tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52184862814228444872024-03-18T23:58:26.600-05:00Old Glory Gunsmith ShoppeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.comBlogger647125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-40251081011100521132016-03-30T07:00:00.000-05:002016-04-24T22:16:27.121-05:00The Bug-Out Pack Survival System<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTo5fE79N5QgPRBcbtoA-vuBpGjCcUHCcXaEcu0IeoISvmSlqnEVS7kjglaqAhun0yPg4OSIVNsNUo6Y0iEpXLKfDT2lel-OfX1FBElUVnJHLG1bBjJ_mOeH4RlAIAVmXtrMhBZDCwa0/s1600/bug-out+military+style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTo5fE79N5QgPRBcbtoA-vuBpGjCcUHCcXaEcu0IeoISvmSlqnEVS7kjglaqAhun0yPg4OSIVNsNUo6Y0iEpXLKfDT2lel-OfX1FBElUVnJHLG1bBjJ_mOeH4RlAIAVmXtrMhBZDCwa0/s1600/bug-out+military+style.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Bug-Out Bags</i> are nothing new to
military families stationed overseas. In an emergency, military
dependents are expected to have such bags prepared and ready at a
moment's notice in case of evacuation of non-combatant personnel
stationed in US Armed Forces posts. Military commands provided a list
of what should be in each individual bag and an extra duffel bag for
supplies and clothing for small children.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For preppers, the content is a bit
different in that wilderness survival gear is included and a special
canine pack is prepared for the four-legged member of the family that
includes rations of their food and water inside.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>Preparing for disasters is prudent –
earthquakes, forest fires, floods, or break down of civilization for
other reasons. For many, it is not a question of 'if', but 'when'.
Self-defense weapons is not a macho thing, it is common sense. Those
that did not prepare are going to try to take what you have, and
there is always the presence of society's criminal predators already
in existence who will become rogue when law enforcement measures
breaks down. Besides, law enforcement and the national guard cannot
be everywhere at once – and history shows that law enforcement and
the cavalry always shows up after the fact. Not a criticism, just a
fact.
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfRWDvqLT9V4prmZLuwLWWA3CXBGzOZL04lVDlSikyjtUOcY1pDbF_-ZJJpY7evk3Vxlz6sMfiVjOhVBSTciqhgp4k6MJR-Js8ctRuAk7SjYbLVvq2xKCI4EW9i7ErDQ2DxSiRoN_VGY/s1600/Bug-out+vest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfRWDvqLT9V4prmZLuwLWWA3CXBGzOZL04lVDlSikyjtUOcY1pDbF_-ZJJpY7evk3Vxlz6sMfiVjOhVBSTciqhgp4k6MJR-Js8ctRuAk7SjYbLVvq2xKCI4EW9i7ErDQ2DxSiRoN_VGY/s1600/Bug-out+vest.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Typical Vest System, offered in various coloring</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The primary concern of a bug-out pack
system is weight. It is not much of a concern if you are bugging out
in a vehicle – but what happens if you are forced to bug out on
foot? Having a vehicle available is optimum, which affords people to
have a place to store emergency rations and extra water. Each bug out
pack should have personal items for the carrier, plus rations of food
and water. Group supplies, like medical and survival items can be
distributed among the family/group; but a basic survival kit should
be in each individual's pack in case the group becomes separated for
some reason. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAhzXJ5ncO7L6DzzJ-JY-S-Y6nYcT-rwB_C9eiJw8tDk3rXBiUkqLPy_mPMNByinfLw4CldDVg__mhjMwAO4cY9yX-t45s5G7adWQOeWQLiZd5j1yBURt9oEZEQYbv8T79ZMpfQhUjiY/s1600/pack+with+hyrdration+system.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAhzXJ5ncO7L6DzzJ-JY-S-Y6nYcT-rwB_C9eiJw8tDk3rXBiUkqLPy_mPMNByinfLw4CldDVg__mhjMwAO4cY9yX-t45s5G7adWQOeWQLiZd5j1yBURt9oEZEQYbv8T79ZMpfQhUjiY/s1600/pack+with+hyrdration+system.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Ensure Your Bug-Out Pack has Hydration System</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is a wonderful array of
lightweight durable items that can be included in your bug out
inventory. Would it not be nice to have a reference library to take
along?</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrv6QYml59DuFb1ZbB4rFrpSArrFH-Q74ZhnTj7yPwnJTnGi0EmilBqPV9XUpggODWEsi9HGxFHL9p0wSyUWtJ4ak3l6eCxuQH471kNti9r6dXYe82ULr8IbUn67qDlyW_W1zSHP39ZZQ/s1600/500x_canvas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrv6QYml59DuFb1ZbB4rFrpSArrFH-Q74ZhnTj7yPwnJTnGi0EmilBqPV9XUpggODWEsi9HGxFHL9p0wSyUWtJ4ak3l6eCxuQH471kNti9r6dXYe82ULr8IbUn67qDlyW_W1zSHP39ZZQ/s1600/500x_canvas2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Issue Surplus Case: Kindle, maps, pens, pencils</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Technology has allowed this to happen,
and the <i>Kindle</i> e-reader is a good choice because the battery
lasts for weeks. It is rugged, especially with cover accessories and
stored in a waterproof container or military map case. Battery
charging is not a problem if you have a vehicle, but if you are
hoofing it, a solar battery charger should be included in your list.
In my bug-out system, I have a Special Forces medical manual and
survival book in paperback. The great thing about the Kindle is that
it can hold thousands of books. Each person can have one in their bug
out system with a personal library selection as well as the necessary
survival reference books.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The following diagram provides an idea of in inspection layout that proves useful to ensure that nothing has been forgotten, along with check list, when packing for a readiness pack system. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfCfZhVUCjEtsoOsqYVUv1YHzXMPM8xR7hN_7ojBZIDs2OWc7gEumfzYecdPywiB2R-LEg-U0cavR_S5PV3nSuRgoYn0Dp1cdz5utH2Th7eZWzfGai8B4ADnULDLXrffN3AI0yqKtgbs/s1600/Modern+British+Field+Kit+Layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfCfZhVUCjEtsoOsqYVUv1YHzXMPM8xR7hN_7ojBZIDs2OWc7gEumfzYecdPywiB2R-LEg-U0cavR_S5PV3nSuRgoYn0Dp1cdz5utH2Th7eZWzfGai8B4ADnULDLXrffN3AI0yqKtgbs/s1600/Modern+British+Field+Kit+Layout.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Example of a Modern Military Layout - NATO/British</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.artofmanliness.com/"><i><b>The
Art of Manliness</b></i></a> website, one of my favorite sites,
published an article by a guest, written by Creek Stewart, senior
instructor at the <a href="http://www.willowhavenoutdoor.com./"><i>Willow
Haven Outdoor School for Survival, Preparedness & Bushcraft</i></a>.
He goes into detail as to why a Kindle should be included in your bug
out pack.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In this article, I mention a bug-out
system. This is because a person can carry more if along with a
backpack one includes the military combat vest and load-carrying
system. This system has proven useful to combat soldiers and Marines,
and can be adapted for personal survival situations. It has
accessories like pouches and pockets, as well as places to attach
other items for quick access instead of taking off backpack whenever
something is needed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stewart has also written an article
entitled <a href="http://www.artofmanliness.com/2011/03/07/how-to-make-a-bug-out-bag-your-72-hour-emergency-evacuation-survival-kit/"><i>How
to Make a Bug Out Bag</i></a>; as well as a book entitled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00888TOZI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00888TOZI&linkCode=as2&tag=stucosuccess-20"><i>Built
the Perfect Bug Out Bag</i></a>, which I recommend for reading and
adding to your Kindle library.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The bug-out bad/system is designed as a
72-hour disaster kit; but as I mentioned, that can be extended by
sharing the load or having a vehicle available – either a 4-wheel
drive or an ATV. Either one runs on fuel and becomes useless when it
runs out of fuel.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The consideration of a BOB (Bug-Out
Bag) was once considered to be from people with imaginative and
adventurous minds. The reality is, however, as Hurricane Katrina
demonstrated, the possibility of requiring one is worth the effort
and money to put one together.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Remember the golden rule: <i>Better to
have and not be needed than needed and not have</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8zLX_wIxFvmUX6QYyNhaKDhTzQgO2U-tYCVO-bKNHQUzvdWxf16VYPjkJitnCkyD3-xa6fVkMPqJUmrTK8sl2WHyp9WAfKWg1giIbTntNSlLSpw8RQJ3oR0EB7Mp637_Old8zTVeaos/s1600/81P2uxku84L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8zLX_wIxFvmUX6QYyNhaKDhTzQgO2U-tYCVO-bKNHQUzvdWxf16VYPjkJitnCkyD3-xa6fVkMPqJUmrTK8sl2WHyp9WAfKWg1giIbTntNSlLSpw8RQJ3oR0EB7Mp637_Old8zTVeaos/s1600/81P2uxku84L._SL1500_.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The first consideration would be
choosing the backpack and vest system to fit the need. There is a
myriad of businesses that have jumped on this band wagon to make
money selling to preppers. Many items in a BOB system can be put be
gathered more cheaply with a do-it-yourself survival kit system.
Ultimately, weight is important; which also means it is best to stay
in shape. To do this would be simple: go on regular walks with a
light backpack. Choose a backpack with a built-in hydration system,
or at least a pocket provided to insert one. Make sure that the backpack has a proper weight distribution system that includes a chest strap that goes from left to right on the backpack straps; as well as a hip/waist belt. When putting on backpack, lean forward after strapping to shoulder and then tighten straps to ensure that the load/pack sits high. It must be snug, but not tight to prevent a circulation problem. In most cases, the sleeping bag system is strapped to the bottom of the pack, which provides a base for pack to stand up when at rest, and keeps the further weight of sleeping bag centered at lower back/waist. The combat vest has all the pouches, holster and accessories at the front so it does not interfere with backpack. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After selecting what backpack you will
need to put together a list of what will be packed in it, as well as
the vest system.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The military would have inspections
where a soldier would lay out their complete field system on their
shelter half or poncho. It would be a good idea for the family to do
the same thing and go through a check list to inspect and make sure
everything required is there before packing it all into a bug-out
bag.
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJQvPih6J0kuN99npw32VvXuqfaN5ww1GDpclbdYb9sHgsQmb92SpTgX5Z4sIbpGqkOVCRxOl5kPB4MAtKjP35cOirrCSIToaWVoAe5XxhKeW_u3lXM997B207tdwpwWxgkozSUbCY5U/s1600/Bug+out+inspection+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJQvPih6J0kuN99npw32VvXuqfaN5ww1GDpclbdYb9sHgsQmb92SpTgX5Z4sIbpGqkOVCRxOl5kPB4MAtKjP35cOirrCSIToaWVoAe5XxhKeW_u3lXM997B207tdwpwWxgkozSUbCY5U/s1600/Bug+out+inspection+display.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Bug-Out Pack Layout</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For proper hydration, you will need one
liter of water per day. You cannot survive long without water, much
less of a time than without food. If you are putting together a
72-hour survival kit, this means 3 liters of drinking water
(minimum); attainable through the hydration bag system. An army
canteen, standard of the expanded desert variety, filled with
drinking water and attached to the belt of your combat vest. Make
sure that the military canteen includes the metal drinking cup which
is great for boiling water collected in the field. Canteen covers
usually have a small pouch pocket, that is where you put your water
purification tablets. Do not forget to include a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007U012U?ie=UTF8&tag=stucosuccess-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0007U012U"><i><b>Katadyn
Hiker Filtration System</b></i></a> – expensive but worth it.
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A5ZGGN-2JR6N4v2Zq_cNo9JZmssg2AJOsb22ZJbrXfoA4CYV1rO8p3CB7CRnOavzWH2s1qbKbJgGwmaVaC5iboYkrAYy-y4-dfcinUBl8QaUynzFrivlsXIPZyA-l1hUIW1j31nE13U/s1600/MRE+-+vehicle+kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A5ZGGN-2JR6N4v2Zq_cNo9JZmssg2AJOsb22ZJbrXfoA4CYV1rO8p3CB7CRnOavzWH2s1qbKbJgGwmaVaC5iboYkrAYy-y4-dfcinUBl8QaUynzFrivlsXIPZyA-l1hUIW1j31nE13U/s1600/MRE+-+vehicle+kit.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>OK for vehicle, but must be broken down for pack</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Next is food. It is tempting to put
canned foods in your pack. Trust me, you don't want the extra weight.
The US Armed Forces went to the light field rations from the “C”
rations for just that reason – the weight. Include a can opener or
one that is included in a Swiss Army type survival knife, just in
case you need to open a can. The only disadvantage of the ready-meal
kits is that they are not “ready” without hot water. Do not forget equipment/supplies to clean cooking utensils and mess kit with. A small bottle of bleach put into a zip-lock bag is recommended. The bleach goes a long way to clean and sanitize eating utensils and backpack cookware. I also include a utensil tool with fork, knife, and spoon in one convenient tool. A military mess kit works just fine, all packed in one neat package. Use stainless steel items for easy sanitation and boil water for rinsing - not drinking water, but water collected in camp. The quick meal system provides less labor in preparing meals.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyt77-PJDiNogbfPaA2-34HlJmJxV0mXF-cdgTU7XFGKLk1wXTwpo9tJLwR3cTAlZYLyxFIyMgqnu85MF3szjmRmIVPbWP_hRvwSWqOvski8z0LECui6ePOBp6e6tc02gW_GWdY0kys8/s1600/bushbuddy-ultra-woodburning-pack-stove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyt77-PJDiNogbfPaA2-34HlJmJxV0mXF-cdgTU7XFGKLk1wXTwpo9tJLwR3cTAlZYLyxFIyMgqnu85MF3szjmRmIVPbWP_hRvwSWqOvski8z0LECui6ePOBp6e6tc02gW_GWdY0kys8/s1600/bushbuddy-ultra-woodburning-pack-stove.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>'Bush-Buddy' Wood-Burning Pack Stove</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, it would be important to include a
small, self-contained backpack stove. There are such stoves that
operate on kerosene and camp-stove fuel or propane, and this would be
okay for a pleasure camping trip, but not for survival. Choose a
compact, folding stove that can be used for burning sticks and small
branches. Don't forget the fire-starting kit that should be included
in your basic survival kit. The stove serves dual purpose – heat in
your shelter and cooking. When using a fire in a confined space,
remember the danger of carbon monoxide.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When it comes to shelters, the traditional native
American tipi is the best tent that can be made from a poncho or heavy-duty tarp. It provides an opening at the top for
campfire or stove smoke to escape, its rounded shape provides more
stability in high winds, and easily sets up and breaks down for
mobility. If you double the walls in a tipi, it will act like the US
Army arctic tent, which provides excellent heat containment. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9HO_8BnO3PkrfTycSVRs91qwUcqKKWa0iI_zrbGLIyIQA5By1d9YUnEoSV2VmMJfT91SoVrBEzB5XvHLo4tqNEZpAGp4VxHzxIkt67t6Hx0kkmUK8XTfEiIfumiZe5eiYDTCCt1CPys/s1600/guide-gear-teepee-10x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9HO_8BnO3PkrfTycSVRs91qwUcqKKWa0iI_zrbGLIyIQA5By1d9YUnEoSV2VmMJfT91SoVrBEzB5XvHLo4tqNEZpAGp4VxHzxIkt67t6Hx0kkmUK8XTfEiIfumiZe5eiYDTCCt1CPys/s1600/guide-gear-teepee-10x10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>Guide Gear</i> Military Style Arctic Tent, 10'x10'</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
From a
small army stove and in a ten-man arctic tent, we sat in our skivvies
with temperatures dropping to -25 degrees outside without the wind
chill during winter training in Minnesota.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of course, the 10'x10' arctic-teepee tent shown in image above has a smoke stack and camp stove, for longer stays and bug-out equipment requiring a vehicle. As far as a shelter, you will have
several options according to the situation. The military poncho is an
excellent quick, short-term shelter. There are individual tent
systems that are light, durable, and waterproof. Just keep in mind
about the weight requirement. It would not hurt to have an emergency
survival blanket, they are light and roll up into small space. Also include a 6'x10' waterproof nylon
tarp – go for quality. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The image below is an economical 'bug-out' vehicle (pun not intended). The blonde is optional. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElNZvmRdv5gZnpuvSEuUG5ChZHHfl9Bqstyr4wV6uzqKDsI2b3NGLfSxJ3J6XMAbxGAx08dq19kF-HbxbNDgM3JFctu-IguCPo2bK-ccKuXMAm109b-RYHhTkuvXugrKdFcCaD1Ydq-E/s1600/Economical+bug-out+vehicle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElNZvmRdv5gZnpuvSEuUG5ChZHHfl9Bqstyr4wV6uzqKDsI2b3NGLfSxJ3J6XMAbxGAx08dq19kF-HbxbNDgM3JFctu-IguCPo2bK-ccKuXMAm109b-RYHhTkuvXugrKdFcCaD1Ydq-E/s1600/Economical+bug-out+vehicle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b><a href="http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=165196&d=1361496489&thumb=1" target="_blank">VW Bug with optional blonde</a></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bug out vehicles run the gamut from a 5-ton US Army surplus vehicle to a four-passenger Ranger ATV with an ATV trailer. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7GCu3gFdfBHi5eqrYwlP_dj3zZfAorQXVim3rmEP35GQ7F9z3Z68cNcmoQHpAUOm5JTjJtktnn_-KGweyQnAseNMXC08OI7gfgcwgtzylUpl-ayjuysZK7_VfJ_MbEYqEKh5z0NAaBY/s1600/ranger+crew2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7GCu3gFdfBHi5eqrYwlP_dj3zZfAorQXVim3rmEP35GQ7F9z3Z68cNcmoQHpAUOm5JTjJtktnn_-KGweyQnAseNMXC08OI7gfgcwgtzylUpl-ayjuysZK7_VfJ_MbEYqEKh5z0NAaBY/s1600/ranger+crew2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Diesel-Engine Ranger ATV</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1txz2WOF0a4UtS6Ji5AlryTCUHY0Kqr-vEA9LVMtfflyOzpu8wWSv-pU2Ea0SfihcLTxyV_LeTsKgELDBnnHKZouLzxiArbpJN7Bkn0bI71r9d_HZsZJANZLvV1GpmB6kqVaYmDrpfYc/s1600/pak+rat+trailer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1txz2WOF0a4UtS6Ji5AlryTCUHY0Kqr-vEA9LVMtfflyOzpu8wWSv-pU2Ea0SfihcLTxyV_LeTsKgELDBnnHKZouLzxiArbpJN7Bkn0bI71r9d_HZsZJANZLvV1GpmB6kqVaYmDrpfYc/s1600/pak+rat+trailer.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>Pak</i>-<i>Rat</i> ATV Trailer</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlk_2IFhxnTH0unBgGtNefhU3BzsE5IO8sTvdXxC5fZGSY2tFgPKa-8rbrCTz1ck4dM4Xj2UC5cgUhOh_ttEicLxktAlvhdXeEfWk91OFABN8uCdroy3ryhgMAF-tuvcztwaHaZmsPJg/s1600/LAND_ATV_Grizzly_UK_16Bde_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlk_2IFhxnTH0unBgGtNefhU3BzsE5IO8sTvdXxC5fZGSY2tFgPKa-8rbrCTz1ck4dM4Xj2UC5cgUhOh_ttEicLxktAlvhdXeEfWk91OFABN8uCdroy3ryhgMAF-tuvcztwaHaZmsPJg/s1600/LAND_ATV_Grizzly_UK_16Bde_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>No room for passengers - everyone else walks</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEa1bC9qRRnkcYyqD6A_wRj1gdbXpPhTpJwDCeaP4Dn-2WEMG83inWaT9LxFaNiuprRtyxK8lO-fi42wR29g97YtZEtKIKtulAJ3AzMU_Afh-3HLjUPBKKWz3myy3BFS8M9eh5CV9W-5w/s1600/bug+out+vehicle-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEa1bC9qRRnkcYyqD6A_wRj1gdbXpPhTpJwDCeaP4Dn-2WEMG83inWaT9LxFaNiuprRtyxK8lO-fi42wR29g97YtZEtKIKtulAJ3AzMU_Afh-3HLjUPBKKWz3myy3BFS8M9eh5CV9W-5w/s1600/bug+out+vehicle-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Ultimate Bug-Out Vehicle - doubles for camping</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of course, if you can afford it, the ultimate bug-out vehicle pictured above doubles as a recreational camping vehicle - all tricked out complete with kitchen. ATVs work best because of their fuel economy and ability to negotiate small trails. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Energy bars for quick snacks don't
weigh much and you should find a pouch to keep them in your combat
vest system. A mess kit, military or civilian backpacking type is
also essential. Another item often forgotten on the list is toilet
paper, which, if you purchase the military MREs, a packet of toilet
tissue is included. A big roll of toilet paper will take up valuable
space, so seek alternatives – even making up a bagged kit of TP can
be useful.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sanitized hand soap comes in small
containers. Avoid the pump type and get the squeeze bottle. It is
great because it is a 'waterless' soap, meaning you do not need to
have a water source around or use your precious drinking water.
Sanitary practices is important – you cannot afford to become ill
or get some debilitating disease.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH9sA7xnKm3ZcUlD06Hp2S_DNO97g38shy5bUYhY04iJQHhb3Ubt1ALgBdHgDvdIhOKipCmBi7ctbqjtOqv5AT7JPH1-hC_3VGaYKePRQ1PXvfESUaLfERNDx2QPf9mL0A3-pcR4Wpz4/s1600/poncho__67647_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH9sA7xnKm3ZcUlD06Hp2S_DNO97g38shy5bUYhY04iJQHhb3Ubt1ALgBdHgDvdIhOKipCmBi7ctbqjtOqv5AT7JPH1-hC_3VGaYKePRQ1PXvfESUaLfERNDx2QPf9mL0A3-pcR4Wpz4/s1600/poncho__67647_zoom.jpg" width="90" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Next is clothing. Waterproof jacket and
pants, as well as the military poncho. The poncho should be oversized
in order to fit over your backpack system. Quality hiking boots. An
extra pair of pants that is not 100% cotton. The military style pants
are great because of their useful pockets, and loose for air
circulation. Do not wear or bring blue jeans. Also, include one set
of thermal underwear, two extra T-shirts and two boxer-brief shorts.
1-2 extra shirts. Gloves. 2-4 pairs of quality wool knitted socks. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Change socks regularly and attach to outer backpack when on the move
so they dry and air out. The military stresses upon the care of feet
– an army cannot move without them. Roll all clothing like the
military does and clothing will take up less space, plus you would be
surprised how it prevents wrinkled clothing – not that it matters
in a survival situation. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Don't forget a towel and washcloth. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhzEIxAMdoIe77uxwpULXFtyp4M-1adsvk57FTsYJvj-jZi5PABDOQeqaTveLwMtEDZWm6pEG2VeAdJC-W624YzZEqa0g6ZxcrXCBjx_6TN_SMQnOqcQunWRjnCKcw9K2l4tCvUdrToA/s1600/folding+bucket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhzEIxAMdoIe77uxwpULXFtyp4M-1adsvk57FTsYJvj-jZi5PABDOQeqaTveLwMtEDZWm6pEG2VeAdJC-W624YzZEqa0g6ZxcrXCBjx_6TN_SMQnOqcQunWRjnCKcw9K2l4tCvUdrToA/s1600/folding+bucket.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Field Folding Bucket</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Find an
army surplus canvas water bucket or civilian imitation – it is great for washing out of as a wash basin when washing utensils or body wash.
Before the Kevlar helmet came into use, the army steel pot was used
to wash out of – like a wilderness wash basin. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHxd1Q3obtsfB2jr_x5B2dbVNr8jwQIsdnPLipYnH1EARCd6BqLcf4FsfuJr3snGbXfCVeX27XmL-uGi8z-WVDr98g7d-ley1DcEWIh05bMFXEWtROQmyBSM55yGy5lvmf3TO9rkKTxE/s1600/MulitCam-Boonie-Hat.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHxd1Q3obtsfB2jr_x5B2dbVNr8jwQIsdnPLipYnH1EARCd6BqLcf4FsfuJr3snGbXfCVeX27XmL-uGi8z-WVDr98g7d-ley1DcEWIh05bMFXEWtROQmyBSM55yGy5lvmf3TO9rkKTxE/s1600/MulitCam-Boonie-Hat.gif" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Boonie Hat</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mentioning helmets, headgear will be a personal preference. If you can afford it, the Kevlar helmet is great for protection and I like the comfort of a military beret. However, a jungle hat is great because it protects from the sun the entire circumference of the head area - meaning neck. n alternate to this would be the Australian outback hat or the American western hat. Comfort and protection is key, not style. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMyGBVofl67j_I9tL4tLmqfa02wKY7dbKMmsBJJ0W2_Yi10vwwyBjXiFDBjh2a4sBuSYkOFvXZR86Ouh1R1SgDtqCB4nIQy2HzNwo7EOCFhUHkrDF73DDgOx2jhB9rXJeN7EY7V1LpKA/s1600/winter+bush+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMyGBVofl67j_I9tL4tLmqfa02wKY7dbKMmsBJJ0W2_Yi10vwwyBjXiFDBjh2a4sBuSYkOFvXZR86Ouh1R1SgDtqCB4nIQy2HzNwo7EOCFhUHkrDF73DDgOx2jhB9rXJeN7EY7V1LpKA/s1600/winter+bush+hat.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Winter Bush Hat</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some like the beret because it does not interfere with sighting capabilities with firearms. You will have to decide what is best for you, but remember it is best to be practical. The wool watch cap or trapper's hat with ear flaps is practical cold-weather gear, and does not take up much room. The watch cap will cover one's ears where a beret will not. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXsWwohfEI9p2H0j12KdUjlR4LrilF_Z8k6SC1GyeaQuIfpHsETLV7oo6IeSpRJi2jpleRm12bdauPqDk86Jz46Hd2E5UMbG4EvJGe58zSux_5mC4rfvYzl4EP3-EMKfEk0fKcmccHGU/s1600/Gaiters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXsWwohfEI9p2H0j12KdUjlR4LrilF_Z8k6SC1GyeaQuIfpHsETLV7oo6IeSpRJi2jpleRm12bdauPqDk86Jz46Hd2E5UMbG4EvJGe58zSux_5mC4rfvYzl4EP3-EMKfEk0fKcmccHGU/s1600/Gaiters.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Gaiters - protection for all seasons</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Waterproof gaiters is recommended - especially for folks in snow country. It keeps snow from working inside your boots and getting your legs wet and since they are light, they can be used in other seasons to keep debris and critters from crawling into your boots - and reduces chance of snake bite. At the very least, blouse your pant leg inside your boots or by using the military blousing devices. Choosing clothing and gear according to climate and terrain cannot be over emphasized. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When packing a poncho, don't forget a poncho liner. It provides more warmth and can be used for doubling the layer of a short-term shelter, which also provides warmth retention. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwZqBYEtC-iPk1ihTH84NcGZAVo5RR8MjzOsIlBZ0-Xq2D1O40Uzeu9hpXGEmcoAGi17FneRasUVMfZAnfiO3aigOnIJ_bNbWxsh4t4ZZah1EAOxfoSr_e6oSEas3p4bBLiv9uP7y-yo/s1600/teepee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwZqBYEtC-iPk1ihTH84NcGZAVo5RR8MjzOsIlBZ0-Xq2D1O40Uzeu9hpXGEmcoAGi17FneRasUVMfZAnfiO3aigOnIJ_bNbWxsh4t4ZZah1EAOxfoSr_e6oSEas3p4bBLiv9uP7y-yo/s1600/teepee.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Makeshift Teepee can be covered by poncho on outside with poncho liner on inside.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Around your neck or in a convenient
pouch located on your combat vest, you should have a pair of
binoculars. It does not have to be expensive or a large one. Remember
weight.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqt6BkQJbnKxPPG2bv_52rxcZm4ZkGSjGAMUcdEqltwh_5H-XIVLYDLxY69D-tsX2ECUc2VfudAHgmdvYI0cIuUO5Dg_EyESii0GrbiIBkIJyzEZs3n5NTKXcoLpcj4UF-zAywO7P4DQ/s1600/Modular+Army+Sleep+System.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqt6BkQJbnKxPPG2bv_52rxcZm4ZkGSjGAMUcdEqltwh_5H-XIVLYDLxY69D-tsX2ECUc2VfudAHgmdvYI0cIuUO5Dg_EyESii0GrbiIBkIJyzEZs3n5NTKXcoLpcj4UF-zAywO7P4DQ/s1600/Modular+Army+Sleep+System.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>US Army Modular Sleep System</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A sleeping bag is essential, although
the heat-retaining emergency blanket is good in a pinch. If you want
a light system, stick to the 30-40 degree bag. If you want an
ultimate system, but little more weight, choose the military modular sleeping bag system. It will keep you warm in even sub-zero conditions, and
is flexible because it is a layered system. Don't forget to protect
your sleeping bag or sleeping bag system from the elements. If you
can handle the extra weight, a good Swiss wool army blanket would be
an excellent addition. Wool maintains 80% heat and useful even when
wet.
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0nzCj7eEkfA3tcrN1uaBUOQhnPuS6v5I_rhU8mBlwlsXurZMeF_LvI4ZMaYsNu2ZefLs5AdvUxbnKTi40-zh3X805fde2bp7MCLfTq10nwaWBhCu3RnXl2zjSgVeNRZ_T59UO44tqqo/s1600/Individual+tent-sleeping+bag+system.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0nzCj7eEkfA3tcrN1uaBUOQhnPuS6v5I_rhU8mBlwlsXurZMeF_LvI4ZMaYsNu2ZefLs5AdvUxbnKTi40-zh3X805fde2bp7MCLfTq10nwaWBhCu3RnXl2zjSgVeNRZ_T59UO44tqqo/s1600/Individual+tent-sleeping+bag+system.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Individual Tent and Sleeping Bag System</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
A small personal firestarter kit as
well as first aid kit is essential. If you have a medic-trained
person in your group, that person might want to carry more than just
basic first aid.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDv2eFG3V79qxMeQFt4qIpcokXJrMxQiDNlUEzhEreSw4qRG66uqG938ZKM0uTixvytoXndP6oYVTqn2OH3DBMx5OhlpP2y4GZqZrPM6ka6pij5zKr1v8-K0o2UhH9P9DqXPdYP37o_Nk/s1600/DoubleTroubleKit-10241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDv2eFG3V79qxMeQFt4qIpcokXJrMxQiDNlUEzhEreSw4qRG66uqG938ZKM0uTixvytoXndP6oYVTqn2OH3DBMx5OhlpP2y4GZqZrPM6ka6pij5zKr1v8-K0o2UhH9P9DqXPdYP37o_Nk/s1600/DoubleTroubleKit-10241.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Sample Survival Kit</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI0sQOZN7b-IwbtEYlAYlkLlSToYiba6rrisUtkHiXctPi5ZPIt0ZP43h2c4xytUT0Y37t32R30XGvizp33SezMqlse9zAEVcwBWv3AmrgLlbBiGZUpsoj91wFAn8PY87DxBZu29FLBo/s1600/Survival+Knife+w-Sheath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI0sQOZN7b-IwbtEYlAYlkLlSToYiba6rrisUtkHiXctPi5ZPIt0ZP43h2c4xytUT0Y37t32R30XGvizp33SezMqlse9zAEVcwBWv3AmrgLlbBiGZUpsoj91wFAn8PY87DxBZu29FLBo/s1600/Survival+Knife+w-Sheath.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tools you will need includes, but not
limited to: survival knife, Swiss Army survival knife, multi-tool
pliers kit, combat knife, hunting knife system with skinning blade,
ammunition, rifle/shotgun and handgun of choice. A machete and
survival ax should also be considered. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KrME_gLW220oxjleITcmJ47lNlJftY-bbem5G1FtbIKyhKOeYb7XrTBxe0Zx638QhgByJdLzRGOQ4YQ6IVE9wo5ctE7Qv1A_w9fDSnTiTFJp39XwLAjwZrEJVGl8vgLcxiajdFpmdt8/s1600/Smith-and-Wesson-MP-357-Magnum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KrME_gLW220oxjleITcmJ47lNlJftY-bbem5G1FtbIKyhKOeYb7XrTBxe0Zx638QhgByJdLzRGOQ4YQ6IVE9wo5ctE7Qv1A_w9fDSnTiTFJp39XwLAjwZrEJVGl8vgLcxiajdFpmdt8/s1600/Smith-and-Wesson-MP-357-Magnum.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>S&W .357 MP Revolver with accessory rail</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is much argument over
the type of firearm for survival – everything from a single-shot,
break-down, .22-caliber rifle to a .30-06 hunting rifle. In handguns,
people tend to want semiautomatics, but I discourage that because
there are more parts to break down and wear – so I suggest a
quality revolver. It can be an old fashioned break-open Schofield
single action in .357/.38-caliber or .45 Long Colt OR a Smith &
Wesson double-action .357 with a five-inch barrel. If you want to reduce
weight, choose a long barreled revolver in large caliber with a
telescopic sight. It serves its purpose for defense and you can hunt
with it. You will need ample ammunition, but remember the weight
problem. A 200-round 5.56mm bandolier is hefty and so is 200 rounds of .357. Revolver quick-load
mechanisms can be kept in a pouch or two on your belt or combat vest. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaB6MW8nChI09MY3Uh9LneuLx91ztCtx-Wr6OEYqA5YrVMTHs2Wv87E2-Wn7M6TKuEPp8ovplWpqkrNf7yTcVr6ZUKkTB0tJTNwrsGrIA35tFif8cuLDYTnjYvKsEWYZK5bBiCtupkes/s1600/RugerSR556-1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaB6MW8nChI09MY3Uh9LneuLx91ztCtx-Wr6OEYqA5YrVMTHs2Wv87E2-Wn7M6TKuEPp8ovplWpqkrNf7yTcVr6ZUKkTB0tJTNwrsGrIA35tFif8cuLDYTnjYvKsEWYZK5bBiCtupkes/s1600/RugerSR556-1600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Ruger 5.56mm/.203 Rifle with grip-bipod accessory</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As far as suggested rifles, the AR-15 in 5.56mm/.203 caliber is an
excellent choice. Some may prefer it to be chambered in 7.62mm/.308
caliber to use for big game hunting. It should be fitted with a
quick-fire sight system and collapsible iron sights for versatility.
A flashlight module is optional. Remember, if you use a flashlight,
you become an illuminated target. You might consider a night vision
sight system, but they are heavy. If you want the same caliber in your rifle as pistol, suggest the Thompson carbine with a .45ACP semi-auto pistol, or if you do not mind revolvers and lever actions, a rifle lever-action chambered in .357 with matching caliber S&W MP revolver. But for self defense versatility, I would go for the AR chambered in either 5.56mm (.223) or 7.62mm (.308). I like the .357 caliber revolver
because I can safely use .38 caliber ammunition as well. My
philosophy is that if you cannot stop an aggressive person in six
shots (high caliber ammunition) – you need to spend more time at
the range. Some people prefer the semiautomatic because of its
extended ammunition capabilities – eight to eighteen rounds. It's
okay if you are in a military situation; but all-in-all, it is
personal preference. Whatever you decide, use common sense and not
what is impressionable or popular. In a survival situation, such
things are inconsequential.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MRC9kpACd8CPNLQtC1hZjAI1ZfhIn7I8BNb67iYdYJtsQM5Hss8-fu0NX19pMxNIgbM9luci1MaJuuj9Cna53CB6OTw2RnxdGYH9_nrJe8oi1DcU2elfCwSqFCcsecaIdpUGU4KfTp0/s1600/skinning+knife.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MRC9kpACd8CPNLQtC1hZjAI1ZfhIn7I8BNb67iYdYJtsQM5Hss8-fu0NX19pMxNIgbM9luci1MaJuuj9Cna53CB6OTw2RnxdGYH9_nrJe8oi1DcU2elfCwSqFCcsecaIdpUGU4KfTp0/s1600/skinning+knife.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Hunter's Skinning Knife</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You will also need a small package of
emergency candles and dependable flashlight. I prefer the military
kind that attaches to either the backpack straps or the combat vest
via belt clip. If you want a hands-free operating light system
without putting a light on your forehead or cap, the angled
flashlight is made so for a purpose. It provides light when clipped
to web gear, combat vest, or backpack straps. It also comes with a
green, red, and clear lens as well as an extra bulb in the storage
compartment provided. The lanyard ring is handy as well, you can hang
it from the ceiling of your shelter. Inside the backpack I also keep
a small battery-operated backpack lantern. The LED light system
provides adequate light in a small package. Battery operated gizmos
require rechargeable batteries (make sure ALL batteries are
rechargeable) – which also requires the solar battery charging
system.
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolltiLhCQBkP9VWAsSbcQi34qXh5KVoroJ2zdaHcdmYG2McCA0kOPuPlkupxsErds0AdM4lDeH0zimRbWv_5RDr1dv5X7CGW-yVdYM70SqvdyLMLzXFzRWM5IvM2-ynviuwhtwW5QqsE/s1600/midland-gxt800vp4-two-way-radio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolltiLhCQBkP9VWAsSbcQi34qXh5KVoroJ2zdaHcdmYG2McCA0kOPuPlkupxsErds0AdM4lDeH0zimRbWv_5RDr1dv5X7CGW-yVdYM70SqvdyLMLzXFzRWM5IvM2-ynviuwhtwW5QqsE/s1600/midland-gxt800vp4-two-way-radio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Midland 2-Way Radios with Ear-piece-microphone</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Communications is something, like
toilet paper, that some forget. This can be anything from your cell
phone, to a 2-way system where parties can talk to each other on the
trail with an ear-mouth piece, and/or a base communication radio with
a far range and includes shortwave receiver capability. Motorola is
my recommendation, but there are other systems out there. Individual
communication 2-way systems are great, with a base-camp radio (solar
and crank capabilities is handy) is useful – but remember the
weight.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0c-RnrQz_nhrGyF1aKag2GeCqpm_-bXBdEvwPqblTC6WpxA_Mbln266yyLdhb_OG9pR1ceU6uCkbuXIgArJHFujIWIqYFU3lcVPsBIIGaTvo0ocQDDEiLmsRo1Q09SX74yVzPkIrDXhs/s1600/topo_map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0c-RnrQz_nhrGyF1aKag2GeCqpm_-bXBdEvwPqblTC6WpxA_Mbln266yyLdhb_OG9pR1ceU6uCkbuXIgArJHFujIWIqYFU3lcVPsBIIGaTvo0ocQDDEiLmsRo1Q09SX74yVzPkIrDXhs/s1600/topo_map.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Typical Topo Map shows physical features and elevation</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Included in a military map case, you
should store any important documents. Suggest that you keep your
wallet with your driver's license in your cargo pants pocket or one
of your pouches of your combat vest. A small address book with
important information like addresses, account numbers, et cetera.
Don't forget your firearm carry permit!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Next is navigation. This may be a
simple compass or a battery-operated GPS, I suggest both. It would not hurt to have a
topographical map of your area and/or the area you intend to bug-out
to. You can purchase topo maps from government or civilian sources.
Keep the maps in a waterproof military map case, which includes
holders for pens/pencils and a notebook. I still have my NCO/Officer
field case that works well for this purpose, but it is made of canvas
and the only waterproofing is from using a waterproof spray solution
on it. It has a shoulder strap, but can be attached to the pack. One
thing about the GPS is that if satellite communications is destroyed
or damaged – it becomes a useless electrical piece of hardware.
Maps, therefore, are essential – especially topo; but a state road
map is better than nothing. Your compass should be of quality, not those cheap compasses one finds screwed on the end of a 'survival' knife. Military lensatic compasses are reasonable in price and works well with topographic maps. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_sRC7Uuaf0sqeSFrD_wdhnXUSwMbs8EIBs8guZDLQdGBRJo4byNyEGApjIsUIsgdU-cHfPiYkYa8gOPFoxF5-h95t9wI4Z5t0WghOW4W-83VTN4t4iSd9GMr8Xqh6Omlj1f_N0YqNpw/s1600/72-hour-bug-out-bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_sRC7Uuaf0sqeSFrD_wdhnXUSwMbs8EIBs8guZDLQdGBRJo4byNyEGApjIsUIsgdU-cHfPiYkYa8gOPFoxF5-h95t9wI4Z5t0WghOW4W-83VTN4t4iSd9GMr8Xqh6Omlj1f_N0YqNpw/s1600/72-hour-bug-out-bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>72-Hour Bug-Out Kit example</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is also a list of miscellaneous
items you can stick in your bug-out pack system. For example, an
emergency dental kit, 100-feet or more of paracord, duct tape, trip
wire (Army surplus is best), two bandannas, leather work or shooting
gloves (a pair of warm mittens in backpack), spare rechargeable
batteries, small sewing kit (invaluable to military folks), tent
repair kit, several heavy duty 30-gallon trash bags, small fishing
kit (usually included in commercial survival kits), P-38 can opener,
sunglasses, whistle (usually included in survival kit), lightweight
stakes, earplugs, and insect repellent. Some folks add a military-issue gas mask with case and spare filters; but this must be a personal decision. If there is a chance of the air being polluted with something, it might be a good idea to include this item that is not too expensive purchased as military surplus. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8dUfYzqwao-AmwKJqYubqFwZYejMwavMy3x6HCgxTu2RCLowcT3janxGbPPLu-ri8fDd-kKdovE8wsf85XT6Du2zMpdARV0OIEg_7HzcVWEOuJiVqJpVl-DYWTSvn8iTDSOVtLNveJM/s1600/1967+US+Army+field+inspection+layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8dUfYzqwao-AmwKJqYubqFwZYejMwavMy3x6HCgxTu2RCLowcT3janxGbPPLu-ri8fDd-kKdovE8wsf85XT6Du2zMpdARV0OIEg_7HzcVWEOuJiVqJpVl-DYWTSvn8iTDSOVtLNveJM/s1600/1967+US+Army+field+inspection+layout.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>US Army Field Layout - 1967</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Reviewing and/or placing all these
items on your shelter half or poncho in military inspection style –
you begin to realize how heavy all of this ends up in carrying. You
can see that the average full combat field gear can be from 50 to 75
pounds; and also realize why military personnel do calisthenics every
morning and run two miles. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-Z8eNXci5lNHbA1fnuvKPkPAa9w8VU4Ca8JpEcmJeat3KMVYLY96fk-4dodhvti_j4qK2Q3secRuOh2N2b1thNHXNbKdPTPbqmtCFgbdme4Wdu95vxE5DdpL66IFCOqq64EqgP8NVw8/s1600/overloadedconkedout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-Z8eNXci5lNHbA1fnuvKPkPAa9w8VU4Ca8JpEcmJeat3KMVYLY96fk-4dodhvti_j4qK2Q3secRuOh2N2b1thNHXNbKdPTPbqmtCFgbdme4Wdu95vxE5DdpL66IFCOqq64EqgP8NVw8/s1600/overloadedconkedout.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Full Combat Gear can be heavy</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Keep all of this in mind.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAbeuMLlGNNyQWh9ZrF-ad2J7tPLkRWzO5br2NK2bbCmJJ0DbUnVxjrLvXtH4nvsKSGanPhX2Jldlhg_POMpUdku8b_pLYl8w0UAs3SH7N0VET2yN1Wk7_HDonoJCxmKmKV7fUOyM12Y/s1600/article-2269742-1739700D000005DC-388_634x476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAbeuMLlGNNyQWh9ZrF-ad2J7tPLkRWzO5br2NK2bbCmJJ0DbUnVxjrLvXtH4nvsKSGanPhX2Jldlhg_POMpUdku8b_pLYl8w0UAs3SH7N0VET2yN1Wk7_HDonoJCxmKmKV7fUOyM12Y/s1600/article-2269742-1739700D000005DC-388_634x476.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Bug-Out Bag Sample</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Also, consider that there will be young
children and those in the family/group who require certain
medications. In addition, if there are infants in the bug-out group,
they will require diapers. You may want to consider making cotton
diapers and learn how to attach them the old fashion way with safety
pins. In my survival kit, an assortment of various sized safety pins
is included.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXCatQcTW0QnL889_inIYlgHxXL1APYGpR1REM3OcSyezu5hMGw_VUk2Vl0CYHbAaSlmqPk_o4V8ksD57rUh3hYH8CWx5EGnYdd9_32DKjFc2ZgUMZ37vplT7LsTAxXY5WK2IZsByHTw/s1600/hand-made+clothes+drying+rack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXCatQcTW0QnL889_inIYlgHxXL1APYGpR1REM3OcSyezu5hMGw_VUk2Vl0CYHbAaSlmqPk_o4V8ksD57rUh3hYH8CWx5EGnYdd9_32DKjFc2ZgUMZ37vplT7LsTAxXY5WK2IZsByHTw/s1600/hand-made+clothes+drying+rack.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Wilderness Clothes Drying Rack</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I also suggest that 25-feet of small
diameter nylon rope be included with a set of clothes pins. You can
hang clothing to dry between two trees and the sun will sterilize the
clothing giving it a clean, fresh smell.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You can see why a bug-out bag system
must be carefully prepared and packed ready. There is just too much
to think about in last-minute situations that require evacuating
quickly.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The US Army and US Marine field manuals
have been tried and proven in the field. It would be wise to include
these in your bug-out <i>Kindle</i> for reference – and study them
in the meantime.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Important things like water sanitation,
field fortifications, and building a safe latrine system is among the
important topics in military field manuals. Take advantage of the
expertise of the military's vast information sources. It would be important to know how to collect water from morning dew, part of the survival training we went through in the military. That means you must ensure that you carry large trash plastic trash bags and a box of small bags; which can be used to collect dew for replacement of drinking water. Having snares and traps in your survival system would be important to provide meat. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you have a neighbor who is
interested in being prepared, you can pool resources and knowledge –
even make contingency plans in bugging out together. Numbers equals
strength; however, it also means more mouths to feed. Ensure that
your group has at least 72-hours of food and water to take along –
more if you use off-road vehicles. Rural folks may have an advantage
of having horses to use as pack animals; which is great, but remember
that they need food, water and maintenance like you do. Of course,
pack animals are more dependable than vehicles as far as fuel
requirements.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For urban folk, the hardest part will
be trying to get out of the city. Most likely the highways will be
jammed and more people creating a panic. It also means that local law
enforcement and/or the National Guard will be imposing a curfew.
Hopefully it will not be like <i>Hurricane Katrina</i>, where the
National Guard and local law enforcement were confiscating firearms
from law abiding citizens – even those who were just staying in
their homes. I would like to say that the scenario enacted by local
and state government during Hurricane Katrina would not be duplicated
– but I cannot be so hopeful. Anyone who is a law enforcement
officer or a member of the National Guard or US military who is given
an unlawful order to confiscate firearms from law abiding citizens
must obey their oaths of office and protect the Constitution and the
rights of the People – disobey such an order emphatically. The
People have the right to protect themselves, especially during dire
scenarios like aforementioned.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But that subject is for another
article.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you decide, for some reason, to make a base camp or camp over the winter; do so at high ground and ensure that all approach avenues are visible. Once again, use military manuals for information on how best to provide a secure and safe camp and keep sanitation and safety a prime element when planning. Such a scenario will require shared security measures. It would be best if you have someone with military field experience to be in charge; and although the situation does not require a democracy, a good leader will utilize feedback from members of the team. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The following videos I chose for being realistic and presented by people who know what they are doing. <b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EOINtNAp70" target="_blank">Maine Prepper</a></b> is an ex-US Army Ranger. There are too many videos on survival that are unrealistic and made by people who have not, apparently, spent much time in the field or undergone any actual survival training/experience. Once again, fall upon the reliability of military manuals. Practice what you read about in the field by making family (or group) camping trips. Do not just read about or watch a video on how to start a campfire without matches, do it. The friction bow system is great, but would it not be easier to use the energy of the sun with a magnifying glass? Include one in your survival kit. If you look at the various survival kit, it is rare to see a magnifying glass in them. It is a fast and easy way to get a fire going as long as you have some sort of sun shining. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Be safe, be sensible and keep/rely upon your natural senses - the instinct to survive and its success depends upon constantly thinking and planning ahead. Remember that activity burns energy and must be replenished with food and water.</div>
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Unfortunately there is wind interference in the audio of this first video, but not enough to mask what the person is saying ...</div>
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The next video is part two ... </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cu0pc489L6I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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"<i><b>Diary of a Survivalist</b></i>" - part three ... </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/47EkXCATOjo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://www.survivallilly.at/" target="_blank">Survival Lily</a> </i></b>is a newcomer to the Prepper community, a spirited outdoor lady from Austria. Her videos as in this trailer for her YouTube Channel depicts are inspiring and informative:<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Jf2ym_A6j0s/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jf2ym_A6j0s?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mM1jBx4MUOkLgOPMnkIQJ5w7NV8lMUqtqhA9QAvUhdLKA00R3X2jkUhHms64sCB8GwshH0k1GMG-R305xyqeYNLiCzpmac4x1OWLWzL_Gym0xmLctOyOBAspDp6lKzLWv05ppC2Uzs0/s1600/bar_goldenfeather.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="27" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mM1jBx4MUOkLgOPMnkIQJ5w7NV8lMUqtqhA9QAvUhdLKA00R3X2jkUhHms64sCB8GwshH0k1GMG-R305xyqeYNLiCzpmac4x1OWLWzL_Gym0xmLctOyOBAspDp6lKzLWv05ppC2Uzs0/s1600/bar_goldenfeather.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Foldglogun-20%2F8010%2F7d6ae659-6fcc-411c-a325-8a58d682105c&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Foldglogun-20%2F8010%2F7d6ae659-6fcc-411c-a325-8a58d682105c&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-73286879871290902052015-12-31T09:20:00.001-06:002015-12-31T09:20:11.229-06:00Hoping For a Better New Year Around the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuF6qqBth5ti7ORa08BzmHWAm4DRMESlgDtBz6fysilNCzBItwXukAv2-pV0T5vsaZCgyPE0-WbtOUohqrXfvYbrOgBpmdD8447rQl55oKXPp7l7k16N9GxPXJKbTWSkiZTPjrHE-DnRk/s1600/Happy-New-Year-2016-Animated-Gif-image.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuF6qqBth5ti7ORa08BzmHWAm4DRMESlgDtBz6fysilNCzBItwXukAv2-pV0T5vsaZCgyPE0-WbtOUohqrXfvYbrOgBpmdD8447rQl55oKXPp7l7k16N9GxPXJKbTWSkiZTPjrHE-DnRk/s320/Happy-New-Year-2016-Animated-Gif-image.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-90623818921460690282015-12-24T17:40:00.000-06:002015-12-24T17:40:00.063-06:00Wishing All a Very Merry Christmas<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>I</b> wish all a <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Merry Christmas
</b></span>from the <b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i>Old Glory Shoppe</i></span></b>, and I would like to remind folks the
reason for the season with this quotation:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24975"></a>"<i><b>2 And
it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.</b></i></div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24976"></a><i><b>2 (And this taxing was first
made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24977"></a><i><b>3 And all went to be taxed,
every one into his own city.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24978"></a><i><b>4 And Joseph also went up
from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city
of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and
lineage of David:)</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24979"></a><i><b>5 To be taxed with Mary his
espoused wife, being great with child.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24980"></a><i><b>6 And so it was, that, while
they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be
delivered.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24981"></a><i><b>7 And she brought forth her
firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in
a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGvDg857uUNBt0XVri8TB19HfxdxTVG9LtCPUgKw4W9gGVUgAdVFWbqt8PUgeawa6eyLEp4TGbPRT00gUvR1zPF7lz1JXtQiyaF3q2i8llPWtrYVVH39GXjW3l_vE5P4FCwZos_TbTR0/s1600/history-of-christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGvDg857uUNBt0XVri8TB19HfxdxTVG9LtCPUgKw4W9gGVUgAdVFWbqt8PUgeawa6eyLEp4TGbPRT00gUvR1zPF7lz1JXtQiyaF3q2i8llPWtrYVVH39GXjW3l_vE5P4FCwZos_TbTR0/s320/history-of-christmas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24982"></a></blockquote>
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<i><b>8 And there were in the same
country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their
flock by night.</b></i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuj9uYUBhuX2Z34B9VWdQW2i6AivwctCNhkjp2pAD25e0ryPiWn1iMLJu91VOmqMc2QAu1mvVLu5hVUHHtYU3qqjREpEkxOfv4oZcO2e5WrKRKXRk_DR9nfkO_oyiur_L15w4hRUGUQYw/s1600/XMNT_082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuj9uYUBhuX2Z34B9VWdQW2i6AivwctCNhkjp2pAD25e0ryPiWn1iMLJu91VOmqMc2QAu1mvVLu5hVUHHtYU3qqjREpEkxOfv4oZcO2e5WrKRKXRk_DR9nfkO_oyiur_L15w4hRUGUQYw/s320/XMNT_082.JPG" width="261" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24983"></a><i><b>9 And, lo, the angel of the
Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about
them: and they were sore afraid.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24984"></a><i><b>10 And the angel said unto
them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24985"></a><i><b>11 For unto you is born this
day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24986"></a><i><b>12 And this shall be a sign
unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying
in a manger.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24987"></a><i><b>13 And suddenly there was
with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and
saying,</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24988"></a><i><b>14 Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24989"></a><i><b>15 And it came to pass, as
the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said
one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing
which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24990"></a><i><b>16 And they came with haste,
and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24991"></a><i><b>17 And when they had seen
it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning
this child.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-KJV-24992"></a><i><b>18 And all they that heard
it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds</b></i>.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18&version=KJV">Luke
2:1-18</a>).
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I would like to add quotes from <a href="http://patriotpost.us/alexander/22369"><i>Father
of All Mercies</i></a> by <b><a href="http://patriotpost.us/about/alexander" target="_blank">Mark Alexander</a> </b>at <i>Patriot Post</i>,
whose organization needs a little over $100,000 to meet expenses at
end of year 2013; so please drop by see what <i>Patriot Post </i>is
all about and donate whatever you can …</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9467nlVB5fXfhxvpTGV595Z2kuwzZ365afZNp7aKpn8yiu3WqUY63tIOWoEleJhyphenhyphenB_K7VrvPHYgwNLPNEXLzttgTjPlM4ODsi6JSJ5S_FUzn7GTOdQW6Jtxn2tKKcic6ee9Y_jQy6WE/s1600/MerryChristmas_French.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9467nlVB5fXfhxvpTGV595Z2kuwzZ365afZNp7aKpn8yiu3WqUY63tIOWoEleJhyphenhyphenB_K7VrvPHYgwNLPNEXLzttgTjPlM4ODsi6JSJ5S_FUzn7GTOdQW6Jtxn2tKKcic6ee9Y_jQy6WE/s1600/MerryChristmas_French.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Let us remember that the burden
we bear on behalf of Liberty is also borne by tens of millions of
fellow <a href="http://patriotpost.us/alexander/9612">American
Patriots</a> who are, likewise, committed to our nation’s <a href="http://patriotpost.us/alexander/3255">First
Principles</a>. Pause with me to reflect on who we really are. We are
<a href="http://patriotpost.us/alexander/13270">Sons and Daughters of
Liberty</a> – Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen
and public servants standing in harm’s way at home and around the
world, who remain loyal, first and foremost, to our sacred oath to
“<a href="http://patriotpost.us/alexander/3192">support and defend</a>”
our authentic Constitution and its enshrinement of our Liberty –
“<a href="http://patriotpost.us/alexander/18968">Endowed by our
Creator</a>.” We are grassroots leaders and local, state and
national officeholders who, likewise, honor that commitment to
Liberty. We are mothers, fathers and other family members nurturing
the next generation of young Patriots. We are farmers, craftsmen,
tradesmen and industrial producers. We are small business owners,
service providers and professionals in medicine and law. We are
employees and employers. We are in ministry at home and on missions
abroad. We are students and professors at colleges and universities,
often standing alone for what is good and right. We are producers and
consumers, and taxpayers and voters. We are not defined by race,
creed, ethnicity, religion, wealth, education, geography or political
affiliation, but by our devotion to our Creator, and the Liberty He
has entrusted to us, one and all. We are heirs to the blessings of
Liberty bequeathed to us at great personal cost by our Patriot
forebears, confirmed in the opinion that it is our duty to God and
Country to extend that blessing to </b></i><i><i><b>our</b></i></i><i><b>
posterity, and avowed upon our sacred honor to that end. Fellow
Patriots, stand unified and hold the line. Stand firm in the
knowledge that our Creator, who endowed our unalienable right to
Liberty, is Just and Merciful. In keeping with the Spirit of this
Christmas season, I invite you to visit our <a href="http://patriotpost.us/pages/290">Patriot
Christmas page</a>, which provides some insight on the history and
current context for the celebration of Christmas</b></i>.
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6RiyYt3MDGj7axGjuou95c9ui05gwXhPUNfsb-eKfmWCuq7IO2izpRZJkEgEBGdz9PcrETcFEYHQqRW4tPkvQGT2MWaVEw4Lm_itzQGrY3MPf-1dlYI1u8KUU3vMTcp084ysc-mpPiY/s1600/duck+dynasty+christmas_duck+commander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6RiyYt3MDGj7axGjuou95c9ui05gwXhPUNfsb-eKfmWCuq7IO2izpRZJkEgEBGdz9PcrETcFEYHQqRW4tPkvQGT2MWaVEw4Lm_itzQGrY3MPf-1dlYI1u8KUU3vMTcp084ysc-mpPiY/s400/duck+dynasty+christmas_duck+commander.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN15d-SaNB8dFTuVMCEbNayFGQfNklz3QGFbJ8OHD-IaQ1Ldsj-H6Iuf8YA42-d4Rvy0hE-mZkxWsPAcvp8xMkukBa0HBTNNDD6BvI5QI9KTfyvx-l71UDckEnA6O2xLSMteKwItZYeEM/s1600/MerryChristmas_animated.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN15d-SaNB8dFTuVMCEbNayFGQfNklz3QGFbJ8OHD-IaQ1Ldsj-H6Iuf8YA42-d4Rvy0hE-mZkxWsPAcvp8xMkukBa0HBTNNDD6BvI5QI9KTfyvx-l71UDckEnA6O2xLSMteKwItZYeEM/s320/MerryChristmas_animated.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-55020476337558760012015-12-18T12:00:00.000-06:002015-12-18T12:00:00.650-06:00NORAD Continues Tradition of Tracking Santa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPclndp2jTJGah1qlen2t6f03mSktwVHzwU9RIQdK0GFcwTPE1Lp3aFzoyOqLM9KuuCoIg8fErUDsOB66wo2jHTCS5Zag9PEm0YF219dD-FPysDXrQ_hUvW9KMUd4oIsEM3PvoEgEnSgM/s1600/Santa_06-SNOW-animated.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPclndp2jTJGah1qlen2t6f03mSktwVHzwU9RIQdK0GFcwTPE1Lp3aFzoyOqLM9KuuCoIg8fErUDsOB66wo2jHTCS5Zag9PEm0YF219dD-FPysDXrQ_hUvW9KMUd4oIsEM3PvoEgEnSgM/s1600/Santa_06-SNOW-animated.gif" /></a></div>
At <a href="http://www.maggiesnotebook.com/2013/12/tracking-santa/" target="_blank"><i>Maggie's Notebook</i></a>, you can read about the history of NORAD [North American Aerospace Defense Command] that has been continuous since 1955, when <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerospace_Defense_Command" target="_blank">CONAD</a> (later renamed <a href="http://www.norad.mil/" target="_blank"><b>NORAD</b></a>) began receiving phone calls from children to relay their Christmas wish list.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0uAr4_D1Ejujn0bdQc50jbSNaLaH7thcilTuH5YFbfncmlDJVQsU40rdrSmFewJED2J4IZwXmXXrYmKlOVy4ziZ-JB_fuPKvbNsfzxlZE7fKCPB-zGXiP0Z7vBrBIXJQ4BV89EXVToM/s1600/A_NORAD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0uAr4_D1Ejujn0bdQc50jbSNaLaH7thcilTuH5YFbfncmlDJVQsU40rdrSmFewJED2J4IZwXmXXrYmKlOVy4ziZ-JB_fuPKvbNsfzxlZE7fKCPB-zGXiP0Z7vBrBIXJQ4BV89EXVToM/s1600/A_NORAD.jpg" /></a></div>
As time went on the tradition continued and today there is a website where anyone can track where Santa is on Christmas Eve and other goodies at the <a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/" target="_blank">NORAD official site</a>.<br />
Every year they ask for volunteers to perform traditional duties at NORAD for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus" target="_blank"><i>Santa Claus</i></a>, who has his own <a href="http://claus.com/index.php" target="_blank">website</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_69-i2o_SWPI6n-tawBo5FCwtvpgEBmUi1z1_xIbB_kKWx-vJogzAjh_4m9qOWkckBgpc8QF68emd7TIO_dpYT2PzXGz_ib5phiXEz5E4YBzfcu0hhcyqb_TEIxnEQ9Bu9xuJDYifDI/s1600/MerryChristmas_animated.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_69-i2o_SWPI6n-tawBo5FCwtvpgEBmUi1z1_xIbB_kKWx-vJogzAjh_4m9qOWkckBgpc8QF68emd7TIO_dpYT2PzXGz_ib5phiXEz5E4YBzfcu0hhcyqb_TEIxnEQ9Bu9xuJDYifDI/s320/MerryChristmas_animated.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-31603879233200419202015-12-16T22:45:00.000-06:002015-12-20T03:40:29.863-06:00Christmas: It is about Caring and its 'Ripple' Effect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7EHpwUIbvC4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7EHpwUIbvC4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<b>A simple act of caring creates an endless ripple</b>"<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
One of my favorite Christmas songs is <a href="http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/lonestar/ifeverydaycouldbechristmas.html" target="_blank"><b><i>If Everyday Could Be Christmas</i></b></a>. This video was about a birthday present, but it represents the spirit of Christmas, which should be the spirit 365 days.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To pass on good will and have the spirit of Christmas, one need not be a Christian or possess belief in any religion. It falls under the ancient <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Rule" target="_blank">golden rule</a>, of which was encouraged by an influential person by the name of <a href="http://veritas-et-theologium.blogspot.com/2010/03/phenomenology-chapter-8-jesus-of.html" target="_blank"><b>Jesus of Nazareth</b></a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Matt-7-12" id="en-KJV-23329"><b><i>Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets</i></b>. - [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?dc=1&utm_expid=13466113-14._FDQX2HfR4SO5nXu6EKjTw.1&search=Matthew+7%3A12&version=KJV&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%26esrc%3Ds%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D1%26ved%3D0CCAQFjAA%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.biblegateway.com%252Fpassage%252F%253Fsearch%253DMatthew%252B7%25253A12%2526version%253DKJV%26ei%3DFWJoVMywLcKyyATJ_oLQBg%26usg%3DAFQjCNG4Yzy95fHf4Wodb93313_yQgS9Kw%26sig2%3DsLVcsj35OF0wUu4Vov1JpA%26bvm%3Dbv.79142246%2Cd.aWw" target="_blank">Book of Matthew 7:12</a>]</span></blockquote>
<span class="text Matt-7-12" id="en-KJV-23329">The birth of that same person is honored today, continued many centuries later on a day called Christmas (<i>Crissmas</i>).</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-29617343646474817862015-12-15T05:00:00.000-06:002015-12-15T05:00:05.638-06:00"A Soldier's Christmas" by Michael Marks<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: "arial";">Got this poem in email from friend, originally published at <a href="http://peninsulalighthouse.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b><i>Lighthouse Journal</i></b></a> who found the author, so here it is - a poem about Christmas and pretty good. </span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: "arial";">Found at </span><i><b><a data-mce-href="http://www.vietvet.org/mmsolchr.htm" href="http://www.vietvet.org/mmsolchr.htm" target="_blank">Viet Vet</a></b></i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: "arial";"> site entitled </span><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span data-mce-style="color: #800000;" style="color: maroon;"><b><i>A Soldier’s Christmas</i></b></span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: "arial";"> by </span><span data-mce-style="color: #003300;" style="color: #003300;"><b>Michael Marks</b></span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: "arial";">.</span></h2>
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<blockquote>
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>The </b></span><span data-mce-style="color: #660000;" style="color: #660000;"><b>embers</b></span><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b> glowed softly, and in their dim light, </b></span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. </b></span></span></i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, </b></span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. </b></span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, </b></span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Transforming the yard to a winter delight. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
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<a data-mce-href="http://peninsulalighthouse.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/christmastree_02_animated.gif" href="http://peninsulalighthouse.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/christmastree_02_animated.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ChristmasTree_02_animated" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-350" data-mce-src="http://peninsulalighthouse.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/christmastree_02_animated.gif" src="http://peninsulalighthouse.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/christmastree_02_animated.gif" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br data-mce-bogus="1" />
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a> <i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe, </b></span></span></i><br />
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>And I crept to the door just to see who was near. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>"What are you doing?" I asked without fear, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>"Come in this moment, its freezing out here!" </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>"Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>You should be at home on this cold Christmas Eve!" </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Away from the cold and the snow blown drifts, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>To the window that danced with a warm fire's light, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>The he sighed and he said, "It's really all right, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>I'm out here by choice, I'm here every night." </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>That separates you from the darkest of times. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>No one had to ask or beg or implore me, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>My dad stood his watch in the jungles of '</b></span></span></i><i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Nam</b></span></span></i><i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>,</b></span></span></i><i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b> </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>And now it is my turn and so, Here I am. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>I've not seen my son in more than a while, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile." </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>The Red, White and Blue....an American Flag. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>"I can live through the cold and the being alone, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Away from my family, my house and my home. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>I can carry the weight of killing another, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Or lay down my life with my sister and brother </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>who stand at the front against any and all, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>to ensure for all time that this flag will not fall. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Your family is waiting and I'll be all right." </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>"But isn't there something I can do, at the least, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?" </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>It seems all too little for all that you've done, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>For being away from your wife and your son." </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Then his eyes welled a tear that held no regret, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>"Just tell us you love us, and never forget </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>To stand your own watch, no matter how long. </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>For when we come home, either standing or dead, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>To know you remember we fought and we bled </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>is payment enough, and with that we will trust, </b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><b>That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.</b></span></span></i></blockquote>
<span data-mce-style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><b><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Michael Marks</span></b></span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;">, </span></span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;">December 7</span></span><sup><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;">th</span></span></span></sup><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;">, 2000</span></span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-mce-style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"> ©</span></span><br />
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Visit <a href="http://patriotpost.us/articles/22085" target="_blank"><b><i>Patriot Post</i></b></a> to read about remembrance of Pearl Harbor, December 7th 1941.<br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia;" style="font-family: "georgia";"><b><span data-mce-style="font-size: xx-large;" style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-mce-style="color: #660000;" style="color: #660000;">Other sites:</span></span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia;" style="font-family: "georgia";"><i><b><a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lbH0YqrCqY" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lbH0YqrCqY">The Soldier's Christmas Poem</a></b></i> ... video</span></div>
<div>
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Georgia;" style="font-family: "georgia";"><i><b><a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lavd8p8Rtzc" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lavd8p8Rtzc">The Soldier's Christmas Letter</a></b></i> ... video</span></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://peninsulalighthouse.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/light-string_animated.gif" href="http://peninsulalighthouse.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/light-string_animated.gif"><img alt="light-string_animated" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-351" data-mce-src="http://peninsulalighthouse.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/light-string_animated.gif?w=300" src="http://peninsulalighthouse.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/light-string_animated.gif?w=300" height="21" width="300" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-74744872731973817862015-12-14T05:00:00.000-06:002015-12-14T05:00:01.194-06:00Have Yourself A Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewlsZCt9YeRttQ1DoErbp1DtH_bCPoNVL-xHsfhaIZbGEjv5qMrdeNGeJWM8y6rLG2tK-jQDEPtkiXfpAyH4CBtpEvDRGBpcyGsqhmR_jkFaqeDqF00mZbhgKHVTaqtB9uEOHHu9hZeo/s1600/banner_smiley_santa_animated.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewlsZCt9YeRttQ1DoErbp1DtH_bCPoNVL-xHsfhaIZbGEjv5qMrdeNGeJWM8y6rLG2tK-jQDEPtkiXfpAyH4CBtpEvDRGBpcyGsqhmR_jkFaqeDqF00mZbhgKHVTaqtB9uEOHHu9hZeo/s1600/banner_smiley_santa_animated.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4gzp-ES-KaWSvLe0HgaJyYGcJ1GKTQ4Ku_-oDbugo18imq40FaiB4NKTGX4oRuQkusxQbmBymvp3FeWQHw3k85s7R63qR5-PbJ_TUqofawzCo1i6jaRaj_UV7oVYqYI9C9cEJd56bA4/s1600/Jesus+Reason+for+Season.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4gzp-ES-KaWSvLe0HgaJyYGcJ1GKTQ4Ku_-oDbugo18imq40FaiB4NKTGX4oRuQkusxQbmBymvp3FeWQHw3k85s7R63qR5-PbJ_TUqofawzCo1i6jaRaj_UV7oVYqYI9C9cEJd56bA4/s1600/Jesus+Reason+for+Season.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9LH9vHgLeJe4ZRhl1_HCRUy2a5ucgjv5TYGY5GRsOYj0UVwge9xn7KuI8Nc4v9WW6C24V1el1pIcloC2jBeybtwr3hBubJcZeiKJ5Ecg94-tGa7A6f8fFhtdvPbJFZYvmEU15PGeAZQ/s1600/MerryChristmas_animated.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9LH9vHgLeJe4ZRhl1_HCRUy2a5ucgjv5TYGY5GRsOYj0UVwge9xn7KuI8Nc4v9WW6C24V1el1pIcloC2jBeybtwr3hBubJcZeiKJ5Ecg94-tGa7A6f8fFhtdvPbJFZYvmEU15PGeAZQ/s1600/MerryChristmas_animated.gif" width="320" /></a><b><span style="color: #660000;">Christmas </span>is not just a holiday, nor is it just a time for <span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Christmas Mass</i></span> (derived Latin name of <i>Christ Mass</i>), but it is nothing tangible in the gist of this special holiday - it is time of uplifting spirits and hope. It is a time when we put aside the worries and strife of life that continues throughout the year, a time of family festivities and the feeling of good will. It is a spirit above and beyond the trappings of religious doctrine and religious rites. You do not have to even be a Christian to experience this holiday of joy that welcomes in a <span style="color: #38761d;">New Year</span>, hoping it will be better than the last. It is no wonder that people wish that Christmas could be every day of the year.</b><br />
<b>Some holidays are melancholy, and so Christmas can be for those lonely and far away from home; or expierience an unfortunate tragedy - but the special spirit of Christmas can even touch those hearts - thinking of the good times, past and present. </b><br />
<b>I salute those <span style="color: #0b5394;">military personnel</span>, Christian or not, that have chosen to serve and be in places other than their home and family. I thank them for their service and hope that the next Christmas in the coming year brings them home, safely to their families to enjoy the fellowship that only a family unit can bring.</b> <b>May there be more <span style="color: #073763;">blessings</span> to all in this coming <span style="color: #660000;">New Year</span>. </b><br />
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<b> </b><span style="color: #660000;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_Garland" target="_blank"> </a></b></span><span style="color: #660000;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_Garland" target="_blank">Judy Garland</a> sings to<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_O%27Brien" target="_blank"> Margaret O'Brian</a> </b></span>...</div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_Garland" target="_blank"> </a></b></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MKG5X0QMSWA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Tradition to England and the UK
country-states for Christmas dinner has been the goose. Depicted in
the Christmas tale entitled <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Christmas_Carol" target="_blank"><i><b>A Christmas Carol</b></i></a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Dickens" target="_blank"><b>Charles Dickens</b></a> with main character <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebenezer_Scrooge" target="_blank">Ebenezer Scrooge</a>, the Christmas goose was a must have main dish. Americans
have been serving turkey on holidays, especially Thanksgiving, since
the 1600s when North America was colonized by the English.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometime after the English colonized
North America, the American turkey, not found in Europe, was
imported and raised for dinner tables. Eventually, the turkey pretty
much took the place of the goose for Christmas dinner, especially
after the Victorian era. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZasKdbWCTJK93dHjR7-hE3Vcw2v92q7_N1EwSIhUWXgbuvNpQuxJ85cP0UlZbjykcrqAEHjlSnU0JOn1CTq-bYuFGfFyU9zOOJN64ICpKm1Or73WyT7ZsNwI6NKjGKCG-ftUvygalgb0/s1600/Gordon-Ramsay-Christmas-Feast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZasKdbWCTJK93dHjR7-hE3Vcw2v92q7_N1EwSIhUWXgbuvNpQuxJ85cP0UlZbjykcrqAEHjlSnU0JOn1CTq-bYuFGfFyU9zOOJN64ICpKm1Or73WyT7ZsNwI6NKjGKCG-ftUvygalgb0/s1600/Gordon-Ramsay-Christmas-Feast.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The video following the recipe shows how <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Ramsay" target="_blank"><b>Gordon Ramsay</b></a> (has <a href="http://www.eater.com/2014/11/17/7234443/gordon-ramsay-restaurant-sabotage-heddon-street-kitchen" target="_blank">24 restaurants worldwide</a>) prepares and cooks his Christmas turkey
that includes how to make his fabulous onion and bacon turkey gravy.
Some families have turkey on both American holidays, while others
serve lamb, roast beef, or ham for Christmas. In the UK, Thanksgiving
Day is not celebrated, making Christmas the big feasting holiday.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>In the past, when I used to cook for
holidays, I never allowed the turkey to rest long enough, which was a
big mistake – both for flavor and juiciness as well as easier to
carve when rested. Like Gordon states in video, the turkey will be
only warm, but the gravy will make it hotter when serving.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><b>INGREDIENTS</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>1 turkey, 5.5kg (</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gordon
recommends free-range </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Norfolk
Black </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">or </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bronze</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which is not available in the US</span><b>) – </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">5.5kg
equals </span><b>12 pounds</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Sea salt and ground black pepper</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>2 onions, peeled and halved</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>1 lemon, halved</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>1 head of garlic, halved
horizontally</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>6 bay leaves</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>olive oil, to drizzle</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>8 strips of smoked, thick bacon</b></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
[For the Lemon,
Parsley and Garlic Butter basting] ...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>13 oz </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">[26
tablespoons or 375 grams] </span><b>butter at room temperature</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>1 tablespoon olive oil</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>finely grated zest and juice of 2
small lemons</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>small bunch of parsley, leaves only,
chopped</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Preheat oven
to 425 degrees (220-degree C) and prepare herb butter mixture. Put
butter into large bowl and season with salt/pepper. Add olive oil
and mix well. Add lemon zest and juice, crushed garlic, and chopped
parsley. Mix well.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Remove
giblets from turkey cavity. Season cavity well with salt and pepper,
then stuff with onions, lemon, garlic halves and 2 bay leaves.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Loosen skin
on breast with hands from both ends of the bird to stuff flavored
butter underneath, make sure skin stays intact. Repeat with the skin
on the legs – from the lower side of the breast feel your way
under the skin and out towards the leg, loosening the gap.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stuff half
the butter mic into the opened spaces under the skin. From the
outside of the skin, gently massage butter around the breasts so
that the meat is evenly covered. Insert the rest of the bay leaves
under the skin of the breasts.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Place bird in
large roasting pan, breast side up. Spread the rest of the butter
over the outside skin. Season well with salt/pepper, then drizzle
with olive oil. NOTE: If preparing a day ahead, cover the turkey
with foil and refrigerate.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Roast the
turkey in the hot oven for 10-15 minutes, Take the tray out of the
oven, baste the bird with the pan juices and lay the bacon strips
over the breast to keep it moist. Baste again. Lower the oven
temperature to 350-degrees F and cook about 2.5 hours (30 minutes
per kg/pound, basting occasionally.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Test turkey
by inserting skewer into thickest part and check to see if running
juice is clear, not pink. If juices are pink, roast for another 15
minutes and check again. Repeat until turkey is cooked.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Transfer
turkey to warmed platter and remove wings and tips of drumsticks;
reserve them for gravy. Leave turkey to rest in a warm place for at
least 45 minutes; making the gravy during this period. Remove the
bay leaves from under the skin before carving. Serve the turkey with
hot gravy, stuffing and side dishes.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sxdwxO_WUkmxDQDRXfOAcQn2SWqxg6kyjHtFLLLa_oZcUMYGttl3wbw9snZY330BcHN34IBulXjgIsW7nq0b0R1MHRpPb5SrWCUhmaN96DejRX_QmshiHrY0PNCtm2XTMD9Q6uKQp28/s1600/Gordons-home-cooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sxdwxO_WUkmxDQDRXfOAcQn2SWqxg6kyjHtFLLLa_oZcUMYGttl3wbw9snZY330BcHN34IBulXjgIsW7nq0b0R1MHRpPb5SrWCUhmaN96DejRX_QmshiHrY0PNCtm2XTMD9Q6uKQp28/s1600/Gordons-home-cooking.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Gordon Family</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Recipe from
<a href="http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/gordon-ramsay-christmas" target="_blank"><i><b>Christmas with Gordon</b></i></a>, available in hardbound for <span style="font-family: "constantia" , serif;">£</span><span style="font-family: "constantia";">15
(about $12.95 at </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Gordon-Ramsay/dp/184400984X"><span style="font-family: "constantia";"><i>Amazon</i></span></a><span style="font-family: "constantia";">).
</span>
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgiRAL8Q8h666y76zXGBZfx8-5wS0F6UN-S6pmzboZJtKkSAA_OdFSXsAJ7-J-BATwFBpvrqoioc2WMtcISWI5cS8g3c0M0BUV9XtQcsIw-zG3yvTN0QlIXWK-u6n516JuX-ljgSzXus/s1600/emeril_main112609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgiRAL8Q8h666y76zXGBZfx8-5wS0F6UN-S6pmzboZJtKkSAA_OdFSXsAJ7-J-BATwFBpvrqoioc2WMtcISWI5cS8g3c0M0BUV9XtQcsIw-zG3yvTN0QlIXWK-u6n516JuX-ljgSzXus/s1600/emeril_main112609.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Emeril and his clad cookware</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Another recipe is bacon-wrapped turkey
breast, which <a href="http://emerils.com/" target="_blank"><b>Emeril</b></a> (and
<b>Martha Stewart</b>) demonstrates in following video for a Thanksgiving feast:</div>
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Carving Turkey:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MDaPbpokDHk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-40443884235040400272015-12-12T09:12:00.000-06:002015-12-12T09:12:00.054-06:00History of the Winter Festival and Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTjRc-w3pP6dr8CTgWfDewf7bxg4AeCsu3WqqsTK8H27hZMjGSW5Qo-6mGav-46HD_RLHraRriTK1cNBtx3eYLZNwFiZ164HeRyLbqJ9o_KXD8BioZ5nYSZpXNpXRmuQZOPj7Mr_4v0M/s1600/a-history-of-thanksgiving-in-the-united-states.jpg.crop_display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTjRc-w3pP6dr8CTgWfDewf7bxg4AeCsu3WqqsTK8H27hZMjGSW5Qo-6mGav-46HD_RLHraRriTK1cNBtx3eYLZNwFiZ164HeRyLbqJ9o_KXD8BioZ5nYSZpXNpXRmuQZOPj7Mr_4v0M/s200/a-history-of-thanksgiving-in-the-united-states.jpg.crop_display.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The United States, as a young nation, gathered traditions from the Old World, especially from Mother England and the United Kingdom. As a colony, British, Dutch and German traditions were intertwined in many colonial American communities beginning with the first traditions of Thanksgiving in remembrance of the first colonists and Native Americans. Christmas and New Year traditions is no exception.<br />
<br />
<br />
In the British Isles, before Christianity became established, as in Rome and Constantinople. the trappings and basic festivity of what became the <a href="http://www.carols.org.uk/the_twelve_days_of_christmas.htm" target="_blank"><i>Twelve Days of Christmas</i></a> it was the celebration of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice" target="_blank"><i>Winter Solstice</i></a>, a Celtic tradition complete with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule_log" target="_blank"><i>yule logs</i></a>, <a href="http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/decorations.html" target="_blank"><i>holly</i></a>, and other decorations and festivities. The modern tradition of a Christmas tree comes from Germany, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Tannenbaum" target="_blank"><i>Tannebaum</i></a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXCIf0f4aJIJCGwaO3G8jqm4RLnPKHCDNfUkp2LGbzuq6CLIl1vJTQHZLE_tc45SvynoT9l6Kp_EBc2ZsLzabC_4xINIg0TfJrIU2WImf9Xc-kdc1idDRCwd_ccDLhAvW9gPD2q5Yf_s/s1600/christmas-carol-illustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXCIf0f4aJIJCGwaO3G8jqm4RLnPKHCDNfUkp2LGbzuq6CLIl1vJTQHZLE_tc45SvynoT9l6Kp_EBc2ZsLzabC_4xINIg0TfJrIU2WImf9Xc-kdc1idDRCwd_ccDLhAvW9gPD2q5Yf_s/s320/christmas-carol-illustration.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the United States, Christmas celebration changed especially in the Victorian period adopting traditions that authors like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Irving" target="_blank"><b>Washington Irving</b></a> and <a href="http://www.online-literature.com/dickens/" target="_blank"><b>Charles Dickens</b></a> made famous.<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas" target="_blank"><b>Saint Nicholas</b></a> legends are about as old as organized Christianity and the development of the first churches that became centralized in Rome and Constantinople, later to remain centralized in Rome. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Christmas" target="_blank"><i>Father Christmas</i></a> [England] and <i>Kris Kringle</i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas" target="_blank"><i>Sinterklass</i></a> [Dutch], and <b>Santa Claus</b>. <br />
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The sainted bishop from Myra became known by various names like "Father Christmas".<br />
Traditions during the Victorian period reunited the roots of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merry_England" target="_blank"><i>Merry Old England</i> </a>to become established in the United States to include the tradition of<i> <a href="http://www.history.com/videos/history-of-the-christmas-carol#history-of-the-christmas-carol" target="_blank">carolers</a></i>.<br />
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The song derived from a poem written by a Scottish composer, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Burns" target="_blank"><b>Robert Burns</b></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne" target="_blank"><i>Old Lang Syne</i></a> [1788] became synonymous with New Year's eve celebrations.<br />
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It is sad what Christmas has become with commercialism and
selfishness that seems to have no bounds, beginning on "Black Friday",
the day after Thanksgiving Day, United States. It is also the time when
traditionally folks decorate their homes inside and out.<br />
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The following is one of my favorite, probably THE favorite Christmas traditional song, and is dedicated to my aunt, who loves it as much as I do ... This video is conducted by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Rieu" target="_blank"><b>Andre Rieu</b></a> and beautifully sung by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirusia_Louwerse" target="_blank"><b>Mirusia Louwerse</b></a> - a Dutch-Australian soprano.<br />
A very Merry Christmas to <b>Helen-Marie</b> ...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-14269973714358431472015-12-11T04:51:00.000-06:002015-12-11T05:01:44.335-06:00Victorian Era: 1837 to 1901<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzE-lsur7ONdE66_TSFNjBt2DvkLWvhMh8G_YEEhkEjBubA9MLfP9y45NK_ihA4mZDdRQizgACfDvEPq3kTXKdSEzau9DslEwCmV3VmYBAx9YX6_G_CIzZtyylL0r3c_t8932w4wUFH0/s1600/Queen+Victoria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzE-lsur7ONdE66_TSFNjBt2DvkLWvhMh8G_YEEhkEjBubA9MLfP9y45NK_ihA4mZDdRQizgACfDvEPq3kTXKdSEzau9DslEwCmV3VmYBAx9YX6_G_CIzZtyylL0r3c_t8932w4wUFH0/s1600/Queen+Victoria.jpg" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>Queen Victoria</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Much has been written about the
Victoria Era, a period of history named after <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/victoria_ministers_01.shtml"><b>Queen
Victoria</b></a> that lasted from 1837 to 1901 in England. It's
culture, architecture and fashion extended to America as well.
Indeed, it had become an international culture for a time.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was a part of the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/launch_gms_cotton_millionaire.shtml">Industrial
Revolution</a> that jump started Western civilization into the modern
world with <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/victorian_technology_01.shtml">technology</a>
and innovation. Britain and the United States as well as other places
in Europe were a part of the beginning of the industrial age. It
brought good things and also brought bad things, like child labor.
The world was changing and it was occurring quickly in terms of
historical events. Science was unraveling mysteries and new
discoveries and techniques were part of it in many areas of science
that included medicine, archaeology, astronomy, et cetera. It also
ushered in a period where people were interested in the paranormal,
sometimes fascinated with not just death, but researching life after
death.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was a time of prosperity as well as
poverty. Victorian writers wrote about the society, the paranormal,
scientific and archaeological discoveries; as well as the series of
inventions that took place during that period. Christmas traditional celebration and decorations were boosted during the Victorian era. Hollywood made films about the era with films like "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meet_Me_in_St._Louis" target="_blank"><i>Meet Me in St. Louis</i></a>". It was during this era that Christmas cards were handmade and stationary companies started printing them for the season.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Those that invested in those inventions
and built factories or owned the mines that produced steel to make
the wondrous 'new' age things became part of the wealthy elite.
People that had been previously rural moved to urban areas to find
skilled and unskilled jobs. Country families would come to towns to
stay with their relatives while they sought work to make a new life.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By 1850, half of England's former
peasant class were in Britain's cities; which in turn demanded that
apartment housing to be built and the new Victorian architecture was
incorporated to make homes for the middle and upper class. The middle
class grew during this period and their homes still stand today, a
testament of their workmanship and historical value to renovate. The
Victorian culture and innovative designs that represented both
classic and industrial age architecture and production was renovated
through the <a href="http://oldglorygunsmith.blogspot.com/2014/03/steampunk-and-neo-victorian-world.html"><i>Steampunk</i></a>
phenomenon – a Neo-Victorian renaissance. It was an age of art and
elegance and the Victorian fashions crossed the ocean to the United
States. It was also a new age concerning sexuality, but still had
some taboos.
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>Italianett</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The age or era was, of course, named
after Queen Victoria who was the longest lasting monarch in England's
history. She took the position at the young age of 18 and lived 68
years past that age. She took over a time when England was no longer
infatuated with royalty and the way things were handled. The
democratic system was a new way of doing things, which added to the
disenfranchise of the royals popularity. Queen Victoria, among other
things, has been credited with bringing respect of the English back
to the throne. She was adored by the majority of English and
respected in the United States and elsewhere.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Victorian government was one of the
earliest constitutional monarchies in the world. While she had
limited power, her advice was sought by the Parliament and the Prime
Minister.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The industrial growth caused growing
pains in England, as well as in the United States, where there were
not enough jobs to employ enough people. The middle class had to
compete with immigrants looking for the opportunity to work and live
in better conditions than their native country they left.
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0xKZhUG1vtwe8BbKYlDl42bYlm-ViYBn1Zrh3cpLJ_hoiNR-FlFOnykb8Yp_gWDVK3eGx_eT5-R-9mdHKDJRV-0RxTDDnlBX0uf_Jztg39odyWKiK4CC8IpPwOvpJCDCgo7M7HEo7GQ/s1600/victorian-wedding-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0xKZhUG1vtwe8BbKYlDl42bYlm-ViYBn1Zrh3cpLJ_hoiNR-FlFOnykb8Yp_gWDVK3eGx_eT5-R-9mdHKDJRV-0RxTDDnlBX0uf_Jztg39odyWKiK4CC8IpPwOvpJCDCgo7M7HEo7GQ/s1600/victorian-wedding-2.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In Victorian society, marriage became
the most important part of the life of a Victorian girl. Girls were
taught early about marriage and how to take care of a family. For a
mother, the marriage of her daughter was extremely special, as well
as the the groom and his family.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dresses that women wore underwent a
drastic transformation and learning etiquette was also an important
part of middle and upper class society.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today, Victorian style furniture is
still made for those who like its style; most fitting if one has a
Victorian style home. The furniture during the Victorian era was
inspired from a combination of Gothic, Tudor, and Neoclassical; with
some new alterations. Tables were usually made from mahogany,
rosewood, and oak, often topped with marble or granite; and like
today, the table served several purposes.
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnrbAf5IE1dUeYrPwNiZeGWq49vgIXjYFd5ao2lj3hiTazSLttUx_9SE42fDcWy3XHLfF9r-LIQ4hiIbjpmbYf7S2EB0xcW-fZBsD0KwVnjh8dFmiikvlvVYU9Kg_HABXAI23b2WiPFA/s1600/Victorian-Era-10709162-557-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnrbAf5IE1dUeYrPwNiZeGWq49vgIXjYFd5ao2lj3hiTazSLttUx_9SE42fDcWy3XHLfF9r-LIQ4hiIbjpmbYf7S2EB0xcW-fZBsD0KwVnjh8dFmiikvlvVYU9Kg_HABXAI23b2WiPFA/s1600/Victorian-Era-10709162-557-600.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Society has developed just like the
other facets of the Victorian era. Homes were built with parlors,
today called the 'family room' where guests were entertained and
families congregated. As parlors became a common factor in
architectural design, parlor games were invented. Christmas was a
special time of the year, and Victorian society began the tradition
of Christmas cards, usually handmade; and homes decorated inside and
out, with brightly lit trees with candles until electricity brought
about the invention of electric lights. Needless to say, the
Christmas tree was not lit when no one was around – and only for
brief times for as the tree stood awhile the branches would become
dry and flammable.</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Skilled and unskilled workers sometimes
found themselves out of work because machinery has taken their place
as the Industrial Age brought higher production. The textile mills
and other industries still needed workers to attend to the machines
and other production duties.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The cities became overcrowded, which
brought about more problems, like lack of jobs, which in turn raised
the poverty level. Children of poor families did not have the time
for parlor games, if they even had a parlor, but instead worked in
factories to help support the family to pay for the rent and other
expenses as well as food. Child labor became slave labor. They worked
long hours, up to 16 hours per day, for little pay. The working
conditions and the stress lowered the life expectancy to only 25
years old. Laws were made prohibiting them from working more than 12
hours, but working conditions remained gruesome.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Effectively, Victorian society's
wealthy were getting richer and the poor became poorer.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In regards to the Victorian society's
view of death, customs and practices were changing; less
superstitious traditions remained due to the advance of science,
discoveries, and knowledge. The <i>pauper's
grave</i>. If there were not enough mourners to attend, some
Victorians hired them. The professional mourners were called mutes.
Mourning attire was worn by the widow with full black and what was
called a <i>weeping veil</i>.
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLBFJDa7FQh90ARJeV6_O6ToQe5MIUeXozHVRPiL7Qf7ZIHjpI3gyqRYLZzDLnCtQkNafvCSET5psWqLkRtVTk3qTXT4KmUaPi8ahzKYCRD0BfqnJdv6ECr4HE98onQ8dYgfrmf3JmmM/s1600/Victorian+cemetery-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLBFJDa7FQh90ARJeV6_O6ToQe5MIUeXozHVRPiL7Qf7ZIHjpI3gyqRYLZzDLnCtQkNafvCSET5psWqLkRtVTk3qTXT4KmUaPi8ahzKYCRD0BfqnJdv6ECr4HE98onQ8dYgfrmf3JmmM/s1600/Victorian+cemetery-01.jpg" /></a></div>
Victorian era has been called the
cult of death because of the importance they put upon the cemetery
and fascination with death and life after death. But death was part
of life, for three out of every twenty babies died before their first
birthday; despite innovations in the medical field. Most often death
occurred in the home and the entire household would be involved in
dealing with it. Windows were closed, clocks were stopped, and
mirrors were covered. Bodies were not sent to a funeral home or
parlor, generally. The bodies were kept in the home until time for
the burial. Rules and regulations were initiated that concerned
proper death procedures and funeral rites. It would be a scandal to
not abide those rituals. The procession to the burial site was a
spectacular sight. Until the 1870s, funerals and the accompanying
processions were elaborate and expensive. Victorians had to provide a
decent burial for family members, even if meant financial hardship to
the survivors. The worst disgrace would be buried in a pauper's grave. In cemeteries and private burial grounds on estates, great monuments were built to the dead as well as ornate mausoleums. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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Victorians put great value on
education. Before the era, there were few children who attended
school; a majority never learning to read or write. For some, the
only formal education they had were at Sunday school. Importance of
education was instilled into Victorian society, which helped that to
change greatly. Upper class children, of course, still had all the
refinements and best educational institutions to choose from to
attend. Nannys were sometimes educated and were tutors. Most upper
class boys at the age of 12 were sent off to private schools with the
best educational opportunities, while girls would stay home after age
12 to learn the necessary skills to operate a household. However,
upper class girls had what they called 'finishing' schools to learn
etiquette and the important things concerning Victorian upper class
life.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Everyone else would sometimes attend
trade schools and learn a skilled craft, like woodwork, and cooking
became a part of the curriculum.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As previously mentioned, the value of
proper etiquette was high on the list of Victorian standards, and it
did not matter whether it was upper class or the lower class –
everyone was expected and required to pay attention to the standard
etiquette. For example, tipping one's hat when greeting a lady and it
was considered rude to speak loudly or in any way that would draw
attention to oneself. This was especially true for dining
conversation. Ladies must always be seated before men.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Men wore gloves, but were required to
remove them before being seated; but women did not remove them until
after being seated. Ladies were taught to be respectful toward men
and men were taught to treat women delicately. It was considered rude
to use a man's Christian name (first name) in regular conversation.
Salutation was always begun with 'Mr.' and then the surname [last
name]. It was a sign of respect.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The attire, or clothing, of the
Victorian era was virtually created by hand; which required a visit
to a seamstress or tailor to get the proper fitting and then create
clothing by hand. In the late Victorian era, about 1907, most
clothing was created by machines and in factories. That put
seamstresses out of business, forcing them to work in the clothing
factories. The benefit of the industrial age clothing is that many
types of clothing were available in one's size, once established, so
there was no need for a fitting most of the time. Handmade clothing
made it more expensive, so when industrial production became the
norm, less expensive clothing would have lace or some fancy trim.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Chemists had improved on colors and
dyes, so clothing toward the end of the Victorian age were more
colorful. It improved the look and afforded the consumer more of a
selection. The middle Victorian era featured lavish and decorated
dresses, some with trains that dragged the floor. Bonnets replaced
hats for the ladies, and umbrellas to keep the sun and rain off were
a common site on the Victorian street. It was vulgar to wear a dress
that showed any of the leg when passed the age of 16.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53b3lNk9zkyUE4pwyoYPkWt7UtkloENuQWGMpJ-XRqPBIMeCiSqwv8qpoAhttbUXWmGeAT98FcLFT2p249XmdLm6-Vi3PXXFouUpwRY7zr64qz9ER4meYToJz3jZlHJHEWlzJZc_DOws/s1600/victorian-womens-costumes-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53b3lNk9zkyUE4pwyoYPkWt7UtkloENuQWGMpJ-XRqPBIMeCiSqwv8qpoAhttbUXWmGeAT98FcLFT2p249XmdLm6-Vi3PXXFouUpwRY7zr64qz9ER4meYToJz3jZlHJHEWlzJZc_DOws/s1600/victorian-womens-costumes-1.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
The Victorians loved to eat, but most
ate only two meals per day; and if there was lunch, it would be a
light one. Supper was usually served late, like 8pm (or later), not
6pm. Large breakfasts were the custom, and because lunch was either
skipped or light; Victorians were very hungry by the evening meal.
Breakfasts and suppers often featured up to a nine-course meal; so
supper, at least was a feast. Each course was a small portion,
however. Those with money ate very well when it came to the two main
courses of the day.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tea parties became a fashion for
Victorian women, and afternoon tea became a tradition for both
gender. Recipes began to be published and popular; which afforded
women the opportunity to learn new recipes as well as cooking
techniques. Recipe books were important to Victorian women; those
that could afford them.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the changes brought upon by the
Victorian era and Queen Victoria was that slavery was abolished by
the Act of 1833 in England. It took longer and a civil war in the
United States before slavery was abolished.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWpw_6lAd3F82AfxxciItG50DE2vvhAwc3E7igFbcevIlVy9F6v3TMQj6NG2mPv0CeW5le9CoG5XfUsAyv_w12n3hgFgB6cGYJcwSqlwnrCklVWINv8LUdPdja8Jzvdz8pDSczbJETmg/s1600/Blue+Bell+-+England.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWpw_6lAd3F82AfxxciItG50DE2vvhAwc3E7igFbcevIlVy9F6v3TMQj6NG2mPv0CeW5le9CoG5XfUsAyv_w12n3hgFgB6cGYJcwSqlwnrCklVWINv8LUdPdja8Jzvdz8pDSczbJETmg/s1600/Blue+Bell+-+England.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The railway was a symbol of Victorian
progress that moved goods, food, and people faster than canals and
horse-drawn wagons. It also afforded people more job opportunities to
operate those railways. Rail carriages or coaches were designed like
a horse-drawn coach, at first, and it had foot warmers, oil lamps,
closed sides, and a roof. It was also divided into class categories,
such as the 2<sup>nd</sup> class rail coaches were roofed, but had
open sides. 3<sup>rd</sup> class coaches had no roof and passengers
were blistered by sparks and choked from the smoke coming from the
steam engine that pulled the carriage/coaches. By 1846, a law was
passed that required that all rail carriages/coaches have a roof.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Among the extensive names on the list
of Victorian authors, there were: Max Beerholm, Walter Besant, Mary
Elizabeth Braddon, Robert Browning, Robert Buchanan, Samuel Butler,
G.K. Chesterton, Thomas Carlyle, Benjamin Disraeli, Bertram Dobell,
Marie Corelli, Arthur Conan Doyle, George du Maurier, George Eliot,
Marianne Farningham, Edward Fitzgerald, Rudyard Kipling, Edward Lear,
John Stuart Mill, Henry Morley, Thomas Moore, Gerald Massey, Beatrix
Potter, Samuel Rogers, Robert Louis Stevenson, Bram Stoker, Alfred,
Lord Tennyson, Anthony Trollope, Oscar Wilde, and Isaac Williams.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Industrial Age was affecting the
United States during the Victorian era, and the English society
created by Queen Victoria caught in America. It was the Gilded Age
for Americans and fashion was mimicked from the former mother country
in clothes, morality, as well as etiquette. Streetcars [pulled by
horses] and trains were a familiar site across the nation, and the
suburb of the middle and upper class was created. The wealthy began
to winter in Florida made more feasible by the railroad system.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2rVaLb4dE9zWRWLwuGefbnVVzl4_vWI7gn4GKV7K_1V7iAUG-PxBarXXU7tcdSLzLqMwwN6GQiwivaHOEZpnyd3EZWea7CoXnlWOC3YZhLDXed-UdOClFQGOrNpOMEqQyBGkalYsY-E/s1600/391721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2rVaLb4dE9zWRWLwuGefbnVVzl4_vWI7gn4GKV7K_1V7iAUG-PxBarXXU7tcdSLzLqMwwN6GQiwivaHOEZpnyd3EZWea7CoXnlWOC3YZhLDXed-UdOClFQGOrNpOMEqQyBGkalYsY-E/s1600/391721.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Unlike in Europe, arts was funded
through private donations, not government funding. It became popular
for the wealthy to found opera houses, symphony orchestras, and build
museums, especially art museums. New wealthy families arose amongst
the established upper class society, which became known as the 'new
rich' and so the 'old' rich created a special society made up of
“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_stratification">proper
families</a>”. It was not easy for the new wealthy folks to become
part of that society. In New York City, one could buy their way into
the old society family group or if their children married into an old
family.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The poverty that the Industrial Age
brought on, as well as events like the <a href="http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/famine/introduction.htm">Potato
Famine</a>, encouraged vast amounts of immigrants to come to America
to seek their fortune during the Victorian era between 1837 and 1900.
Some stayed in the cities, while others took advantage of the land
opportunities that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_West">American
West</a> offered.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Immigration was not monitored in the
Victorian era, thus the masses that arrived in the United States
found there was not enough jobs to go around. With more workers than
jobs, some of the wealthy owners of industry took advantage of the
situation and generally did not properly compensate nor ensure safe
working conditions existed for their workers. When the 20<sup>th</sup>
century was ushered in, this prompted the socialist movement that had
already taken root in Europe; which in turn enacted the labor union
movement. Today, there are regulations that counter that problem of
fair wages and safe working conditions; however, the trade unions
have become part of the economic problem in that the wages are
inflated to such a degree that of union workers that the cost of
living continually climbs higher than union and especially non-union
wages can keep up. What occurs is businesses close down, particularly
small business that is the backbone of the economy in the United
States. Another problem today, due to political leadership not paying
attention to history, have an uncontrolled amount of immigrants
entering the United States and the job force; primarily illegal
immigrants. At the beginning of the 20<sup>th</sup> century,
immigration control was regulated and Ellis Island was established to
screen immigrants for health issues. While there Ellis Island closed
down decades ago, the practice of screening immigrants for health
issues, criminal records, and quota based on employment availability
still exists. However, the process is ignored by the federal
government that is in charge of enforcing immigration regulations;
which has encouraged more illegal immigrants who cross the southern
border of the US in alarming numbers, with the incentive that amnesty
will be provided by scheming politicians who see a voter base for
their political party. It is unfair to legal immigrants and has
caused several problems in American society that include crime
increase, the importation of the Central American criminal cartel,
and fraudulent activities concerning identification and unlawful
welfare benefits. It is a constant battle for the border security
force, frustrated in arresting illegal immigrants more than once
after they have been deported; as well as the exasperation of seeing
a vast amount of illegal immigrants entering the United States – to
the point of realistically considering it to be an invasion. Those
problems existed in the Victorian era with similar results.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As in England, Victorians in America
found they had time for entertainment, for the middle and upper
class. Parties held by society members were elaborate and parties
planned to outdo other parties. High society parties were published
in the social columns of newspapers. Victorian mansions had
ballrooms, most large enough for an orchestra.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Victorian architecture in the United
States was elaborate, romantic, and appealed to the emotions. The
size and structure of a house made known the amount of wealth the
owner had. Houses were large with many rooms, but most often they
were small; except the entertainment areas. Houses were set either in
the middle or the back of lots and the exteriors were painted with
bright colors. The interiors had heavy drapes, dark wood, dark wall
paper, and hardwood flooring. Many houses had two hallways and two
staircases; one grand staircase for guests and one plain for the
children and servants. The back halls and private rooms were not
decorative, usually plain with whitewash and wooden floors. The
public areas were designed to display elegance, virtue, and wealth.
It was an age of materialism, like the modern Yuppy period, and
Victorian houses grew exponentially with the wealth of the nation.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9gYi-5g4kVy4siJW4yEGIwmU338swgvvvKPG6S9hfT48yrGi1eiRPA64w2m-pX9YLBUrumWxGGIQl9DQK0OPJHEsQFXGdhlrek2Q_gGrGzJIpVV2CaYSln5cT1Bq-oe_Qg32BHs3VlU/s1600/Victorian+Mansion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9gYi-5g4kVy4siJW4yEGIwmU338swgvvvKPG6S9hfT48yrGi1eiRPA64w2m-pX9YLBUrumWxGGIQl9DQK0OPJHEsQFXGdhlrek2Q_gGrGzJIpVV2CaYSln5cT1Bq-oe_Qg32BHs3VlU/s1600/Victorian+Mansion.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>Victorian Mansion turned into Bed-and-Breakfast</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today, some of those Victorian homes
still stand, preserved by the historical society and private
ownership; but little of what good came out of the Victorian era in
society remain. Architects still design and home builders still build
Victorian homes, but with modern conveniences and energy saving
devices and structure. Most Victorian mansions and large homes have been renovated and turned into bed-and-breakfast establishments. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today's society, however, does not reap
the benefit of socialization that the Victorians had, however,
because with texting and other gains in technology has created an
unsociable society whose communication skills beyond texting is
deteriorating. Literally, society has isolated itself with the social
circles with no personal contact. And while advances such as the
Internet has made the world smaller and vast amounts of information
available to anyone with a computer and connection; society is losing
personal social interaction.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the Victorian era, women could not
vote nor did they have an equal position in society. Marriage,
especially a good one, was important. Today, thanks to the government
and their social experiments, marriage has become less important and
the divorce rates are higher as well as single parents. Abortion has
become the government's recommended and taxpayer financed birth
control. Americans are less independent and more dependent upon the
controlling government social programs designed for social
engineering. About 47% of the population is either on welfare
program(s) or are employed in either state or federal government
institutions. Big government and socialism, like pure democracy,
eventually kills itself. Indeed, democracy ends up as a welfare state
because the mob rules, not the law; and the law is the Constitution
of the United States that limits government power and designed to
provide a check-and-balance system that has almost been completely
ignored by politicians on both sides of the political aisle.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is no wonder that some Americans
yearn for the Victorian era, at least the positive aspects of it;
especially the strong family unit.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/jBNFdP2xr7c/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jBNFdP2xr7c?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-19267994226077097952015-12-11T04:46:00.004-06:002015-12-11T04:46:47.267-06:00RECALL: Savage Arms B.MAG .17 Caliber Rifle Bolt
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Savage Arms has announced a product
safety recall for a limited number of B.MAG .17 WSM rifle bolts. It
had been discovered that the bolt on some B.MAG rifles may contact
the safety button and push it forward into the “fire” position.
Savage has received no reports of accidents due to this problem, but
the gunmaker has established a website
(<a href="http://savagearms.com/recall/bmagbolt"><b>savagearms.com/recall/bmagbolt</b></a>) and a hotline: 844-784-3301 –
where customers can identify whether they own an affected firearm.
Refrain from using Savage B.MAG rifles until it is determined whether
a retrofit is necessary. Only B.MAGs with a serial number below
J800928 are included in this recall.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHy_HrrbF6MuWwvD-F2oH1UpyqmjiVm30MTBpT5EPedPZHw4LQw8PBJQmn4tNoRjfWliWgh_Ilc5aK6C8j-ojryAt-ZsuD0Y7wikAxb5COxKgH7-Ss5ivV4K7Ul7mIOGYcFj124_duzY/s1600/stars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="13" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHy_HrrbF6MuWwvD-F2oH1UpyqmjiVm30MTBpT5EPedPZHw4LQw8PBJQmn4tNoRjfWliWgh_Ilc5aK6C8j-ojryAt-ZsuD0Y7wikAxb5COxKgH7-Ss5ivV4K7Ul7mIOGYcFj124_duzY/s400/stars.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-36683737510727231632015-12-11T00:27:00.000-06:002015-12-11T04:48:09.992-06:00The Christmas Truce of 1914<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjctL0auP_4MeePbvwMQd6VkxWM0W0bR9qCAYI2t0nU5WASfMO8QQTj72i9KNZOiQeE0kOmvCJfZ2copInYmori8Mtyd99sEcgkE4hqxNixImxNXC10zSiT1bCIu_PNEkWJAvbrUdJZJE/s1600/Christmas-Truce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjctL0auP_4MeePbvwMQd6VkxWM0W0bR9qCAYI2t0nU5WASfMO8QQTj72i9KNZOiQeE0kOmvCJfZ2copInYmori8Mtyd99sEcgkE4hqxNixImxNXC10zSiT1bCIu_PNEkWJAvbrUdJZJE/s1600/Christmas-Truce.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I just watched the film <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joyeux_No%C3%ABl"><i><b>Joyeux
Noel</b></i></a> (<i>Merry Christmas</i>) about the miracle of a
Christmas Eve <a href="http://www.christmastruce.co.uk/article.html">truce</a>
of three armies, an historical event. The film was produced in France
in 2005, of which has English subtitles. It was well done and I
recommend viewing it. One of the actors, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Richardson"><b>Ian
Richardson</b></a>, portraying the bishop, was his last film before
his death. The film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at
the 78<sup>th</sup> Academy Awards.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>The<a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-spirit-of-the-1914-christmas-truce-1419006906" target="_blank"> Christmas Truce </a>is one of the most
remarkable stories concerning the holiday season that promotes peace
and goodwill.
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The even took place on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Front_(World_War_I)">Western
Front</a> on Christmas of 1914, 100 years ago. During the week
leading up to December 24<sup>th</sup>, 1914, German and British
soldiers crossed trenches into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_man%27s_land"><i>no
man's land</i></a>, burying the dead and swapping prisoners. On
Christmas Day they exchanged gifts, shared bottles of wine and even
played football (soccer). The entire front did not join in the
Christmas celebration, fighting continuing in some sectors. The
commanding officers on both sides looked upon it as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_truce#Fraternisation">fraternization</a>,
and as the war progressed on into 1916, soldiers were no longer
wishing to participate in a truce. This atmosphere was primarily
caused by the use of poison gas. Approximately 100,000 British and
German troops were involved in the unofficial truce.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Germans celebrate Christmas on December
24<sup>th</sup> more than they do on Christmas Day, as in Britain and
France. The German families have a large meal on the 24<sup>th</sup>
and “Father Christmas” delivers his gifts.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The truce was not reported for a week,
kept from the press, but the New York Times broke the embargo on
December 31<sup>st</sup>, 1914 and by January 8<sup>th</sup>, 1915,
pictures were sent to the press and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daily_Mirror"><i>Daily
Mirror</i></a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daily_Sketch"><i>Daily
Sketch</i></a> had front-page photos and stories.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There have been several films made
concerning the Christmas Truce of 1914, as aforementioned and other,
including plays beginning in 1933 and on into 2005. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Midnight_Clear"><i><b>Midnight
Clear </b></i></a>(1992) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oh!_What_a_Lovely_War"><i><b>Oh!
What a Lovely War</b></i></a> are two other films. A Christmas truce
<a href="http://www.christmastruce.co.uk/frelinghien.html">memorial</a>
was unveiled in Frelinghien, France on November 11, 2008.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBxtXGvpbbREE7yVNFJSfo5ou_GnN6I5xVCrnglQf_wIEkX_LvDjgkmwWf_RDXNpEbRL4Mofaky3JfMWT7pSRdPiirVna71ssGyXsgorNUQUvn6jLLJO4QP4J6-RvEkb-kNsYK4gBlu0/s1600/Christmas+Truce+1914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBxtXGvpbbREE7yVNFJSfo5ou_GnN6I5xVCrnglQf_wIEkX_LvDjgkmwWf_RDXNpEbRL4Mofaky3JfMWT7pSRdPiirVna71ssGyXsgorNUQUvn6jLLJO4QP4J6-RvEkb-kNsYK4gBlu0/s1600/Christmas+Truce+1914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A lithograph (above) of the truce by
<a href="http://www.lookandlearn.com/blog/10867/arthur-c-michael-artist/"><b>Arthur
C. Michael</b></a> was published on January 9, 1915 that shows
British and German soldiers exchanging gifts.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The following video is about the
Christmas Truce of 1914:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kg5rqxP2cZs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The even has never been repeated,
although there was an incredible encounter between a German fighter pilot and
American bomber aircraft, occurring four days before Christmas 1943, as the following
video reveals:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/nNmypZ9lv94?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is doubtful that such a Christmas
miracle could ever occur again. Today, the major enemy in many
countries are Islamic Jihadists who kill indiscriminately, have no
tolerance in their intolerant religious doctrine and destroy holy
places of Christianity and Judaism.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The hope for <i>Peace on Earth</i>, the
motto of this holiday season seemingly obscure as the Christmas Truce was
in 1914. However, it also a time for reflection and hope, so I wish you a ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--WZtjSPm4M0/Tv4e9cehpOI/AAAAAAAAH3I/Wq8gb0Wk7zU/s1600/MerryChristmas_animated.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--WZtjSPm4M0/Tv4e9cehpOI/AAAAAAAAH3I/Wq8gb0Wk7zU/s1600/MerryChristmas_animated.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>AND</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-20736672418025577692015-11-19T18:00:00.000-06:002015-11-19T18:00:04.728-06:00First Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENBADV72vinlkIt-VPM3zZ5JDmmPL_H1zPC4kcqIS8tZ70yzltrd9FjH3fkWRJCPOHbXnw8qGj6cmoHabW0fT_evs-ODNnL9OHtGyJM-2MlOH3uvWWWSd-YlQrnt7nh6dd4cX7UiorlQ/s1600/banner_happy-thanksgiving_animated.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENBADV72vinlkIt-VPM3zZ5JDmmPL_H1zPC4kcqIS8tZ70yzltrd9FjH3fkWRJCPOHbXnw8qGj6cmoHabW0fT_evs-ODNnL9OHtGyJM-2MlOH3uvWWWSd-YlQrnt7nh6dd4cX7UiorlQ/s1600/banner_happy-thanksgiving_animated.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thanksgiving began as part of the
religion of the English colonists (who had emigrated to Holland because of religious persecution) called <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/pilgrims" target="_blank"><i>Pilgrims</i></a> who made
thanksgiving prayers a part of their religious ceremonies. It was
days of prayer, not just feasting.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Contrary to belief, the first
thanksgiving feast with Native Americans occurred by a spontaneous desire to celebrate and give thanks for their lifesaving harvest.The local natives had played a big part in their survival of that first winter in 1620. The colonists had landed in December at the beginning of winter, and although they had provisions, there wasn't any harvest of crops to store. Actually, it was poor planning by the London Stock Company that had financed the expedition to found a settlement.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtRM67Tl95RJVaaeNIyeGMi_2QhkbCeIvZGgS9HO0LLCW0Y6yAes2HS3tBUJdoRT9gu0c2qnxis4D72nrzrWwJHnYMyAMC39nva72NsLgwzNhPMDMXtWfbCyfcOojxNZZwZFVwGGTsoQ/s1600/Mayflower+Landing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtRM67Tl95RJVaaeNIyeGMi_2QhkbCeIvZGgS9HO0LLCW0Y6yAes2HS3tBUJdoRT9gu0c2qnxis4D72nrzrWwJHnYMyAMC39nva72NsLgwzNhPMDMXtWfbCyfcOojxNZZwZFVwGGTsoQ/s320/Mayflower+Landing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Landing of the Pilgrims</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The first thanksgiving feast occurred
after the first successful harvest. The English colonists who had
experienced hardship and how to survive in the New World through
their Native American neighbors and every-day living experiences
decided that there should be a community feast celebrating the good
harvest to be part of the thanksgiving prayer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYyYeKezIERGckP9we5rlzYO3hMPhe0ZW0Tz0qi96F5D8XEzw9xGg9B_FvtKmVP-XjUUgolwrZ8O2TGU3b3EGI2E6e0BcvEWyRPR7U3cEtdCJw7HHiCV6vHm7KJGRTrFqhbl5jDX_kL4/s1600/Thanksgiving+Prayer_William+Shakespeare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYyYeKezIERGckP9we5rlzYO3hMPhe0ZW0Tz0qi96F5D8XEzw9xGg9B_FvtKmVP-XjUUgolwrZ8O2TGU3b3EGI2E6e0BcvEWyRPR7U3cEtdCJw7HHiCV6vHm7KJGRTrFqhbl5jDX_kL4/s400/Thanksgiving+Prayer_William+Shakespeare.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The year was 1621.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TgSBd0CN5tkopJ3aQV8ijzPhranUl8hh9oqzR8tgD2-txRmq6l_vhk174sUMw2hQ1KxdKz7KxKaCbtTwAWklxQblGZqL4T7wMOw1VIByPgLTTD1-nVTyBrTVi4MlFF5T-1oV7vqilT0/s1600/First+Thanksgiving_1621_canvas-oil_Jean+Leon+Gerome+Ferris-1899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TgSBd0CN5tkopJ3aQV8ijzPhranUl8hh9oqzR8tgD2-txRmq6l_vhk174sUMw2hQ1KxdKz7KxKaCbtTwAWklxQblGZqL4T7wMOw1VIByPgLTTD1-nVTyBrTVi4MlFF5T-1oV7vqilT0/s320/First+Thanksgiving_1621_canvas-oil_Jean+Leon+Gerome+Ferris-1899.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Oil Painting by<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Leon_Gerome_Ferris" target="_blank"> Jean Leon Gerome Ferris</a>, 1899</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://mayflowerhistory.com/massasoit/" target="_blank"><b>Massasoit</b></a>,
the Great <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachem" target="_blank"><i>Sachem</i></a>
(chief) of the Wampanoag made a two-day journey on foot with his wife
and 90 of his tribesmen to visit the Plymouth Colony (in Old English: <i>Plimouth</i>). The Sachem and
his tribe, according to the English, prevented the failure of the
Plymouth Colony through starvation, experienced in the early years of
the settlement. Massasoit had personal and political ties with
colonial leaders like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Carver" target="_blank"><b>John Carver</b></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hopkins_(settler)" target="_blank"><b>Stephen Hopkins</b></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Winslow" target="_blank"><b>Edward Winslow</b></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Bradford_(1590-1657)" target="_blank"><b>William Bradford</b></a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Standish" target="_blank"><b>Myles Standish</b></a>. A peace treaty had been signed on March 22, 1621.
It also kept the Wampanoag neutral in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pequot_War">Pequot
War</a> later in 1636.
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrTgJBLh_5djpJK4BvX9XjHuerGymAXzb5VkqjEph15n6W8j6P3NY0wdNB4BixfALUyydxMc-T31Qe0QIwOF_oj1jS5kfo0XnICeIt1cKFzPyNykSAXl3QiFqyX7UyyAec9YzfkRRIfo/s1600/Portraits-of-the-Pilgrim-Fathers_First-Thanksgiving_W.L.+Taylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrTgJBLh_5djpJK4BvX9XjHuerGymAXzb5VkqjEph15n6W8j6P3NY0wdNB4BixfALUyydxMc-T31Qe0QIwOF_oj1jS5kfo0XnICeIt1cKFzPyNykSAXl3QiFqyX7UyyAec9YzfkRRIfo/s400/Portraits-of-the-Pilgrim-Fathers_First-Thanksgiving_W.L.+Taylor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilgrim_Fathers" target="_blank"><i>Portraits of the Pilgrim Fathers</i></a></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Massasoit had five children, born
between 1621 and 1624. His arrival found himself amongst the Pilgrims
as they were preparing for the thanksgiving feast, so they were
invited to join them.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Part of the background of the first
Thanksgiving story is about a native American named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squanto" target="_blank"><b>Squanto</b></a>.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When the Wampanoag Confederacy was
formed, one of the confederated tribes was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patuxet_tribe" target="_blank">Patuxet</a>,
which a native by the name of <b>Squanto</b>, would become famous by
stories and legends of his exploits (some true), part of the
Thanksgiving history, and who crossed the Atlantic Ocean six times
visiting England. Born in 1585, he died on November 30, 1622. He and
his fellow tribesmen were instrumental in helping the early settlers
at Plymouth, somewhere in that vicinity was his birthplace and had
seen the arrival of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rxJoFtA6IA" target="_blank"><i>Mayflower</i></a>.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-fXH_e8g70lWNKhLvZq4PzYJJoy-fk0oxSX7KU4KWTD9I21DVcA25w2s3DmXLy8gD-gQRxGQtuxg9yJsJhxZFa3rLNzAMr7tlDX5r1OukkBsH-gvHybkEPbzRrPSm-ycjPZP9J6NnEk/s1600/Depiction+of+Squanto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-fXH_e8g70lWNKhLvZq4PzYJJoy-fk0oxSX7KU4KWTD9I21DVcA25w2s3DmXLy8gD-gQRxGQtuxg9yJsJhxZFa3rLNzAMr7tlDX5r1OukkBsH-gvHybkEPbzRrPSm-ycjPZP9J6NnEk/s320/Depiction+of+Squanto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In 1605, Captain <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Weymouth" target="_blank"><b>George Weymoyth</b></a>, exploring the New England coastline for Sir
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinando_Gorges" target="_blank"><b>Ferdinando Gorges</b></a>, owner of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymouth_Company" target="_blank"><i>Plymouth Company</i></a>, captured five members of the Patuxet, including
Squanto, who would be taught English in order to be a guide and
interpreter. Squanto returned to New England in 1614 with an
expedition led by Captain <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Smith_(explorer)" target="_blank"><b>John Smith</b></a>. It was at that time he traveled back to the Patuxet
and during the trip was abducted by <b>Thomas Hunt</b>, an Englishman
and one of Captain Smith's lieutenants. Squanto was captured, along
with others, to be taken to Spain to be sold along with fish and
corn; but when Squanto tried to sell Squanto and other Native
Americans into slavery for <span style="font-family: "constantia" , serif;">£</span><span style="font-family: "constantia";">20
each, local friars took away Squanto and his companions saving them
from slavery. Squanto was able to convince the friars to allow him to
try to return home. He arrived in London and took residence with
shipbuilder, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Slany" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "constantia";"><b>John Slany</b></span></a><span style="font-family: "constantia";">, who he worked for a few
years. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";">Returning at
last to his homeland, Squanto discovered that the Patuxet had been
exterminated by a plague, caused by either <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smallpox" target="_blank">smallpox</a>
or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptospirosis" target="_blank">leptospirosis</a>.
It was because Native Americans had not developed immunity from
European diseases. </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvniMmpdRPSs5lBeF7h6svhzMYFz3K0MkwGDGtGWwZrJXj6LTBDYFCWpkK0WCEeugI00Ub8nfs3ySNzhLxm-KlzqgNEJ_8PpyT3lgeNJ697TPrLzvqZRajwVTuZJ9VLa6sLzBREJ6Rfgk/s1600/Squanto+and+the+Pilgrims.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvniMmpdRPSs5lBeF7h6svhzMYFz3K0MkwGDGtGWwZrJXj6LTBDYFCWpkK0WCEeugI00Ub8nfs3ySNzhLxm-KlzqgNEJ_8PpyT3lgeNJ697TPrLzvqZRajwVTuZJ9VLa6sLzBREJ6Rfgk/s200/Squanto+and+the+Pilgrims.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";">In 1621,
Squanto was the guide and translator for <b>Stephen Hopkins</b> and <b>Edward
Winslow</b> as they traveled on diplomatic missions to the Wampanoag.
Squanto was captured by Wampanoag while gathering information on a
renegade, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corbitant" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "constantia";"><b>Corbitant</b></span></a><span style="font-family: "constantia";">,
at a village, but was rescued by Myles Standish and ten settlers from
Plymouth. Squanto continued to assist the settlers of Plymouth until
his death due to illness in 1622. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";">In the History of the English
Settlement by Governor <b>William Bradford</b>, a eulogy was written on
behalf of Squanto:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";"><i><b>Here</b></i></span><span style="font-family: "constantia";">
[Manamoick Bay] </span><span style="font-family: "constantia";"><i><b>Squanto fell ill
of Indian fever, bleeding much at the nose, which the Indians take as
a symptom of death, and within a few days he died. He begged the
Governor to pray for him, that he might go to the Englishman's God in
heaven, and bequeathed several of his things to his English friends,
as remembrances. His death was a great loss</b></i></span><span style="font-family: "constantia";">.
</span>
</div>
</blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXiVw6xoLL6IpTsD57JbqT6b1_qrB-IuxV1UJkvYtehal1yBjIrfZMSkegdkqtKFy4Il8k8ZVGtICt5b-WbVYCNpxbNaR4ygSvt9bhjGPsO9AnM7qVdOpZor3D_50w9f_SsCLuv15ZoI/s1600/Adam+Beach+as+Squanto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXiVw6xoLL6IpTsD57JbqT6b1_qrB-IuxV1UJkvYtehal1yBjIrfZMSkegdkqtKFy4Il8k8ZVGtICt5b-WbVYCNpxbNaR4ygSvt9bhjGPsO9AnM7qVdOpZor3D_50w9f_SsCLuv15ZoI/s200/Adam+Beach+as+Squanto.jpg" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Adam Beach as Squanto</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";"><i>Disney</i> produced a film entitled <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squanto:_A_Warrior%27s_Tale" target="_blank"><b><i>Squanto: A Warrior's Tale</i></b></a>, which is loosely based upon the famous Native American, starring <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Beach" target="_blank"><b>Adam Beach</b></a>, portraying <b>Squanto</b>, who has played other parts in films about Native Americans, especially notable in</span><span dir="auto"><i><span style="font-family: "constantia";"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bury_My_Heart_at_Wounded_Knee_%28film%29" target="_blank"><b>Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee</b></a></i><span style="font-family: "constantia";"><i><b> </b></i>and an award-winning performance in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windtalkers" target="_blank"><b><i>Windtalkers</i></b></a>. <i><b> </b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5SQ0RiVNQx8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";">His name is
familiar to historians and people of Massachusetts, along with the
chief <b>Massasoit</b>, for which a Massachusetts <a href="http://www.massasoit.mass.edu/" target="_blank">community college</a> is named; part of the tale of the first Thanksgiving. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";">Massasoit died
in 1661 from old age, having lived a long and interesting life,
respected by the first settlers in the New World, as well as their
descendents. His son would take up the English name of Alexander and
replaced his father as chief of the Massasoit people, the first
people of the state of Massachusetts. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhOrAAQZXC-_B_DnzeKKXqMg0lFbFpLVLn4k79pgIs0lQ7JJzeRHh16p3snHlcv0IFJzaTG4hFnafgE4Q3A7Ks2HGaluDlHXvdgWzgK4TjW0TRLtvsMoDaGq9yTjbIsGigSnMB6PYPD0/s1600/Massasoit_statue_plymouth_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhOrAAQZXC-_B_DnzeKKXqMg0lFbFpLVLn4k79pgIs0lQ7JJzeRHh16p3snHlcv0IFJzaTG4hFnafgE4Q3A7Ks2HGaluDlHXvdgWzgK4TjW0TRLtvsMoDaGq9yTjbIsGigSnMB6PYPD0/s320/Massasoit_statue_plymouth_2007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Massasoit statue near Plymouth Rock</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";"><b>Edward
Winslow </b></span><span style="font-family: "constantia";">wrote a description of the
chief, Massasoit, a first impression as part of the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayflower" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "constantia";"><i>Mayflower</i></span></a><span style="font-family: "constantia";">
pilgrims, who would later become an ally and friend of the Pilgrims …</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";"><i><b>In his
person he is a very lusty man, in his best years, an able body, grave
of countenance, and spare of speech. In his attire little or nothing
differing from the rest of his followers, only in a great chain of
white bone beads about his neck, and at it behind his neck hangs a
little bag of tobacco, which he drank and gave us to drink; his face
was painted with a sad red like murry, and oiled both head and face,
that he looked greasily. All his followers likewise, were in their
faces, in part or in whole painted, some black, some red, some
yellow, and some white, some with crosses, and other antic works;
some had skins on them, and some naked, all strong, tall, all men of
appearance . . . [he] had in his bosom hanging in a string, a great
long knife; he marveled much at our trumpet, and some of his men
would sound it as well as they could</b></i></span><span style="font-family: "constantia";">.
</span>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";">The state name, <i>Massachusetts</i>, is said to originate from the Algonquin language, but the famous chief name, <b>Massasoit</b>, seems to be more part of the name. If it is the origin, it would be fitting, a First American who attended the first thanksgiving feast.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";">The following
video is the story of the colonists who would become the first
American immigrants to begin the Thanksgiving Day feast celebration. </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/wFDSobNnfQs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "constantia";">The next video
is a clip from the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Addams_Family"><span style="font-family: "constantia";"><i>Addams
Family</i></span></a><span style="font-family: "constantia";"> humorous film, based on
cartoon characters created by </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Addams"><span style="font-family: "constantia";"><b>Charles
Addams</b></span></a><span style="font-family: "constantia";">, depicting their
children's version of a Thanksgiving play at a youth camp … </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tJE3KDxTbWI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHHTFO86KR71Okd4IhduggxDbtgba6vmGzL7OVq9J3X528kU9hX5N-PxnapbPZDnsFvXt9hY4NORyG4SyBLwLZgsjyhQ_7pNlkRsd2yjYMg1wvNrELa-ELxZIt1oW9lhQEdEtG5Uym5g/s1600/THSC_051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHHTFO86KR71Okd4IhduggxDbtgba6vmGzL7OVq9J3X528kU9hX5N-PxnapbPZDnsFvXt9hY4NORyG4SyBLwLZgsjyhQ_7pNlkRsd2yjYMg1wvNrELa-ELxZIt1oW9lhQEdEtG5Uym5g/s200/THSC_051.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "constantia";">Of course, the
</span><span style="font-family: "constantia";"><i>Addams Family</i></span><span style="font-family: "constantia";">,
has been symbolized as part of another holiday in the United States –
</span><a href="http://veritas-et-theologium.blogspot.com/2012/01/chapter-10-doctors-of-church.html"><span style="font-family: "constantia";"><i>Halloween</i></span></a><span style="font-family: "constantia";">.
</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTseBc4XceKfn1yUko7IF0pGC5_pwtLpexYsuC_TVUtB7F_dZPnxRI1dJMboXcsWqZeqDZXqPWllcq3kd3j1OGGXgrlCci6WhqcQ6VA0xrVQ0llk74Yb9jlkVGTeb0VaZ8MGFP38D2AY/s1600/pilgrims-6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTseBc4XceKfn1yUko7IF0pGC5_pwtLpexYsuC_TVUtB7F_dZPnxRI1dJMboXcsWqZeqDZXqPWllcq3kd3j1OGGXgrlCci6WhqcQ6VA0xrVQ0llk74Yb9jlkVGTeb0VaZ8MGFP38D2AY/s200/pilgrims-6.gif" width="138" /></a><span style="font-family: "constantia";">Today,
Thanksgiving Day, for the most part, is a time for feasting as well, a
family gathering, with an added American sport, football, included in
the day's activities. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hope everyone has a great family feast and fellowship on a day set aside that originally was a feast of thanks and celebration for the first successful harvest of the first English settlers on the first day of thanksgiving.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6qzyvkl37h6CUO4TTgi16DtQVa6DanuoDxVttXgkH-CTtITAHhgx8K5Az_6ou7U9h3_fOYop-x82k7CBYO9inQNYgGC_pf5AiwwQ_OgmxWOY7F2ih7rq6Si3Nq1X9vwXIwCf00DrttM/s1600/first-thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6qzyvkl37h6CUO4TTgi16DtQVa6DanuoDxVttXgkH-CTtITAHhgx8K5Az_6ou7U9h3_fOYop-x82k7CBYO9inQNYgGC_pf5AiwwQ_OgmxWOY7F2ih7rq6Si3Nq1X9vwXIwCf00DrttM/s1600/first-thanksgiving.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><b>See Also</b></span>: <i><b>Patriot Post</b></i>: <a href="http://patriotpost.us/pages/284" target="_blank"><b><i>History and Legacy of Thanksgiving</i></b></a>. </div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZdQ8CosYvOY0ewG550uce419OBDrbKzf_4gaAx13VYkWOB0Qc9g9EvR8A0aIEGz9KJaAdo1lUUH5B22PMP8cA7gop581qKEdExh8aVS7Ri12UpXCDbKdHKL8gmzxCn2bi1ov3M5FX6c/s1600/Happy+Turkey+Day+-+animated.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZdQ8CosYvOY0ewG550uce419OBDrbKzf_4gaAx13VYkWOB0Qc9g9EvR8A0aIEGz9KJaAdo1lUUH5B22PMP8cA7gop581qKEdExh8aVS7Ri12UpXCDbKdHKL8gmzxCn2bi1ov3M5FX6c/s320/Happy+Turkey+Day+-+animated.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-67205810951722302772015-11-14T08:01:00.001-06:002015-11-14T08:01:54.185-06:00Weapons of Choice: Savage Model A17
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCANzBt0dFJVP29dr-R7HdAtetB8YUbQs_S0rS2UCdanA1AHei7qC3weAC5OHRGkfsyY0PmQGolBcoa6q0GHBtrccr0vzuWtAX_4-4DFgYm1I3iTnYDJW-fPLr9x9_nddSLjQKMh0N_g/s1600/Savage+A17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCANzBt0dFJVP29dr-R7HdAtetB8YUbQs_S0rS2UCdanA1AHei7qC3weAC5OHRGkfsyY0PmQGolBcoa6q0GHBtrccr0vzuWtAX_4-4DFgYm1I3iTnYDJW-fPLr9x9_nddSLjQKMh0N_g/s1600/Savage+A17.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Savage has worked on a rifle that will
properly fire the .17 HMR cartridge in a semi-automatic rifle for a
little over two years. While the .17 HMR has been around in
bolt-action rifles for some time, the modernized so-called 'varmint'
ammunition has been an improved cartridge versus the .22 caliber
magnum for small game hunting and 100-yard target practice. It is
still economical, especially for those who have been using the .223
caliber (5.56mm) for small game hunting rather than using .22 magnum
for small game hunting up to the size of boars.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>Savage has solved the cycling problem
of a semi-automatic rifle using the .17 HMR, working with the CCI
ammunition factory to come up with a combination that works. It works
because of two factors: (1) delayed blow-back system and (2) using a
rotary magazine like found in other small-caliber rifles.
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTipOPAjwDpZqNlOPelFkNjcPdrbP2auzQL8CgRI3W9DINNtlEuTsoanaUK9juFlR8_aFrTZXNyAIzpbqMIWz9Kq9QHraZigADD0IrmcQCQ_CgNfi83KDiAsf77XJpZq4C44GATvvDDiM/s1600/A17+rotary+magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTipOPAjwDpZqNlOPelFkNjcPdrbP2auzQL8CgRI3W9DINNtlEuTsoanaUK9juFlR8_aFrTZXNyAIzpbqMIWz9Kq9QHraZigADD0IrmcQCQ_CgNfi83KDiAsf77XJpZq4C44GATvvDDiM/s200/A17+rotary+magazine.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>A17 Rotary Magazine</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The blow-back system has been around
for decades, so nothing new there; but the delayed blow-back system
has only been recently used successfully.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.cci-ammunition.com/"><i><b>CCI</b></i></a>
developed a special load they call the A17 Varmint Tip that has a
2,650 fps muzzle velocity using 17 grains. It is 100 fps faster than
other .17 HMR loads offered by Hornady, Winchester, Remington, PMC,
and previously manufactured CCI .17 HMR loads.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The following video is provided by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDf7NGjnQ5NlhIA5RZnTqSg"><i>Gun
Tests Magazine</i></a>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QfTDHc8f1YI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QfTDHc8f1YI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The .17 HMR cartridge was introduced
back in 2002, but for some reason unknown to me, this popular small
caliber high velocity round has not been incentive for manufacturers
to produce a quality semi-auto instead of just a bolt-action being
available.
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cE04iNuNG5Vm8c21v_baNkiCxwlFemuUsCx9B_er4fc4XizmSelij9R-cDOBazUHlYHCHHIwJnORRgUgCuyN1H143jU7uCQoKZOLj3TtSaQhI3Oq6DbDDNWhnY_2-ugqB97w1Ea5aBc/s1600/Savage+Auto+CCI+.17+HMR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cE04iNuNG5Vm8c21v_baNkiCxwlFemuUsCx9B_er4fc4XizmSelij9R-cDOBazUHlYHCHHIwJnORRgUgCuyN1H143jU7uCQoKZOLj3TtSaQhI3Oq6DbDDNWhnY_2-ugqB97w1Ea5aBc/s200/Savage+Auto+CCI+.17+HMR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>Savage-CCI .17 HMR Auto</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The problem was not there was enough
pressure, but that semi-autos were not built or adapted to it in its
operation of closing the bolt. As the video review stated, “it's
all in the timing”, as with all semi-auto and automatic firearms.
Firearms up to this point did not have the capability of handling a
high-intensity center-fire cartridge with a straight blowback system.
The bullet weight was also a factor having half of the 40-grain
payload of the .22 LT and .22 Magnum cartridge. The <a href="http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/special-runs/past-special-runs/centerfire/model-700-vs-17-remington.aspx"><i><b>Remington</b></i><b>
Model 17</b></a> rifle (bolt-action) uses the more efficient
centerfire .17 HMR. [MSRP = $844] While the .17 HMR was introduced to
the public in 1971, it wasn't until recently that it has become so
popular for those choosing to use smaller calibers, but wanted
something more efficient than the .22. Remington based its design
upon the .223/5.56mm cartridge and just like its big brother,
centerfire rather than rimfire.
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz20uUcMSoGqOfl7fx_UO4B1Xq2a-QxG9LcBLyegrfhg5CjiM2QlshJL4IOMDYOvkd1bhdZdVjJTN4ykQLh4cu-6XfHhBxpFoKBWCcIAlspsrhuAztPpB4qKV8fchQXFip6wE2mAm-BXY/s1600/A17+shot+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz20uUcMSoGqOfl7fx_UO4B1Xq2a-QxG9LcBLyegrfhg5CjiM2QlshJL4IOMDYOvkd1bhdZdVjJTN4ykQLh4cu-6XfHhBxpFoKBWCcIAlspsrhuAztPpB4qKV8fchQXFip6wE2mAm-BXY/s320/A17+shot+group.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>A17 Shot Group</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The A17 has a collapsible lug in the
top surface of the bolt that engages a slot in the ceiling of the
receiver. The rearward force of the bolt causes the lug to collapse
and allows the bolt to open and move to the rear. One can see with
the complexity that it took the Savage research & development
folks over 2 years to get it right. In testing various ammo, it has
been found that the best group was attained with Hornady 17-grain
V-Max load ammo.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The round is fed by a 10-round rotary
magazine that was first used by <a href="http://www.ruger.com/products/rotaryMagazine/index.html"><i><b>Ruger</b></i></a>
in 1983 for high-quality magazine-fed rifles in .22 rimfire.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpS0afEPY5CKKkKn-K5u7eDXYYKWAKvYG-3wTwLMuP9knhh3bkGo0MnOMU1LOnW7Enr528DC8MKki6Sw-adE0oAee56r41tJ8kg9uk5VF6UjH5frUge4kgvyhwFro2-9foQ5r2IV4H1pE/s1600/Savage+A17+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpS0afEPY5CKKkKn-K5u7eDXYYKWAKvYG-3wTwLMuP9knhh3bkGo0MnOMU1LOnW7Enr528DC8MKki6Sw-adE0oAee56r41tJ8kg9uk5VF6UjH5frUge4kgvyhwFro2-9foQ5r2IV4H1pE/s1600/Savage+A17+winter.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The <a href="http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/A17">A17</a>
weighs 5.4 pounds without scope and MRSP is $465. Total length is 42
inches making it a long rifle for hunting accurately out to 250
yards.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHy_HrrbF6MuWwvD-F2oH1UpyqmjiVm30MTBpT5EPedPZHw4LQw8PBJQmn4tNoRjfWliWgh_Ilc5aK6C8j-ojryAt-ZsuD0Y7wikAxb5COxKgH7-Ss5ivV4K7Ul7mIOGYcFj124_duzY/s1600/stars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="13" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHy_HrrbF6MuWwvD-F2oH1UpyqmjiVm30MTBpT5EPedPZHw4LQw8PBJQmn4tNoRjfWliWgh_Ilc5aK6C8j-ojryAt-ZsuD0Y7wikAxb5COxKgH7-Ss5ivV4K7Ul7mIOGYcFj124_duzY/s400/stars.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-16695815884261387032015-11-09T02:10:00.002-06:002015-11-09T02:34:55.181-06:00So You Have A Concealed Carry Permit. What About Training?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32U0oi-4ho1Mrj1xuhO3ia1v2JAIMwAJc6FIprk54CrZPPcunRkuGI0i4TbUdPPU1b0QAbjThWP4oHbqKRh0QCOa6enMe8eCLK_kAlI_CRe0YeBpoyVqcNW5jZN1MS-jsHQIzlgNjKjc/s1600/2ndAmendment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32U0oi-4ho1Mrj1xuhO3ia1v2JAIMwAJc6FIprk54CrZPPcunRkuGI0i4TbUdPPU1b0QAbjThWP4oHbqKRh0QCOa6enMe8eCLK_kAlI_CRe0YeBpoyVqcNW5jZN1MS-jsHQIzlgNjKjc/s320/2ndAmendment.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Citizens of the United States are the
only people of a nation with a national constitution written for the
People and established rights, liberties and rules for government by
the People. Despite in recent decades of politicians ignoring that
Constitution and its articles and amendments because of apathy and
ignorance towards that Constitution – one amendment to that
constitution stands out among other constitutions of other nations:
the Second Amendment. It is a simple paragraph that simply states
that each citizen is expected to be militia to defend the nation and
its constitution against foreign and domestic enemies, and if
necessary, to overthrow a government turned to tyranny and who does
not abide by the articles and amendments of the Constitution of the
United States. The Second Amendment guarantees that each lawful
citizen has the right to keep and bear arms.<br />
NOTE: One exception among foreign nations is Switzerland, who has a small standing army for defense purposes and relies upon its citizen militia to be on call in case of national emergency. Every able-bodied citizen undergoes basic training and when completed goes home with necessary combat gear to include a military weapon and expected to practice marksmanship periodically. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgGTPogboDgRm2kgTu8FSG0MX5U2LrRUWJI3nH3DaCEYn-dl3xNILOwfoqUx2toAo5pbXhsN66trsy7XNLCoB-p7MwCExFWI5RXuYYW8crRfueTB-ZZYCXVQFC42JFOeWHOC8PgigT5Y/s1600/Conceal-Carry+training.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgGTPogboDgRm2kgTu8FSG0MX5U2LrRUWJI3nH3DaCEYn-dl3xNILOwfoqUx2toAo5pbXhsN66trsy7XNLCoB-p7MwCExFWI5RXuYYW8crRfueTB-ZZYCXVQFC42JFOeWHOC8PgigT5Y/s200/Conceal-Carry+training.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With every right and liberty,
especially the Second Amendment, there is responsibility to enact
that right effectively, legally, and safely. Liberties and rights
demand responsibility; just as the duty and task of each citizen to
vote – and do so responsibly.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today, most states recognize the Second
Amendment to the US Constitution, but in order to carry a concealed
firearm/weapon, one must apply for a permit that requires a
background check, fingerprinting, and, in most cases, a credited
handling and safety course for handguns.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Whether required or not, and even if a
concealed permit carrier is a military veteran, it would be best to
attend a training program or retraining program to refresh and
bone-up on skills required for self defense. There are quality
schools across the nation, but the one that stands out to meet the
above criteria, teaching marksmanship, correct handling, and
discipline required for self-defense and combat-type shooting
required.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVRAaA-a1RLdMw-Epnq_M0xZRj3wkH1Ho9m4tNlTu31f461lAmWmFWoCWyPJiWRrmGmRbRArJLKFqJL_fO2qMO7QDxMbeOQk0f1Ho0DOsCeArz9NFBNiHbi9kJn0Rz0V6xbdvUAfW0eQ/s1600/GunSite+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVRAaA-a1RLdMw-Epnq_M0xZRj3wkH1Ho9m4tNlTu31f461lAmWmFWoCWyPJiWRrmGmRbRArJLKFqJL_fO2qMO7QDxMbeOQk0f1Ho0DOsCeArz9NFBNiHbi9kJn0Rz0V6xbdvUAfW0eQ/s1600/GunSite+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The one school that stands out is the
<a href="http://www.gunsite.com/"><i><b>GunSite Academy</b></i></a>
that goes beyond simple marksmanship and firearm discipline that
includes principles of combat and mental training that has been
established by its founder, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Cooper"><b>Jeff
Cooper</b></a>, as <a href="http://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2012/4/27/the-combat-triad-a-training-tool-for-personal-defense/"><i>Combat
Triad</i></a>. The school offers several levels of instruction for
handgun, carbine, shotgun, bolt-action, and semi-auto precision
rifles.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Each instructor is someone who served
in Law Enforcement, the military, or for some, both. Each instructor
has been drilled with the doctrine and tradition of Gunsite Academy. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1KltDVOxZjRgaNNuqehW-hqMfvciRskSF3L7f0H7an-SfZNS-uVhiUcSHDYndtNaL4oIzLCqYxFyN9ejspO4trFZmgsbMinGqJ9jx4OzzxjBl8rpJge9eyaYXOnHxxRLpduwDKFl9gI/s1600/Colonel+Jeff+Cooper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1KltDVOxZjRgaNNuqehW-hqMfvciRskSF3L7f0H7an-SfZNS-uVhiUcSHDYndtNaL4oIzLCqYxFyN9ejspO4trFZmgsbMinGqJ9jx4OzzxjBl8rpJge9eyaYXOnHxxRLpduwDKFl9gI/s200/Colonel+Jeff+Cooper.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Cooper"><b>John
Dean “Jeff” Cooper</b></a> (1920-2006, was a graduate of Stanford
University with a bachelor's degree in political science when he
received a commission in the USMC (United States Marine Corps) in
1941. At the end of the second world war he was promoted to major and
resigned his commission in 1949 only to return to active duty during
the Korean War where he was involved in 'irregular' insurgency
warfare, being promoted to lieutenant colonel. After the Korean War,
the Marine Corps declined his application to remain on active duty.
From the 1950s through early 1970s, he taught history at high school
and community college level.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In 1976, Cooper founded the American
Pistol Institute (API) in Paulden, Arizona, which later became
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunsite_Academy"><i>Gunsite
Academy</i></a>. Cooper started out teaching shotgun and rifle
classes to law enforcement and military personnel, as well as
civilians with on-site training for individuals and groups that came
from around the globe. He sold the establishment in 1992, but
continued to live on the Paulden ranch. His favorite handgun was,
naturally, the Colt 1911 chambered for .45 ACP cartridge.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jeff Cooper was the inventor of the
'<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_technique_(shooting)"><i>Modern
Technique</i></a> of the Pistol' that emphasizes two-handed shooting
called the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weaver_stance"><i>Weaver
Stance</i></a> and the one-handed shooting technique that utilizes
five elements: (1) large caliber pistol, preferably semi-auto; (2)
<i>Weaver Stance</i>; (3) Draw Stroke; (4) Flash-Sight picture; and
(5) compressed surprise trigger break.
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Colonel Cooper carried his M1911 in the
“Cocked and Locked” position he referred to as Condition 1, a
standard combat carry method for that particular sidearm. M1911 is a
single-action only sidearm. All other handguns fall under the
Condition 2 system that the M1911 cannot be carried as such without a
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_(firearms)#Firing_pin_block">firing-pin
safety catch</a>.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cooper also designed the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bren_Ten"><i>Bren
Ten</i></a> pistol.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Martial Arts is usually akin to the
Asian schooling of hand-to-hand combat, but since the term 'martial
art' comes from the Latin phrase meaning “arts of Mars” (god of
war); this includes the combined physical and mental instruction and
training concerning combat weapons in the modern inventory.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jeff Cooper is the one who established
the 'combat mindset' called the <a href="http://www.teddytactical.com/SharpenBladeArticle/4_States%20of%20Awareness.htm"><i>Cooper
Color Codes</i></a>. It is based on the concept that the primary tool
is combat mindset that has been established by Cooper's book:
<i><b>Principles of Personal Defense</b></i>. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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</iframe>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It all has to do with one's state of
mind, pertaining to the degree of peril and degree which you are
willing to do something about it. Cooper never claims to have
invented the concept, but developed a system involving color coding
in order to instruct training of combat mental state. It is a means
for a trainee to condition their mind and “think” in a fight. As
the danger level increases, so does requirement to take certain
actions increase. Cooper's comment on the subject:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>We cannot say that the
government’s ideas about colors are wrong, but that they are
different from what we have long taught here. The problem is this:
your combat mind-set is not dictated by the amount of danger to which
you are exposed at the time. Your combat mind-set is properly
dictated by the state of mind you think appropriate to the situation.
You may be in deadly danger at all times, regardless of what the
Defense Department tells you. The color code which influences you
does depend upon the willingness you have to jump a psychological
barrier against taking irrevocable action. That decision is less hard
to make since the jihadis have already made it. </b></i>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cooper
established for his instruction and Gunsite Academy, four basic rules
of firearm safety: (1) all guns are always loaded; (2) never let the
muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy; (3) keep your
finger off trigger until your sights are on target; (4) identify
target and what is behind it. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If
you cannot afford to travel to and attend the various levels of
instruction at the Gunsite Academy, you can use its rules to identify
a quality local place of instruction that matches or comes close to
standards that have made the Gunsite Academy world renown. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cooper
is gone now, but his memory remains in the individual and group
training available at the academy. His home remains on the GunSite
property.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Some
of Cooper's students progressed to be certified as “Shooting
Masters”:</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Selleck"><span style="font-style: normal;">Tom
Selleck</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(actor), </span></span><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdullah_II_of_Jordan"><span style="font-style: normal;">King
Abdullah of Jordan</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Milius"><span style="font-style: normal;">John
Millius</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(producer/director/writer), </span></span><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_J._Rathner"><span style="font-style: normal;">Todd
J. Rathner</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(NRA director), </span></span><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Satterwhite_(sport_shooter)"><span style="font-style: normal;">John
Satterwhite</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(Olympic skeet-shoot champion), and </span></span><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan-Michael_Vincent"><span style="font-style: normal;">Jan-Michael
Vincent</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(actor). </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There
are youth courses for teenagers available, providing a 'summer camp'
atmosphere and a place for young folks to learn from the best about
handling, safety, responsibility, and mental state of self defense.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">One final and important note: expect to be required to undergo a judicial hearing after using a firearm in self-defense. Law enforcement officers are also required to undergo a hearing when they are forced to use their firearm as well. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It would be a good thing to join the NRA and you will receive one of their magazines (your choice) as part of their annual fee. NRA has a listing of organizations that provide concealed-carry persons with judicial insurance. The organizations will provide you with a lawyer that specializes in cases where one must use a firearm in self defense and get you through the required judicial procedures of your locality. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You do not have to live in the United States to receive an NRA membership, but the concealed-carry judicial protection insurance requires to be living in United States. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-10917952804777106232015-11-02T02:16:00.002-06:002015-11-02T02:21:03.480-06:00American Hero: Kenneth E. Stumpf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIYDDbVlBPPz7_mmxTjprwWBVl38Mq65VqQDz2-RA__dD13hjWAPJmUY8w5B5JnJY6PY9yHq0CPmyCJmiT9cz_VJsgAwLNyG8Bf0KlcCGV0fhyphenhyphen5tRidoc_txIsqUZ88-EAOQLSVN0vaE/s1600/Kenneth+E.+Stumpf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIYDDbVlBPPz7_mmxTjprwWBVl38Mq65VqQDz2-RA__dD13hjWAPJmUY8w5B5JnJY6PY9yHq0CPmyCJmiT9cz_VJsgAwLNyG8Bf0KlcCGV0fhyphenhyphen5tRidoc_txIsqUZ88-EAOQLSVN0vaE/s200/Kenneth+E.+Stumpf.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>Kenneth E. Stumpf</b> joined the Army from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee,_Wisconsin">Milwaukee,
Wisconsin</a>, and by April 25, 1967 was serving as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specialist_%28rank%29">Specialist
Four</a> in Company C, 1st Battalion, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/35th_Infantry_Regiment_%28United_States%29">35th
Infantry Regiment</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/25th_Infantry_Division_%28United_States%29">25th
Infantry Division</a>. On that day, near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%90%E1%BB%A9c_Ph%E1%BB%95_Base_Camp">Đức
Phổ</a> in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Vietnam">Republic
of Vietnam</a>, Stumpf rescued three wounded comrades despite heavy
fire and single-handedly disabled an enemy <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunker">bunker</a>.
He was subsequently promoted to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staff_Sergeant#United_States">Staff
Sergeant</a> and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during
the battle. Stumpf reached the rank of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Major#United_States">Sergeant
Major</a> before retiring from the Army.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Staff Sergeant Stumpf's official Medal of Honor citation reads:<br />
<blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgp8G9JpenoLMjw3stnYTN4h4MxzbCQmfvvK0sDlMgF9w_s4_O6S6aDArPGHiaz_q24OKgKByJwAqXcuoQrTxnsLfgYut_JiYhJXygHLYr7wY5rlVpPRf9rXhC7aoEUVhWpb_nhsRH5NY/s1600/Kenneth+E.+Stumpf+awarded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgp8G9JpenoLMjw3stnYTN4h4MxzbCQmfvvK0sDlMgF9w_s4_O6S6aDArPGHiaz_q24OKgKByJwAqXcuoQrTxnsLfgYut_JiYhJXygHLYr7wY5rlVpPRf9rXhC7aoEUVhWpb_nhsRH5NY/s320/Kenneth+E.+Stumpf+awarded.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>Medal of Honor Awarded by President LB Johnson</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="cite_ref-citation_1-0"></a><i><b>For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty. SSG Stumpf distinguished himself while
serving as a squad leader of the 3d Platoon, Company C, on a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_and_destroy">search
and destroy</a> mission. As SSG Stumpf's company approached a
village, it encountered a North Vietnamese rifle company occupying a
well fortified bunker complex. During the initial contact, 3 men from
his squad fell wounded in front of a hostile machinegun emplacement.
The enemy's heavy volume of fire prevented the unit from moving to
the aid of the injured men, but SSG Stumpf left his secure position
in a deep trench and ran through the barrage of incoming rounds to
reach his wounded comrades. He picked up 1 of the men and carried him
back to the safety of the trench. Twice more SSG Stumpf dashed
forward while the enemy turned automatic weapons and machineguns upon
him, yet he managed to rescue the remaining 2 wounded squad members.
He then organized his squad and led an assault against several enemy
bunkers from which continuously heavy fire was being received. He and
his squad successfully eliminated 2 of the bunker positions, but one
to the front of the advancing platoon remained a serious threat.
Arming himself with extra <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand_grenade">hand
grenades</a>, SSG Stumpf ran over open ground, through a volley of
fire directed at him by a determined enemy, toward the machinegun
position. As he reached the bunker, he threw a hand grenade through
the aperture. It was immediately returned by the occupants, forcing
SSG Stumpf to take cover. Undaunted, he pulled the pins on 2 more
grenades, held them for a few seconds after activation, then hurled
them into the position, this time successfully destroying the
emplacement. With the elimination of this key position, his unit was
able to assault and overrun the enemy. SSG Stumpf's relentless spirit
of aggressiveness, intrepidity, and ultimate concern for the lives of
his men, are in the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army</b></i>.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_E._Stumpf#cite_note-citation-1">[1]</a></blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-58432578266067403952015-10-24T09:27:00.008-05:002015-10-24T10:15:20.525-05:00It's a Republic, A Constitutional Republic<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPnCZ7fgstj_uTNsDiu8CkqpWVM2YG8YqScu7kPsjfhuY0RHaZ7o3LLwRhAICodRfI0lozveEtziGupV5CVjaQS6jc2QdeGI9eUzmH1pRtgnPy5NJRDOeG9wfYGhel97uJrzkUMyjSFQ/s1600/constitutional+republic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPnCZ7fgstj_uTNsDiu8CkqpWVM2YG8YqScu7kPsjfhuY0RHaZ7o3LLwRhAICodRfI0lozveEtziGupV5CVjaQS6jc2QdeGI9eUzmH1pRtgnPy5NJRDOeG9wfYGhel97uJrzkUMyjSFQ/s1600/constitutional+republic.jpg" /></a></div>
The Founders in deciding what form of
government was to be established, made the decision by examining what
type of governments were being used around the globe and those
throughout history of civilization. At the time the predominant
government type was the monarchy. England had established a monarchy
like that of the classic Roman republic where there was one head of
government with a body of representatives of the people; being a
monarchy with a parliament instead of a senate. Later England would
remove the monarchy with a prime minister that was chosen by vote by
the people and parliament became more than just an advisory committee
of a king or queen. But before that occurred, the American colonists,
who wanted better, more direct, representation sent King George a
Declaration of Independence in defiance to a monarchy that refused to
listen to the people.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>Those men who gathered on behalf of
each of the thirteen colonies put together a continental congress
that would be a temporary government that would be the government for
the united colonies that had begun a revolution to procure freedom
and independence from a monarchical tyrant 3,000 miles across the
sea.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKmCgE68WG8ELXZdMdrGRPRsZzyJ7On_JLW7mw0WwQN2FYLe77yW29MCjP3SfhUZ2J5Zi1BgWUEvMsch7CRAzfOETIvg2M4LC1hw2IryBclHfL5I4woLKIk4Rr0nCwtpLEOsbwUkpISI/s1600/Republic-Not-Democracy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKmCgE68WG8ELXZdMdrGRPRsZzyJ7On_JLW7mw0WwQN2FYLe77yW29MCjP3SfhUZ2J5Zi1BgWUEvMsch7CRAzfOETIvg2M4LC1hw2IryBclHfL5I4woLKIk4Rr0nCwtpLEOsbwUkpISI/s320/Republic-Not-Democracy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Once that independence was established
and the revolution was won, the Founders gathered together in
Philadelphia to establish a government and a constitution that would
bind the colonies-turned-states into one nation with a central
government with certain rights for the individual state governments.
The Founders concluded that while democracy had its merits, as well
as a republic, neither form would last if the head of state would be
a monarch. The government was formed with three branches: executive,
legislative, and judiciary – all of which were separated, but act
by regulations established as one central, federal government that
required vote of representatives and senators of each state
government by and for the People.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle/"><b>Aristotle</b></a>,
the great Greek philosopher, <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/democracy.html">stated</a>:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Democracy is when the indigent,
and not the men of property, are the rulers. </b></i>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Democracy
was created and established by the Greeks in the city-state of Athens
in the 5</span></span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
century BC that also included the surrounding territory of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attica">Attica</a>.
It was a direct democracy, where citizens voted directly on
legislation and executive bills. The longest lasting and successful
leader of the Athenian democracy was </span></span><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pericles"><span style="font-style: normal;">Pericles</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
After his death, democracy gave way to oligarchy and restored when
the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peloponnesian_War">Peloponnesian
War</a> ended. After being restored it was modified by </span></span><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucleides"><span style="font-style: normal;">Eucleides</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It eventually evolved into an </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">imperialist</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
democracy that had been established by evolving into a government
ruled by the mob. In other words, leaders would gain power by
promising if they voted for him he would provide them with benefits. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As
</span></span><b><a href="http://www.history.com/topics/british-history/winston-churchill"><span style="font-style: normal;">Winston
Churchill</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wrote:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>The best argument against
democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Churchill
also stated:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>It has been said that democracy
is the worst form of government except all the others that have been
tried</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Earlier,
</span></span><b><a href="http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/marx/"><span style="font-style: normal;">Karl
Marx</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wrote that:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Democracy is the road to
socialism</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A
Frenchman, Alexis de Tocqueville, who became fascinated with the new
type of government that the Americans had developed, wisely observed:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Democracy and socialism have
nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference:
while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality
in restraint and servitude</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Indeed,
this was the major reason why the republic, more specifically, a
constitutional republic, was chosen as the type of government to be
established for what our nation that became the United States.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Adams"><span style="font-style: normal;">John
Adams</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one of the primary founders of our nation, wrote:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Remember, democracy never lasts
long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a
democracy yet that did not commit suicide</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><a href="http://www.biography.com/people/benjamin-franklin-9301234#!"><span style="font-style: normal;">Benjamin
Franklin</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
another major character in the establishment of our nation, stated
when asked what form of government did the Continental Congress of
1787 decide when leaving Independence Hall:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>A Republic, if you can keep it</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Americans
established by the early 1800s two political parties each organized
by the establishment of a political party platform. The original
political party system consisted of the Whig Party and the </span></span><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Party_System"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Second
Party System </span></a></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">was
the </span></span><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_United_States_Democratic_Party"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Democratic
Party</span></a></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
calling themselves </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Democrats</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The first member of the Democratic Party was </span></span><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Jackson"><span style="font-style: normal;">Andrew
Jackson</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Whig Party was transformed into the </span></span><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_United_States_Republican_Party"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Republican
Party</span></a></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by the time </span></span><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln"><span style="font-style: normal;">Abraham
Lincoln</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
campaigned for office in 1860 and won the national election as
President of the United States. The party was given the acronym
nickname of “GOP” (Grand Old Party) and is one of the world's
oldest political parties that still exists. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
the beginning, the major difference between the two parties was the
Democratic Party based its platform on democracy, and the GOP based
its platform upon the republic that was established by the Founders.
Another major difference that led to a Civil War was the Democratic
Party favored slavery, while Republicans did not. Abraham Lincoln was
the first Republican president. Originally, the GOP was the
anti-slavery party that consisted of northern White and African
Americans (after an amendment certified their right to vote),
businessmen, factory workers, and northern farmers; while the
Democrats were predominantly in the South, pro-slavery and
agricultural folks of that region. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">After
the Restoration period after the Civil War and again after Civil
Rights movement took hold, the GOP expanded throughout the South as
socially conservative. By then the two-party system was established
and while Democrats and Republicans opposed each other, both were
determined there would be no third party and sought to hinder any
independent candidates.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Democratic Party began its turn toward socialist idealism in the
1920s when </span></span><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodrow_Wilson"><span style="font-style: normal;">Woodrow
Wilson </span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">was
president beginning with social engineering policies and using
unconstitutional government authority to impose moral ideology in the
form of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition">Prohibition
Act</a>. Wilson was the leader of the </span></span><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_Movement"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Progressive
Movement</span></a></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
He established, with the help of Democrat control of Congress, the
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Reserve_Act">Federal
Reserve Act</a>, created by a secretive group of banking tycoons that
began at a meeting at Jekyll Island. </span></span><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G._Edward_Griffin"><span style="font-style: normal;">G.
Edward Griffin</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
researched and has spoken about the problems with the established
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Reserve_System">Federal
Reserve</a>. [<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dba9OY0QatU">See
Video</a>] </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">President
Wilson reintroduced the income tax system that was established during
the Civil War to pay for war costs via the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenue_Act_of_1913">Revenue
Act of 1913</a>. Labor unions were becoming established during this
period and the Wilson administration began the practice of the
Democratic Party's support and cooperation of trade unions. Wilson,
with the help of a Democrat Congress, signed the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espionage_Act_of_1917">Espionage
Act of 1917</a> and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedition_Act_of_1918">Sedition
Act of 1918</a>, both suppressing any anti-war protests and movements
concerning the ongoing war in Europe. Wilson endorsed racial
segregation, but at the same time worked to ratify the right for
women to vote via a constitutional amendment. He promoted the failed
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/League_of_Nations">League of
Nations</a>, precursor of the United Nations, that also is failing
and corrupted, after the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I.
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Introduction
of socialism was firmly established when </span></span><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_D._Roosevelt"><span style="font-style: normal;">Franklin
Delano Roosevelt</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(FDR) came to be president who holds the record of having four
successive terms, from 1933 to 1945. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">At
the time, the world was in economic depression. His socialist plan
called the </span></span><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Deal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">New
Deal</span></a></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
was popular with Americans because of their desperation in what would
become known as the </span></span><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Great
Depression</span></a></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
FDR realigned American politics and the Democrat Party as “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_liberalism_in_the_United_States">liberals</a>”
instead of “progressives” as Wilson did. FDR united labor unions,
created big-city political machines (Chicago political machine being
the most infamous and longest lasting), and firmly established
democratic socialism as the Democratic Party's agenda. The Social
Security was created for people who reached a certain age (which
continues to be extended) could receive a monthly retirement benefit.
Before Social Security, if a senior citizen did not have any other
retirement benefit, would end up depending upon the family unit or
perish in poverty. It was based upon a certain amount being withdrawn
from salaries and wages in order to accumulate enough to receive a
monthly stipend at retirement age. It is not part of the welfare
system that Democrats consistently push for, but a forced pension
system that was established as a 'trust' fund, meaning that those
funds were to be used for nothing else but social security payouts.
Democrats have blamed the lack of funds in the 'trust' system on the
'baby boomer' population because, they say, there are too many
reaching retirement age. But the truth is that over the decades,
Congress has dipped into that 'trust' fund to pay for other welfare
programs and national debt problems. Like the Constitution, it has
been abused and misused, departing from the original idea of its
establishment. It was, indirectly, and as the program progressed, directly, a means to provide identifying numbers to citizens and keep track of the populace in concert with the unconstitional income tax system. It also became a means of identification fraud, which has helped the Democrat's move to welcome illegal immigrants into the fold of their political entity. It became, like too many federal programs, a means to control the People. Today, citizens are given a social security number at birth, and since the 1970s, even military use their social security number as their military identifying number system.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">While Democrats are the primary guilty party, the
Republicans have a share on that blame as well. Just as the Democrats
allowed themselves to progress into socialism, using democracy as the
Athenians did, which ultimately became rule by the mob, instead of
the rule of law. Democrats choose to bend the rules whenever it fits
their agenda, while Republicans blemish the name of their party by
going along with the flow.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">FDR
and democracy:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Let us never forget that
government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate
rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and
congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.
</b></i>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But
the Democrat Party, since the time of FDR, has not realized that rule
of the mob doesn't work because politicians use emotion and
convincing citizens that government can overseer the lives of
citizens better than they can for themselves. Thus was established a
welfare state environment that counters free enterprise, property
rights and other liberties established by the Founders that,
especially </span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">John
Adams</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
had warned about a democratic form of government, instead of a
constitutional republic. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">FDR
<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/democracy.html">stated</a>:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Democracy cannot succeed unless
those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The
real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">While
description of our form of government as a democracy was not new, it
was firmly established by FDR and his fellow Democrats. Labor unions
had been established in the United States through immigration of the
Marxist ideology of Europe. Labor/trade unions of the United States
had been infiltrated by organized crime lords because they saw the
potential of creating wealth via legal means. Politicians were bought
with political donations, and while, certain unions contribute to the
GOP, the unions represent the largest cumulative donors of the
Democratic Party – and continues today. The unions have worked
their way into the government employee sector, which is
unconstitutional because that is the job of Congress along with
overseeing the handling of funds. With the Democratic and help of
some Republicans, the limitations of government prescribed by the
Constitution has been circumvented, including allowing a private
entity (unions) to dictate government employee policies instead of
the executive and legislative branches. This is especially dangerous
since unions spend large sums of money funding politicians that will
guarantee its form of monopoly. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Democratic
socialists learned from Marxism that by becoming the authority and
power over educational institutions, it can push their ideology and
further progress agenda by indoctrination of a nation's youth. Social
engineering and other methods are being used by democratic
progressives to create a population that does not and refuses to
think outside the box of what is prescribed by those operating our
federal government. This and other situations has come about because
We the People did not ensure that those we elect preserve and
maintain the constitutional republic, rule of law; rather than rule
of mob that democracy progresses to, then socialism, and finally
oligarchy. Sadly, our nation, its government with the blessing of a
majority of its people, is on the path that the Founders warned the
People about.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
treatise is about a subject that would take a book to cover it in
detail, indeed, some have been written. General consensus is that
history and political science are boring subjects; however, both are
critical in disseminating knowledge, and both are intertwined.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Education,
like the family unit, is the foundation of any nation; indeed, the
very survival of civilization. Both have been compromised by an elite
within the populace that has put their personal agenda above the rule
of law and relying upon emotion overriding reason, indoctrinated
untruths that are unquestioned, and a people who, as JFK stated in
his first State of the Union address, want what their government can
give them instead of relying upon themselves and insisting upon those
that govern rule by limitations prescribed by the Constitution.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Serious
reformation of our government is in order to return it to the state
of being a constitutional republic; but first, We the People, must
first reform our society that will generate thinking out of the box,
the rule of law, and most importantly self-educating (reeducating)
and insist that government abide by limitations and delegate the
responsibly of overseeing education to the state and local government
that is closer and answers to the People – not unions, special
interest, or socialists now occupying the federal (and some state)
governments.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ygEEL57AcZs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ygEEL57AcZs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-22443743485169254902015-08-16T12:00:00.000-05:002015-08-16T12:00:00.340-05:00Second Amendment and False Jefferson Quote
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnno6rj6RrcjKr0AGbRwEzee-4ZHn5hh8Cf55IqzukOsI76-BSu9ZkzBmaqgh33yGSc_MDhPIEpHc0spKofmzTMECYzUXBh4iLXsXWdkINnLMizJAINCzFqQMgaFEFsrVtSajl2BjftAA/s1600/constitution_gun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnno6rj6RrcjKr0AGbRwEzee-4ZHn5hh8Cf55IqzukOsI76-BSu9ZkzBmaqgh33yGSc_MDhPIEpHc0spKofmzTMECYzUXBh4iLXsXWdkINnLMizJAINCzFqQMgaFEFsrVtSajl2BjftAA/s320/constitution_gun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Germania;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Laws
that forbid the carrying of arms … disarm only those who are
neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes … Such laws make
things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they
serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed
man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Germania;"> </span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>Cesare Beccaria</b></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Note: the quote comes from a translation of an essay by Beccaria entitled "Essay on Crimes and Punishment" - sometimes falsely attributed to Thomas Jefferson.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV7mqaU0jxDzGnz8V2aq6tlRCZVF4sr-9Dxtnn3KlkKw7j9pNeB7ugO-cGayYLvK8gRnvdBUvpITsLoxg15al21XGYp5g-xwygnmPuw1SjLbEXr1PwuJ9mZrz0PcDMwK-eE4jyqMRY8A/s1600/2nd+Amendment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV7mqaU0jxDzGnz8V2aq6tlRCZVF4sr-9Dxtnn3KlkKw7j9pNeB7ugO-cGayYLvK8gRnvdBUvpITsLoxg15al21XGYp5g-xwygnmPuw1SjLbEXr1PwuJ9mZrz0PcDMwK-eE4jyqMRY8A/s320/2nd+Amendment.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-24897739359025906192015-08-09T15:21:00.000-05:002015-08-09T15:21:21.235-05:00Weapons of Choice: CMMG Mk47 AKM-Mutant
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5WF6KzQhS6a1jM9iHfuNxHEOc8MO-_qbELr2antNVcI5R1qX6Zz8nVYa6QV6ipxlmlcgcIeG-ahvXJykdGg0u8YLrqoCoKKuKadKPN01GOoT4-SVBX_xkJSR_RgTbk4tuhWcgHHEEbA/s1600/CMMG-Mk47-AKM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5WF6KzQhS6a1jM9iHfuNxHEOc8MO-_qbELr2antNVcI5R1qX6Zz8nVYa6QV6ipxlmlcgcIeG-ahvXJykdGg0u8YLrqoCoKKuKadKPN01GOoT4-SVBX_xkJSR_RgTbk4tuhWcgHHEEbA/s320/CMMG-Mk47-AKM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
CMMG is offering an AR platform rifle
that has the features of the AK-47, a hybrid: Mk47 Mutant.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While the idea of chambering an AR
platform rifle with AK47 7.62x39mm rounds is not new CMMG has
engineered a hybrid rifle that has the ease of takedown of an AR
15/M16 with a receiver designed for the 7.62x39mm cartridge that has
more range/power than the 5.56mm/.223 caliber.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>The flat-top upper has a milled-in
Picatinny rail in the hand guard that provides 21 inches of rail
space for optics and removable iron sights. The receiver is slim and
a top-mounted charging handle with right-side ejection port with a
dust cover and brass deflector. No forward assist.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-cP1DjrZgPkqQNgt3_0LtTsGrDlkPGajC2KLUL4hxt11uRJWM4LrF8dm9igwGHohFXIcKKwsvcEsYr2MqILSa4sOyGZ-VXTNtdLpb8QUJjDBXd1UYKGNyeLEG3Q6E4DAwKDa1NGODTQ/s1600/mk47-BOLT_FACE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-cP1DjrZgPkqQNgt3_0LtTsGrDlkPGajC2KLUL4hxt11uRJWM4LrF8dm9igwGHohFXIcKKwsvcEsYr2MqILSa4sOyGZ-VXTNtdLpb8QUJjDBXd1UYKGNyeLEG3Q6E4DAwKDa1NGODTQ/s320/mk47-BOLT_FACE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It has a beefy
AR-10 carrier designed for .308 Win and 7.62mm NATO ammunition so it
can take the ballistics of a 7.62x39mm. It weighs less than the AK-47
and uses standard AK-47 magazines that rocks into place. The magazine
release is the AK paddle type and uses steel, polymer and Bakelite
magazines due to a replaceable steel support pin.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Mk47 Mutant has a two-position
safety lever on the left side just above the grip. The trigger is a
single-stage with better than average mil-specs with a 5 lb., 14 oz.
Trigger pull. It cycles crisp and cleanly.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Components include shoulder stock,
mil-spec buffer tube assembly, grip, trigger group, gas tube, has
block, and threaded muzzle. The AKM version has a six-position
adjustable shoulderstock and an MOE grip. The muzzle is fitted with a
CMMG SV Brake to reduce muzzle climb with a weight minus accessories
and magazine at 7 lbs. 5 oz.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xe48LfRMkt0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xe48LfRMkt0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-58969769821663214562015-08-04T21:37:00.002-05:002015-08-04T21:37:41.000-05:00Weapons of Choice: SIG Sauer MCX
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
SIG Sauer has prided itself in
innovative firearms design and the new Model MCX is no exception. It
is built with standards for the military, reliable, gas-operated,
short-stroke piston system that is the first AR platform rifle that
has an auto-regulating gas system which allows shooters to switch
between supersonic and subsonic loads, or unsuppressed or suppressed
operation, without manually adjusting the gas system. That means
quick changes will not compromise its operation.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRg0HmII777suzHr9RHPv4YRi52Lg64AdQoZGVchs75GWiIcNRMCWXeRHHoADl8LMZLVDP4m2w1v4tMtcshs4p9UGdsBFtsendM01-JY9uzqeHL5ABYx584p4FaxuceFJtxrMwc2lzbk/s1600/MCX_Carbine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRg0HmII777suzHr9RHPv4YRi52Lg64AdQoZGVchs75GWiIcNRMCWXeRHHoADl8LMZLVDP4m2w1v4tMtcshs4p9UGdsBFtsendM01-JY9uzqeHL5ABYx584p4FaxuceFJtxrMwc2lzbk/s320/MCX_Carbine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>The MCX is modular in design and easily
configures to chamber three calibers: .300 BLK, 5.56 NATO. The
aluminum handguard is easy to remove, unlike the historic M16/AR15.
It has a quick-change barrel system for swapping between .300 BLK and
5.56 NATO barrels. If you want to convert to to 7.62x39mm, just make
a bolt face change. Of course, you can order the MCX in any of the
three calibers mentioned.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBK5YY4gyVE9esqdzZkpect0y1cQHIpwJIFNqXgQ5F6d-Oz90dMKR2DaXVqOh2i50ilgiB-EWcD4hS0ZNjjEK5dJgxKpirPn5CudwwajBGJDcXGf0XI6lLB4K3f-GmB41RjubprlLPqHU/s1600/PMCX-300B-9B-AL-PSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBK5YY4gyVE9esqdzZkpect0y1cQHIpwJIFNqXgQ5F6d-Oz90dMKR2DaXVqOh2i50ilgiB-EWcD4hS0ZNjjEK5dJgxKpirPn5CudwwajBGJDcXGf0XI6lLB4K3f-GmB41RjubprlLPqHU/s320/PMCX-300B-9B-AL-PSB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The MCX is compatible with all Mil-Spec
AR lowers, so you can upgrade the standard system with an MCX upper
and a SIG MCX Stock Kit. Another thing that makes the MCX different
is that it does not require a buffer tube, which makes it easy to
install a folding or custom stock.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The MCX is bot right- and left-handed
with AR-style ambidextrous controls: safety, magazine release, and
charging handle. The magazine release is oversized for quicker
manipulation for competition shooting and military use under
stressful conditions.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The MCX is available to civilians with
a 16-inch barrel, a short-barrel, or a pistol version with a 9-inch
barrel. The pistol version comes with a side-folding SBX
Pistol-Stabilizing Brace.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The SIG MCX Carbine has a MSRP of
$1,866 and the variant and Pistol with the brace for $2,058 and
$2,132.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Check out the MCX online at:
<a href="http://www.sigevolution.com/sigmcx">http://www.sigevolution.com/sigmcx</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-20675848839113254162015-08-02T02:35:00.001-05:002015-08-02T02:38:15.139-05:00The Case of the Hummingbird Imposter<span data-offset-key="c35rt-0-0" data-reactid=".6h.1.$composer.0.0.0.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$c35rt.0:$c35rt-0-0"><span data-reactid=".6h.1.$composer.0.0.0.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$c35rt.0:$c35rt-0-0.0">Having to move to Sturgeon Bay, this seems to be the only Hummingbird that has been attracted to my feeder (thus far). I believe it is a fellow down the street who voted for Obama and believes Hillary is a victim of 'right-wing' vicious attacks (you know like they did to Bush and Condi), who annoyed me while cutting grass insisting I was a racist for not supporting Obama; and said I was 'delusional denier' because I do not believe in the global warming hoax, insensitve because I am against the Planned Parenthood Gestapo, 'homophobic' because I am against the US Supreme Court telling state governments they must recognize same-sex marriage, a 'radical' because I support the Tea Party and constitutionalism, that I shoud die because I am a 'baby-boomer' who is stealing younger generation's social security benefits, I am 'NeoCon' Neanderthal because I believe in 2nd Amendment and belong to the NRA. and 'Islamophobic' for warning about Islamic fascists in our homeland and their murderous destruction elsewhere - not realizing that I know the enemy after my excursion to liberate Kuwait from members of the 'religion of peace' in Persian Gulf. He calls himself a Democrat, but his political platform is democratic-socialism believing that anyone that disagrees with him and does not support his ideology and misquotations of the books of the Bible and is a relative of the Biblical ass despite believing that Christians should not be seen nor heard, apparently never looks upon his own reflection. Meanwhile feeding for free from my feeder meant for true Hummingbirds insisting that he IS a Hummingbird, he insists that I am delusional for not believing he is a hummingbird ...</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqb0wHLOTeJWhK9n00asvNlPR0COUo_fz6yXjh6Md2TGXGAps1guWLjabgT4HwNTeprCDHXPPvvJTVbJ6HNcFBBeAdd7LIcHaxjCfW5-79A1Vmm_2Ch6cqUV-T0Vg8kGlg7eitOZF0WuQ/s1600/Hummingbird+imposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqb0wHLOTeJWhK9n00asvNlPR0COUo_fz6yXjh6Md2TGXGAps1guWLjabgT4HwNTeprCDHXPPvvJTVbJ6HNcFBBeAdd7LIcHaxjCfW5-79A1Vmm_2Ch6cqUV-T0Vg8kGlg7eitOZF0WuQ/s320/Hummingbird+imposter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span data-offset-key="c35rt-0-0" data-reactid=".6h.1.$composer.0.0.0.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$c35rt.0:$c35rt-0-0"><span data-reactid=".6h.1.$composer.0.0.0.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$c35rt.0:$c35rt-0-0.0"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-35176909493950689992015-07-24T04:27:00.002-05:002015-07-24T04:32:05.661-05:00Weapons of Choice: Ruger Redhawk .45 Colt/.45 ACP Revolver<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For 30 years, the <i><a href="http://gunblast.com/Ruger.htm" target="_blank">Ruger</a>
Redhawk</i> revolver has been in production since its introduction in
1979.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In 2007, after success of the 4.2-inch
<a href="http://gunblast.com/Ruger-Redhawk4.htm" target="_blank">44 Magnum Redhawk</a>,
Ruger produced a wheel gun chambered for 45 Colt. In 2014, Ruger
introduced a Redhawk with a 2.75-inch barrel with a round-butt grip
(<a href="http://gunblast.com/Ruger-RedhawkTALO.htm" target="_blank">TALO</a>).
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5O4dB6ZyB9v525McaVn52_8pPZj8lQ7Afi8kAbd0kC0vLOou3aSPfQ7ByyPSotAEPejXNevkFwaYTY6ez0up_q2pJk7YxxuWsvcYGJ9stZDyAv0YfSuSYQGmgmwFngidEXmUHIo4axAQ/s1600/Ruger+Redhawk+.45+Colt+-+.45+ACP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5O4dB6ZyB9v525McaVn52_8pPZj8lQ7Afi8kAbd0kC0vLOou3aSPfQ7ByyPSotAEPejXNevkFwaYTY6ez0up_q2pJk7YxxuWsvcYGJ9stZDyAv0YfSuSYQGmgmwFngidEXmUHIo4axAQ/s1600/Ruger+Redhawk+.45+Colt+-+.45+ACP.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Three grip styles for Ruger Redhawk</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This year, the newest Redhawk has the
round-butt grip with a 4.2-inch barrel in .45 Colt caliber, but also
affords the shooter the opportunity of using the .45 ACP ammunition
through the use of moon clips. The grips are quality wood that is
checkered for a good grip. Those that prefer rubber grips can install
a <a href="http://www.hogueinc.com/" target="_blank">Hogue </a>grip. The rear sight
is adjustable for windage and elevation, and the front sight is black
with a red insert.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Specs: The Redhawk .45 Colt/.45 ACP
revolver weighs 44.8 ounces with a 4.16-inch barrel. Trigger pull is
a crisp 7 pounds in single action and 9.9 pounds in double action.
Barrel/Cylinder gap is 0.006. The MSRP is $1,029. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's a new product in a familiar platform. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pDoN_B_df8g/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pDoN_B_df8g?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rVQlIxydPTIe6uJQVyFnhRm73dhPuWdMQEGIIznDE4wP9yJBEOjKsYMYwrI27C7WEdiYq1-29AwsBBUj_izKCvrOsOAyEiuFto-ke6nIDXXb9v-NnLJIRfBoVUt7bv7dvcGolAJLByc/s1600/2ndamendunderstoodbanner_703X201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rVQlIxydPTIe6uJQVyFnhRm73dhPuWdMQEGIIznDE4wP9yJBEOjKsYMYwrI27C7WEdiYq1-29AwsBBUj_izKCvrOsOAyEiuFto-ke6nIDXXb9v-NnLJIRfBoVUt7bv7dvcGolAJLByc/s320/2ndamendunderstoodbanner_703X201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-22663834601553762282015-07-17T11:06:00.001-05:002015-07-17T11:08:40.170-05:00Thoughts of the Pollution of the English Language and Other Social Atrocities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXnESCHIKnrMlh7jspX3jHsXDIMwTuE9LnYft68zpryLnO3-6IMVwx-KpvXaDhwQ5H3rmi_0PxbhGrFngnaEZ9buLgdxe4EfZ3KOLuxrsrlj5eVwzaGBtpJ10auk90DsRhCvD5pP-eDk/s1600/boyhack.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXnESCHIKnrMlh7jspX3jHsXDIMwTuE9LnYft68zpryLnO3-6IMVwx-KpvXaDhwQ5H3rmi_0PxbhGrFngnaEZ9buLgdxe4EfZ3KOLuxrsrlj5eVwzaGBtpJ10auk90DsRhCvD5pP-eDk/s1600/boyhack.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am off topic in so far as gunsmithing
and the subject of firearms in general, but those who were former
readers of <a href="https://peninsulalighthouse.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><i>Lighthouse Journal </i></a>(established in 1999 first as “<i>Keifer's Korner</i>”
know that besides being a <i>connoisseur</i> (Webster English word
from France) of firearms and weaponry, I have a passion for history,
literature, and American patriotism. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfT5xRvi-PckseVCfhYLV3Pzg0NyeofDJwa1whwJd7NnJONoGiERJGiVSvdXq95abZcLbmXhOjEIenTvX9B5y5xqH_VyGh_DhBnm8jq9UVB0KDbrjEGYR3PrCUMj-2we3755RHMJgcz4/s1600/Proud+to+be+an+American+-+Lee+Greenwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfT5xRvi-PckseVCfhYLV3Pzg0NyeofDJwa1whwJd7NnJONoGiERJGiVSvdXq95abZcLbmXhOjEIenTvX9B5y5xqH_VyGh_DhBnm8jq9UVB0KDbrjEGYR3PrCUMj-2we3755RHMJgcz4/s320/Proud+to+be+an+American+-+Lee+Greenwood.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Reviewing the visits of
readership here at <i>Old Glory</i>, I find that the most popular are
my articles concerning tips and tricks concerning firearms and my
historical essays. The readership is primarily in the United States,
but also folks from: Israel, Germany, France, Ukraine, United
Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, Turkey, and Russia being the
primary nations. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;">I am always pleased that foreign folks visit my
website, the miracle of a translator aiding in the language barrier,
and especially folks from France, America having lost so much respect
of the French thanks to the poisoned socialist rhetoric of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_de_Gaulle" target="_blank"><b>Charles de Gaulle</b></a>, who was a pompous ass and unappreciative of his
English-speaking allies who helped in his repatriation back to France
after the Nazi were kicked out of Paris. I am <a href="http://www.anysonglyrics.com/lyrics/l/lee-greenwood/proud-to-be-an-american.htm" target="_blank">proud to be an American</a> and respect America's history and tradition, but I am also aware of how Americans have butchered the English language, written or spoken.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Since I was a teenager I found I had a
gift of writing and the appreciation of literature, classic and
American, that extended into the study of philosophy and, of course,
history. The high school newsletter published one of my poems and I
was hooked; but when an unscrupulous publisher stole my manuscript, I
set aside the love of writing and the desire to be published for
decades. It was a hard lesson to learn and I pass this wisdom that
stems from being a victim of unethical publishers and editors: never
send a whole manuscript, even a copy, only a segment or chapter to
get approval – unless you have first gotten a copyright. It was a
novel based on a real historical person known as <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-bellestarr.html" target="_blank"><b>Belle Starr</b></a>.
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2AtiIue2uIVA_3waB8TfFSlHZ5F4f9S2SbEcaDHE9CduUnKWRzuM4Vt5gY8XnjpdE6fl4fDVlkR5PJ1Vxi1A9Dji_HRAutjA609mVJhV7icdfoWguo02K82R2RE6gxWWU4iozzUcRwI/s1600/writing-title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2AtiIue2uIVA_3waB8TfFSlHZ5F4f9S2SbEcaDHE9CduUnKWRzuM4Vt5gY8XnjpdE6fl4fDVlkR5PJ1Vxi1A9Dji_HRAutjA609mVJhV7icdfoWguo02K82R2RE6gxWWU4iozzUcRwI/s200/writing-title.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Something that has fallen away in our society is the <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/492/492-h/492-h.htm" target="_blank">art of writing</a>. Few write letters anymore, although the speed of email cannot be ignored. Communication is suffering because too many use the informality of texting rather than speaking on a phone or in person. Can you imagine the mental shock if suddenly society was cast back into the 19th century? Few would survive, and because so much of our knowledge is recorded electronically and on computer, the lack of the written word would indeed be critical. I am just about as guilty as the next person - but it is disturbing to see the younger generation with poor penmanship and no pride in their writing skills.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLwhxPUKsFwA794alCun34Zv6KMfqEVpH3C3YvMFhRJ_XaGjwR2jnnCAm7gyMS68LvKUM-xSYdqpE3Tcthc8AVFRmUL4MZ6-ASrzINlyrV3XH6Puifwao7hDz_QSfIEvo3bc1udb22wM/s1600/alpha01.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLwhxPUKsFwA794alCun34Zv6KMfqEVpH3C3YvMFhRJ_XaGjwR2jnnCAm7gyMS68LvKUM-xSYdqpE3Tcthc8AVFRmUL4MZ6-ASrzINlyrV3XH6Puifwao7hDz_QSfIEvo3bc1udb22wM/s320/alpha01.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Writing requires some knowledge of the
schematics of language. I have always admired those that could speak,
read, and write in more than one language. One of the places on my
bucket list while serving in the military was Australia, but the Army
told me that the only way to get assigned there was to be an attaché
(also a French word used by Webster English), and the only way to be
an attaché
is to pass the US Armed Forces language test. It is an examination
that comprises a made up language or combined languages to see if one
has the ability to learn a language other than English. The more
difficult the written language the higher the score is required; like
learning Arabic and the Eastern languages like Chinese and Japanese –
which makes understanding ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics easy.
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kalehman49/egyptology/" target="_blank"><b>Egyptology</b></a>
and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kalehman49/archaeology/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">A</span></b><b>rchaeology</b></a>
are also passions of mine, which makes sense since it concerns
history. My final score was 76, which means I only had an aptitude
for languages like Latin (of which I self studied) and general
European languages. Not a good score, but don't have to worry about being put in a corner and wear a "dunce" cap. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Looking at the perspective of sensibility, I
didn't understand why I needed to score higher to become an attaché
if my goal was assignment to Australia. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">During the course
of my education in literature and the general arts at university
level, I discovered how written English is so unnecessarily complex.
Indeed, while I made high scoring in literature and the art of
writing in high school, my grades were nothing to be proud of when it
came to the schematics of English as the written word. It wasn't
until I went to executive administration school at Fort Benjamin
Harrison (after several years in the infantry) that I more fully
understood those schematics and became more dedicated to insisting
that English not be made such a confusing and complex language.
Indeed, in the need to insist upon independence from Mother England,
we should have stuck with the “Queen's English” as a spoken and
written language, rather than what evolved after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah_Webster" target="_blank">Noah Webster </a>(not to be confused with <a href="http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h273.html" target="_blank">Daniel Webster</a> the Democrat politician) created the first American
English Dictionary. To make it worse, we have added too much slang
and colloquial words that has dumbed-down our youth much like the
government- and progressive-controlled education program has done. It
is part of the reason why students find Shakespeare, the <i>Federalist
Papers</i>, and even the original Constitution and its amendments
difficult to read and understand. Except for technological
advancement, one word comes to mind concerning the general atmosphere of the
American education system as <i>pathetic</i>. Indeed, the ranking of the
American education system continues to slide down the international
standard to just above “third world” nations. That truly is
pathetic. Besides of having government control and political
correctness police in charge of writing the textbooks and
establishing teaching staff lessons, it is because we have a
generation that does not appreciate the value of an education where
knowledge and the encouragement of ideas is downplayed.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">To many,
linguistics, like history, is boring. But those same people are fans
of the written and film series of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings" target="_blank"><i>Lord of the Rings</i></a>, which was written by
<a href="http://www.tolkiensociety.org/author/biography/" target="_blank"><b>J.R.R. Tolkien</b></a>,
an English linguist and philologist, a professor of English Language
and Literature of Merton College, Oxford, England who has been
recognized as the father of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_and_sorcery" target="_blank"><i>sword-n-sorcery</i></a> fantasy literature. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let's take the
word <i>linguist</i>
as the first example: it should be spelled <i>lingwist</i>,
should it not? Why is it not spelled phonetically? Indeed, why isn't
the word <i>phonetic</i>
spelled <i>fonetic</i>?
I do not use the wonder of my word processor spell check on this
essay because I would certainly screw it up. Well, in terms of
accepted spelling, written and pronunciation levels.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have a passion
of Celtic history, but even that word is messed up but people still
accept it. It should be spelled as it is pronounced: <i>Keltic</i>.
</span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Professor <a href="http://www.victoria.ac.nz/news/2013/explaining-the-complexity-of-the-english-language" target="_blank"><b>Laurie Bauer</b></a><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
New Zealand, </span>examines as to why we
pluralize avocados without an “e”, yet add “es” to tomatoes.
I am not alone upon this examination of the strange written word of
English. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Personally, I
believe that Americans should have stuck with the “Queen's English”
- both spoken and written, and the latter kept as simple as Latin
with addition of words/phrases as technology advanced. Indeed, along
with French, many of our words found in Webster/Oxford dictionaries
are Latin/Greek derivatives.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Allegedly, the
government mandated education program called <a href="http://www.corestandards.org/" target="_blank">Common Core Standards Initiative</a><i> </i>has
come under scrutiny, which allegedly will help students with their
difficulty with reading proficiency – the foundation of all
learning. If you cannot understand what you are reading, you cannot
attain an accepted level of knowledge. Since the progressive PC crowd
has taken over our educational system and the <a href="http://ell.stanford.edu/publication/what-does-text-complexity-mean-english-learners-and-language-minority-students" target="_blank">University of California</a> has hailed this program – it is immediately under
scrutiny because these are the same type of people who insisted upon
dumbing -down an entire generation!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Indeed, it was
Californians who established the “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_girl" target="_blank">Valley Girl</a>” mentality, and combined with Hollywood, has established
the American faddist manner of speaking English that correlates with
the progressive insistence of dumbing-down our educational system.
The Valley Girl not only represented a stereotype of a socio-economic
class of women through a California English dialect dubbed
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_girl#Sociolect" target="_blank"><i>Valleyspeak</i></a>,
but hailed colloquial English like one would do with faddist
clothing. Result: a generation of stupidity that is rampant of
materialism. Oddly, the <i>Valley Girl</i>
creators will be the first to complain about disrespect of the female
gender – of which they are clearly to blame for the stereotyping of
that misnomer macro depiction of society. It is one of the reasons
why California has dropped from the fifth wealthiest state in the
world to a welfare state with constant economic and social problems
that has come to be known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexifornia" target="_blank"><i>Mexifornia</i></a><span style="font-style: normal;">,
established by the historian writer, </span><a href="http://www.city-journal.org/html/12_2_do_we_want.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Victor Davis Hanson</b></span></a>. Problem is,
like a flu epidemic, Californians have been carriers of the disease
like <a href="http://history1900s.about.com/od/1900s/a/typhoidmary.htm"><i>Typhoid
Mary</i></a>. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Bible, a book
of many books and letters, has also been the victim of rewriting
through the ages. The <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/1599-Geneva-Bible-GNV/" target="_blank">1599 Geneva Bible</a> was <a href="http://genevabible.com/" target="_blank">published</a>
with annotations so they common folk could enjoy reading its
historical stories, wisdom, and religious connotations. <a href="http://www.britroyals.com/kings.asp?id=james1" target="_blank"><b>King James I of England</b></a> decided that
in terms of English bibles, it undermined his authority, so he
ordered a version published in his name as being the only
“authorized” version to be accepted. As time went on into the
'modern age' beyond the fantastic Victorian era, the <a href="http://www.kjvonly.org/james/may_reviews.htm" target="_blank"><i>New Age Bible</i></a> appeared that further
diluted the original content and too often meaning of the words
written in a book of books that is the oldest published book still in
circulation. The Bible, specifically the Old Testament section, began
in Hebrew, later in Greek, then Latin, then English, and later German
and about 80 languages and dialects. If the versions are studied, it
is no wonder that the Bible is the most misinterpreted (and
misquoted) book ever published.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The English
language history shows it is a <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_English_language" target="_blank">West Germanic</a> language that originated from the Anglo-Frisian dialects
</i>brought to Britannia by Germanic
Keltic (Celtic) tribes from what is now northwest Germany and the
Netherlands. Indeed, some modern German and Dutch words are
recognizable because of this. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_English" target="_blank"><i>Old English</i></a> begins with the
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/anglo_saxons/" target="_blank">Anglo-Saxons</a>
after Rome ordered the withdrawal of its legions who controlled
England. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We all know that
changes during the course of a lifetime is not always for the better.
It is because too many people, especially those that control the
educational system, have forgotten the simple rule of life: <i>If
it ain't broke, don't fix it</i>.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thus, we spell
“doktor” as “doctor” - the “C” letter mysteriously
becoming a “K” and other non-phonetic established words. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fixing the
complexity of the English written word will most likely not fix the
woes of American society today, but since our established national
language is a derivative of England, the prime entity of the United
Kingdom – shouldn't we return to the “Queen's English”? </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Unfortunately, the
chance of that occurring is minimal to say the least and as difficult
to establish as getting rid of the horrid income tax system of the
United States and its evil agency called IRS.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Progressives
today are a product of the institution of progressivism established by
20th Century political-social landmarks like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodrow_Wilson" target="_blank">Woodrow Wilson</a> that incorporated socialism infiltrated by European Marxist ideology; who realized that the way to change a country is to commandeer the educational system and influence the thinking of a nation's youth through carefully planned curriculum that becomes the product of a statist government. If one examines closely the American educational system's evolution, it begins with Wilson, is firmly established by the Democrat Party demogogue, FDR and is realizing its total submission to collective socialism within the regime of the Obama administration. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">People, specifically intellectuals, write differently than they generally speak in the English language. This is a phenomenon that I too am guilty of. It is a subconscious act that culminates from the social stygma that those who speak in an intellectual manner are "geeks" or "nerds". </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The progressives have not only rewritten our history in the name of political correctness, but have included a degradation of the written word and have added the mandate that Spanish should be a second national language. This agenda has been established by only offering Spanish as a required second language for the requirements of a degree on the pretense that the educational system can only afford one language available to meet the degree requirements. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Change is inevitable as technology progresses, but society has the wrong impression that established traditions and the art of the intellectual that includes writing must be relegated to the dust bin of history; just as tried-and-proven values and morals must also fall by the way of "progress". This is a mistake that has cost our society dearly, and it has bled off into the socio-political world and the constant misnomer that has been drilled to generations since Woodrow Wilson that the United States is a <i>democracy</i> is counter to the intention and establishment of the constitutional republic. Democracy ends up to be the rule of the mob, which in turn becomes a socialistic, statist state that turns into an oligarchy. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The constitutional republic foundation is set upon principles and the rule of law; clearly, and in plain language, established by the articles and amendments of the Constitution of the United States. The government is provided with limitations and a check-and-balance system to ensure those limitations are exercised. The retarded intellectual embrace of our society has been degraded for a purpose and that purpose is just about reaching its epic proportions intended by architects of the social order and self-serving agenda.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The degradation of standards of literacy within our national educational system has made our youth, citizens of tomorrow, not appreciating what made our nation so great and a model for others to follow. In the zeal of progress, We the People have allowed ourselves to be manipulated into what the socio-political climate is today; and represents the cancer that has eaten away at our society and form of government, forgetting the wisdom that if it works don't fix it and if it does not work, do not use the same solutions to solve repeating problems.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Intellectual endeavors should not be downplayed as the basic golden rule moralities have been portrayed; for it is the beginning of the death throes of a great society and civilization - both here and abroad.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As John Adams and other Founders warned, a societies degradation of morality and values cannot sustain good government; thus it is up to We the People to make those necessary changes because the selfish, self-serving individuals operating OUR government are not going to make those changes on their own. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The lost art of writing and the degradation of intellectual and logical thinking are all tied into what I just presented; and leave for contemplation and hopefully the decision to finally do something before it is too late.</span></span></div>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Foldglogun-20%2F8010%2Fd27dbc0b-b5d9-4ef6-9a5a-438e4847a481&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Foldglogun-20%2F8010%2Fd27dbc0b-b5d9-4ef6-9a5a-438e4847a481&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-10193809682414370982015-07-12T17:04:00.001-05:002015-07-12T17:04:32.580-05:00Second Amendment Rights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08734190420265171990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5218486281422844487.post-82631968410313011402015-06-23T14:46:00.001-05:002015-06-24T04:49:09.677-05:00H.R. 1454: Attempt to Control Commercial Ammunition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Democrats are relentless when it comes
to controlling everything, depriving rights of majority for minority. They could not ban firearms in US Congress
(but state governments have passed draconian, anti-constitutional and
useless control on firearms), so now they focus upon ammunition; for
without ammunition firearms are nothing. They pass or try to pass
laws pretending they are protecting something; often it is about
subjects that they personally know nothing about or even understand
what or how the bill reads, like <i>Obamacare</i> (<i>Affordable Healthcare</i>
legislation).
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1454" target="_blank"><b>H.R.1454, The Modernized Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 2015</b></a>
is a bill sponsored and co-sponsored by three Democrats: Rep. <a href="http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/8425/jackie-speier#.VYm1TEZ6AsI" target="_blank"><b>Jackie Speier</b></a> (D-CA), who disapproved the <i>Keystone Pipeline</i>; Rep. <b><a href="http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/7349/david-cicilline/75/abortion-and-reproductive#.VYm2uUZ6AsI" target="_blank">David Cicilline</a> </b>(D-RI), and Rep.
<a href="http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/26978/carolyn-maloney#.VYm2-0Z6AsI" target="_blank"><b>Carolyn Maloney</b></a> (D-NY) – all whose states defy the US
Constitution (especially 2<sup>nd</sup> Amendment) and foster an
American version of socialism to replace our constitutional republic.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>The bill is presently submitted to the
House Committee on the Judiciary where <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c114:H.R.140:" target="_blank"><b>H.R.140, Birthright Citizenship Act of 2015</b></a> is also being
considered, which establishes that persons born in US are not
eligible if one or both parent is an illegal alien – although the
bill does not state it pointedly. It is also where <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c114:H.R.31:" target="_blank"><b>H.R.31, Prevention of Executive Amnesty Act of 2015</b></a> is being
examined. The latter bill is sponsored by Rep. <a href="http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/71604/martha-roby#.VYm3KEZ6AsI" target="_blank"><b>Martha Roby</b></a>
(R-AL) with no co-sponsors at this time. H.R. 31 is in the Judiciary
Committee and the House Committee on Homeland Security. I mentioned
these two other bills because of its importance interaction with
present mess of immigration procedures by the executive branch and
its importance toward national security.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
H.R. 1454 is an attempt to <i><b>modify
the definition of armor piercing ammunition to better capture its
capabilities</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anyone
who pays attention know that the Democrat progressive socialists are
zealous when it comes to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">modifying</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
anything; for example, changing their description from 'liberal' to
'progressive' and changing 'global warming' to description of
'climate change' after email revealed the “climate”
scientists/experts that the original model for the climate phenomenon
was defective, covering it up and continuing to insist that climate
and weather has degraded due to human activity. Politicians attempt
to make people believe that government, through legislation,
intrusive laws and more taxation will change natural weather and
climate cycles that has been going on throughout Earth's history.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
bill mainly concerns ammunition ('projectiles') in a handgun that
could penetrate body armor; but it also provides the Attorney General
with dangerous authority:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Sec.
2(b)(3)</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
… </span></span><i><b>The Attorney General shall assess the
standards every 3 years, or more frequently if the Attorney General
finds that technological advances warrant doing so, and shall modify
the standards as appropriate</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
provides the US Attorney General authority that only Congress is
supposed to have and most certainly ignores the will of the people or
respect for the Second Amendment. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As
the </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><a href="http://home.nra.org/nraila" target="_blank">NRA Institute for Legislative Action</a> </b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">put
it:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Just three months ago, Barack
Obama and his anti-gun bureaucrats at BATFE moved to ban one of the
most popular cartridges for the most popular rifle in America, the
AR-15. … However, NRA-ILA supporters voiced outrage to Congress and
BATFE with letters and petitions. And we forced the Obama
administration to delay their ammo ban … for now. … Obama's BATFE
has declared that it will pursue “additional proposals and
opportunities” to outlaw your ammunition. Obama himself recently
promised to “keep chipping away at this” until his ammo ban
becomes law of the land.</b></i></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">President
Obama and his comrades have consistently “chipped away” our
sacred articles and amendments of the US Constitution since he first
took office in 2009. Indeed, he covered up the tragic scandal
concerning the death of an ambassador and those who tried to protect
him, so it would not ruin his chance at a second term. Remember when
he promised in his 2008 campaign that if he did not succeed in fixing
the economic mess that he would not seek a second term? Yeah, right.
Dictatorially-minded leaders do not relinquish power.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Write
and/or call your representative and ensure this bill i(H.R. 1454) is
never passed. We need to regain constitutional rights, have a
constitutionally limited government, and state governments that
adhere to constitutional law – rule of law. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Don't forget to tell your representative and senators to pass </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/hr1953" target="_blank"><b>HR 1953 -- the No Exemption for Washington from Obamacare Act</b></a>. If the Affordable Healthcare Act is so great, why are they exempting themselves and their employees? </span></span>
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