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McDonald v. City of Chicago

by dukkillr

September 30, 2009

If you are at least moderately aware of the world around you I’m sure you know that last year the Supreme Court used the 2nd Amendment to invalidate a very restrictive gun law in the District of Columbia. Good times, right? Well it’s not that simple. See DC is not a state, so it’s rules are uniquely federal in nature. As such, the court only ruled that the federal government cannot take the right to keep and bear arms away from the people, but the various state and local governments can.

Totally bizarre right? Well it is the result of a long, tortuous line of cases that started before the Civil War when states rights were far stronger than they are today. Since that time the court has included many of the rights you are aware of through the fourteenth amendment to include all governments, but they have been handled individually. That brings us to McDonald v. City of Chicago, a case before the court during this term. The question at hand is simple: Does the 2nd amendment right explained last session in District of Columbia v. Heller apply to state and local governments?

Here’s some good legal analysis on the history and possible outcomes.

Week 3 redux

by Joey G

September 30, 2009

Every season, it seems some surprising teams start out hot, and then the pundits start screaming “Parity!” This season, they may be right. My reasoning: Even the mediocre teams look somewhat good. How else can you explain the Broncos at 3-0, the Bengals at 2-1 (and possibly 3-0 if not for Brandon Stokley’s lucky touchdown), the 49ers at 2-1 and the Jets at 3-0. The Jaguars beat the Texans, who beat the Titans the week before, who almost beat the Steelers to open the season. Speaking of the Steelers, they are 1-2, better than the Titans, Dolphins and Panthers at 0-3.

Oh, and the Lions finally won. Let’s see if the parity lasts.

– Brett Favre made a veteran, dare I say Hall of Fame, play by stepping up and rifling that winning touchdown for the Vikings. Why do I think that will be his last great play of his career?

– I can’t decide if I like the kelly green Seahawk uniforms. Can you like something and still think it’s atrocious at the same time?

– The Raiders are bad. The Chiefs are bad. The Bucs are really bad. But the Browns might have the worst team in the NFL this season. They should have traded one of their quarterbacks when they had the chance.

– Finally, the Patriots better figure out how to score touchdowns from the end zone soon. Though it was nice to see Fred Taylor turn in his first good game with the Pats, and the Falcons are a good team, did you get the sense it wasn’t that great a victory for New England? I didn’t either.

South Carolina UPSTATE MOBILITY IMPAIRED DEER HUNTS

by help4hunters

September 30, 2009

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
UPSTATE MOBILITY IMPAIRED DEER HUNTS – 2009
PIEDMONT PRIVATE AREAS

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is cooperating with a number of private individuals and groups to co-sponsor two Upstate Mobility Impaired Deer Hunts this year. The first hunt will be on October 23-24, 2009 and will be conducted at sites in Cherokee, Spartanburg and Union counties. The second hunt will be on October 30-31, 2009 and will be at sites in Laurens and Newberry counties. Applicants can apply for one or both hunts.
Co-sponsors include the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, Georgia Pacific Corporation, Carolina’s Fence Association, South Carolina Disabled Sportsmen, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Sprinkle Prosthetics, the Wounded Warrior Project, South Carolina Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers Association and DNR’s TAKE ONE MAKE ONE program.

There is no cost to apply for these special hunts and each hunter is allowed to bring one person to assist him or her if desired. Please indicate if you need a hunting license wavier for this hunt. All hunts will consist of a noon lunch on Friday and hunting on both Friday afternoon and Saturday mornings.
Successful applicants will be notified in early October of their assigned hunt sites and dates and will be provided directions to the location where the noon meal will be held. After lunch, hunters can then follow someone to their respective hunt sites. Lodging is available at a few of the hunt sites so please indicate if you need lodging. Please complete all information on the application and make sure to complete and return the liability wavier form with your application.

UPSTATE MOBILITY IMPAIRED DEER HUNTS – 2009
CHEROKEE, SPARTANBURG & UNION COUNTY HUNT
OCTOBER 23-24, 2009
LIST OF HOSTS
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Dr. Darwin Keller – Keller Property
Mr. Bruce Randolph – Badlands Hunt Club
Mr. Edward Hollingsworth – Hambright Farm
Mr. Dwayne Carroll – Carroll Property
Mr. Benji Peterson – Broken Arrow Hunt Club
Mr. Wayne Cooper – Arcon Land & Timber, LLC
SPARTANBURG COUNTY
Mr. Harold Campbell – Campbell Property
Mr. Lon Alexander – BD Properties
Dr. David Weir – Longbeard Timber Company
Dr. and Mrs. Don McClure – Cow Ford Land Company
Mr. Keith Comer, Jr. – Comer Farm, LLC
Mr. Lamar Fuller – Bull Run Hunt Club
Mr. George D. Johnson, Jr. – Wylie Fork Creek, LLC
Mr. Stewart Johnson – Jimmie’s Creek Farm
Dr. George Graham – Tri G Gun Club
Mr. Will Montgomery – Pine Valley Farm
Mr. Scott Young – Fourth Lane Hunt Club
Mr. John Hayes – Elroma Hunt Club
UNION COUNTY

Mr. Ron Roberts – Beulah Creek Hunt Club
Mr. Wayne Garner – U. S. Sportsmen’s Club
Mr. George D. Johnson, Jr. – Tyger Ranch
Mr. Donnie Loftis – Padgett’s Creek Reserve
Mr. Donnie Loftis – Rabbit Road Hunt Club
Mr. Terry Shockley – Trophy Buck Hunt Club
Mr. Steve Koskela – Laura Lyn Farm
Mr. Walter Oates – Triangle 113 Farm
Mr. Frank Sistare – Fairforest Timber Company
Mr. Edward Hollingsworth – U. S. Sportsmen’s Club
Mr. Bob Jeter – Chufa Ridge Farm, LLC
Mr. Bill Meeks – Hunt Timber Company

Additional hosts may be added prior to the hunt.
UPSTATE MOBILITY IMPAIRED DEER HUNTS – 2009
LAURENS & NEWBERRY COUNTY HUNT
OCTOBER 30-31, 2009
LIST OF HOSTS
LAURENS COUNTY
Dr. Wallace Boyd – Quaker Creek Farm
Mr. Wade Pitts – Pitts Place
Dr. Claude Woollen – Woollen Farm
Mr. Steve Frantz – Southern Timber Associates
Mr. Chris Grant – The Clinton House Plantation
Mr. Charles Blackmon – Blackmon Farm
Mr. Bryson Thomason – Fuller Gray Farm
Mr. Tim Howard – Sugar Flat Hunt Club
Mr. Tex Small – Sundowner Farm
Mr. Tom Hawkins – Hawk’s Nest Hunt Club
Mr. Jim Barnes – Riveroak Properties
Mr. James Pitts – LPW Hunt Club
Mr. Dave Schemm – Triple S Hunt Club
Dr. Derrick Wessinger – Hurricane Hunt Club
Mr. Steve Johnson – Johnson Farm
NEWBERRY COUNTY
Mr. Lee Walsh – Belfast Hunt Club
Mr. Otis Taylor – The Scott Place (TCA)
Mr. Cecil Duffie – Mudlick
Mr. Donnie Loftis – Loftis Hunt Club
Mr. Terry Cotney – Lester Estate
Mr. Paul Cape – Deer Run Hunt Club
Mr. Rusty Harter – Piedmont Conservation Club
Mr. Gary Stephens – Belfast WMA

Additional hosts may be added prior to the hunt.
UPSTATE MOBILITY IMPAIRED DEER HUNTS APPLICATION – 2009
PIEDMONT PRIVATE AREAS
CHEROKEE, SPARTANBURG & UNION AND LAURENS & NEWBERRY COUNTIES
These special hunts are for severely mobility impaired individuals only. The eligibility requirements are very specific and include those who are permanently confined to a wheelchair, permanently require some type of mechanical aid such as a walker, braces, etc. to assist them in walking or have had a single or double leg amputation. If you do not fully and completely meet one of these criteria, do not apply! Applicants can apply for one or both hunt dates. Hunt sites will be assigned by random selection. Answer all applicable questions and please print clearly.
Name ____________________________ Telephone No. __________________ Email ___________________
Address ______________________________________ City, State, Zip _______________________________
Describe Mobility Impairment In Detail ________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Are You a Veteran? ___ Yes ___ No Is Your Mobility Impairment Service Related? ___ Yes ___ No
Check Each That Applies to Your Physical Capabilities and Mobility Impairment:
_____ Permanent Confinement to Wheelchair – How Long? ________________________________________
_____ Permanent Use of Mechanical Aid to Assist in Walking – List Type of Aid (s) ____________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
How Long Has This Aid Been Utilized On a Full-Time (Permanent) Basis? ______________________
___ Amputee (Check): ___ Right Leg ___ Left Leg ___ Both Legs Utilize Prosthesis? ___ Yes ___ No
List Any Special Needs For Assistance (Heavy Power Wheelchairs and etc.) __________________________
Where Did You Hunt Last Year? ____________________ Hunting License Wavier Needed? ___ Yes ___ No
Overnight Lodging Needed? ___ Yes ___ No Bringing Someone to Assist You? ___ Yes ___ No
Indicate First and Second Preference of Hunt Dates and Counties
___ Oct. 23-24 in Cherokee, Spartanburg & Union Cos. ___ Oct. 30-31 in Laurens & Newberry Cos.
Applications are available at the DNR website at www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting/mobilityhunt. Applications can
also be copied but make sure you complete and return the liability wavier form with your application. All applications must be received at the Union DNR office by 5:00 pm, Monday, September 21, 2009.
RETURN TO: SCDNR – MOBILITY IMPAIRED DEER HUNTS
124 WILDLIFE DRIVE
UNION, S. C. 29379
(864) 427–5140 or FAX (864) 427-8460
LIABILITY WAIVER FORM
I understand that there are risks and dangers inherent in participating in hunting activities. I also understand that in order to be allowed to participate, I must give up my rights to hold liable the State of South Carolina and its agency the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and all cooperating hosts, sponsors and landowners who accommodate special DNR hunts for any injury or damage which I may suffer while participating in a Department of Natural Resources draw hunt.
Knowing this, and in consideration of being permitted to participate, I hereby voluntarily release the State of South Carolina and its agency the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and cooperating hosts, sponsors and landowners from any liability resulting from or arising out of my participation in the draw hunt.
I understand and agree that I am releasing not only the entities set forth in the two paragraphs above, but also the officers, agents, and employees of those entities.
I understand and agree that this release will have the effect of releasing, discharging, waiving, and forever relinquishing any and all actions or causes of action that I may have or have had, whether past, present, or future, whether known or unknown, and whether anticipated or unanticipated by me, arising out of my participation. This release constitutes a complete release, discharge, and waiver of any and all actions or causes of action against the State of South Carolina and its agency the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and its officers, agents, or employees and cooperating hosts, sponsors and landowners.
I understand and agree that this release applies to personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death, which I may suffer, even if caused by the acts or omissions of others.
I understand and agree that by signing this release, I am assuming full responsibility for any and all risk of death or personal injury or property damage suffered by me while participating in the draw hunt.
I understand that and agree that this release will be binding on me, my spouse, my heirs, my personal representatives, my assigns, my children and guardian ad litem for said children.
I understand and agree that by signing this release, I am to release, indemnify and hold the State of South Carolina and its agency the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and its officers, agents, or employees and cooperating hosts, sponsors and landowners harmless from any and all liability or costs, including attorney fees, associated with or arising from my participation in the draw hunt.
Applicant Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________ ______
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
City: ________________________ State: ____________________ Zip Code: ________________________
Emergency Contact: __________________________ Telephone: __________________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature: ___________________________ Date: _________________________________ (If applicant is under age 16)

Pheasant hunt for disabled in Minnesota

by help4hunters

September 30, 2009

MN Pheasant Hunt

We put on a pheasant  hunt for disabled in Minnesota called the MN broken wing.  It is a free event for the hunter and guest for 3 days.

For more info contact:

Doug Bermel
Coordinator MN Broken Wing
dabermel@hotmail.com
612-750-2826

Potomac State College Challenged West Virginia Hunts

by help4hunters

September 30, 2009

WV Hunt
I am a forestry faculty member at  a small college in West Virginia.  Our

college operates two farms, and we would like to have a small (6-10 hunters)

challenged hunt on one of our farms.  The hunt is tentatively planned for Oct

31.  If there is any information or assistance you could provide I would greatly

appreciate it.
 
Thanks,
 
 
Jeff Jones
Assistant Professor of Forestry
Potomac State College of WVU
101 Fort Ave  Box 78
(304)788-6986
jwjones@mail.wvu.edu

Handicapped Hunts for Iowa Residents

by help4hunters

September 30, 2009

 

I started Handicapable Hunters in Iowa over 10 years ago. I have moved to Battle

Creek, Iowa and am now the pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church. If you know of

anyone with a disability in Iowa who wants to go deer hunting feel free to give

them my contact info. I can be reached at pastorpotluck@yahoo.com. There is no

cost for the use of our adaptive equipment. The rules are simple. The hunter is

responsible for transportation, all licenses and tags, lodging, food, firearm (

we only have equipment for shotguns and muzzleloaders for quads), bow if they

have upper body capabilities, and whatever medical care they might need. We

provide a place to hunt on public land and supply a blind, the equipment for

shooting if needed, help to drag out the deer, butcher it (boned out steaks,

roast, and deer burger) and fellowship. Oh yeah they’ll need an ice chest to

take the meat home. If you know of anyone have them give me an email and we’ll

get them hunting.
 
Randall D. Cormeny
Iowa
pastorpotluck@yahoo.com

Streamlight Challenged Hunter of the Year Award nominations to start

by help4hunters

September 30, 2009

Streamlight Challenged Hunter of the Year Award

If you would like to nominate a disabled or ill hunter for the Streamlight Challenged Hunter of the Year Award please get your application at http://www.badf.org/Resources/PDFs/tabid/163/Default.aspx

The winner participated in the 2010 Buckmasters Life Hunt Classic in January.

First Fidelity Reserve to Sponsor 2010 NRA Bianchi Cup

by Mike Bell

September 30, 2009

As a shooter and hunter, Im always happy to see those in the corporate world supportive of gun owners.  If First Fidelity Reserve can ever find a place in your investment plans, please remember that they are supporting gun owners and shooting families as a major sponsor of one of the biggest shooting events we have.
COLUMBIA, MO – First Fidelity Reserve (FFR) has announced they will expand their NRA sponsorship by becoming a major sponsor of the NRA National Action Pistol Championship, also known as the NRA Bianchi Cup, set to take place in Columbia, Missouri, from May 26-29, 2010. FFR was also the sponsor of the 2009 NRA National Pistol Championships at Camp Perry.

First Fidelity Reserve will sponsor the Practical Event of the NRA Bianchi Cup and plans to provide $15,000 in cash and prizes. FFR’s CEO Jason Whitney, who will be attending the Championship, said, “Out of all the areas within the NRA (legislative, sporting, fundraising) that we support both locally and nationally, the shooting competitions are by far the most exciting and fun. And, as always, we’re proud that the NRA asked us to be a part of Bianchi Cup!”

Since its inception in 1979, the NRA Bianchi Cup has retained its original course of fire, consisting of four events: Practical, Barricade, Moving Target and Falling Plates. Speed and accuracy are the key to winning the Championship. Each event is timed and worth 480 points, equaling a total of 1920 possible points. Action pistol competitors are permitted to use a two-handed grip, and competitors must start with their guns holstered. This dynamic type of competition makes the match more appealing to spectators.

First Fidelity Reserve is a leading provider of Bullion and Rare Coins to tens of thousands of collectors and numismatic professionals. The Beaumont, Texas, based investment company is known internationally for their knowledge of investing in collectable coins and serves as the Market Maker in certified United States coins, such as Type II and Type III Liberty Double Eagles and the renowned Indian Head and $3.00 Princess designs of early 1900, as well as key date numismatic treasure in the gold, platinum and silver American Eagle family of coins. FFR also provides a variety of informative publications, newsletters, and other educational material on coin collecting.

“The NRA Competitive Shooting Division is pleased to welcome First Fidelity Reserve as a sponsor of the 2010 NRA Bianchi Cup,” said Mike Krei, Director of NRA’s Competitive Shooting Division. “We are excited to have FFR sponsor another NRA Competitive Shooting championship and appreciate their dedication to our championships, competitive shooting sports and generous support to the 2010 NRA Bianchi Cup.”

For more information on the 2010 NRA Bianchi Cup, or the NRA Action Shooting Program, contact Tom Hughes at 703-267-1451, or by email, BianchiCup@nrahq.org. For more information on NRA Competitive Shooting Sponsorships, please visit www.nrasportsponsors.com or contact Woody Arenas in the NRA Competitive Shooting Division at 703-267-1469 or by email, warenas@nrahq.org. To learn more about First Fidelity Reserve, visit www.firstfidelityreserve.com.

Contact:
Kyle Jillson kjillson@nrahq.org or (703) 267-1595

Iridium And GHL Acquisition Close Transaction

by Mike Bell

September 30, 2009

The Outdoor Wire reports:
BETHESDA, MD, and NEW YORK, NY – Iridium Holdings LLC (”Iridium Holdings”) and GHL Acquisition Corp. (”GHL Acquisition”) today announced the close of their transaction. Effective immediately, GHL Acquisition’s new name is Iridium Communications Inc. (”Iridium”), trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbols IRDM (common stock), IRDMW (warrants) and IRDMU (units). Additionally, Iridium announces the close of its offering of 16,000,000 newly issued shares of common stock.

“This is an important milestone in the life of Iridium, as we take the first critical step toward securing the funding required for development and launch of our next generation satellite constellation, becoming a public company and establishing the transparency expected of a company that serves the critical interests of businesses globally,” said Matthew J. Desch, chief executive officer of Iridium. “I especially want to thank the extraordinary team of Iridium employees and our growing network of value-added partners who are the driving force behind Iridium’s success, as well as our investors for their faith in us.”

“Iridium is a strong company and an innovative competitor,” said Robert H. Niehaus, chairman of the board of directors of Iridium. “Today, with the close of this transaction, Iridium has a market cap of more than $785 million and a strong balance sheet with substantial cash. It marks the beginning of a very exciting time in the life of this very dynamic company.”

About Iridium
Iridium is the only provider of mobile satellite communications services offering 100% global coverage. Iridium’s constellation operates in a low-earth orbit and its satellite network provides communication services to regions of the world not served by wireless or wireline networks. Iridium offers voice and data communications services to the U.S. and foreign governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations and consumers via its constellation of 66 in-orbit satellites, seven in-orbit spares and related ground infrastructure. Iridium’s commercial end-user base includes the emergency services, maritime, government, utilities, oil and gas, mining, leisure, forestry, construction and transportation markets. Iridium’s products and related applications are installed in unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, commercial aircrafts, marine vessels, and ground vehicles. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next generation constellation, Iridium NEXT, which will support new and existing Iridium product and service offerings. Iridium is headquartered in Bethesda, MD.

Forward-Looking Statements and Other Disclosure
This press release contains, and Iridium’s management may make, certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipates,” “may,” “can,” “believes,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “likely,” “will,” “to be” and other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends or prospects identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Iridium to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, whether the closing conditions will be satisfied (including receipt of regulatory approvals), as well as industry, market and economic conditions, and competitive, legal, governmental and technological factors. There is no assurance that Iridium’s expectations will be realized. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Iridium’s underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Iridium’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release or as of the date they are made, and, except as required by law, Iridium undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Contact:
Liz DeCastro, Iridium Communications Inc. (301) 571-6257 liz.decastro@iridium.com

Salmon On The Klamath?

by Greg L Johnson

September 30, 2009

The plight of salmon in the Pacific Northwest and along the coast is well known, what hasn’t been quite as evident is what, if anything can be done about it. Restoring an historic salmon breeding ground certainly couldn’t hurt, and a possible agreement reached today regarding dams on Oregon’s Klamath River would be a big step in that direction.

Dams along the Klamath River that are blocking salmon could be removed by 2020, in an agreement announced Wednesday.

The 28 parties that have been negotiating the fate of the four Klamath River Dams released the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement. In coming weeks Klamath Basin Tribes, counties, conservation groups, fishing groups, and farming and ranching organizations will consider the pros and cons of the agreement and decide whether or not to support it.

That means there are still a large number of people who have to agree to pay for and do this, but the importance of salmon to the economies of the area would make you think that this is a move that pretty much everyone will support.

“Once we decided to stop fighting and start talking, we realized the opportunities provided by collaboration and coalition building,” said Jeff Mitchell, council member for the Klamath Tribes of Oregon. “We haven’t seen salmon in our country for 90 years; this agreement represents our best chance of finally bringing the salmon home to the Upper Basin.”

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