Labascus blog

Category: Ramblings

Like everyone else, I hold opinions on nearly everything, in my ramblings I’ll open up and give my take on subjects outside of the firearms world. Though I steer clear of politics, I will weigh in on any legislation that may effect the firearms industry and your second amendment rights.

  • Harnessing the Hills: Micro-Hydroelectric Energy in Kentucky

    Harnessing the Hills: Micro-Hydroelectric Energy in Kentucky

    The Future of Green and Alternative Energy in the Bluegrass State

    Nestled in the southeastern region of the United States, Kentucky is known for its picturesque landscapes, renowned horse farms, and rich cultural heritage. Among the rolling hills and deep hollows, a transformative energy solution awaits—micro-hydroelectric energy. This innovative approach to green and alternative energy harnesses the natural water flow within small reservoirs, offering a sustainable power source that could revolutionize rural energy production.

    This is a decent example of what I’m talking about, the hills of Kentucky would allow this needing less length from intake to turbine to get proper elevation.

    The Promise of Micro-Hydroelectric Energy

    Micro-hydroelectric energy utilizes the movement of water to generate electricity on a micro-scale, making it a perfect fit for the diverse terrain of Kentucky. Unlike large-scale hydroelectric projects, micro-hydro systems are designed to power small communities or individual properties, using only a fraction of the space and resources. By building small reservoirs just large enough to ensure a year-round flow of water to turbine generators, they can consistently power two or three houses. Although powering two or three houses may seem minor, some farms could build multiple generating stations, providing long-term income and benefiting soil and wildlife conservation. These stations would offer water for wildlife and modest flood control by managing ridge-top runoff. Imagine Kentucky’s rolling hills dotted with thousands of small-scale generating stations, reducing strain on the national grid and reliance on fossil fuels.

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  • The Hard Realities of Homesteading and “Bugging Out” if Society were to Collapse

    The Hard Realities of Homesteading and “Bugging Out” if Society were to Collapse

    If ever faced with the consequences of societal collapse, like many seem to be planning and preparing for, many individuals are considering retreating to rural areas, envisioning a self-sustained lifestyle where they can live off the land. This idyllic scenario often includes growing their own food, raising livestock, and preserving their harvests, living like our ancestors. However, the romanticized vision of rural life often overlooks the numerous challenges and dependencies that would persist even in a self-sustained environment.

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  • How Social are We?

    Chad Davenport

    With a photo or a video and a few words you can be connected around the world.

    Ah, social media how much it has done for our society. With a photo or a video and a few words, you can connect with friends, family and even fans or followers across the country and around the world. This connectivity, while allowing the world to become more connected, has taken a toll on personal connections.

    While my writings may often bring up shadows of the olden days, there are many times that its relevance tries to bring about things that really matter. One of those is personal connection with others.

    I could once again go into a long discussion about the days of yore’ but I’ll try to keep it simple and to the point.

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  • Why so Tough on Suppressors?

    Why so Tough on Suppressors?

    I have maintained since opening my gun shop in 2019 that Congress should prioritize easing the acquisition process for suppressors rather than complicating it

    The cinematic portrayal of a large-caliber rifle firing with nothing more than a faint “ffft” is far from reality

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  • Year in Review 2024

    Year in Review 2024

    When the last year started, I certainly didn’t see it going the way that it did.

    It would have been pretty easy to simply fold up and say it was fun while it lasted.

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       As 2025 is brand new I look back at the year that has just passed and reflect on the lessons learned, the mistakes made and look forward to the new year with hope. In the last six months of the old year, I have been asked several times if we were closing down, I hope to put that question to rest here.

             When the last year started, I certainly didn’t see it going the way that it did.  The business we have spent the last five years building saw some tough times this past year. The economy, or the economy locally, seemed to have very little excess funds to be putting into the type of business that we have here.  While we did see sales regularly, we actually found that the number of sales were about one third of what they were in 2023. This can be blamed partially on some decisions that I made, and I take full responsibility of what those mistakes cost.  I have no illusions about what the past year has cost us, but we have a plan to come out of it stronger.

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  • Country Stores: Echoes of a Bygone Era in the Heartland

    Country Stores: Echoes of a Bygone Era in the Heartland

    As time has progressed, the once closely spaced country stores have become scattered, some fading into obscurity.

    Davenport's Grocery in Rural Casey County, Kentucky

    In the sprawling tapestry of rural America, the humble country store emerges as more than a mere purveyor of goods. Once the lifeblood of small communities, these establishments transcended their commercial role to become vibrant hubs, shaping the very fabric of local life.

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  • Men of the Land

    Men of the Land

    Their work is grueling and filled with risk

    When people think about the men who make their living from the land, they often overlook what that truly means. These men—farmers, loggers, miners, fishermen—are not just working a job; they are putting their lives on the line every day. Their work is grueling and filled with risk, yet they carry on, driven by necessity and a love for what they do.

    These men are up before dawn and return home long after sunset. Their families worry constantly while they are away, but they understand that life must go on. The fields need tending, the forests need harvesting, the earth’s minerals must be mined, and the seas must be fished. This is how they survive, and this is how they provide for others. But behind every one of these men is someone who waits, someone who fears that each farewell could be their last.

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