REMEMBERING, A "Soldier's General": H. Norman Schwarzkopf – “Stormin’ Norman”

He was a "soldier's general". The troops called him Stormin’ Norman, but never in earshot of commanding officers, the name given him for his reputed temper; however, the troops had called him that for different reasons. General (4-star) Norman Schwarzkopf was called such a nickname because of his attitude about winning in combat and wars. The general was also called The Bear by some, based on his stature. I always will remember him as the smiling general who gave all for his troops and expected nothing less than what he would do. He was one of those heroes who lived its life, but did not put himself above his troops. Let’s face it, even to a non-commissioned officer such as myself, sometimes the presence of a general could make one nervous, especially one with four stars on each shoulder.

Does Anyone Know What Treason Is or Care?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary provides a definition for the word “TREASON” …

1 :  the betrayal of a trust :  treachery
2 :  the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the sovereign or the sovereign's family

The Oxford dictionary, which I usually use online, provides the following definition …

1[mass noun] The crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government:
‘they were convicted of treason’
1.1 The action of betraying someone or something:

‘doubt is the ultimate treason against faith’
1.2historical The crime of murdering someone to whom the murderer owed allegiance, such as a master or husband.

Herb Roasted Lobster and Steak

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

¼ cup chopped parsley

2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

1 tablespoon finely chopped oregano

1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary

1 tablespoon lemon juice

¾ teaspoon sea salt

2 (4 to 6 ounce) shell on lobster tails, thawed and cut down the middle with kitchen shears

2 (12 to 14 ounce dry-aged rib-eye or New York strips steaks

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ tablespoon olive oil, extra-virgin

1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Thanksgiving Feast: Turkey-in-a-Pot

For those who would like to dispense with a full-bird turkey this Thanksgiving Day, especially for a smaller crowd and not spend hours preparing, served with traditional side dishes, like dressing, cranberry sauce, biscuits and yams – this Turkey-in-Pot recipe is for you.

The breast alone is easier to cook and carve and yet roasted. The solution is turkey breast French style: in a pot. Surprisingly it produces a very moist and tender meat; most often the method being used to cook whole chickens.

Bone-in turkey breasts will vary in size, like frozen turkeys at the grocery mart. 6 to 7 pounds is the ideal size that will feed a small crowd up to eight, yet small enough to fit into a 7-quart Dutch oven, especially when the rib bones are trimmed.

Cajun Jambalaya

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1⁄2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 lb andouille sausage, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, diced
1⁄2green bell pepper, diced
1⁄2red bell pepper, diced
1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
1⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano
1⁄4 teaspoon sweet paprika
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 1⁄2 cups long grain rice
1 (14 ounce) can tomatoes, chopped,with juice
2 cups chicken broth or 2 cups stock
8 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 green onions, finely chopped

Brief History of the American Gunsmith

John M. Browning examines his creation - BAR

   The gunsmith is an icon of American tradition as well as a foundation of the American history of firearms. Many know about the great gunsmith of all time, among many professionals around the world: John Moses Browning. He is most famous and remembered because he invented more firearms and their actions than any other gunsmith in world history.

Beretta: 500 Years of Family Tradition

Beretta Estates

One of the historical firearm manufacturers that I am enthusiastic about along with US manufactures like Smith & Wesson, Colt, Remington, Springfield Armory, Winchester, and Browning is Beretta. I also like the foreign manufacturer, now in the US – Taurus.

Beretta is a 500-year-old firearm manufacturer, which in itself is something. It has remained in business and kept its world-renowned reliability because of the company's traditional excellent quality and moving along with new innovations and designs that keeps it competitive with modern firearm manufacturers. 

Golden Age of Piracy: The Real Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean, a popular film series, is part of the film industry’s history of pirate films. Of course, what is called the “pirate age” – mostly operating in the Caribbean Sea area – is the Golden Era of Pirates, the Elizabethan Age. It was also an age of exploration.
Explorers, as well as privateers, were classified as pirates because they attacked the Spanish treasure fleet sailing from the New World back to Spain with their conquistador booty. This is where the name “Spanish Main” – the main route for ships sailing to and from Spain came from.

Bedouin: Nomadic Warriors

According to the Wikipedia, Bedouin is:

...derived from the Arabic badawî, a generic name for a desert-dweller, is a term generally applied to Arab nomadic pastoralist groups, who are found throughout most of the desert belt extending from the Atlantic coast of the Sahara via the Western Desert, Sinai, and Negev to the Arabian Desert. It is occasionally used to refer to non-Arab groups was well, notably the Beja of the African coast of the Red Sea.

Weapons of Choice: Colt M2012 and Armalite AR-30/AR-31

The Colt M2012 family of bolt-action rifles had two new models added to the line. The M2012MT308T is chambered for .308 Winchester, designed for long sessions at the range, as well as ruggedness and accuracy. It comes accurate out of the box even including the target it was tested on. Colt has teamed up with Cooper Firearms of Montana that is part of production of the M2012MT308T, M2012LT308G, and M2012LT260G. 

Weapons of Choice: Benelli 828U Over and Under

Benelli 828U

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

Weapons of Choice: Taurus Curve

Taurus has come up with an innovative pistol in .380 ACP that is designed for conceal carry to fit the curve of the body in concealment – the Taurus Curve model. Featured at the 2015/2016 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, it has a smooth curved grip-frame that gives it a space-age look and features an integrated LaserLyte LED Light and Laser combination system built in. It resembles the pistol models found in the Mass Effect futuristic role-playing game, for those familiar with the EA-Origin game series.

Will US DOD Replace M9 Beretta, If So, With What?

Beretta M9

Despite that Beretta fixed the slide problem of the Beretta 9mm military service pistol with the Model 92-FS, it appears that the Department of Defense and US Army is looking to replace the Beretta M9 with something else after 25 years of service that replaced the Colt M1911 that served the US military for 75 years.

So, beginning in 2012, there has been a search for a possible replacement for the Beretta, which, by the way, is a great semi-automatic pistol in my opinion. I have admired the Beretta shotguns for years, the oldest firearm manufacturer in the world; especially interested in their new line of assault rifles (beyond their 9mm carbine) that is represented in the Model ARX 100 carbine that is so impressive.

Deadwood, South Dakota and Its Colorful Historical Characters

Deadwood, South Dakota is so named after the dead trees found in the gulch and name of the canyon. The Lakota Sioux call it Owáyasuta and it is today the county seat of Lawrence County. In the American Old West history, it is as famous as Dodge City and Tombstone.

Weapons of Choice: Ruger SP101 Revolver

  For those who like "wheel" guns, the Ruger SP101 double-action revolver has been around for awhile and popular. Ruger upgraded it and re-introduced the .327 Federal Magnum cartridge [Model #5773] for this popular revolver that is available in .22 LR, .38 Special, .357 Magnum and now .327 Magnum. Also new is its recoil-reducing grip in with checkered and engraved walnut inserts. It still comes in stainless steel. The .327 Magnum and .22 LR comes with fiber optic adjustable rear sight. The .357 Magnum lineup of 2.25” and 3.06 barrels come with a black ramp front sight with fixed rear sight; and a 4.20” barrel with fiber optic front and adjustable rear sights. 

MSRP runs from $679 to $719, depending upon which model you purchase. (Model #5773, #5765, #5718, #5719, #5720, #5771, and #5737)

Never Forget September 11, 2001

Weapons of Choice: Remington 7600 Tactical Pump Rifle

The first pump action patent was issued to Alexander Bain of Britain in 1854.

Winchester and Remington were the first companies to successfully produce a pump-action rifle. The Winchester lever-action rifle, however, surpassed the pump-action rifle in popularity and when magazine fed semi-auto rifles were produced, the pump-action was seen mostly for shotguns.

Weapons of Choice: IWI Jericho 941 FS

The American Rifleman featured an Israeli handgun chambered for 9mm Luger, built for the harsh conditions of the desert and the CZ75 design.

The Jericho 941 FS is designed to minimize recoil and features a double-stack magazine that increases its capacity. It has a frame-mounted safety and while it is a double-action it can be carried “cocked and locked” like the immortal M1911.

The manufacturer is Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). It's frame and slide are steel with a 16-round capacity detachable magazine. The sights are three-dot battle type and the stock is polymer. It has a rail to add a laser sight or flashlight accessory. It weighs 41.6 ounces with an MSRP of $649.

Power of the Media and the Election Process

It has been established for some time that the media has ever-increasingly been a key element in candidates winning in elections. With the help of too many naïve voters who either are not aware of other sources to research on candidates, or just ignore facts and allowing their emotions and delusional 'opinion' to be used by the media.

Since the inception of socialism and Marxism, there have been several tools used that have been successful in putting the populace in line with a government's agenda (those operating a government). Media control is important, along with control of the educational system to ensure that future adult citizens fall in to that agenda. Media is supposed to be the tool of the people, ('eyes and ears' of the People) but even here in the United States that is no longer true and the alternative is becoming more rare. The media, those CEOs who officiate those media corporations, have tailored their information to coincide their agenda and the political factions they support. This is dangerous and detrimental to an uncorrupted voting system.

The Second Amendment and other Forsaken Liberties

When discussing the Bill of Rights, particularly the Second Amendment which more people are giving in to the propaganda that unarmed citizens makes a safer nation, it seems that was a popular idea in Nazi controlled German in the 1930s, which the surrounding nations who were impressed with Germany's speedy recover from inflation and economical failure [they did not realize they had already implemented slave labor and began persecuting and ripping off Jewish families] – so they also disarmed their populace. Well, history tells the rest of the story. The only people with weapons were “officials” of the government, the army, and local law enforcement controlled by the Nazi political machine. 

Weapons of Choice: Desert Eagle - Magnum Semi-Auto

DE .50 caliber in stainless steel

  This gas operated, rotating bolt semi-auto pistol has become famous thanks to Hollywood and Magnum Research quality manufacturing.

Interview With Austria's "Survival Lilly" ...

If you haven't checked out the YouTube channel of Survival Lilly, you should. She is an Australian outdoors woman with spunk inspiring the female gender to enjoy what nature has to offer and at the same time providing information about survival from first-hand experience.

The following video is a good interview to give people a short biography and background of this spunky Austrian woman growing in international popularity.

Protecting Our Natural Resources

Landfall of Jean Nicolet, painting by Edwin Willard Deming, 1904

  In 1634 Jean Nicolet was seeking a shortcut to Asia when he led the first European expedition through the Great Lakes and landing on the western shore of Lake Michigan. The peninsula jutted out from the mainland that would be one day become the state of Wisconsin and the treacherous waters between that peninsula and what would be named Washington Island was given the ominous name of Porte des Morts [Death's Door]; the littered shipwrecks being a testament to its name. 

Weapons of Choice: Dan Wesson M1911 Valkyrie Commander

For those solid M1911 fans, there's the Dan Wesson Valkyrie.

It is a resurrection of the Colt introduced as the Commander M1911 in 1950 with a 4.25” barrel and an aluminum frame. Choice is between standard .45 ACP or 9mm Luger ammunition.

Weapons of the US Infantryman

US Armed Forces branches each of specific missions which compliment each other in a unified fighting force and because of their mission differences they use different individual and crew-served weaponry or different models of the same weapon. The following is the beginning of a series that looks at the weaponry of the United States Armed Forces, its history, usage and specifications.

US Army Infantryman: M16/M4

From Top: M16A1, M16A2, M4, M16A4

Weapons of Choice: Beretta PX4 Storm

Kate Beckinsale (Underworld) with a pair of Berettas

Anyone who knows me is aware that of all European firearm manufacturers, I favor Beretta, Uberti, and Sig Sauer, in that order - and some Taurus models. As far as quality is concerned, Glock stands among those names of quality manufacturers; but not my personal preference because of its design and feel. Scuttlebutt is that the US Army may ditch the Beretta in favor of something else, possibly replacing it with Glock. If they are to replace the Beretta 92, I hope Sig Sauer gets the contract.

Weapons of Choice: Hi-Point Home-Self Defense Carbine

Hi-Point Carbine, 9mm, foregrip, laser, quick-fire scope

Hi-Point was founded twenty years ago by Tom Deeb and his firearms have become popular because of their simplicity and reliability in a competitive world for self defense firearms that are more affordable than the standard tricked out AR-15 that has flooded the market.

Weapons of Choice: MKA 1919

For those who like the M16/AR15 platform, Akdal Arms, a Turkish company is offering a gas operated, semi-automatic shotgun built on an AR frame. It is the MKA 1919. Like the AR, it is easy to maintain and the 19.7-inch barrel can be easily removed from the upper receiver. Charge the shotgun with the familiar charging handle on the receiver and fire with the look and feel of an AR series rifle.

Famous American Firearms

It is estimated that there are 90 firearms for every 100 citizens of the United States. Just as the Constitution of the United States is unique among the nations of the world and the history of civilization, the right to keep and bear arms is one of the things that makes Americans stand out internationally. Of course, with that right and those liberties comes responsibility, just as freedom of choice comes with responsibility of accepting the result of one's individual choice.

American Gun is a newly published book that provides detailed information of the ten firearms that made it big in the history of the United States and its constitutional amendment that guarantees that right. 

Rule of Law: Appointing Supreme Court Justice

   Antonin Scalia (1936-2016) who passed in February was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and a scholar of law. He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and has been described as an originalist and textualist when it came to making decisions. His chief principle was that -

whether statutes or the Constitution itself, must be applied according to its text. ...judges should not apply the law based on what is good policy or what they suppose Congress may have intended (but did not express) in passing legislation. ^#

The Case of the Hummingbird Imposter

Having to move to Sturgeon Bay, this seems to be the only Hummingbird that has been attracted to my feeder (thus far). I believe it is a fellow down the street who voted for Obama and believes Hillary is a victim of 'right-wing' vicious attacks (you know like they did to Bush and Condi), who annoyed me while cutting grass insisting I was a racist for not supporting Obama; and said I was 'delusional denier' because I do not believe in the global warming scam, insensitve because I am against the Planned Parenthood Gestapo, 'homophobic' because I am against the US Supreme Court telling state governments they must recognize same-sex marriage, a 'radical' because I support the Tea Party and constitutionalism, that I shoud die because I am a 'baby-boomer' who is stealing younger generation's social security benefits, I am 'NeoCon' Neanderthal because I believe in 2nd Amendment and belong to the NRA. and 'Islamophobic' for warning about Islamic fascists in our homeland and their murderous destruction elsewhere - not realizing that I know the enemy after my excursion to liberate Kuwait from members of the 'religion of peace' in Persian Gulf. He calls himself a Democrat, but his political platform is democratic-socialism believing that anyone that disagrees with him and does not support his ideology and misquotations of the books of the Bible and is a relative of the Biblical ass despite believing that Christians should not be seen nor heard, apparently never looks upon his own reflection. Meanwhile feeding for free from my feeder meant for true Hummingbirds insisting that he IS a Hummingbird, he insists that I am delusional for not believing he is a hummingbird ...

Heroes: John G.B. Adams

John G.B. Adams

John Gregory Bishop Adams (1841-1900), born in Groveland, Massachusetts, enlisted as a private when the Civil War started in the 19^th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. When the unit departed he obtained the rank of corporal in Company A. He served with the 19^th in the Peninsula Campaign and the Battle of Antietam. He was given a field commission as Second Lieutenant in Company I and one of 18 soldiers who received the Medal of Honor for valor at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Adams recovered the regimental and national colors as a corporal and a lieutenant carrying them fell, mortally wounded. With a flag in each hand, he advanced and the regiment was reformed on him. He was one of seven soldiers of the 19^th Regiment to receive the Medal of Honor during the war.

Later, promoted to Captain, Adams commanded Company I at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, where he was severely wounded on July 2, 1863. After a brief convalescence, he returned and fought at The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor. He and the entire regiment were captured near Cold Harbor on June 22, 1864, and Adams was held at Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia.

Springfield Armory Range Officer: Great M1911 Platform Available in Compact

SA Range Officer - M1911

Springfield Armory is an historical American firearm manufacturer, one of the oldest, serving the public and United States armed forces. For decades, Springfield has provided quality M1911 handguns from the standard GI model to top-end competition sports models.

Geoshooting: An Addition to Defense Firearm Training and Sport Shooting

GunSite Academy photo

Geoshooting is a new outdoor sport that combines skills in navigating with a GPS and target practice. Someone gives you a set of coordinates, which you plug in to your GPS and go to each of the coordinates to find a target which your fire at and hit. It is an offshoot of a navigation sport called geocaching, where coordinates are given to find “treasure” or significant landmarks. Inside a waterproof box there is a logbook that each seeker signs into when found. 

 

 

Caliber Myths and Safe Defense Information

There is a lot of talk about calibers and ballistics and much has to do with personal preference and myth. Smart preppers choose calibers that will give them a reasonable amount of range and dual purpose: hunting and defense. Some rely upon Hollywood action films who have been partly to blame for much of the myths that is circulating. Still others make their choice, especially in pistol calibers, “stopping power”. 

Weapons of Choice: Coonan M1911 Chambered in .357 Magnum

That's right, you read the title correctly - a .357 Mag semi-auto magazine fed pistol.
Revolvers chambered for .357 Magnum has been a favorite of those who cherish "wheel" guns, and get a bonus of being able to fire .38 Special ammunition, which is cheaper at the range.

Classic 5" barrel in stainless steel

You Have A Concealed Carry Permit. What About Training?

  Citizens of the United States are the only people of a nation with a national constitution written for the People and established rights, liberties and rules for government by the People. Despite in recent decades of politicians ignoring that Constitution and its articles and amendments because of apathy and ignorance towards that Constitution – one amendment to that constitution stands out among other constitutions of other nations: the Second Amendment. It is a simple paragraph that simply states that each citizen is expected to be militia to defend the nation and its constitution against foreign and domestic enemies, and if necessary, to overthrow a government turned to tyranny and who does not abide by the articles and amendments of the Constitution of the United States.
 

Taking A Break ...

  Lately with all the violence and hatred from Islamic fascists and racists who just won't let history to stay in the past and not blame today's Americans who are not African descendants for everything wrong in their lives, it is time for some wholesome comedy featuring Tim Hawkins ...

It's A Republic, A Constitutional Republic

  The Founders in deciding what form of government was to be established, made the decision by examining what type of governments were being used around the globe and those throughout history of civilization. At the time the predominant government type was the monarchy. England had established a monarchy like that of the classic Roman republic where there was one head of government with a body of representatives of the people; being a monarchy with a parliament instead of a senate.

Bug-Out Bag and Survival System

Bug-Out Bags are nothing new to military families stationed overseas. In an emergency, military dependents are expected to have such bags prepared and ready at a moment's notice in case of evacuation of non-combatant personnel stationed in US Armed Forces posts. Military commands provided a list of what should be in each individual bag and an extra duffel bag for supplies and clothing for small children. For preppers, the content is a bit different in that wilderness survival gear is included and a special canine pack is prepared for the four-legged member of the family that includes rations of their food and water inside. Preparing for disasters is prudent – earthquakes, forest fires, floods, or break down of civilization for other reasons. For many, it is not a question of 'if', but 'when'.