Finding Yourself a Bit Rusty at the Range?

If so, here's a handy shooter's chart to help you diagnose whatever might be wrong with your stance, your grip, or your point-of-aim. Or maybe all three:

FInally: An Actual Use for Selfies

Alaska State Troopers encourage lifesaving selfies for backcountry travelers


Alaska State Troopers are looking for your selfies -- those ubiquitous self-portraits, usually snapped with smartphone cameras, that make up countless Facebook profile pictures and online avatars.

But they don't want selfies snapped in bedrooms or bathrooms, in the privacy of your own home. They're suggesting Alaskans take a selfie right before heading out into the backcountry, as a way to account for their whereabouts.



Such a photo, troopers say, could save your life.

Troopers spokesperson Beth Ipsen said that although the advice to snap a selfie is new, it's actually part of a larger push to encourage those venturing into the backcountry to fill out a "wilderness trip plan," a form that she said has been around for "quite a while." The form can be found on the Department of Public Safety website.

Ipsen suggested Alaskans leave a printout of the wilderness plan on the dashboard of their vehicle, on their kitchen counter, or with someone reliable who can notify authorities if the traveler hasn't returned at a planned time. It asks for basic information -- birthdate, address, expected departure and arrival dates, method of travel and the type of gear being carried.

The selfie is an added tool, Ipsen said, and the snapshot should be taken and texted right before you head into the woods. It can show details the form can't: the design of a helmet or jacket, decals on a snowmachine or other identifiers.

"What is nice about the selfie is that it can be taken at the beginning of an outing and it is a recent photograph," Ipsen said. "If I don't show up to work on Monday, there's a picture of the clothes I was wearing, the machine I was riding, and any tiny bit of information can help."

 

The One Where I Try to Be Helpful

My older daughter is a pharmacy tech, I manage a large medical office building, and my wife works for the CEO of a local hospital.

We hear enough about other people's symptoms, and note that everyone struggles with a way to describe various aches and pains.

With that in mind, I present a pain chart to simplify things.

You're welcome.

Too Warm ... Slow News ... Helpful Hints

It's 84 degrees at mi casa, or about 10 degrees too warm for our comfort.

Fortunately, there's a stiff breeze blowing - and AccuHunch reckons we'll be about 10 degrees cooler tomorrow. That's welcome news.

* * * * *

I've been perusing the local news stories, and there's nothing of more than local interest: the University selected a new men's hockey coach ... people are trying to stay cool ... our state bird, the Southcentral Mosquito, has launched a new offensive & local stores are running out of bug spray ...

And then there's this, for travelers:

If you're planning on catching an Alaska Air flight out of Seattle anytime soon, get to the airport early. The Seattle Times is offering further tips for making sure you get to your plane on time.

Remember that any of the TSA checkpoints at Sea-Tac will let you get to any of the departure gates.  So look for the shortest line.  If you’re with more than one person, divide up to check the security lines then phone each other and head to the shortest one.

Some of the busiest times are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. when a lot of Alaska flights leave  (Alaska is the biggest carrier at Sea-Tac).  For your peace of mind, allow even more than two hours to get through the ticket counter/baggage check/security lines at such times. If you’re really early, you can always get a snack or shop by the gates.

Seems obvious to me, but if you're looking for any edge you can get, then help yourself & read it.
Just call me Mr. Fix-it.

No, not this one:

 This one:

A Good Police Story

I haven't been complimentary toward the Anchorage Police Department often, but I have to report something good.

When I wrecked my truck on Tuesday, I immediately informed the Fire Dept and police personnel that there were two firearms in the truck - both inside zipped cases.

The APD officer first on scene secured both weapons, and told me I could go to HQ later to claim them. Not my favorite thing, but okay.

Later, while I was still being evaluated in the E.R., he stopped by to give me back my license, and spoke with my wife about putting the pistols in her car, instead. He explained that if he had to register them at HQ, it would mean "two and a half or three hours of paperwork", and thanked her profusely for being available to take them home.

I can't tell you how much I appreciated knowing that the pistols would be at home, awaiting my return, instead in police lock-up someplace.

APD, you did right by me, and I appreciate it! Thank you.