Gun show…

Posted on by November 9, 2013

Tulsa is as big as usual… 4000 tables, and a whole bunch of high dollar stuff…

Pieces/parts are out of sight too!  AePilot Jim made it over for the day and he wins the smallest/most expensive part…  But that’s ‘his’ story!

The usual assholes and lowballers were out in force, and got pissed when the price didn’t get dropped to suit them… Too bad, so sad… 🙂

Ammo is coming down (a bit), but still high.  Availability was pretty good on the normal stuff and there was a good bit of .22 in evidence (and I did see hand trucks of ammo, including .22 going out the door today).  ARs are coming back down with stripped lowers back around $125, and lots of barrels, etc. available.  And for everybody that likes to rag on me about ‘expensive’ Colts, hate to tell you, but S&W are now right up there with them… Tables with $2000+ S&W and at least one ‘factory’ engraved Model 29 over $5000 (and the highest S&W box (empty) I saw was $125)!!!

As I alluded to, thanks to Tam I got the ‘right’ K-22 for instructing with, and here’s a quick pic of it.

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Better pics when I get back to NOVA.

Budweiser Ads…

Posted on by November 6, 2013

I’m on the road again, so not much time to do a good post, so in lieu of that, a compilation of Bud ads, going back to the mid-90s that somebody put together; they’re a nice break from the BS we’re seeing right now…

Enjoy!!!

Whatever you think about beer, you have to give Bud credit for some truly creative ads, and some truly moving ones too…

And here’s a bit of the backstory…

Light posting/commenting…

Posted on by November 8, 2013

I are at Tulsa for the gun show, so don’t expect much outta me until next week!

Thanks to Tam’s advice, I got a decent buy on a K-22… Pics later…

Expecting AePilot Jim to show up tomorrow.

Prices are higher than ever, and lots of grumbling by dealers and others about E-Bay, Square (apparently refuses to handle gun purchases/credit card transactions) and Gun Broker running up prices…

Semper Fi Marines!!!

Posted on by November 7, 2013

238th Birthday for the USMC…

A little long at 15 minutes, but worth watching…

Semper Fi Marines!

This lady nails it…

Posted on by November 6, 2013

And does one helluva job of telling truth to power, e.g. the Pres…

Dear President Obama,

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all you have done and are doing. You see I am a single Mom located in the very small town of Palmer, Texas. I live in a small rental house with my two children. I drive an older car that I pray daily runs just a little longer. I work at a mediocre job bringing home a much lower paycheck than you or your wife could even imagine living on. I have a lot of concerns about the new “Obamacare” along with the taxes being forced on us Americans and debts you are adding to our country. I have a few questions for you Mr. President.

Have you ever struggled to pay your bills? I have.

Have you ever sat and watched your children eat and you eat what was left on their plates when they were done, because there wasn’t enough for you to eat to? I have.

Have you ever had to rob Peter to pay Paul, and it still not be enough? I have.

Have you ever been so sick that you needed to see a doctor and get medicine, but had no health insurance because it was too expensive? I have.

Have you ever had to tell your children no, when they asked for something they needed? I have.

Have you ever patched holes in pants, glued shoes, replaced zippers, because it was cheaper than buying new? I have.

Have you ever had to put an item or two back at the grocery store, because you didn’t have enough money? I have.

Have you ever cried yourself to sleep, because you had no clue how you were going to make ends meet? I have.

My questions could go on and on. I don’t believe you have a clue what Americans are actually going through and honestly, I don’t believe you care. Not everyone lives extravagantly. While your family takes expensive trips that cost more than most of us make in two-four years, there are so many of us that suffer. Yet, you are doing all you can to add to the suffering.

I think you are a very selfish and cold hearted man, who does not care what is best for the people he was elected by (not by me) to represent, but more so out for the glory of your name attached to history. So thank you Mr. President, thank you for pushing those of us that are barely staying afloat completely under water and driving America into the ground.

You have made your mark in history, as the absolute worst and most hated president of the United States. God have mercy on your soul!

Sincerely,

Yolanda Vestal
Average American

Her facebook is HERE…

God Bless you lady!!!

Urf…

Posted on by November 6, 2013

There are just some mornings that chewing through the straps/falling out of bed is just NOT worth it…

Ran into an old shipmate (now retired Rear Admiral) in the elevator last night at the hotel, he was on his way out to see another old shipmate, and I ended up getting drug along…

Ended up in Little Italy for dinner, and as we were waiting in line a fourth old shipmate and his wife walked by.  WAY too many bottles of wine later, we finally got out of there, and I’m on a peanut butter sandwich diet for the rest of the trip.

But, it WAS a blast connecting with these folks again, we’d all been in the squadron together in the early 80s and I think the wives (at least Dan’s wife whom he married AFTER that tour) had never heard some of the ‘exploits’ that went on back then…

It’s funny how certain people are remembered fondly, and some are still considered assholes 30 years later…  And how memories of certain flights are burned into the memory banks even all these years later.

And it appears being ‘senior’ management is not all it’s cracked up to be either.  Two of the guys (both retired RADMs) complaining about being ‘insulated’ from the programs and people by the staffs and how hard it is for them to actually go and do productive work.  I ‘think’ all of us are pretty short for staying in the workforce, especially after this last clusterf**k…

Taking the retirement and running while we can is looking better and better!

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To all those Batmen out there, Salut!  And you were remembered last night (at least until the 3rd bottle of wine, after that it got a bit hazy with ceilings descending to IFR)!!!

Blog Link…

Posted on by November 6, 2013

I don’t often link to others, but this one is worth it…

JB has a post up worth reading, especially now…

In part-

When she surfaced again, Erich was still beside her and pushed her toward the south bank. His mother later said “I’m convinced that Erich gave no thought to saving his sister’s life… He just did it.” 
Erich pushed Hannele toward safety and before she could grab onto anything on the bank, she looked back toward her brother, watching as he was pulled under the surface.  
 
Hannele finally climbed out of the water. But Erich never did.  

 
/snip/
 
Erich gave to his community.  He gave to those who needed help, and he did so because that’s just what folks like him do.  To maintain that tradition, his family created the Erich Fritz Memorial Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to people entering a field of study in medical or healing arts.  
 
Please help me honor the memory of a fine man who lost his life helping his sister by donating to the scholarship.  
Go HERE and read the full story, and consider a donation please…

Veterans Day…

Posted on by November 5, 2013

It’s that time of year again…

Next Monday, Nov 11 is Veterans Day and the following companies/restaurants/chains are offering discounts…

The following is a list of Veterans Day discounts on goods, services and dining that have been announced for 2013.

Keep in mind that most businesses require proof of military service, which can include a VA Universal Access Card, Military I.D., DD-214 (Discharge Papers), Veterans Service Organization Card (VSO’s include groups like the VFW, DAV, AmVets, MOAA, FRA, and the American Legion), or in some cases businesses will accept a picture of the veteran in uniform.

2013 Veterans Day Restaurant Offerings:

Applebees – Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu, on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11.

Bar Louie– On Sunday, Nov. 10 and Monday, Nov. 11, all Bar Louie locations are offering veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value.

California Pizza Kitchen– Veterans and active military receive a free pizza on Monday, Nov. 11.

Champps– On Monday, Nov. 11, Champps will offer a free handcrafted burger with waffle fries to veterans and active duty military.

Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse– Charlie Brown’s is offering a free meal to veterans and active duty military all day on Monday, Nov. 11.

Chili’s – Veterans and active duty can get a free entrée all day from a special limited menu on Monday, Nov. 11.

Cheeseburger in Paradise– Veterans and military personnel receive a free All American Burger with fries on Monday, Nov. 11 with the beverage purchase of $1.99.

Denny’s– Active, inactive and retired military personnel can get free all you can eat pancakes on Veterans Day nationwide.

FATZ– Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free entrée at FATZ, up to a $15 value. Veterans who dine at FATZ on November 11 will also receive a $2 coupon for use on their next visit.

Friendly’s– Veterans and active military receive a free Big Two Do Breakfast and coffee on Monday, Nov. 11.

Golden Corral – Golden Corral is offering a free dinner on Monday Nov. 11, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.

Hooters–Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal on Monday, Nov. 11.

Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House– Veterans eat for free on Monday, Nov. 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Krispy Kreme– Krispy Kreme stores are offering a free doughnut and small coffee on Monday, Nov. 11 when presenting a military ID or wearing a uniform.

Little Caesars– Veterans and active military members get a free order of Crazy Bread on Monday, Nov. 11.

Max and Erma’s – On Monday, Nov. 11, participating Max & Erma’s locations are saluting veterans and active military personnel with a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo meal.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – On Sunday, November 10, participating McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants will offer a complimentary entree to vets from a special menu.

Menchi’s —  All veterans will receive a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt on Monday, Nov. 11.

O’Charley’s– Veterans and active duty servicemembers get a complimentary meal from a limited menu on Monday, Nov. 11.

Olive Garden– On Monday, Nov. 11, all veterans and current servicemembers get a free meal from a limited menu. Family dining with them will also receive 10% off their meal.

On the Border– Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free meal from the “Create Your Own Combo menu” on Monday, Nov. 11.

Paciugo Gelato Caffè– Paciugo is offering a free 12 oz. Gelatte® to veterans and active duty military on Monday, Nov. 11 at participating locations.

Red Robin– Veterans and active duty military get a free Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Monday, Nov. 11.

Shoney’s — Shoney’s will be offering a free All-American Burger to veterans and active duty servicemembers on Monday, Nov. 11.

Sizzler– Sizzler is offering active duty and retired military members a free lunch from a limited menu on Monday, Nov. 11 until 4 p.m.

Spaghetti Warehouse– On Sunday, Nov. 10 and Monday, Nov. 11, choose one original spaghetti entrée or 15-layer lasagna and get the second entrée free. This deal requires a coupon, which is available starting Nov. 6 at the Spaghetti Warehouse website, the Facebook page, and can be presented from a mobile phone.

Texas Roadhouse– Texas Roadhouse locations nationwide will offer veterans a free lunch on Monday, Nov. 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Offer is good for active duty, retired or former U.S. military.

TGIFridays– Veterans and active duty military get a free lunch from a select menu on Monday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tucanos Brazilian Grill– Active duty, reserve and retired military and veterans receive a free Churrasco meal on Monday, Nov. 11. They are also offering 10% off the entire bill for veterans and troops who dine with their families, from Friday, Nov. 8 through Veteran’s Day, Monday, Nov. 11.

Travel Centers of America– On Monday, Nov. 11, all CDL drivers who are military veterans eat free at participating full-service restaurants.

Village Inn– All veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast on Monday, Nov. 11. Choose between Buttermilk Pancakes, Belgian Waffle, or French Toast.

2013 Veterans Day Travel and Recreation:

Knotts Berry Farm – Knott’s Berry Farm is offering free admission for veterans and active duty military personnel and one guest from November 4, 2013 to January 5, 2014.

National Parks – On Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 9-11) veterans will have access to over 100 National Parks that require entrance fees for free.

Red Roof Inn – Red Roof Inn is offering 15% off at more than 350 properties nationwide in the month of November to veterans, active duty military and their families.

Sea World Parks and Entertainment – Veterans and active duty military can get 50% off single-day admission tickets through Nov.11, 2013.

World of Coca-Cola– Military members receive complimentary admission year-round, but in honor of Veterans Day they also may purchase up to four half-price tickets for their friends and family Nov. 9-17.

2013 Veterans Day Retailer Offerings:

Bed Bath and Beyond – Bed Bath and Beyond is offering veterans 20% off their entire purchase on Nov. 9, 10, and 11. This is good for active duty, DoD, reserves, guard, retirees, veterans, and military spouses.

Grace for Vets – Car washes from around the world who join this program offer free car washes to veterans and servicemembers on Nov. 11.

Great Clips– On Monday, Nov. 11, customers who come in for a service can get a free haircut card to give to their favorite veteran. Veterans can also receive a free haircut or get the free haircut card. Haircuts are redeemable until Dec. 31.

Home Depot  – Home Depot offers a 10% discount to all veterans during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day. Home Depot offers the 10% discount year round to for active duty and retirees.

Lowe’s – All veterans receive a 10% discount on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The offer is available in stores only.

Massage Envy– Participating Massage Envy locations in the Washington DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia region are offering a complimentary 1-hour massage to active military, veterans and spouses on Monday, Nov. 11.

Sport Clips – Participating locations are offering veterans and active duty servicemembers free haircuts on Monday, Nov. 11.

Other:

America’s Parade– Veterans are invited to march in this New York City parade on Nov. 11.

Medal of Honor Stamps– The U.S. Postal Service will issue special Medal of Honor stamps on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Year-Round Veterans Discounts:

Foot Locker– Veterans, servicemembers (active, guard, and reserve), and their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive a 20% discount every day of the year. That offer is good both online and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports — even on sale items.

Home Depot  – Home Depot offers a 10% discount (up to a $500 maximum) to all active military, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid military ID. All other veterans qualify for a 10% discount during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Lowe’s– Lowe’s offers a year-round 10% discount offer for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees and disabled servicemembers and their immediate families. All other veterans receive the 10% discount on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000. The offer can’t be used on sales at Lowes.com, on previous sales or on sales of services or gift cards. You must present a valid military I.D. card to receive the discount.

Thanks to all these organizations for stepping up and remembering our Veterans!!!

What a view…

Posted on by November 5, 2013

This is the view my old friend has out his office window…

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If I had this view, I’d never get any work done…

Just sayin…

Overheard this morning…

Posted on by November 5, 2013

I woke up at 0 dark 30 and decided to go try to get a pic of San Diego across the bay, since it was dead flat calm.  While I was trying that, a 20something young thing came in and parked her little BMW convertible in the parking lot adjacent to where I was standing and got out and started stretching.

I had noticed an older man walking down the sidewalk and smoking a cigarette. As he got closer, I heard the 20something huff and mumble something under her breath.  As the old man got even with her, she snapped (words to the effect) “You need to put that cigarette out, you’re OFFENDING me.”

I turned around at that, and heard him say, “Don’t care, I’m not bothering you.”

She went off on a rant about how ‘she’ was concerned about her health and he ‘owed’ it to her to not poison her atmosphere with smoke, and he needed to be more considerate.

He just looked at her and said (words to the effect), “Missy, I really don’t give two s**ts in a handbasket for what you want or don’t want.  I’m 91 years old, I was in three wars to defend this country, and I did it to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.  And one of ‘my’ freedoms is damn well to be able to smoke a damn cigarette on a public sidewalk when I want to.   You can take your political correctness and bulls**t and stick it up your scrawny ass.”  Pointing with the hand with the cigarette in it, he continued, “YOU are offending me with your attitude and whiney little voice, and I’m betting your parents never whipped your ass in your life. You don’t like my smoking, leave!”

She just stood there with her mouth open for probably 30 seconds and then burst out crying, ran to her car and burned out of the parking lot.  I just started applauding the old man…

He just chuckled and said, “Piss on em all.  My old lady won’t let me smoke in the house, and the hotels out here don’t either; so I was already in bad mood, and she just capped it all off.”

We chatted for about 15 minutes, come to find out he was in the tail end of the Iwo Jima landings, Korea and Vietnam and retired with 32 years active as an E-9 in the Marine Corps.  He also said he’d had both knees and both hips replaced, and he was damn glad he’d gotten it done before now.  He was very critical of the current state of affairs, and said he hadn’t done what he had during his career to have the country end up where it is today…

Which brought this one to mind-

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Apparently he and his wife are in town to attend a combined family reunion and 60th wedding anniversary for he and his wife.

I wished him well and thanked him for his service, and walked back to my hotel still smiling…

And I jumped on email and got this one from JP…

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And with IRS enforcement… sigh…