What We Do

Men, I mean. When bored. Not that I could possibly be bored, but everyone needs a new gig sooner or later and my later is upon me.

It might come as something of a surprise to learn that I enjoy shooting. And, in perhaps something akin to a woman buying shoes or a new clutch when depressed or in need of a pick-me-up, I rustle up some new ammo and it's off to make holes.

But I'm tired of same-old, same-old. And that is when even piss poor advertising can be deadly. I'd never take a second look at something as dumb as Extreme Shock Ammo, but I'm finding myself drawn to the stuff and may very well buy a quantity to fool with. Not that I'd ever use such an obvious conjob for self defense, but the guy who runs the joint is lying so well of late that I'd be honored to become snookered by so devious a bunko-bum.

Lately, he's been telling folks that the FBI has approved his cartridges for agent use, and the mere premise of that staid and monster-under-the-bed organization switching rounds to accomodate the gaudiest of tall-tale-tellers is just too funny.

First it was the secret Nytrilium, that turned out to be nothing more than a wad of nylon behind a hunk of lead, and now he's claiming that certain of his zombie-killing-rounds are in fact compressed agglomerates of tungsten, that virtually explode into a soft target and make hay where the sun don't shine.

What a perfect maroon.

I simply gotta have some of them there Explosive Entry Fragmentables!

An Addition

We try to keep a small and tidy ship here. The links to the left are special ones. A few bigtime web logs, an information site or two, and even a defunct link kept up to honor Woody. By all rights I should remove Box O' Truth, but a portal to stupidity is the perfect blemish for an otherwise outstanding raiment.

I've added The War On Guns because I felt it to be an important one. Duh, obviously. I'm not the link-party kind of guy and for no other reason than having a level of independant crustiness that forbades participation in anything of a mass-mailing sort. I fully understand the importance of getting the word out, but there are plenty of places that do it much better. I was thinking of branching the links into some semblance of order but that'd frig with my desires to maintain a flexible towed array.

Video of Saddam Hussein being executed

Dark and difficult to watch. Moxie was wondering how long it'd take for some Conservative blogger to post such a video, and while it is supposed to make people uncomfortable, this is the real world. Like it, or like Saddam, leave it. I'd have tied the knot, put it around his neck, and opened the trap door. Without a hitch. Someone has to kill our enemies, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Lem had the stones to put it on his blog, but there are tons of 'em that talk the talk but develop a limp when walking the walk time comes a' calling.

Palestinian Toy Gun Watch

A young boy holds a toy gun as a Palestinian man, right, speaks behind a portrait of late Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein at a memorial in the Dahaysha Refugee Camp in the West Bank town of Bethlehem,Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006. Hundreds of Palestinians flocked to the streets of the West Bank on Sunday to mourn the death of Saddam Hussein, setting up condolence tents and bemoaning the fate of their steadfast ally. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)

Courtesy of LGF. Yes, it bothers me that the AP presumes the piece to be a toy, and no, it doesn't bother me to see a young man with an evil gun.

Mr. Johnson is entitled to his opinion, as are all of the anti's. Just don't feed me the BS that he runs a Conservative blog.

As for the gun itself, the pic is too blurry for a definitive determination, but it seems far too large in his hand to be a plaything. Not that airsoft and good replica's are easy to ID, but for my eye it's the real thing.

Sunday Defensive Training Video

...Spinning kick to disarm....

Hold A Sec While I Find My Cheaters...

"Do you prefer one-eye open shooting or two?"

After 4 and a half decades of practice I can draw and hit a quarter on a fencepost at 30'. The Wyatt-Earp method, of course; taking your time as fast as you can and with one eye shut. I've never seen binocular shooting improve the ability of anyone over 40, but if you try it and it works then by all means use it. You of course stand the chance of having both eyes contaminated with the by-products of combustion, so instead of being blind in one you'll be hard of seeing in two.

Dry fire as often as possible using both methods then pick the one you make closer holes with. I've yet to see records falling by the wayside with two eyes doing the work, but the "trainers" must have something to sell and this is one of those somethings. Not that there isn't room for genuine improvement in all human endeavor, but I await proof before bandwagon hopping.

As a final two-cents worth, most of the fellows I've see who espouse such do their shooting with the aid of corrective lenses, but I've yet to ask the opinion of a medical professional so it could be mere coincidence. I remain old fashioned enough to pay little attention when a squint tells a 20-20 how better to see.

Proof That Somebody Was Testing The New HIV Gel...

And that it works...*

Castro issues New Year's message

Castro seemed frail during his last TV appearance in October

"In his New Year message, ailing Cuban President Fidel Castro has said he is recovering slowly from his surgery.

"Concerning my recovery I always said it would be a long process," he said in the written message, read out by announcers on state-controlled media.

"But it is far from being a lost battle," he added.

The 80-year-old leader handed over control of the country to his brother Raul in July, when he underwent urgent intestinal surgery.

President Castro traditionally sends a message broadcast by state TV and radio to Cubans on New Year's Eve to mark the anniversary of the 1 January 1959 revolution that brought him to power.

"I have not stopped being in the loop on main events and information.

"I have had exchanges with our closest comrades always when co-operation has been necessary on vitally important issues," the statement read.

The president also thanked the Cuban people for their courage during his recuperation."

*Now...on to humans, and isn't it a shame Arafat didn't have something akin to this.

Sunday Superstition

Hajj pilgrims 'stone the devil'

New security measures are in place for the Hajj

Millions of Muslim pilgrims performing the Hajj in Saudi Arabia have thrown stones at three pillars representing the devil, as part of a ritual.

New security measures have been added in an effort to control the movement of pilgrims and prevent stampedes that have killed hundreds in the past.

Saturday's ritual coincides with the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha. The Hajj ends on Monday.

Muslims are obliged to undertake the pilgrimage at least once, if able.

Sunday Science

'Molecular condom' to combat HIV

Dr Kiser hopes the gel will be long-lasting

"A "molecular condom" to protect women against HIV is being developed by US scientists.

The liquid formulated by a University of Utah team turns into a gel-like coating when inserted into the vagina.

Then, when exposed to semen, it returns to liquid form and releases an anti-viral drug to attack HIV.

However, the technology, featured in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, is still around five years away from being tested in humans."

Such the pity that instead of monogamy we see so very many efforts to permit promiscuity and its attendant evils. But don't for a moment believe that women will be the ones using this in droves. There will be a shortage upon it's release, with blackmarket hoarding by you-know-who's until supplies meet demand.

Sunday Bicycles

Jets Win And It's On To The Playoffs...

Back in August, I offered that if Chad Pennigton were truly back to form the Jets would go 8-8.

Happy to say that this was a bad prognostication, as todays win over the Raiders brings them to 10-6 and into the NFL playoff picture.

If they had a running game I'd make it a best-bet that they'd advance past the 1st round, but it's Chad and then nobody. Still and all, a good job by rookie coach Mangini.

The Giants were the one's to go 8-8, and seal coach Coughlins demise. but any talk of them is a waste of cyber space.

Clearing A Room. Then A Building And A Block

Gunny Brad being escorted from a house. It was impossible to determine how many times he'd been shot, but they did have to literally drag him out of the action with assurances that his "kids" were okay.

The one thing he regrets? "Not getting my ****ing finger all the way off the trigger while that ****ing ********er was taking the ****ing snapshots. Little *unt caught me by surprise."

The Medal of Honor is not out of the question.

Blogger "Beta" Update

Tried again and remain unable to switch to the new format. No big deal, just wish they'd stop asking me to do so if it isn't possible.

FN Highpower...

With new furniture that'll be released at the SHOT Show. Alumigrips with colors other than black are, of course, way too ghey, but will soon be forthcoming as well.

Now If Ruger Just Made a 4" Redhawk An Option...*

They'd sell a boatload, and free up enough gunsmiths to get back to working on restoring old Smiths.

Not that I personally own any firearms, but a 4" Red would be in my safe as we speak.

*Yes, they've cranked out an occasional 4, but they are rarer than the proverbial clean moslem.

Bush Believes The 2nd Amendment To Refer To "Collective Right"

And The War On Guns has the story.

As for myself, I'll dismiss what the FAA has to say about the Constitution, and await, hmm, lets see now, what the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, or perhaps even the Office of the First Lady have to say.

Not that W is any big fan of the 2nd, mind you, but I find it hard to believe he'd be all THAT stupid.

Then again, he has surprised me before.

Got A Spare $800 Lying Around?

Then the new S&W M&P might just be your next concealed revolver. Just think; only $800 out the door for 5 shots of what you just know will be nothing hotter than .38 Specials.

And remember to pump up them forearms for the 12 pound DAO pull.

I mean, sometimes I worry about being more snag-free, but hammerless wheels just are not my cup of tea.

And no engraving means no Texas barbeque.

"For Life And Liberty" coming from a company that sold out to the Clintons. Priceless. I'm always in the market for a Pre-Hillary-Hole S&W, but will never again purchase a new gun from them for as long as I live.

Letters From A Mall Ninja...

"I do not understand the “joke” or the “Rambo.” I am in a high-risk job. It is not the Mall of America, but Ill tell you what its no podunk mall either.I am a responsible citizen who has made the choice to carry at all times. I defend others. If something happens at the Mall then I would be the hero, not those of you who are making fun of me for no reason. Yes Im not a Green Beret but guess what neither are you and unlike you I have to face unruly shoppers every day.My REAL problem is that, like any LEO, I have enemies because of my job. They may have access to high-powered rifles. My job starts and ends at the same time every day. Although I use four rotating routes to drive to and from work, I am still vulnerable during the walk to and from my car. This is the time that I load up on the trauma plates because I DO NOT WANT TO BE SHOT DEAD! Also, someone said that my Tac Team doesn’t get training. Not true. We meet at the range every night and shoot 400 rounds each through weapons that closely resemble our duty setup. We also practice unarmed combat. I am a Master of three martial arts including ninjitsu, which means I can wear the special boots to climb walls. I don’t think any of you are working as hard as I am to be prepared. I asked a serious question about tactical armor and I wanted a serious response. If you want to laugh at somebody, try laughing at the sheep out there who go to the mall unarmed trusting in me to stand guiard over their lives like a God."

Taurus Ultra Lite 44 Magnum

27 ounces. Something to slip into a holster when in bad animal country and forget unless needed. Plinking is a chore unless using 44 Special, but trust me; if the shit hits the fan you will NOT feel the recoil. Afterwards maybe, but since pain is not necessary for immediate survival you'll have an empty revolver before realizing you've just squeezed 6 from so light a gun.

That's all incumbent of course upon not letting the front sight to become imbedded in your forehead...

Then The Other Side Of The Coin

8 rounds in one second.

Oh yeah, and who wants to be the one to tell him he shouldn't ought'a be putting his finger on the trigger before he aligns the sights. Like every other revolver master.

PS: The timer starts with the first shot going off, so it isn't for speed, just level of comfort and common sense when he raises the weapon with it ready to fire.

DEA Agent Accidently shoots himself in the foot

A somewhat oldie, but most definitely a goodie if there ever was one. For the life of me I simply cannot fathom how anyone could be so stupid as to shoot himself with a weapon he did not even know the correct name for.

More From Merry Old England As It Cringes Before The Followers Of Dirty Old Mo...

"A ROW has broken out over an “ethnics only” swimming session at a council baths.

Muslim and Sikh women and children only can attend the lessons, which encourage those with “religious or cultural issues” to learn to swim.

Blinds have been installed, and Muslim women even have staff of their own faith brought in for the hour-long Thursday sessions at Wolverhampton Central Baths.

The City council defended its decision but admitted receiving complaints. Regular swimmer. Leslie Waugh, 32, said: “It’s mad. It’s segregation not integration.”

But Felicity Roberts for the council said: “Sessions attract large numbers. It’s a success.”

Filthy Is As Filthy Does...Moslems Refuse To Wash Hands At Hospital..

"...SOME Muslims are undermining the battle to rid Britain’s hospitals of killer infections by refusing to wash their hands when visiting sick relatives.

Dispensers containing anti-bacterial gel have been placed outside wards at hospitals all over Britain in a bid to get rid of superbugs like MRSA and PVL.

It prevents people bringing in more infections. But some Muslims refuse to use the hand cleansers on religious grounds because they contain alcohol."

Now, I'd do a double-take if a hospital asked me to wash my hands before a visitation, but what the hell. Not so for our islamic cultists who'd rather make assholes of themselves at every turn. Tune in as we betcha that the hospitals in question switch to a non-alcoholic version in order to placate the walking filth.

Ann Coulter Gives Us A Kwanzaa Primer...

(Sing to "Jingle Bells")

Kwanzaa bells, dashikis sell

Whitey has to pay;

Burning, shooting, oh what fun

On this made-up holiday!

We Get Letters

This is the hostess for an Italian afternoon T.V. talk show...













And this is the hostess for an American afternoon
T.V. talk show...


To enroll in your nearest language school to learn Italian, call: 800-555-caio

Knighthood For UK Science Adviser

Howard Dalton, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has received a knighthood in the New Year Honors.

Professor Dalton, a microbiologist, has been advising ministers on scientific issues, including GM crops, since 2002.

Professor Dalton, during his time as Defra's chief scientific adviser, has had to brief ministers on a number of headline grabbing issues, with one of the most recent being the arrival of bird flu in the UK.

In 2002, Professor Dalton hit the headline himself when he voiced concern over the potential environmental impact of GM crops.

His views were at odds with the government, which was reported to favour GM crops being grown commercially in the UK.

But the issue that has dominated the political agenda during Professor Dalton's time at Defra is climate change.

"The fact that the bird flu didn't harm a soul in the UK, or GM crops are indeed more healthy, or the earth is actually cooling, doesn't mean Professor Dalton was necessarily wrong 100% of the time," a government official reported. "Referring to someone as "wrong" in and of itself is far too judgmental and we should be looking at honoring who scared the most people and got bloody away with it rather than niggling over the minutiae. Besides," he went on to continue, "Her Majesty is a James Bond fan and had Professor Dalton confused with the actor Timothy Dalton and who had the heart to tell her she was honoring the wrong man. Really now, have you any idea how old this woman is...?"

Hajj approaches spiritual climax

More than two million Muslims have taken part in a prayer ceremony on Mount Arafat - one of the main events in the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

The pilgrims will also hear a sermon modelled on the one the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have given at the site about 1,400 years ago.

The ritual forms the spiritual climax of the Hajj.

New safety measures have been added to the Hajj, aimed at preventing stampedes that have killed hundreds previously.

In January, almost 400 people were killed and some 300 injured in a stampede during one of the rituals, and safety officials have turned to Pamplona, Spain for advice on how best to prevent injury when thousands of crazed animals are running berserk at the same time.

"Those bulls they weigh a ton," an official reported to the AP, "and that's a dozen or more pilgrims each, so if they can stop the carnage there we are certain we can do the same here as well..."

Indiana Jones 'to return in 2008'

Lucas (l) and Ford (r) worked on both Indiana Jones and Star Wars

Director George Lucas says the fourth instalment in the Indiana Jones film series will start next year.

Lucas said he and Steven Spielberg had recently finalised the script, and promised it was "the best one yet".

Actor Harrison Ford will return as the titular star of the film, which is due to hit cinemas in May 2008.

With the working title "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Geritol", and featuring both Ford and quite possibly Sean Connery reprising his role as the Jones family patriarch, Lucas also promised that representatives from AARP would be on hand to assure that no senior citizen is harmed during the filming.

James Brown To Be Buried After Just A Few More Viewings...

Sendoff down South

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. - Gospel music and prayer echoed from the rafters of a single-story red brick church as family, friends and band members of the late James Brown gathered yesterday for a private goodbye.

Less than 24 hours after thousands celebrated his life on the streets of Harlem - and on the stage of the historic Apollo Theater - the 24-karat gold-plated coffin bearing Brown's body was back home in Augusta.

And as he did so eloquently the day before, the Rev. Al Sharpton led the tribute.

Rev. Sharpton, who is receiving an estimated $25,000 per tribute, has vowed to follow the body of the late singer around the globe if need be, to "Send our brother off in a manner befitting his superstar of soul status," and is currently negotiating with Bangladesh for viewing rights sometime in early spring of 2007.

"I promised the family we'd have James on the brown side of the grass by no later than next Kwanzaa," Rev. Sharpton continued, "so there's no time for me to be standing here talking with y'all because we have to get him over to that Chinese theater in California where they need his footprints in cement..."

Calls to the Reverends new Corporation, Burying Brothers R Us went unanswered, but a taped message informed listeners that Mr. Sharpton would be available to speak with investors seeking to become franchise partners in this new and lucrative endeavor because, "Dead whities ain't the only ones folks will pay to come see anymores."

Attorneys for the fledgling company refused to comment upon a rumor that a lawsuit was in the offing due to the death of President Gerald Ford, a story that took nationwide attention from the demise of Mr. Brown and may indeed have caused "irreparable financial damages" to his widow and loved ones. A lawyer, who replied on conditions of anonymity, did offer that "Next famous Whitey who die better not be thinkin they can steal from poor black folk so word to the wise is check the news before making any fuss..."

More On Stretch Hussein

"...celebrations broke out after Hussein was dead, and that there was 'dancing around the body.'"

"...Hussein carried with him a copy of the Quran and asked that it be given to 'a certain person.'"

And as soon as Fed-Ex delivers it, I'll report back.

Thank Heavens It Was A 9 mm And Not A Modern Mankiller..

...Or Woman-Wounder, for that matter

OKLAHOMA CITY -- "A little target practice was too hot for an Oklahoma woman to handle.The woman accidentally shot herself on Wednesday, police said.Police said Anna Herrera-Gomez was practicing with a 9 mm gun at the H&H Gun Range in Oklahoma City when a hot shell casing fell down the front of her shirt.

She jumped as the hot metal touched her skin and reached for her chest. Police said that's when she accidentally shot herself in the leg."Of course, we train for this, but unbeknownst to us, we had a gentlemen on the range who was a trained EMT. (He) took care of it immediately, and even though it was a shooting, it was actually very minimal," said H&H Gun Range owner Miles Hall.Hall said the woman was embarrassed more than anything else."

Reached for her chest and shot herself in the leg. I see. Seems like we're talkin' about some low hangers there...

While An Infamous RINO Would Call This "Child Abuse"...

I think it's just too damned cute for words.

One Necktie Party To Be Proud Of...

Happy New Year.

Also...

The Life And Death of Saddam Hussein

Would Have Been A Great Christmas Gift To The World...

But hey, a Happy New Year isn't half bad... Saddam may die as early as today

"Saddam Hussein, sentenced to hang for slaughtering Shiite civilians more than two decades ago, will swing from the gallows before the weekend is out, several reports said last night. The deposed dictator will be executed by Sunday and could face the noose as early as today, NBC, CBS and Fox News reported, citing U.S. military sources."

FULL STORY

Same Old Same Old

In a nutshell, whenever the moslems "conquer" something, it remains theirs for ever more. Not so what they lose...

"The Roman Catholic bishop of Cordoba in southern Spain has rejected an appeal from Muslims for the right to pray in the city's cathedral, a former mosque.

Juan Jose Asenjo rejected the request made by Spain's Islamic Board in a letter to the Pope.

It had asked that the cathedral become an ecumenical temple where believers from all faiths could worship.

The bishop said such a move would not contribute to the peaceful co-existence between people of different religions.

On the contrary, he said in a statement late on Wednesday, the joint use of temples and places of worship would only generate confusion amongst the faithful.

Shared use of places of worship could make sense in airports or an Olympic village, said the bishop, but not in a consecrated Catholic cathedral."

Standing In Line To Off Saddam...

AMMAN, Jordan — "Hundreds of Iraqis have offered to act as hangman in the execution of Saddam Hussein, according to senior officials in the Baghdad Government.

Some requests have been e-mailed to the office of Nouri al-Maliki, the Iraqi Prime Minister, from around the world. Mr. al-Maliki has also been directly petitioned by government officials who want to place the noose around Saddam’s neck."

They should have had a lottery. Ten bucks a ticket then a nationally televised drawing to see who gets to stretch old Saddam. It'd pay off the war debt and then some.

Global Warming?

Hardly. Try Global-Cooling...

Main Points

The effect of so-called greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide is extremely minuscule.

1) Only 3% of the CO₂ in the air results from human activity.

2) Carbon dioxide is already aborbing all available radiation at its peaks of 2.7, 4.3 and 15 �M; and most of it within 10 meters of distance. Changing the amount of CO₂ can only change the distance, not total heat. details

3) The atmosphere is heated by conduction and convection from the surface, but propagandist imply that only radiation is involved.

4) The amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere is not determined by production, because it is regulated by the oceans. Cold oceans absorbs more, and warm oceans release more back into the atmosphere.

5) The 30% increase in atmospheric CO₂ over the past century indicates oceans heating (due to other causes), and it is too minuscule to be relevant. It is an indicator, not cause, of oceans heating.

6) Air has a much lower heat capacity than water, which means oceans can heat the air, but the air cannot significantly heat the oceans.

7) Water in the air is a greenhouse gas which swamps the others. It is about a hundred times more prevalent than CO₂ in clear air, and much more significant on a cloudy day.

8) When el Nino heats the Pacific, CO₂ increases in the atmosphere; and after El Nino, it normalizes. It wouldn't normalize if oceans were not reabsorbing the CO₂. And if oceans can reabsorb that CO₂, they can absorb any other CO₂.

9) Global warming has been continuous for about 20,000 years, as always occurs between ice ages, not just the past 150 years which propagandists refer to.

10) Plants need more CO₂ to grow on. Their growth increases substantially when more CO₂ is provided. The oceans had to be large to aquify the planet, but then they absorbed too much CO₂ for good plant growth.

Back in 1998, thousands of scientists signed a petition offering that global warming was nothing but a bunko scheme. Today, more are "hesitating" because research dollars are often attached to the agreement that our miniscule production of CO2 has anything to do with warming.

Chairman Photoshop

Dammitall; now Lisa wants one 'a them red, poo-bear looking holsters.

But I draw the line at screw-holes for AR clone mags, or the little starburst on the brim of plushy-poo's cover.

The Donald Says...

Tara Conner Lesbian Crush for Rosie

Tree Apes Use Song As Warning

"While other animals have been shown to use song to attract mates or signal danger, researchers writing in this month's science journal PLoS One said their study was the first to show gibbons - a slender, tree-dwelling ape - issuing song-like warnings to each other.

"This work is a really good indicator that non-human primates are able to use combinations of calls ... to relay new and, in this case, potentially lifesaving information to one another," said Esther Clarke, a University of St. Andrews graduate student and co-author of the study."

Despite Rumors Of Demise...

Ford confirms Toyota talks

French Beaming Over Surgeons Handiwork...

Double hand transplant 'success'

Alba was delighted with the operation. Pic: EPA

A woman who became the first in the world to receive a double hand transplant has left hospital.

A team of surgeons at Hospital La Fe in Valencia carried out the pioneering operation.

Alba Lucia, 47, originally from Columbia, who had the 10-hour operation on November 30, said she was "very happy and enormously satisfied".

But seriously now, the well travelled know full well that France has long led the world in handjobs, but let's all wish Alba Godspeed anyway.

Kismet: Nebraska Sheriff Should Make That Call To Belarus As Soon As Possible

"Russian energy giant Gazprom has warned that its gas price dispute with Belarus may affect consumers across Europe.

Gazprom has threatened to cut off gas supplies to Belarus unless it accepts an increase in prices from 1 January.

Belarus responded that if supplies were cut, it would deny Gazprom access to its pipelines, in a move that could hurt supplies elsewhere in Europe."

Meanwhile, Back In Nebraska...

Flatulence Allegedly Sparks Jail Brawl

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. —

"Brian Bruggeman caused a stink at the Lincoln County Jail earlier this month and will now have to answer for it in court. Another inmate, Jesse Dorris, alleges that Bruggeman's flatulence, passed in close proximity to Dorris, sparked a Dec. 14 fight between the two at the jail.

Now Bruggeman, 38, faces a Jan. 11 preliminary hearing on the state's complaint of assault by a confined person. It's a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Bruggeman is accused of injuring Dorris, his cellmate, when he pushed him into cell bars. Dorris, 26, was not charged.

The two began scuffling, County Attorney Jeff Meyer said Tuesday, because Dorris was fed up with Bruggeman's flatulence.

Jail fights are common, Meyer said, but the cause of this one was rather uncommon."

And the local Constabulary is on the side of the gas passer...

"Sheriff Jerome Kramer said the incident was a result of overcrowding. The jail was built in 1933 and has a capacity of 23 inmates, according to 2006 standards, Kramer said. As many as 65 inmates have been lodged at the jail in recent days, he said.

"You just can't get a reprieve from one another," Kramer said. "When you've got a guy causing problems passing gas, there's no way to get away from the smell."

Way to go, Sheriff. Why wouldn't I be surprised were I to look this apologist up and see a (D) after his name...

The Religion Of Pieces Offers This Cheery Message For The Holday Season...

'Leave, crusaders, or have your heads cut off'

"The snow has already settled on the mountains further north, but the Christians of the Iraqi city of Mosul are scared to put festive decorations outside their homes this year. Their ancestors settled here in the 1st century AD, yet as teacher Jamal Fadi has discovered, some of their Muslim neighbours want this Christmas to be their last.

	Death threat: This letter was delivered with two bullets

"A letter was delivered to my door with two bullets placed on top of it," said Mr Fadi, 32, standing watchfully in the neat garden of his two-storey villa. "It said: 'Leave, crusaders, or we will cut your heads off.' They want us to go from Mosul completely."

Forget for a moment that the message was delivered with two cartridges, not bullets, and focus upon the splendor that is islam.

Thanks to LGF for the heads-up

Bar Carry

"This is hinging on a bet for Florida. Can you drink alcohol in a restaurant while carrying a handgun...?"

Florida law stipulates the following with regards to off-limits-while-carrying:

..."any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to such purpose;"

So carry in whatever restaurant you wish, just don't sit in the bar area. With regards to consumption while heeled, there is not a legal limit such as with DUI, but it isn't the best of ideas to get plastered while packing. You can drink while carrying, but should you discharge your weapon, or even brandish it in some cases, you've committed a 2nd degree misdemeanor. I know you didn't ask for my opinion, and offering it thusly is highly presumptuous, and most likely insulting. The deal is...if you gotta ask, you're probably inexperienced, and it behooves me to butt-in.

I fully understand that the law can be confusing and contradictory, which is why it's a good idea to have an attorney available to explain the finer points. Acquire and read what Florida has to say on the matter of concealed carry and at least keep a bookmark in the yellow pages under pondscum...strike that...lawyers.

Now drop and give me 20 for being so frickin clueless.

Car Gun

Since there are locales where I cannot tote my trusty carry pieces, I'm on the prowl for a trunk-gun, so to speak.

And this is easier said than done. It must be something that I wouldn't mind losing, so inexpensive would be nice but ugly would be nicer because even a pawn shop S&W Model 10 or something akin to that would just be too sweet to part with. I've been scouring the area for disposable longarms and the cheapest SKS/AK/etc, etc are too pricey in these parts, and yes, but of course I'm over-thinking this deal but change is impossible at my stage of the game.

Logic dictates the purchase of a .45 Hi-Point. Cram the sucker with Federal HST's (or whatever feeds-fires-and flings the best), and stash it in the glovebox or console. For around $200 out the door and ugly as sin itself, who cares if the thing goes south as long as it's there for me when I know I'm going to enter a loon-demesne and can't hitch on any of the preferrable gob(lin)-stoppers. Of all the entry-level firearms I've handled the Hi-Point works the best, and let's face it; I'm not a gun snob but carrying one on a regular basis would cause much grief and despair in Marine-Heaven, but I think it'd be okay to set it and forget it.

Old snubbies are out, for as I've said it'd be hell to part with one. A beater Ruger might be just the ticket but I'd be tempted to shoot the thing on a regular basis and would then grow attached. All I need now do is walk into a shop and buy a Hi. A disguise is out of the question, because the counter-person would need my concealed weapons permit and driver's license, so that means the word would soon spread to the farthest reaches of the Sunshine State and beyond. There'd be whispers behind my back, chortles coughed into hands still shaking from an overload of hard to conceal mirth. Gaiety even, if gaiety still meant what it used to. Father O'Connell might even ask if I were SURE I had nothing else to confess.

Hell. Why didn't I join the Navy.

Me Not So Horny

S Koreans offered cash for no sex

Male workers who vow to stay away from prostitutes after year-end celebrations in South Korea are to be rewarded.

The Ministry for Gender Equality is offering cash to companies whose male employees pledge not to pay for sex after office parties.

Men are being urged to register on the ministry's website. The companies with most pledges will receive a reward.

Officials say they want to put an end to a culture in which men get drunk at parties and go on to buy sex.

But some critics have described the move as a waste of money.

Despite new anti-prostitution laws passed in 2004, the practice is said to be widespread in South Korea, with some estimates suggesting more than one million people work in the sex industry.

So Who's Spreading STD's Into The Wild...

Sexually Transmitted Disease May Be Blinding Mountain Lions

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Researchers are trying to determine whether a sexually transmitted disease might have caused the blindness found in at least two mountain lions in the Black Hills.

Steve Griffin, a wildlife biologist with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, said tests on two lions are consistent with chlamydia, but nothing is confirmed.

Al I Want For Christmas Is...

Court Orders Saddam to Be
Hanged Within 30 Days

"Verdict will be carried out even if president doesn't ratify it, tribunal official says..."

We could sure learn us a thing from them Iraqi fellas. Try 'em, then fry 'em.

Then Again, This Might Be More Appropriate

I Hear They Make 'Em For Men, Too

Stop The Presses! Pope Calls For Worldwide Peace...

VATICAN CITY — "Pope Benedict XVI urged a solution to conflicts across the world, especially in the Middle East and Africa, in a Christmas Day address Monday that included an appeal for the poor, the exploited and all those who suffer.

"With deep apprehension I think, on this festive day, of the Middle East, marked by so many grave crises and conflicts, and I express my hope that the way will be opened to a just and lasting peace," Benedict said in his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" speech — Latin for "to the city and to the world."

The pope singled out the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in his speech.

"I place in the hands of the divine Child of Bethlehem the indications of a resumption of dialogue between the Israelis and the Palestinians, which we have witnessed in recent days, and the hope of further encouraging developments," the pontiff added, speaking from a balcony of St. Peter's Basilica."

It's a tossup as to where one hears more calls for worldwide peace. Popes or beauty contests. Anyhoot, shame he just doesn't call for another Crusade because that'd be the only surefire way to achieve anything resembling peace.

Humbugs

MOGADISHU, Somalia - "Ethiopia sent fighter jets into Somalia and bombed several towns Sunday in a dramatic attack on Somalia's powerful Islamic movement, and Ethiopia's prime minister said his country had been "forced to enter a war."

Uh huh. If you still can call Mig-21's with most of the pieces gone missing, "fighter-jets", then yep. In the land of midgets the 5 foot tall man is king, though.

And A Happy Non-Kwanzaa From Tony Snow

And we the people

"Worse, Kwanzaa ceremonies have no discernible African roots. No culture on earth celebrates a harvesting ritual in December, for instance,"

Okay, okay, Big T, all men of good will know of the shameful sham foisted upon clueless blacks and the loons that love them, calling itself Kwanzaa, but psst...

No culture on earth ever called for a census in December, either! Were it to be only a matter of faith, Kwanzaa would be jim dandy, but t'was all about the battle twixt rival militant killers (there are un-militant killers? Sure. Just ask CAIR) and is disrespectful, to say the least, to pretty much all of mankind.

PS: Kwanzaa was on my toned down hit-list for today, and Lem beat me to it.

"The day you need a permit to put up the American flag, that will be a sad day for this country."

PALM BEACH, Florida — "Donald Trump is suing this oceanside town for $10 million after being cited for flying an oversized U.S. flag over his Mar-a-Lago Club.

Attorneys for the club filed a complaint Thursday, saying that flying the flag is a constitutionally protected expression of free speech — and that the large flag is a proper match for the size of the real-estate mogul's patriotism.

Town officials said Trump violated zoning codes when the lavish club hoisted a 15-by-25-foot flag atop an 80-foot pole on Oct. 3. The citation was for having a flagpole taller than 42 feet, for not obtaining a building permit and for not getting permission from the landmarks board..."

Good on ya, Donny, you go girl.

And To All A Good Day

The early morning hours find me sheltered from the rain that has beleaguered us these past few days. Temps in the mid-70's have the born and raised locals a'chill, but to a northerner this is wonderful for December 25.

Merry Christmas, to friend and foe alike. There'll be no bitching or kvetching today, not from these quarters. Even the most stout hearted must needs respite and me too.

Gators Crush Ohio St.

The roundball Gators, that is. An 86-60 shellacking that declared them at long last healthy, and a healthy Gator team is still the one to beat.

And here's something to chew on while awaiting the BCS Championship game. Gainesville, Florida is a one-horse-town except for the commerce and pride derived from the University. The sports teams feed off one another, and since we're talking about kids and not seasoned professionals it wouldn't surprise me at all to see the Gators beat Ohio State on January 8. Rah-rah is precisely why a great many folks tune to collegiate athletic events, and still basking in the glow of ONE national championship, and biding time for another, it doesn't get more Rah-able than where the swamp things suit up.

The football Gators have a vertically challenged quarterback, no star running back, and a crybaby coach, but it's defense that wins championships and the kids on the D could not be more fired up.

Our Favorite Wargamer...

Who isn't afraid to show his holiday balls: Free Fire Zone

A Christmas Poem for Our Soldiers

Chas has it and shares it.

A Christmas Message...

From the leggy vixen with Moxie.

PS: That was message, not massage so don't get your hopes up. Or anything else for that matter...

Holiday Recipes..

From an ornery but talented Old Cookie.

Nativity Scenes

From the master of couth, the seer of sagacity, the coach of class, Patrick Joubert Conlon.

A Christmas Story

Courtesy of A Keyboard And A .45

Yeah, it choked me up. Hey, I'm Sicilian, and pezzonovante is from whence the phrase "Big-Shot" came, meaning anyone with a .45.

Miss Nevada Katie Rees stripped of title for nude pictures

Right Wing Professor Emeritus Lemuel Calhoon has his take on the Katie Rees ramalamadingdong, and if stopping by because you sought some free flesh gets you to a true Conservatory then the plug was well spent.

Click the headline link, sate the primal urges, then go back when it's time to learn something.

This is sort of best blonde joke ever.

T'was The Blog Before Christmas...

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And Mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap;

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon, on the breast of the new-fallen snow,

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled and shouted and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof-

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he look'd like a peddler just opening his pack

His eyes - how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly

That shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed, when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And fill'd all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying is finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

- CLEMENT CLARK MOORE, "A Visit From St. Nicholas"

Too Hot For Me

Well, not me, per se, but here. Fiddling yet again with an adult version of the usual childish goings on.

Why am I up so late? Um, Lisa woke me up and...

...some stars and planets in scale

From mercury to vv cephei. As big as John Kerry's ego. Well, nearly...

500 Linebaugh

One might say this is a dutiful packing pistol

Try And Try Again...

Unless of course one is trying to switch to the version of Blogger.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, clicked the Switch thing...

And was informed that, sorry, your blog is too big and we're not switching the larger blogs anytime soon.

That's what I get for being longwinded.

Horror Film Guns Commerical

Awesomely funny.Don't know what would scare a liberal more...a night-invader or a woman capable of defending herself. Shows how short a horror film would be if the girl had a gun.

Quarters 2

It's the quarters guy again, but this time, he's using his girlfriend as a prop.

Ammunition To Go...

...NOT 50rds - 40 S&W Winchester Ranger Talon 180gr. HP Ammo $22.95

"This is 40 S&W Winchester Ranger Talon 180gr. Hollow Point Ammo. This ammo contains the 3rd generation of the Black Talon bullet. It is basically the same bullet as the original Black Talon, except for that it is not black, which was a Lubaloy coating. This ammo still has the reverse taper bullet and expands out the talon petals upon impact. When the Talon petals expand out they are as sharp as a razor and then the bullet will spin inside the target and the talon petals will cut anything in the bullets way. It is still considered by many the most deadly ammo you can get. It says alot that Winchester will not sell this ammo to the general public, they will only sell this ammo to law enforcement and military agencies directly. That is a Winchester rule, NOT a law, so don't worry you can have it. We get this ammo from police department trade-ins and a little from law enforcement distributors. It is completely legal for you to own, buy and sell this ammo. We don't always have this ammo available, so get it while you can. It is not only the best defense ammo available, it is a great investment, It will only continue to go up in price as the availability decreases. It comes packed in 50rd boxes, 500rds. per case." Now, it isn't a bad price at all for one of the premium brands of ammunition, but I grow fatigued emailing one ripoff internet sales site after another because of their deception and outright lies. Winchester does not make Talon ammo. They ended such production when the crybaby media had shitfit after shitfit regarding COP KILLER BULLETS!!! To refer to the new Ranger line as "Talon" does a disservice to both Winchester AND we the people. The price might be right but this is a business never to frequent. It's bad enough we have the Anti's to contend with, and it isn't necessary for one of our own to fan the liberal flammers.

Scientology and the Clearwater Police

"Scientology snuck into Clearwater, Florida in 1978 under the assumed name of United Churches. Since then they have come to dominate the small town. I lived in Clearwater for two years, working with a group which was helping people defrauded and abused by Scientology. During this time, police officers started to accept off duty jobs from Scientology. I documented the police officer's bias during that time. The police department accepted $176,000 a year from Scientology and was called by some "Scientology's police force." The same sort of man who would cripple a grandmother then steal from her under the guise of being an officer of the law, is alive and well throughout the nation. Have a look see for yourself.

Le Cinque Famiglie

The 5 families.

Gambino, Gennovese, Bonanno, Columbo, Lucchese. All doing well, some very well, despite law enforcements protests to the contrary. What they've all learned to do is toss crumbs to the cops, sometime even full loaves if need be. Apprehensions, then prosecution takes time, lots of time and lots of money. They farm out work they can do without, then "rat" the perpetrators to a friendly member of law enforcement.

And more. Much more.

The Gambino family remains one of, if not the most successful crime family in the country. 200 made men and nearly a thousand soldiers. Acting boss: John D'Amico, but anyone who thinks that the Gotti's are not in charge needs to think again. What the Gambino family learned from the Gotti fiasco's was to keep a much lower profile and emulate the Genovese way of doing business.

The Genovese's are a close #2 if not the current #1. Famous for being well connected, smart, and employing far more lawyers than hit men. Lucky Luciano's old gang has over 200 made men, many soldiers, and Daniel Leo is in charge for the time being. Rumor has it that Don Leo is the smartest thing since Lucky himself, but you didn't hear that from me.

The Bonnano bosses were making a strong comeback but have been thrown to the wolves by the Gambino and Genovese families. Vinny Basciano is the current head of probably the most cut-throat gang of New York. Approximately 140 made men.

The Columbo's were making new waves until inter-family rivalries weakened them, but 80 made men remain to continue to carve out and hold onto their niche. What niche? Name a criminal activity and there's a Columbo who can point you to it, but ask me who's boss and the answer would be as accurate as ANY from the Feds. Who knows?

Lucchese family members were portrayed in "Goodfellas", and still hold the record for the single biggest cash heist in history. The problem with their present day gang is the fact that you can't tell the rat turncoat from the made man. They remain the kings of waste management and construction though, and a hot rumor offers that the 130 man family is getting ready to open the books, as per word from present Don, Steven Crea.

Some of the families are stronger than ever, as natural selection has winnowed the herd, but they are not merely more numerous, but lots smarter. Look for a blockbuster gangster movie sometime late this year or early next that will rival Goodfellas in popularity if Hollywood doesn't muck it beyond recognition.

Brits With Stones

"A former policy adviser to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is slamming Senators Olympia Snowe and Jay Rockefeller over their letter to Exxon Mobile that we told you about last month. The senators demanded that Exxon abandon its support for scientists who do not believe that humans are the primary cause of global warming. Now Lord Christopher Monckton — also known as the Viscount of Brenchley — says the letter is part of "an internationally-coordinated series of maladroit and malevolent attempts to silence" the climate change skeptics. Monckton says the senators' comparisons of those scientists to the tobacco industry are "unjustifiable and unworthy of any credible elected representatives." He goes on to say, "either withdraw that monstrous comparison forthwith, or resign so as not to pollute the office you hold."

Bravo, Lord Monckton, good show old chap. Fantastic to see that your generation remains steadfast in responding to absolute twaddle, so by all means keep up the good work.

So You Want To Be A Sky Marshall...

Individual Drill	Starting Position	Time Allowed	Total Rounds
One Round (twice).	Concealed from Holster	1.65 seconds (3.30 total)	2
Double Tap (twice)	Low Ready	1.35 seconds (2.70 total)	4
Rhythm; fire 6 rounds at one target; no more than 0.6 second between each shot.	Low Ready	3.00 seconds	6
One Shot, speed reload, one shot (twice).	Low Ready	3.25 seconds (6.50 total)	4
One Round each at two targets three yards apart (twice)	Low Ready	1.65 seconds (3.30 total)	4
180° pivot. One round each at three targets (twice). Turn left, then right.	Concealed from Holster	3.50 seconds (7.00 total)	6
One Round, slide locks back; drop to one knee; reload; fire one round. (twice)	Low Ready	4.00 seconds (8.00 total)	4

Alas, these Federal Air Marshall Pistol Course Qualification standards using the service issued 357 SIG have been relaxed. Word has it that they were discriminatory, as not a single female was capable of completing the above drills. I've not found the NEW qualification standards, but the FAA insists that they remain high. Mile high? Only time will tell.

Gelatin Block Test Video...357 SIG Gold Dot

HERE

For those times when gelatin blocks become unruly and simply MUST be put down.

WARNING: Not for the gelatin-squeamish.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Simulation only. No gelatin block was harmed during the making of this video.

Al Qaeda Sends a Message to Democrats

Thanks to Stop The ACLU for the link

"Al Qaeda has sent a message to leaders of the Democratic party that credit for the defeat of congressional Republicans belongs to the terrorists.

In a portion of the tape from al Qaeda No. 2 man, Ayman al Zawahri, made available only today, Zawahri says he has two messages for American Democrats.

"The first is that you aren't the ones who won the midterm elections, nor are the Republicans the ones who lost. Rather, the Mujahideen -- the Muslim Ummah's vanguard in Afghanistan and Iraq -- are the ones who won, and the American forces and their Crusader allies are the ones who lost," Zawahri said, according to a full transcript obtained by ABC News.

Zawahri calls on the Democrats to negotiate with him and Osama bin Laden, not others in the Islamic world who Zawahri says cannot help.

"And if you don't refrain from the foolish American policy of backing Israel, occupying the lands of Islam and stealing the treasures of the Muslims, then await the same fate," he said."

Hmmm. Nancy might rethink her 4-Day-Coronation-Festival and get her skank ass over to Afghanistan. Think of the coup to return home with a treaty!

Generation 4 Glock To Debut At Shot Show...

Ambidextrous magazine release and crossbolt safety. At long last, law enforcement gets to cut back on negligent discharges.

English Translation: "Try as we might, it was impossible to teach hamfisted dolts with absolutely no dexterity how to properly operate a firearm, so we give up. Here's your %*$&# external safety."

Deep Or Wide

"Whats is more important...penetration or mushroomed expansion..."

Both or neither. At the risk of appearing to be a no-nothing blowhard (I know, I know, too late), the best of all possible worlds is impacting a target squarely between the eyes. Neither humungous penetration nor dinner-plate expansion means squat if the central nervous system is sent packing by a head shot, or one that severs the spinal column (C1 to C3 the experts they tell me). Large, aggressive men on heavy duty pharmaceuticals have survived direct hits to the heart and continued for a time to be both large and aggressive, but no one has ever survived a 357 Magnum bullet to the forehead.

That aside, the real world comes a' knockin', and without sufficient penetration the vitals cannot be reached, and without a large enough wound channel the fight can continue until the bad guys just might conclude the action to the tune of an unnecessary draw. I've never believed that a straight-on shot needs to penetrate much more than 10 or 11 inches in order to wreck havoc, but sure, hands and forearms get in the way and a round must have SOME punch to it before giving up the ghost. And when the bullet is doing its thing, the bigger it is allows it a better chance to disturb something really really important.

When in doubt, ask for both. 11" minimum, a quarter-sized hole, and any modern cartridge with a caliber beginning with 4 (or 357 and Magnum) will suffice. The best shots in the known universe miss an awful lot when the shit hits the fan, so relying on placement alone is foolish. Were that the case all we'd have to do is practice like hell and carry .22's. Personally, I've never seen a man get back up after taking a 40, 45, or 357 Magnum directly into the upper pec, but shit happens.

I won't argue the veracity of the following chart. One-shot stops are a thing of legend to those who've never fired a gun in anger, but have a look at the percentage versus penetration. The Federal 125 grain Hi-Shok's went a little over 11" deep, expanded to .74", and did the deed 96% of the time. For many years they were considered the best man-killer available, and you'd do a lot worse but not much better by loading them into that S&W or Ruger sitting on the nightstand. Until Winchester manufactures Ranger-T's in 357, or Federal gives us an HST for that caliber, it's Hi-Shok or Double-Tap's super-scorchers, but that's another story entirely and the recoil of a 158 cranking 1400 is not everyone's cup of tea.

357 Magnum Stopping Power, all bullet weights
Brand	Bullet	Shootings	One Shot Stops	Percent	Diameter	Penetration
Remington	125 gr JHP	431	414	96%	0.58"	12.3"
Federal	125 gr JHP	641	615	96%	0.74"	11.1"
CCI	125 gr JHP	183	170	93%	0.69"	13.1"
Remington	110 gr JHP	71	63	89%	0.65"	10.9"
Federal	110 gr JHP	280	251	89%	0.71"	11.2"
Winchester	145 gr ST	100	87	87%	0.64"	14.2"
Federal	158 gr HS	78	68	87%	0.66"	13.8"
Winchester	125 gr JHP	101	88	87%	0.72"	10.4"
Federal	158 gr Nyclad	76	64	84%	0.61"	13.5"
Remington	158 gr JHP	65	53	82%	0.64"	14.7"
Winchester	158 gr SWC	120	93	78%	0.49"	16.2"

When Fastest-Growing Really Means Fastest-Sinking

WASHINGTON — Arizona has ended Nevada's 19-year reign as the nation's fastest-growing state, fueled by immigrants and Americans moving from other states.

At the other end of the scale, Louisiana lost nearly 220,000 people — more than any other state — in the year following Hurricane Katrina, according to population estimates released Friday by the Census Bureau.

Arizona led the nation with a population growth rate of 3.6 percent in the past year, followed by Nevada, Idaho, Georgia and Texas.

"There are housing developments sprouting everywhere, whether they are on former farmland or in the desert," said Tom Rex, associate director of the Center for Competitiveness and Prosperity Research at Arizona State University.

The pace of development has strained Arizona's resources and preoccupied local officials, Rex said.

Among the findings for 2006:

—Texas gained the most people, about 580,000, followed by Florida, California, Georgia and Arizona.

—North Carolina broke into the top 10 in total population, nudging New Jersey to 11th.

—Four states and the District of Columbia lost population: Louisiana, New York, Rhode Island and Michigan.

Many other states lost people who relocated elsewhere in the country, increasing their populations only through births and immigration.

The South had a net gain of a half million people relocating there from other parts of the U.S., while the Northeast had a net loss of 375,000 people and the Midwest lost 184,000, according to the census estimates.

The West added 53,000 people from other parts of the U.S., even though California lost nearly 300,000 people to other states.

Texas passed Florida as the top destination, in part from people fleeing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina..."

Indeed. Compare the above post-Katrina census to last years below, and remember that what the yellowstream media are referring to as "people", in fact means criminals looking to start fresh where the pickings are more bountiful. Idaho and Georgia remain relatively safe with regards to illegal immigrants or displaced crooks overwhelming the area's resources, but our once proud Western states are in deep trouble. The problem with Florida is that affluent senior citizens continue to arrive in droves, and while the health care industry will continue to boom beyond belief, the cost of living is inching ever upwards.

Population: State by state rankings The U.S Census Bureau's annual ranking. Click on state name for cities in the Best Places to Live database and get more statistics.
State	Population	Change	% Change
Alabama	4,557,808	32,433	0.7%
Alaska	663,661	5,906	0.9%
Arizona	5,939,292	199,413	3.5%
Arkansas	2,779,154	29,154	1.1%
California	36,132,147	290,109	0.8%
Colorado	4,665,177	63,356	1.4%
Connecticut	3,510,297	11,331	0.3%
Delaware	843,524	13,455	1.6%
District of Columbia	550,521	-3,718	-0.7%
Florida	17,789,864	404,434	2.3%
Georgia	9,072,576	154,447	1.7%
Hawaii	1,275,194	13,070	1.0%
Idaho	1,429,096	33,956	2.4%
Illinois	12,763,371	51,355	0.4%
Indiana	6,271,973	45,436	0.7%
Iowa	2,966,334	13,430	0.5%
Kansas	2,744,687	10,990	0.4%
Kentucky	4,173,405	31,570	0.8%
Louisiana	4,523,628	16,943	0.4%
Maine	1,321,505	6,520	0.5%
Maryland	5,600,388	39,056	0.7%
Massachusetts	6,398,743	-8,639	-0.1%
Michigan	10,120,860	16,654	0.2%
Minnesota	5,132,799	36,253	0.7%
Mississippi	2,921,088	20,320	0.7%
Missouri	5,800,310	40,778	0.7%
Montana	935,670	8,750	0.9%
Nebraska	1,758,787	11,083	0.6%
Nevada	2,414,807	81,909	3.5%
New Hampshire	1,309,940	10,771	0.8%
New Jersey	8,717,925	32,759	0.4%
New Mexico	1,928,384	25,378	1.3%
New York	19,254,630	-26,097	-0.1%
North Carolina	8,683,242	142,774	1.7%
North Dakota	636,677	369	0.1%
Ohio	11,464,042	13,899	0.1%
Oklahoma	3,547,884	24,338	0.7%
Oregon	3,641,056	49,693	1.4%
Pennsylvania	12,429,616	35,145	0.3%
Rhode Island	1,076,189	-3,727	-0.3%
South Carolina	4,255,083	57,191	1.4%
South Dakota	775,933	5,312	0.7%
Tennessee	5,962,959	69,661	1.2%
Texas	22,859,968	388,419	1.7%
Utah	2,469,585	48,877	2.0%
Vermont	623,050	1,817	0.3%
Virginia	7,567,465	86,133	1.2%
Washington	6,287,759	80,713	1.3%
West Virginia	1,816,856	4,308	0.2%
Wisconsin	5,536,201	32,668	0.6%
Wyoming	509,294	3,407	0.7%