Home invasions happen far too frequently and can affect any one of us. The recent event at Speaker Pelosi’s California home received far more media coverage but is not unlike those happening every day. While we still have a lot to learn about exactly what happened and why, there are several lessons we can learn. Here is what has been reported so far. Mr. Pelosi was alone in his home and asleep when he was awakened by someone breaking in. At some point during the event, he told the attacker … [Read more...] about Pondering the Pelosi Home Invasion
Timberline Firearms and Training
Why are You Carrying a Gun?
Many of us who regularly carry a firearm in public (either concealed or in the open) have been asked why we would choose to do that. A recent survey found that 32% (81 million) of adults in this country own at least one firearm. More than half of them (56%) choose to carry one for personal defense. That begs the question, why would so many people, many of whom we know and trust, feel the need to live their lives armed? Those who carry hear from some politicians and many in the media that … [Read more...] about Why are You Carrying a Gun?
Are You a Hero?
Recent events at a mall in Indiana may have you asking yourself questions like, “Could I have been the hero in this event?” “What would I have done if I were there?” “What have I done to be prepared for the worst kind of human behavior?” On July 17, a deranged individual walked out of a shopping mall bathroom and opened fire on the people in the food court. The first shots he fired were the first warning of the danger everyone was faced with. In high-stress, high-danger environments like … [Read more...] about Are You a Hero?
Managing Risk in Your Life
Both consciously and subconsciously, we constantly evaluate those risks and then modify our behavior. The result is a risk level that we as individuals are comfortable with. Daily activities as simple as crossing a street are relatively low risk if, and only if, we apply the commonsense criteria of looking both ways beforehand. Too frequently, we see folks so absorbed in their electronic devices that they are completely unaware of any risk around them. They are apparently OK with the … [Read more...] about Managing Risk in Your Life
What is EDC?
In this increasingly unsafe world, we as individuals need to adjust our behaviors to better ensure the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. We first need to be “situationally aware” of our surroundings, actively observing what is going on around us and looking for possible threats. Threats can be very obvious, as a traditional bank robber would be, or they could be something much more subtle, like a van parked next to your car when there are only two cars in the entire parking lot. Avoiding … [Read more...] about What is EDC?
Are You Safe?
On the afternoon of Easter Sunday, the Tunnel Fire was first reported. It was a small fire of less than one acre, and after about four hours of work, the National Forest Service reported it was out. Two days later, driven by 50 mile-per-hour winds, the smoldering Tunnel Fire reignited. Being less than two miles from the nearest homes, the “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation orders all happened in a matter of minutes at about 11 a.m. Residents had no time grab anything but the most essential of their … [Read more...] about Are You Safe?
Considering the Gift of King James II
In these troubling days, we’re watching in real time as citizens of a sovereign country are attacked by a much larger aggressor. They are in a very precarious position because of the overwhelming power advantage of the aggressor. Throughout the history of civilization, human greed has manifested itself as warfare. Wars of the past were fought by armies, hand to hand and with weapons often not available to the common man. Once a nation’s army was beaten, the remaining citizens had no choice but … [Read more...] about Considering the Gift of King James II
When Practice is Fun
Marksmanship is a perishable skill. If you don’t practice, your accuracy, speed and familiarity will diminish. The solution is simple: practice, practice, practice. While it may be difficult to get excited about doing dry fire drills at home, there is an alternative that is both fun and allows you to practice unique skills. Competitive shooting sports are alive and well in Northern Arizona. Almost every Saturday, there is an event happening that can offer both a fun way to practice and … [Read more...] about When Practice is Fun
It’s ‘Let’s Go Shooting’ Month
August is the national “Let’s Go Shooting” month, sponsored by the National Sports Shooting Foundation (NSSF). It’s the month that experienced shooters are encouraged to take a “plus one” with them to the range and introduce someone new to the great fun and challenges that shooting sports offer. With an estimated 8.3 million new firearms owners in the last year, there are plenty of folks who could use some good advice from a trusted and experienced friend. You may also know someone who is “on … [Read more...] about It’s ‘Let’s Go Shooting’ Month
Small Businesses Struggling with Labor Shortage
Restaurateur Paul Moir may well have summed up how small business owners are feeling: “The labor shortage is the cherry on top of what has been a very difficult year.” The co-owner of Brix and Proper Meats and Provisions and many other small business owners are reporting a similar challenging timeline through the past 15 months. Businesses were closed in March 2020. Some were able to adjust and open throughout the summer and fall with curbside service and strict social distancing guidelines. … [Read more...] about Small Businesses Struggling with Labor Shortage