting steel after the match, and had the luxury of doing some observation, whenever I'd hve a squib or weak load, I'd inspect the gun and discover plenty of unburned or partially charred powder.(So it COULD be the powder, I guess!)

I'm using a Dillon Square Deal Model B. It seems to be filling cases just fine, as I pulled a bunch off of the press, just to weigh, and they were within spec for .45 Colt loads that don't have to fly very far. The loads were 5.8 gr. Trailboss under 250 gr. RNFP and 6.0 gr. Trailboss under 200 gr. RNFP.

HDR,

In that case, it MUST be Glock's fault! LOL! Damn plastic sonsa....

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 19:37:12 (ZULU)

Travis...

Keep in mind that black powder burns ON the surface of the grain, and the burning rate is 8 feet per second - maybe 5% more under high pressure.

But smokeless powder burns ABOVE the surface of the grain. The heated Nitrocellulose gives off a gas that decomposes into a flame ABOVE the grain surface.

The pressure in the case determines how close the flame is to the grain surface. The flame NEVER touches the grain.

The higher the pressure, the closer the flame.

The closer the flame, more heat is transferred to the grain surface.

The more heat is transferred to the grain surface, the more flammable gas given off from the surface of the grain.

The more flammable gas given off from the surface of the grain, the higher the pressure...

... and around and around and around and around and around.

That's why it called "Progressive burning" powder - it has no fixed burn rate.

But the opposite applies equally. If you remove the pressure (the bullet leaves the barrel) before the powder is fully burned, the flame moves away from the grain, the grain surface cools and stops giving off the decomposable gas, and the flame can actually "go out".. leaving unburnt powder grains.

There is nothing wrong with the powder.

I would suggest going to a faster powder, and a rifle magnum primer (if the hammer will fire a rifle primer.

That should do it.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 20:13:48 (ZULU)

Test

Marius
Monday, September 22, 2008, at 20:35:09 (ZULU)

'Lito,

This load has worked just fine for quite a while, and is a common one used by about half the people shooting in these single action deals.

Joe,

Did she get that "fish out of water" look on her face when you dropped the bomb, like she'd just been socked in the breadbasket?

Women always seem shocked to find out that they're not the only ones that can play mind games. When we do it, we don't take pot shots; we punch for the back of the skull.

I got to thinking after you mentioned that you were "heavily invested" in her family's farm land. Get the forms from the humane society of the U.S.(HSUS) and the Sierra Club, to donate land and fill them out. If it comes down to it, show them to her family. I bet they blink first. If you donate it before she can do anything, both groups have more lawyers than she'll ever be able to get. You can make her family make her act right, if they're afraid of losing their farming income. It's hard to farm when you're ass deep in hippies and EIS statements. Kind of an asshole move, but you don't really want to have to start another career, do ya?

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 21:40:14 (ZULU)

Hey guys,

It’s been a while (years) since I’ve been on the Roster. I’ve been working in the NFA market, mostly black rifles, and doing gun ‘tinker’ smithing on the side. Now I need solid advice that I knew I could get here.

I have a customer who wants a precision rifle built on an AR-15 platform chambered in 6.8mm (SPC). I explained to him that I build mil spec and combat toys for the NFA hobby crowd and haven’t done precision builds for a while, much less on the AR platform, but he insists.

What, if any, precision results could I expect from an AR assembled with top grade components, and who is making these components right now. I can get 6.8 heavy barrels and 2-stage match triggers, but this guy wants the top shelf.

I told him I’d get a build list of parts and mfgs to go over for him to decide on, but I’m not really sure where to look for the best in 6.8mm parts. He’s hoping for ½ MOA out of this build. Any advice?

Thanks,

Todd

TODD
Gladstone, Virginia, USA - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 22:22:08 (ZULU)

Test

Trajan Aurelius
East Bay, CA, USA - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 22:40:33 (ZULU)

re Travis primer issue:

Ah 'Lito, you're saying it's a large case capacity issue?

Which would explain your magnum rifle primer recommendation.

(I did mention "...really large case capacity"). I've read about such issues, but have managed to avoid them so far. Biggest cases I have loaded were .300 Win Mag, but I was making lapping loads for them using WLR primers and Infallible powder (similar to Unique). Not exactly a normal usage.

HDR: Were the problem primers from the top or the bottom of the box? Perhaps they were contaminated with a liquid on their source storage shelf? (Of course, they're presumably long gone. And unless someone wanted to pay for trace analysis at that point, we'll probably never know).

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, September 22, 2008, at 23:54:13 (ZULU)

Joe- I'm sorry to hear about this and I hate to see you have to sell the good stuff. My heart goes out to you.

I'm also pissed off! First JC sells his SCLE rifle and I didn't have the dough at the time, then things straightened out for me and I bought a bunch of stuff, now I'm tight again in the gun budget area and you are selling yours! I could jump into a barrel of pink titties and come out sucking my thumb I just don't get it.

Jeff- I've been popping in and out of here since some time around '99 or 2000. I remember seeing your name but I'm sorry I don't remember what you do or where you were. In your post I saw the start about Near bases and skimmed right over the rest. I do that alot. As for a response here goes:

I had a NF scope which I liked overall.

GOOD STUFF-

-Fine reticle that was etched in the glass and "floating" so to speak.

-Absolutely accurate, repeatable adjustments with very solid feeling clicks.

-Very clean image quality which was to my eye a little better than my Loopies have been.

-Decent deal for the money considering price increases from Leupold.

BAD STUFF-

-Biggest bitch from me was only 10 MOA of adjustment per revolution of the knobs. With a .308 your spinning the shit out of the dial in both directions all the time with changing ranges. Their answer to this is to put some little, tight together, microscopic lines under the knob to show you what rev you're on. Well this is the wrong goddamn answer because it's very easy to be off one full rev or 10 MOA. That could cause a miss and is the main reason I sold the scope.

-They are not FFP. This is important to me and now that I have this on my new scope I'll always want it in the future. This is the part where I would say what I bought, but 'Lito might be listening HA!

-The eyepiece rotates with changing the power setting so my flip cap release button would rotate around with it and get in the way of my bolt. I learned this in a match during a timed event and it FUCKED me.

-The tube is two pieces. I guess this really isn't a big deal because mine never failed even after I spiked it into the ground, twice, at a match in So Cal last year in a short fit of anger. Long story. Embarassing story too. I have to say the scope was not damaged at all so it probably is tough enough for most of us.

Mine was a 50mm and I wouldn't want it any bigger than that. It was a little on the big and bulky side already IMO. Wouldn't want it on a "field rifle".

As for .338's I can't afford to feed one so I don't own one but I do know it sucks to compete next to a guy shooting one with a brake for two days!

That's it!

Marc

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 00:53:39 (ZULU)

MedicJim:

It didn't burn all that long. If you saw the video that was released, then you saw all the confusion. Apparently, the BG's tried to blow the truck, but had a squib and only blew themselves, starting the fire in the cab. All I can think of is that the security people thought it was just a fire and started running around like the proverbial chickens. The actual payload was over 600 kilos of various explosives, including anti-tank mines. I'm not EOD, so I don't know how the fire set off the rest of the payload, maybe the mines? Anyway, the security video continues on for a few moments, then BOOM.

I have quietly pulled my team back a hundred yards from the VCP's.

Charles Hunt
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 03:33:06 (ZULU)

Just for fun - from the Discovery Channel.

http://military.discovery.com/tv/sniper/quiz/quiz.html

Trajan Aurelius
East Bay, CA, USA - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 03:36:21 (ZULU)

>"Just for fun - from the Discovery Channel.

http://military.discovery.com/tv/sniper/quiz/quiz.html"<

Can I get $8,000 to $15,000 for my snipie riffle?

Huh, please?

It comes with a real floating barrel, and a fiberglass stock!

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 03:52:40 (ZULU)

Travis,

In my experience your 45lc load should be fine.. Trail boss is one of the 'new' super bulky powders design just for big bulky black powder era cartridges. Couple of things I'd take a look at is the powder 'bridging ' in your powder measure and some how throwing a short charge? Are the primers being seated fully ? If for some reason their not the energy that the hammer uses to seat them can cause misfires... Could the primers or feeder tube somehow of been contaminated with oil or gun cleaning solvent ? Oil kills primers fast ! Was it a warm day or did the ammo ever get really hot ? You could have some lube contamination do to melted lube running down inside the case. That would be my bet as I have really seen that one happen alot especially with the soft lubes like spg. Also it could just be a bad lot of primers that somehow got contaminated before they came to you.. An undersized bullet can cause this kind of problem to.... Commercial cast stuff is notoriously hard and undersized so to paraphrase lito' "no pressure no go". You've probably already measured your cylinder and matched the bullet to that diameter, right ?

I had a similar problem with my ruuugers.. Barrel's measure .451 so I sized bullets to .452 just like the book says... Squib city. Checked front of cylinder measured .454-.456.. HHHmmm me says ! Stated sizing to .454 and all problems went away and accuracy went way up to. Just my experience to man.. oh and my load was 5.5 of trail boss over a cci lg pistol primer and under a lee 255swc..

Crimps good right ?

I feel your pain with having other folks mess with your guns... Personally I always just makes sure the weapon is secured and not covering anyone til the owner comes and takes possession of it. I consider it uncouth to mess with another man's gun with out his permission.

Jeff Cooper,

I saw your post and I have two .338 lapuas but as a po' man mine only cost 450 ( sako ) and 1100 ( ar 30 ) so I'm out of your price range. I would how ever be happy to share my experience with both of them with whom ever. But as you asked a specific question about a specific price range I didn't chime in.

Stay safe

Calvin

Calvin
e-burg, MD, U.S.A - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 11:02:22 (ZULU)

Now I feel at home!

A couple of the posts seemed to think I was over seas/in the sand box. Sad to say that I wasn't. Started to join after last years crappy flying season, but at 38 I wasn't going to be let in or assigned where I wanted to be.

Charles: I may have to go the route you did. You are working on contract?

I've been working 7 days a week 16-18 hour days flying cropdusters. The ethenol plants?? as long as they keep growing corn I'm happy. I had a good eonogh year to cover last years drought and more. were still spraying but it's cotton defoliation and a lot slower.

I went ahead and ordered the NF 5.5X22X50 NP-R1 last week. didn't know about the eyepiece problem. Would also rather had a FFP reticle but thought I'd give them a try anyway. I'll set it next to my M4 6.5X20X50 Leupold and compare when it comes in.

Lito: been reading posts and kinda have a feeling of what you're doing. Great you are finally getting some satisfaction in the custody case. If I'm reading right?

Joe: Hope your's goes better than Lito's, but hang on to the stuff as long as possible. Sell the stuff she's likely to ask for in the divorce, and not the stuff that she probably isn't keeping track of monitarily.

Travis: Sold every last head this summer. Grain prices too high to feed IMHO. May even plant soybeans in the pasture next summer if the price stays up.

Morgue: Where you at? Let me know how the TRG's been shooting.

everyone else with the 338. The last time I posted there weren't but about 4 makers on the market, so I'm gonna have to check the newer and less expensive ones out.

Thanks and sorry so long, Jeff

Jeff Cooper
Gadsden, TN, - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 13:42:42 (ZULU)

MarcS, it's just as well that you can't afford Joe's rifle, you'd probably just butcher it up like you did to your first one. You should be ashamed of yourself for doing that. :)

Tony Burkes
Alvin, Texas, United States of America - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 14:00:26 (ZULU)

re: 45LC loadings

Calvin's advice is bang-on! Review carefully.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 16:23:00 (ZULU)

Any guys coming to Bikes Blues & Barbeque? I was plannin on offering room&board to rosterfarians but the kid is coming home from college.

Click my name for the link.

Just picked up Enemies F&D, and UC from the library last night. Already 1/4 through EF&D. FYI the libraries have and inter-library loan program, so no matter how small your library is in your two-horse town, you can get any book in the system nationwide for $3.50 shipping cost.

Reloading Country: is it possible to download a .17 fireball to make it suitable for gray squirrels? Assuming head shots of course.

4eyes
Siloam Springs, AR, USA - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 16:31:51 (ZULU)

Jeff:

Yeah, I went over to the Dark Side. If you decide that you want to look at that route, hit me off line and I'll hook you up with some email addy's for info. With your flying skills, you should be able to find a job.

Charles Hunt
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 17:03:19 (ZULU)

Jeff...yeah, here's to hoping.

As for the likely lack-of-all-hope crisis, it is heading south faster than a kanook in December. Despite of all my previous experience with this crap--I am flat on my ass this time. Perhaps it is the "all-in" try I wanted to put forth for this round of marriage. Whatever it is, I find myself in a piss poor tactical situation all at once. I was so totally invested in her that I climbed way out on the limb here. Now, looking around with my new reality--I find I am deep in enemy territory, out of range for any friendly fire support; with a only a few nuclear options left...

In the immortal words of a guy on my first team: "shithellfuck."

I do know one thing: Now is not the time for me to wonder how I got here. Now is the time to extract myself as best I can and fast. But damn, where to start?

I think the first thing I gotta let go of is my slavish desire to protect my credit rating. I've rebuilt it before, and that may be the only reason I am being so hesitant about every damned thing.

Any advice is highly desired, offline preferred:))

Joe M
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 17:06:22 (ZULU)

Joe,

If you could pass on some of those tips on how to un-fuck my credit,(offline) I'd appreciate it. My wife already put us through one bankruptcy, and she's riding hell for leather towards another.

She's making at least double what she was 4 years ago, yet we have to scape up money for dog food! (Having to board my horse is no help,but it's only $175 a month, and my only extravagance is chew, pretty much)

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 17:48:58 (ZULU)

Rod Regier: Primer issues.

“HDR: Were the problem primers from the top or the bottom of the box? Perhaps they were contaminated with a liquid on their source storage shelf? (Of course, they're presumably long gone.”

As you may have noticed in my post to Travis I had only fired 900 (750+150) of the 1000 in the carton. I put the other box back to remind me not to buy Winchester primers.

They had not been contaminated.

After Travis post I got the box to get the lot number then for chuckles I loaded the 100 primers and went to the range. Much to my surprise every one of them fired without any problems. I have no idea why I only had problems with a box and a half. I may have to try Winchester again.

HDR
OK, - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 18:37:51 (ZULU)

HDR: I use Winchester primers pretty much exclusively. Typically one problem every 10,000 or so in manufactured ammo, less than that in my reloads. Actually, I'd push that stat to most manufacturers - it seems I get more duds in manufactured ammo than my reloads with any primer.

And Sarge, congrats to you and Junior both!

Joe, it's interesting (and a bit disconcerting) that you see things from a different angle, but we come up on the same target in the end. My estimation, also, is that a superheated economy is the economic 'white flag of surrender'. I thought I saw the beginnings of it a little while ago, but I suppose that was just 'stimulus checks' being used. I'm glad it calmed down, I was questioning if it were SOL time.

When you see people cashing in retirement funds to buy tangibles, that's the last tell-tale sign that the greenbacks aren't worth anything (tangibles will always have barter value).

The local chinamarts (walmart - made in china!) are stocking food storage items in places of notice. They sell fast. My opinion is that more people are losing 'faith' every day. And since the greenback is solely valuated in 'faith'.....

When too many people do that, the economy will superheat. Meltdown is immenent.

I started to post the following a little while back, but then reconsidered. It sat in a word file on my desktop - but seeing as how things are going, I figured "might as well". Anyway, here's the post:

Joe said "Anybody advocating this in DC? On the campaign trail?"

The answer is yes. And not any more. In that order.

Ron Paul stood up and told everyone what the fiat currency situation was, what it would bring, and how to avoid the eventual outcome. There's a current video of his out now, from the floor of Congress, making the point that We The People have purchased AIG - but this was not voted on by Congress. Since We The People owe the bill, that amounts to taxation without representation, doesn't it?

But when Ron Paul was talking about the NEED of revamping our economic system, "wise and great" men like roooody gooolie-whatsis laughed at him derisively, and the mass media ate it up.

He laid out his plan to completely fix the situation. Not just trying to put it off long enough for him to "get his and get out" like virtually all politicians strategize.

Then the feds raided companies making little round silver and gold medallion looking things with Ron Paul's face on 'em. Said they were "dangerous to the economy and the stability of the federal reserve system" - even though they weren't even close to counterfeiting any known currency.

Which actually IS the truth - I'd much rather have a one ounce stubby cylinder made out of 90+% silver than 20 federal reserve notes. So would most folks...... and as we all know Gresham's Law says that 'coin shaped' moderately pure pieces of silver (sufficient enough in number) would make federal reserve notes as worthless as toilet paper.

Oooops, almost there already.

When I talked about The Ron Paul Solution, I was deemed the fruitloop.

People kept telling me there was no physical way that 16% of amirikan residents would vote for him - that's all it takes to vote in ANY president.

He "couldn't win".

I never thought I'd live to see the day that amirikan residents just rolled over and 'gave up', but that time is here and now.

Conscience? Nah, I'll just vote for the most convenient evil I can find.

Responsibilities -responsibilities connected to the liberties we enjoy- to the Republic? Nah, I'll vote for whoever seems the lesser of the evils - as long as I can keep the status quo. Even if both candidates have already stated flatly that they don't feel limited to (and have no intention of being confined by) the Constitutional Contract with The People that they're seeking to sign.

Then again I'd have thought I'd never hear an American say that there was no way the Party of the Constitution "had no chance". Maybe I didn't - maybe I only heard amirikan residents pretending to be Americans - but sure as the sun rises I'm despondent over what I see coming.

And like you, I believe we're at the inflection point that marks the point of no return.

We're all in a barrel together, floating down a stream. The demopublican socialists gripe that we're not all singing the same song as we head towards the falls.

The republicrat socialists slow us from 20MPH to 15MPH, and claim that's "the same thing as putting her in reverse". We're yelling that the falls are coming up quick - but it's so late in the game nobody is going to get out of it dry.

If nothing more than the death of the republicratic and demopublican socialist halves of the same party get ousted, I'll at least find some comfort there. Not much, but some.

I'm thinking I've been posting too much lately.

Time for me to go back to the hide...... gotta work on the beans, bullets, and bandaids.

Bravo
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 19:11:29 (ZULU)

Haven't been here in awhile, doesn't seem to have chnaged much.

Tried to get some folks here interested in the 338L back in 2002/3, been shooting one since 1998. Might be some posts of interest in the archives. The 700 is a good basis for building one if you can find a gunsmith that will do it. Remington has built at least 10 of them, Remington's Marketing people have prevented them from hitting the shelves (do a google search for "Remington SR8"). CZ has said the 550 action is not strong enough...

Todd,

You can buy a complete top-drawer 6.8 upper from Precision Reflex.

Marc
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 19:39:11 (ZULU)

Tony- You're right I am ashamed! I spent so much money changing it into what it is now I could have just bought another rifle in the first place. I've shipped it back to George three times for different things and now only the action, base, rings and trigger are original. That's why I want to repent and get another SCLE :)

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 20:24:16 (ZULU)

MarcS, with your track record I'm not sure Joe should let you have his baby. Within a month he probably wouldn't even recognize her. There were only 50 made you know, oops sorry, only 49 now, thanks to you. LOL

There you go Joe, put that gray matter into action. Now you're thinking, don't forget the OODA loop. Think quicker than she can. The Wikipedia definition of OODA LOOP is pretty interesting, Boyd's book is a really good read.

Tony Burkes
Alvin, Texas, United States of America - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 21:42:10 (ZULU)

Damn...

So many days and nothin' is said on SC - now I go out for a few hours, and it's a friggin' gab fest!

Anyway... Jeff Cooper (the other one) welcome back - even if we don't talk to you, just hang around, you'll like us ;)))

Legal poo-poo keeps getting better.

There was a "psychologist" that did a bogus eval on me and my ex and Ruggus Rattus.

Cost $4,700 and it was a fake (he was picked by the other side... Duh).

So I took him to small claims court to get my money back, cuz I could prove he juggled the report to come out favorably for her.

Small claims is easy, and goes up to $5,000.

But the creep gets a slicky scumbag lawyer, who files a false "Sworn affidavit", and gets the suit moved up to regular court, where the rules of evidence and procedure are way over my head.

SHIT... I can't fight that!

Then it dawns on me that filing a false sworn affidavit is a felony.... so I call the scumbag lawyer and say... "OK, you got around me with that move to big court, but here's what I'm gonna do. Your client's false affidavit is a felony and if I don't have a check for the full amount, I will file felony charges against your client, and then I will go back and refile in small claims court - and I will keep doing this every six months for the next ten years."

I pick up the check for $4,735 tomorrow morning :))))))))))

After I finished getting the Rug Rat and got him squared away in school, I wanted to sue my first lawyer.

When I looked into it, I found that there was SIX DAYS LEFT, until the statute of limitations ran out :((

So I went to the law library and cobbled together an 18 page law suit, and filed it with three days to spare.

Now... there is no way in hell I could take a $1,500,000 case through the system, so I started calling legal malpractice attorneys, and they all wanted big money upfront and I needed someone to take it on contingency, cuz I am o-fish-uly broke :(.

As time goes by, the other side is hitting me with papers that you need a degree in Latin to even read, much less understand, with references to past court decisions and other case law - that's badd :(((

Well I was calling around and getting "No, I won't take it", when I hit a guy that is about 20 minutes from home. He said he doesn't take cases on contingency, so I asked him if he knows anyone that would take my case. So he asked what my case was, and I gave him the 5 minute phone version. He said that I should come up and talk to him, and maybe he could find someone to help me.

To make an hours worth of stuff short, he took the case on contingency! What that means is that he thinks the case is Goddamn strong.

He also read the suit that I filed, and said I did an outstanding job, and must have learned a lot in the last three years :)))

That was damn nice to hear.

So:

1 - I won the rat

2 - I haven't had to pay a penny of the $65,000 in outstanding court costs.

3 - I have criminal charges accepted and a criminal investigation going for the first case.

4 - And I have a strong law suit against my first attorney.

I've won 4 out of 4... not bad for a green kid ;)))

I need nappy!

And... I'm actually going to shoot guns on Thursday - yippy :)))))))))))

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 22:19:20 (ZULU)

'Lito, Congrats again,Thats some kind of legal-ese.

Joe M,Sounds like ya got it figured.Custody = child support,b'tween school tuiton,books and what not of full time school,workin full time....You're gonna own the situation.

UnPat

UnPat
Wi, USA - Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 22:39:43 (ZULU)

UnPat: Maybe...or not. But, it sure is nice having "direction" in life. Gotta admit, my world done turned inside out, upside down there for a few weeks. My grasp of the obvious was....uh, well, lacking!

Lito: Pro se is huge. I know where my pro se begins, and how quickly afterwards it has to end. I'm hiring help immediately after the first filing. I do not have the time right now to even contemplate that learning curve you endured.

Joe M
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 23:54:04 (ZULU)

HDR re: Winchester primers

Since 1988 I've used 10's of thousands of WSP's (silver and gold versions), thousands of silver WSR's, and hundreds of WLR in silver and gold version. So far, I haven't had any experiences that would make me regret using them. (I have had less than 5 units out of all that which had ignition issues, but the circumstances were all marginal or had other variables included - so the primer may not even have been at fault.)

When I exhaust my stock of the legacy design silver WSR, I may switch to the CCI BR SR primers. I've read cautions in other sources about the gold WSR primers being a bit soft for AR15 pattern usage (piercing, possible floating firing pin slamfire issues).

Winchester primers are easiest to access thru distribution in this area. A major Canadian commercial ammo remanufacturer also uses Winchester primers, I suspect he would switch if he had significant issues with ignition reliability. (Wolf Bullets in Kingston, Ontario).

http://www.wolfbullets.com/

Not to be confused with the US company with a similar name.

(Wolf Performance Ammunition)

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at 00:29:44 (ZULU)

Joe M,

Understandable.We got some news today that blew any frame of mind I had right out the window.Took the night off,Got my hands in too many moving parts.

This past June,Angel went in for some blood work on a referal from her doc.The outfit she was refered to said "We will call if the results show anything significant." Angel calls them after waiting the required time and they tell her all the tests were clear.

Today,she went to see her doc....At the top of the stack that makes up her med file were the test results.

Acute 3rd stage kidney failure.

Now,I have no clue how many stages there are to kidney failure.But I would say that is plenty significant enough to warrant a phone call.Angel's doc didnt mention anything about dialysis,or donor surgery.And Angel was too floored to ask.Her doc is rerunnin the tests on a chance that maybe they mixed up the blood....Wouldnt be the first time.

************

A buddy bought a Tikka T3 left hand...Sweet lil rifle.Headin up to the range to sight that and the new Mk 4 I picked up.

UnPat

UnPat
Wi., USA - Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at 04:11:42 (ZULU)

'Lito,

Despite the animus between us I wanted to say congrats on the way the legal stuff is going.

Good work. Keep it up.

jcopeland
Cordova, TN, United States - Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at 06:48:53 (ZULU)

jc...

>"Despite the animus between us...."<

I ain't got no ananamuse against you...

:))

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at 13:14:14 (ZULU)

Unpat...

Kidney failure can be temporary due to infection or insult (physical injury or chemical exposure). I believe 'third stage' refers to a healing state, where the kidney is getting better.

I would expect the doc to run a series of tests including urine, ultra-sound, rerun of the bloodwork to look for change, etc.

medicjim
Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at 13:24:27 (ZULU)

Morning Guys,

Just checking in to see what you have all been up to.

Catman,

Glad to hear your good news!!! Invitation still holds on a place to stay if you ever get out this way.

Joe M.

Sorry to hear about your problems. Divorce can be a real bitch!! When my wife wanted a divorce I didn't fight for custody because I just thought she would be the better parent but I was wronge!!! If you think you will do a better job, you go for it.

Pat
Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at 15:13:15 (ZULU)

Some Wednesday afternoon entertainment....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNAohtjG14c&feature=related

Duman
Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at 23:10:24 (ZULU)

Gents: The game is on. October 14th is the first hearing--and, the really important one. It will decide who lives where...even the little whos.

Until yesterday, I was just walking in circles. And I mean that literally for big chunks of daylight. No ideas, no directions, just "shit."

But, another timely intervention by my rosterfarians got me off my duff and into action; thanks for the advice and the support.

And a special thanks to Geoff, who looked me in the eye today and said "You are not alone..." Only he didn't say anything out loud.

And for all that youz bumz gave me, I have to thank ya most for snapping me out of the self pity...While i still hate that I have to deal with this at all---at least I can now deal with it.

No more open details until the fat lady sings. I plan to go civil, and hope to enter a contract for the same with her. No lawyers, just merits---the only thing that matters is what is in the best interest of our children now and down the road. Failing that of course, I know what I will have to do and how badly that will go...and the regret I will have in the aftermath. Lawyers are the only winners...everybody else, including the kiddies---lose.

Here's to a civil "best case" on merits alone. God, I hope she understands how an adversarial lawyered-up proceeding can only get ugly. I'll take my chances with a positive case presented to mediation over what I went thru for Blake...any day!!!

Joe M
Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 02:03:35 (ZULU)

Joe: I'd keep the GAP. You never know when it could come in handy.

CDC'
Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 02:55:34 (ZULU)

Definately. Keep it and find some other stuff to sell. I've sold many over the years and I regret almost everyone of them. You'd be kicking yourself for that one Joe.

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 03:46:31 (ZULU)

Joe M,

You might be able to "pawn" some of your stuff to, oh say... Bravo or some other dudes, then get 'em out of hock at a later date. With interest due, of course. Probably in the form of beer or some other libation.

Fight the good fight.

Duman
Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 03:59:45 (ZULU)

I just saw a thread about a new Japanese scope manufacturer on the 'Hide. Kelbly is selling them. They say costs are around 2,500 + but that's not listed on the site.

http://www.kelbly.com/scopes.html

'Lito- One poster had this to say about an accessory that is supposed to help reduce mirage:

"The reducer ring does indeed help with cutting through the mirage. Once I put this on my March's, I have left them on. What it does is it does darken the sight picture, 1/3 to 1/2 stop. But you get a good increase in depth of focus, just like stopping down an aperture on a camera lens."

What the hell is he talking about?

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 04:40:52 (ZULU)

MarcS,

The aperture on a camera lens adjust the amount of light that passes through the lens, or scope in this case.

Try this experiment sometime. Make yourself a round cardboard, or material of your choice, cover for the objective lens on your riflescope. Cut a hole in the center of cover about the size of a quarter.

Get yourself out to the range, or anywhere you have some distance and some mirage. Look through your scope with that quarter size hole limiting the amount of light that comes through and report back to us and tell us what you experienced looking through that small, roughly 24mm hole as opposed to a 40mm, 50mm, or 56mm objective lens.

I bet you'll be surprised.

jcopeland
Cordova, TN, United States - Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 05:34:54 (ZULU)

Medicjim,

Your's was the best soundin so far.Still waitin to hear from the doc to try and figure out next step.Thanks.

Joe M,

Cant offer ya much more then a cold Guinness and a couch,but if ya need a mind clear,Jump on the bike,take a ride.C'mon down.Gotta warn ya tho....It's still a concrete jungle down here.

UnPat

UnPat
Wi, USA - Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 05:49:15 (ZULU)

MarcS...

I have talked about those apertures on this site three or four times over the years.

They do work.

I'm off to shoot guns (really :))) and I will add more to this later tonight.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 12:19:34 (ZULU)

Lito I don't want you to rehash something you've already gone over several times. I'll dig back and find it. I'm going to drill a hole in the objective flip cap and see how it looks on a bad mirage day :)

I wish you a great day at the range with no thoughts of legal issues at any time!

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 14:24:07 (ZULU)

McCain wants to delay the debate and focus onthe economy in his day-job as senator. Obama says "hell, no."

If I was running the GOp campaign, I'd be doing this too. And I'd pray the opposition took the bait, as it appears to be now. Have McCain in front of every camera for the next 48 hours in chambers, the floor and his office, explaining what is going on and what needs to happen yet, and where he sees it....and:

Then just show up last minute for the debate, and say "foriegn policy? Unlike my opponent, i do not need to walk away from a major crisis just to prepare for this little debate. I was ready for it 20 years ago."

The image would be enduring: Obama had to pass on the single most significant act facing this nation just to "bone up" on possible CnC duties, while the other guy went to do some serious work and then just waltzed up and took on his opponent almost as an after-thought. The contrast would be stunning. If this is his plan, it is brilliant.

If he pulls it all off, it could be the ultimate game changer.

That all said, the possible bail out is the only thing the guvmint has left aside from panic. And, as I see it, the bail out is a bad idea all around, and targeting the symptoms, not the disease. But a bail out of this size will delay erosion until after November.

Joe M
Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 15:44:11 (ZULU)

The GAP riffle is easily the most desirable stick in the safe, Easy money. But, as of this minute in time, this is money I do not "need" yet.

My idea (dream) for this particular rifle is to hand it to my son. His near-term goal is to become a sniper, and he has a serious head start down that road already. If God is willing, this will be his Christmas present. Being a youth and prone to easy mistakes, he will only see it as a "loaner" for practice, a tool I loaned to help him achieve a goal. Once I feel he fully understands the true value of such things, I'll let slip the secret of his ownership...

That is my hope. About all I have, too.

Joe M
Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 16:04:19 (ZULU)

That rifle is not an object as much as it is a power. I'd hold on to it.

CDC'
Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 16:31:52 (ZULU)

re: mirage and objective lense effective diameter

A physics grad student with an interest in astronomy told me an interesting factoid years ago. Apparently stronomical telescopes with smaller diameter objective apertures provide better "seeing" during periods of gteater atmospheric turbulence. If you thought mirage was bad looking thru a mere 1000 meters of disturbed air, try 20,000+ meters of disturbed air :-(

Likely a similar aperture effect to that being discussed for riflescopes...

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 16:53:30 (ZULU)

Hmmm

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/09/army_homeland_090708w/?rss

C-smurf? Isn't this a National Guard primary mission...

OK, now I'm concerned.

medicjim
Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 18:41:59 (ZULU)

MedicJim,

Yes, it is a National Guard mission. But consider the following:

a. the Guard is fully engaged in supporting the fight in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Texas State Militia seems to be taking over that mission there. Do you see a trend?

b. no one wants to try to coordinate with 50 Adjutant Generals and the Governor's staff in an emergency, especially when a lot of people are involved.

c. the National Guard lives in the area affected by the emergency and they WILL take care of their families before reporting to the Armory. There's nothing wrong with this, it's a simple fact of life. The emergency zone is often in shambles and they can't get there. In some states, NG units in an affected area are not mobilized for several days; units outside the affected area are called up first.

d. the assets are available at Ft Stewart, controlled centrally and staffed with experienced people.

e. The Civil Defense structure and the ability of citizens to take care of themselves has been destroyed by lack of leadership and the nanny state.

f. Yes, it is worrisome, for the reasons you think. President Bush made a mistake when he made it a "federal" responsibility instead of a "national" responsibility.

Trajan

Trajan Aurelius
Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 19:15:19 (ZULU)

Dang - again, I go away for a few hours and you guys are as chatty as a bunch of women.

Ok, ok - I get it. I'm not that thick :))

Joe M...

Hang on to it. At the expense of sounding dark - a rifle defines your space in times of trouble (which may not be all that far away).

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 21:51:22 (ZULU)

The fecal material is hitting the rotary oscillator... and folks are calling their congress-persons. This may be the watershed event that actually triggers some changes.

Will they listen?

CDC', if you have some links to good articles on the situation, please post them at your convenience.

Duman
Friday, September 26, 2008, at 04:32:56 (ZULU)

Duman: Click for one that has nothing to do with the financial meltdown. It seems that the NRA is running some ads that Obama doesn't like. Obama is threatening the broadcast licenses of stations running the ad. The ads are true.

One comment on a supporting link was; "I guess the big O plans to bring us together by silencing all contrary opinions."

Chicago politics; Like it?

CDC'
Friday, September 26, 2008, at 09:20:06 (ZULU)

Click for another page on the same subject.

CDC'
Friday, September 26, 2008, at 10:33:17 (ZULU)

Yet another.

A comment on this page is, "This is not about Obama supporting gun rights or opposing gun rights. It's about his use of lawyers, and, if elected, use of the federal government, to shut down stations that oppose him."

You can substitute "anyone" for "stations" in the above statement.

CDC'
Friday, September 26, 2008, at 10:45:01 (ZULU)

MacBeth didn't know insomnia like I know insomnia.

Click for "Missouri Sheriffs & Top Prosecutors Form Obama "Truth Squads" & Threaten Libel Charges Against Obama Critics".

This includes Our Savior personally saying, ""It is this world, a world where cruise ships throw away more food in a day than most residents of Port-au-Prince see in a year, where WHITE FOLKS' GREED RUNS A WORLD IN NEED, apartheid in one hemisphere, apathy in another hemisphere... That's the world! On which hope sits!"

I'm feeling Hope already. Aren't you?

CDC'
Friday, September 26, 2008, at 11:09:06 (ZULU)

Joe, if that young man needs a sling or cuff to fit him let me know and I will contribute to Christmas Gift

Mike/Undude

Mike Miller
Ca, - Friday, September 26, 2008, at 15:51:36 (ZULU)

weather Country-

Kyle is supposed to pay my AO a visit Sunday/Monday.

With luck it will just be a tropical storm by then. Current forecasts have it bearing west of here...

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, September 26, 2008, at 16:48:47 (ZULU)

From a Brit financial article:

"Vladimer Putin is salivating over the prospects of an Obama/ Biden win in November, which essentially hands him the keys to the Ural/ Caspian Crude production."

Well, this is entirely true, but it just doesn't mean squat. Only a rare voter with an undertanding of geopolitics and economics could grasp the downside---while the vast majority of Amercians just exercize their franchise obliviously and with no regard to such dangers.

The list could go on and on, but who cares? Well, we do...but really? Is amerika up to the task of selecting its own best interests in this or any election anymore?

Lito: I'll keep something that will hold a group tighter than I can....and that pretty much starts at the stock stealth level. I have few guns that shoot worse than I do:)) Yeah, I would prefer to keep SCLE47...but, Blake is a dang good choice too. Some units allow "specialty" rifles to deploy that are not necessarily army-owned (but that are similar in design). I had Guardsmen take shorty uppers; a recruiter has a pic of him and his 338LM TRG in the 'stan---with a duece patch on his shoulder...etc, etc.

Mike M: This one has one of your finest slings on it already:))

Now, an SCLE combat vet?---that is one cool ass thought:)) I'd pay an artist to paint A'stan on the stock, with the province AO "popped out to the fore" with dates and details inscribed...Hey, I gotta have something to smile about.

Not much else lately...

Joe M
Friday, September 26, 2008, at 19:39:37 (ZULU)

Mike Miller, sent you an e-mail RE: the sling you told me about at the norcal match, did you get it? Joe

Joe Ducos
Turlock, CA, USA - Friday, September 26, 2008, at 23:32:01 (ZULU)

'lito,

Nice to hear things are finally going in the right direction.

Joe M.,

Don't ever give up hope. Things will eventually get better.

Hawgs,

Just finished Stephen Hunter's latest Bob Lee Swagger novel, "Night of Thunder". It's a good easy read of 287 pages.

Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway
The balmy Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Saturday, September 27, 2008, at 05:01:01 (ZULU)

CDC'

>This includes Our Savior personally saying, ""It is this world, a world where cruise ships throw away more food in a day than most residents of Port-au-Prince see in a year, where WHITE FOLKS' GREED RUNS A WORLD IN NEED, apartheid in one hemisphere, apathy in another hemisphere... That's the world! On which hope sits!"

I'm feeling Hope already. Aren't you?<

I'm feeling something, but I think it may just be reflux. ;-))

jc
Cordova, TN, United States - Saturday, September 27, 2008, at 05:42:54 (ZULU)

Post removed. I was innocently watching slo-mo bullet impacts (click) when that one came up. For some reason I posted it.

CDC'
Saturday, September 27, 2008, at 07:41:04 (ZULU)

Here's an interesting U-tube video on the housing/market woes. Runs about 9 minutes. turn up your sound and watch to the end....

Paste this link or click my name.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5tZc8oH--o

Ken

Ken Hunter
Nokesville, Va, Keep America - God Fearing, Armed and Free!!!.. - Saturday, September 27, 2008, at 14:29:02 (ZULU)

I grew up being taught that "to bitch about a problem is to be part of the problem, but to bitch AND offer solutions is the way to go."

Often, problem ID is the first mistake. You guys wtached me nibble my way around the economic problem long before the media caught on to the problem, but without much more than a vague solution (slash guvmint spending, raise rates, and eat the recession to save the fiat money).

Here's my idea today:

The bail out, as proposed, will cure the symptom of frozen dredit and sub markets, but will also kill the patient, our Mr. Greenback at the same time. "We were forced to destroy the village in order to save it..." The problem is "credit is tight." OK--but nobody asked why? yet, nor have they looked at a solution to the why. It is tight, because investors are scared of the losses they may hold--and want money now. Money is moving in the wrong direction because of this problem. Banks are afraid that these losses, if called, exceed their checking account balance today. Like AIG---plenty of money available--just not ready cash today.

So:

Instead of fucking the taxpayer and just buying out all the crap from the banking indistry and investment funds....JUST AMMORATIZE THE LOSSES OVER ONE, OR FIVE, OR TEN YEARS!!!!!! IN OTHER WORDS, LEAVE THE RISK ON WALL STREET, BUT TAKE DIRECT ACTION TO SPREAD THAT LOSS OVER A MUCH LONGER TIME!!! By removing the spectre of "absorb this loss right now" from the balance sheets of banks, they can focus on restructuring over a longer term. Yes, this will reduce credit (without it shutting down though) over those rebuild years, but the dollar will actually benefit from a little contraction in terms of value.

Those pesky house repubs that are taking media heat are closer to stumbling into this idea than any one else.

Of course, I really ain't all that crazy about maintaining the status quo in the first place, so this crisis looks good in terms of undermining fiat monies---something that we need to face someday anyway. But, if you want to have this cake and eat it too---any solution that dumps dollars on the problem only fuels fire elsewhere creating new problems. To save both, keep the risk where it is, and just buy them time.

How? By guvmint backed long term loans against purchase value of questionable assets. Fucking simple as that. Think of it as mortgages on the banking house itself. Instead of "bill due today" you have "bill due in equal instalments for years." Add a little punitive incentive to make good in there for fun, and you take the issue to the back of the line.

Joe M
Saturday, September 27, 2008, at 16:31:20 (ZULU)

Alright Joe I'll take the bait.. Here's my solution.. Sell off all the loans from freddie and fannie. Let the banks fail then pay the federally insured creditors with the proceeds from the sale of f&f. Abolish the capital gains tax and the death tax. Track down the commie criminals that brought us this mess and hang them. ( take a good hard look at sarbanes/oxely for a start). In general get the government out of financial market. Do away with the federal reserve ( I'm being way to optimistic now) and return to a proper fractional banking system based on objective standards like precious metals. Somehow force the government to live within it's means... like go to a national sales tax. That way if they try some stupid socialist experiment it hurts them when it hurts us. Income tax needs to go to..

I ask you, could you live with that ? Could you really live better by keeping all the money you make with you and only you deciding where and when to spend it ? Do you think that is to much freedom ?

Just some thoughts for ya..

Calvin

PS had a real good day at the range on monday hint, hint Ken Hunter !

Calvin
e-burg, MD, U.S.A - Saturday, September 27, 2008, at 17:43:18 (ZULU)

Pete Linclon.........

You may want to take a look at this series of posts on 6mmbr.

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/6mmbr/vpost?id=2990917

Bolt out!

Bolt
NC, - Saturday, September 27, 2008, at 17:48:20 (ZULU)

Gents.....run whatcha brung, it's the user more than the tool, etc. That said, I thought this was funny so here it is. Hopefully it's good for a chuckle.

"1 In the beginning was the 1911, and the 1911 was THE pistol, and it was good. And behold the Lord said, "Thou shalt not muck with my disciple John's design for it is good and it workith. For John made the 1911, and lo all of his weapons, from the designs which I, the Lord, gave him upon the mountain."

2 "And shouldst thou muck with it, and hang all manner of foul implements upon it, and profane its internal parts, thou shalt surely have malfunctions, and in the midst of battle thou shalt surely come to harm."

3 And as the ages passed men in their ignorance and arrogance didst forget the word of the Lord and began to profane the 1911. The tribe of the gamesman did place recoil spring guides and extended slide releases upon the 1911 and their metal smiths didst tighten the tolerances and alter parts to their liking, their clearness of mind being clouded by lust.

4 Their artisans did hang all manner of foul implements upon the 1911 and did so alter it that it became impractical to purchase. For lo, the artisans didst charge a great tax upon the purchasers of the 1911 so that the lowly field worker could not afford one. And the profaning of the internal parts didst render it unworkable when the dust of the land fell upon it.

5 And lo, they didst install adjustable sights, which are an abomination unto the Lord. For they doth break and lose their zero when thou dost need true aim. And those who have done so will be slain in great numbers by their enemies in the great battle. a

6 And it came to pass that the Lord didst see the abomination wrought by man and didst cause, as he had warned, fearful malfunctions to come upon the abominations and upon the artisans who thought they could do no wrong.

7 Seeing the malfunctions and the confusion of men, the lord of the underworld did see an opportunity to further ensnare man and didst bring forth pistols made of plastic, whose form was such that they looked and felt like a brick, yet the eyes of man being clouded, they were consumed by the plastic pistol and did buy vast quantities of them.

8 And being a deceitful spirit the lord of the underworld did make these plastic pistols unamenable to the artisans of earth and they were unable to muck much with the design, and lo these pistols did appear to function.

9 And the evil one also brought forth pistols in which the trigger didst both cock and fire them and which require a "dingus" to make them appear safe.

10 But man being stupid did not understand these new pistols and didst proceed to shoot themselves with the plastic pistol and with the trigger cocking pistols for lo their manual of arms required great intelligence which man had long since forsaken. Yet man continue to gloat over these new pistols blaming evil forces for the negligent discharges which they themselves had committed.

11 And when man had been totally ensnared with the plastic pistol, the lord of the underworld didst cause a plague of the terrible Ka-Boom to descend upon man and the plastic pistols delivered their retribution upon men. And there was a great wailing and gnashing of teeth in the land.

12 Then seeing that the eyes of man were slowly being opened and that man was truly sorrowful for his sinful misdeeds, the Lord did send his messengers in the form of artisans who did hear and obey the teachings of the prophet and who didst restore the profaned 1911s to their proper configuration, and lo, to the amazement of men they didst begin to work as the prophet had intended.

13 And the men of the land didst drive out the charlatans and profaners from the land, and there was joy and peace in the land, except for the evil sprits which tried occasionally to prey on the men and women of the land and who were sent to the place of eternal damnation b by the followers of John."

Geoff M
WI, USA - Saturday, September 27, 2008, at 23:34:36 (ZULU)

.338 LM -- several of you had mentioned .338LM, interest, etc. There are several Armalite AR30's on gunbroker.com. They're in the 15-16 hundreds -- that's a darn good price....

click my name or go to: http://www.gunbroker.com

Take care all,

Ken

Ken Hunter
Nokesville, Va, Keep America - God Fearing, Armed and Free!!!.. - Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 04:34:57 (ZULU)

A deal seems to have been reached on the financial meltdown. The AP story included the line, "Also, the government would receive stock warrants in return for the bailout relief, giving taxpayers a chance to share in financial companies' future profits."

Isn't that a pleasant way of saying the companies have been nationalized? We are on the road to serfdom.

I wonder if the final bill will include pork for ACORN, Barney Frank and Chris Dodd. Frank and Dodd were a huge part of making this mess. Now they are cashing in.

Watch the Fox vid of the Dems coming out of the negoiations then making their statements. Schumer, Dodd, Frank et al look like cats who have swallowed canaries. Schumer's smugness is palpable.

Why aren't the House Repubs there sharing in the smiles?

Answer: We got screwed.

CDC'
Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 12:53:45 (ZULU)

Click for a National Review article on ACORN and its association with Obama. As I understand it, 20% of recovered profits were to go to this outfit.

CDC'
Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 13:07:08 (ZULU)

Another one. This one is shorter.

People keep asking what a "Community Organizer" does. This is it.

CDC'
Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 13:11:22 (ZULU)

Click for the WSJ's repoet on the bailout deal. Make sure to read the "Mean Streets" link on the right side of the page.

CDC'
Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 15:00:30 (ZULU)

It appears that there are now three parties, Democraps, Republicraps, and Independacraps. None are worth a crap and still don't give a damn about hanging the taxpayers out to dry. What's next? Nuff said.........

Bolt out!

Bolt
NC, - Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 15:09:52 (ZULU)

Click for a "Financial Crisis for Dummies" vid. It seems to be accurate.

CDC'
Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 15:13:31 (ZULU)

Bolt: The problem they are addressing is tremendous sums are tied up in securitized mortgages (a bundle that, by the laws of average, is more predictable on default than any single mortgage alone). These were once considered "asset" rather than obligation, since the value of the collateral was always going up. But no one explained this to the chumps, who said "no way I'm payin' dat fer dat house." So, the lesser chumps realized they bought into the peak of the bubble. The pyramid found its final level. Then, because many on the fringe of all this were "flipping" on bets, they had to dump asap. Other factors came into play, but a trend of downward prices fell upon the land. But the securitized mortgages had a head start on all this, flowing thru the financial structure spread sheets everywhere (wachovia is the latest victim). Well, when liquidity becomes a problem, such assets are just sold on the market. But, now nobody wants to touch these instruments with a ten foot dollar. No buyers, no cash. No cash, no loans. That about sums it up.

Our heroes in the treasury (TeamBush) and congress now have fixated on the most intellectually lazy COA available; simply have the guvmint buy 'em all up at a high enough rate to further inject cash into a broke lending system. It is a "need cash right now" problem, and those massive injection of cash all summer long by the fed had no effect. The securitzed mortgages were poisonous; nobody could say how many within each were in default, or how many were performing and at what rates any single one was at for returns--in short, these things were discovered, after trillions were dumped on them, to be "the emperor's new clothes." And, then the major players took a look in their vaults, and said "JHC! We have a shitload of these thangs." Once worth, say 45 mil per, now worth nothing without a buyer---and this scene was happening in every major bank worldwide. No money to lend once these things stopped turning over on the open market. Then it looked pretty dire, since the entire economy runs on debt (oddly enough).

Ya know, now woulda been a good time to revisit Lincoln's idea for monetary policy, or indeed the colonial script system that drove Brit bankers bonkers:)) Or, if you really have to save the flawed system we have, then just structure tiered loans to the banks against the balance sheet values of the securities...but not to just buy them up wholesale with the fruit of our children's labor.

FWIW, calls to congress are overwhelmingly against such a deal. Merikans may be dumb at times, but maybe we still got good instincts.

Bailout: Flood the world with dollars now, whose value is to be set later by your kids, and your kid's kids. That, my friends, is yet another poison. To save the patient, we had to kil the patient...and the surgical team, the hospital administration, and all the bystanders too. Not so brilliant.

Schumer, Frank and the rest can gloat....but as sure as the sun rises, this will come back to haunt them. The world already voted last week on what they think of dollar floods: Gold and oil spiked. Tight credit is recessionary; failed currency is worse--far worse.

I can hear these guys now, behind their closed doors: "Screw the world...they wouldn't dare dump the greenback..."

Joe M
Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 16:03:24 (ZULU)

"Click for a "Financial Crisis for Dummies" vid. It seems to be accurate...."

CDC - that's the video that I posted several entries further back.....

Ken

Ken Hunter
Nokesville, Va, Keep America - God Fearing, Armed and Free!!!.. - Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 17:13:42 (ZULU)

Ken: It seems I was talking when I should have been listening.

Gentlemen: Click for an explaination of Dems' attempt to use the bailout as a means of funding their Looney Toon activists.

CDC'
Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 19:58:00 (ZULU)

I've got a scope i want to put different turrets on. I know theres a company out there that sells what i want. I believe it's Keaton Industries, but i can't find it. Any help appreciated.

Gary Kaney
NW, ILL, - Monday, September 29, 2008, at 11:18:47 (ZULU)

For custom turrets... http://www.kentonindustries.com/

John
NW, WI, - Monday, September 29, 2008, at 11:58:09 (ZULU)

Gary - email inbound from me with no attachments

medicjim
Monday, September 29, 2008, at 12:50:27 (ZULU)

The easiest way to understand this bailout: Congress will borrow 3/4 trillion against the future....they will then use this debt to buy bad debt off wall street. Think about that. Taking otu a massive loan...to buy debt.

Hey..since this is going so well for wall street---

Any of youz guys willing to take out a loan to buy me a truck? If I can get two or more of ya to agree, someonemight get paid back too.

Ponzi must be smiling' huge.

Joe M
Monday, September 29, 2008, at 14:12:38 (ZULU)

Gents: I am now a de facto single parent. She moved on.

Joe M
Monday, September 29, 2008, at 14:20:27 (ZULU)

Joe:

What the hell?

Charles Hunt
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Monday, September 29, 2008, at 15:26:32 (ZULU)

Joe M.,

I hope that's a step in the right direction.

Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway
The rainy Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Monday, September 29, 2008, at 15:30:34 (ZULU)

Chuck: She packed her things, and left. Went to live with her "just a friend."

Doc: I'm good with this:))

Joe M
Monday, September 29, 2008, at 15:49:41 (ZULU)

Weather Country:

Hurricane Kyle brushed past SW corner of Nova Scotia as a cat 1.

My AO (Halifax) was on the east coast, we just got some 90 km/hr winds and 20mm of rainfall. No significant power interruptions.

http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/hurricane/statements_e.html

" Gusts of 102 km/h were Measured at mcnab's island.And gusts to around 80 km/h occurred in and around the Halifax area."

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, September 29, 2008, at 16:30:42 (ZULU)

Joe:

If the moment is right, have your lawyers get something in writing. She may change her mind later :-(

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, September 29, 2008, at 16:37:13 (ZULU)

Joe M...

>"The easiest way to understand this bailout: Congress will borrow 3/4 trillion against the future....they will then use this debt to buy bad debt off wall street. Think about that. Taking otu a massive loan...to buy debt."<

Now wait a damn minute.

Isn't this the reason that the Dems (aka Liberals) said we can't "privatize" SSI.... because the stock market is "Sooooooo badd", that the American public couldn't trust even 1% of SSI payments to the stock market... now they want to dump $700,000,000,000 (that's a LOT of fuckin' money) in this same badd market?

What is it that I don't understand here - could it be that it is because the Dems get the bulk of doations from this source???

'lito

Now,

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Monday, September 29, 2008, at 17:04:00 (ZULU)

Lito: The dems, and mainly Schumer and rangell, have been using FM/FM to push a socialist agenda of minority loans upon the market. Clinton and the dems CRA law forced the subprime concept on to bankers--a naturally cautious lot as we all recall from our younger days. Qulaifying for a home loan was a major step into adulthood, once upon a time. So, they are standing there today with the dim realization that, if the public got smart--they, and the party itself, would be toasted, roasted and tossed. So, sleight-of-hand, some smoke, a few mirrors and we blame it on "greed." So far, nobody asked the obvious question: If the bankers are greedy, why'd they toss their money at so many bad credit risks? Why indeed...they sure as hell didn't want to in the past---I know firsthand:)) A 19 year old couldn't get a home loan...and, as easy as it is for me to see thru this, the media seems to be on their side and the country isn't hip to the underlying BS yet.

Now, it is slowly coming to light that FM/FM and countrywide made "sweetheart deals" to our esteemed reps in congress by the score! The Rezko thing with Obama has roots in subprime companies and a below market transfer of a nice house...corruption isn't always as obvious as an envelope full of C-notes. But where is the media on this story? "They" chose a side, and are carrying their water. Bias in the media is enabling as hell, isn't it?

Joe M
Monday, September 29, 2008, at 18:40:21 (ZULU)

"economy" is generally understood to be the processes where I, you and they can exchange our services for other goods. We use the buck as the medium of exchange. Now, as time goes by, we want more stuff than we have services to exchange for right now--so we borrow forward the value of our future services, like when we buy a house. We get the beast up front, on the promise we'll pay through our labors over time. Collaterallized debt. Good stuff; it makes the world go round. But, nobody was satisfied with just necessities, we wanted pleasure too, and more of it. Congress, consumers, brokers--we all schemed ways to borrow forward our labor's value to play today---unsecured debt; not good and brings the world to a halt if called in early. No house to sell, ya know--to make good on it:)) Well, this problem was fed, not subdued by Greenspan. To avoid the necessary contraction that self adjusts an out-of-whack demand that pulled supply from the future (works both ways, now that I think about it--through more debt by increasing production on the basis of--get this---the assumption that we'd eventually be able to borrow past the grave), So, the cyclic contractions of credit that bring things back into sustainment were shorted-out by unnaturally low interest rates, in an effort to just keep the good times going. But nobody has any damned idea when enough is enough--when is someone or some entity in debt beyond their life expectancy??? The market forces that usually kick it down a notch were overridden, and whatever natural point of contraction came and went.

So, where does this leave us now? How much debt is there? The fed's debt alone is mindboggling, world mortgages edges the fed out by some 2-4 trillion (Ha! no body knows for certain!), and us'n consumers live on a plastic diet. I'm not sure either---but I think we past it in 1996 or so.

By ballooning negative equity up so very, very far--we set the stage for something we ain't seen yet. I made my predictions, and I stand by them. Doesn't matter that the congress balked on the bail out today; the fed just dumped their vaults unto the markets. Barter will put us squarely back to 1885. The dollar is doing well today you say? Yeah, but only because a bank failure in England over the weekend was a much largr percent of their GDP than any five of ours could be...they are in even worse shape than us--for now. So the dollar is holding--again, for now. Contradictory movements do make a theory wrong---you have to know "the rest of the story."

I sure hope congress thinks a little about the problem before they try again. I also stand by this: If the banking world cannot eat their mistakes all at once, find a plan that spreads their losses over a few years. They still eat it, but they can take their time between bites:)) Yes, this is recessionary tactics. Yes, that means bad things. But as I said--a failed dollar is worse by far.

Joe M
Monday, September 29, 2008, at 20:59:05 (ZULU)

Vent Mode "ON"...

Let's see...

I've paid a lot of $$ into Social Security (not by choice), my retirement age pushed out to 67.5, and won't see any $$ from that.

My pension plan was eliminated after some federal judge set a precedent by allowing United Airlines to default on their pension plan (while UA CEO got $20M parachute).

My salary is frozen because engineering jobs are being shipped to India and China, and saying 'foul!' will get you fired.

My 401K is now a 104K, with no end in sight. Market dropped ~777 points today.

We got the Patriot Act and Homeland Security out of a hysterical reaction to 9/11.

We entered into the Iraq quagmire because Bush wanted to invade Iraq, and he lied to the country.

Iran, headed by Ahmindeedanutjob, is developing nukes and wants to wipe out Israel, the US, and just about everyone else.

Russia is becoming a threat once more. CDC' once said ".. it's ok to bury the hatchet with them, as long as you coat it in Cosmoline."

Pakistan is a powder keg... with nukes.

The national debt stands at ~$11T, and we're about to give $700B to the same schmucks that got us into this mess.

Congress passed a $400B prescription drug plan that was written by the pharmaceutical lobby.

My congressman wants to take away my guns.

Both candidates for President are Democraps. The only bright spot is Sarah Palin (if she can avoid talking to the press). "McCain/MILF'08"

At least I didn't make the mistake of getting married along the way.

I'm playing by the rules, and the only people getting ahead are the criminals in Washington and Wall Street.

I wonder what the hell is gonna happen next.....

OK, venting mode switched to "off".

Duman
Monday, September 29, 2008, at 22:24:57 (ZULU)

Duman: "I wonder what the hell is gonna happen next....."

Beats me, but I'm glad this bill went down. Giving fiat power to the Treasury Secretary would make the country Socialist. I'm not selling my soul to the Devil.

CDC'
Monday, September 29, 2008, at 23:32:23 (ZULU)

Duman:

That wasn't a rant, that was a sitrep :-(

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, September 29, 2008, at 23:37:27 (ZULU)

I'm about to start reloading for my 7MM Rem Mag and I have no experience with belted mags.

I'm told that the belt can cause some problems and a collet sizing die was recommended. It is supposed to eliminate the problem of an enlarged ring around the base of the case just in front of the belt, which cannot be reached with a standard FL resizing die. Here is a link to the die maker that was recommended:

http://www.larrywillis.com/

Do you guys think this is something I should get or is it bullshit? I just ordered a set of Redding dies with a type "S" bushing full length resizer and a competition seater only because they're all I've used. Any opinions there would also be appreciated.

This is just for a hunting rifle by the way. Factory Remmy sporter.

MarcS
East S.F. Bay area, CA, - Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 03:44:55 (ZULU)

"At least I didn't make the mistake of getting married along the way."

OK, Duman...I do have a sense of humor today...last week, maybe not, but this week things are looking up.

Heheh.

Joe M
Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 04:03:36 (ZULU)

Click for C-Span 2 House hearings vid "Shocking Video Unearthed Democrats in their own words Covering up the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Scam that caused our Economic Crisis".

The Dems did this and now they want authority to be put in charge of a command economy.

CDC'
Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 04:07:04 (ZULU)

Someone send me some links about this GAP rifle and some of the conversions for the AR that convert it to .50, 338LM Thanks

Financial Crisis Country: I just let them fix it. I've got nothing in the bank, stock market, or even the wallet at the moment. I just hope it gets fixed in time for the farmers to get crop loans to pay me next year for this years flying. Seems thats where the government/wall street is getting their economic lessons from anyway. "Take out a loan next year to pay the credit bills you created last year."

Jeff "not the Col" Cooper
Gadsden, TN, - Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 12:28:08 (ZULU)

MArcs,

Don't get to fancy with a hunting rifle.. Full length dies should do you just fine. Go for the small base/belt sizer thingy if you have problems chambering a fired case after sizing... Problem I've found with belted stuff is the QC on the belts seem to vary wildly. Find a gauge that measures the belt size and segregate your cases accordingly. Also alot of trouble you may run into with expanded bases is just poor QC on the composition of the brass in the first place and there's simply nothing you can do about that..

Hope that helps some

Calvin

Calvin
e-burg, MD, U.S.A - Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 13:11:53 (ZULU)

I Gots no charge cards.

I Gots no debt.

And I'm 95% financially invisible.

My Jungle Truck is paid for.

So are my guns.

I must be some kind of anarchist misfit or somfin'.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 13:39:29 (ZULU)

I like articles that agree with me:)) Click. This is the first I've seen that outlines slashing government as necessary and urgent. I oughta send this writer my spare tin hat...

Lito: I could be there in the 95% invisible range much sooner than i thought. The dissolution of my LLC (the wife) comes with great opportunity to retire debt wholesale. That, and she lives beyond my means---no matter how I've expanded those means.

...always look at the bright side of life, ta-dum, ta-dum-de-dum-de-dum...

(Rod will get that as sure as the sun rises)

Joe M
Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 15:01:51 (ZULU)

I'll be retiring most of my debt next week, all I'll have left is the mortgage. And, unless they totally frack up the economy, that will be amortized by this time next year. After that....no debt, Boudicca still works, a halfway-decent pension. I might even be able to learn how to fish. Last time I went fishing, I wasted a whole box of ammo and dint get a damned thing.

If I remember my history correctly, the people that got really hurt during the last Depression were those that carried too much debt to pay. Anyone who was running debt-free muddled through. Hopefully, we'll have a year before the whole house of cards comes apart.

Whoever gets elected, they better do something, fast, about this place. An Iraqi-type surge would be a good start. The Talibs are making some really ugly gains in the area around Kabul. Every time we get out on the roads, now, we think that today's the day....it's not a matter of "if", just "when" we get hit. The Embassy is just too tempting a media target now. We shall see.....

Charles Hunt
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 15:26:52 (ZULU)

A post for Bravo:

"Blake. Now there’s a subject of scurrying thru hell to get to heaven. The early-mid teen years were, in my mind at the time, my greatest failure ever. I tried everything; carrots, sticks, sensory deprivation, lecture, analogy and parables, church, counseling---nothing worked. Or so it seemed then and there. Little did I realize at the time, but I was doing exactly what he needed me to do. I was simply trying and I never gave up. It may not matter what you do---just so long as you do. I guess if I wanted to be analytical (as if I could help myself here), he was facing an uncertain world, his basic trust in security and those childhood safety nets was being challenged and outright broken on the rocks of reality—and his response was to hit everything around him with his hammer---just to see if it was brittle and would fail him too. But his dad, he did not break or even dent. He just stood there taking it for years—and still kept trying to be there for his son. He finally understood that I wasn’t like the rest of his childhood securities that had failed him; that I was in fact his rock and his safety. But for me, I only saw it then and there as one day he was bucking the system, then another day he was exhibiting traits I tried so hard to instill all those years—as if by magic. Really, for so long I thought, “Good lord forgive me, for I have trained a felon upon this society.” Heheh. Boy, was I wrong about that!"

There it is dude, I think I figured out the rebellion. Its simply the cold hard reality of the real world shattering the concepts of childhood, and the insecurity arising from the failures of all the underpinnings that a child can take for granted in his early years. The backlash isn't personal--it is just an attempt to test the foundations of everything--because everything was once on seemingly solid foundations. And, it carries over to you, too.

As for Blake: Likely in the A'stan o/a January. I've put off worrying about that for now:))

Joe M
Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 15:55:54 (ZULU)

Joe - "Life of Brian"...one of my favorites.

medicjim
Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 16:31:33 (ZULU)

Ditto on Joe's post. I first met my boy when he was four. I married his Mom when he was ten and the wild ride began. We pretty much tried everything that Joe did. Some of the counselors were idiots and a couple were outstanding. Kids have to have guidelines and limits and in fact they actually want them. One of the counselors asked how we would like to try crossing the Golden Gate Bridge at night in a dense fog if we knew there weren't any guard rails! That's pretty much how a kid feels if they don't have limits. The greatest compliment I ever received was when he told a friend,"Dad is my Dad; but Doc is my rock".

Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway
The sunny Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 16:36:40 (ZULU)

If the economy tanks, let it. Those of us (and most of us here fall into this category) that have no debt OR have skills that will ALWAYS be worth something, will get out from under it and be just fine. Like 'Lito, my truck and cars are paid off. I have no credit card debt and no mortgage, I'm living the philosophy of cheap rent and putting my money into other, less ethereal things. My first wife did me much more of a favor than she'll ever know.....we bought our little slice of country at the height of the pricing insanity, her decision to go get a boyfriend and take off meant I couldn't afford the payments. I made a hard choice to not declare bankruptcy and eat the mistake. In the end, once this correction hits and things settle down, I'll be able to buy a nicer place for half the cost. :-) And I'm STILL rid of her. That's called a WIN/WIN.

In reality, W is right, we ARE fundamentally sound, populated with a majority that is willing to continue to work hard, pay their bills, and the economy will right itself if left alone. The ones who are going to pay hard, are the low income people who shouldn't have had mortgages in the first place, and the very rich who's net worth is tied up in Wall Street. The very biggest segment squealing like pigs being drug to the slaughter are the wealthy insiders and players who perpetrated this mess upon us to begin with and bet millions of their own money on it in the process. They are the ones crying "the sky is falling, YOU need to save us and the entire economy". Two phrases come to mind.

1. Bullshit.

2. Fuck 'em!

People will still work, people still need to eat, etc. I doubt a "great depression" scenario. The bailout is a big scam to save the net worth of the very rich, and the American People aren't buying it as evidenced by a reported 10:1 ratio of "NO" calls to congress....calls that have overloaded the switchboards and servers in DC. Can the CRA NOW, eliminate these stupid requirements to loan money to people that can't afford it, no-knock every ACORN office, throw every democrap that has taken contributions from Freddie/Fanny and the CEOs who elected to profit in the short term from what they KNEW was an unsustainable policy that would crash (and planned on a bailout from the beginning), and let the real capitalists take over to ethically feed on the scraps for bargains. In that activity is the beginning of a recovery.

If it DOES all tumble down.......bring on the crash. Some of us will succeed regardless, and a complete meltdown would bring with it opportunity to "throw the bumz out" once and for all and fix a lot of things that need fixing with our "government".

Geoff M
WI, USA - Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 16:44:41 (ZULU)

Geoff: Opportunity, yes. But the timing must be just sooo right. I seem to recall another collapse, and things changed significantly then too: The US abandoned any remaining pretense to adhere to the constitution and embarked on our current socialist trends; some bumz named Hitler, Mussolini, Franco and Tojo went from obscurity to the fore; and then all hell kinda broke loose.

We are fundementally sound in only one respect. The economy itself is, overall, still chugging. Hmmm. Time for an anology (I'm nothing if not predictable, ain't I): The economy is a big bouncing ball. All our attention is now laser focused on it. This ball is inflated with consumer spending, return rates of investment capital, long term debt obligations (yeah--mortgages too), and all the other segments that fills it up and gives it its bounce. Right now, it is a little low on pressure, but it is still certainly bouncing (your fundementals at work). But, with little exception--all eyes are on that bouncing ball. No one is looking at the floor that it is bouncing on: That would be our currency---the almighty dollar. So, in essense, we are taking pieces of the floor, and using it to try to pump up our bouncing ball. If we are only concerned about our ball, we just might pull the floor out from under it....and the ball, fully inflated and ready to bounce, will fall into the abyss.

dang...one of my better ones:))

News 18 wants to interview me on policy. I said yes. If the segment gets the green light, I'll burn a few minutes of my 15:))

Joe M
Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 17:40:34 (ZULU)

Thanks Calvin.

MarcS
East S.F. Bay are, CA, - Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 18:04:14 (ZULU)

Boy, talk about gloom and doom. <g>

I finally made some purchases on the stock market today...been sitting in all liquid assets for quite some time.

medicjim
Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 18:51:35 (ZULU)

Joe, thanks for the moral support. Gonna head in today for the parent teacher conference. Should be a blast. He's amazingly bright, but pulls Stupid Stuff(R) far too often for my taste. The silly thing is that I *EXPECT* kids to do silly stuff and get in trouble (that's just kids, eh?) - I'm just continually surprised at the nature of the Stupid Stuff(R) that he picks. He gets 'tattled on' for shooting stuff off the front deck (neighbors weren't "bothered", but felt he shouldn't have been shooting where he was) and that's a "you know better than that" and pass it over 'cause I knew he was safe (not where he should be, but taking safe shots) - it's the stuff that points to a lack of responsibility and character that eats at my gut like no tomorrow.

Jim, I cut back my investment contributions to 0% a while back - it was better for me to pay off the here-and-now (to become debt free) than to dump money into a sink-hole. At least in my opinion.

Last month I had "a talk" with my broker (er, the way my investments give returns, maybe I should call him a 'breaker' LOL!). Re-started putting money in - very little money.

First question was "what are my options as far as things not valuated in amirikan greenbacks". And I got my answer - which lead to the next question "and out of these, which ones aren't valuated in a currency pegged to the amirikan dollar". The few got about 80% of my investment.

I know if our economy goes, the world tanks too. But I figure the delay might give me a SLIGHT bit of time to pull out.

The middle of next month would have been the last payment I needed on my truck - but I paid it off back in February instead. Intentionally, I looked at the lower interest rate secured debt of my truck, and weighed that against the small, higher interest, unsecured debt of the credit card. Paid the truck off. I'm gonna own what I own, regardless ;-) Got the TOTAL debt paid down to about 5% of my annual income, but then felt the need to put in a couple of big orders for mags yesterday. Before the anti-gun socialist gets elected - since BOTH of them are anti-gun socialists, one is gonna win, eh?

Another two days and I'll have the 7.62 NATO brass tumbled and ready to size and swage the primer pockets. Been doing 200 per day for just over a month now (GRIN)

Beans, Bullets, Bandaids.

And Shooby-dooby-Duman (that's what Frank Sinatra would call 'ya, if he were still alive HA!) I hear you mightily on that marriage comment. If I had a nickel for every two nickels I owned - it would have been an equitable division of assests :-(

"he's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy!"

Bravo
Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at 19:33:37 (ZULU)

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