A SMALL VICTORY

Credit can seem to be a gift at times, but far too often it becomes a rope that many people hang themselves with. I've been somewhat responsible over the years paying my bills; though not always perfect, my record is sufficiently good that companies are still willing to loan me piles of money.

But several months ago, I came to the decision that I wanted to carry as little debt as possible. Though I have a salary sufficient to pay my bills, I've lived too long with monthly payments that seemed to never end. And due to some life changes I'd hoped to make, it was paramount to bring my monthly expenses down in such a manner that I wasn't wasting 10-20% of my monthly salary on interest payments.

After hearing Dave Ramsey's radio program for a few weeks, I decided that much of his advice was rather sound. Though I've not been starving myself on beans and rice, I have cut down my recreational spending significantly and put those funds towards killing off debt.

Last month was a milestone: paying of one of my two credit cards. Today was another - a few moments ago, Kawasaki was paid off and I officially own my motorcycle. I've still one thing left to pay off, but having the others taken care of frees up even more money to quickly erase my final debt. I expect I can be completely debt-free within the next 12-16 weeks.

The last bike payment was significant; I'd looked forward to this day for several months. Not only to own the bike, but to be free of the billing cycle. In light of recent events in life, though... somehow the victory is bittersweet.

I suppose it's a victory nonetheless.

BEST OF CINCINNATI

Four places in or near Cincinnati that you might not be aware of, but should be:

BEST GUN STORE:
Peterson's Gun Shop
11338 Reading Rd, Sharonville


When you tire of looking at endless rows of the latest tactical offerings that debuted at SHOT and wish for something a bit different - drive over to Peterson's for a real treat. While they do have a respectable collection of new handguns, it's the items inside the back counter that you should spend some time studying. You'll likely find a treasure or two, whether you're looking for a vintage revolver or a more modern used weapon.

The pricing is fair, and the store offers 90-day layaway. If you're concerned about the reliability of their used guns - don't be. They have a gunsmith on premises to examine things before they're offered for sale, and offer a money-back guarantee on their used guns.

It's a small shop, and may not look like much from the street... you may have even driven past it and not noticed it. Nor do they do heavy radio advertising like the large store/range just down the road. But their large, unique selection and great personable service make it the perfect destination on a Saturday morning.

BEST INDOOR RANGE:
Shooter's Supply
3450 Richardson Rd, Independence KY


Shooter's is relatively new to the scene, and I'll admit a bit of trepidation in revealing their location... they almost seem like a well-kept secret; a place that real gun owners go to shoot with others of their kind, instead of having to deal with long lines and the occasional questionable customers at the range a few miles north of Petersons. ;)

To be fair, I've done a lot of shooting at TargetWorld. The staff is very friendly, and I'll quickly admit they've always treated me more than fairly - both when I've used their range or purchased guns. But as with many things, popularity tends to bring population - and on many weekends, waiting 30-60 mins for a lane is not unheard of. Also unfortunate is the condition of the range. It's not uncommon for multiple lanes to be "down", and the customers range from older gentlemen with excellent skills, to college kids perfecting their spray-and-pray technique.

Such is not the case at Shooter's.

The range has excellent lighting and plenty of room behind the firing line. It's kept cleaner than your basement, and I've yet to see a lane out-of-service. You'll find your fellow shooters will be a bit more mature in their attitude and safety practices, as well quite friendly should a conversation arise.

Extra bonus: if you reload, you'll have no problem sweeping up your brass as there's nothing cluttering up the range and most customers I've seen are very good about policing their own brass. Finally - if you enjoy shooting rifles larger than rimfire, Shooter's may be just your ticket. While they don't allow higher-velocity rounds such as 22-250, feel free to bring your .223 AR15.

While the store doesn't have the the wealth of inventory ala TargetWorld, you'll find that their range is worth the drive.

BEST SUSHI:
Wild Ginger Asian Bistro
3655 Edwards Road, Cincinnati


For years, I had a rule about eating seafood in the Midwest: I didn't. Growing up 30 minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico gives one a different opinion of "fresh seafood" compared to the fare in Ohio. But every rule has an exception, and in this case it's in Norwood.

It's fresh, it's tasty, and the prices are - well, strangely affordable. It's fairly packed around lunchtime, so if you're hoping for some quiet conversation over a Spicy Tuna Roll - prepare to hear quite a few conversations in addition to your own. However, once the food arrives you'll have little time to talk... the flavors will win the contest of talk vs eat.

If you happen to have a lunch partner that doesn't enjoy the perfection that is raw seafood - not to worry, as there's also an extensive menu of noodle and rice dishes. I highly recommend the Thai Garlic Chicken. PF Chang's does have its merits, and Bangkok Bistro does have a loyal following... but if you truly want the best Asian food, you'll be at Wild Ginger.

BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT:
Shadowbox Cabaret
Newport on the Levee, Newport


Shadowbox isn't a bar with live entertainment; more accurately, it's a theatre that happens to serve drinks. While I could type a couple of paragraphs describing the stellar entertainment value, I really wouldn't be able to do it justice. It may be the best live music and sketch comedy presentation you'll ever see in Cincinnati.

If you're hoping to impress your date/girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse (and don't mind more adult-oriented humor) Shadowbox is hands-down going to earn you some Cool Points. But consider yourself warned... if you're anything like me, don't be surprised when you go from being a "first timer" to nearly an "all the damned timer".

Note: this list is Bethy-approved.

MR. 9/11

Morning exchange via MSN...

Bethy: I think I may vomit.
(link)

thorn: btw
thorn: did you know that Giuliani was Mayor of NYC on 9/11?

Bethy: really? i should vote for him then.
Bethy: but....
Bethy: did he walk thru the rubble?

thorn: i believe he may have even seen people working in rubble

Bethy: no!
Bethy: that makes him my president.

thorn; in fact, he may even know barney rubble.

Bethy: well I'm glad my decision is made

RANDOM UPDATE

November was a rather busy month for me, so please forgive my lack of posting. When I wasn't occupied with daily life, I was suffering from writer's block. That still may be the case, but I'll make the effort anyway...

• I've created a new channel on LiveVideo. Currently there are two videos related to the Walther P99 - one discussing the AS trigger, and the other demonstrating how to perform a slide strip for detailed cleaning. Check them out... hopefully they'll be helpful to someone out there.
  
  
• New addition to Notable Sites: Somewhat Intelligent. Clay is a fan of Ron Paul and Walthers, as well as a Florida resident. I wonder if we're related... but I do fear he could also be a Gator fan. Hm. For now, enjoy his postings while he begins to discover the superiority of the Florida State Seminoles. ;)
  
  
• Old news that you've already heard, but I feel compelled to mention: On November 5, Ron Paul raised over $4.2 Million Dollars during the one-day fundraiser. Tres cool, no? One wonders at what point the media and America will start realizing the man is a viable, real candidate.
  
  
• Layaway is wonderfully evil... expect a picture or two in the coming weeks.
  

DOMAIN NAME CHANGE

Small site-related update... on the off-chance that you've bookmarked this page, you can now find it at my newly-registered address:

http://www.gunpowder-treason.com/

Using the older blogspot URL will continue to work and just redirect here. So since I'm still using Blogger for posting and the URL is redirecting, what's the point of getting the domain name in the first place?

I'm not sure, except I like the solidity of having it published under my own address. It was a good enough reason for me. ;)

Well - that's all for now. Busy day ahead. I've got to give my FFL a call and go to the post office to mail a money order to a gentleman in Louisiana.

NEW LINK ADDITION

There are many blogs out there; the ones worth reading are far outnumbered by the ones you can safely ignore. Faisca's site is definitely worth your time to take a look at. I hope you'll find his observations as well-written as I have.