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I read a lot of posts on the wire - even some that I really don't have a lot of interest in specifically; but I enjoy seeing folks interactions. One thing I often see is, shooters telling others that their choice of equipment is not nearly as important as some others claim. An example: X model gun is just as good as Y model gun for most shooters in our game because "somebody" shot the X model gun really fast in a youtube video and "somebody else" won a world championship with it 25 years ago. And if "those somebodies" can do that with the X gun faster than the average shooter can shoot the Y gun - then obviously the average shooter doesn't need a Y gun because they can't even use the full potential of the so called slower gun. Please stop doing this. It is a disservice to anyone who might actually take this bad advice to heart. In any activity; certain "some bodies" may be able to take lesser equipment and still out perform you - but so what? A professional bike racer might be able to trade you his carbon fiber race bike for your Schwinn Beachcomber with fat tires, white wicker basket and shiny chrome bell and then still beat you in a race. So obviously even the Schwinn is faster than you were capable of using it. And it's true; you may never get the full potential out of a race bike - But the very simple question remains, "On which bike, are YOU faster?" Better equipment makes you better. Use lesser equipment if you want to. For appearance, for historical significance, for economics - for any reason you choose. But stop telling people better equipment won't improve them because they can't yet make full use of what they already have or because "somebody" is faster than them with lesser equipment. That is simply untrue.

And put 1917 in the Blu-ray, No politics for me tonight. Nothing I can do about it anyway. Or maybe Sgt. York.

Sportsmanship and being part of a team kinda demands that he still show up and be part of the team even if he cannot play.

To the person who stole my glasses. I will find you. I have contacts.

AHEM ! Aren't we forgetting something??

Most folks are afraid that they won’t be able to conveniently wipe the Kamala Harris off of their Joe Biden!!!

I wanted to put a measure on the ballot that would release all English instructors from prison, but apparently... you can't end sentences with a proposition....

5 sisters from two families graduate Marine Corps training together Semper Fi

Today is my wedding anniversary! Given the year we've had, I do need to say a few things more than I usually would. Thirty years ago today, at 10 a.m., I answered the phone, and so began a day that still seems part farce, part drama, and if it had been offered up as a screenplay, would have been rejected as unbelievable. That day was the start of a humorous few days, a very strange few months, and a truly remarkable lifetime with the love of my life. Today, I thought I would mention a few highlights. To do the entire story justice requires much more time and perhaps an adult beverage or two. It was at ten a.m. that I got the phone call from my brother asking if I wanted "the bad news or the bad news first." The bad news was I had been activated for Desert Shield. It was my best friend and fraternity brother from college, who got me through the rest of the day with my wits intact, who provided the good news. At least I didn't have to worry about that damn paper I had been stressing about! My brother-in-law to be met me at the door to his parents' house, and unintentionally gave me a laugh, when after stammering trying to tell me the news I already knew, said "I need a drink," and left me sorely tempted to have a drink myself. I owe my friend from college many thanks, for knowing that would have been a bad thing. We made it through the day, and I was in white tie and tails, and hurrying outside the church to be where I needed to be on time, when this small person stepped out of a car directly into my path, saying in no uncertain terms "You! We need some help," or something of the sort. I just recall trying to stop in slick bottomed shoes and fearing I was going to crush this person if I fell on her. It was my introduction to the "New York" portion of the clan. The wedding itself went smoothly (despite some behind the scenes hiccups). The reception can only be described as something else entirely. Despite not drinking much at all (a couple of toasts was it), much of it seems a blur. I do recall my now brother-in-law leading a now (legendary? infamous?) conga line through the kitchen of the club. I also recall saying "what the hell," when I saw a couple of the wealthiest and most respected men in town doing "The Gator" to Shout. I also recall my fraternity brothers actually being on their best behavior. Not that they wanted to be, mind you. And I recall a first dance with a beautiful bride who is beautiful after all these years later. Unfortunately, a few of the people who made that day important have died in the past few months, one over the past weekend. Others, including my mother-in-law and father-in-law, who were so hugely important in my life, have gone as well. But they remain in spirit. That is just the start of the story. Actually, the oddness started the night before at the rehearsal, continued through the night and the next morning, then beyond. Oh, and yes, that grin is still one that Mrs. Doc brings to my face.

Two hour drive to NM for Carol’s chemo treatments. Two hours there.Two hours back. I am beat. Early to bed for me. But first a toast to all my brothers and sisters in arms. We stood together For our flag For our home For each other America!

Because he knows where all the naughty girls live. Ho ho ho ho ho.

Just keep in mind that’s a person who thinks bagpipes sound ok.

Allow me to introduce Mr. Reid Larson. Since 1977 you could find him on Interstate 74 at Exit 82. Pumping gas and turning wrenches, only closed on Christmas Day. You could be assured that every morning at 6:00 am, Reid was on the job. Except Sundays, he would go to church and open at 10:00 am. If you lived within 5 or so miles and could not get in for repairs, he would pick up your car and return it when done. "Pay me when you see me," he would say. Old school. Old values. Just before Shortcake's dad passed, she got a call from the ICU that he was asking for her. I was subbing that day and could not leave school. Emotional and frazzled she took off for the hospital with a low gas tank. She pulled into Reid's for gas and told him where she was going. He gassed her up quick. She realized she forgot her purse and could not pay him. "Pay me when you see me," Reid said. As she turned around in the station driveway, Reid ran toward her waving his arms to get her to stop. He gave her $40.00 out of his station's till. "You may be there a while and need something to eat and drink," he said. Reid lost his wife this past summer, and decided it was time to go. We are running out of Reid's, sadly. Appreciate the ones you find.

Remembering the Thanklessgivings I spent far from home in the service. This would have made it more pleasant. Napolean was right. An army travels on it's stomach. And not just food!

Anyone else read “Rubens with all the trimmings” and think of a corn beef sandwich on marble rye with extra Swiss cheese and kraut? And maybe a splash of French dressing?

I know the aches and pains, having friends die and looking at old pictures make me feel old. But it really hit home when my son turned 55 today! Damn just seemed like yesterday when my wife and I brought him home from the hospital. He just bought himself a new truck for his birthday Happy Birthday to son Steve......!

I’ve had it and got over it. Knew some folks that had it and died. Got a neighbor and his wife that haven’t left their 5 acre fenced property for six months now and the other day he told me they’re prepared to stay there for two more years if that’s what it takes and then tearfully told me he hasn’t seen his grand kids in that entire time including the two new ones that were born. Him and his wife both wear masks constantly, even in the house by themselves. If that’s how they want to live that’s fine, I’d rather live my life differently.

Medieval humor at Abbey of Sainte Foy, Conques, 1050.

I picked this up from a post on Facebook: If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, 'Who's on First?' might have turned out something like this: COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? COSTELLO: Thanks I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer. ABBOTT: Mac? COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou. ABBOTT: Your computer? COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one. ABBOTT: Mac? COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou. ABBOTT: What about Windows? COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here? ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows? COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows? ABBOTT: Wallpaper. COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software. ABBOTT: Software for Windows? COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have? ABBOTT: Office. COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything? ABBOTT: I just did. COSTELLO: You just did what? ABBOTT: Recommend something. COSTELLO: You recommended something? ABBOTT: Yes. COSTELLO: For my office? ABBOTT: Yes. COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office? ABBOTT: Office. COSTELLO: Yes, for my office! ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows. COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need? ABBOTT: Word. COSTELLO: What word? ABBOTT: Word in Office. COSTELLO: The only word in office is office. ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows. COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows? ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'. COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue 'W' if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? Do you have anything I can track my money with? ABBOTT: Money. COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have? ABBOTT: Money. COSTELLO: I need money to track my money? ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer. COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer? ABBOTT: Money. COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer? ABBOTT: Yes. At no extra charge. COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much? ABBOTT: One copy. COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money? ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money. COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money? ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT! (A few days later) ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off? ABBOTT: Click on 'START.'

UPDATE Henry and Al met for the first time this morning. Chilling like old buddies!

‘Gilligan’s Island’ star Dawn Wells reveals what she’s grateful for in 2020: ‘This is the country I love’ The 82-year-old famously played Mary Ann Summers, an unapologetic 'good girl' who was stranded on an island with other castaways.

On this date in 1958, the dawn came up cold and clear. By 11:00 AM there was a nearly foot of snow on the ground. How do I know this. Becasue that is the day Mrs. Badger made a big mistake and said "I DO". Gotta love that gal. Hanging in with me for 62 years. Not many women around with that kinda stamina. Love you, Sweetheart!

Got it!!!! 6 bananas OTD!!!

Not too interesting to others, but a milestone for him. With Ranger training and Airborne school behind him, I don't know what is next - Mountain Training (Ft Drum is where he is going). Maybe icicle herding. :-) He is having an absolute wonderful time training and enjoying every minute of it. STL Suomi

Ya'll see the Governor at a diner, indoors with about 14 people, no masks, no distancing. This isn't about COVID, it's about control.

Gads. I don't even know what to say to all of this. No, better gear doesn't make you better. That's a fallacious argument. Better is only achieved with practice. What I will say, and agree to is this. The right gear will not get in your way. The right gear won't break down and leave you with that niggling "is something going to break today" thought in the back of your head. The right gear fits your hands, your body, and your personal ergonomics. Again, this keeps it from getting in your way and keeps you from fighting your gear. The right gear puts you in the correct head space to perform at your best. The right gear is "invisible" and doesn't take any thought or attention whatsoever The right gear does include the right ammo (I've written articles on this one) I do think that's the point Creeker is driving at. However, the right gear doesn't necessarily mean "all of the latest mods and widgets". It does mean that it's the gear that works best for you. Everyone is different. The right gear for me may not be the right gear for you. I hope that made sense. Doc

Some doggerel by a hack poet named Kipling: Tommy I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here." The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die, I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I: O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away"; But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play, The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play, O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play. I went into a theatre as sober as could be, They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me; They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls, But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls! For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside"; But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide, The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide, O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide. Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap; An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit. Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?" But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll, The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll, O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll. We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too, But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you; An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints, Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints; While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind", But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind, There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind, O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind. You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all: We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational. Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace. For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!" But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot; An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please; An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!

Well, there is more than one good thing [getting out of Illinois for one] but a new, fresh reloading area is gonna be nice. The new place just had the garage floor epoxied, area painted and buying all new benches and an A/C unit for the area.

Six years ago we rescued our first ever German Shepherd, Java. We were immediately sold on the breed, and two years ago, when the timing was right, we adopted Lacey. Personality wise they are exact opposites. Java is more like Eeyore, while Lacey channels Animal at times. Java is the big guy in the rear, Lacey with her favorite hedgehog.

Three Indian Squaws went into their tipis to birth their children. One laid down on a deer hide and gave birth to a 7lb 8oz boy. The second laid down on a bear hide. She also gave birth to a 7lb 8oz boy. The third laid down on a hippopotamus hide. She gave birth to two 7lb 8oz boys. This shows that the squaw of the hippopotamus is equal to the sons of the squaws of the other two hides. Duffield

I read it three times. I have no idea what the hell Euclid’s talking about. Did they have LSD back then?

Certain peoples, ancient and otherwise, believed time to be a river, from which one dipped generously as needed; others, that time was circular, and all would in time return -- the origin of our common saying, "What goes around, comes around." That might be where the idea of casting your bread upon the waters must come from. For several years now, I've made a habit of cutting my neighbor's yard when I cut my own. He never asked me to, but the man's had difficulties, and I'm lazy natured, so if I give his yard a haircut, why, that's work he doesn't have to do. I was going to give my yard its final haircut of the season, I got 3/4 of the first pass made and the drive mechanism broke: it'll take a major disassembly on this little Poulan Pro to get to the necessary parts, so I'm going to let the dealer handle that, along with new belts, sharpen and balance the blades and otherwise give this faithful little six year old mower a going-over. I heard something running outside, just now, and took a look. It's the neighbor whose yard I've mowed all these years. We spoke at the mailbox yesterday and I told him about my mower going kaput. He's out there with a push mower, cutting my grass. Cast your bread upon the waters.

Even cute little birds will steal your lunch right in front of your face. Laughing Kookaburra Guess it was a good thing he wasn't relieving himself.

Until you have been woken immediately from a deep sleep because your dog farted near your CPAP machine, you will never appreciate the potential damage that can be caused!

I'm sure this was intended as jest.....but we all need to think a bit more before we make light of the risks and effects of this virus. I feel a great deal of sympathy for the folks stuck in the cities; they can't afford to abandon their jobs, and many do the work that brings them into close proximity to many other people. They are not "mindless herds", they are the blue collars and the working poor and the elderly and the immigrants and the health care workers and emergency personnel, all trying to stay safe and well while this invisible killer swirls around them. If you're in a rural area, or well-off and taking refuge in your summer home, or an executive who can stay home and still get paid, more power to you. But don't forget that there are millions of folks who have no such buffers, and who still need to get on a subway car or a train, mashed in with hundreds of others, and go to work. And no place is safe. LL

If you get match DQ'd do you leave or hang out and help out with the posse duties? Stay, help out, and cheer on all the others.

Have no problem if someone wants to dress that way. Shot with several last week at the Southeast Regional and I returned home with no visible after effects.