Blowback from Ammunition Price Increases

The economy is driving this, please don't blame me or take it personally if you have any intentions of robbing me.

The Spring Holiday

The Spring Equinox is associated with, or known as: Easter, Alban Eilir, The Feast Weeks and of the Passover, Eostar, Eostre, Feast of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Festival of Trees, Lady Day, NawRuz, No Ruz, Ostara, Ostra, Rites of Spring, the Vernal Equinox and 'Spring Break'.

There are two times of the year when the days and nights are about equal (12 hours long - depending how close you are to the equator). Depending on the side of the planet you're living on, it's a time for sewing or a time for reaping. And then there are the religious celebrations that date back into antiquity that also fall in this time period.

Historical Reference: As you might be able to tell, the name “Easter” was likely derived from Eostre, the name of the Anglo-Saxon lunar goddess, as was as the name for the female hormone estrogen. Eostre’s feast day was held on the first full moon following the vernal equinox — a similar calculation as is used for Easter among Western Christians. On this date the goddess Eostre is believed by her followers to mate with the solar god, conceiving a child who would be born 9 months later on Yule, the winter solstice which falls on December 21st. Because I was born in this (December) time period of the year, I suspect that my parents celebrated Easter in their own special way...

Two of Eostre’s most important symbols were the hare (both because of its fertility and because ancient people saw a hare in the full moon) and the egg, which symbolized the growing possibility of new life. Each of these symbols continues to play an important role in modern celebrations of Easter. 

From a personal perspective, there is a family tradition that we all gather and sing "Oschter Hawslein", which is the song that my great grandmother taught his children in Switzerland in the early part of the last century. The song purportedly brings the Easter Bunny to your home to bring candy, the beginnings of a Spring wardrobe and so forth. I don't know how long Niederhausers in Derendingen, Bern, Switzerland have been singing that song, but that family lived there (based on government records) back as early as 1400. 

So from my family to yours, Frohe Oschter Gruß!!

Take it as an excuse to indulge in good food, too much chocolate and to be with friends and family.

Getting out of town

A Response by RACE BANNON to this blog has prompted me to ask you, dear readers, which sort of recreational vehicle you'd prefer. I will offer several options:

(1) Mercedes Benz Unimog

ALL terrain vehicle you can sleep in. Can be equipped with specialized counter-zombie weapons for the Apocalypse.

(2) Earth Roamer

Glorified Ford Pick up with a cool camper on the back.

(3) "Surface Orbiter"

The photo speaks for itself. When the Zombies are taken over by an alien race which occupies their decaying bodies - maybe you need to think in terms of this rig? (includes radar) Available only in California.

(4) Sportsmobile

Customized Ford Econoline Van. 

(5) Winnebago

Better than the "Queen Family Truckster" (See National Lampoon's Vacation) but you'll definitely be branded as 'middle America tourist class'.

(6) Pakistani Bus  (Pakistani people and their livestock included)

The vehicle and your new friends speaks for itself - smells like sweat and curry inside but you'll eventually get used to it.

(7) Full Blown Greyhound style bus, coverted as a luxury land yacht.

You can't go off-road on it but it rides like it's on rails when you're on the freeway.

Kids - and Passing-it-On

I don't know whether or not I'm the only one. That's why I'm putting it up for your diverse Internet feedback.

For roughly the last fifteen years (since I was forty), my children have been laying claim to various items that I've acquired through my life as 'theirs' after I die. Keep in mind that I'm not sickly and have no plans to shuffle off this mortal coil anytime soon. Though it's true that you never can tell. 

Maybe it's the line of work I'm in or maybe it's just me - or maybe I'm not unique?

Yes, it's true that I do have some "cool stuff" and my sons-in-law (I have four girls) are in on the act, claiming this rifle, that knife, my wristwatch or the dragon ring that I wear regularly.....

However, shouldn't they wait until my mortal clay is cold before they fight over my stuff? 

The Anger Game

Since the last post was all about a movie, I thought I'd digress and post something up that's in the 'theater of the real'.

It's interesting to see the blatant race baiting and hatred that's come out of the White House during the past four years. A black man takes the highest office in the United States and then makes racial division his administration's legacy - anything to get a vote.

Review: Hunger Games (Movie)

I arrived at the theater this (Saturday) morning for the first showing and viewed the heavily acclaimed feature film, "The Hunger Games". 

About the Film - based on the best-selling novel.

The nation of Panem has risen out of the ruins of what was once known as North America. Due to an unsuccessful uprising by the districts of Panem, a raffle (known as the "reaping") is held to choose one boy and one girl (ranging from ages 12–18) from each of the twelve remaining districts to participate in the Hunger Games, a competition in which each contestant (known as the "tributes") battles to the death until only one is left. The winner or victor receives fame and fortune. The Hunger Games are a yearly reminder to the 12 districts of the Capitol's authority and punishment for their rebellion over 70 years ago.

In the poverty-stricken District 12, sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen cares for her mother and her sister, Primrose.  Each year, since the age of 12, Katniss' name has been placed in the reaping more than once. In return for taking this extra annual risk, she receives extra grain and oil for her family. In addition, Katniss has been illegally hunting for food outside the boundary fences of District 12.

NO SPOILERS

Essentially it's a movie about hunting and being hunted and it's well done. I recommend that you see the movie. The plot steadily (if a bit predictably) advances to its conclusion.  Teenagers would enjoy the movie as well as adults. 

WARNING

If you're a big fan of the mainstream media or government, you may be offended by the way that they are portrayed. If you feel that the mainstream media is less than it should be, you may feel that the movie does them justice - served cold. 

50K

My FJCruiser is not a daily driver - however, 5 years and 50,000 miles later there have been some great times with this rig.

I didn't pay any attention to signs.

I made new friends like the late, great Mike Paulson, who died of cancer 12 months after this photo was taken.

And I broke a few rocks along the way.