First attempt!
Then this:
I seem to need a better camera! I messed with everything on this little Phd (push here dummy) camera.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Photos...
Many people ask me about the photos on my blog. Not in a nice way. They ask if I am taking them with a Kodak Instamatic or Brownie. They may be right. So I attempted to stage a couple of photos and messed with lighting. Result? Photos still are underwhelming.
First attempt!
Then this:
I seem to need a better camera! I messed with everything on this little Phd (push here dummy) camera.
First attempt!
Then this:
I seem to need a better camera! I messed with everything on this little Phd (push here dummy) camera.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Battle of the Technologies!
Sorry for the quality of the video, but worth a look:
Hah! Kids these days!
Hah! Kids these days!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Spring Break Retro!
I'm on Spring break this week so I have my evenings free. Since Mr. Bell patented the telephone today in 1876, here are a couple.
Way back when (the seventies), telephone customers increasingly chose to buy and install phones not manufactured by Western Electric, the manufacturing arm of the Bell System. So the Bell System came up with the "Design Line" series of telephones that customers could purchase. Not really though. Early phones came with this disclaimer: "The telephone housing is your property. To assure quality of service, all working parts, e.g., dial, cords, and electrical components remain the property and responsibility of the Bell Telephone Company." Western simply stuck the working components of existing Bell telephones into contracted housings. Customers still had to pay rent on the guts. Finally around 1980, customers were allowed to own the phone outright. These sets were marked "CS" to denote that distinction. In 1986 manufacturing was moved out of the US.
This sort of thing simply marched to its death starting in the late eighties:
Here is a 1976 version of the Micky Mouse phone:
Sports an original Bell issued number card with the 219 area code. Indiana.
This was a standard Model 2500 desk phone with a Micky Mouse housing (insert joke here).
The Bell 2500 above.
So at about at the end of it and here is an example:
A Trimline phone totally encased in a Micky Mouse housing. I added the Southern Bell service award and a commemorative centennial paperweight to the picture.
I hope to spend some time here this week, but I do have laundry to do in prep for my vacation!
Way back when (the seventies), telephone customers increasingly chose to buy and install phones not manufactured by Western Electric, the manufacturing arm of the Bell System. So the Bell System came up with the "Design Line" series of telephones that customers could purchase. Not really though. Early phones came with this disclaimer: "The telephone housing is your property. To assure quality of service, all working parts, e.g., dial, cords, and electrical components remain the property and responsibility of the Bell Telephone Company." Western simply stuck the working components of existing Bell telephones into contracted housings. Customers still had to pay rent on the guts. Finally around 1980, customers were allowed to own the phone outright. These sets were marked "CS" to denote that distinction. In 1986 manufacturing was moved out of the US.
This sort of thing simply marched to its death starting in the late eighties:
Here is a 1976 version of the Micky Mouse phone:
Sports an original Bell issued number card with the 219 area code. Indiana.
This was a standard Model 2500 desk phone with a Micky Mouse housing (insert joke here).
The Bell 2500 above.
So at about at the end of it and here is an example:
A Trimline phone totally encased in a Micky Mouse housing. I added the Southern Bell service award and a commemorative centennial paperweight to the picture.
I hope to spend some time here this week, but I do have laundry to do in prep for my vacation!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Why I Teach
Many people that know me in "meatspace" ask me this. They note that I have a full time job, teach part time 2 nights a week ( four hour classes) at the Community College and yet still go teach Basic Pistol and Concealed Carry classes on the weekends.
The answer is really simple. First understand that you will not get rich doing this (well I won't anyway). The cost of liability insurance, certifications, training, and ancillary costs eat into your profit. Simply put I do not do it for profit, but the "pocket change" is simply an added bonus for doing something I enjoy and more importantly feel is important.
I love teaching new shooters how to responsibly handle a handgun. Some after the first shot on the line have a smile so big it defies description. The talented Blogger Brigid however can describe it: "There is the smell of fresh blueing, the smell of the first handgun I bought. A Colt Python. Finally I held it, taking in the deep blued finish that seemed to hold all reluctant light and breath, feeling the weight in my hand, the scent of cold steel bracing me. Then I simply stepped up and fired it. A single shot, in which a lifetime lay behind me."
I have to understand as I meet people from all walks of life brought together by one common desire that what I have known for years is not common knowledge. Four decades ago, I picked up a Firearm with my Fathers blessing.
Have I observed magazines loaded backwards? Sure. I have also observed people cry, shake like mad, vow never to touch a firearm again and leave the range. I have learned much in this endeavor. To me growing up with firearms was a given. I am thankful for that after watching many that have not. I am simply trying to carry the legacy forward.
The legacy is rich indeed. The first rifle I shot is here:
This is a Winchester Model 290 .22 S, L, LR rifle. I remember licking and sticking S&H green stamps in books to get this rifle.
It was shipped via USPS to the house!
The first pistol I carried casually in my back pocket was this one:
Colt Woodsman Match Target .22. I am appalled that this handgun was cavalierly carried in a back pocket for so many years in one sense, yet appreciate the fact that someone could do it without repercussions long ago.
I recently had a middle aged student in the Basic Pistol class with a new Ruger LCR. She was an intense student. She has been at the range every Saturday ever since. Adept and serious student on the line, yet funny and personable off of the firing line. She has signed up for the concealed carry class this month. She finally told me the story about how her Mother was killed with a handgun 40 years ago. That is all she said about the matter and I did not pry. She will be back at the range next Saturday.
This is why I teach. I do not have any children to pass my legacy on to. I probably will not have any unless there is a bright star in the east and camel crap in the yard.
I can however pass my legacy on to people that have come to the conclusion that they alone are responsible for their safety. It is empowering. I am humbled and honored to serve in this way.
The answer is really simple. First understand that you will not get rich doing this (well I won't anyway). The cost of liability insurance, certifications, training, and ancillary costs eat into your profit. Simply put I do not do it for profit, but the "pocket change" is simply an added bonus for doing something I enjoy and more importantly feel is important.
I love teaching new shooters how to responsibly handle a handgun. Some after the first shot on the line have a smile so big it defies description. The talented Blogger Brigid however can describe it: "There is the smell of fresh blueing, the smell of the first handgun I bought. A Colt Python. Finally I held it, taking in the deep blued finish that seemed to hold all reluctant light and breath, feeling the weight in my hand, the scent of cold steel bracing me. Then I simply stepped up and fired it. A single shot, in which a lifetime lay behind me."
I have to understand as I meet people from all walks of life brought together by one common desire that what I have known for years is not common knowledge. Four decades ago, I picked up a Firearm with my Fathers blessing.
Have I observed magazines loaded backwards? Sure. I have also observed people cry, shake like mad, vow never to touch a firearm again and leave the range. I have learned much in this endeavor. To me growing up with firearms was a given. I am thankful for that after watching many that have not. I am simply trying to carry the legacy forward.
The legacy is rich indeed. The first rifle I shot is here:
This is a Winchester Model 290 .22 S, L, LR rifle. I remember licking and sticking S&H green stamps in books to get this rifle.
It was shipped via USPS to the house!
The first pistol I carried casually in my back pocket was this one:
Colt Woodsman Match Target .22. I am appalled that this handgun was cavalierly carried in a back pocket for so many years in one sense, yet appreciate the fact that someone could do it without repercussions long ago.
I recently had a middle aged student in the Basic Pistol class with a new Ruger LCR. She was an intense student. She has been at the range every Saturday ever since. Adept and serious student on the line, yet funny and personable off of the firing line. She has signed up for the concealed carry class this month. She finally told me the story about how her Mother was killed with a handgun 40 years ago. That is all she said about the matter and I did not pry. She will be back at the range next Saturday.
This is why I teach. I do not have any children to pass my legacy on to. I probably will not have any unless there is a bright star in the east and camel crap in the yard.
I can however pass my legacy on to people that have come to the conclusion that they alone are responsible for their safety. It is empowering. I am humbled and honored to serve in this way.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
You don't see this every day!
First thunderstorm of the season rolling through now and spotted this on the front door:
I think Winter is pretty much done here!
I think Winter is pretty much done here!
How to spend Summer Vacation!
Just got confirmation on this for June! Requirements for vacation are: "Pistol, holster, three high capacity (15rds) magazines or six low capacity (7-8 rds), magazine holders, belt, clear wraparound ballistic eye protection, ear protection, rain gear, weapons cleaning kit, clothing appropriate for climate and conditions and a water bottle or other hydration system. Knee and elbow pads are strongly recommended. 1200 rounds of ammunition."
I am going to theevil Blackwater Unicorns and Rainbows USA Training facility in North Carolina!
Yea! So although some wonder about "IT guys" wandering around and I DO resemble that remark from the queen of snark I humbly present my interpretation of the requirements:
Pistol, check!
Colt Combat Commander in .45ACP.
Holster, check! El Paso saddlery and leather OWB.
Six low capacity magazines with holders, got ya covered!
Everything else except for "hydration system" I have covered. Hmm... OK first thought:
Well, I have until June to complete my shopping list!
I am going to the
Yea! So although some wonder about "IT guys" wandering around and I DO resemble that remark from the queen of snark I humbly present my interpretation of the requirements:
Pistol, check!
Colt Combat Commander in .45ACP.
Holster, check! El Paso saddlery and leather OWB.
Six low capacity magazines with holders, got ya covered!
Everything else except for "hydration system" I have covered. Hmm... OK first thought:
Well, it was a thought, but not really portable.
Well, I have until June to complete my shopping list!
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