Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Better Blogging or What if my Brain Explodes?
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Better Blogging or What if my Brain Explodes?
© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
.
"With some luck, the framework you have built will stand up to the pressure and keep you from becoming another skid-mark on the underwear of life experiences."
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5
Things have been a little different lately. With over 8000 unique hits per month and almost 12000 page views, I’m beginning to feel some pressure to up the writing ante a little more. After a long discussion with my good friend Mike Riddle of Native Hunt on the music industry and issues of marketing, and then working with and doing the interview with Scott Croner of Nebraska Hunting Company, I was doubly convinced that the time had come to really push and try to create something with even more value for my readers.
My buddy Rick over at Whitetail Woods happened to respond with a comment on the interview post. It got me thinking deeply about the following. I’ve been blogging seriously for about six months, and the question before me now is where and how do I go from here.
Rick made the comment that we as bloggers can bring business to people in the outdoor industry, and the unspoken converse is that we can just as easily demolish them. I hadn’t really thought of that with any intent. But as many of you know, I did both over the last few weeks. And when you stop to contemplate that, you find yourself realizing that you wield an enormous amount of influence when you write about someone or something. That’s quite a bit of responsibility. It is a lot of responsibility not only to the subjects of your articles, but especially to your readers.
The folks that read your blog are certainly expecting you to give them something of value. The desires may be different, and whether it is information, a respite from the day’s trials, humor, or moral support, they want value for their time. You have worked hard to build up that trust and relationship.
At a certain point though, you have to determine what it is that people come to you for. I really like the issues related posts like the high fence ones, and product reviews remain a favorite too. People really like the gossip ones, and the how-to articles also. It is the combination of those genera though that has made me a somewhat popular blogger. And it has brought me some attention from the bigger fish in the outdoor industry pond.
The one thing I have tried to do is stay honest with my writing. I write in my own voice, from my own experience, and using a style that I have developed over time that communicates in what I think is an effective manner. Now as my writing has matured, and the demands become greater, I find myself wondering how am I going to keep the Albert Rasch that everyone knows and either loves or hates, speaking to them.
When I found myself this past weekend wondering about that, I stopped and considered the ramifications. As you start to push the envelope, one of three things will happen: you throttle back to a comfortable range, keeping satisfied with what you have and the status quo. You break through and find a new pace in this new region, completely foreign to you, but exhilarating in its new opportunities and horizons. Or you get torn to pieces, burning up through the atmosphere as you splatter and crash in an uncontrollable wreck of furious destruction, to be forgotten in a couple of days.
Well, I’ve done the latter all together too many times, and the former is not that appealing; I mean really, I’m middle aged not dead. The middle choice though seems just about right. Fortunately having just about made it to the mid-century point, I have learned that it never hurts to lay off the throttle a moment, size up what is going on around you, then punching the afterburners. With some luck, the framework you have built will stand up to the pressure and keep you from becoming another skid-mark on the underwear of life experiences.
You might have noticed that I’ve been feathering the throttle on occasion here and there. Link posts, silly post and things of that nature. Those are the days when I am either working my way through another project, or setting up a project. Those lightweight posts, they serve a purpose too, they don’t just take up space. The link posts in particular are important in that they are there to help everyone, but they are pretty easy to put together and they give me time to work in depth and breadth on other things.
Going back to the framework, I think that as you mature as a blogger, and the assignments get tougher, you really have to sit down and decide what your core values are. I think I am fair, honest, flexible, hard driving, combative, credible, and honorable. And I think my writing reflects that. When you’re wondering how you should handle an opportunity or assignment, your stated values help you determine how to handle them. It really has made a difference for me to frame and build a structure around many issues by falling back on these values. I’ve also avoided a few things because there was no way to work within my values. The ability to walk away from things is what keeps you credible.
I have had the opportunity to work with several professionals in the outdoor industry recently. What I can tell you is that the last three weeks or so have been an altogether cram course in Al Gore’s Internet, marketing, SEO, Google, and stuff that I can regurgitate if not expostulate. I have learned about e-mail, g-mail, snail mail, and chain mail. The last one was coincidental by the way… along with SEO, B2B, B2C, CNC, NBC, AWHFY and assorted and sundry other shortcuts and what not. This past weekend though I hit the saturation point and I just had to slow it down. There are only so many acronyms you can remember, and only so much ingenuity at any given time in this brain.
Working with others in the outdoors industry has been a great experience for me and has added immeasurably to my ability to communicate with my readers. I am on my way to being able to put together better and more useful content that helps you be a better sportsman and outdoorsman.
A little introspection, some analysis, defined values, and a few clear goals will really help you focus on any project you may have in mind. Whether it is the next step in your plan to conquer the Internet, or your next post, having though about it with a little more structure can only make it better, and perhaps easier on you. Reach out for advise, and be willing to stretch and learn new things. As I am fond of saying, the best investment you can make is that in yourself.
And of course I invite all of my fellow outdoor bloggers to always feel free to ask me about anything. Any time you need a hand I am always available and ready to assist, if you want to do a guest post, if you want me to do a guest post, blogging advise, some linking, or just to throw the bull around. The campfire always has space for one more, the pot of coffee is always fresh, and a tumbler of Bourbon is always handy.
Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...
© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
.
"With some luck, the framework you have built will stand up to the pressure and keep you from becoming another skid-mark on the underwear of life experiences."
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5
Things have been a little different lately. With over 8000 unique hits per month and almost 12000 page views, I’m beginning to feel some pressure to up the writing ante a little more. After a long discussion with my good friend Mike Riddle of Native Hunt on the music industry and issues of marketing, and then working with and doing the interview with Scott Croner of Nebraska Hunting Company, I was doubly convinced that the time had come to really push and try to create something with even more value for my readers.
My buddy Rick over at Whitetail Woods happened to respond with a comment on the interview post. It got me thinking deeply about the following. I’ve been blogging seriously for about six months, and the question before me now is where and how do I go from here.
Rick made the comment that we as bloggers can bring business to people in the outdoor industry, and the unspoken converse is that we can just as easily demolish them. I hadn’t really thought of that with any intent. But as many of you know, I did both over the last few weeks. And when you stop to contemplate that, you find yourself realizing that you wield an enormous amount of influence when you write about someone or something. That’s quite a bit of responsibility. It is a lot of responsibility not only to the subjects of your articles, but especially to your readers.
The folks that read your blog are certainly expecting you to give them something of value. The desires may be different, and whether it is information, a respite from the day’s trials, humor, or moral support, they want value for their time. You have worked hard to build up that trust and relationship.
At a certain point though, you have to determine what it is that people come to you for. I really like the issues related posts like the high fence ones, and product reviews remain a favorite too. People really like the gossip ones, and the how-to articles also. It is the combination of those genera though that has made me a somewhat popular blogger. And it has brought me some attention from the bigger fish in the outdoor industry pond.
The one thing I have tried to do is stay honest with my writing. I write in my own voice, from my own experience, and using a style that I have developed over time that communicates in what I think is an effective manner. Now as my writing has matured, and the demands become greater, I find myself wondering how am I going to keep the Albert Rasch that everyone knows and either loves or hates, speaking to them.
When I found myself this past weekend wondering about that, I stopped and considered the ramifications. As you start to push the envelope, one of three things will happen: you throttle back to a comfortable range, keeping satisfied with what you have and the status quo. You break through and find a new pace in this new region, completely foreign to you, but exhilarating in its new opportunities and horizons. Or you get torn to pieces, burning up through the atmosphere as you splatter and crash in an uncontrollable wreck of furious destruction, to be forgotten in a couple of days.
Well, I’ve done the latter all together too many times, and the former is not that appealing; I mean really, I’m middle aged not dead. The middle choice though seems just about right. Fortunately having just about made it to the mid-century point, I have learned that it never hurts to lay off the throttle a moment, size up what is going on around you, then punching the afterburners. With some luck, the framework you have built will stand up to the pressure and keep you from becoming another skid-mark on the underwear of life experiences.
You might have noticed that I’ve been feathering the throttle on occasion here and there. Link posts, silly post and things of that nature. Those are the days when I am either working my way through another project, or setting up a project. Those lightweight posts, they serve a purpose too, they don’t just take up space. The link posts in particular are important in that they are there to help everyone, but they are pretty easy to put together and they give me time to work in depth and breadth on other things.
Going back to the framework, I think that as you mature as a blogger, and the assignments get tougher, you really have to sit down and decide what your core values are. I think I am fair, honest, flexible, hard driving, combative, credible, and honorable. And I think my writing reflects that. When you’re wondering how you should handle an opportunity or assignment, your stated values help you determine how to handle them. It really has made a difference for me to frame and build a structure around many issues by falling back on these values. I’ve also avoided a few things because there was no way to work within my values. The ability to walk away from things is what keeps you credible.
I have had the opportunity to work with several professionals in the outdoor industry recently. What I can tell you is that the last three weeks or so have been an altogether cram course in Al Gore’s Internet, marketing, SEO, Google, and stuff that I can regurgitate if not expostulate. I have learned about e-mail, g-mail, snail mail, and chain mail. The last one was coincidental by the way… along with SEO, B2B, B2C, CNC, NBC, AWHFY and assorted and sundry other shortcuts and what not. This past weekend though I hit the saturation point and I just had to slow it down. There are only so many acronyms you can remember, and only so much ingenuity at any given time in this brain.
Working with others in the outdoors industry has been a great experience for me and has added immeasurably to my ability to communicate with my readers. I am on my way to being able to put together better and more useful content that helps you be a better sportsman and outdoorsman.
A little introspection, some analysis, defined values, and a few clear goals will really help you focus on any project you may have in mind. Whether it is the next step in your plan to conquer the Internet, or your next post, having though about it with a little more structure can only make it better, and perhaps easier on you. Reach out for advise, and be willing to stretch and learn new things. As I am fond of saying, the best investment you can make is that in yourself.
And of course I invite all of my fellow outdoor bloggers to always feel free to ask me about anything. Any time you need a hand I am always available and ready to assist, if you want to do a guest post, if you want me to do a guest post, blogging advise, some linking, or just to throw the bull around. The campfire always has space for one more, the pot of coffee is always fresh, and a tumbler of Bourbon is always handy.
Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Outfitter Chronicles: J Scott Croner Part II
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Outfitter Chronicles: J Scott Croner Part II
Folks, hello and good hunting to you, this is Albert A Rasch of the Rasch Outdoor Chronicles. We are back again with J. Scott Croner, Outfitter and owner of Nebraska Hunting Company.
TROC: So how did you get started hunting?
JSC: I started hunting with my dad and grandpa from the time I could walk. I learned all of the little things that keep you safe outdoors and have fun at the same time. Some of my fondest memories are of the discoveries I made when I was just a little kid.
TROC: Like what?
JSC: Albert, you must remember the first set of tracks you ever found, or the hawk’s feather, maybe you found a bone or antler! Those are priceless experiences and set the stage for both of our love for the outdoors.
TROC: You are absolutely right Scott. I remember a cat's paw print that I cast, and a rabbit skull that I happened to dig up. So what made you start an outfitting and guiding service?
JSC: Having been in the outdoor merchandise field, and as I became more adept at using the internet, I felt that there was a need for an organization to help guides and outfitters market themselves. I went and founded the Nebraska Outfitters and Guides Association (NEOGA) and built it up to almost fifty members. For reasons that aren’t important to discuss, they decided that they did NOT need an executive director. Feel free to look them up; you can decide how well they are doing on their own without any help from me. By the way, I bear no animosity to any of the members, none.
TROC: Really…
JSC: I had already decided that I wanted to be in the outdoor industry. Since I had been in Nebraska all of my life and was a fairly successful hunter I thought that taking people out and getting paid for it would be fun and easy. Ahhh…OOPS! It has been a lot of fun, but never guaranteed or easy.
TROC: I bet it was rough going at first. How did you manage?
JSC: Albert I want you and your readers to know that I have succeeded in this business by offering excellent service at a fair price and by having an above average success rate. Sometimes I feel like one of those financial services ads that say “Past performance is no guarantee of future profits…” But the truth is that I work harder during the off season so my clients have a good season. They pay hard earned money to have what may be a once in a lifetime hunt, I don’t want to be the one to disappoint them.
TROC: Now looking at you website NebraskaHunting.Net, you seem to be having quite a bit of success. Tell us about some of highlights. Actually, what I really want to know, is it true that you got 87 turkeys in 28 days? I mean it seems unbelievable and quite frankly, it sounds biblical!
JSC: We had more clients than usual due to some larger parties, but we put them in great spots that I personally scouted throughout the year. We harvested 87 toms in 28 days with 40 clients and we all thought that was one for the record books. And I’m not kidding Albert, the weather has been particularly good this spring and summer, and I think next year, (the 2010 spring season), will be even better.
TROC: How about the melanistic Merriam’s turkey; that must have been a once in a lifetime trophy for the lucky hunter!
JSC: Well you would think shooting a rare bird one year would just be luck, and I would agree, especially since it was only the that hunter’s second bird. This year it happened again with Todd Ried, and we already know where a couple of more melanistic Merriam’s are hiding out. The year round scouting really pays off for the client.
TROC: I see you guide for deer, pheasant, and snow geese also.
JSC: We have really concentrated on turkey, deer, pheasant, and snow geese. The deer have been a real highlight for us. We have been outfitting for whitetail deer for five years now, and each year we have shot a few big deer in the 140 to 175 inch range. And you can’t appreciate Snow Goose hunting without actually experiencing it. It is indescribable!
TROC: Merriam’s Turkey, pheasant, duck, snow geese, and whitetail what a variety! What is your favorite?
JSC: It is really hard to pick one favorite, but you know, a gobbling, strutting tom is hard to beat. They all make you heart pound deep in your chest.
TROC: That’s fantastic. You are very fortunate to live in such a game rich part of the nation, and to be able to put together hunts for folks from all over.
JSC: Well I have to tell you that I could not do it without the great clients I have had the opportunity to guide. They are the ones that allow me to watch them do something they love to do, and that is typically reserved for family, friends and hunting buddies. I also get to take all of the photos and relive the memories that we all shared. I have had more than my fair share of outdoor celebrity hunters too, but it's the guys like you and I, guys that work for a living, that I appreciate the most.
TROC: That must be awesome. Let's shift gears a little. Tell me about your tri-athlete hobby.
JSC: Yes, I have been a Triathlete for over 30 years. The swimming and the biking are not much help for the hunting season, but the running really pays off big. I think it is always an advantage to be in a little better shape than your clients. I don’t think you need to run to be in the right place all of the time but getting there in a hurry can sure keep the animals guessing.
TROC: Did I mention I swim like a stone? Throw a lead weight in the water and it’s a better than 50% chance that I’ll beat it to the bottom.
JSC: Uhh, do you want me to comment on that?
TROC: No. Not really…
TROC: Now Scott, how can someone get in touch with you? Are you booked solid already for the year, or do you have some slots available for this coming season.
JSC: Albert, folks that are interested in seeing what packages I have available can go to our website Nebraska Hunting Company, and check out our Hunting Packages . I also have downloadable PDF brochures for the spring snow goose, turkey, and deer hunts. When they want to get in touch with me they can email me at Scott@Nebraskahunting.net or call me at 402-304-1192.
TROC: Scott I want to thank you again for taking the time out of your busy schedule and talking with us.
JSC: Albert, it was my pleasure!
I want to thank Scott Croner of Nebraska Hunting Company for joining me here at TROC and telling us a little about himself and his company.
Folks, thanks again for stopping by at TROC. I hope you have enjoyed this new segment, we are definitely going to start to do some new things; who knows maybe some podcasts are in order, or videos too.
Best regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Outfitters Chronicles an Interview with Scott Croner
And Nebraska Hunting Company: Part II
And Nebraska Hunting Company: Part II
Folks, hello and good hunting to you, this is Albert A Rasch of the Rasch Outdoor Chronicles. We are back again with J. Scott Croner, Outfitter and owner of Nebraska Hunting Company.
TROC: So how did you get started hunting?
JSC: I started hunting with my dad and grandpa from the time I could walk. I learned all of the little things that keep you safe outdoors and have fun at the same time. Some of my fondest memories are of the discoveries I made when I was just a little kid.
TROC: Like what?
JSC: Albert, you must remember the first set of tracks you ever found, or the hawk’s feather, maybe you found a bone or antler! Those are priceless experiences and set the stage for both of our love for the outdoors.
TROC: You are absolutely right Scott. I remember a cat's paw print that I cast, and a rabbit skull that I happened to dig up. So what made you start an outfitting and guiding service?
JSC: Having been in the outdoor merchandise field, and as I became more adept at using the internet, I felt that there was a need for an organization to help guides and outfitters market themselves. I went and founded the Nebraska Outfitters and Guides Association (NEOGA) and built it up to almost fifty members. For reasons that aren’t important to discuss, they decided that they did NOT need an executive director. Feel free to look them up; you can decide how well they are doing on their own without any help from me. By the way, I bear no animosity to any of the members, none.
TROC: Really…
JSC: I had already decided that I wanted to be in the outdoor industry. Since I had been in Nebraska all of my life and was a fairly successful hunter I thought that taking people out and getting paid for it would be fun and easy. Ahhh…OOPS! It has been a lot of fun, but never guaranteed or easy.
TROC: I bet it was rough going at first. How did you manage?
JSC: Albert I want you and your readers to know that I have succeeded in this business by offering excellent service at a fair price and by having an above average success rate. Sometimes I feel like one of those financial services ads that say “Past performance is no guarantee of future profits…” But the truth is that I work harder during the off season so my clients have a good season. They pay hard earned money to have what may be a once in a lifetime hunt, I don’t want to be the one to disappoint them.
TROC: Now looking at you website NebraskaHunting.Net, you seem to be having quite a bit of success. Tell us about some of highlights. Actually, what I really want to know, is it true that you got 87 turkeys in 28 days? I mean it seems unbelievable and quite frankly, it sounds biblical!
JSC: We had more clients than usual due to some larger parties, but we put them in great spots that I personally scouted throughout the year. We harvested 87 toms in 28 days with 40 clients and we all thought that was one for the record books. And I’m not kidding Albert, the weather has been particularly good this spring and summer, and I think next year, (the 2010 spring season), will be even better.
TROC: How about the melanistic Merriam’s turkey; that must have been a once in a lifetime trophy for the lucky hunter!
JSC: Well you would think shooting a rare bird one year would just be luck, and I would agree, especially since it was only the that hunter’s second bird. This year it happened again with Todd Ried, and we already know where a couple of more melanistic Merriam’s are hiding out. The year round scouting really pays off for the client.
TROC: I see you guide for deer, pheasant, and snow geese also.
JSC: We have really concentrated on turkey, deer, pheasant, and snow geese. The deer have been a real highlight for us. We have been outfitting for whitetail deer for five years now, and each year we have shot a few big deer in the 140 to 175 inch range. And you can’t appreciate Snow Goose hunting without actually experiencing it. It is indescribable!
TROC: Merriam’s Turkey, pheasant, duck, snow geese, and whitetail what a variety! What is your favorite?
JSC: It is really hard to pick one favorite, but you know, a gobbling, strutting tom is hard to beat. They all make you heart pound deep in your chest.
TROC: That’s fantastic. You are very fortunate to live in such a game rich part of the nation, and to be able to put together hunts for folks from all over.
JSC: Well I have to tell you that I could not do it without the great clients I have had the opportunity to guide. They are the ones that allow me to watch them do something they love to do, and that is typically reserved for family, friends and hunting buddies. I also get to take all of the photos and relive the memories that we all shared. I have had more than my fair share of outdoor celebrity hunters too, but it's the guys like you and I, guys that work for a living, that I appreciate the most.
TROC: That must be awesome. Let's shift gears a little. Tell me about your tri-athlete hobby.
JSC: Yes, I have been a Triathlete for over 30 years. The swimming and the biking are not much help for the hunting season, but the running really pays off big. I think it is always an advantage to be in a little better shape than your clients. I don’t think you need to run to be in the right place all of the time but getting there in a hurry can sure keep the animals guessing.
TROC: Did I mention I swim like a stone? Throw a lead weight in the water and it’s a better than 50% chance that I’ll beat it to the bottom.
JSC: Uhh, do you want me to comment on that?
TROC: No. Not really…
TROC: Now Scott, how can someone get in touch with you? Are you booked solid already for the year, or do you have some slots available for this coming season.
JSC: Albert, folks that are interested in seeing what packages I have available can go to our website Nebraska Hunting Company, and check out our Hunting Packages . I also have downloadable PDF brochures for the spring snow goose, turkey, and deer hunts. When they want to get in touch with me they can email me at Scott@Nebraskahunting.net or call me at 402-304-1192.
TROC: Scott I want to thank you again for taking the time out of your busy schedule and talking with us.
JSC: Albert, it was my pleasure!
I want to thank Scott Croner of Nebraska Hunting Company for joining me here at TROC and telling us a little about himself and his company.
Folks, thanks again for stopping by at TROC. I hope you have enjoyed this new segment, we are definitely going to start to do some new things; who knows maybe some podcasts are in order, or videos too.
Best regards,
Albert A Rasch
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Senator Bill Nelson Writes Back.
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Senator Bill Nelson Writes Back.
© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
.
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.
Senator Mel Martinez came through and voted affirmatively on Senate Bill 1618. Bill Nelson on the other hand refused to help protect law abiding citizens from the ravages of criminals, murderers, rapists, and sociopaths.
He wrote me a note explaining his position, without actually telling me why he was against the Right of Americans to defend themselves from predators that prey on the elderly, children, and those unable to physically defend themselves!
He starts with, "Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns about gun control. I support the constitutional right to bear arms. I grew up on a ranch in the Florida countryside and have been a hunter since I was a boy."
Well that's good news! I am glad to hear that.
But then he starts to dissemble, "I also support efforts to reduce gun violence and promote firearms safety. We should close the gun show loophole and take other steps to ensure that felons are not allowed to buy firearms. Running background checks on prospective gun purchasers is a practical way to ensure that guns do not fall into the wrong hands without unreasonably burdening citizens' 2nd amendment rights."
Bullshit meter pegs full right on high!!!
Gun Show loophole? What the devil are you talking about? Hasn't that been beaten into the ground and proven a red herring?
So what is it Bill? Are you voting for the Right of American Citizens to protect the lives and property of their loved ones and fellow Americans?
I got my answer yesterday.
No.
Bill Nelson has no interest in allowing responsible, law abiding, productive members of society to defend themselves and their loved ones regardless of where they are. He would much rather pander to the extremists of the Democratic party than allow Americans to defend Americans.
I now hereby announce that I will do everything in my power to bring about the removal of Senator Bill Nelson from the halls of the Senate.
He can go back to his childhood ranch and contemplate why he would choose to support criminals against his fellow American.
Regards,
Albert A Rasch
© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
.
Albert Rasch Announces a Run for the US Senate
(Just kidding... Really.)
As I mentioned in my post Right to Carry in your Hands, I wrote my Senators about the issue and how I expected them to vote.$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.
Senator Mel Martinez came through and voted affirmatively on Senate Bill 1618. Bill Nelson on the other hand refused to help protect law abiding citizens from the ravages of criminals, murderers, rapists, and sociopaths.
He wrote me a note explaining his position, without actually telling me why he was against the Right of Americans to defend themselves from predators that prey on the elderly, children, and those unable to physically defend themselves!
He starts with, "Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns about gun control. I support the constitutional right to bear arms. I grew up on a ranch in the Florida countryside and have been a hunter since I was a boy."
Well that's good news! I am glad to hear that.
But then he starts to dissemble, "I also support efforts to reduce gun violence and promote firearms safety. We should close the gun show loophole and take other steps to ensure that felons are not allowed to buy firearms. Running background checks on prospective gun purchasers is a practical way to ensure that guns do not fall into the wrong hands without unreasonably burdening citizens' 2nd amendment rights."
Bullshit meter pegs full right on high!!!
Gun Show loophole? What the devil are you talking about? Hasn't that been beaten into the ground and proven a red herring?
So what is it Bill? Are you voting for the Right of American Citizens to protect the lives and property of their loved ones and fellow Americans?
I got my answer yesterday.
No.
Bill Nelson has no interest in allowing responsible, law abiding, productive members of society to defend themselves and their loved ones regardless of where they are. He would much rather pander to the extremists of the Democratic party than allow Americans to defend Americans.
I now hereby announce that I will do everything in my power to bring about the removal of Senator Bill Nelson from the halls of the Senate.
- I will promote any opponent that meets my criteria of being a defender of the American People.
- I will donate to the political campaign of those that oppose him during his next political campaign.
- I will dedicate my meager resources to remove his name from the rolls of the Senate.
He can go back to his childhood ranch and contemplate why he would choose to support criminals against his fellow American.
Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Bluebirds are Making a Comeback!
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Bluebirds are Making a Comeback!
© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles Bluebirds in Florida, Making Nest boxes for bluebirds, bluebird nest boxes
Thanks again to the keen observations of the Portly Pirate at The Drawn Cutlass, I have been made aware of the Eastern Bluebird is making a comeback here in my neck of the woods! One of the members of the Thrush family, the Eastern Bluebird is welcome visitor in anyone's backyard. Insectivorous, they nest in tree hollows on the edges of open fields and pastures where they can capture their meals.
According to the UPI article there are over 100 nesting pairs in the suburban and rural areas east of Tampa.
It pleases me to no end to hear of the success of the many volunteers that have put in the time, energy, and effort to make and put up boxes for the Bluebird.
A tip of the hat is certainly in order!
© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles Bluebirds in Florida, Making Nest boxes for bluebirds, bluebird nest boxes
Bluebirds Making a Comeback in West Central Florida
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.Thanks again to the keen observations of the Portly Pirate at The Drawn Cutlass, I have been made aware of the Eastern Bluebird is making a comeback here in my neck of the woods! One of the members of the Thrush family, the Eastern Bluebird is welcome visitor in anyone's backyard. Insectivorous, they nest in tree hollows on the edges of open fields and pastures where they can capture their meals.
According to the UPI article there are over 100 nesting pairs in the suburban and rural areas east of Tampa.
Nest boxes are easily made, though the entrance hole needs to be a snug 1-1/2 inch round hole to prevent starlings from using the nest box. There is a set of specs for bluebird boxes at the North American Blue Bird Society website: Nestbox Specifications. They can be easily handcrafted from untreated 1/2" material that is 5 1/2" wide. The Missouri Dept of Conversation has nice plans that are easy to follow, along with good information: How to build a Bluebird House. Unbeknownst to me, they can also be fashioned out of 4" PVC. (Though they are better for tree swallows than the bluebirds.) Now I have an excuse for bringing some home with me! In fact it can be one of the Chronicles projects in the future. Great project for the kids too.
A tip of the hat is certainly in order!
The July Outdoor Bloggers Rally
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: The July Outdoor Bloggers Rally
Thank you all for participating! Here is how this is going to work. I will post it and then forward it via email to a person that linked here, and to someone that didn't. The e-mail will consist of the html version of the post, so it will be easy to cut and paste and get all the links in right . I'll explain on the email what to do and how to do it for those that may be unfamiliar with posting in that fashion. When you get it, add a link to the bottom, post it, and within a couple of days forward it to someone one on the post already, and to someone not on the post.
It doesn't matter who you send it to, so long as you are fairly confident that they will continue to forward it. It will get some links pointing back to you, and maybe a few new readers.
So here we go!
Rick K. at Whitetail Woods sends us this popular How-To: An Inexpensive Gravity Deer or Hog Feeder.
Outfitter/Guide Dennis Carroll of Montana Elk Hunting forwarded "Skellum," a great mini bio on a great Vet from Zimbabwe.
Julia, the Mother Hen at Henhouse Pottery, feeds her family, raises chickens, and throws clay on her homestead. She sends a great Q&A about chicken poop, compost, Raku firing, and common sense in her post "Raku, Chickens, and Compost."
Snakes and their identification are on Wild Ed's mind on his Texas Snake Roundup, where Ed helps us identify snakes that reside in his home state of Texas. Wild Ed has lots of great posts on Texas fauna on a regular basis as in Proof is in the Pictures.
Our fearless correspondent from Tennessee, Gabe over at EnviroCapitalist, likes his frog legs fresh, and goes about it with relish. Get into it with Gigging!
The Black Rabbit is a knife maker and by golly a good one at that! He has a two parter on making knives that is really a treat! Utility Knife Step-by-step: Part 1 and Utility Knife Step-by-step: Part 2
The truth is that Hunts Like a Girl at Scent Free Lip Gloss is so cute that I'm embarrassed to go to her website. I worry her husband will see me looking at her posts, figure I'm oggleing her, and then beat the bejeebers outta me. A Diffent Kind of Bull and Lanterns and Poop Chairs are her choice for a good read!
Albert at The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles and The Range Reviews: Tactical, did some post-graduate schooling on Real Men Hunt.
Don't forget to add a link or two when you get this yourself!
.
Great Outdoor Links from outdoor Bloggers
Thank you all for participating! Here is how this is going to work. I will post it and then forward it via email to a person that linked here, and to someone that didn't. The e-mail will consist of the html version of the post, so it will be easy to cut and paste and get all the links in right . I'll explain on the email what to do and how to do it for those that may be unfamiliar with posting in that fashion. When you get it, add a link to the bottom, post it, and within a couple of days forward it to someone one on the post already, and to someone not on the post.
It doesn't matter who you send it to, so long as you are fairly confident that they will continue to forward it. It will get some links pointing back to you, and maybe a few new readers.
So here we go!
Great Outdoor Links from Outdoor Bloggers
Rick K. at Whitetail Woods sends us this popular How-To: An Inexpensive Gravity Deer or Hog Feeder.
Outfitter/Guide Dennis Carroll of Montana Elk Hunting forwarded "Skellum," a great mini bio on a great Vet from Zimbabwe.
Julia, the Mother Hen at Henhouse Pottery, feeds her family, raises chickens, and throws clay on her homestead. She sends a great Q&A about chicken poop, compost, Raku firing, and common sense in her post "Raku, Chickens, and Compost."
Snakes and their identification are on Wild Ed's mind on his Texas Snake Roundup, where Ed helps us identify snakes that reside in his home state of Texas. Wild Ed has lots of great posts on Texas fauna on a regular basis as in Proof is in the Pictures.
Our fearless correspondent from Tennessee, Gabe over at EnviroCapitalist, likes his frog legs fresh, and goes about it with relish. Get into it with Gigging!
The Black Rabbit is a knife maker and by golly a good one at that! He has a two parter on making knives that is really a treat! Utility Knife Step-by-step: Part 1 and Utility Knife Step-by-step: Part 2
The truth is that Hunts Like a Girl at Scent Free Lip Gloss is so cute that I'm embarrassed to go to her website. I worry her husband will see me looking at her posts, figure I'm oggleing her, and then beat the bejeebers outta me. A Diffent Kind of Bull and Lanterns and Poop Chairs are her choice for a good read!
Albert at The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles and The Range Reviews: Tactical, did some post-graduate schooling on Real Men Hunt.
Don't forget to add a link or two when you get this yourself!
.
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Feral Hogs Invading the Great Lakes
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Feral Hogs Invading the Great Lakes
.$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.
It seems that the South is returning the favor. Instead of sending all the snowbirds back, it appears that wild hogs are taking their place on their way back to the Great Lakes regions.
"In Michigan alone there were 200 sightings of these animals in more than 60 counties as of late 2008. "
Great Lakes Echo
I found the article during my nocturnal wanderings last night:
Big pigs, big problem: Feral swine spread to Great Lakes region
I would suggest that they institute a shoot on sight policy to avoid the problem of having them overrunning their lands. In a few short years, they could be as common as they are here!
Uhmm, I mean the hogs not the Snowbirds...
Best regards,
Albert
.$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.
Snowbirds Get Their Comeuppance!
It seems that the South is returning the favor. Instead of sending all the snowbirds back, it appears that wild hogs are taking their place on their way back to the Great Lakes regions.
"In Michigan alone there were 200 sightings of these animals in more than 60 counties as of late 2008. "
Great Lakes Echo
I found the article during my nocturnal wanderings last night:
Big pigs, big problem: Feral swine spread to Great Lakes region
I would suggest that they institute a shoot on sight policy to avoid the problem of having them overrunning their lands. In a few short years, they could be as common as they are here!
Uhmm, I mean the hogs not the Snowbirds...
Best regards,
Albert
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Nebraska Hunting Outfitters: Frequently Asked Questions: Part II
This is Scott's follow up on Part I
Nebraska Hunting Outfitters: Frequently Asked Questions: Part II
Nebraska Hunting Outfitters: Frequently Asked Questions: Part II
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Attention Bloggers: Send Me Your Links!
© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
.
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Attention Bloggers: Send Me Your Links!
.
So I'm mulling around a couple of ideas and this one came to the surface.$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.
I need as many of you to send me a link to one of your posts that you would like to see passed around. It could be your best, most popular, least popular that really deserves a second viewing, which ever post you want sent around.
I'll put it all together and post it with all the links. Then I'll e-mail it to the next person on the list who will then add a new link to the bottom and post it on their blog. Then they will pass it on to the next blogger who will do likewise and so on. When we get to thirty links or so, we will take one off the top and add a new one to the bottom.
I think that will work! We need to start linking more to each other and get people noticed!
Best to all!
Albert
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
.
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Attention Bloggers: Send Me Your Links!
.
So I'm mulling around a couple of ideas and this one came to the surface.$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.
I need as many of you to send me a link to one of your posts that you would like to see passed around. It could be your best, most popular, least popular that really deserves a second viewing, which ever post you want sent around.
I'll put it all together and post it with all the links. Then I'll e-mail it to the next person on the list who will then add a new link to the bottom and post it on their blog. Then they will pass it on to the next blogger who will do likewise and so on. When we get to thirty links or so, we will take one off the top and add a new one to the bottom.
I think that will work! We need to start linking more to each other and get people noticed!
Best to all!
Albert
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: New Blog for my Friends who are on Dial-Up
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: New Blog for my Friends who are on Dial-Up
Howdy Folks,
I received an e-mail from one of my blogging friends today. It seems that all the pictures I put into my posts are making the load up times well nigh unbearable. Well, I think he could bear it, I mean who wouldn't stand just about anything when it the TROC we are talking about!
Being the attentive sort of editor I am, I put together another blog just for dial up. The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles II. I'll put a banner link over to the right there too.
What I'll do is post all my posts as I create them on TROCII but without the pictures. That way you don't end up waiting for five posts trying to load all there pictures. If you want to see what I have then just hit the link back to here for the individual post with everything in it.
I hope this is of some help for those of you that have to use slower connections.
Best regards,
Albert
Howdy Folks,
I received an e-mail from one of my blogging friends today. It seems that all the pictures I put into my posts are making the load up times well nigh unbearable. Well, I think he could bear it, I mean who wouldn't stand just about anything when it the TROC we are talking about!
Being the attentive sort of editor I am, I put together another blog just for dial up. The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles II. I'll put a banner link over to the right there too.
What I'll do is post all my posts as I create them on TROCII but without the pictures. That way you don't end up waiting for five posts trying to load all there pictures. If you want to see what I have then just hit the link back to here for the individual post with everything in it.
I hope this is of some help for those of you that have to use slower connections.
Best regards,
Albert
Internet Security: The Chinese have Us by the ...
© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles ORIGNAL
internet security, Firefox, Chinese cyber attacks,.
Ever since I got my first virus from having unprotected surfing with an Internet Explorer connected computer, I've been on the security bandwagon. I run an anti-virus program, trojan hunter, and several malware and spyware catchers. All in an effort to keep the bad guys thwarted in their evil attempts to take control of my computer.
Now it seems that not only do I have to fight the Russian mobsters and porn merchants, but the Chinese as well. Whereas the Russians only want to spam e-mails and make or steal money, the Chinese are out practicing Cyberfare (Computer Warfare) for when they decide to try to smoke us. And believe me, it is going to happen sooner or later.
I for one, do not wish to be even the tiniest cog in their machinations.
I keep a close tab on anything Mr BorePatch has to say. BorePatch has regular security updates that are essential, hints and layman's tech talk on a regular basis, and the occasional post that has nothing to do with security, but is fun to read anyway.
First of all, if you are not running Firefox, you are just helping evil doers that are trying to either milk us dry, or ultimately dominate us. It is a ten minute process to download and install Firefox, and quite frankly inexcusable not to be running it. You might as well do it now, and install it while you read the rest of this.
For those of us that are trying to step it up another notch, Borepatch has written a series of articles on the Linux operating system that is the most secure method for running your computer. It is neat, tidy, efficient, and above all secure. Not only that, but there are applications that are identical to all the offerings from Microsoft (Word, Excell, Publisher, etc,etc,etc.), and they are all free! Not only are they free, but they are in used by many professionals in their fields. Open Office is the best known, and the look and feel is so close to MS Office, that you will barely notice the difference.
The first step of course, is to install a version of Linux. BorePatch wrote a series of posts to help you through the process:
Why Internet Security is a Mess, and Why it Matters to You
Why it is Hard to Secure Windows
And finally, the solution and how to:
Using Linux to Increase your Windows Security
I am in the process of partitioning my hard drives for the installation and will report on it as the process evolves.
If I was you, and I cared about what happens in this Nation, I would follow BorePatch and keep up with his suggestions.
But first, install Firefox. Seriously.
Don't force me to come over and do it myself.
Albert
Related Posts:
Which Laptop? Which Linux for It?
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles ORIGNAL
internet security, Firefox, Chinese cyber attacks,.
"When you got them by the nuts, their hearts and minds will follow."
LBJ
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.Ever since I got my first virus from having unprotected surfing with an Internet Explorer connected computer, I've been on the security bandwagon. I run an anti-virus program, trojan hunter, and several malware and spyware catchers. All in an effort to keep the bad guys thwarted in their evil attempts to take control of my computer.
Now it seems that not only do I have to fight the Russian mobsters and porn merchants, but the Chinese as well. Whereas the Russians only want to spam e-mails and make or steal money, the Chinese are out practicing Cyberfare (Computer Warfare) for when they decide to try to smoke us. And believe me, it is going to happen sooner or later.
I for one, do not wish to be even the tiniest cog in their machinations.
I keep a close tab on anything Mr BorePatch has to say. BorePatch has regular security updates that are essential, hints and layman's tech talk on a regular basis, and the occasional post that has nothing to do with security, but is fun to read anyway.
First of all, if you are not running Firefox, you are just helping evil doers that are trying to either milk us dry, or ultimately dominate us. It is a ten minute process to download and install Firefox, and quite frankly inexcusable not to be running it. You might as well do it now, and install it while you read the rest of this.
For those of us that are trying to step it up another notch, Borepatch has written a series of articles on the Linux operating system that is the most secure method for running your computer. It is neat, tidy, efficient, and above all secure. Not only that, but there are applications that are identical to all the offerings from Microsoft (Word, Excell, Publisher, etc,etc,etc.), and they are all free! Not only are they free, but they are in used by many professionals in their fields. Open Office is the best known, and the look and feel is so close to MS Office, that you will barely notice the difference.
The first step of course, is to install a version of Linux. BorePatch wrote a series of posts to help you through the process:
Why Internet Security is a Mess, and Why it Matters to You
Why it is Hard to Secure Windows
And finally, the solution and how to:
Using Linux to Increase your Windows Security
I am in the process of partitioning my hard drives for the installation and will report on it as the process evolves.
If I was you, and I cared about what happens in this Nation, I would follow BorePatch and keep up with his suggestions.
Don't force me to come over and do it myself.
Albert
Related Posts:
Which Laptop? Which Linux for It?
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