tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53060249991055421242024-03-13T22:22:42.020-05:00Expert WitnessJPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-80397263332189455552014-10-06T08:53:00.000-05:002014-10-06T08:53:00.742-05:00"I Ain't Dead Yet."<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I've almost entirely given up on blog posing. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I realize it's g</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">oing on a year since my last. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have an old pal in Dallas that I see all too seldom, and see his charming wife even less often. Being a good and loyal friend, though, he occasionally phones to check on me and we have a lengthy chat, just catchin' up. He always mentions, "If you'd just post SOMETHING on your blog from time to time, I could just assume you're still alive." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dick and I used to do a lot of shooting in pistol matches, but have both tapered 'way off in recent years. Oh, we both still shoot the occasional match, but our forays seldom coincide. There are several excuses, but they mostly boil down to laziness and my being dragged, kicking and screaming into seniorness. (No, hell, be honest - - I'm already <i>there</i> .) I have a bad back, and sitting for hours at the loading press makes it hurt. Same reason makes it uncomfortable to walk around the ranges, unless I tote a folding chair with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My pistol match results at the local club are not at all competitive. They're more just to force me to shoot under pressure. The goblins may take down the ole dude one day - - Who among us wouldn't choose that way to go out? But I'd like to think one or two may have to pay dearly. The old Norse idea of taking servants to the other side, is really pretty appealing, So, if I can maintain at least a little proficiency with the "front sight, PRESS," and minor dexterity on reload, I can at least fantasize that I could still be a surprise to someone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For braggin' rights: can anyone give the source of the above title? </span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-65335712911256341202013-10-27T20:44:00.000-05:002013-10-27T20:44:35.921-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>HALF-CENTURY ANNIVERSARY</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew I'd been extremely lazy about blogging in the recent past, but, WOW - - Nearly a year since my last! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a similar vein to my last post - - we are rapidly approaching the half-century mark since President Kennedy was slain in Dallas. Yeah, that should go without saying. The TV people and the print media are warming up for their blitz of publicity, I assume just to imply that they are properly respectful concerning the event. No, they shouldn't just ignore the significance. I'm simply not sure that those of us who lived through late November 1963 can tolerate all the "celebrations" and special programming and extra editions to sell ads and souvenirs and trinkets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I shudder to think that I might for some reason be compelled to drive into Dallas during the "event." If I'm fortunate, I'll be able to avoid it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps it will seem to you that I'm ignoring a historical occasion. Not at all. I'm not trying to convince anyone, least of all myself, that I have forgotten that traumatic time. I'd simply rather recall it in my own way, without a bunch of others telling me how to think of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have no first-hand recall of those unhappy days and weeks, please don't forego the opportunity to wade through at least some of the feature stories this November. Most of them may be trash, but many will be worthwhile. Don't forget: There was a VAST store of misinformation and erroneous reporting circulated in the immediate aftermath of the assassination. I hope the "new" stuff doesn't all merely rehash-and-repeat the now-refuted material. Over the ensuing decades, much of that has been set straight. By the same token, new and even more exciting conspiracy theories have been promulgated, some even less logical than the old ones. Please consider the sources of what you read this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want to believe in conspiracies, if you like to exercise healthy skepticism concerning what the Dot Gov tells you, there is much more, 'way fresher, and FAR better documented material available now. And, we have ready access to countless items of information through the Internet. Please, don't stop reading and thinking and discussing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-33071863443235376252012-11-22T10:11:00.000-06:002012-11-22T10:18:48.573-06:00<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">22 NOV 2012 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, there's a double significance to this date. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Primarily, it is the Thanksgiving holiday. I have many things for which to be grateful, most having to do with family and friends. Life’s not perfect, but things are SO much better than they might have been.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Holly’s lovely daughter is hosting the holiday dinner today, a first for her. She is betrothed to a fine young man. Holly’s son has the duty today and lives too distant to come visit for only one day anyway. David, my younger son will be present, but Matt has other commitments today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am reminded that 22NOV is the 49<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It seems that most generations have some signal event, one from which we can date ‘most everything that went before or came later. Everyone alive and aware on certain dates can tell where they were and what was happening when they heard of the Pearly Harbor attack, or the terrorist acts of 11SEP2001. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first such recollection came with the murder of our president. I was a college student at TCU in Fort Worth, and worked full time at a major hospital as a surgical technician. That day, I was running late for my lunch break, having been asked to assist Doctor Joe Wise with removal of a woman’s gall bladder. I was flattered that the old surgeon respected my ability enough to ask for me to help him. In retrospect, perhaps he simply appreciated that I was tall enough to see what he was doing, without getting in his way. It was a simple enough procedure, and it wasn’t necessary to tie up another surgeon as first assistant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of that procedure, I recall only that it was proceeding smoothly and that we were something over halfway done. Mrs. Ruby Sargis, RN, was the surgical department supervisor. She stepped inside the door of our OR, holding a mask to her face. She said something like, “President Kennedy has been shot. It happened in downtown Dallas.” She has no other information but said she’d let us know when she learned more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doctor Wise was a solid professional, and I like to think that the rest of the staff were steady. We broke no speed records in completing the cholecystectomy, but neither did we tarry. Later, we took turns watching the few (two?) television receivers in the OR suite, but we took care of business. Some employees were released early. As I recall, I finished my shift.. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ll not rehash the history of that day and those following. If you don’t recall the history, it’s easy to find huge gouts of information --and MISinformation-- on the ’net. None of my observations or memories are of historical value. I’d been within a mile or two of the president as he left Fort Worth an flew to Dallas that morning. I was something over 30 miles distant when he was killed. My activities during that time were of interest only to me, and perhaps a few friends. It was a significant day in my life, but in no way due to anything I did or said.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m glad that this Thanksgiving is so much happier that the one in 1963.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JPG</span> </span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-79816671583267610002012-06-15T12:50:00.002-05:002012-06-15T12:50:32.197-05:00Movie NON-Review: PROMETHEUS<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like motion pictures because I like to be entertained. I want to give myself up to the plot, to suspend disbelief. I greatly prefer to watch a well made, well directed and well acted film. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both of my sons feel much the same, though we differ in our appreciation of various aspects of movies. Despite this, I respect their judgement. Last week at a birthday get-together, Matt said, in essence, <em>"Go see <strong>Prometheus</strong>. See it in 3-D if you can manage it. DO NOT talk about it with anyone who might tell you anything about the film. Try not to watch any trailers or previews. Don't read any </em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>reviews. Just go see the movie, and we'll talk later."</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, this is a pretty strong endorsement from him. I did take his advice, and went to see it at first opportunity, consciously avoiding any prior knowledge. All I knew was that it was some kind of science fiction film. It was certainly worth the trip and the price of admission. Please, do yourself a favor. Re-read that last paragraph and follow Matt's admonition. See<span style="font-size: medium;"> <strong>Prometheus</strong> with just as little pre-knowledge as you can manage. Do it soon, because it'll be practically impossible to avoid hearing about it for very long. </span></span><br />
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If you care for sci fi or adventure movies at all, I believe you'll like this one. If you can avoid learning about it in advance, I think you'll appreciate it even more. Please, don't write any comments that would disclose ANYTHING of the film, at least for a couple of weeks. <br />
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Enjoy. <br />
</span></span></span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-25539113706979108002012-02-25T12:51:00.002-06:002012-02-25T12:55:18.714-06:00Test Post<span style="font-family:arial;">After a lengthy period of inactivity, I started getting notifications that my account was about to be terminated. I guess I need to learn what I must do to keep from fading away. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I'll see if just doing such a wortrhless post as this will have a positive result.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Best to all - -</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">JPG</span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-47201871076132197172011-06-08T09:44:00.018-05:002011-06-08T12:37:15.453-05:00Cartridges I handload<span style="font-family:arial;">Friend <strong>Tamara</strong> is a dedicated shooter and firearms blogger, with an admirable collection of arms, both common and unusual. In her <a href="http://http//cosmolineandrust.blogspot.com/">The Arms Room blog</a>, she has written about many exotic and exemplary firearms. Not all of them are everyone's cuppa tea, but she has a way of making them all interesting.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">One thing I particularly admire about Tams is that she has very few pure safe queen guns. Practically every one of them is a shooter, even if it's inconvenient to feed some of them.<br /><br />In her regular </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/">View From the Porch blog</a>, she recently wrote about her personal stash of ammunition -- what she likes to have on hand to feed her guns, or guns she's likely to come across. She listed some 51 separate cartridges she likes to keep on hand. Fascinating. I suggest you <a href="http://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/2011/06/calibers-i-keep-on-hand.html">give it a read.<br /><br /></a>I went down her list and noted where our interests coincide, and where they wildly diverge. <a href="http://maypeacebewithyou.blogspot.com/">Elder Son </a></span><span style="font-family:arial;">and I have done some experimenting with many of the more common cartridges, and a few of the lesser used ones. I wandered into my messy reloading room/workshop and got to thinking about the ammo I hand oad, and am <em>ABLE</em> to load. I may not need some of these, but if called upon, I could put together ammo for all these guns. I note that I only load for some 20 of the cartridges Tam lists. They're the ones above the dashed line. I can load an additional 20 cartridges besides.<br /><br />In fairness, I must acknowledge that it's easy to "double dip" some of these items. For example, Tams lists .38 ACP, which she could shoot in my Super .38 Colt. Also .223 and 5.56x45mm<em> AND</em> the .308 and 7.62x51mm pairs are interchangeable for casual use. My claim that I can load .454 Casull may be reaching, as it is only a matter of readjusting .45 Colt dies. But, is this any less valid than claiming .38 Special/.357 mag and .44 Special/.44 mag as four separate cartridges?<br /><br /><strong>My List:</strong><br />.45ACP</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.44 Magnum</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.44 Special</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.44-40</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.41 Magnum</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.357 Magnum</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.38 Special </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">9x19mm </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.25ACP </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.32ACP </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.380ACP </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.455 Webley Auto </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.38ACP</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.303 Brit </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">7.62x51 NATO </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">300 Whisper </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.30'06 </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.45-70 </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">5.56x45 </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.243 Winchester<br />- - - - - - - - - - - </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.38 S&W<br />.38 Super<br />.357 Sig<br />.40 S&W<br />10 mm auto<br />.455 revolver<br />.45 Colt<br />.45 S&W<br />.45 Auto Rim<br />.454 Casull<br />.222 Remington<br />.223 Remington<br />.257 Roberts<br />.270 Win<br />.30 US Carbine<br />.30-30 Win<br />.308 Win<br />.300 WinMag<br />.35 Whelen<br />.375 H&H<br /><br />On the other hand, while I could shoot my standard .257 and .30'06 ammo in rifles chambered for the Ackley Improved versions, I don't count these separately.<br /><br />And I can't believe I have rifles for 7.5 mm Swiss, 7.62x39 mm, .38-40 WCF, and .338 WinMag, but can't handload these.<br /><br />I freely admit that I'm a hobbyist. There's no way I "need" to handload near all those cartridges. Even as much as I like to shoot, I could get along very well with only a dozen die sets. But, hey, I already have the gear on hand, and it doesn't eat anything while not in use. Yeah, there's a fair bit of money invested in those items, and the presses and related stuff. The spending was spread out over decades, and I don't recall missing but a few meals in all that time. Have you priced a set of good golf clubs or some scuba gear lately?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Hey, this is kinda fun, once I get to going. Maybe I should blog a little more often . . . .</span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-3439545787460220052010-09-29T10:27:00.010-05:002010-09-29T10:59:55.968-05:00Maybe Not The Latest and Greatest<div><div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Elder Son is about to drive to Nebraska to accept a gracious invitation to a deer hunt. He blogs about certain of his <a href="http://maypeacebewithyou.blogspot.com/2010/09/hunting-prep.html">hunting preparations</a>, specifically checking sights and ammo on his firearms. </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div> </div><div>I fully appreciate that, to stay in business, firearms and ammunition makers occasionally need to introduce new products. At the same time, it's interesting to note the following - - </div><p>--The action of Matt's Springfield sporter was made in 1918, some 92 years ago. When he rebarreled it to .35 Whelen, he chose a cartridge first introduced in 1922.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522361240010618098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/TKNeSgA39PI/AAAAAAAAAWo/SutJymAL6lA/s320/613670%5B2%5D.jpg" border="0" />--Apparently that Featherweight Model 70 action sat around the Winchester plant for a couple of years before they screwed in the brand-new .243 barrel in 1955. That was well over a half-century ago. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522362081992748018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/TKNfDgpDq_I/AAAAAAAAAWw/Ot9PJhbMlI8/s320/Photo-0023%5B1%5D.jpeg" border="0" /> --Ruger introduced the fine, three-screw Super Blackhawk .44 in 1959 and discontinued it in '72. That powerful and perfectly serviceable sidearm is likely somewhere between 40 and 50 years old. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522363222017081618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/TKNgF3kCgRI/AAAAAAAAAXA/Fjy3CzxybvA/s320/three-44-cartridges%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <p></p><p></p><p>A while back, I wrote about the difference between <a href="http://jpg-expertwitness.blogspot.com/2007/12/obsolete-vs-obsolescent.html">obsolete and obsolescent</a>, which is sorta kinda on point. There are those who'll wonder how Matt could possibly make an efficient hunt with those ancient guns . . . .</p><p>Matt, convey my greetings to your host. Good hunting and safe home.</span></p></div></div>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-52804562731812871842010-09-08T16:49:00.003-05:002010-09-08T16:53:20.826-05:00A Test Project<span style="font-family:arial;">I've been having some difficulty in handling spamming comments and don't really understand why. Sorry no real content lately, but maybe that'll be sorted out sometime in the foreseeable.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Anyhow, this is only checking out the system.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">JPG</span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-80181371679393277682010-06-24T18:22:00.002-05:002010-06-24T18:26:58.282-05:00I'm Entered in an Ammo Giveaway<span style="font-family:arial;">M.D. Creekmore at</span><a href="http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/about-3"><span style="font-family:arial;"> The Survivalist Blog</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> – a </span><a href="http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/"><span style="font-family:arial;">survival blog</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> dedicated to helping others prepare for and survive disaster – with articles on </span><a href="http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/2009/08/beyond-bug-out-bag-ultimate-grad-and-go.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">bug out bag</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> contents, </span><a href="http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/2010/05/survival-knife.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">survival knife</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> choices and a wealth of other </span><a href="http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/2009/06/survival-101.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">survival </span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">information is giving away a </span><a href="http://www.luckygunner.com/9mm-124-grain-fmj-military-ballistics-industries-1000-rounds"><span style="font-family:arial;">1,000 round case of 9mm – 124 Grain FMJ</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> (a $200 value – donated by </span><a href="http://www.luckygunner.com/handgun/9mm-ammo"><span style="font-family:arial;">LuckyGunner</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">)! To enter, you just have to post about it on your blog. This is my entry. Visit </span><a href="http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/2010/06/1000-rounds-of-9mm.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Survivalist Blog </span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">for the details.</span><br />-------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Even if I don't get drawn for the ammo, it's always worthwhile to drop a link for an interesting blog.<br />JPGJPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-856110582300453152010-06-22T21:40:00.002-05:002010-06-22T22:33:40.975-05:00A Primer on Gun Shopping<span style="font-family:arial;">Shopping for one particular type gun, anyhow.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><p></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485690826555379938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/TCEWvghz0OI/AAAAAAAAAWY/v3y0gsn3BMI/s400/M1911+smaller.jpg" border="0" /><br />I like almost all types of firearms, and some better than others. Handguns are my main area of interest, and I've been an afficionado of the 1911-series for a very long time. These are almost always in caliber .45 ACP, but there are other formats as well. Like so many, I have my own preferences as to particular brands, models, and features. </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Never having been a wealthy person, I've had to be choosy about spending my money. Additionally, some very fine arms are simply not in current production. These two factors have led me into doing a lot of shopping for used guns. This may take place at a neighborhood gun shop, a fair-sized sporting goods sore, a gun show, flea market, or on leads found in the newspaper classified ads - - I'm not particular, and I've made some good buys through each of these venues.<br /><br />A longtime 'Net acquaintance, Xavier, writes a very worthwhile blog called </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/">Xavier Thoughts</a> or, <em>Nurse With a Gun</em>. Same thing - - one is probably a subtitle for the other. He has numerous interests, including photography, bicycles, dogs, conflict training, and GUNS. His series on gun shopping are occasionally archived in a separate blog called <a href="http://pawnshopcircuit.blogspot.com/">Pawn Shop Circuit</a>. If you're not particularly interested in 'Xave's other areas of expertise, his back installments in <em>PSC </em>are a really good read.<br /><br />Anyhow, the current article in <em>Xavier Thoughts</em> is really prime writing: <a href="http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/">Checking a Used 1911 with a Purchase in Mind</a>. This is a very informative piece, and would be of outstanding value to someone with any thought of buying a a previously-owned 1911-type pistol. The information is interchangeable for all marques and clones of the basic Browning-designed service automatic. I only wish this information had been so compiled in one spot several decades ago when I first started my love affair with the Colt Government Model and its descendants.<br /><br />If you have even a passing interest in the topic, Xavier has done you a service in publishing this article. I strongly recommend it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">JPG<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></p>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-72809400167550589512010-04-30T23:07:00.008-05:002010-05-01T02:04:43.359-05:00Looking for a Particular Revolver<span style="font-family:Arial;">I'm asking for assistance in location a certain revolver. It's possibly lost forever, but I'm asking just in case one of you might be able to help out. No, this one was never mine. Most of the guns I've let get away were through my own doing. This lost firearm is being sought by a lady I've never met.</span><br /><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">The back story:</p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">John J. Burke</span><br />b. 1909 d. 1969</strong><br /><br />He enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in 1933 and retired in 1956. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466190485936347698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/S9vPSSzbGjI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/KxpFi_gelzM/s320/09-145-0009_sm%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;"> (A representative S&W Military & Police revolver.)</span><br /><p>Upon retirement from PSP in 1956, Trooper Burke was given a Smith & Wesson .38 revolver with 4" barrel, inscribed <strong>PA STATE POLICE 1933-1956 JOHN J BURKE.</strong> He subsequently served as Chief of Police in Grove City, PA. The old officer died in 1969.</p>The late chief's daughter is Ms. Maggie Burke Dull, and she is anxious to locate her father's old revolver as a family keepsake. Her brother, Robert, not knowing that she wanted it, traded it off to a dealer in Jeffersonville, near Norrisown, PA, around 2003. I read about her request for assistance on TheFiringLine.com. I'd really be glad if one of my readers was able to help her out.<br /><br />Friends, you needn't tell me how slim are the chances of tracing this particular handgun. Other than the unique inscription, there's nothing distinguishing about it. It seems unlikely that the now-retired daughter could pay a huge price to buy it. I can only hope that the current owner, if located, might be generous and willing to sell it for a fair price. Even if it doesn't work out so that Ms. Dull can obtain her dad's sidearm, it would be nice if she could find out what happened to it. You may get in touch with Ms. Dull through The Firing Line board by clicking <a href="http://thefiringline.com/forums/member.php?u=101298">THIS LINK</a> and then on "Contact Info." Her TFL member name is <strong>burke1943</strong>. Or, feel free to e-mail or comment to me. If anyone can help in any manner, it would be a very kind act to do so.<br /><br />Best regards,<br />JPG</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-23084146071622280522010-04-22T08:36:00.018-05:002010-04-22T11:31:11.583-05:00BANANAS - Are they magical?<div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">I've mentioned my friend Rob - Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant, retired police officer, shadetree philosopher, scholar, hunter, shooter - all around interesting individual. He moved out of state a few years back and I really miss visiting with him. He passes along interesting tidbits of information from time to time.<br /><br />This showed up in my e-mail recently. It is fascinating enough that I felt it appropriate to pass along. I hasten to admit/disclaim that I have not done any personal research, nor sought any documentation on any of trhe claims below. I do NOT subscribe to all the latest and greatest health fads. There's no way I'll buy into the idea that one can thrive abundantly simply by gobbling a handful of vitamins, food supplements, herbs and such. I've found that when someone tries to sell me on that sort of thing, there's usully a least a partial, underlying, profit motive. Maybe the passer-along doesn't stand to make money from the idea, but most of the time, someone does. Well, first, Rob wouldn't buy into that sort of thing, and second, I don't see how any individual or company would have any profit motive for hypling this particular idea. (Chiquita? Dole? I love you guys, but I seriously doubt that ALL of my readers could alter their revenues by a tiny fraction . . .) Judge for yourself. </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div align="left"><br />I've edited the text a little, but most of it's here - - </span><span style="font-family:arial;"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462955943904196930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/S9BRfKwEuUI/AAAAAAAAAWA/YY3c7CsyVVM/s320/ATT00050%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><strong>BANANAS</strong></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet. </div><div align="left"></div><p><strong>Depression</strong>: According to a one recent survey [??] . . . amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.<br /><br /><strong>PMS</strong>: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.<br /><br /><strong>Anemia</strong> : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.<br /><br /><strong>Blood Pressure</strong>: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.<br /><br /><strong>Brain Power</strong>: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.<br /><br /><strong>Constipation</strong>: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.<br /><br /><strong>Hangovers</strong>: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.<br /><br /><strong>Heartburn</strong>: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.<br /><br /><strong>Morning Sickness</strong>: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness. </p><p><strong>Mosquito bites</strong>: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.<br /><br /><strong>Nerves</strong>: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.<br /><br /><strong>Overweight and at work?</strong> Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.<br /><br /><strong>Ulcers</strong>: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.<br /><br /><strong>Temperature control</strong>: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.<br /><br /><strong>Seasonal Affective Disorder</strong> (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.<br /><br /><strong>Smoking & Tobacco Use</strong>: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.<br /><br /><strong>Stress</strong>: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.<br /><br /><strong>Strokes</strong>: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!<br /><br /><strong>Warts</strong>: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!<br /><br />Looks like a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462956128909893570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/S9BRp783n8I/AAAAAAAAAWI/jFGriyuYIcA/s320/ATT00044%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!' Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time!<br /><br />I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit !!! </span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-8893010509567648322010-04-21T09:58:00.010-05:002010-04-21T10:58:21.057-05:00APRIL HISTORY: San Jacinto and the Doolittle Raid<span style="font-family:arial;">I've let my blogging lapse for several months, and a nod at a couple of historical dates may be a good way to ease back into the groove. If it doesn't "take," well then, it's still a good idea to recall certain aspects of the past. Here are two that took place in the month of April.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462611398023008066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/S88YH9UpT0I/AAAAAAAAAVw/Ga5eBNoOz4c/s400/800px-The_Battle_of_San_Jacinto_%25281895%2529%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Today is the Day of San Jacinto. The </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_San_Jacinto">Battle of San Jacinto</a>, to be more precise. I've </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://jpg-expertwitness.blogspot.com/2008/04/san-jacinto-day-anniversary.html">previously written</a> on the topic and see no point in repeating the same information. The significance of the battle and the aftermath is just as profound now as it ever was. In short, this battle ensured Texas' separation from Mexico, and the resultant treaties gave form to the United States for all time to come.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462612502398677138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/S88ZIPcUsJI/AAAAAAAAAV4/kBQ-lnHafK4/s400/dolittle-plane%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">18 April 1942 - - The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doolittle_Raid">Doolittle Raid </a></span><span style="font-family:arial;">on Tokyo, while minor in tactical results, had tremendous significance in terms of American morale and global news. It placed the Empire of Japan on notice regarding the BIG error they'd made in starting a war with the U.S.A. World War II was a long, hard war, one with crucial bearing on the entire future of civilization. It was incomprehensibly costly, in terms of the lives cost, not to mention the huge expenditures of money it took to wage the conflict. Unfortunately, some onerous tasks must be undertaken, no matter what the bottom line turns out to be. Thanks to </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Greatest_Generation">The Greatest Generation</a>, the U.S. and the Allied Powers prevailed. It is interesting to reflect on the continuing effects of that great conflict, and the ways in which, not only did the world map change, but how societal and international attitudes were altered for all succeding generations. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">An occasional look back at history can well provide us with some landmarks to help us into the future.</span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-14538924222040316642009-11-26T10:27:00.005-06:002009-11-26T10:43:56.376-06:00HAPPY THANKSGIVING<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/Sw6v6wMVj7I/AAAAAAAAAVo/eTix7XIEG_4/s1600/rockwell_thanksgiving%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408453626422464434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/Sw6v6wMVj7I/AAAAAAAAAVo/eTix7XIEG_4/s400/rockwell_thanksgiving%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">All is well with my family again this year, and I have much for which to give thanks. <a href="http://hollysramblin.blogspot.com/2009/11/mondays-agenda.html">My Beloved Bride</a> is recovering well from her recent surgery and if off the walker and using a cane. I could wax eloquent (well, MILDLY so) but prolly couldn't do much better than <a href="http://jpg-expertwitness.blogspot.com/2007/11/warmest-holiday-greetings.html">what I wrote here a couple of years back</a>. I checked and it still reads pretty well. Certain details differ, especially about the attendees, but my basic gratitude is the same. May you all be equally blessed on the day.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> <div><div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408452831746972802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/Sw6vMfy73II/AAAAAAAAAVY/yvcSNar_iY8/s400/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> Holly tuned the televisor to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and I've been glancing over my shoulder at the screen occasionally.<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408453236971401538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/Sw6vkFX98UI/AAAAAAAAAVg/0gaGXLRugYI/s400/rockettes!%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> She commented that the Radio City Rockettes were about to perform, and I did turn around for that performance. I mused a bit, wondering aloud if to qualify for that distinguished troupe, the young women had to agree to having an extra four inches grafted into their legs. BB doesn't think so, but I still wonder . . . .<br />Best of the season to all you you and yours.<br />JPG</span></div></div>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-54973608792994786632009-10-20T20:33:00.005-05:002009-10-20T21:15:15.195-05:00Final Bulletin about Bayou Renaissance Man<span style="font-family:arial;">Beloved Bride and I talked with Peter night before last. He went home from hospital on TU13OCT, I think. He's progressing nicely, gaining strength and feeling better. He has a support network of local friends and someone comes by to help him every day.<br /><br />He's frustrated in that he had only just gotten moved into his new quarters when he was struck ill. He has MANY boxes of gear still stacked and not yet unpacked. He's not able to make any progress on that front as he's restricted from lifting anything of over ten pounds weight.<br /><br />Peter's fiancee' should arrive in about a week and she'll help in getting his stuff unpacked.<br /><br />He expresses gratitude to all who send prayers and good thoughts.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Per the title of this piece, this is my final update on Peter's health. I see he's back to publishing </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com/">HIS blog</a> on a daily basis, and he'll give his own progress reports. In a way, I hope he's putting up stuff he already had "in the can." However, as I write, I recall my own bout with an MCI, quadruple bypass, and subsequent complications. One of the ONLY things I was able to do comfortably was mess with the computer. Anyway, be sure to drop by his spot and see what topics upon which he's discoursing. </span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-33693325932042659842009-10-20T19:54:00.003-05:002009-10-20T20:08:33.967-05:00Viewpoints: Conservatives and Liberals<span style="font-family:arial;">My old friend Rob retired as a Marine Gunnery Sergeant. He then went on to retire again as a police supervisor. It's always a pleasure to hear from him.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />I usually steer clear of political commentary on this blog. It just aggravates me and I get all tang toungled. When Rob sent this one by e-mail, though, I had to pass it along. <br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"><strong>Conservative vs. Liberal</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a conservative doesn’t like guns, he doesn`t buy one. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn`t eat meat.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a conservative sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat his enemy.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">A liberal wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a conservative is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a liberal is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a black man or Hispanic is a conservative, they see themselves as independently successful.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Their liberal counterparts see themselves as victims in need of government protection.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a conservative doesn’t like a talk show host, he switches channels. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Liberals demand that those they don’t like be shut down. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn’t go to church. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. (Unless it’s a foreign religion, of course!)</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a conservative slips and falls in a store, he gets up, laughs and is embarrassed. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a liberal slips and falls, he grabs his neck, moans like he's in labor and then sues. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If a conservative reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh. </span><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">A liberal will delete it because he's "offended".</span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-2237803653335107242009-10-10T19:31:00.003-05:002009-10-10T20:05:18.665-05:00Peter's on the Mend!<span style="font-family:arial;">I'm extremely pleased to be able to announce that my friend Padre Pedro, who blogs as </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com/">Bayou Renaissance Man</a>, is recovering nicely, following quadruple bypass surgery. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Our mutual friend, </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://ambulancedriverfiles.blogspot.com/">Ambulance Driver</a>, who lives near the hospital, reported today that he and his darlin' daughter went and visited Peter today. This was good to read, but it was even better when </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Holly and I talked with Peter by phone just a few minutes ago.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">He apparently had a really close call, for a man who had never previously experienced any type of heart trouble. Peter was astute enough to phone his doctor soon after he began manifesting symptoms, and said learned healer prodded him to get off the dime and do what he should have already done: He summoned the medics. Two ambulances of 'em showed up in short order and worked their emergency magic. This prompt action seems to have headed off Peter's imminent demise long enough to get him into hosplital treatment and surgery. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The man sounds a bit weak yet, but he has hopes that he'll be out of the facility in another few days. While progressing nicely, Peter can still use some more prayers and good thoughts.</span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-11255718274168677752009-09-07T23:54:00.007-05:002009-09-08T02:08:12.222-05:00My "New" Handloading Setup<span style="font-family:arial;"> <div><div><br />Like most shooters over a certain age, I started out handloading on a single-stage C-type press. I later got a stronger and nicer RCBS O-frame press and used it for many years. I loaded several handgun and a couple of rifle calibers on it. I shot a LOT of pistol ammo, especially for the several years when I was quite active in IPSC competition. I shot at least three, usually five or six, and sometimes seven or eight matches per month. This included the weekly Friday evening matches at Dallas Indoor Pistol Range. Believe me, I spent a great deal of time at the loading bench. I gave up casting my own, purchasing 230 gr. lead round nose in bulk. All that was on the same single-station press.</div><div></div><br /><div>Finally, in 1989 or -90, I broke down and ordered a Dillon 550B, and it was a revelation! Though I had dropped back to shooting maybe one or two matches per month, it was glorious to spend a relatively short time loading, and yet be able to shoot all the ammo I wanted to, on any given weekend. This was a time when Elder Son Matt was getting very interested in center fire handguns, and we spent a lot of time at the range. The old RCBS press still saw a lot of service in rifle load development and loading practice ammo.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378987594457289682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/SqYAt9LcE9I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/L8x90JlYSZ0/s400/dillon550%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div>As great as it was having the Dillon press, I found myself dreading a change of calibers. It's only about two minutes to switch out one previously-adjusted tool head and to install another. I had some four powder measures, so I usually didn't even need to make load adjustments. About two minutes, that is, <strong>IF</strong> the switch was between two calibers using the same primer size. .45 ACP to .44 magnum or .45 Colt was a snap. Or .38 Special to 9mm or .380. But a changeover from small primers to large, or vice-versa, was a minor headache. I'd end up postponing loading some calibers until I was just flat OUT of that particular number. </div><br /><div></div><div>A local shop took a used Dillon Square Deal B press in trade, set up for .38 Special. I looked it over, got a good price on it, and it was mine. I shipped it to Dillon for a complete overhaul at a reasonable cost, and now I had two progressive presses on my bench, along with the old single-stage. Matt and I owned small assortment of .38 and .357 caliber revolvers, and we began exercising these sometimes neglected fine old handgus. Most of the time, the 550B stayed set up for .45 ACP. </div><div></div><br /><div>Couple of matters brought things to a head. First, my Beloved Bride had become very interested in shooting steel plate matches. She shot in the rimfire class, using my Browning Buckmark. Predictably, though, about the time she was becoming pretty competent with the .22, she wanted to shoot centerfire. Before I knew what was up, <em>MY</em> Browning 9mm Hi-Power took up residence in <em>HER</em> shooting bag, and when I wasn't prompt enough in changing my 550B over to small primer use, we were spending a fair chunk of change buying Winchester White Box 9mm at Wally World.</div><div></div><br /><div>Also, this excellent spouse overheard me telling a pal that I seriously wanted a Colt Super .38 pistol. Next thing I know, she's shopping the stores and the internet, looking to buy me that special pistol. Long story short, she outbid all comers for a really nice 1953-vntage pistol. It was my birthday gift, and words cannot express how happy she made me with it. I bought several boxes of ammo, but already knew I needed to handload Super .38. Yet another reason to do primer system switches. </div><br /><div></div><div>I finally put up a "Want to Buy" ad on TheFiringLine.com and TheHighRoad.com. A man who lived 15 minutes from me answered. I bought an old 550 in good shape, with three caliber conversions from him. It took me a few months to obtain a proper mounting plate for my bench, and more months before I got it set up.</div><br /><div>I only then realized that the recent acquisition was a much older press, a 550 rather than 550B. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378987102815140402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/SqYARVq0OjI/AAAAAAAAAVI/CwjQcCE2TQ0/s400/LoadingBench04%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>It had no fail safe powder measure reset rod - - Not even a place to mount one. And all three powder measures had a very different bell crank system. They should work out well with the older press, though. I've set up this press to handle all my small primer needs, so I can leave the other one for large primers. I've loaded almost 200 rounds of 9mm parabellum, which will make my beloved bride happy. Several hundred more, to establish a comfortable stockpile, and I'll continue my development of a couple of Super .38 loads.</div><div></div><br /><div>So - I'm satisfied, at least for the time being. Two 550s, a Square Deal B, and an RCBS Single Stage. Things are getting a little crowded, but I'll deal with it.</div><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Note:</strong> People I know and respect use other brands of progressive loading presses. I got started on the Dillon progressives and ave been quite satisfied with them. I have NO argument with loaders who choose another brand.</span></span></div></div>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-39224046059636454652009-08-20T08:40:00.003-05:002009-08-20T08:56:09.808-05:00False Alarm!<span style="font-family:arial;"><br />On 9AUG2009, I received an e-mail from a friend which was, on the face of it, very alarming. It started out:<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong>Gun Confiscation is Beginning--Senate Bill SB-2099<br /><br />HR45 Gun Owners Watch Out</strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Concerning the Blair-Holt proposed legislation: Senate Bill SB-2099 will require us to put on our 2009 1040 federal tax form all guns that you have or own. It may require fingerprints and a tax of $50 per gun.<br /><br />In November, our lying president promised he was not going after our Second Amendment rights. This bill was introduced on Feb. 24. This bill will become public knowledge 30 days after it is voted into law. This is an amendment to the Internal Revenue Act of 1986. This means that the Finance Committee can pass this without the Senate voting on it at all.</span><br /></span><br />The e-mail continued with a broad expansion of this horror story, detailing provisions of the "New Law," including:<br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">. . . would make it illegal to own a firearm - any rifle with a clip or ANY pistol unless:<br />It is registered, owner is fingerprinted, supplies current Driver's License and Social Security Number, submits to physical & mental evaluation at a time of "THEIR" choosing. Any change of ownership through private or public sale must be reported, with a $25 fee. Failure to do so automatically forfeits the right to own a firearm and subjects you to a year in jail. A child-access provision allows "THEM" to inspect your gun storage, and violations subject you to fine and up to 5 years in prison.<br /></span><br />I do not question the sincerity of my pal who sent the e-mail. I'm certain he got it from someone who was equally convinced on its authenticity. HOWEVER - - -<br />My very well-informed friend Stephen Camp passed along the following:<br /><br />Chris Cox, Executive Director of the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action writes <a href="http://www.nraila.org/Issues/Articles/Read.aspx?id=367&issue=047">"Blind Alley on the Information Superhighway."<br /></a><br />Mr. Cox sets the record straight and reveals that, <em>"It turns out someone’s recycling an old alert that wasn’t even accurate when it was new. There actually was a bill called S. 2099 that would have taxed handguns--nine years ago."<br /></em><br />Please check out the above link and read the entire article. It places "Rumor Control" in an interesting historical context, and is a true cautionary tale. We ALL must be alert for abuses of our rights, but it is important that we cast a critical eye on the more fantastic rumors.</span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-27898328577344056642009-08-19T22:35:00.005-05:002009-08-19T23:49:10.009-05:00Push the Pull Door - - Blog by a Great Guy<span style="font-family:arial;">By way of Elder Son's writings, I learn that friend Don Gwinn's old blog, <em>Armed School Teacher</em>, is no more. If you have that site bookmarked and click on the old link, you'll find the entire site has been taken down. I'm happy to pass along that Don's fine efforts may now be found at <a href="http://pushthepulldoor.blogspot.com/">Push the Pull Door</a>. If you haven't read Don in the past, do yourself a favor and check him out.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />First, though, read <a href="http://maypeacebewithyou.blogspot.com/2009/08/gwinn-don-gwinn.html">Matt's blog</a> on the topic. Be sure to click on that first link, <a href="http://maypeacebewithyou.blogspot.com/2007/06/go-see-good-man-who-steps-up.html">I've written</a>, </span><span style="font-family:arial;">for an excellent introduction to a truly fine man, his family, and his other, subordinate, interests. I've "known" Don for about nine years, both of us serving on the staff of both </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.thefiringline.com/">The Firing Line</a> and </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.thehighroad.org/">The High Road</a> firearms interest boards. Though we've never met face-to-face, I believe you can learn A LOT about a man, reading several thousand examples of his writing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />It may seem a little strange for a senior citizen (memyownself) to write about one of his heroes who happens to be considedrably younger. Well, that doesn't bother me one bit to echo Matt and say: Don Gwinn is indeed a hero, and I'm pround to call him a friend.</span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-39238375898254470242009-08-17T23:32:00.006-05:002009-08-18T00:42:48.900-05:00Pistols Too Tight to Use<div><span style="font-family:arial;">Over at <a href="http://maypeacebewithyou.blogspot.com/2009/08/not-worth-it-imho.html">Better and Better</a> blog, Elder Son writes of handling a fine Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special .45 pistol which was set up too tight to even field strip. That particular pistol currently lists at $1990 - - Really not TOO out of line for a high-grade "premium name brand" .45. Matt was a bit miffed to find he couldn't readily disassemble it.</span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div> </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371173531346804130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 248px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/Soo93nroHaI/AAAAAAAAAU4/iKFYoNWQ5d4/s400/Allen%2520Damron%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;"> Allen Wayne Damron</span><br /><br /><div>Only a year or so before friend Allen Damron died, his bride gave him an Ed Brown .45 for his birthday. Holly and I were visiting in Terlingua and Allen insisted that I shoot his new pistol. I'm pretty sure it was the E-SS Executive Elite model, which today lists for $2395.<br /></div><div>We went over to Art Eatman's range and put up a target. I handled the new pistol with the reverence due such a fine piece of ordnance, admiring the fine finish and fitting. Before I could shoot, though, I was distressed that it was difficult to load the pistol. It was so tight that I couldn't unlock the action without striking the muzzle against something solid. I kept looking to see if I hadn't locked the safety. Once I finally got it loaded, though, the pistol shot very well. I was suitably impressed that, at 20 yards, even I was able to shoot a couple of rather tight groups.<br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371174189388754562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/Soo-d7FDboI/AAAAAAAAAVA/owpvTbgDhhY/s400/executive-sb%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>While reloading magazines, I mentioned to Allen that he probably wouldn't be carrying it until it loosened up a lot. He said he'd been cautioned that, "it'll take a couple of hundred rounds to loosen up and break in." He said he'd only shot a hundred or so and he actually wanted my help, breaking it in. Unfortunately, the only .45 ACP ammo I'd brought on this trip was in my loaded Commander plus two spare magazines. I had come prepared to shoot rifles and a couple of revolvers. We had less than 100 .45 cartridges that day. Once these were gone, the pistol didn't seem much looser. I had no bushing wrench with me, and Allen had left his at the house. Now, I can usually manage to take down a .45 by using a magazine lip to depress the recoil spring plug, but that didn't work with this one. I just flat couldn't disassemble the pistol for proper cleaning that day.</div><div><br />Now, Allen had other handguns to use for carry and for home security, so it's not as if this Ed Brown was the only one he had for self defense. It was a little daunting, though, to contemplate that this pistol, a high grade 1911 clone, touted as one of the very best combat pistols available, just wouldn't serve for the purpose. At the rate it was going, it would have taken at least another 300 -- 400 rounds, or the ministrations of a gunsmith, to make it carry-worthy. And, at current ammunition prices, ten or a dozen boxes of factory ammunition can be a bit spendy.</div><br /><div>For those who want to shoot tiny little groups on the range at the club, this sort of thing may well be acceptable, and I have no argument with them. For the person who wants a service-type pistol for personal defense, for a law enforcement sidearm, or other serious use, the necessity of a concerted effort to loosen it up might well be a little discouraging. </div><br /><div>In fairness, I should add that this was my one and only personal experience with a new or near-new Ed Brown pistol. The one other I've shot was a well-used specimen, which operated flawlessly. Come to think of it, though, I didn't clean that one, either.</span></div>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-33654536284922189202009-04-22T15:51:00.008-05:002009-04-22T18:54:43.540-05:00LIGHTS OUT. Minor Glitch or Something Sinister?<span style="font-family:arial;">You're sitting home, reading or peacefully watching TV, and the power goes off. Oh, well, it happens, huh? I know, occasional interruptions in utility service DO occur. No reason to get excited, right? </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Well, here lately, I'm no longer so sure. Since I retired from Peace <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Officering</span> a few years back, I pay less attention to crime reporting thah I used to. But reports of home invasion robberies have been catching my eye recently. Just the other night, one of the 10 o'clock TV news shows pointed out some common factors in a lengthy series of violent home invasions. Not near all, but a growing number of these offenses entail the robbers cutting power and telephone lines before entering the residences. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I'm not writing about "several" or "a series of" incidents. I did an on-line search, and I find dozens, and perhaps hundreds, of such incidents in this area in the past several months. Part of the trouble keeping track is that the local metropolitan area is comprised of dozens of independent municipalities. News stories are usually reported with a specific reference to the particular town or city in which they took place. Yes, the area-wide chamber of commerce and certain governmental agencies lump population <span style="font-family:Arial;">a</span>nd business surveys together into "Metro Fort Worth," or "Greater Dallas," or better still, the </span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://http//http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DFW_Metroplex">"DFW Metroplex."</a> which </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">comprises all of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tarrant</span> and Dallas counties, and some or all of the ten adjacent, or nearly so, counties. The US <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gov't</span> </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">2007 population estimate of this '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Plex</span> is some 6.7 million.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">"Well," you may say, "that's a lot of people, and there's bound to be more crime in such an area."</span> <span style="font-family:Arial;">Maybe, but there's also the idea that while such a populace gives rise to more violent criminals, it also provides a very fertile hunting ground for however many there are. It also means that a given gang of thugs, usually three to six, need only drive for fifteen minutes to be in an entirely different jurisdiction. Police communications are much better than they were when I was a rookie cop, but it still takes time for bulletins to be circulated. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Enough of this demographics <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">stuff</span>. Let's return to the action. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This line-cutting strategy stuff makes sense. If a house occupant hears someone breaking in, the first impulse for most is to call 9-1-1 for police assistance. And, if the lights are off, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">there will</span> be a certain amount of disorientation, moving around in the dark.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">A robbery crew making a dynamic entry, sometimes equipped with head lights and/or weapon-mounted lights, and totally prepared for the situation they created, will have the upper hand.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">They have often gathered intelligence about the targeted residence, knowing the number of occupants and possibly their placement in the household. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">You might think that well-informed robbers would limit their incursions to affluent families in well-to-do neighborhoods. It seems, though, that fully as many home invasions take place in middle-class areas, and even in very modest surroundings. Many of the TV news tapes depict mobile home parks and lower income apartment buildings as their settings. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">It may be an over-simplification, but I can see at least a partial means of dealing with this epidemic of violence. It may not work for everyone, but Beloved Bride and I have discussed it, and here's my personal plan. The instant the lights go out, TASK ONE is to get hold of a firearm. This will be done before looking out the window to see if the power outage is neighborhood-wide, or much more limited. Second, firearm, flashlight, and cell phone are taken to our "keep" area. Use of lights will be kept to a minimum. We keep a careful listening watch for what the dogs do. THEN, we'll check to see if this is happenstance or evil design.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">There. As simple as that. Our plan <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">impinges</span> on no one else. No non-guilty person is endangered in any way. If the power outage turns out to be innocent, no one need even know of the preventive measures we took. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">And what will BB and I do if a home invasion DOES ensue? Well, we have a couple of plans for THAT, too. What works for us might not work for you. But I really believe that everything up to this point WILL work for anyone at all. It's strictly up to you, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">whether</span> or not you choose to plan it out ahead of time. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Best,</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">JPG</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-79541619325251608752009-04-21T12:02:00.000-05:002009-04-21T23:51:29.141-05:00SAN JACINTO DAY<span style="font-family:arial;">Today is the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. It was a skirmish of rather short duration, but it turned out to be one of the major events in the development of the United States as we know it today.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327370200557294626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/Se6e-Mc4FCI/AAAAAAAAAUo/eZWddYZx4bU/s400/san%2520jacinto%2520500%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">I've written of this battle on a couple of prior occasions. I've thought to revise it somewhat for this year, but I really can't come up with anything significantly better than </span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://http//jpg-expertwitness.blogspot.com/2008/04/san-jacinto-day-anniversary.html">what I wrote a year ago. </a>If you're at all interested in Texas history, or in the United States' Manifest Destiny, you might want to take a look. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">My Beloved Bride shares my affection for the history of Our Part of the World, and she often makes mention on her blog about landmark dates and events. Her installment for this year is rather short, referencing </span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://http//hollys-hystrionics.blogspot.com/2008/04/san-jacinto-day.html">her 2008 blog entry</a>, which was one of her best. In it, she mentions school field trips to The Battlefield, and the still-stunning monument.</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327372811779060770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/Se6hWMAqNCI/AAAAAAAAAUw/-qqPHeDKXgc/s400/San_Jacinto_Memorial%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Best to all</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">JPG</span> </p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><p></p>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-72777938154745352832009-03-02T13:01:00.010-06:002009-03-03T13:04:01.157-06:00Texas Independence Day<span style="font-family:arial;">By 1 March 1836, the siege of the small Texian force at the Alamo was well under way. Travis had sent out his famous “Victory or Death” message on 24 February.<br /><br />The first state government of Texas was the so-called "Permanent Council,“ organized at San Felipe in October 1935. They wanted to do little, and actually accomplished less still. They elected a temporary president, established a plan for a postal system, commissioned some privateers to control the Mexican Navy on the Gulf of Mexico, and authorized a representative to go (try to) borrow $100,000 in the United States. They then dissolved on 3 November, due to the convening of a general consultation. </span><div><div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><div><br />The first order of business was to quibble over the nature of the brewing war and how to conduct it. The main issue was, were the Anglo-Texans ready to fight in defense of their rights as Mexican citizens under the Constitution of 1824, or to become independent from a corrupt Mexico?<br />This general consultation created the provisional government, with Henry Smith as Governor. San Houston of Tennessee was appointed Commander in chief of the army, such as it was, but had no funds to pay for an army. Little else of note was accomplished by the time the consultation was adjourned on 14 November. </div><br /><div><br />The Provisional Government met in early January 1836 and debated endlessly about goals, ways and means, and who would be responsible for what. Unable to raise a quorum with authority to do anything definitive, the government, in effect, dissolved in chaos.<br /></div><div><br />In the meanwhile, certain elements of the fledgling Texas Army were in the field. Governor Smith told Houston to try to organize the forces at Goliad. At the same time, Smith sent Buck Travis to Bexar to assist Colonel Neill in command of the Alamo. It was not known that Santa Anna was already on his way with the main force of the Mexican Army to subdue the rebellious Texians once and for all.</div><br /><div><br />We have seen how matters progressed at Bexar. Travis and Bowie as co-commanders prepared the Alamo for an eventual fight, while Neill departed on family business in mid-February. On 23 February, the Mexican Army arrived at Bexar, and it became clear just how tenuous the Texian position really was. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308672246619353362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 105px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/SawxSCC4sRI/AAAAAAAAAUg/fwRtCBSfFd4/s400/images%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <div><br />In the meantime, the Convention of 1836 was held at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Fifty delegates, representing every settlement in Texas, had been elected on 1 February. Discussions, plans, and coalitions were undoubtedly started immediately thereafter. The convention opened on 1 March, with news of the situation at the Alamo waiting for them. Many delegates wanted to immediately recess or adjourn and march en mass to lift the siege.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308669774370740370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/SawvCIM4mJI/AAAAAAAAAUY/LH9n8OiKrxI/s400/Washington_on_the_Brazos_Monument%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>George Childress led a committee to draft a Declaration of Independence. A draft was submitted the very next day, making it clear that Childress had been at work on the document well before arriving at the convention. It was largely based upon the writings of Thomas Jefferson and John Locke, and much of the language may be seen to draw from the United States Declaration of Independence. The declaration was immediately adopted with no debate at all. Thereby, on 2 March 1836, the Republic of Texas was established. </div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308669236905620210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/Sawui1_NsvI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Ocq5VzpMu2Q/s400/declar-01%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Convention delegates at once set about drawing up a Constitution. Early on 6 March, Travis’s final appeal for aid, dated 3 March, arrived. Again, sentiment was for closing down the convention to march to the Alamo. Houston convinced them to continue work on the constitution, while he rushed to Gonzales to assume command of volunteers gathering there. Soon after his arrival, word arrived that the Alamo had fallen and that Santa Anna would again be on the move. </div><div><br />Word traveled to Washington-on-the Brazos that the Alamo defenders were no more. It became clear in due course, though, that the delay of Santa Anna there had given this vital breathing space to the Convention. Texas was now an independent republic and had a constitution in place. Shaky as it would be, a new nation was now a fact. Six weeks later, on the boggy ground of the San Jacinto plain, Texas would become a world power. The way was now paved for the alliance of Texas with the United States, and in a startlingly short time, the USA would sprawl clear across North America.</span></div></div></div></div>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306024999105542124.post-60583028014752083782009-02-23T18:49:00.004-06:002009-02-24T01:22:57.121-06:00The Alamo 173 Years Ago<span style="font-family:arial;">I'm glad I got an e-mail from friend</span><a href="http://phlegmfatale.blogspot.com/2009/02/we-will-sell-our-lives-dearly.html"><span style="font-family:arial;"> phlegmfatale</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> today. She mentioned her current day's topic, and also today’s blog entry by Robert at </span><a href="http://www.blackforkblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">BLACKFORK</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> blog. The two remind us that this date, in 1836, was when the Mexican tyrant Santa Anna began his siege of the Mission San Antonia de Valero at Bexar. That secularized church complex is better known to posterity simply as <strong><em>The Alamo</em></strong>. The town, Bexar, is now the city of San Antonio.</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306195635058909410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/SaNk0RBqIOI/AAAAAAAAAT4/uCDKBMHIuR4/s400/800px-1854_Alamo%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"> The Alamo chapel, unfinished facade, as it appeared in the 1830s and 1840s.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The major points in this story are fairly well known.<br />The mission-fortress was garrisoned by Colonels Bowie and Travis, co-commanding between 180 and 250 soldiers of the new Texas Army and volunteers. In late February, they were besieged by the Mexican Predient/General/Dictator Antonio de Padua María Severino López de Santa Anna y Pérez de Lebrón and some 2400 of his soldiers. The siege ended on 6 March when the walls were overrun and the defenders were all killed. The delay of the Mexican advance allowed the provisional Texas government time to write and sign a formal Texas Declaration of Independence. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Historian Lon Tinkle (1906 -- 1980) wrote the definitive popular history of this battle in 1958, entitled <em>Thirteen Days to Glory: The Siege of the Alamo</em>.<br /><br />The<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Alamo"> battle </a>has been studied and documented more or less regularly ever since the ashes cooled. Curiously, though, the majority of the longer, published works have been works of fiction. Mr. Tinkle‘s book was only the second full length factual study of the siege. Not all the information is undisputed. Distinguished Dallas book critic A. C. Greene, wrote that Tinkle’s book "gives the essence of the Alamo story without attempting to exhaust history's explanation", and "is more revealing of the minds and wills that were behind the fateful decision to stay on to death" than other, later treatments of the battle.<br /><br />The book is still widely available and is well worth the reading.<br /><br />I was at first tempted to try to recount all the high points of the siege, so far as they are known. As a voracious reader and proudly chauvinistic Texan, I have been reading all I can find on this topic for almost as long as I’ve been able to read. I know the various points of view, the controversies, the sometimes acrimonious disputes as to this point or that about the battle. For instance, it is well known and documented, but frequently glossed over, that, but for a massive and overt act of insubordination, the properly designated “Shrine of Texas Liberty” would likely have crumbled into gravel, noted only in passing as an early landmark from the days of revolution. Working on the best information available at the time, Sam Houston, military commander of Texas forces, ordered Colonel James Bowie to destroy the fortifications and to spike or carry away the artillery. Instead, Bowie, with Col. James Neill, decided to hold in place, to engage the Mexican forces for as long as possible.<br /><br />While I have sufficient reference works on hand to make a pretty good job of such a recounting, I must confess that I would be doing little more than rehashing the work of better scholars than I. I have no newly located papers, letters, journals, or other sources. While well-read on the topic, I’ve made no independent studies of this already well-researched stretch of history and folklore. This being the case, I’ll content myself with recognizing the significance of certain dates for the next couple of weeks, as a reminder to all of us that there were, indeed, giants in the land in those days.<br /><br />JPG<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306197602481712754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j_JaAWcxyjY/SaNmmyPzrnI/AAAAAAAAAUA/RWqwW2pRXKE/s400/san_antonio_texas_alamo%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:85%;">Modern appearance of the Alamo Chapel<br />Probably during the 1850s, while being used by the US Army, the Alamo was greatly repaired. The campanulate, or bell-shaped facade, was added to the front wall of the chapel. Until that time, the front had never been finished, and no roof had been placed.</span><br /><br />LATE ADDITION: Since writing the above, I note that Robert at Blackfork has written another blog installment. In it, he gives much of the detail that I would have inserted over the next few days. He was first, and I’ll defer to him. Nice work, Robert.</span><br /></span>JPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01224444263429720535noreply@blogger.com6