Backwoods Bound Bullet

ARTICLE: 'TO DO ' LIST FOR SECURING THE HOME FRONT PRIOR TO VACATION TIME by Roger Littomo

Secure the home front! Whatever it takes to do before you pack your bags and head out the door with your airline tickets, do it so you know you have a secure home. What could be worse than reaching your car and speculating, "Did I turn off and unplug the iron?" Little annoying thoughts like this will annoy you throughout your vacation if you don't make a checklist and protect your house before you depart.

Can you imagine relaxing on a Caribbean beach and saying to yourself, "Was Sparky let out before we left?" Who wants to be enjoying a little bubbly in a romantic hotel room and question, "Did I leave the thermostat cranked up to 78?" or "Was the security alarm system set before I left?"

Give yourself permission to leave behind those nagging minute details by knowing that you've covered all bases before you left home. This sense of security makes a big modification in your welcome home. Develop a list and double-check it.

The minute you decide to go on vacation, start making a 'To Do' list for the home front. Once you create a comprehensive list, type it up and save it on your computer. Print copies out for future use. Before long, you'll have the list memorized and will feel more confident that you have addressed all of the necessary issues before you ever leave home. Leave room on your list to make notes. Record the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all of those you recruit to help you in your absence. Take one list with you, leave one with a trusted neighbor or friend and leave one at home in a visible location.

Break down the tasks on the list into categories. Put a checkbox by each item and diligently mark off tasks when they're completed. Several categories worth including on this list are below:

* Emergency Contact Details: Leave emergency contact information with a trusted friend or neighbor, along with instructions on how to contact you or a family member if an emergency arises and an itinerary of your trip. Leave a key with a trustworthy person and jot down that person's contact information in case you need to reach them if you (God forbid) you would leave on an iron or the coffee pot.

* Home Security: Adjust your security system if you have one and lock every window and door. Double-check that fire alarms are turned on and have working batteries. Inform the police that you'll be away and request that they drive past your house occasionally to look for any possible disorder and to let others see that your home is under surveillance.

* Deliveries, Newspapers, Mail, And So On: Halt all deliveries to your home. Inform the post office that you need your mail held until you return so it doesn't stack up. Arrange the same for newspapers. These piles are signs for prowlers and thieves that your home is empty. Other product deliveries like food should also be postponed until you return.

* Heat/Lights/Air: The heating or cooling system should be set to an appropriate temperature and write out directions on how this is done. Turn off lights in every room. Then, program a security timer to turn on particular lights so your home has the appearance of occupants during different parts of the night or day.

* Yard Care: Program your sprinkler system during the growing season to water your yard while you're gone. You can instead arrange someone to water your yard and garden for you. Leave with that person clear written instructions. If you plan to be away a long period of time, hire someone that you know to come and cut your lawn and pull weeds so the yard doesn't look unwatched and unattended.

* Household Appliances: Unplug appliances before you walk out the door. This reduces the risk of electrical fires and paying for wasted electricity. Write down each room on your list. As you move from room to room and unplug a room's appliances, mark off that room.

* Pets: Food, boarding and water are a few arrangements needed for your pets. Leave clear instructions about what makes your pet feel best and any other special requirements. Spelled out these pet care needs whether your pet will be cared in home or by someone in a boarding facility, this pet care needs should be spelled out.

Roger Littomo is a seasoned traveler who has learned about leaving his home in good shape through trial and error. He is the webmaster of Fat Vacation LTD. A fantastic resource for vacation preparation and enjoyment. For more great vacation advice, just visit: http://www.fatvacation.com

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ARTICLE: WALLEYE DONE SIMPLY: THE "KISS" PRINCIPLE By Daniel Kiazyk

Despite enormous changes and developments in our knowledge about walleye, and our capacity to catch them, there are those situations where (keeping it simple stupid! -- KISS) actually works!

Situation

Imagine a larger lake in southeastern Manitoba, which has an incredible walleye population. The lake itself is almost featureless with a large island, with a narrow channel on its west end and out flowing rivers on its northeast corner; finally the boat launch (where tons of gravel were dumped -- to create the launch and approach-- into the lake creating a sand bar). The lake itself is almost devoid of any extraordinary features. It has a maximum depth of 7 feet with the average depth of the lake being 4 feet. The bottom is soft mud with considerable weed growth. The soft mud bottom also creates a perpetual turbidity with visibility of less than 6 inches.

With this being the context a remarkable flip-flop is operative on this lake. Unlike most walleye angling situations were bigger boats, motors, more sophisticated electronics and the latest in lures, rigs, jigs, generally give an advantage to anglers, this is not generally the case in this specific lake. The PWT, MWT walleye outfitted boats with all the latest gadgetry are in the same league as the 14 foot car topper with the 7 hp outboard.

What's the lesson?

With no extraordinary structure other than the places mentioned, anyone can get to where the fish are at - although the 200 hp boats do get there faster. Given the turbidity of the water and its uniform shallow nature, a run and gun approach is not the most effective approach. Drifting does not really work as jigs, lindy rigs, bottom bouncers, or three way rigs foul almost immediately. Trolling and casting cranks does not work for they too foul regularly or they don't seem to get in the fish zone. Even trying to move around slowly with a bait/jig just above the weedage' with a trolling motor doesn't work all that well either!

"Lesson" an anchored boat in turbid water can be an effective approach to putting fish in a boat. The guys with the big boats and big horsepower really don't need it here! Staying still and presenting the bait with a stationary tactic: 1) keeps the bait from fouling with debris, 2) keeps the bait being presented longer in the water (and hence longer in proximity to the fish being sought!). Fish are also able to key in on any attracting qualities that you may be (or the bait itself might be doing the job for you!) imparting to the bait.

Given the stationary tactic required by the lake, tackle choices too gravitate to the obvious. Jigs do work, and are more effective when tipped with live bait; but herein lies the irony to our present hi-tech walleye world, the lowly "pickerel rig" shines head over heals above any other technique --- being even more effective than the jig. The approach forgotten and yes, looked down upon by many hi-tech anglers shines in these waters. Tipped with minnows live/frozen provides fish with targets (in some instances struggling - live minnows). Even if the anchored boat does move, the weight extended below the bottom hook (on a pickerel rig that is) picks up any debris, and leaves the bait free for fish to bite.

As we pulled up yet another "eye", the guy in the "ProV, Mr. Walleye, IPS hull said, "another one!" "Yup", was my answer, but I said it with a humility that is due someone fishing in a 14 foot car topper with a 7.5 horse ubiquitous outboard. His comment did not reflect on his angling prowess, that I'm sure. However it did reflect upon a lack of flexibility and an ability to adapt to this specific context. My response to him (feeling a bit awkward doing so) was to say, "Try a pickerel rig or maybe a jig while anchored' that works here!". I believe he did catch on and saw that a change was necessary.

Conclusion

Putting together the puzzle to arrive at the whole picture of how to catch fish on any lake changes, season to season, location to location. There are some constants and some proven fish finding techniques but on some occasions our preconceived approaches have to be malleable. Adaptation and a willingness to swallow a bit of our ego goes a long way to becoming an even more successful angler. The KISS (keep it simple stupid) principle does apply itself in some situations when angling (but as a principle it recognizes that it too is only a guideline!).

Daniel Kiazyk is the owner of Cat Eye Outfitters in Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada. Cat Eye Outfitters specializes in trophy Walleye and trophy Channel Catfish trips on the Red River and the Winnipeg River. To view hundreds of trophy fish pictures, read more articles or book a trip, visit Cat Eye Outfitters at: http://www.geocities.com/dkiazyk2000/

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ARTICLE: LET THE FIREWORKS ROAR! by Frank Hodgekiss

Fireworks were just an accident, or so goes the story of their origin. An ancient Chinese cook haphazardly mixed together potassium nitrate (salt peter), sulfur and charcoal and then lit it. Maybe he was trying to get supper going, who knows. He got colorful flames!

Next, he poured his mixture into a bamboo tube and lit it, and it made a real attention-getting bang! Word quickly spread about this marvelous invention that's called black powder today. "Fireworks" were just the thing for chasing away evil spirits during celebrations.

Asian inventors went on to tinker with the ingredients and packaging once the formula was perfected. They came up with the first airborne fireworks rockets in the sixth century. They were fun! They were also useful during the Mongolian invasion of 1279A.D. The defenders used dragon rockets to shoot second stage rockets full of arrows at their enemies.

Fireworks didn't really light a fire in Europe until the display created for the wedding of England's Henry VII in 1486. They were also wildly popular with Elizabeth I.

However, fireworks lacked color to go with the flash and bang until the 1800's. It was discovered that certain metallic salts changed the color of the flame. Strontium burns red, barium creates green, copper makes blue, and sulfur adds yellow/gold.

Since then, fireworks creators and pyro-technicians have competed to be named among the most brilliant and notable practitioners of their craft.

The first major celebration of fireworks was held in 1892 at the 400th anniversary of Columbus' landing in America. The display on the Brooklyn Bridge was watched by the almost unheard of number of one million people!

The meeting of the true masters of fireworks happened in 1986, the 100th birthday of the Statue of Liberty. For that historic occasion, three bitter rivals, George Zambelli, Felix Grucci Jr; and Robert Souza worked together cheek to cheek for over a year, harmoniously, to create one of the world's most spectacular events.

The size of this firework display was truly astounding with more than 22,000 aerial pieces and 18,000 ground pieces. In addition, there were dozens of pictures, panoramas, and fountains around the spectator's area. The display required 220 miles of wire, 777,000 pounds of mortar tubes to launch the rockets and a staff of 100 technicians. The entire extravaganza was mostly launched from 30 barges. It stretched from the East River, around the tip of Manhattan, and up the Hudson River, to salute the Statue of Liberty.

Of course, the fun and excitement isn't just for historic occasions. You can pick up fireworks from local merchants, or even order them online for an extra bang to your New Year's, Fourth of July, or other celebrations. Just make sure to order in plenty of time for public holidays, due to the volume of sales and the increase in shipping around those times.

Then write your love's name on the side of a rocket, and let 'em see fireworks!

About the Author - Frank Hodgekiss has been working in the fireworks industry since he was 17 when he got a job setting off fireworks displays. His fascination with fireworks grew with the passage of every New Year's Eve and Fourth of July. You can read more fireworks articles at Fireworks Wow - www.fireworkswow.com.

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In this issue:

BACKWOODS TRIVIA: This month's question is from Samantha Turner.

How many stitches are there on a Major League baseball?

Bonus Question: What is the average lifespan of a Major League baseball?

Find the answer at the end of this newsletter.

Send your trivia questions to [email protected] .

RECIPE: - CHEESY DEERLOAF

* In a large bowl, combine the meat, eggs, cracker crumbs, milk, parmesan cheese, onion, salt, pepper and oregano. Mix well.

* Place in a greased loaf pan.

* Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

* Pour the sauce over the top and sprinkle on the mozzarella. Bake for 15 minutes.

For more great recipes deer recipes go to: www.backwoodsbound.com/zdeer.html

** ADVERTISE HERE! **

Place your ad here for only $6.00 an issue. Be seen by over 1500 potential buyers! Reduced rates for multiple issues. For more details go to www.backwoodsbound.com/advertise.html or e-mail us [email protected].

** STATE SHAPED TROPHY PLAQUES **

• Mount this summer's trophy bass on a Backwoods Bound State Shaped Trophy Plaque. Add a special touch and let everyone know where you caught your once in a lifetime trophy. You can pay for glued together sawdust if you want or spend your hard earned cash for a plaque made from solid oak. They are handcrafted right here in the heartland of the U.S.A. and not in some foreign factory. Americans working for Americans. Mount your trophy on something unique this year and have it stand out from the rest.

It is also time to get those antlers out of the garage and into the house. It's hard to brag about the last falls hunting adventure when your trophy is collecting dust on your workbench. Order a Backwoods Bound State Shaped Trophy Plaque. You'll be glad you did! Remember that ALL the states and Canadian provinces are available. For more information and photos or to place your order go to www.backwoodsbound.com/catalog.html.

RECOMMEND THE BACKWOODS BOUND BULLET TO A FRIEND!

Know a friend who enjoys the outdoors as much as you do? Recommend The Bullet to them. It's easy to do, just follow this link or copy and paste the url into your browser! http://www.cumuli.com/ezines/backwo.ezine Thank you!

FISHIN' TIPS: Try and avoid snap casts when casting with bait for catfish. The sudden jerk can cause the bait, particularity chicken liver to fly off. Try "lobbing" the bait out to your spot. Also if you haven't gotten a bite in 15 minutes or so, reel in and cast to another spot. Sometimes the difference of 15 or 20 feet can make the difference of catching fish.

Send your tips to [email protected] and we will post them on the site or use them in an upcoming issue of The Bullet

WHAT'S NEW

• We want to announce that the entire staff here at Backwoods Bound will be leaving on vacation starting July 2nd. Some will be leaving to take advantage of the long holiday weekend while some will be taking off on July 5th. The offices will be closed from July 2 - 15, 2005 but the July issue of The Bullet will go out on time. We try to avoid having everyone gone at the same time but things just worked out that way this year. The last time was 2 years ago. So continue to send in your e-mails but if you don't receive a reply you will know why.

Not much else new to report on this month. New recipes and photos are constantly being added to the site. Check the site often for new things and be sure to send us your stuff. We are always needing new photos, tips, recipes, fun facts and articles. To paraphrase Uncle Sam "We need you!" Send your stuff to: [email protected].

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** ADVERTISE HERE! **

Place your ad here for only $6.00 an issue. Be seen by over 1500 potential buyers! Reduced rates for multiple issues. For more details go to www.backwoodsbound.com/advertise.html or e-mail us [email protected].

See this month's Crazy Captions photo at: www.backwoodsbound.com/funphotos.html and send us your Crazy Caption. Have a photo that would make a great Crazy Caption? Send it to [email protected].

INTERESTING QUOTE: "Crack is cheap. I make too much money to use crack." Whitney Houston referring to why crack wasn't on the list of drugs she has admitted using.

Seen or heard an interesting or humorous quote? Send it in and we'll post them next month. Send them to: [email protected]

RECIPE: RUM CAKE

* Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 10" tube or 12-cup BUNDT pan.

* Sprinkle nuts over bottom of pan.

* Mix cake mix, pudding, 4 eggs, water, oil and 1/2 cup rum together. Pour batter over nuts.

* Bake 1 hour. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

* While cake is cooling, melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the water and sugar. Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

* Remove from heat and stir in the rum.

* Once cake has cooled, invert over serving plate. Prick the top and drizzle and smooth glaze evenly over top and sides. Allow cake to absorb glaze.

* Repeat until glaze is used up.

Our thanks once again to April Barkilus for this great dessert recipe. For more dessert recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zdess.html.

HUNTIN' TIP: - Whether it be with your bow or gun, practice, practice, practice. That's about all you can do until squirrel season gets here later in the summer. Go plink some cans with the .22 or bust some clays with the 12 gauge.

For more tips visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/tipshunting.html. Send your tips to: [email protected].

** ADVERTISE HERE **

Place your ad here for only $6.00 an issue. Be seen by 1500 potential buyers! Reduced rates for multiple issues. Contact us at [email protected] for details.

FUN FACTS: - It cost a mere $1 million dollars to carve Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Began in 1927 by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, it took 14 years to complete.

RECIPE: - BLUEGILL BAKE

* Prepare macaroni per package directions. Drain.

* In a large bowl, blend the soup and cream cheese together with an electric mixer.

* Stir in the fish, macaroni, onion, pepper, mustard, salt and milk.

* Pour into a 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle on the cornflake crumbs.

* Bake at 375 degrees for 20 - 30 minutes.

For more fish recipes go to: www.backwoodsbound.com/zfish.html.