Progressive Hatefulness and Anti-American Ideology Prevails

As Islamic religious communities in the United States attempt to establish Sharia law, the film that grossed $250 million worldwide, American Sniper, directed by Clint Eastwood continues to be focused upon by Progressives in a negative manner.

Jesse Ventura joins others in the negative review of a successful film, artfully portrayed and artfully directed. Ventura has some sort of vendetta against veterans and active duty US military personnel and has expressed so publicly; yet he won a $1.8 million defamation lawsuit last year against the estate of the late Chris Kyle. That act alone gave a negative image of Jesse Ventura, who has moved to Mexico living in a solar home, allegedly during the winter. 

Sharia Law in Texas? You've Got To Be Kidding

As Pamela Geller wrote:

This is how it starts. This is how it started in the United Kingdom. ...officials all assured the British public and the world that they would be voluntary, restricted to matters involving non-criminal matters …

Yes, Christians are not allowed to pray in public schools, public display of the Ten Commandments is constantly contested, and other things that has to do with Christianity is persecuted and contested. But, hey, it's okay to institute Sharia law via a Muslim 'tribunal' in Texas (or any state of the Union). Is that right?

In the News: January 26th 2015

DOD Cutbacks … The Pentagon plans to close more European installations and is also contemplating closing 15 US installations and several units saving an estimated $500 million. Another series of cuts planned in May will total to $60 million in savings. The savings will come from closing the military golf course, hotel and skeet range at 21 facilities across Europe. USAFE (United States Armed Forces Europe) is rethinking about cutting back certain air facilities due to requirements in that region and other spots that require air support and strikes like the Middle East. Among the installations to be closed is the US Air Force base in the UK, among the other 14 installations across Europe. It is the RAF Mildenhall located near the town of Mildenhall, Suffolk, England where the Royal Air Force was established between 1930 and 1934. During WWII, the RAF Bomber Command used the station to stage European combat missions until 1945. It became a joint USAF-RAF operation base in 1950 and a B-50 Superfortress based in 1952. In 1953 it also included the B-47 Stratojet and until 1958 the KC-97 Stratofreighter base. Since the Cold War it has been a SAC [Strategic Air Command] installation that took control in May of 1951. Several air tactical units were stationed there since that time.

Weapons of Choice: Benelli 828U Over and Under

Benelli 828U

Except for English shotguns, Benelli remains the premium among the best. Purchased by Beretta, the oldest firearm manufacturer and kept in the family; it has retained its excellent quality.

Featured at the 2015 SHOT Show was the Benelli 828U, an over/under smoothbore with a beautiful nickel receiver and the standard quality walnut stock. It also features floating barrels with adjustable drop and cast. If you like the nickel receiver, the MSRP is $2,999. The black-anodized receiver has an MSRP at $2,499. Custom engraving, of course, is extra.

After Action Report, 2015 SHOT Show: Glock Generation 4 Series with MOS

Glock 41 with MOS [Modular Optic System]

I am liking the new Glock “G” Models: G34 (9mm), G35 (.40 Cal), G41 (.45 ACP), and G40 (10mm Auto). It has the lines of a classic semi-auto and the quality of a Glock. The only thing I have had against Glock and similar “boxy” pistols was its shape. 

SHOT Show 2015 and News Bits

 Gunblast

"American Sniper" Film Box Office Hit - Sniped by Michael Moore

American Sniper, directed by Clint Eastwood was a box office hit that totaling to $105 million. It is about the famous US Navy SEAL sniper, Chris Kyle, whose record was 160 confirmed kills and 255 probable kills.

37 Shipwrecks at Istanbul Train Station Build Site

9th Century Merchant Ship

Since 2004, archaeologists from the Istanbul Archaeological Museums have discovered 37 shipwrecks during excavations in the Yenikapi district of Istanbul. In a new archaeological paper, eight of the wrecks that range from the 5^th Century to the late 10^th Century have been described. It is a find as spectacular as King Tutankhamen's tomb in the 1920s. Previously, historians had to rely upon studying ancient drawings and pictures of what ships of the period looked like. It began when Istanbul's new train station was to be built to ease the concentrated traffic there and become part of the rail system that connects between East and West. 

Wisconsin DNR Winter Report

Today is the last day for the Winter Free Fishing Weekend (Jan 17-18) for “hard water” fishing [ice fishing]. Ice fishing gear is available at 19 loaner sites, eight of them are at state parks with fishing access. Check out the Wisconsin DNR website for fishing equipment loans for the site near you.

For any questions pertaining to angling, call 608-266-2272 or email at theresa.stabo@wisconsin.gov

Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

It is difficult to imagine that there could be another method of making meatloaf, but I ran across this recipe from Cook's Country who developed it from another recipe in their test chicken to make the “Ultimate Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf”. Like Cook's Country, I suggest using Bulls-Eye original barbeque sauce; but, of course, to each their own. This recipe has been slightly modified by me. If you have cooked bacon-wrapped turkey, you can see that it truly adds flavorful moisture.

Green Goddess Dressing: Chef Roemer Original

Green Goddess Dressing

Green Goddess as Veggie Dip - Wikipedia photo

Crunchy romaine with bacon and avocado or some Alfalfa sprouts added is a tasty salad. But some salad dressings overwhelm all that flavoring, especially the oil/vinegar types or even one of my favorite creamy dressings: Bleu Cheese. Green Goddess creamy dressing is the answer, but sometimes it is hard to find at the local grocery store for some reason. So, try a hand at making your own.

In the News: Great Basin Rifle Found and Are You Ready?

Great Basin National Park, Nevada … Park officials found a Winchester Model 1873 manufactured in 1882 leaning against a juniper tree. Judging by the weather-worn condition, it had been there a very long time. The mystery is who left it there and why?

In the News: Michigan and New York

Governor Rick Snyder of Michigan vetoed two pro-gun bills that would have rescinded the need for Michigan's system of county gun boards who oversee conceal carry permits. While both bills passed the state legislature, the governor was allegedly persuaded to not sign the bill, despite the ability to decommission the useless and costly boards and measures that would reduce permit costs and improved the state's permit renewal process. It is a case of government with power beyond limitations that refuses to reform despite proof of a problem in the system.

An email from Governor Snyder to Guns.com stated:

While the bills include a number of reforms I support, they also include changes to he concealed pistol licensing requirements that may increase the risks of violence and intimidation faced by victims of domestic abuse who seek protection in court.

Beretta M9A3: US Army Rejects Evaluation of Service Pistol Replacement

M9A3

The US Army has declined to evaluate the new Beretta M9A3 as part of a contract of US military service pistols. The US Army has been using the Beretta M9 since 1985, but the service pistols are starting to show their age from such long service. Despite accepting an updated M9 to replace worn out pistols and the cost of maintenance has made the Army and the Pentagon to look for something more modern and more affordable. However, in the meantime, the Army has an open contract with Beretta to stock armories as necessary. Beretta wanted the contract to be extended and continued, so it developed the M9A3, which has several features the Army was looking for at a lower price per unit than the current contract.

Tortilla Soup

Corn Tortillas

Tortillas are one of the great foods that crossed our southern border. Available in local grocery stores as corn or flour tortilla, the latter being the favorite around here. Making sure there are tortillas on hand for a variety of recipes, they can be frozen ready for the next feast. However, when trying to pry frozen tortilla from each other it is easy to tear the tortilla. To prevent that, put a square piece of parchment paper between each tortilla before freezing, like you would for frozen prepared raw burgers. The parchment paper squares can be reused.

Southern Style Green Beans

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, halved and sliced thin

4 cups water

1-1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-1/2-inch lengths

2 (12-ounce) smoked ham hocks

3 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled

Salt and black pepper

1 pound red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1-inch pieces

1. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
2. Add water, green beans, ham hocks, garlic, and 2-1/4 teaspoons salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in potatoes, cover, and continue to simmer until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes longer, stirring halfway through cooking.
3. Off heat, remove ham hocks and let cool for 5 minutes. Chop meat and return to pot; discard skin and bones. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Serves 6 to 8

New US Congress to Draft National Right-to-Carry Legislation

The Constitution of the United States and its amendments are national law. It was ratified by the original 13 states and accepted by states that joined the Union thereafter. This includes the Second Amendment. 

State governments have defied and countered the articles and amendments of the US Constitution, just as the federal, central government has ignored and defiled constitutional law regarding state rights.

Aimpoint: Is It The Right Choice for Quick Target Acquisition?

Aimpoint, a Swedish manufacturer, was the first to produce an electronic version of the iron sight system. It has continued to provide innovations in firearm optics and has expanded its catalog of quality optics introducing a new generation of compact model optics in the fall of 2014. It has also offered AR shooters optics that are tailored for their customized firearms. However, overall performance is what counts as the comparison video demonstrates at the end of this article.

The Micro T-2 Sight is an updated version of the Micro T-1. The Micro series was introduced in 2007 by Aimpoint making it a worldwide standard for compact reflex sights. 

New Year 2015: Ammunition Shortage Continues

NSSF has recently begun to track ammunition production because of the continued shortage of ammunition, especially .22 caliber. Prices have risen because of the commodity price for copper and other metals used in ammunition.

The major reason is that ammunition manufacturers have not been able to keep up with demand, thus shelves have emptied out and orders for bulk ammunition has been put on backorder.

Since the Fast-N-Furious scandal, there are those that believe that the government is part of the problem because of the increased government purchase of ammunition has also put a load upon manufacturer production. This consensus sparked a congressional hearing in the spring of 2013 because it was found that Homeland Security was using more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition more per person than the US Army. DHS bought more than 103 million rounds in 2012 and used 116 million in the same year for 70,000 employees.

Claudius: The Forgotten Roman Emperor

Documentaries and Hollywood historical depiction films seem to focus on the infamous and cruel emperors of ancient Rome; but two benevolent and wise emperors stand out: Marcus Aurelius and Claudius, both learned men and students of philosophy. William Shakespeare, a student of classical history, used the name of Claudius for his fictitious monarch in the tragic play, Hamlet.

Claudius' full name until 41 AD/CE was born as Tiberius Claudius Nero Germanicus, later when becoming emperor his name changed to Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. He was born on August 1^st, 10 BCE in Lugdynum (today Lynon) in Gaul and died on October 13^th, 54 AD/CE ruling Rome as emperor from 41 to 54 AD. He was the first emperor born outside of Italy. 

Porterhouse Steak

The Porterhouse is a steak lover's treat and as beef prices have climbed increasingly less affordable. It is a unique steak, usually cut thick that has a bone separating the strip steak portion and the tenderloin portion. A Porterhouse cut 2 inches thick, weighing in about 3 pounds will feed eight, is an alternative to roasted beef.

Steaks this thick can be a challenge and prevent outer edges from being overcooked trying to get medium-rare effect in the interior.

Sear the edges of the thick steaks for a few minutes to cook the exterior fat until crisp.

Let the steak rest for about 10 minutes, which is about as long as it takes to prepare Béarnaise Sauce.

When cutting the steaks, cut the tenderloin (smaller portion) and the larger strip steak from the bone and slice thinly against the grain. Reassemble the slices around the bone for presentation, but also keeps the sliced steak warm at the table on a platter. It serves 8.

2 (2.5 to 3-pound) porterhouse steaks, 2-inches thick, trimmed

Kosher salt and ground black pepper rubbed in per taste

3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 275° F. Set wire rack in aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Pat steaks dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Place steaks sided by side on prepared rack with tenderloins (smaller steak on bone) facing the center about 1-inch apart. Transfer steaks to oven and cook until thermometer inserted sideways 3 inches from tip of strip, registering 115 to 120 degrees, 70 to 90 minutes for medium-rare, rotating the sheet halfway through cooking time.
2. Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Heat oil in 12-inch skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke. Place one steak in skillet and sear until well browned, about 2 minutes per side, lifting occasionally to redistribute the oil. Using tongs, stand the steak upright to sear edges, 1 to 2 minutes. Return the steak to wire rack, tent loosely with foil, repeat with second steak. Let steaks rest for 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with Béarnaise Sauce, steamed or roasted vegetables, baked potato, and Pepperidge Farm Baked Artisan French Dinner Rolls. Chocolate Cheesecake would be an excellent dessert.

Coconut Crab, Hawaii and Pitcairn Island

Birgus latro [Smithsonian photo]

In Hawaii it is illegal to have or import non-domestic animals that are considered invasive species. Recently, a Hawaiian resident discovered a giant blue Coconut Crab walking down the street on Oahu island, who captured it and turned it into Hawaiian authorities. Hawaiians are sensitive about non-domestic fawn and fauna because the Hawaiian islands of paradise became infested with creatures introduced to their native lands.

It began when Europeans discovered and landed their ships in Hawaii and brought with them disease that the islanders were not immune to as well as animals such as rats that scurried off the ships and onto the island to breed and multiply.

Firearm Engraver Guild of America (FEGA) 2015 Annual Antique Firearm Show

One day after the 2015 SHOT Show ends the Beinfeld Las Vegas Antique Arms Show begins that includes the Firearm Engravers Guild annual show at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. It runs from January 23^rd to January 25^th.

Béarnaise Sauce

Makes 1-1/4 cups.
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
2 sprigs fresh tarragon
1 shallot, minced, sliced thin
3 large egg yolks
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
Salt [Sea salt or Kosher]
Pinch Cayenne Pepper
Extra seasoning per taste
16 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and hot
Hot water
1. Bring vinegar, tarragon sprigs, and shallot to simmer in small skillet over medium heat. Cook until vinegar is reduced to about 2 tablespoons, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat. Use fork and discard shallot slices and tarragon sprigs.
2. Process egg yolks, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, cayenne, and vinegar mixture in blender until frothy, about 10 seconds. With blender running, slowly drizzle in hot butter until emulsified, about 30 seconds. 
3.  Stir in minced tarragon. Adjust consistency with hot water as needed, 1 teaspoon at a time, until sause slowly drips from spoon. Extra seasoning per taste.

Archangel Precision Rifle Stocks

Remington 700 Short-Action w/Archangel Stock

Looking to upgrade your Springfield M1A1, M14, Mosin Nagant, or Remington 700 rifle? 

You might want to consider the Archangel stock also available for the Ruger Mini 14/30. 

2015 SHOT Show - Las Vegas, Nevada

That time of year – SHOT Show 2015 will be at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada from January 20^th to the 23^rd 2015. Sponsors are: Outdoor Channel, Dodge RAM, Brownells, Daniel Defense, Gamo Outdoor USA, Georgia, USA, Gun Broker, the city of Las Vegas, Mossy Oak, Trijicon, Smith & Wesson, and Nissan.

Buyers and exhibitors connect at the SHOT Show from more than 100 countries, participating in the USDepartment of Commerce International Buyer Program. NRA will be represented there.