Category Archives: Uncategorized

Five Rules for New Gun Owners

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  1. Until proven otherwise, assume all guns are loaded.
  2. When a gun is proven not loaded, assume it is loaded.
  3. Never, never point a gun in a direction where it might hurt or kill someone, even if you are sure it is not loaded. This means you need to be aware of anyone or anything beyond any potential target. By the way, a nine mm projectile can carry on for miles. That is to say, it can remain lethal far beyond that target you missed.
  4. A gun is a good equalizer. A five foot woman can use it to defend herself from a six, six hunk of a man. However, if she is not willing to use a gun in your defense, she should not get one. If she gets one, she is apt to have it used against her. The brandishing of a gun won’t always stop the bad guys. Actually, even shooting a bad guy doesn’t always stop him, especially if he is high.
  5. Do not let the bad guy get closer that ten feet from you. The bad guy can traverse that ten feet in a fraction of a second. Referring to rule four, pointing a weapon at someone does not always stop the bad guys.

Through years of observation, I’ve gained insights into firearm safety, despite not being an expert. The phrase “I didn’t know it was loaded” has become an all-too-familiar refrain, even among those who should understand better. I recall an incident involving a marine sergeant who tragically shot a friend during an ill-advised quick draw game. Another memorable moment from a news clip illustrated the critical importance of maintaining a safe distance: an assailant wielding a knife charged a police officer from ten feet away. The officer fired multiple shots while continuously retreating, and the attacker ultimately fell precisely where the officer had originally stood. This encounter reinforced my perspective on the significance of spatial awareness and defensive positioning in potentially dangerous confrontations.

If only we could universally share this wisdom, preventing others from repeating costly mistakes. Sadly, many individuals seem destined to learn life’s lessons through personal hardship rather than heeding the hard-earned insights of those who came before them.

Investing in basic firearm training is crucial, regardless of your background or intended use. As a veteran, I wasn’t mandated to complete a training course for my carry permit, but I chose to do so and found immense value in the experience. The knowledge and skills gained are invaluable for anyone considering firearm ownership or personal safety. I strongly recommend such training to everyone, even those without immediate plans to purchase a weapon. It’s important to recognize that any object, from a hammer to a baseball bat, can potentially be used as a weapon, underscoring the significance of proper safety education and awareness.

Do You Suppose Bill Was Listening?

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Some time ago, I made a quote that I have repeated many times.

In a conversation about investment strategies, I was struck by Trace Adkins’ pragmatic perspective on wealth. His assertion that gold lacks inherent utility resonated deeply, as he emphasized the true value of essential resources: land for sustenance, seeds for cultivation, and lead for protection. This no-nonsense approach to preparedness has since become a personal mantra, reflecting a grounded view of survival and self-sufficiency.

I suppose over time, many have heard about it. Some might have heard Adkins directly. Others might have heard my quote. Then, too, still others might have heard a quote of a quote. Regardless, somewhere along the line, maybe Bill Gates listened and took heed. He sure has been buying a lot of farmland. It makes me wonder if he has been secretly stocking lead as well. I mean, worst comes to worst, how does he hold onto all that land?

Tariffs?

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In principle, free trade without tariffs is an admirable goal. Yet, economic realities often demand a more nuanced approach. When foreign nations strategically employ tariffs to undermine domestic industries, a measured response becomes necessary. The alternative is watching critical sectors like manufacturing slowly erode, as witnessed in the Rust Belt’s decline before recent trade policy shifts.The reinvigoration of steel and aluminum industries demonstrates how targeted tariffs can protect national economic interests. Beyond economic considerations, there are profound strategic implications. A robust domestic steel industry is not merely an economic asset but a critical national security imperative. In potential conflict scenarios, dependence on foreign—potentially adversarial—steel supplies could compromise our strategic capabilities.While free trade remains an ideal, protecting core industrial capacities must take precedence when international economic dynamics threaten national economic and military preparedness. Balanced, strategic trade policies can help maintain both economic competitiveness and national resilience.

The global aerospace industry faces complex challenges, particularly in commercial aircraft manufacturing. European nations like England and France have strategically collaborated to develop Airbus, leveraging government funding to support design and production. This coordinated effort aims to compete directly with American aircraft manufacturers, potentially creating a dominant market position. The decline of McDonnell Douglas has already reduced competition within the United States, and increasing Airbus purchases could further impact domestic employment in the aerospace sector. These dynamics underscore the importance of maintaining a competitive and diverse industrial landscape across multiple sectors, not just aviation. We certainly DO NOT want to be caught with monopolies in Europe, or any other country, especially China.

Three Suggestions

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  1. Go back to senators beings selected by the state assemblies. Add enforcement for corruptions in their selection.
  2. Term limits… Everywhere. That includes dog catcher. If all terms were limited, it would prevent the building of power.
  3. Ten year resident requirements. The elected person would be required to live in the district the are going to represent, federal, state and local. This would have prevented Mrs. Clinton from running for NY Senator. Fact: she didn’t represent NY. She represented the Democrat party & in the end, herself own power interest. From the moment she started her run for senate, she also began her run for president and everyone knows it.

Not going to happen. My guess, there is no need me saying why.

Thought About Moving to Paris

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Sounds simple, but it’s confusing. There is a Paris in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. They sound reasonable, but I would not stand the chill in Michigan, Maine, or Wisconsin. There is a Paris in New York. I’m sure the folks there are friendly, but the state government there simply bears too much resemblance to the former USSR. The one in Virginia is simply too close to DC.

I was actually in Parris, CA. one time. Oddly, to me, it was just too much of a desert climate. Paris, Pennsylvania might be nice. I’ve traveled the countryside of middle Pennsylvania and I found it beautiful and picturesque. I just don’t know if I could afford to live there. I mean, I could live out of a travel trailer but where could I park it. I wonder what Idaho would be like, cold I guess.

There are a few I left out. I mean, why even consider Oregon, which is on the left coast.

I suppose I will just stay where I am, though I’d rather be ten or fifteen miles farther south of Memphians. It used to be just fine here. The problem is, they are moving south and they are bringing there politics and their driving habits with them.

It makes me wonder how they drive in Paris Kentucky.

Am I Good at Judging Character

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I would like to think so. However, truth be told, I do have a tendency to the best of people I just meet. Mostly, I am not too disappointed. However, when I am, my opinion will change quickly, soundly and rarely ever will change back. This is especially true when I realize someone has taken advantage of my trust.

Daily writing prompt
Are you a good judge of character?
View all responses

EV Update

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As an electric vehicle enthusiast, I’ve been sharing my journey with my Nissan EV since its purchase two years ago, offering insights and real-world experiences to help potential buyers make informed decisions about sustainable transportation.

For electric vehicle enthusiasts considering a purchase, my experience offers valuable insights. The car delivers impressive performance, though its practicality depends on individual driving habits. As a retiree with limited daily mileage, I find the 200-mile range sufficient for local trips. However, potential buyers should carefully evaluate their driving needs. Extended daily commutes or frequent long-distance travel might challenge the vehicle’s battery capacity, especially when climate control systems are in use. Extreme temperatures can notably impact range, so it’s crucial to factor in heating and cooling requirements when assessing the car’s suitability for your lifestyle.

Electric vehicle efficiency varies significantly with temperature. In mild conditions, my car achieves an impressive five miles per kilowatt-hour. However, during a recent cold snap of twenty degrees, the range dropped to just 1.5 miles per kilowatt-hour. Short trips compound this challenge, as the cabin heating system consumes energy before reaching the destination. Personal comfort settings play a crucial role in energy consumption. While I maintain a cozy 75-degree interior, those who can tolerate lower temperatures around 68 degrees will experience improved overall efficiency.

Unexpectedly encountering a nail in my tire revealed a critical flaw in my vehicle’s emergency preparedness. The absence of a spare tire, even a compact temporary one, coupled with the lack of a jack, left me stranded and vulnerable. This realization has prompted me to proactively address these shortcomings before another roadside mishap occurs, ensuring I’m better equipped to handle potential tire emergencies.

The vehicle comes standard with an air pump and liquid sealant, featuring a surprisingly efficient compressor that can rapidly inflate a tire from 37 to 42 psi in just 2-3 minutes. However, a notable drawback is the requirement to have the car running to power the cigarette lighter outlet. During a recent cold spell, I needed to adjust the pressure in all four tires, which unexpectedly drained a significant amount of battery power. The process seemed unnecessarily energy-intensive, potentially consuming double the electricity required. As a result, I plan to purchase a standalone electric pump that can be plugged directly into a wall outlet for more convenient and efficient tire maintenance.

A compromised bead seal renders sealant application futile and prevents the small pump from effectively addressing the problem. I’m seeking recommendations on acquiring a compact spare.