Crossbow

Lots of folks are spending money on "being prepared".
I'm one of 'em. Like most of us I hope it's money wasted. Sold on the idea that being able to hunt small game to put meat on the table, some years ago I spent premium money to buy a quality (high powered and silent) air gun. It's pretty much been in the gun safe since purchase.

I've asked friends about crossbows. There are quite a few quality pieces on the market to choose from. None of them are cheap. 
A friend has a cheap one, and after chatting with him about them he invited me to come and shoot his.
Yeah, it's cheap, but....
This thing would still put a "world of pain" on ya if you took a hit from it. 
The problem as I see it?
If the "SHTF", I don't want bad guys getting so close to me 
I have to use a crossbow.
Or a knife.

Your thoughts?
Is there a smart reason to have a powerful crossbow in my inventory? 

Solar Panels

My first experience with Solar Panels was at the hospital where our EMS Helicopter was based.
The Salesman told us we could outline our rooftop helipad with thin solar powered light panels to make the pad more easily identifiable by helicopters coming in from out of town. It sounded like a good idea.
So we installed them.
And they looked GREAT.
For about a year.
In three years they were battered and useless trash.

But this was early on for this technology.
Still, when I think about having panels installed on my home I think of them and then remember we have hail storms and falling limbs here.
... And cloudy days.
... And VERY windy days.
I don't want to spend a ton of money, only to have the panels turn to trash on my roof.

The mood in the world seems to be turning against Solar Energy.
Until I know they'll more than pay for themselves, I think I'll pass.

Fat Cops?

With apologies to the original writers of the tune:
"Fat Cops, Fat Cops.
Whatcha gonna do?
Whatcha gonna do when they run from you?"

About Secretary of War Hegseth's comments to our military leaders-
Shouldn't that also apply to our Law Enforcement personnel?