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This. My sister is a nurse and said that at every hospital and medical facility she has worked that nurses are regarded by the brass as just a drag on the bottom line because they don’t generate revenue like say, surgeries do. The nurses’ department is run on a shoestring budget and skeleton crew and many are run off/burn out/disgruntled as a result. However, we all know the hospital would crumble in minutes if all the nurses went and played golf one day.

I agree with you in sentiment @Swamp ash, but disagree with the conclusion. In any system with lots of inputs, altering any one, will have an impact on the system. I think we are in agreement there? Where I find we disagree, is the connection drawn between human activity and catastrophic collapse of said system (whether that connection is direct and linear, or complex and convoluted). I mean, everyone knows that if a butterfly in Japan flaps its wings just right, there will be a typhoon in California, right? Personally I think of us humans as the ants building mounds in my pasture. Sure, you can argue they are making an impact on their environment (the mound disrupts water flow, other insects, plants, animals, etc.).. but then my Exmark comes by and you realize they're just ants. To think we're actually impacting the galactic history of the 3rd rock from the sun is some hubris. While it may be logically argued current conditions are measured to be different than.... we're looking at a forest with a microscope and trying to draw conclusions about the entire field of botany. We and all of our fossil fuels were here eons ago; asteroids and solar radiation aside, Earth is a pretty closed system. Carbon is sequestered, carbon is released (Photosynthesis/Krebs cycle). If you think giving more of your money to a bunch of bureaucrats is going to change anything about that, you are free to do so. But don't think for one second that gives you the right to preach to me or anyone else about a field of science we as humans don't know dick about. It wasn't but 500 years ago our best and brightest thought the earth was flat and the center of our universe. Today those same minds think they've got something as complicated as global weather patterns figured out (and quote records going back those same 500 years - wonder if they've been adjusted for heliocentricity?)

It's a rude awakening for some to see how socialized medicine actually works.

My youngest daughter who at the time was an RN working in Nashville as an ICU nurse moved to Calgary, Canada (yep, a guy was involved) and began working in the Canadian healthcare system. Cheap? YES! Meds? NEARLY FREE! Quality of care? ZILCH! Ability to get an appointment when needed or see a specialist? EXTREMELY DIFFICULT!

I have a Winchester 70 in 375 H&H you are welcome to borrow.

An ICU bed may as well be a bed at the Holiday Inn if you don’t also have the trained staff needed to keep you alive.

I have as much of a problem with people who criticize pharmaceutical companies for paying their executives and top scientists well as I do people who criticize captains of industry who get compensated well too. People take big risks for the chance of big reward. People invest huge amounts of talent, knowledge and effort into work that might generate big reward. Practically all of the significant medical advancements that we have seen in the past century and which greatly improved the quality of life or survivability of humans in previously dire scenarios came as a result of "Big Medical" (not just pharmaceutical companies) who profited greatly from it. I see nothing wrong with this. Yes, we need some healthcare reform in our country but I would really suggest we start with the health insurance companies. You're going to find that most of the greed you're searching for in healthcare resides there and the ripple effect causes all other prices to rise.

Great question but there is a vast difference between being compensated versus maximizing health care profit. I

With a bit of load development, I think it'll shoot. This was my first load I tried except for the factory ammo I had. It wouldn't shoot a group at all.

It works great. We have the best healthcare in the world. Just imagine where the rest of the world would be today, healthcare wise, were it not for the ingenuity and inventions of American healthcare. The fact Americans do not see fit to pay for these services does not negate the fact we have an amazing healthcare system.

I carry my tiny Rugers everywhere, but my personal favorite handgun is this Cajunized CZ PCR DA 7 lb 14 oz; SA 3 lb; 9 oz

True, but the reasons why that Holiday Inn (hospital) is understaffed deserves a hard look and then something done about it. Healthcare providers who were put on the front lines last year with minimal protection and no vaccine mostly fared well, just like the rest of society. This year they are being forced to take a vaccine that they might object to for a variety of reasons. This goes back to the concept of individual freedom and the sanctity of one's own body. There will be the argument that you shouldn't have unvaccinated caregivers tending to vulnerable patients, but there is so much data supporting the fact that vaccinated people still spread COVID-19 that this should be a moot point. Also, none of these caregivers -- vaccinated or not -- are being allowed to interact with vulnerable patients without PPE anyway. Again, moot. Hospital administrations are doing little to nothing to incentivize the retention of experienced veteran nurses but are showering new hires with tens of thousands of dollars in hiring bonuses. Veteran staff sees this as a slap in the face, and rightfully so, and is leaving because of it. Lets face it: We all might juts LOVE our jobs, but work is the "curse of Adam". We do it because we need or want the money. Hospital administrators have also for years been running the fine line of "just enough staff" to cover the patient census. Nurses have been overworked for a long time. Add to that all of the above, and those who can are cutting bait and finding other careers. All of this is creating a talent vacuum in the healthcare industry. Nurses who know a thing or two because they've seen a thing or two are exiting the workplace. My oldest daughter who has only been a nurse for a few years is now training new nurses who are making more money than her. Read that again: She has just a few years of practical experience and is still very much learning herself. She's being required to train new nurses because there aren't enough seasoned nurses above her to do the job. I'm thrilled for her success but sad about what she's facing in the years ahead. Privatization of healthcare is still the right way to do this and I am staunchly against socialized medicine (because it gets a WHOLE lot worse under those types of programs) but companies in this industry need to get back to their roots and check their core values. If it's profit over care or profit over their people, they're wrong.

Lots of money to let the lazy sit home eating Cheetos or to spend on meth....

Although my "poll" was indeed in a rural setting I can't imagine it's much different around the country. Im one of those that was against a stimulus check when this started because I know my community. Now over a year later they have proven me right .

There was a law that said no calibers that were ever military. When the F-Class teams shot there, the FTR guy shot a round called the 308 match. It was definitely not a 308 or a 7.62x51. I don't know if that law still exists. When I was planning my trip to Africa someone decided to fly airplanes into some buildings.

You both make valid points. Thanks

https://www.wsj.com/articles/sacklers-received-12-billion-to-13-billion-in-profits-from-oxycontin-maker-purdue-pharma-11570221797 Great example of maximizing profit over public health. Carry on.

What could go wrong indeed? Scary sounding. They make lots more money when they can't actually cure you. I have nothing at all against people that work in medical jobs.

Serious question. Do you donate all of your talent and labor, or do you expect to profit from some of it?

Aqil Qadir is a Master Rangemaster instructor---top notch www.CitizensSafety.com

I do not know what area your acquaintances are in or are willing to travel to but I was very pleased with the trainer that works at the Franklin Armory. He is not former military and does not approach his training as if he was trying to turn folks into an "Operator". He was a professional educator/trainer who had a passion for firearms safety, training, and education so he approaches his work a bit differently than I was used to, in a good way. Average civilian folks getting a EHCP do not need run and gun military, LEO, or competition style training in my opinion. When I took my EHCP class there the class size was small (10 if I recall) and the experience level was low to moderately high but all were handled efficiently, respectfully, and most importantly safely. He also stuck to the focus and never went or let the class discussion wander in to the weeds with tall tales or anecdotes.

Carbon Dioxide is NOT a pollutant. It is, for lack of a better term, plant food. Folks who operate commercial greenhouses pump it into their greenhouses to increase production. Without it, we'd have nothing to eat. Carbon and carbon dioxide are two different things.

And that's why we love the TGO family!

What could go wrong with a for-profit medical system that values money over lives?

It must be arrogance to apply physics... It is simple math to calculate the volume of human CO2 emissions and subsequently derive a value for the heat retention of this additional gas. And we KNOW the atmosphere has absolute CO2 increases and we can further attribute these to human releases because the isotopic value of carbon in the atmosphere has become lighter. And this is just one part of the system we are altering.

I agree. But a lot of people refuse to recognize the burden that illegals alone put on the healthcare system let alone the native trash that work the system. Until someone grows a set of nuts and says NO it's only going to get worse. Conflict of interest is why we aren't getting anywhere. The people deciding the laws are taking a cut. Hard to get them to act on what should be done. Meanwhile you and I and the rest of the working class suffer.

What we're currently doing isn't really working either.

Not enough nurses, huh? Tell me more about this labor shortage in a free market economy where resources can be reallocated to service demand. Yes, I realize this meme post isn't applicable to rural and municipal hospitals...but for our area, having ones that are by SEC required reporting quite profitable, and others that could presumably spend less sponsoring an NFL team...there is a way out of a staffing shortage. Okay, two if you count Uncle Sugar coming to the rescue and creating cash flow to action solution #1 without impact to shareholders.

Please take Hozzie’s suggestion and make sure you film it.

Im not planning to hunt any Dangerous Game and my wife said i cant kill a giraffe so I'm planning to take my 30-06 with some 180's. It has opened up the bigbore search (hence my H&H on 1917 listing find). Buddy is planning to take his bow so i may get to gig a few guineas. Was disheartened to learn I could not take my 450 Bushmaster AR As of right now, I am planning on an Impala, Warthog and Wildebeest. A zebra may not be out of the equation and if he throws #### at me, a damn baboon is going to meet his demise.

Hire a professional it’s cheaper than a trip to the emergency room.

I've been to South Africa but never to hunt. I hope you have as much fun anticipating the trip over the next year as you actually have on the hunt!

Trust me, you WANT the Tisas. If you don't like it, I'll buy it off of you. I have no risk here!

Been thinking about this since the thread started. Lots of favorites, but I guess #1 is my Colt Python from the mid-eighties. Shooting it just brings a smile to my face.

USPSA Limited division 2011, 20+1 rds of .40. It was about $3800 in 2014, payable up front and an 18 month wait. I’m a big Infinity fan but my other ones were all purchased used except this one. Not sure I’d do it today, as much as prices have risen in the past few years. Every gun they build is a “custom”, spec’d by the customer through their Gunbuilder online tool. You can design one, pick all your options and submit it for a quote. Goes without saying anyone here is more than welcome to shoot it, should we ever have the opportunity

I knew my dad had been building this rifle, but to my surprise, he came by today and gave it to me for my birthday. It is a 25-06. I haven't yet shot it. What I was wondering is whether any of you have seen a cherry rifle stock. It looks much better than I would have guessed. He made it from a piece of rough sawn lumber. It must have taken forever to inlet.

Thought I'd be slick and run the price up on a South African hunt at the Bowling Green, KY RMEF banquet and ended up they had two of them to sale, so i guess we are headed to South Africa next Summer for at least Blesbuck and Impala. Looking at rates, I will probably go ahead and try for a Warthog and possibly Wildebeest. Just not sure how accurate i will be with my spear. Fear of my loin cloth falling off may impair my accuracy. Has anybody on here been on one of these hunts? What to expect? Will be myself, my wife, best friend and his wife going.

Interesting article in USA Today that sorta falls in line with the 2004 movie The Day After Tomorrow... Figured most that come here to this forum, have seen that movie. If not, I highly recommend it! Anyway, the gest of the Article is that the Atlantic Ocean current system is becoming unstable enough that it might stop all together, which would have an extreme effect on the weather over North America and Europe. Time to lay in some cold weather gear!!! Study warns of 'irreversible transition' in ocean currents that could rapidly freeze parts of North America (msn.com)

I am hesitant to take even my guns out of country with all the potential red tape involved with customs. May end up taking the bows and using the guide's guns

Prayers said for your family and friend

You say it well. As the husband of a retired RN of 43 years in nursing, I can say that I've heard all you have mentioned and maybe some other things as well. Short answer...I agree.

More people have been hospitalized in just half this month than any full month since the start of the pandemic. That said, they did say they are experiencing staffing shortages. There are recruiting firms that specialize in travel nursing positions. I'd like to know how much these local hospitals are using those companies and what they are willing to pay. There are always travel nurses willing to go wherever pays the most.

I'm a very frugal person but if its what you say it is in person id let someone else take it on.

Got a guy coming this evening to give an estimate. I'm not a smart man, but I see too much downside and little upside in tackling this project myself. The tree is right on the property line. I'm not going to ask my neighbor to help pay, but would it be reasonable to let him help with the cost if he offers?

That may be true. When I did it, Norinco x39 was $100/case and the limb was smaller. But steel core x39 will assassinate a tree. I downed a 6” limb with one magazine.

Make sure not to weigh it down with non essential items. When you get it all together, strap it on and walk a couple of miles and then decide if it is too heavy. A firearm and extra mags or ammo wasn't listed, but of course you are on a gun forum, but let us not assume anything. Any decent pack that is comfortable and will hold what you need will work. A lot depends on if you are bugging out from home for good to a better location or if you are trying to get home. If you are truly bugging out, I would opt for some type of vehicle, even a good sturdy bicycle is better than hoofing it very far.

To hot to shoot to hot to fish shoot billards in a/c wait till fall

I look at it more as a warning to get ready for what's coming. It's not going to be the end of man, but it might mark in a change in the way we do things here and a marked change in the population distribution, through the planet. We worry about terrorism and wars, but when you stop and think about it, changes in weather and other natural phenomona have had a much more profound affect on life on Earth, than anything else. I agree Erik. But it also might happen while we are still alive.