Ah, Yester-Year

Yesterday I had to dig a trench.  The only thing I had in my truck was my issued (cerca 1999) e-tool.

The memories.

Daily Commute

Yesterday I had a commute that wouldn't end.  About half way there I found this.

Can anyone identify this thing.

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all.

And for all that are reading this, thank you.

I'm honored that you take the time to read my blog.

Ben

Daily Commute

I found this today in a little town without even a stop light.

Looks like a mall to me.

Great Quote

"When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty."

-Thomas Jefferson

and another one, just in case his position on the power of the people wasn't specific enough.

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."

Imagin if one our current politicians made a statement like these?  Would the people support him, throw him out, or not believe him.

Ben

PS It would be funny to watch the new media go ape about a politician says one of these quotes.

Yesterday's Commute

In the middle of nowhere, water takes over roads.  This road wasn't too bad... Luckily.

Daily Commute

If you thought your commute was bad, just check out these guys.

Yes, this road is so small that you have to pull off the road when a vehicle is coming the other way.  And Yes, that truck is stuck in the ditch and these other guys are trying to pull it out.

Christmas Shopping

Tie the season for crime. Criminals have kids and family too. For some reason, criminals think they are entitled to what you have. While you are out shopping here are a couple things to think about:

• Watch for anyone trying to get to close to you or bumping into you. It may be a mistake or you may have just lost your wallet.
• Don't carry all your Christmas cash in one spot. Have some in each pocket so you aren't flashing a wad every time you pay for something. Women don't put everything in your purse. If someone takes your purse, can you even get home? Put a couple things in your pocket
• Think about multiple trips so everything you bought at BestBuy is not sitting in the car while you go into target.  That big screen TV you just bought looks as nice to a thief as it does to you. 

Stay Safe,

Ben

Modern Self Protection

Daily Commute

I got stuck here for about an hour while I had to fix a trailer tire and then let my mini air compressor blow the tire back up.

Then I hung out and had lunch.

What's your commute look like?

Ben

Happy Turkey Day!

That's what my Grandmother calls it.

I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all.

I'm thankful for everyone out there.

Thanks,

Ben

Daily Commute

Today my commute looked like everyone else's. Everyone is leaving for the holidays.

Daily Commute

Here is a picture from my daily commute.  What's your commute look like.

Re: Free Lunch

My free lunch didn’t go so well.  I wanted to go to Texas Road House, but I went to lunch with my wife (A Little Slice of Life) and kid.  They opened at 11.  We got there 15 minutes early, and so did everyone else.  So I thought we’d go to Best Buy for a router, which they didn’t have.   We went across town to get one. 

We stopped at another Texas Road House and the wait was an hour long.  Across the street was a Chili’s that was also doing free lunch for Vets.  We had a great meal with good service and only had to wait about 10 minutes.

It was nice to be around all these Veterans.  The place had a great vibe, and at every table there seemed to be people telling war stories.  It was a lot of fun.

Veterans Day

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the guns fell silent. November 11, 1918 become the end of the “Great War.” The world hoped it was the “War to End all Wars.” It didn’t take long for us to learn that war will continue.

May 13, 1938 by an act of congress November 11 became a national holiday called “Armistice Day.” After World War II and Korea, congress amended the 1938 act in 1954 changing the name to Veterans Day to honor veterans or all the wars.

At one point (1971-1975) congress tried to make Veterans Day a floating holiday to create a three day weekend. There was uproar from the people and Veterans Day was changed back to November 11.

Lately I think Veterans Day is fading. After September 11, 2001, everyone honored our veterans, now we are starting to forget.

Here is a different reason to thank our Veterans. When someone joins the American Military they lose all of their rights and freedoms. They do this willingly for the term of their contract plus a couple extra years.

I learned this the hard way when I joined the Marine Corps October 13, 1998 (no I didn’t have to look up this date; it’s the day I reported for boot camp). From the time I stepped off the bus the Marine Corps told me when I could eat, when I could sleep, if I could make phone calls, and even controlled what news and mail I got from the outside world.

Once out of boot camp this continued. I was told when and where to report, when I got off duty, and where I could go when I was off duty. They controlled my entire life while I was on active duty.

Just remember to thank a Veteran today, they willing gave up their freedom so you could have yours.

Stay Safe,

Ben Branam

Modern Self Protection

Free Lunch!

My favorite Texas restaurant, Texas Roadhouse, is giving free lunches to Veterans on Veterans Day from 11am to 2pm. Your can bet I'll be there! Ben Modern Self Protection

On November 10, 1775 the 2nd Continental Congress decreed:

That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines.

So began the legend of the United States Marine Corps. In true Marine Corps fashion, the first Marine Commandant, Captain Samuel Nicholas, went to Tun Tavern, Virginia to recruit Marines.

Over the last 236 years the Marine Corps has fought in every clime and place, from the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli. They were America’s first to fight in the Battle of Nassau, March 3, 1776. Now they stand as America’s force in readiness.

The Marine Corps is the greatest fighting force the world has ever known, and may ever see. It has proven this time and time again, doing what was said to be impossible. Over the last 100 years the legend has grown more as Marines have done the impossible again and again. In WWI they earned the title “Teufel Hunden” or Devil Dogs during the Battle of Belleau Wood. The woods were said to be impossible to take, but the Marines fought with such ferocity the Germans couldn’t believe they were human and started calling them Teufel Hunden.

The Marines landed at Inchon, Korea in a battle that was designed to fail. The Marines surprised General MacArthur by taking the Port City and pushing inland. Like most modern day Marine forces they were only forced to stop advancing because they outran their supply chains.

During the first Gulf War Iraqi troops were told that a man had to kill and eat his family to become a Marine. The idea was to have the forces fight harder, but they were so terrified they ran when faced with Marines.

In Afghanistan, the Army said it was impossible to fly hundreds of miles over enemy territory and take Kabul Airport to gain a foothold to start the war.

And then in Iraq, 2003 the Marines were the diversionary force while the Army drove around to take Baghdad. The Marines turned it into a race and arrived at the same time as the Army. After Baghdad was taken and Saddam said he was still in charge in Tikrit, America sent the Marines, and in less than a day the city was taken.

These legends will grow as Marines continue to fight and win all over the globe.

So if you see any Marines today, tell them Happy Birthday. They will know what you are talking about and appreciate it.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Modern Self Protection

PS Ask a Marine about the Marine Corps and he or she will tell you a great story.

PSS Marines, Check out this year's Commandant's Birthday Message below.

Here is what my commute looks like most of the time.  What is your's like?

Youtube Driving

Gun Range Death

Someone was killed today at the Bullet Hole shooting range in San Antonio. It's weird to have someone died at the range. Shooting is one of the safest sports in the world. Believe it or not, more kids die playing football then in shooting sports.

The news says San Antonio PD is investigating and should know what happened in a week or two. My guess this was a horrible accident caused by mishandling of a firearm by the person that died. My prayers go out to the family and anyone involved.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Check out more stuff at Modern Self Protection

The first half of this video is sad. But it's probably the best senate hearing ever. Fast forward to 4:48 to see someone tell you what the Second Amendement is truly about. After that it's a news story, but fast forward again to 7:30 to someone actually explain the wording in simple terms.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Great Quote

"If you're going to waste time (and I hope you will) the least you can do is do it well," by Seth Godin.

The Passing of a Friend

A good man, good cop, and a good friend died today. Buena Park Police Officer Daniel Ackerman died today after going down during a physical training session Friday morning. No one knows why, or what happened to him yet. He was a SWAT officer and in exceptional shape.

I met Dan during high school when we were both police explores. We then went to the police academy together. He was hired as a cop and I was activated as a Marine. Over the years we stayed great friends. We spent endless hours in the gym and on the range training together.

The world is a lesser place for his passing. I ask that everyone say a little prayer for him and his family.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Change of Mind

Sunday morning I play bass in the Revolution Church band and have to arrive at 5 am. So I leave the house about 415. There is normally no one at the gas station that I stop at to get a drink and a donut. For some reason a couple Sundays ago there were four plus me. A couple that looked like they were just coming home from the club, a man that just came and went to pay for gas, and one more.

I went to the back freezer to get a Monster and a donut then started to come back when the last man walked into the store. White, medium build, medium hight, gang and prison tattoos all over, shorts falling down and a t-shirt three sizes to big. He entered the store and stood in the doorway for a couple seconds looking around. Not for something, but at the people in the store. He had that scared predatory look I have seen overseas on bad people right before they were going to do bad things.

He turned and walked to the counter and I followed behind him in line. I couldn’t see a gun or anything in his shorts but the right side was hanging further down then the rest and he was holding them up.

Oh CRAP! God please don’t let him do this, my silent preyer as I walked up behind him. And the Oh CRAP! my gun is in the truck. And then oh CRAP one more time, because there was no way out of the store without walking in front of him. Even the emergency exit was behind the counter.

I put my Monster down and prepared. I was going to draw my knife with my left hand and perry his gun hand with my right, rip the knife across his throat and then stab deep into the larynx just like I was taught in the Marine Corps.

He stood looking at the attendant for a good 5 seconds (that seemed longer). Then, something changed in his posture and demeanor. I could tell he changed his mind. He simply bought some smokes and left. I said a little thanks to the Lord and left glad that nothing happened.

Finances Matter

Staying safe is what I'm all about, and financial is one of those things everyone worries about. After years of study I found one thing that will keep you safe when it comes to financial matters. Just one little secret to live by...

LIVE ON LESS THEN YOU MAKE!

That's it. If you make $1,000, put away an easy 10% and live on $900. Don't even worry about what to do with the saved money (you could put it under a mattress), just don't spend it.

Stay safe, and get wealthy,

Ben

Government Shut Down!

Can't believe it's come to this, or maybe I can? Our government is getting worst, but our people are getting better. Two days ago a friend of mine was scrambling to get back to work because the bank he works for, Broadway National Bank, is going to continue to pay all military members even if the government shuts down. I'm also hearing about other companies doing the same thing. Kudos to these companies! They really are taking care of things.

The good part about this is that people are helping each other and the government is helpless. For too many years people have looked to the government to take care of the people's needs, now we are starting to take care of each other.

I want to see the day when the local church becomes the way people help each other, and the government is only needed for the general defense and to regulate trade.

Stay safe,

Ben

Who Do You Hang With?

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” – Mark Twain

Makes me want to reevaluate who I hang out with. I also want to be one of the great people that others hang out with.