A Practical Axe Manual

Happened across a useful resource: "An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual" published by the U.S. Forest Service. It covers the basics of using an axe, including chopping techniques and cuts, as well as covering topics of felling a tree (just the axe use, though, not correctly judging how a tree will fall and other safety issues), limbing a log, cutting pinned down saplings, bucking (cutting a log into usable lengths), splitting wood, and hewing (shaping a log). 

Safest Countries To Hide From The Apocalypse?

The researchers that looked into this issue, according to the Daily Mail, were looking only at global disasters, which fell into three broad categories: 

    First are 'Abrupt Sunlight Reduction Scenarios' (ASRS), in which events like volcanic eruptions, nuclear winter, or asteroid impacts suddenly block out the sun with dust.

    Second are events known as 'Global Catastrophic Infrastructure Loss' (GCIL), which lead to mass disruptions to electricity, transport, and food production systems.

    These could come from powerful geomagnetic storms caused by solar flares, high–altitude electromagnetic pulses from nuclear weapons, or massive cyberattacks.

    Finally, the researchers identify Global Catastrophic Biological Risks (GCBRs), where natural or man–made biological hazards lead to mass casualties and disruption on a continental or global scale.

I find it interesting that they do not consider a full-scale nuclear exchange. It would have been at the top of the list when I was a teen.

    In any event, the safest countries: 

    Different countries have a range of factors that make them more or less resilient to each category of risk.

    Likewise, a factor that can be a bonus in resisting one challenge can actually make a nation more vulnerable to another.

    For example, being an island makes it easier for Australia to shut itself off from the world and isolate against pandemics.

    But this isolation can also make a country more vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions or fuel shortages.

    However, in the overall assessment, Australia still comes out on top as the most resilient against the widest range of threats.

    Other resilient nations include New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, and Argentina, but all of these are exposed to specific threats.

    New Zealand, Japan, and Argentina all have long coastlines which are exposed to tsunamis caused by asteroid impacts. 

    Likewise, all of these nations besides Switzerland are dangerously close to one of the several volcanoes that could erupt in Southeast Asia and South America. 

What I don't see is any consideration of refugees or even invasion subsequent to a global disaster. For instance, Australia is only a short distance from Indonesia, population 288 million; the population for the whole of Southeast Asia is 706 million; and just a bit farther is India, population 1.47 billion. And since the Australian government has disarmed its people, that population would be helpless in the face of a massive influx of refugees and/or invasion a la "the Sea Peoples". 

Lies, Damn Lies, and Mass Shootings

You may have noted over the years that the number of mass shootings widely varies and this is because of the various definitions of mass shootings floating around, and the media just picks the one that advances their narrative. Kevin Downey Jr. raises this point in an article at PJ Media where he points out:

The Rockefeller Institute of Government, a left-leaning "think tank" affiliated with the State University of New York (SUNY), has a different definition of a mass shooting (I added the bold again and will explain why):

A mass shooting is an incident of targeted violence carried out by one or more shooters at one or more public or populated locations. Multiple victims (both injuries and fatalities) are associated with the attack, and both the victims and location(s) are chosen either at random or for their symbolic value. The event occurs within a single 24-hour period, though most attacks typically last only a few minutes. The motivation of the shooting must not correlate with gang violence or targeted militant or terroristic activity.

The commie progs at the Rockefeller Institute have taken it upon themselves to declare that mass shootings "must not correlate with gang violence or targeted militant or terroristic activity." Why? Because they don't want black people or Muslims involved in the mass shooting statistics. The drooling MAGA redneck needs to be their mass shooting boogeyman. If you subscribe to the Gun Violence Archive's definition of a mass shooting, black people, mostly males, are responsible for no fewer than 70% of mass shootings, and that is a conservative figure. Then there are the Muslims. And don't get me started on the transamabob mass shooters... yet.

He goes on to note that other leftist groups have different definitions, but those definitions are still intended to make it appear that whites are responsible for the majority of "mass shootings" and to downplay the role of blacks, Muslims, "and Decepticons who shoot up, among other things, Christian schools." 

Flashflood Kills Hundreds In Nepal

The Daily Mail reports: "At least 54 Americans and hundreds of tourists missing in unstoppable floodwaters in Nepal." Per the article, "A total of 579 people are missing, according to figures from the Nepali police," of which "54 people are from the US and 33 are from the United Kingdom."

    The office of Nepal's prime minister confirmed that 157 bodies have so far been recovered. Massive rescue efforts have continued into Wednesday evening. 

    Harrowing footage from the scene showed fast-flowing floodwater ripping through the streets and destroying everything - including homes and bridges - in its path.

    River banks burst as walls of water came rushing through the densely populated areas, sweeping people underwater as others sought safety on higher ground. 

    Aerial footage showed floodwater completely consuming land near the Nepal-Tibet border, sending people running for their lives as buildings collapsed in seconds. 

    A landslide hit Nepal at 8.37am local time, which then triggered an avalanche after a colossal glacier snapped, and debris then caused the horror flooding. 

    The water carved up nearly 30 miles of land from China-controlled Tibet down into the Nepali town of Trishuli, leaving a path of near total destruction in its wake.  

RIP: Tim Curry Dead At 80

From the New York Post: "Tim Curry, ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ and ‘It’ actor, dead at 80." 

    The actor died Tuesday night, his rep, Sean Katz, confirmed to USA Today, 14 years after suffering a major stroke that left him partially paralyzed.

    “Tim Curry, the iconic actor and entertainer globally beloved for his dynamic contributions to the stage and screen, passed away peacefully at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, on Aug. 25, 2026, confirmed by his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz,” the statement read.

    “Though widely known for his inimitable, flamboyant characters and colorful stage performances, his greatest legacies to those who knew him were his curious, expansive mind and generous, gentle heart, both of which remained open and filled with anticipation until his final breath.”   

Muzzle Climb and FRTs

Colin Noir warns that failure to control muzzle climb when shooting a forced reset trigger (FRT) leads to dangerous situations at the range, which may result in ranges banning FRTs or worse. If you go to about the 11 minute mark, he provides some instruction on controlling the weapon. 

The second video is from Vickers Tactical on how to control a weapon when shooting full auto, which has application for shooting semi-auto, particularly when using an FRT. 

VIDEO: "We’re Going To Lose FRTs If People Keep Shooting Like This"
Colion Noir (17 min.)

 

 VIDEO: "BCM Training Tip - Full Auto Recoil Control"
Vickers Tactical (4 min.)

Massacre Inside Church In Haiti - 40+ Dead

The Daily Mail reports: "Massacre inside church leaves 40 dead with victims 'executed' during 'night of terror' in gang-ravaged Haiti." An excerpt:

    'The bandits raided a displaced persons camp located in a church. They executed several people. There are fatalities and dozens of wounded. Some people were abducted by the criminals.'

    Jean added that among other places the assailants targeted a site housing people who had already fled violence. 

    The UN have estimated a total death toll of at least 47 victims and 22 more injured in the overnight gang raid. They added that figures could change.   

Also:

    Powerful gangs under a broad alliance have for years cemented their influence over Haiti's capital ​and expanded to nearby regions, despite attempts by foreign nations to reinforce the country's outgunned police. 

    Attacks in Kenscoff over two months in early 2025 ​saw more than 260 people killed and 200 homes destroyed or set on fire, forcing 3,000 people to flee, according to U.N. ​estimates.

    Nearly a dozen more attacks have taken place since, including rapes, kidnapping, arson and livestock theft.

    Several locals accused the government of not doing enough to help protect residents amid the ongoing gang violence.

 This is what civilizational collapse looks like. 

RIP: Dolly Parton Dead At 80

The New York Post reports that Dolly Parton has died. An excerpt:

    Additionally, Parton starred in ... the all-female ensemble for 1989’s “Steel Magnolias,” featuring Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts.

    Roberts opened up about the impact Parton had on her while working on the “Steel Magnolias” set, which was filmed in 100-degree weather in Louisiana.

    “Everybody had ice on their wrists doing the whole thing,” the “Pretty Woman” star shared during a 1989 interview on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

    “Everybody was like, it’s hot, could I get some water? And Dolly never said anything,” she explained. “And I finally, I just had to say, ‘Dolly, you’ve got a wig, and the wool, I mean, c’mon. It’s hot, sweat a little. Just say, I’m hot, you know? This is a drag.’”

    Reflecting on what Parton said next, Roberts shared, “I remember we were sitting on the porch, and she said to me, ‘When I was a little girl, I wanted to be famous, and I wanted to be rich, and now I’m both of these things, I’m not going to complain about it.’”

    “And I thought, ‘Okay, I’m going to be quiet for the rest of the day.’ I’ve never forgotten it,” the actress continued. “And every time I go to complain, or just kind of moan, I always hear Dolly sitting on the porch and saying that, and it kinda keeps you quiet.”

The Diversity Report #35

 A selection of articles showcasing the benefits of diversity, equity and inclusion: 

• "Make All of America Muslim?"--Tierney Real News Network. From the lede: "Most people are not aware that Hillary Clinton brought Huma Abedin and the Muslim Brotherhood into the White House in the 1990s and then shortly thereafter 9/11 happened."
• "California high school students given Qurans, encouraged to wear hijabs during class trip to mosque: suit"--New York Post.  
• "UK Gov’t Publishes Pamphlet to Inform Migrants That Rape is Wrong, Sex With Children Is a Crime"--Breitbart. It's hard for some to adapt to Western norms.
• "Italy: Vatican Says No — Removes Controversial pro-Migrant Priest Who Housed Illegals"--Breitbart. The priest, Father Massimo Biancalani, was housing up to 200 migrants at a time in the parish rectory and grounds. "According to the Florence-based Controradio, Biancalani also acknowledged to reporters that the Vicofaro parish has suffered from a decline in attendance and sacraments as a result of his housing of migrants, and affirmed, 'This has been known for some time because, unfortunately, welcoming migrants triggers fears.'"
• "Captain in fatal NY Harbor boat tragedy is illegal immigrant: ‘Criminal is off our streets’"--New York Post. From the lede:

    The captain of an illegal charter boat that flipped in New York Harbor, killing a mom and her baby, is an illegal immigrant from El Salvador who is now in federal immigration custody, The Post has learned.

    Manuel Hernandez, 46, a limo driver without a boating license, was in the US illegally when he capsized the overloaded 21-foot vessel on Aug. 8, drowning Sara Sanchez and her baby daughter, Antonella Garcia, the Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday. 

• "Migrant boat smashes into girl, 17, leaving her with multiple fractures - then continues to Italian beach after men on board decide not to help her"--Daily Mail. They didn't even slow down. Per the article, "[a] 28-year-old Algerian man, who was allegedly at the helm of the boat, has been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and causing extremely serious bodily injuries."
• Oh the humanity! "Illegal Migrants Lose Beach Vacations, Lake Swims Due to Trump Deportations"--Breitbart. 
• "Karmelo Anthony prosecutor reveals trove of evidence jury never saw — including disturbing texts: ‘Low key on the verge’"--New York Post. The specific evidence mentioned in the article are:
• He was stalking his ex-girlfriend and, hours before the stabbing, sent her a picture of a knife and stating: “I’m low key on the verge,” i.e., ready to commit a violent act.
• He was obsessed with fights, guns and knives.
• And a "juvenile criminal history, which included graffiti that included 'vile racist stuff.'"

A Daily Mail article on the same topic adds to the list:

Convicted killer Karmelo Anthony allegedly fantasized about stabbing someone and 'licking the blood off the blade' just hours before murdering Austin Metcalf, prosecutors revealed. 

And, "while living in Baton Rouge, his parents enrolled him in a special LSU program for children who struggled to control their aggression and 'keep their hands to themselves.'" So, basically, he was an incel who hated white people and fantasized about stabbing someone. 

• "Chucky-mask-wearing suspect unmasked as Zymire Hughes after allegedly asking jogger ‘are you ready to die?’"--New York Post.
• "Couple are mercilessly rammed down by speeding G-Wagon stolen by four teens who led police on hours-long chase, cops say"--Daily Mail.  According to the article, "[a] beloved couple were killed in a horrific car crash after a Mercedes G-Wagon, allegedly occupied by four teens who were fleeing police in New Jersey, smashed head-on into their vehicle." One of the teens was Nayshaun Brown, 18, with the seemingly mandatory tarantula head hairstyle. 
• "Suspect arrested in shooting rampage at Virginia State University days before classes begin"--Daily Mail. Could have been Obama's son. 
• "Chaos as THREE separate mass shootings erupt across the US, with terrified victims in Virginia, Kentucky and Chicago running for cover"--Daily Mail.  
• "Feral teen looting mob seen descending on Oakland 7-Eleven like plague of locusts"--Daily Mail.  
• "Wisconsin State Fair descends into chaos as brawl breaks out in final hours of annual festival"--New York Post.  "Dozens of unidentified brawlers — who appeared to be teens — raced through the food court to attack each other as the fracas got out of hand near the north end of the fairgrounds behind the grandstand of The Milwaukee Mile Speedway, according to video obtained by Fox6 Milwaukee."
• "ICE seeks to remove crazed mom who poured hot wax on her kids, started fire at home"--New York Post.  Meliza Campos-Sanchez is an illegal alien from Cuba. 
• "Somalian refugee honored by Minnesota charged in $4.5M Medicaid, sex-trafficking scheme"--ABCNews4.com. 

    Salman Ahmed Elmi, who was awarded the Outstanding Refugee Award for Entrepreneurship by the Minnesota Department of Human Services in 2021, was charged with a total of eight counts of aiding and abetting theft on Thursday, the National Review reported.

    Elmi and three associates — Frank Reeves, Viktoriya Komonash, and Andrea Sampson — ran Reva Health, Reva Autism, Helpful Housing, and Homefelt Assisted Living, which they used to bill more than $4.5 million to Medicaid since 2023.

    According to prosecutors, Elmi himself billed Medicaid for more than $1 million in unprovided or ineligible services.

    Elmi and his associates also allegedly recruited homeless and drug-addicted young women in a pay-for-sex scheme. The group rented apartments in the women’s names using fake pay stubs and began stealing victims’ identities to bill Medicaid in their name, according to court filings. 

• "NY woman busted in ISIS-linked plot to bomb state Capitol after converting to Islam, cheering 9/11 attacks: feds"--New York Post. Jessica Bowie converted to the Religion of Peace five years ago and adopted the name "Aisha Saif". She took her new religion seriously:

    “Blowing kafirs [non-Muslims] brains out is beautiful,” she told someone who turned out to be an FBI informant, the complaint said. 

[snip]

    A search of Bowie’s social media revealed many fanatical pro-radical Islamist and anti-American posts in the weeks leading up to her planned attack, according to the complaint.

    On May 28, an account linked to Bowie posted, “Praise be to Allah for September 11th,” according to the FBI complaint.

    On May 8, another account believed to be Bowie told another user in Arabic, “I will poison these infidels,” the complaint alleges.

• "Kids as young as 11 among the illegal vendors swarming Brooklyn Bridge: ‘They are everywhere’"--New York Post. An excerpt:

The illicit vendors — many of them immigrants — have been a nuisance on the historic bridge for years. By 2023, the span was jammed with so many peddlers that one frustrated local described it as a “disgusting, mile-long souvenir shop and flea market.” 

• "Virginia mother stabbed to death on jogging trail 'by teenage migrant coworker' who was caught entering US illegally two years ago... then released"--Daily Mail.  
• But it's perfectly legal in India! "Vile woman caught dumping huge bag of trash into stunning lake filled with ducks... before being extremely rude to onlooker who confronted her"--Daily Mail. 
• But that's how its done in Africa! "Outrage after man is filmed doing LAUNDRY in scenic Maine river and filling its waters with detergent that's toxic to nature"--Daily Mail. 
• "Outrage as school shows kids as young as 14 extremely graphic abortion, sex and transgender art"--New York Post. They've told us for years they were coming for the kids. 
• "North Carolina Trans Activist Has a Modest Proposal for the Children of 'Bigots'"--Town Hall.  According to the article, a "transwoman" going by the name Katerina Day went to a school board meeting in Wake County, North Carolina, to demand that parents opposed to the grooming of their children be named and their children expelled from schools. 

How To Video: River Crossings

Instruction and a demonstration of river crossing for a small team, including security during the crossing.  

 VIDEO: "Tactical River Crossing"
Prepared Pathfinder (13 min.)