Taking a break

Changes are in the works for 7 Suns, so we're putting the blog on hiatus and will back at you later.

Self Defense

Some think the best self defense is having a gun to protect one’s self. In my opinion if you are not trained how to properly use your gun, buying a gun has just added to your danger.

Here are some resources that I found of interest.

No Nonsense Self Defense focuses on preventative actions

Self Defense from Teen Health

However, I am by no means an expert on this topic. I would love to hear from any of you who know more about this than I do!

Gun Safety

For those getting their kids guns or who have guns in the house, learning and teaching gun safety is of prime importance. In fact, I think all children should learn about gun safety. You never know when they are going to come across a gun at a friend’s house. I remember taking a gun safety course when I was twelve. These days I’d suggest starting younger.

Here are 4 resources for gun safety:

National Rifle Association Gun Safety Rules – includes a link to “Parents' Guide To Gun Safety”

Gun Safety from Kids Health

Kid Friendly site from the FBI on Gun Safety

Gun Safety - Prevent Accidents - Put Safety First! from Guns Magazine

10-month-old Illinois baby gets a gun permit

It’s old news, but a coworker just sent me this link to the article which also offers a video.
I don’t know about you, but seems ridiculous to me. At least it wasn’t a concealed carry permit… (If you have trouble getting the video to play, try this link.)

Speaking of concealed carry, I came across this site run by people who want to help people know what the laws are from state to state. Click on the state a permit was issued in and see which states honor that permit.

National Fallen Firefighters Memorial

In Emmitsburg, Maryland is the National Fallen Firefighters Monument. The National Fallen Firefighters organization was created by Congress in the early 90’s. The website has pages where you can search for fallen heroes by name and location, information and resources to support families, resources for local fire departments, information on state and federal benefits and more.

I think the website’s domain name sums it up well - http://www.firehero.org/

The 2008 Memorial weekend is scheduled for October 3-5, 2008.

Hall of Flame

I just stumbled across the Hall of Flame museum in Phoenix, Arizona. Read what they have to say about themselves:

The Hall of Flame Fire Museum and the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, located in Phoenix, Arizona, has almost an acre of fire history exhibits, with over 90 fully restored pieces of fire apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 1969. Most of the exhibits are American, but we also have pieces from England, France, Austria, Germany, and Japan. The Hall of Flame sponsors the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, which honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty or who have been decorated for heroism.

Looks like a museum worth supporting.

Here’s the article that lead me to it: Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

Game

Want to give someone a teeny glimpse into what firefighting is like? Check out this maze-solving logic game - Smart Games Fire Escape by Educational Insights.

Someone’s trapped in a burning building and only you can save the day! Keep your cool and think logically as you navigate the flame-filled corridors, armed only with a fire extinguisher and your wits. Climb ladders on both sides of the building to dodge the flames, or use your fire extinguishers to control the inferno. But be careful not to run out of extinguishers before you complete your rescue! This 3-D maze-solving strategy game includes 48 rescue missions at four levels of difficulty. Includes tower, magnetic firefighter, 5 magnetic fire extinguishers in three colors, 48 rescue missions, and an instruction booklet with solutions. For 1 player.