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The Spool Tool

January 13th, 2018

The Spool Tool is actually a pretty nifty little device. Made by Veteran-owned Tricore LLC, the Spool Tool is an idea born of the field, a multifunctional device for stowing and working on 550 paracord. It holds up to 100 ft of cord, and features fusing notches, a replaceable cutting blade, and a notch for holding a BIC lighter.

spooltool.com

DoubleStar International Announces the Brimstone Folding Knife

January 12th, 2018

An Every Day Carry folder with exceptional value and a uniquely designed pommel for comfort, positive grip and looks.

Winchester, Ky. (January 2018) – DoubleStar International, a division of DoubleStar Corp, manufacturers of high-quality, US-made AR components, rifles and pistols, is pleased to announce the launch of the Brimstone Folding Knife. Imported everyday carry folding knives are available everywhere, but not all of them have the versatility and quality construction you find in the Brimstone Folding Knife. DoubleStar has collaborated with Mike Vellekamp of V Nives, LLC to develop the Brimstone Folding Knife to look and feel like a custom knife without the custom price or wait.

“Mike has worked with some of the best knife companies in our industry, including Spyderco®, Blade-Tech™, 5.11 Tactical® and as an owner and co-founder of FOX Knives. He is truly passionate about knife design and has provided his genius to the development of many edged tools throughout his illustrious career. It is truly an honor to work with him on the Brimstone Folding Knife for our customers,” said Robert Cabrera, Director and Designer of DoubleStar Corp.’s Edged Weapon Division.

Vellekamp has 25 years of production knife-making and design experience, bringing this knowledge and expertise to his company V Nives.

Brimstone Folding Knife Specifications:

Steel: D2 Tool Steel
Overall Length: 8”
Edge Length: 3.5”
Blade Weight: 3.4 oz.
Boxed Weight: 7.1 oz.
Handle Material:
Machined G10
Handle Length: 4.75”
Folder Type: Liner lock
Liner Material: Steel
Finish: Satin or black coated
MSRP:$74.99

For more information on DoubleStar, visit star15.com.

Full Size POV Cap Mount For GoPro HERO On Kickstarter

January 11th, 2018

NVD mounting plate adapters for GoPro cameras exists, so why not a mount specific for a standard ball cap? Luckily, Los Angeles-based SIDEKICK Mounts is covering this, with their Full Size POV Cap Mount, currently up for funding on Kickstarter. While there are GoPro mounting options for ball caps currently available, this one looks simple yet effective, securing in place with Velcro, and fully encompasses the camera body.

In addition to the GoPro Hero series, SIDEKICK is also offering mounts for the BeHD and SJCamHD cameras, because the market loves variety.

You can check out the Kickstarter campaign here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/1170280359/sidekick-mounts-for-gopro-behd-and-sjcamhd/

World Champion Shooter Julie Golob Targets Firearm Safety with Children’s Book

January 10th, 2018

Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules: A Children’s Book About Gun Safety hits online stores

KANSAS CITY, MO (January 4, 2018) – Author Julie Golob is a prominent voice for sharing safe, responsible gun ownership throughout the firearms industry and beyond. Golob is a decorated multi-time world and national champion, an Army veteran, and a mother of two, and her newest book, Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules: A Children’s Book About Gun Safety, encourages families to begin having conversations about firearms with children at a young age.

Julie_Childrens_Book_Nov2017.indd

There are millions of guns in the United States alone. Despite how polarizing the media and politics make the topic of firearms, Golob emphasizes that we must talk with our children about guns and firearm safety to protect them and help prevent deaths and injuries. Her book Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules helps parents break the ice with kids on this taboo topic.

Golob’s career as a competitive shooter (she holds more than 50 world and national titles), military service, and expertise as a firearms instructor helped prepare her to write her first children’s book.

“I’ve been around firearms and the shooting sports all my life. As a mother of two young children, I wrote Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules to continue to teach my daughters about guns and firearm safety at a young age. My goal is to provide parents this educational resource to help encourage an open conversation with kids, because gun safety is for everyone.”

Throughout the 40-page book, Golob uses colorful and realistic imagery, illustrated by Nancy Batra, to inspire vital conversations about guns—starting by comparing firearms to other potentially dangerous adult tools. Parents and children can view some of the many different types of firearms and what they can look like. Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules provides parents with the opportunity to educate curious minds about how firearms work, call out the most dangerous parts of a gun, and identify adults children might know and encounter who safely and responsibly use firearms.

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In addition, Golob provides a useful guide for parents on how to make the most out of the book, so that they can answer questions and establish family and home rules regarding firearms. Coloring printouts and additional free resources are also available at kidsgunsafetybook.com.

Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules: A Children’s Book About Gun Safety is available through Amazon.com. Visit kidsgunsafetybook.com for more information.

Air Venturi Receives Official Springfield Armory® License

January 9th, 2018

CLEVELAND, OHIO (January 9, 2018) Air Venturi, a leading manufacturer and importer of airguns and airsoft guns is proud to announce it has secured exclusive worldwide rights to offer officially-licensed replicas from the iconic firearm manufacturer Springfield Armory®.

“By partnering with Springfield Armory®, Air Venturi is able to put the most historically significant firearm designs into the hands of airgunners, replica enthusiasts and airsoft fans alike” said Val Gamerman, President of Air Venturi. “Springfield Armory® has a rich 240 year history in firearms and we look forward to developing air-powered pistols and rifles that reflect the same level of quality and performance that customers have grown accustomed to from this revered brand.”

“With the introduction of the Springfield Armory’s name into the airgun and airsoft gun industry, we are ushering in a new era in our long-standing history in the shooting sports industry,” stated Steve McKelvain, Springfield Armory® President. “By partnering with Air Venturi, we will continue our tradition of developing products that are loyal to Springfield Armory’s heritage while ensuring The Armory’s place in the progression of American firearms and now, airguns and airsoft.”

Launching in 2018, Air Venturi will be offering replica pistols and rifles that define the Springfield Armory® legacy – the XD, XD(M) and 1911 series pistols, the Saint Edge AR-15 rifle and the iconic M1A.

Retailers are invited to learn more about this groundbreaking partnership by visiting the Springfield Armory® and Air Venturi booth, #2007 at the 2018 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

# # #

About Air Venturi

Air Venturi is manufacturer and exclusive importer for international airgun, ammo and accessory manufacturers such as: Air Arms, Beeman, Evanix, Feinwerkbau, Haendler & Natermann, Kral Arms, Mantis, Seneca, Springfield Armory and Western Justice. We also carry a full line of airgun products from leading manufacturers including: AirForce, Anschutz, Ataman, Benjamin, Beretta, Browning, BSA, Colt, Crosman, Daisy, Diana, Gamo, Hawke, Smith & Wesson, Tanfoglio, Umarex, Walther, Webley, Weihrauch, Winchester and many more. For more information, visit us at airventuri.com.

About Springfield Armory®

In 1794, the original Springfield Armory was designated as our national armory by General George Washington, and began manufacturing muskets for the defense of our young, free Republic. This monumental institution went on to serve as a think tank for developing innovative firearms concepts and producing some of the most storied rifle platforms in our country’s history. The Armory functioned as a firearms supplier for every major American conflict until 1968 when the government sadly closed its doors. In 1974, two centuries after its inception, Springfield Armory Inc. in Geneseo, IL revived the iconic heritage of the Armory to carry on its legacy and restore the Springfield Armory name.

Springfield Armory Inc. engineers, manufactures and assembles their legendary M1A™, 1911 and SAINT® AR-15 lines of firearms in Geneseo, Illinois. Since 2001, Springfield Armory has enjoyed a strategic, collaborative partnership with the state-of-the-art factory in Croatia working hand-in-hand to develop and engineer the multiple award-winning line of XD® polymer pistols that have become staples in the US marketplace. We strive to honor this responsibility as guardians of the original Springfield Armory legacy by manufacturing the highest quality firearms to enable responsible citizens to preserve their right to keep and bear arms in the defense of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

With an unmatched emphasis on craftsmanship, performance and exceptional customer service, our mission is to forge superior firearms and provide the tools necessary to defend individual freedoms and equality for those who embrace the rights and principles secured by our Founding Fathers. For more information, please visit us at: springfield-armory.com.

Umarex to Exhibit at 2018 SHOT Show

January 8th, 2018

FORT SMITH, AR (January 8th, 2018) – Umarex USA, Inc., is pleased to announce its exhibition at the 2018 Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Umarex will be exhibiting in booth number 15062 and would be pleased for attendees of this year’s show to stop by and check out their displays and exciting, new products that will be shipping into the market this year.

Each new year brings about a number of new products from Umarex and 2018 is no exception. Among the displays you’ll be able to view and handle a variety of products that will include the Axeon Second Zero, .50 caliber Umarex Hammer® air rifle, Ruger Yukon Magnum, Walther Air Rifles, GLOCK® airgun and airsoft pistols, Optical Dynamics long distance lights and a variety of new airsoft guns from Elite Force.

Umarex USA will also have two shooting bays at Industry Day at the Range on Monday prior to the start of SHOT Show. Join them at both their Axeon Optics and Umarex Airguns shooting bays. The Axeon Second Zero will be available for media persons and buyers to experience the instant engagement of an additional zero without calculating hold over. On the airgun range buyers and media can shoot the ever popular Umarex Gauntlet and send a .50 caliber projectile down range while nestled behind the powerful, big game hunter called the Umarex Hammer®.

Umarex sporting airguns, optics, long distance lights, and accessories are available at local sporting goods dealers and retail locations around the world. Sporting goods dealers may order Umarex products from many established outdoor goods distributors.

About UMAREX

The UMAREX Corporate Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of over-the-counter firearm replicas and the largest importer of airguns in Europe. Its range of products comprises guns for defense and leisure time as well as sporting arms, airsoft guns, steel goods and top quality LED lighting devices. Founded in 1972, the company located in Arnsberg is now run by the second generation of the two founding families. An Austrian subsidiary with headquarters in Niederndorf and the company, Umarex USA, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, also belong to the Corporate Group. Together they maintain the group’s global presence through an extensive network of distribution partners. For more information about UMAREX Corporate Group visit UMAREX.com.

About UMAREX USA

Umarex USA, Incorporated is one of North America’s fastest growing outdoor sport and recreation companies. Umarex USA innovates, develops and markets products under brands owned or licensed by its parent company, UMAREX GmbH & Co. KG. Such brands include Axeon Optics™, Beretta®, Browning®, Colt®, Elite Force®, GLOCK®, Heckler & Koch®, Hornady®, IWI®, Optical Dynamics™, Ruger®, RWS®, Smith & Wesson®, UMAREX®, Walther® and others. For additional information regarding Umarex USA visit UmarexUSA.com.

Perseverance Survival – Pancho Liner Hoodie

January 7th, 2018

The ‘liner, wet weather, poncho’, affectionately known to many as the Woobie, is one of the greatest and most beloved military-issued goods of all time. Perseverance Survival has taken the classic Woobie, and fashioned it into a hoodie. As the hoodies are made of re-purposed pancho liners, logic would dictate they’re made of a 100% nylon exterior with a 100% polyester filling. The hoodie also features a draw cord, and a standard kangaroo pocket.

The Pancho Liner Hoodie is currently available in three colorways: Coyote Tan, MARPAT, and Woodland.

perseverancesurvival.com/bags

The Q – How to Make Cardboard Sniper Rifle Model That Shoots

January 6th, 2018

Honestly, that magazine design is pretty brilliant.

You can check out more of The Q’s videos at their YouTube channel here.

James Yeager Announces New YouTube Channel

January 5th, 2018

Last month, James Yeager was kicked off of Youtube. But he accepts that he needs Youtube, stating that it’s the second most powerful search engine on earth after Google.? While he pursues alternatives, he’s set up shop at a new Youtube address.

He claims that in its previous incarnation, you only got him at 75%, which was still more than they could handle. While he will still offer product reviews and tactical tips, he plans to throttle it back to 25% this time.

The plan is to reach the masses via Youtube and say what he really wants to at libertv.com. Eventually, he hopes that his libertv project will include others.

This article was originally featured on SSD.

Air Venturi to Release World’s First Frangible BB Ammo

January 4th, 2018

CLEVELAND, OHIO (January 4, 2018) Air Venturi, the leading manufacturer and importer of airgun, airsoft, and ammunition brands, is proud to announce the release of the revolutionary Dust Devil BBs, the world’s first frangible .177 caliber BB. Dust Devils are 10% faster than traditional steel BBs and shatter on impact with hardened targets for reducing ricochets and providing an overall safer shooting experience.

“Made right here in the USA, this new patent pending ammo is designed for dynamic shooting sessions where shooters don’t have to worry about ricochet,” says Paul Milkovich, Air Venturi’s Director of Business Development. “While frangible ammo has been popular with firearm shooters for decades, Air Venturi is the first company to produce a BB that leaves ricochets in the dust. Dust Devils are BBs perfected and we’re sure backyard plinkers and indoor shooters will take notice.”

Dust Devil BBs disintegrate into tiny fragments that safely crumble and fall, instead of sending rounds bouncing back at the shooter. Its proprietary blend of special alloys create a round that shoots 10% faster and is completely lead-free. Adding to Air Venturi’s wide assortment of air guns, airsoft guns and ammunition, Dust Devil BBs will be available beginning in March 2018.

For additional information on the new Air Venturi frangible ammo, contact Air Venturi Marketing Manager, Kristen Coss by email: kristen.coss@airventuri.com, or phone: 216-292-2570 ext. 253.

www.airventuri.com/av/featured-products/dust-devil-bbs

GLOCK Expands the Fifth Generation Pistol Family

January 3rd, 2018


SMYRNA, GA. – Jan 2, 2018 GLOCK, Inc., announces today the addition of the GLOCK 26 and the GLOCK 34 Modular Optic System (MOS) to the Generation 5 pistol family, bringing the number of 9×19 caliber pistols in the Gen5 family to four.

The G26 Gen5 and G34 Gen5 MOS continue the evolution of perfection with over twenty design changes to distinguish them from their Gen4 predecessors. Through rigorous testing and development, GLOCK has combined the historical reliability and trust in the brand with precisely-engineered design changes to meet the demand of consumers world-wide.

“The development of our Gen5 pistols was the result of the constant pursuit of perfection and a desire to meet the requests of the consumer market,” said GLOCK, Inc. VP Josh Dorsey. “We have combined the standards of high-level performance and reliability with distinctive design enhancements to improve durability, accuracy, and performance. The benefits enhance the shooter experience at the range and in high-stress situations where fractions of a second matter.”

Among the design enhancements are the GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) which delivers increased accuracy with enhanced polygonal rifling and an improved barrel crown, no finger grooves, ambidextrous slide stop levers for better versatility and control, and an nDLC finish, which is a tougher and more durable finish that is exclusive to the GLOCK manufacturing process.
The G26 Gen5 and the G34 Gen5 MOS will be available on dealer shelves beginning January 22nd, 2018.

For more information about the new generation of GLOCK pistols, contact GLOCK, Inc., or go to us.glock.com.

Humble Comics Bundle – Judge Dredd

January 2nd, 2018

Humble Bundle has partnered with IDW and AD 2000, and is offering a Judge Dredd Humble Comics Bundle. With this bundle, you can get up to $224 worth of digital Judge Dredd comics, including great stories such as Mega City Zero, Blessed Earth, and Dredd: Urban Warfare, which takes place in the same continuity as the awesome Dredd movie.

If you’re curious what Humble Bundle is, it’s a service that offers sale bundles, for things like comics, video games, books, etc., that are only available for a limited time, usually a week or so. These bundles typically offer the products at extreme discounts, and in various value tiers, with more products available as more money is offered. In the case of this bundle, $15 nets you everything the bundle offers, although you can give more or less as you wish, and even just a dollar is enough for the first tier. Additionally, the money is split between Humble Bundle, the publishers, and a featured charity or charities. And, the buyer can choose how their contribution is divided, and can even pick from a list of other charities to donate to, instead of the featured charity.

www.humblebundle.com/books/judge-dredd-comics

The Car Pool On Kickstarter

January 1st, 2018

Because when you’re traveling, and you just gotta go, but you don’t want to stop. It’s successfully funded, by the way.

www.kickstarter.com/projects/napolioven/the-car-pool-the-worlds-most-portable-toilet-for-m#

Happy New Year!

December 31st, 2017

We made it through another year. Here’s to 2018!

V8 Merc’s Commie Tommie

December 30th, 2017

6 different firearms. 9 different countries. One seriously cool custom gun. YouTuber V8 Merc created a 9mm rifle using an AK receiver, an SKS stock, a PPSH barrel shroud, a Saiga gas tube, a Yugo M76 bolt carrier, and Suomi KP/-31 drum mags (sadly limited to 10 rounds), plus some HK parts for the bolt assembly. It’s a dead ringer at 50 yards, and is one of the best-looking frankenguns I’ve personally seen.

You can check out V8 Merc’s channel at www.youtube.com/channel/UCgV1vG5HgHRXTS49W1lHQgQ.

Giaco Whatever – Liquid Nitrogen NERF Mod

December 29th, 2017

Check out Giaco Whatever’s channel at www.youtube.com/channel/UCYH-XXUE2QDaWKvABsWJh8w.

Panteao Productions Expands Video Library

December 28th, 2017

Columbia, SC, December 28, 2017Panteao Productions is happy to announce the upcoming release of instructional videos that were originally produced and offered by Paladin Press. With the recent and unfortunate demise of Paladin, many videos titles faced going into limbo and no longer being available to viewers. Starting in January, Panteao will begin re-introducing video titles from instructors like Jeff Cooper, Louis Awerbuck, Jim Cirillo, and more. The videos will be initially available as digital downloads as well as digital streaming from the Panteao website, Make Ready mobile apps, and Make Ready channel on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.

Panteao will also be relaunching three previously published books from Louis Awerbuck and Jim Cirillo’s “Guns, Bullets, and Gunfights” in both paperback and Kindle edition.

Tnarmsco – Ghost Gun Lower Is Back

December 27th, 2017

Tennessee Arms Company has reintroduced their ‘Ghost Gun’ translucent polymer AR-15 lower for sale. These were originally available a few years back, and by Tnarmsco’s own admission were intended more as a novelty for teaching or showcase use, due to the inherent weakness of the translucent polymer.

I managed to crack open my original ‘Ghost Gun’ lower due to complications from installing the bolt release detent. Difficulty with installing that component was a fairly common issue with this lower, gleamed from a cursory internet search.

This time, the lowers are being offered only as complete assemblies, as “…the assembly process is slightly different with this lower compared to [Tnarmsco’s] standard lower receivers.” Given my above experience, having it come as a complete ‘drop-in’ assembly is a welcome option. Prospective buyers have their choice of standard Black furniture, or Magpul MOE furniture in a selection of colors.

Again, this is essentially a novelty item, so if you want one recognize exactly what you’re getting. Tnarmsco doesn’t recommend the ‘Ghost Gun’ lower for heavy use. Although they have tested it with a multitude of cartridges, from .22 LR up to .50 Beowulf, with no reported issues, and Sons of Liberty Gun Works even ran one full-auto during a testing phase, it’s not a lower you should beat into the ground.

Due to the nature of its construction, Tnarmsco offers a 45 day warranty for the ‘Ghost Gun’ lower.

www.tnarmsco.com/ghost-gun-clear-complete-ar15-style-lower

AG & AG Partners with Tony Pignato for 2018

December 26th, 2017

AUSTIN, TX — A Girl & A Gun is excited to announce that it has partnered with Tony Pignato for 2018. Tony will drive our strategic marketing plan to give each of our sponsors and affiliate partners the best possible return on marketing investment for the 2018 AG & AG National Conference and the AG & AG Brownells Ladies’ Multigun Fall Festival. The strategy includes optimizing the social media reach of AG & AG, establishing strategic media partnerships with influencers, creating engaging and exciting content for our event and our partners, and increasing awareness of our organization, events, and sponsors through proven marketing techniques.

link“Over 400 members and guests travel to be a part of the AG & AG Annual Training Conference and over 150 women and staff who participate in the Brownells Fall Festival,” says Julianna Crowder, Founder of AG & AG. “The female voice in the firearms industry is powerful, confident and growing and AG & AG is proud to be a part of that voice.” AG & AG has an organic reach of over 700k per month through our media partners and social media outlets. AG & AG has launched dedicated event social media pages to share specific content and information about each event, as well as sponsor media and event coverage. This foundation of content will be shared across numerous media outlets in the industry providing each sponsor and strategic partner incredible reach and exposure.

Tony Pignato has a reputation of proven success of expanding market reach for hundreds of manufacturers, retailers, and companies — from the local mom-and-pop shops to some of the biggest names in the industry. As a host on Shooting USA and well-known event promotion consultant in the industry, he has established a reputation of growing event participation and exposure for sponsors, events, and companies by creating engaging content and professional on-camera representation and promotion.

“AG & AG’s 5,500 active members are walking, talking brand ambassadors throughout the United States, says Tony Pignato. “When you add in collaboration with major media players in my network and a strategically designed marketing campaign, A Girl & A Gun events are set to be some of the most influential and effective market platforms for any sponsor or business.”

ShieldAbout A Girl & A Gun

A Girl & A Gun (AG & AG) is a membership organization whose events have been successful stepping stones for thousands of women into the shooting community and fostered their love of shooting with caring and qualified instructors to coach them. AG & AG breaks barriers for women and girls in the area of self-defense and in pistol, rifle, and shotgun shooting sports by welcoming beginners to learn the basics of safe and accurate shooting and providing experienced shooters with advanced-level opportunities. The club has more than 5,000 members in 48 states, with chapters that host recurring Girl’s Night Outs at more than 150 ranges.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December 25th, 2017

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Merry Christmas!

December 24th, 2017

Enjoy the holiday.

Timelapse of Death Star Construction

December 23rd, 2017

Timelapse of Death Star Construction from Outside Hollywood on Vimeo.

Building a moon-sized fully armed and operational battlestation takes time, as demonstrated by this animation created by brothers Isaac and Benjamin Botkin.

Bob Hope’s Long Forgotten Corona Recording to Play Dec. 23

December 22nd, 2017

Thanks for the Memory!
Bob Hope’s Long Forgotten Corona Recording to Play Dec. 23

By Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Public Affairs

NORCO, Calif. – “Thank you very much. How do you do, ladies and gentlemen? This is Bob ‘Broadcasting from the Naval Hospital at Corona, California’ Hope.”

And with that, on Dec. 23, 1947, Bob Hope and Les Brown and his Band of Renown began to entertain hospital staff, guests from the community and Hope’s target audience, the patients – Sailors and Marines – many still recovering from World War II. Hope and his cast entertained with a half-hour of jokes, jibes and rapid-fire banter during his popular NBC radio show, broadcast from the auditorium in the Naval Hospital, the former luxury Norconian Resort Hotel where Hope vacationed years earlier.

And thanks to a decade-long search, the public will get to hear the entertaining show on the 70th anniversary of its first broadcast when the Navy will stream it live on Facebook, Saturday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. – its original broadcast time on the West Coast. It also features announcer Wendell Niles, Vera Vague, Jerry Colonna and singer Frances Langford.

Some priceless samplings include a classic Hope wisecrack: “It’s good to be here tonight. Of course, this is a little new to me. It’s the first time I’ve ever been in the hospital before a broadcast.” With his impeccable timing, Hope continued: “And this hospital is located in such rugged country, you have to get well before you can come here.”

Following a hilarious monologue, Hope and Langford perform a skit where they venture to nearby Ontario for some Christmas shopping. The show closes with a touching rendition of “Silent Night” and a sign off of Hope thanking Corona for hosting him and the many veterans at Corona and around the country who fought in World War II, giving us “stockings filled with freedom.”

The historic recording is part of Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona’s capstone celebration for the Navy’s 75th anniversary in the Inland Empire. When it goes live on Facebook, facebook.com/NAVSEACorona, it is likely the first time the show will have been broadcast since it originally aired on the NBC Radio Network in 1947.

Hope was familiar with California’s Inland region, making his first USO show May 6, 1941, at March Field in nearby Riverside, now March Air Reserve Base. March’s program was Hope’s first remote broadcast and paved the road for Corona’s performance years later.

Based on these appearances and prior visits to the Norconian, the warfare center’s public affairs director and historian, Troy Clarke, said he has been trying to obtain evidence for the past 10 years that Bob Hope came to the Navy base when it was a hospital.

“I always suspected it, but not until 2010 were we able to obtain a photo of Bob Hope from the USO that identified the location as Corona,” Clarke said.

Clarke and command archivist, Aida Cuevas, continued to dig. Cuevas found proof of the Corona show in the extensive Library of Congress collection of Hope’s body of work.

After more than a year, Clarke and Cuevas finally received NBC’s permission to obtain a digitized version of the original lacquer-disc recordings. Clarke said he’s been working for months to play the recording publicly on its 70th anniversary and the final permissions from NBC and the Bob Hope estate Dec. 20.

Cuevas discovered Hope performed three other shows around Southern California that December of ’47, including a Dec. 9 appearance at Occidental College in Los Angeles, and a Dec. 16 show at the Fox Theater in Pomona. On Dec. 30, Hope broadcast his show from Pasadena City College featuring the coaches of the Rose Bowl football teams.

Among these programs, Clarke says research of the Nielson Radio Index indicates Hope moved from a sixth-rated show in average audiences to second in popularity after the Corona broadcast – seemingly his highest rated show of December 1947.

On Christmas Eve, the Corona Daily Independent published its account of the show and reported the auditorium was packed to capacity, with Sailors and Marines confined to wheelchairs being placed in “favored” spots before the stage. The paper wrote that once the show completed the weekly broadcast at 7:30 p.m., Hope continued the show for nearly an hour, telling commanding medical officer Capt. J.W. Vann – whom he said he recalls seeing overseas – that he’d like to make another broadcast from the hospital soon. The paper reported that the versatile Hope also performed several soft-shoe and tap dance numbers.

At the conclusion of the Navy’s 75th year in the region, Dec. 15, Clarke played excerpts for the warfare center workforce in the command auditorium where Hope may have visited patients when he returned for later, non-broadcast show in 1952. The auditorium was the theater for the hospital’s tuberculosis ward that opened in 1943 and now houses workspace for the Navy’s current science and engineering mission on the property.

The discovery of the Hope broadcast adds to the Navy’s rich legacy in the Inland Empire. In the months and days preceding the Dec. 7 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy had been investigating buying the Norconian Resort to use as a hospital. Days before the attack, the Navy’s medical team conducted its final evaluation, and within hours of the attack, Capt. Frederick Conklin arrived at the hotel to advise its owner, Rex Clark, that the Navy was taking over the property. By direction from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Navy acquired the property and officially designated it Corona Naval Hospital Dec. 16, 1941 Conklin would later present Lt. John F. Kennedy with the Navy-Marine Corps medal for heroism during World War II.

Among Corona Naval Hospital’s first patients were Pearl Harbor survivors – one of whom, Donald Stratton, recently told his story aboard USS Arizona in the New York Times-bestselling book, All the Gallant Men. Another was James Leavelle – who later became the Dallas homicide detective who interrogated President Kennedy’s assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, to whom he was later handcuffed when Jack Ruby shot Oswald.

Corona Naval Hospital housed an extensive medical staff throughout the war, providing medical treatment for some 5,000 patients at its peak. As treatment concluded following World War II, it closed in 1951, reopened to support the Korean War, and finally closed in 1957.

The science and engineering mission that began for guided missiles in 1951 continues today at its original site and, along with new state-of-the-art facilities, has developed into the Navy’s premiere independent assessment and analysis agent that help warfighter’s train, fight and win. Headquartered in Norco, the warfare center has some 3,200 military, civilian and support contractors around the country.

NERF Rival – Flashlight Grip

December 21st, 2017

One thing I appreciate about the more recent NERF products is the mimicry of furniture and features found on actual firearms, like accessory rails and optics, or in the case of this NERF Rival accessory, a combination flashlight and foregrip. Called the ‘Flashlight Grip’, this particular foregrip features a quick-release camlock, and features an LED light powered by 3 AAA batteries. The lumens aren’t mentioned, but at $15, I’m guessing it’s not that bright. Still, a pretty cool addition to the Rival line, all the same.

www.hasbro.com/en-us/product/nerf-rival-flashlight-grip

Zootility Launches the RNGR™ ST-2 Everyday Carry Knife

December 20th, 2017

The World’s thinnest featherweight 440C stainless steel knife

PORTLAND, ME – A radically new knife design, the RNGR ST-2 is a hyper thin folding knife constructed without screws or pins. Targeted at ultra-light adventurers and, at only 3mm thin, every pants pocket in America (regardless of how tight). Building on the success of its super lightweight credit-card-sized WildCard™ knife, Zootility’s RNGR ST-2 brings the convenience of WildCard out of the wallet and into the pocket. The most innovative EDC knife on the market, RNGR ST-2 is constructed of 440C stainless steel, a premium knife material, and is ultra-thin and light, allowing customers to store it conveniently, under the most extreme circumstances. Or under daily circumstances, in a pocket.

The patented two-piece design, is not only unmatched on the market, but allows the product to be entirely manufactured in the US, where the cost of manual assembly is at a premium. This design also allows the carrier to remove the blade without any tools. This is convenient, for instance at airport security, if one forgets they are carrying it. An easy mistake to make, given the low profile and minimal in-pocket feel. This duo-lithic design allows for easy cleaning as well; simply pop the pieces apart and place in the dishwasher.

“By utilizing stronger steel and increasing the thickness by a mere 1mm, we were able to make the blade and body more than three times as strong,” commented Zootility founder and CEO Nate Barr. “Our design and manufacturing teams have worked so hard on this project and we’ve made great product, RNGR ST-2 totally takes our EDC offerings to the next level,” added Barr.

RNGR ST-2
Weight: 1.4 ounces
Blade length: 2.2”
Blade thickness: .062”
Knife thickness: .125”
Material: 440C
Construction: Bolt and pin free
Airport security: Removable blade
Optional: Pocket clip
USA Made: Portland, Maine
MSRP: $49


The RNGR ST-2 debuts today on Kickstarter with special introductory prices and offers. Barr hopes with the timing of this launch to attract last-minute Christmas shoppers who after backing ST-2 can print an IOU from the Kickstarter page.