I spent some 20 years of my Peace Officer career as a District Attorney’s Investigator. Most Texas Prosecutors and their staffs were members of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association. These remarks apply to the association as it was from early 1970s through 1992. There were obvious benefits of professional camaraderie and training, plus a lot of social interaction at the various gatherings of the association. The annual meetings were spread around the state, so the same members didn’t always need to travel to a central location. The DA of a District up in the panhandle was heard to complain of always needing to drive or fly to Travis County for committee meetings. He said, “Some people don’t realize that there are four other state capitols closer to me than Austin.”
Some years ago, an annual TDCAA meeting was held in El Paso, at the far west end of Texas. That year, the New Mexico Prosecutors’ association held their yearly get-together in conjunction with us. The then-president of the NM group addressed the combined groups during an early session. He paid tribute to the various peace officers also attending the meeting. He told a story, to this effect - - -
Wild and wooly as was New Mexico in the old days, Texas held the title for most badmen and toughest lawmen per square mile. Some time around 1900, several banditos stormed into a small town near the border and robbed the local bank. They got a goodly haul and took off southward. It happened there was a Texas Ranger encampment nearby, and within the hour, four Rangers were hot on the trail.
The next day, the lawmen reached a small village somewhere near the river and surprised the desperados in the local cantina. A noisy difficulty ensued, fatal for all but one of the robbers. Only a few gold coins were found. The sole surviving outlaw spoke no English whatever, and alas, the Rangers didn’t have 20 words of Spanish between them. The bilingual tavern operator was conscripted as translator.
The Ranger Captain had him tell the outlaw that they needed to recover the bank loot so they could take it, and him, before a judge. El senor bandito was uncooperative. The tired, dusty Ranger had the cantinero explain that, if they couldn’t take back the gold, they wouldn’t take back a prisoner either. He punctuated his statement by cocking a large pistol pointed at the outlaw’s head.
The barkeep carefully and at length explained the situation in Spanish: The capitan of rinches states that if you don’t give up the loot at once, he will kill you on this spot.
The bandit swallowed hard and declaimed: Clearly, this capitan is a brutal and determined man. Very well. We stopped at the jacal of my cousin Rodrigo, an hour to the west of here. I hid the gold in his well, behind the dark colored stone in the third row down.
The cantina operator turned back to the Rangers and sadly shook his head. “This terrible criminal says, you go ahead and shoot. He ain’t afraid to die.”
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
History: 132 years ago on the Greasy Grass; TV: 44 years ago on the tube
In her own fine blog, Friend Tamara makes note that this is the anniversary of George A. Custer’s demise at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. It is strange that this is how that conflict is known to most people. It is more customary for the victors in a battle to provide a label for the event. The Lakota referred to it as the Battle of Greasy Grass Creek.
Battle of Greasy Grass byTucson Artist Allan Mardon
One commenter, Ben, wrote, “Anyone else remember 'The 7th is Made Up of Phantoms'?'
Too bad you couldn't bring up the tank. It woulda helped.'
For some reason, I was thinking of that excellent fantasy/time warp episode of "The Twilight Zone" just the other day. I didn't recall the name, though, until Ben mentioned it. I’m glad he did. It provided me a good hour of Googling and watching the old TV show on YouTube.
This link will get you to part 1 of 3 and links to the other parts. It is worth watching.Yes, the acting was a bit heavy handed, but it was a good view. I only noted a couple of historical problems. 
One was the National Guard’s use of a very old M5 Stuart tank instead of a later M4 Sherman or M24 Chaffee.
And both the MSGT and the CPL wore rifle cartridge belts while armed with carbines. For being such a history buff, you'd think MSGT Connors would have called Custer by his proper rank, Lieutenant Colonel. The officer was appointed to the temporary brevet rank of Major General in OCT 1864 and then reverted to Brevet Brigadier General 13 MAR 1865, near the end of the War for the Liberation of the Southern Confederacy. He acted as BG for a bit over a year before being returned to his permanent rank of LTC. (JUL 1866, until KIA 25 JUN 1876.)
Historically, George Armstrong Custer was an audacious, aggressive, courageous cavalry leader. He was also extremely egotistical, arrogant, and headstrong. These characteristics sometimes lead to glory, and frequently to one’s early demise. Unfortunately, they also often result in heavy losses amongst those who must follow the leader’s orders.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Mug Meme
Oh-Kay. Elder Son Matt G tagged me, along with several others, to display what mug/coffee container/tea cup we are currently using. He specified, No fair picking a special mug-- this is a come-as-you-are party. (Or in my case, come-as-I-was.)
Good enough, then.
When I first read Matt's this morning, this -- the clear glass one -- is what I had on my mini-hotplate coffee warmer next to my keyboard. The lettering on the other side says, "pessimist's mug."
Beloved Bride gave it to me for my recent birthday. It came from http://www.despair.com/ . It's worth a click to see all the nifty stuff they offer. I'll bet BB has spent a couple of hundred dollars ordering gifts from them.
The other cup is just a standard-type to-go Styrofoam cup with a particularly well-designed lid and an attractive printed design. I probably have six or eight road cups, none with matching lids. The only good ones end up being given to visitors about to hit the road, or else I leave them somewhere. Hey, I drink so much bad coffee in so many questionable places, I can't tell that the expanded plastic is hurting the taste. If I reach home with such a cup and a good lid, I rinse and dry them for later use.
Anyhow, I'll tag two residents of Louisiana, the Bayou Renaissance Man and Ambulance Driver . Let's see what they're using for sipping vessels.
JPG
Watching the high darkness . . .
And BOOM, there it was! Up in the sky, right on time. Precisely on time.
Late evening, 8JUN2008. I was set up on the tool box of my truck, 8x40 binoculars in hand, glancing at my watch occasionally. Then, there was a BRIGHT light peeking out from behind a tree, kind of, no, Exactly to the northwest. Moving? Yes, moving FAST. I fine tuned the focus of my glasses. I couldn't make out any detail - - It was just a very bright, white light. Did I say it was fast? I've seen jet aircraft at low altitude go across my sky faster, but never with any altitude. I watched it the entire sweep. I was a little close to the trees to my immediate SE, but the light was dimming rapidly at that point. I lost it behind the trees about the time it got too dim to see.
I had seen the International Space Station, with the Space Shuttle Discovery docked. Real time, no video, no film - - live action from outer space, boys and girls.
Total duration of this viewing? Maybe 40 seconds, perhaps over 50. Who cares? I saw it. It was very worthwhile. My thanks to Elder Son for giving me the time and spotting information. I was kind of, sort of, uh, PROUD, in a strange way. I've been quietly advocating for the space program since before we really HAD such a thing.
I've been disappointed that the effort got stalled for so long. But this, this was tangible, visible evidence that we DO have human beings up there, out beyond the atmosphere. Okay, maybe not in way far, DEEEEP Space, but, right on out there. And the dream lives on.
I climbed down from my truck bed and headed into the house. I was smiling.
I hope your evening went as well.
JPG
Late evening, 8JUN2008. I was set up on the tool box of my truck, 8x40 binoculars in hand, glancing at my watch occasionally. Then, there was a BRIGHT light peeking out from behind a tree, kind of, no, Exactly to the northwest. Moving? Yes, moving FAST. I fine tuned the focus of my glasses. I couldn't make out any detail - - It was just a very bright, white light. Did I say it was fast? I've seen jet aircraft at low altitude go across my sky faster, but never with any altitude. I watched it the entire sweep. I was a little close to the trees to my immediate SE, but the light was dimming rapidly at that point. I lost it behind the trees about the time it got too dim to see.
I had seen the International Space Station, with the Space Shuttle Discovery docked. Real time, no video, no film - - live action from outer space, boys and girls.
Total duration of this viewing? Maybe 40 seconds, perhaps over 50. Who cares? I saw it. It was very worthwhile. My thanks to Elder Son for giving me the time and spotting information. I was kind of, sort of, uh, PROUD, in a strange way. I've been quietly advocating for the space program since before we really HAD such a thing.
I've been disappointed that the effort got stalled for so long. But this, this was tangible, visible evidence that we DO have human beings up there, out beyond the atmosphere. Okay, maybe not in way far, DEEEEP Space, but, right on out there. And the dream lives on.
I climbed down from my truck bed and headed into the house. I was smiling.
I hope your evening went as well.
JPG
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Making some progress
I went to Cabela's for a while this afternoon. I picked up a pound of Unique and tried to buy an eight-pound container of Win 231. They had it in the distribution center and I was going to pre-pay for that and pick it up at the store, to avoid shipping charges. Turned out they can't do it that way. They could send it to my home, but would have to charge some $10 shipping PLUS the $20 HazMat fee. This additional $13 just ruins the economy of buying in bulk. So I cancelled the request.
I got some more bullets to try in my Super .38: Hornady XTP in 124 and 147 grain weights. Picked up some .357 SiG ammo for Matt. This is about the best price this side of a gun show, and it's really stunning how much ammo prices have risen in this past year. Oh, well . . . If you're gonna play the game, and all that.
I got some more bullets to try in my Super .38: Hornady XTP in 124 and 147 grain weights. Picked up some .357 SiG ammo for Matt. This is about the best price this side of a gun show, and it's really stunning how much ammo prices have risen in this past year. Oh, well . . . If you're gonna play the game, and all that.
Apparently Speer is about to bring out a new edition of their Loading Manual. I bought a copy of the current (??) edition for ten bucks.
My old concealment vests were getting pretty ratty - - I still have an ancient "Shoot Me First" vest from Banana Republic, as well as about three Chinese knock-offs of same. I got an entirely different model with button front and a lot fewer pockets. Also, a good blue windbreaker. I've pretty well gotten the jump on this fall/winter. Lotta good these garments will do me until then. Current temp outside: 94 F.
Hasta - -
JPG
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY -- Please Stand By
Well, the best laid plans, and all that.
I shut down my computer the other night, just as normal. The following morning, I turned it on, with every intention of running my traps, checking the news, and doing my daily reading. I was then going to settle down and do some serious writing. I had two blog posts in mind, and wanted to start on a couple more. The only problem: My computer wouldn't boot up. I could get to the opening screen, but no farther.
Hummm - - I called a couple of friends who have a lot more cyber expertise than I. It really doesn't take much to reach THAT standard. Some were out of touch, some out of town, and . . . ? I phoned Peter who had provided invaluable support in the past. The hitch there is that he lives several hours away. Our discussion boiled down to - -
A. Spend big bucks at the local technicians, with a predictably daunting minimum bench fee. This might easily result in fees well above the worth of a two-year-old computer.
B. Await Peter's next visit, at least a couple of weeks away, and see if he could remedy the situation, OR
C. Shop around with a view toward getting a new 'puter, and hope to install my old hard drive and try to access that using the new rig.
The latter seemed best, especially when Beloved Bride checked around on-line and found that Fry's in Irving had a sale in progress. I phoned and discussed the matter with a helpful technical guy. He verified that the item I was considering had enough room in the case to hold my old hard drive. The price, while a little bothersome, wasn't as bad as I'd feared.
I did the hour's drive, took in by old processing unit and found the guy I'd talked with on the phone. He soon had me fixed up with the new purchase, a refurbished Compaq with a 90-day warranty. I also purchased a two-year extended warranty and paid for removal of the old hard drive and re-installation in the new unit. They did the work while I waited, drank coffee, and read a new Loren Estleman book. I was out in not much over an hour.
Have I mentioned that I'm essentially cyberlexic? On a good day, I can find the "ON" switch and fumble my way around the 'net. I can barely use a couple of word processing programs, and can play Free Cell and solitaire. My younger son despairs of my learning to play any more complicated games. Anyhow, I'm trying hard to install Open Office and implement some sort of image management arrangement. I much prefer to write off-line and just cut-and-paste my work onto the blog. And I really enjoy presenting some images with the text. Oh, well, things will proceed, however slowly.
I've managed to do some hand loading in the past several days, and have a working stock of my favorite low-end .357 magnum ammo, a fair number of .44 Specials, and, joy of joys, I've loaded my first hundred or so Super .38 cartridges. Matt and I spent a couple of hours at the range Sunday aftrernoon, and I'm very gratified with the way the new/old Super shoots. Later on, I'll discuss why this was NOT a foregone conclusion. I have a lot of experimenting to do with Super .38 loads. Right now, I'm satisfied that I have a good target/training/steel plate load. I'll want to develop a good, stout-but-not-maximum 124-grain JHP load, and likely something with a good 147-grain hunting bullet.
I'm satisfied with my .357 loads, both low-end and the heavy loads using 158-grain JHP bullets. My all-around .44 Special load is good, and I may or may not bother to work up a heavy hunting load.
Anyhow, as I regain computer capability, I'll have plenty on which to write, just on handgun cartridges. I also ponder a couple of historical items.
Later - -
JPG
I shut down my computer the other night, just as normal. The following morning, I turned it on, with every intention of running my traps, checking the news, and doing my daily reading. I was then going to settle down and do some serious writing. I had two blog posts in mind, and wanted to start on a couple more. The only problem: My computer wouldn't boot up. I could get to the opening screen, but no farther.
Hummm - - I called a couple of friends who have a lot more cyber expertise than I. It really doesn't take much to reach THAT standard. Some were out of touch, some out of town, and . . . ? I phoned Peter who had provided invaluable support in the past. The hitch there is that he lives several hours away. Our discussion boiled down to - -
A. Spend big bucks at the local technicians, with a predictably daunting minimum bench fee. This might easily result in fees well above the worth of a two-year-old computer.
B. Await Peter's next visit, at least a couple of weeks away, and see if he could remedy the situation, OR
C. Shop around with a view toward getting a new 'puter, and hope to install my old hard drive and try to access that using the new rig.
The latter seemed best, especially when Beloved Bride checked around on-line and found that Fry's in Irving had a sale in progress. I phoned and discussed the matter with a helpful technical guy. He verified that the item I was considering had enough room in the case to hold my old hard drive. The price, while a little bothersome, wasn't as bad as I'd feared.
I did the hour's drive, took in by old processing unit and found the guy I'd talked with on the phone. He soon had me fixed up with the new purchase, a refurbished Compaq with a 90-day warranty. I also purchased a two-year extended warranty and paid for removal of the old hard drive and re-installation in the new unit. They did the work while I waited, drank coffee, and read a new Loren Estleman book. I was out in not much over an hour.
Have I mentioned that I'm essentially cyberlexic? On a good day, I can find the "ON" switch and fumble my way around the 'net. I can barely use a couple of word processing programs, and can play Free Cell and solitaire. My younger son despairs of my learning to play any more complicated games. Anyhow, I'm trying hard to install Open Office and implement some sort of image management arrangement. I much prefer to write off-line and just cut-and-paste my work onto the blog. And I really enjoy presenting some images with the text. Oh, well, things will proceed, however slowly.
I've managed to do some hand loading in the past several days, and have a working stock of my favorite low-end .357 magnum ammo, a fair number of .44 Specials, and, joy of joys, I've loaded my first hundred or so Super .38 cartridges. Matt and I spent a couple of hours at the range Sunday aftrernoon, and I'm very gratified with the way the new/old Super shoots. Later on, I'll discuss why this was NOT a foregone conclusion. I have a lot of experimenting to do with Super .38 loads. Right now, I'm satisfied that I have a good target/training/steel plate load. I'll want to develop a good, stout-but-not-maximum 124-grain JHP load, and likely something with a good 147-grain hunting bullet.
I'm satisfied with my .357 loads, both low-end and the heavy loads using 158-grain JHP bullets. My all-around .44 Special load is good, and I may or may not bother to work up a heavy hunting load.
Anyhow, as I regain computer capability, I'll have plenty on which to write, just on handgun cartridges. I also ponder a couple of historical items.
Later - -
JPG
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
It's been a whole MONTH?
A couple of readers have been kind enough to ask if all was well, as it's been so long since I've done any blogging.
Yes, I'm okay, and I do appreciate your asking. It's really a combination of things - - Been quite busy with other stuff lately, and there's . . . not really a BLOCK, but a little difficulaty in getting thoughts down in a coherent manner. I really have tried - - I have three or four pieces I've started, gotten halfway through, and became distracted or bogged down.
I really need to pull our a couple of them and put on the finishes so I can post 'em.
Previews of coming attractions: Matt and I are going to haul out the old Oehler chronograph and see if it still works. We need to do some testing of new-to-us loads. I'll do a more complete review/range test of an S&W model 21-4 .44 Special. Friend Tamara featured this model in a recent Arms Room installment. Mine will concentrate on loads, light and heavy, and some more historical anecdotes.
Beloved Bride got me a truly handsome birthday gift. Through an on-line auction she bought a fifty-year-old Colt Super .38. FedEx tracking says it should reach my local FFL next Wednesday afternoon, and I'm writhing with anticipation. I'll give details of the acquisition, range testing, historical context, and other stuff.
Well, it seems I've taken the process of making excuses and turned it into at least some kinda blog entry. I'm really flattered at the interest, and I'll submit something halfway substantial soon.
Best,
JPG
Yes, I'm okay, and I do appreciate your asking. It's really a combination of things - - Been quite busy with other stuff lately, and there's . . . not really a BLOCK, but a little difficulaty in getting thoughts down in a coherent manner. I really have tried - - I have three or four pieces I've started, gotten halfway through, and became distracted or bogged down.
I really need to pull our a couple of them and put on the finishes so I can post 'em.
Previews of coming attractions: Matt and I are going to haul out the old Oehler chronograph and see if it still works. We need to do some testing of new-to-us loads. I'll do a more complete review/range test of an S&W model 21-4 .44 Special. Friend Tamara featured this model in a recent Arms Room installment. Mine will concentrate on loads, light and heavy, and some more historical anecdotes.
Beloved Bride got me a truly handsome birthday gift. Through an on-line auction she bought a fifty-year-old Colt Super .38. FedEx tracking says it should reach my local FFL next Wednesday afternoon, and I'm writhing with anticipation. I'll give details of the acquisition, range testing, historical context, and other stuff.
Well, it seems I've taken the process of making excuses and turned it into at least some kinda blog entry. I'm really flattered at the interest, and I'll submit something halfway substantial soon.
Best,
JPG
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