Boy howdy, but people get really fucking stupid when the snow flies...
Do not, I repeat, do NOT stop your fucking car at the base of a steep hill. You need the momentum of actual forward progession. SRSLY. Once you have started moving again, lay off the fucking gas - all it does is spin your wheels and dump you, sideways, in the ditch on the side of the road. If you've made me sit behind your stupid ass waiting for you to get a clue, all I'm gonna do is laugh when I go by. I'm not stopping to push your car out of the ditch.
I own a truck with four wheel drive. I know how to drive this truck in the snow and other inclement weather. I have practiced starts and stops, in and out of four wheel drive, in snow, ice, and heavy rain. I am not afraid to drive in snow. If you are afraid of driving in snow, please do the rest of the motoring public a favor and stay the hell home. Do not clog up the roadways with your 20 MPH-below-the-speed-limit idiocy.
On a related note, if I do happen to get stuck behind a timid, frightened snow rabbit, flying up on my bumper and riding my ass for 3-4 miles is a good way to get a Class IV receiver hitch-shaped hole smack dab in the center of your hood when you inevitably plow into me. I believe in using the vehicle's engine to brake, using more than just "D" out of the many gears available, and downshifting doesn't kick on the brake lights. I feel a lot less charitably inclined to flick the brake lights if you're being an ass.
And lastly... To the snowplows on the road - having that yellow Fisher appendage on the front of your truck does not excuse you from the rules of the road. You still need to stop at stop signs, heed red lights, and look when you back out of a driveway. Most of you have signs on the side of your truck complete with business name and phone numbers; the remainder of you still have license plates. In this electronic age, it's not terribly difficult to track someone down if you sufficiently enrage them.
Not that I'm advocating going to one of these cretin's house and leaving a flaming bag of poo on their doorstep, mind you. That would be childish and counterproductive. Plus it works a lot better if the flaming part is on top of a cocktail with a Russian name... But I digress...
Learn how to drive in inclement weather or stay the hell home. SRSLY.
That is all.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year!
Okay folks... New Year's Celebration starts now. Work just cut us loose (we're looking at the start of another 9-12" of snow here), and tomorrow is off (with only shoveling in the AM to worry about).
The kids are going to (try to) stay up tonight; I suspect that they'll be conked out by 9:30 - 10PM at the latest. We're going to let them play Wii games until they pass out from exhaustion...
Please, for the love of G-d, be careful out there tonight. There's going to be a lot of revelers out on the road who have no business being in command of an automobile, so if y'all can avoid being on the road, please do. Barring that, find a 1970s Cadillac to drive...
And, of course, be smart, safe, and have a great time!
That is all.
The kids are going to (try to) stay up tonight; I suspect that they'll be conked out by 9:30 - 10PM at the latest. We're going to let them play Wii games until they pass out from exhaustion...
Please, for the love of G-d, be careful out there tonight. There's going to be a lot of revelers out on the road who have no business being in command of an automobile, so if y'all can avoid being on the road, please do. Barring that, find a 1970s Cadillac to drive...
And, of course, be smart, safe, and have a great time!
That is all.
Gazing into the Crystal Ball...
Alternate title: Potential 2009 Acquisitions
Thought it would be interesting to see what might be on the agenda for acquisition in the coming year. Things may prove interesting with Barack Obama in the White House and Nancy Pelosi in the House; obviously the list could change at an HR10.22's notice...
That said, here are some potential acquisitions and the reasoning behind each:
Thought it would be interesting to see what might be on the agenda for acquisition in the coming year. Things may prove interesting with Barack Obama in the White House and Nancy Pelosi in the House; obviously the list could change at an HR10.22's notice...
That said, here are some potential acquisitions and the reasoning behind each:
- M1 Carbine from CMP - Great shooting rifle, low recoil, moderately priced ammo (for a rifle); plus I have a whole bunch of magazines already. Cost of acquisition: ~ $500 through CMP.
- Ruger 10/22 - It's about time to pick one of these up. Most likely going to go with a new entry level blued steel/wood stock 16" barrel version, although a used stainless model might be a possibility as well. (CoA: $200)
- CZ-82 - Inexpensive and virtually indestructible semi-auto handgun that compliments the .380 Mak already in the armory, plus it gives me a reason to add another caliber... (CoA: $200)
- K-98 Mauser - German, natch. Everything I've heard about these rifles tells me I need to get one. (CoA: $300)
- Romanian Tokarev in 7.62X25mm - gotta get another 7.62 Tok chambered gun to go with the CZ-52... (CoA: $250)
- Ruger MkII/S&W 22A - inexpensive .22LR semi-automatic. Something with adjustable sights - I've got a S&W 422 with a red dot sight, would be nice to have another semi with iron... (COA $250 - $300)
Also on the list for 2009 are plenty of accessories:
- Magnified scope for Bushmaster AR-15
- ACE Skeleton stock for Bushmaster AR-15
- Forend with picatinny rail for Bushmaster AR-15
- Knoxx SpecOps recoil-reducing stock for Mossberg 590
- Forend with picatinny rail for Mossberg 590
- M7 bayonet for Mossberg 590
- IWB holster for G30
- Smartcarry/Thunderwear for j-frame
- Crossbreed Supertuck holster for j-frame
- G21 magazine(s) for G30
List subject to change depending on new acquisitions, change in 2A climate, and/or as the whim strikes me...
That is all.
2008: A Gunnie Retrospective
2008 was an interesting year for gunnies. We had:
On a personal level, 2008 was an interesting year as well. Over the course of the past 12 months, I:
Here's hoping 2009 is just as interesting and twice as beneficial to gun owners and 2A rights...
That is all.
- San Francisco handgun ban shot down - yay! Even in CA, the 2nd amendment is not entirely dead.
- Passing of Charleton Heston - [removes hat]
- Heller Decision - yay! 2A *is* an individual right.
- Willamette, IL rescinds handgun ban - Heller has its first "victim" (yay!)
- Ruger introduces the LCP, their first attempt at a true CCW firearm. (Yay, except in MA, where the LCP is not on the "Approved Firearms Roster" - boo...)
- H-S Precision Kerfluffle - boo. Vett your endorsements, you schmucks.
- Obama election - boo for 2A rights. Hopenchange beats crotchety old man.
- Gun sales skyrocketing - yay and boo. Yay because it's always good to see more firearms in the hands of citizens, boo because of backlogs and price gouging ($800 for a WASR-10?!?!?!)
- Concealed carry is ruled permissible in National parks - Definite yay!
On a personal level, 2008 was an interesting year as well. Over the course of the past 12 months, I:
- Joined a gun club - YAY! Finally...
- Shot more this year than any two years previous - YAY!2
- Taught both kids how to shoot a BB gun and bow-and-arrow at Cub Scout camp.
- Got my son his first BB gun (Red Ryder, natch) - YAY!3
- Bought my first Glock - yay! Plastic fantastic/tupperware/etc. jokes aside, I'm coming to (begrudgingly) like Gaston's polymer wonder.
- Bought my first AR-15 - Definite YAY! Thanks, Barack, for giving me the impetus to finally fill one of the last gaping holes in my armory.
Here's hoping 2009 is just as interesting and twice as beneficial to gun owners and 2A rights...
That is all.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
We Will Bury You...
Here's a question: Why is the media so incredibly interested in Sarah Palin's grandson?
No official word yet on weekend birth of Palin grandchild
Newspaper: Woman whose son fathered Palin grandchild is arrested
Good and bad news proves Sarah Palin is still a player
Bristol Palin's Baby Is Born
Sarah Palin, grandmother
Just Call Sarah Palin "Grandma"!
Palin Daughter Pops
Palin’s Daughter Gives Birth to Son
It's a boy for Bristol Palin
Palin's daughter gives birth to son named Tripp
That's 10 stories pulled right off a Google search for "Palin Grandchild". Most of the major news outlets are represented - Washington Post, Associated Press, NY Times, etc. - and for the most part, the stories are on the main page. The birth of Tripp Johnson should, by any account, be a minor blip in the news, not front page fodder across the nation. We're talking about the grandson of the Republican candidate for Vice President of the losing ticket.
This is not a story that warrants such scrutiny.
Unless, of course, the media is sending a not-so-subtle message to Sarah Palin: "We're watching you. And your family". Right now, as things stand, she's the hands-on favorite for the GOP nomination in 2012 - she'll have another 4 years as Alaska's governor, she's got the name recognition, and she won't have the anchor of John McCain holding her back. The media wants to get the message to Palin that her family is squarely in their crosshairs to get her out of the spotlight.
I can't think of another reason for the media to invest this much time, energy, and electrons in a story about the woman's grandchild. There's simply nothing there - it's not like Bristol changed her mind and opted for an abortion; she hasn't given the child up for adoption; Sarah didn't kick her out of the house, etc. There is nothing meriting a front page anything here. Except, perhaps, to reinforce the message that they're still watching the Palin family, and will be more than happy to invest time and energy into hounding them for as long as it takes.
Sure would have been nice to see this level of interest in Obama's ties to IL gov. Blagojevich, wouldn't it?
That is all.
No official word yet on weekend birth of Palin grandchild
Newspaper: Woman whose son fathered Palin grandchild is arrested
Good and bad news proves Sarah Palin is still a player
Bristol Palin's Baby Is Born
Sarah Palin, grandmother
Just Call Sarah Palin "Grandma"!
Palin Daughter Pops
Palin’s Daughter Gives Birth to Son
It's a boy for Bristol Palin
Palin's daughter gives birth to son named Tripp
That's 10 stories pulled right off a Google search for "Palin Grandchild". Most of the major news outlets are represented - Washington Post, Associated Press, NY Times, etc. - and for the most part, the stories are on the main page. The birth of Tripp Johnson should, by any account, be a minor blip in the news, not front page fodder across the nation. We're talking about the grandson of the Republican candidate for Vice President of the losing ticket.
This is not a story that warrants such scrutiny.
Unless, of course, the media is sending a not-so-subtle message to Sarah Palin: "We're watching you. And your family". Right now, as things stand, she's the hands-on favorite for the GOP nomination in 2012 - she'll have another 4 years as Alaska's governor, she's got the name recognition, and she won't have the anchor of John McCain holding her back. The media wants to get the message to Palin that her family is squarely in their crosshairs to get her out of the spotlight.
I can't think of another reason for the media to invest this much time, energy, and electrons in a story about the woman's grandchild. There's simply nothing there - it's not like Bristol changed her mind and opted for an abortion; she hasn't given the child up for adoption; Sarah didn't kick her out of the house, etc. There is nothing meriting a front page anything here. Except, perhaps, to reinforce the message that they're still watching the Palin family, and will be more than happy to invest time and energy into hounding them for as long as it takes.
Sure would have been nice to see this level of interest in Obama's ties to IL gov. Blagojevich, wouldn't it?
That is all.
Insanity...
With gas falling, trucks come back
And lastly, are the Big Three so incredibly greedy that they will ramp back up production of the behemoths, only to have them languish on the lots once gas prices go back up???
"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayanna said well over 100 years ago. What's especially infuriating is the news is replete with stories about the big three needing Fed assistance:
U.S. throws GMAC $6 billion lifeline
How the Feds will Govern GM and Chrysler
Ford's bailout plea to include pledge for smaller cars
Any guesses on how that pledge works out for Ford? Anyone want to bet if GM starts making fewer Hummers? Think Chrysler's gonna stop stuffing hemis into everything they make? Or are they going to go right back into the "live for the second" mode that says "people are buying SUVs. Therefore people will always buy SUVs" and pretend that the last year never happened?
If the "Big Three" are dumb/greedy enough to fall back into the easy money trap, they deserve to fail.
Not. Another. Fucking. Penny.
That is all.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- After nearly a year of flagging sales, low gas prices and fat incentives are reigniting America's taste for big vehicles.Are we quite possibly the stupidest fucking nation that ever existed? Do we have the collective attention span of a gnat on crack? Are people really so stupendously stupid that they think the current low gas prices are anything other than a momentary blip on the radar?
Trucks and SUVs will outsell cars in December, according to researchers at the automotive Website Edmunds.com, something that hasn't happened since February..
Meanwhile, the forecast finds that sales of hybrid vehicles are expected to be way down.
And lastly, are the Big Three so incredibly greedy that they will ramp back up production of the behemoths, only to have them languish on the lots once gas prices go back up???
"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayanna said well over 100 years ago. What's especially infuriating is the news is replete with stories about the big three needing Fed assistance:
U.S. throws GMAC $6 billion lifeline
How the Feds will Govern GM and Chrysler
Ford's bailout plea to include pledge for smaller cars
Any guesses on how that pledge works out for Ford? Anyone want to bet if GM starts making fewer Hummers? Think Chrysler's gonna stop stuffing hemis into everything they make? Or are they going to go right back into the "live for the second" mode that says "people are buying SUVs. Therefore people will always buy SUVs" and pretend that the last year never happened?
If the "Big Three" are dumb/greedy enough to fall back into the easy money trap, they deserve to fail.
Not. Another. Fucking. Penny.
That is all.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Note to Comcast.net Mail...
UR doin it rong.
Your "Save as Draft" feature has apparently gotten its little wires crossed with the "Fling into deep space without saving" feature.
It's really a humungous pain in the ass to write a rather lengthy reply to an e-mail, run into time constraints and try to "save" it using the tools Comcast itself put online, only to return later to a completely blank draft with incomprehensible "attachments" that cannot be accessed. In the words of H&K Customer Service, you suck and we hate you. Fixplskthanxbai!
That is all.
Your "Save as Draft" feature has apparently gotten its little wires crossed with the "Fling into deep space without saving" feature.
It's really a humungous pain in the ass to write a rather lengthy reply to an e-mail, run into time constraints and try to "save" it using the tools Comcast itself put online, only to return later to a completely blank draft with incomprehensible "attachments" that cannot be accessed. In the words of H&K Customer Service, you suck and we hate you. Fixplskthanxbai!
That is all.
Sing Ho! for the GPS
At the start of the month, I asked for opinions on GPS units for Mrs. G.'s Christmas present. I'm happy to report that I actually listened to the advice I was given (hey, there's a first time for everything, right?!) and wound up getting a Garmin Nüvi 260W. It has the 4.3" touchscreen and announces street names, which were two of the more common suggestions for GPS units that were left in comments on that request.
Well, I used the Nüvi 260W to find my way to Martha's Saturday night, and it worked flawlessly. Delivered me right to the bar, even pointed me to the sidestreet where parking was located. The instructions are clear, the screen is large enough to be legible but still relatively unobtrusive (I mount it at the top of the windshield next to the rear view mirror).
It made finding an unknown location an absolutely breeze.
Folks, this is - for me - bordering on life-changing. I hate getting lost, and I have about the world's worst sense of direction (ask weer'd beard...) The Nüvi 260W allows me to plug in an address, follow the instructions, and have full confidence that I'll be able to find the location with minimal hindrances. No more wondering just what Google maps has forgotten to mention; no more frantic glances at crumpled printouts as the alleged location draws near. All I need to do is listen for the dulcet tones of the GPS lady to guide me to my destination...
Heck, I might even try driving into Boston again - and that's saying something!
There is one drawback to the GPS, though. With easier navigation in my future, the "Road Rage" posts might start to dwindle a bit. [thinking] No, strike that. The GPS only helps with directions, not at avoiding idiots. The person that adds features like "Avoid tailgater" or "Grandma in Buick" to a GPS unit will make a bloody fortune...
That is all.
Well, I used the Nüvi 260W to find my way to Martha's Saturday night, and it worked flawlessly. Delivered me right to the bar, even pointed me to the sidestreet where parking was located. The instructions are clear, the screen is large enough to be legible but still relatively unobtrusive (I mount it at the top of the windshield next to the rear view mirror).
It made finding an unknown location an absolutely breeze.
Folks, this is - for me - bordering on life-changing. I hate getting lost, and I have about the world's worst sense of direction (ask weer'd beard...) The Nüvi 260W allows me to plug in an address, follow the instructions, and have full confidence that I'll be able to find the location with minimal hindrances. No more wondering just what Google maps has forgotten to mention; no more frantic glances at crumpled printouts as the alleged location draws near. All I need to do is listen for the dulcet tones of the GPS lady to guide me to my destination...
Heck, I might even try driving into Boston again - and that's saying something!
There is one drawback to the GPS, though. With easier navigation in my future, the "Road Rage" posts might start to dwindle a bit. [thinking] No, strike that. The GPS only helps with directions, not at avoiding idiots. The person that adds features like "Avoid tailgater" or "Grandma in Buick" to a GPS unit will make a bloody fortune...
That is all.
2008 Northeast Blogger Gathering AAR
Okay... I'm writing this Sunday night, while the events of last night are still (somewhat) fresh in my mind. Some details have already been pushed out by the craziness of today with the fam, but that's a hazard that comes with being a dad... There's only a limited number of brain cells available at any given moment...
Let's see...
Company? Fantastic. The following people made the arduous trek to Martha's:
JD
doubletrouble
scotaku
Bruce
weer'd beard
Elizabeth
Bill
TOTWTYTR
wolfwalker
sci-fi & b
brad_in_ma & Mrs. brad_in_ma
Here's a relatively complete group shot:
And, lastly, we left a "missing man" foundation for those that couldn't be with us:
Venue? Excellent - the food was great, the beer was (I assume, I didn't partake) fine, and the wait staff was... well... delectable...
And it was truly our kind of place:
Impressions...
Well, let's see. Write down the top ten things you think might crop up at a meeting of bloggers, people that hang out on the internet on Friday night as opposed to sports bars, I guarantee we covered them in depth:
Picard vs. Kirk
PC vs. Mac vs. Linux
.45 vs. 9mm
Not to mention quotes from The Blues Brothers, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Simpsons, Family Guy, and South Park.
The evening started with duelling cellphone internet platforms, with the iPhone barely edging out the Crackberry for ease of manipulation (I had forgotten to write down my list of planned attendees, and had asked if someone could pull up my last update with the list from the blog). We started arriving promptly at 5 (I was the third arrival, with two of the three guys that came from southeastern MA beating me there!) and folks popped in and out throughout the evening.
There were lively debates over zionism, nanny-statism, whether or not MA is truly "liberal" or merely authoritarian/puritan with a few liberal leanings, some gratuitous gun talk, much gnashing of teeth over the price of ammo (and some theorizing that prices may be coming back to earth in the coming months, which I will believe only after I see it!).
All in all, I think a good time was had by all. This will become a more frequent event, I think - I'd even go so far as to offer to coordinate the next one, too. How does mid-spring, say mid-April sound? We could celebrate my birthday... ;)
That is all.
Let's see...
Company? Fantastic. The following people made the arduous trek to Martha's:
JD
doubletrouble
scotaku
Bruce
weer'd beard
Elizabeth
Bill
TOTWTYTR
wolfwalker
sci-fi & b
brad_in_ma & Mrs. brad_in_ma
Here's a relatively complete group shot:
And, lastly, we left a "missing man" foundation for those that couldn't be with us:
Venue? Excellent - the food was great, the beer was (I assume, I didn't partake) fine, and the wait staff was... well... delectable...
And it was truly our kind of place:
Impressions...
Well, let's see. Write down the top ten things you think might crop up at a meeting of bloggers, people that hang out on the internet on Friday night as opposed to sports bars, I guarantee we covered them in depth:
Picard vs. Kirk
PC vs. Mac vs. Linux
.45 vs. 9mm
Not to mention quotes from The Blues Brothers, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Simpsons, Family Guy, and South Park.
The evening started with duelling cellphone internet platforms, with the iPhone barely edging out the Crackberry for ease of manipulation (I had forgotten to write down my list of planned attendees, and had asked if someone could pull up my last update with the list from the blog). We started arriving promptly at 5 (I was the third arrival, with two of the three guys that came from southeastern MA beating me there!) and folks popped in and out throughout the evening.
There were lively debates over zionism, nanny-statism, whether or not MA is truly "liberal" or merely authoritarian/puritan with a few liberal leanings, some gratuitous gun talk, much gnashing of teeth over the price of ammo (and some theorizing that prices may be coming back to earth in the coming months, which I will believe only after I see it!).
All in all, I think a good time was had by all. This will become a more frequent event, I think - I'd even go so far as to offer to coordinate the next one, too. How does mid-spring, say mid-April sound? We could celebrate my birthday... ;)
That is all.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Suddenly Sunday
Whoa. Sometimes you blink and life just whips right by. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in a bar with a group of friends, enjoying good food with good company.
Oh, wait, it was just yesterday.
A full AAR of last night's Northeast Blogger Gathering, complete with pictures, to be posted tomorrow - today's chock full of last-minute vacation goodness, including one of the children's last Christmas presents, a trip via train into Boston to see Disney On Ice. We're making a day of it, going in on the 10:20 train even though the show doesn't start until 3:00, so that we can find a place to have lunch before the show.
It's interesting, too, that Al Gore's global warming seems to have actually struck today - as I type this, it's 53º outside, certainly well above normal for late December in New England. It's a welcome respite from the ice and snow of the earlier part of the month, and will make chaperoning two small children around the big city considerably easier. For this, Mssr. Gore, I thank you and your frabulous weather contraption.
Stay tuned for pictorial goodness of last night's bacchanalia...
That is all.
Oh, wait, it was just yesterday.
A full AAR of last night's Northeast Blogger Gathering, complete with pictures, to be posted tomorrow - today's chock full of last-minute vacation goodness, including one of the children's last Christmas presents, a trip via train into Boston to see Disney On Ice. We're making a day of it, going in on the 10:20 train even though the show doesn't start until 3:00, so that we can find a place to have lunch before the show.
It's interesting, too, that Al Gore's global warming seems to have actually struck today - as I type this, it's 53º outside, certainly well above normal for late December in New England. It's a welcome respite from the ice and snow of the earlier part of the month, and will make chaperoning two small children around the big city considerably easier. For this, Mssr. Gore, I thank you and your frabulous weather contraption.
Stay tuned for pictorial goodness of last night's bacchanalia...
That is all.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Saturday Morning To-Do List
Here's a partial list of shit I need to get done at some point today, presented for your general amusement...
Pry children away from Wii.
Moar coffee.
Pry children away from Wii.
Go to bank to get money for Blogger Gathering tonight.
Pry children away from Wii.
Hit Staples for nametags for Blogger Gathering tonight.
Pry children away from Wii.
Program GPS for maiden voyage tonight (will be used to find the not-so-sooper-seekrit location of the Blogger Gathering tonight.
Pry children away from Wii.
Shower & shave - this may take some time, as at present time I'd require significant improvement to qualify as "slovenly"...
Pry children away from Wii.
Think that about covers it.
That is all.
Pry children away from Wii.
Moar coffee.
Pry children away from Wii.
Go to bank to get money for Blogger Gathering tonight.
Pry children away from Wii.
Hit Staples for nametags for Blogger Gathering tonight.
Pry children away from Wii.
Program GPS for maiden voyage tonight (will be used to find the not-so-sooper-seekrit location of the Blogger Gathering tonight.
Pry children away from Wii.
Shower & shave - this may take some time, as at present time I'd require significant improvement to qualify as "slovenly"...
Pry children away from Wii.
Think that about covers it.
That is all.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas 2008 AAR...
Let's see... random observations about Christmas this year.
That is all.
- The Wii was a far far bigger hit than I thought it would be - and I expected it would be big. The only issue so far has been that they both want to play (big shock) which means we'll need to be getting another controller stat.
- It was a very electronic Xmas: The kids got the Wii and more DS games, we got a replacement DVD player, and Mrs. G. got a new digital camera, a Magellan GPS, and an iPod shuffle.
- My body does NOT like it when I overindulge. Holy cow. I've spent the entire morning, uh, evacuating the previous day's overindulgence...
- Letting the kids stay in their pajamas and play with their new toys all morning (and all afternoon so far) is about a hundred billion times better than screaming at them to clean the house. Even if it is less productive...
- Watching BabyGirl G play "Disney Princess" on the Wii is quite possibly the cutest thing I've seen in weeks...
- We spent about 6 hours with my folks and my sister yesterday. I love them dearly, but that's about 5 hours too many.
- My mom is an amazing cook, and I really need to spend more time learning from her. It's going to fall on me to pass the torch to my kids, and I don't want to pass on a legacy of Shake 'n' Bake chicken and frozen meatballs...
That is all.
Friday Fun Thread: Two Wheeled Madness!
Last week's Friday Fun thread about midlife crisis cars revealed a pretty consistent trend - motorcycles (especially Harleys) were mentioned as a midlife crisis vehicle. Now, I'm not about to argue that point (although I will point out that I got my Harley when I was 32, not exactly considered middle-aged...), so I figured I'd roll with it and come out with my list of favorite motorcycles.
1. Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra CVO - I've got a 2003 Electra Glide Standard and love the smooth ride, the ability to put on mile after mile, and, I'll be honest, the comfort of a rolling couch. The Ultra Glide has all the bells and whistles - cruise control, ABS, CD player with four speakers, lots of storage, basically, anything you might want for a long haul trip. The Custom Vehicle Operations package adds in custom paint, a 110 CI motor, heated seat, rider backrest, and a host of other accessories to help you put on the miles...
2. Honda Valkyrie - A six-cylinder, 1,500 cc cruising bike. What's not to love? I got to ride a Valk at a couple of Honda open houses back when I had my Magna, and it's impressive as hell. The motor that powers the Goldwing, only in a lighter cruiser, made a lot of rear-wheel power, a fact that was hammered home with each twist of the throttle. The Valkyrie is the only cruising-type bike that's ever gotten me to say "Whoa!"...
3. Kawasaki ZRX1200R - a naked sportbike, what a concept, eh? Kawasaki really outdid themselves with the ZRX line - they took their Ninja powerplant, put it in plain-jane "standard" motorcycle configuration, and offered it for quite a bit less than the fairing-clad Ninja. You got old school cafe racer at a price that could not be beat.
4. Ducati Superbike 1198 S (999 shown)- 170 horsepower in a bike that weighs less than 400 pounds. This is a one-way ticket to license revocation right here, folks, and the only way I'd consider buying one would be if I also owned several thousand acres somewhere in the southwest where I could open it up without killing myself or getting arrested. This is easily the Lamborghini of motorcycles...
5. Indian Chief Vintage - a modern motorcycle that maintains the classic lines of yesterday. Only problem is it costs more than my truck and the nearest dealer is in NJ... However expensive and hard-to-find it may be, it's a lot easier (and cheaper) to get my hands on one than to restore an early 1950s variant, that's to be sure. Plus it's an American bike that's not a Harley, which adds a little extra style to it (and I'm about as big a fan of the orange-and-black as you'll find).
6. 1984 Honda Nighthawk S - two friends have owned Nighthawk Ss, the 700cc configuration, and I've got to say it's one of the best bikes I've ever ridden. Shaft drive, comfortable two-up seating, full instrumentation, and sporty styling all adds up to an affordable motorcycle that made commuting fun. And it doesn't make the list solely because I have found memories of borrowing my buddy's 'Hawk to take out certain delectable co-eds back in the day, nosirree...
7. BMW R 1200 RT - for a sport-touring bike, I don't think there's a finer choice than any of the offerings from BMW. I used to work with a guy who commuted some 50 miles each and every day - well into November - on his BMW tourer, and the new Beamers are even better. Take off the saddlebags and the truck for around-town or commuting duty; put 'em back on and rack up the miles in the saddle. What's not to love?
8. Yamaha YZF-R1 - mainly because the list just wouldn't be complete without a 1,000cc Japanese superbike on it, and I've got a soft spot for ol' blue. Y'see, a 1979 Yamaha XS850 Midnight Special was my first motorcycle, a cranky triple with bad brakes, a dented tank, and a tendency to whimsically stop working at inopportune times. But it was MY motorcycle. My FIRST motorcycle. I've had over a dozen cars through the years, but only three motorcycles. And the Yamaha was the first. Plus you've gotta love a company that can make motorcycles and musical instruments...
9. Royal Enfield Bullet - Speaking of bikes that just had to make the list, there just had to be a standard motorcycle with British origins somewhere. And what better choice than an absolute throwback to the days of the original British invasion? 499cc engine, drum brakes, and 75 mpg in a bike that costs around $5K. If I was going to pick up a small motorcycle for commuting, it'd be a Royal Enfield - might as well rack up the miles in vintage style...
10. Boss Hoss 350 V8. Okay. I've gotta put in one of the Boss Hoss bikes, if for no reason other than the sheer "HOLY SHIT" factor of piloting a motorcycle powered by a GM 350 cubic inch engine. Sure, it's got two gears - around town and "OHMYG-DI'MGONNADIE" highway mode - but that V8 rumble is just as distinctive as the Harley V-twin, and when you realize it's coming from a motorcycle...
So there's my list of my favorite bikes. Obviously this is a subjective list, and I'm certain I've forgotten a couple dozen excellent motorcycles in the list. There's an obvious slant towards newer bikes in the list, and that comes from trying to keep a 20 year old Honda going before I got my Electra Glide (especially as a self-proclaimed "mechanically declined" person such as myself...).
So... I've shared m favorite bikes - let's hear about yours!
That is all.
1. Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra CVO - I've got a 2003 Electra Glide Standard and love the smooth ride, the ability to put on mile after mile, and, I'll be honest, the comfort of a rolling couch. The Ultra Glide has all the bells and whistles - cruise control, ABS, CD player with four speakers, lots of storage, basically, anything you might want for a long haul trip. The Custom Vehicle Operations package adds in custom paint, a 110 CI motor, heated seat, rider backrest, and a host of other accessories to help you put on the miles...
2. Honda Valkyrie - A six-cylinder, 1,500 cc cruising bike. What's not to love? I got to ride a Valk at a couple of Honda open houses back when I had my Magna, and it's impressive as hell. The motor that powers the Goldwing, only in a lighter cruiser, made a lot of rear-wheel power, a fact that was hammered home with each twist of the throttle. The Valkyrie is the only cruising-type bike that's ever gotten me to say "Whoa!"...
3. Kawasaki ZRX1200R - a naked sportbike, what a concept, eh? Kawasaki really outdid themselves with the ZRX line - they took their Ninja powerplant, put it in plain-jane "standard" motorcycle configuration, and offered it for quite a bit less than the fairing-clad Ninja. You got old school cafe racer at a price that could not be beat.
4. Ducati Superbike 1198 S (999 shown)- 170 horsepower in a bike that weighs less than 400 pounds. This is a one-way ticket to license revocation right here, folks, and the only way I'd consider buying one would be if I also owned several thousand acres somewhere in the southwest where I could open it up without killing myself or getting arrested. This is easily the Lamborghini of motorcycles...
5. Indian Chief Vintage - a modern motorcycle that maintains the classic lines of yesterday. Only problem is it costs more than my truck and the nearest dealer is in NJ... However expensive and hard-to-find it may be, it's a lot easier (and cheaper) to get my hands on one than to restore an early 1950s variant, that's to be sure. Plus it's an American bike that's not a Harley, which adds a little extra style to it (and I'm about as big a fan of the orange-and-black as you'll find).
6. 1984 Honda Nighthawk S - two friends have owned Nighthawk Ss, the 700cc configuration, and I've got to say it's one of the best bikes I've ever ridden. Shaft drive, comfortable two-up seating, full instrumentation, and sporty styling all adds up to an affordable motorcycle that made commuting fun. And it doesn't make the list solely because I have found memories of borrowing my buddy's 'Hawk to take out certain delectable co-eds back in the day, nosirree...
7. BMW R 1200 RT - for a sport-touring bike, I don't think there's a finer choice than any of the offerings from BMW. I used to work with a guy who commuted some 50 miles each and every day - well into November - on his BMW tourer, and the new Beamers are even better. Take off the saddlebags and the truck for around-town or commuting duty; put 'em back on and rack up the miles in the saddle. What's not to love?
8. Yamaha YZF-R1 - mainly because the list just wouldn't be complete without a 1,000cc Japanese superbike on it, and I've got a soft spot for ol' blue. Y'see, a 1979 Yamaha XS850 Midnight Special was my first motorcycle, a cranky triple with bad brakes, a dented tank, and a tendency to whimsically stop working at inopportune times. But it was MY motorcycle. My FIRST motorcycle. I've had over a dozen cars through the years, but only three motorcycles. And the Yamaha was the first. Plus you've gotta love a company that can make motorcycles and musical instruments...
9. Royal Enfield Bullet - Speaking of bikes that just had to make the list, there just had to be a standard motorcycle with British origins somewhere. And what better choice than an absolute throwback to the days of the original British invasion? 499cc engine, drum brakes, and 75 mpg in a bike that costs around $5K. If I was going to pick up a small motorcycle for commuting, it'd be a Royal Enfield - might as well rack up the miles in vintage style...
10. Boss Hoss 350 V8. Okay. I've gotta put in one of the Boss Hoss bikes, if for no reason other than the sheer "HOLY SHIT" factor of piloting a motorcycle powered by a GM 350 cubic inch engine. Sure, it's got two gears - around town and "OHMYG-DI'MGONNADIE" highway mode - but that V8 rumble is just as distinctive as the Harley V-twin, and when you realize it's coming from a motorcycle...
So there's my list of my favorite bikes. Obviously this is a subjective list, and I'm certain I've forgotten a couple dozen excellent motorcycles in the list. There's an obvious slant towards newer bikes in the list, and that comes from trying to keep a 20 year old Honda going before I got my Electra Glide (especially as a self-proclaimed "mechanically declined" person such as myself...).
So... I've shared m favorite bikes - let's hear about yours!
That is all.
Friday Gun Pr0n #91: 2008 in Review
Here's something I did at the end of last year that I particularly enjoyed. It's a recap of the year's firearms acquisitions for the last Friday of the year. So, presenting in chronological order, the firearms that were added to the G. armory in 2008:
The first new acquisition of the year was my Sig P226:
Followed very shortly thereafter by the Colt Lawman Mark III:
Several months passed before I added the Remington model 572 Fieldmaster:
The first new acquisition of the year was my Sig P226:
Followed very shortly thereafter by the Colt Lawman Mark III:
Several months passed before I added the Remington model 572 Fieldmaster:
Hmm. Seven new guns over the course of the year. And one gun (S&W model 10) was sold, for a net gain of six firearms. I'm going to have to seriously ramp up the acquisitions if I'm going to meet the tough new one-gun-a-month law...
That is all.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
The Reason...
Merry Christmas everyone. Remember the reason we celebrate - His birth.The Birth Of Jesus
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2: 1 - 20
That is all.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Bad Idea...
Here's a bad idea: Showing your seven year old the "Mr. Hanky Song" on YouTube.
Bad idea. Huge.
That is all.
Bad idea. Huge.
That is all.
Careful Over Alaska, Santa!
Because we wouldn't want a repeat of last year:
Heh.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
That is all.
Heh.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
That is all.
EBR Follow-up...
Back in October, I posted my Worst Case Scenario list:
So, what was my list?
Top Tier: Most important.
AR-15 variant. From what I've heard, Bushmaster makes a decent rifle.
Status: Done.
Semi-auto AK-47 clone. Most likely a converted high-cap WASR-10 or SAR-1 if I can find one. Expected cost: $400 - $500. 6 pre-ban 30-round magazines, est. $100.
Status: On hiatus until prices return to earth - I saw a Saiga-7.62 rifle selling for $700 on a local classified. NFW am I paying $700-$800 for a freakin' WASR-10.
Second Tier: Still important, but 1st tier to be filled first.
Bolt-action .50 BMG rifle, a la Serbu. If the AWB doesn't happen, they'll push for the .50 cal to become an NFA item. Est. $2,000.
Status: Ain't gonna happen. Too rich for my blood.
Additional SKS. Two. One will remain in cosmolene. Est. $200 each, $400 total.
Status: Done, partially (got one, not two).
Glock 17. Good to have at least one high-capacity polymer 9mm. $450 est. Add in 4-6 pre-ban 17 round magazines, $100-$120.
Status: Possible, if I find the right deal. See AK clone, though, for insane pricing - saw a Gen 3 G17 in MA for sale, guy wanted $700 for it. NFW.
Semi-auto .308. FN/FAL, M1A, AR-10, etc. This one should be further down the list than it is, since I have the VEPR, but a magazine-fed semi-auto firearm with only one five-round magazine isn't the most effective battle rifle. The Saiga-308 would be the best option, starting at ~ $400; the M1A the most elegant, but also the most expensive, around $1200 - $1500. Plus 6-8 magazines for whichever option is chosen.
Status: Dubious. Gun fund's running a little low these days, and right now I'd rather concentrate on high-capacity magazines and ammo.
Saiga-12. With as many 8 round magazines as I can find.
Status: Seriously back-burnered. Got the Saiga-20, that'll have to do for now. Got enough 12 gauges...
M1 Carbine. Manufacturer irrelevant. Already have a boatload of absolute pre-ban magazines. Est. $500.
Status: This is the most likely to happen in the near future, ideally for an early BAG Day acquisition.
Third Tier. Everything else.
More high capacity 9mm pistols - Beretta 92, S&W Model 59, etc. Plus magazines for each.
Status: Back-burnered like the Saiga-12. Got the Sig P226 and a good number of hi-cap magazines; if anything I'll look around for a couple more and call that done.
Factory 12 gauge pump-action shotgun with 8-round magazine.
Status: Done.
Duplicate AR-15/AK-47 clone - following the "two is one, one is none" principle.
Status: Very dubious. See situation, money.
Extra "large capacity" magazines for every semi-automatic firearm I own, and a handful of mags for guns I don't own but might conceivably come across in the future.Ammo. Lots and lots and lots of ammo...
Status: ongoing.
I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel, but I can distinctly hear the fat lady warming up in the wings. Barring some miraculous outbreak of, you know, actual fairness and real journalism (not bloodly likely), it appears that Barack "ACORN" Obama will be our next president.Well, we know how THAT turned out...
Given that the Senate and House will most likely not only stay in Democratic control, but become even more further such entrenched, it's time to start thinking about the Wish List. The Firearm Acquisition Wish List. With Barack "Bring Back The Assault Weapon Ban" Obama wielding the Executive Order pen, Nancy "Botox" Pelosi riding herd over Congress and Harry "Deer in the headlights" Reid in the Senate, I think we can safely count on a return to the bad ol' Clinton years of persecution of lawful gun
owners.
So, what was my list?
Top Tier: Most important.
AR-15 variant. From what I've heard, Bushmaster makes a decent rifle.
Status: Done.
Semi-auto AK-47 clone. Most likely a converted high-cap WASR-10 or SAR-1 if I can find one. Expected cost: $400 - $500. 6 pre-ban 30-round magazines, est. $100.
Status: On hiatus until prices return to earth - I saw a Saiga-7.62 rifle selling for $700 on a local classified. NFW am I paying $700-$800 for a freakin' WASR-10.
Second Tier: Still important, but 1st tier to be filled first.
Bolt-action .50 BMG rifle, a la Serbu. If the AWB doesn't happen, they'll push for the .50 cal to become an NFA item. Est. $2,000.
Status: Ain't gonna happen. Too rich for my blood.
Additional SKS. Two. One will remain in cosmolene. Est. $200 each, $400 total.
Status: Done, partially (got one, not two).
Glock 17. Good to have at least one high-capacity polymer 9mm. $450 est. Add in 4-6 pre-ban 17 round magazines, $100-$120.
Status: Possible, if I find the right deal. See AK clone, though, for insane pricing - saw a Gen 3 G17 in MA for sale, guy wanted $700 for it. NFW.
Semi-auto .308. FN/FAL, M1A, AR-10, etc. This one should be further down the list than it is, since I have the VEPR, but a magazine-fed semi-auto firearm with only one five-round magazine isn't the most effective battle rifle. The Saiga-308 would be the best option, starting at ~ $400; the M1A the most elegant, but also the most expensive, around $1200 - $1500. Plus 6-8 magazines for whichever option is chosen.
Status: Dubious. Gun fund's running a little low these days, and right now I'd rather concentrate on high-capacity magazines and ammo.
Saiga-12. With as many 8 round magazines as I can find.
Status: Seriously back-burnered. Got the Saiga-20, that'll have to do for now. Got enough 12 gauges...
M1 Carbine. Manufacturer irrelevant. Already have a boatload of absolute pre-ban magazines. Est. $500.
Status: This is the most likely to happen in the near future, ideally for an early BAG Day acquisition.
Third Tier. Everything else.
More high capacity 9mm pistols - Beretta 92, S&W Model 59, etc. Plus magazines for each.
Status: Back-burnered like the Saiga-12. Got the Sig P226 and a good number of hi-cap magazines; if anything I'll look around for a couple more and call that done.
Factory 12 gauge pump-action shotgun with 8-round magazine.
Status: Done.
Duplicate AR-15/AK-47 clone - following the "two is one, one is none" principle.
Status: Very dubious. See situation, money.
Extra "large capacity" magazines for every semi-automatic firearm I own, and a handful of mags for guns I don't own but might conceivably come across in the future.Ammo. Lots and lots and lots of ammo...
Status: ongoing.
So that's the update on the post-Obamacalypse panic gun buying. Got one representative firearm from each tier, now I need to focus on more magazines and ammo. Oh, and accessorizing for the new guns I just got, too...
That is all.
Optics Bleg
So, I just bought a couple new fancy evil black firearms. One scattergun, one AR-15. The scattergun currently has a $25 BSA red dot sight on it; the AR has iron sights.
I'd like to upgrade both.
However, I think I've mentioned this before, I'm a cheap bastard. I'm not looking to drop $500 on the latest and greatest EOTech. I'd rather spend $100 on something not quite as bells-and-whistles-y and $400 on a case of ammo... For the Mossberg, I'd like to get a low-profile red dot or holo sight, nothing fancy, but something that can stand up to the rigors of a shotgun. For the Bushmaster, I'm thinking something with a bit (2X-4X) magnification that I could sight in at 100 yards and plink away. I'll need something that mounts to the carrying handle for the AR; the Mossberg has a standard Weaver rail.
So... What are my options?
Mossberg: This is the kind of sight I'm thinking of. $50 (less with C&R discount), favorably rated (realizing, of course, that n=2 isn't exactly a statistically valid group...). A slightly more expensive option, with better ratings, is this model. Any reason to look further, or other options that might be more what I'm looking for? I'd prefer to keep this scope options to under $100.
Bushmaster: This is where things get interesting. There's about, oh, a hundred million billion different sighting options available for the AR-15; with the choices only slightly limited by the carrying handle. Which, naturally, can be overcome for about $20... Ideally, I'd like to get a magnified red dot type scope at ~ 4X power for the Bushmaster, something that can reach out to 100 yards or so but not break the bank. Something under $150 here. Some possibilities are here, here, or here.
Any recommendations, either specific scopes to look for or certain manufacturers to avoid, are welcome. I've had extremely limited experience with scopes, mainly putting $10 4X scopes on rimfire rifles for 25 yard plinking, so I've got quite the learning curve ahead of me. The main focus for both optics is short-range work; nothing beyond 50 yards for the Mossberg and nothing beyond 100 yards for the Bushmaster. I don't need a ½ MOA scope nor a night-vision holographic sight here, just basic, no-frills, low-budger add-ons.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
That is all.
I'd like to upgrade both.
However, I think I've mentioned this before, I'm a cheap bastard. I'm not looking to drop $500 on the latest and greatest EOTech. I'd rather spend $100 on something not quite as bells-and-whistles-y and $400 on a case of ammo... For the Mossberg, I'd like to get a low-profile red dot or holo sight, nothing fancy, but something that can stand up to the rigors of a shotgun. For the Bushmaster, I'm thinking something with a bit (2X-4X) magnification that I could sight in at 100 yards and plink away. I'll need something that mounts to the carrying handle for the AR; the Mossberg has a standard Weaver rail.
So... What are my options?
Mossberg: This is the kind of sight I'm thinking of. $50 (less with C&R discount), favorably rated (realizing, of course, that n=2 isn't exactly a statistically valid group...). A slightly more expensive option, with better ratings, is this model. Any reason to look further, or other options that might be more what I'm looking for? I'd prefer to keep this scope options to under $100.
Bushmaster: This is where things get interesting. There's about, oh, a hundred million billion different sighting options available for the AR-15; with the choices only slightly limited by the carrying handle. Which, naturally, can be overcome for about $20... Ideally, I'd like to get a magnified red dot type scope at ~ 4X power for the Bushmaster, something that can reach out to 100 yards or so but not break the bank. Something under $150 here. Some possibilities are here, here, or here.
Any recommendations, either specific scopes to look for or certain manufacturers to avoid, are welcome. I've had extremely limited experience with scopes, mainly putting $10 4X scopes on rimfire rifles for 25 yard plinking, so I've got quite the learning curve ahead of me. The main focus for both optics is short-range work; nothing beyond 50 yards for the Mossberg and nothing beyond 100 yards for the Bushmaster. I don't need a ½ MOA scope nor a night-vision holographic sight here, just basic, no-frills, low-budger add-ons.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
That is all.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Just for Tam...
Who complained of an earworm a few days back. I posted that the only known cure was this:
Just try and get that out of your head!
That is all.
Just try and get that out of your head!
That is all.
For the Restivus!
How could I have forgotten?
Today, of course, is Festivus.
Should we air our grievances first, or commence with the feats of strength?
That is all.
Today, of course, is Festivus.
Should we air our grievances first, or commence with the feats of strength?
That is all.
Northeast Blogger Winter Gathering Reminder II
One last reminder to everyone that the Northeast Blogger Winter Gathering is this coming Saturday!!!
What? Northeast Blogger Winter Gathering.
Who? Any and all bloggers, commenters, readers, lurkers, etc. in the Northeast area, or those passing through, or anyone crazy enough to show up.
When? Saturday, December 27th 2008, starting at 5:00 PM and going until they throw us out.
Where? The "Brew Section" at Martha's Exchange in Nashua, NH.
Why? Folks getting together to enjoy good food, great beer, and superlative company. Bring your appetite, a whistle for wetting, and your best stories to tell.
See last update for folks who are planning to attend.
It was brought to my attention that we might want to have nametags of some sort, given that there's going to be some 20+ people at this shindig. I'm more than happy to pick up either honest-to-goodness name tags or just the stick-on ones if people would like. Let me know if this is something to look into...
That is all...
What? Northeast Blogger Winter Gathering.
Who? Any and all bloggers, commenters, readers, lurkers, etc. in the Northeast area, or those passing through, or anyone crazy enough to show up.
When? Saturday, December 27th 2008, starting at 5:00 PM and going until they throw us out.
Where? The "Brew Section" at Martha's Exchange in Nashua, NH.
Why? Folks getting together to enjoy good food, great beer, and superlative company. Bring your appetite, a whistle for wetting, and your best stories to tell.
See last update for folks who are planning to attend.
It was brought to my attention that we might want to have nametags of some sort, given that there's going to be some 20+ people at this shindig. I'm more than happy to pick up either honest-to-goodness name tags or just the stick-on ones if people would like. Let me know if this is something to look into...
That is all...
Froze Toez...
Alternate title: You know you're in New England when...
Came downstairs this morning, took a look at the thermometer, and was relieved to see the temperature was a balmy 27ºF. My first thought? "Oh, it's warm out today"...
Then I stepped outside and was hit with harsh reality: the thermometer probe is buried under a foot of snow and thereby insulated. The actual temperature outside is a wintry 7ºF...
Note to Al Gore. Ur Global Warming iz broked.
That is all.
Came downstairs this morning, took a look at the thermometer, and was relieved to see the temperature was a balmy 27ºF. My first thought? "Oh, it's warm out today"...
Then I stepped outside and was hit with harsh reality: the thermometer probe is buried under a foot of snow and thereby insulated. The actual temperature outside is a wintry 7ºF...
Note to Al Gore. Ur Global Warming iz broked.
That is all.
Thought Question
Yes, it's another one of those "What Would You Do?" questions...
Okay. Here's the scenario. It's dusk, and you're in a decent area of town. Assume, for the sake of argument, you're standing outside of a restaurant having a smoke (or chatting with someone having a smoke). A person of questionable means (looks like a bum) crosses the street and heads towards you. He has his hand in his jacket pocket, and as he gets within earshot, demands your wallet/purse. You are a lawfully licensed CCW holder with your lawfully owned firearm on your person.
What do you do?
This is the kind of grey-area scenario that we need to be thinking about, IMHO. This is exactly the nebulous kind of situation where we need to have a plan in place before the ball drops. For me, there's a lot of variables that aren't apparent in this situation but require thought ahead of time.
What if he's got a loaded gun in his pocket, his hand on the trigger, and he's just itching to blow some rich person away?
What if he's got nothing but his own meathook in the pocket, and is no more dangerous than Mother Theresa?
Are you willing to gamble with your life that he doesn't have a weapon?
Are you willing to gamble with your freedom if he doesn't?
I'm not terribly willing to surrender my wallet. First off, my license with my home address is in it. I really don't want Chippy McCrackhead deciding to head to my house at 3 AM for an easy score. Second, there's a grey area in MA that makes the claim that if you do not have your LTC on your person when you have a firearm, then you are carrying illegally - felony illegally. In the absense of an immediate threat to my life, I'm reluctant to hand over the wallet (in the presence of an immediate threat to my life, someone's getting ventilated).
So here you are, face to face with Billy Boozebag and his jacket pocket. You've got to assess the threat, determine if its serious enough to employ deadly force, and put that force into use if necessary, all in the span of, what, 2-3 seconds? If that is a gun in his pocket, the momentary hesitation you show before action could be enough to cost you your life. If it's not a gun, and you draw your weapon (even without firing), you're opening yourself up to a world of liability.
I don't know the answer. There's a lot of variable in play, and I'd need to be staring Richie Reefer down before I made a move. In the absense of a visible weapon, I'd most likely take the chance and run like a scared jackrabbit - sure, in an ideal world, it would be perfectly legal to draw my Model 19 and pistol-whip the little bastard just for good measure. But we don't live in a perfect world, and I don't want to be explaining to my Chief of Police the felony stop I had performed on me in Boston because some disadvantaged youth stopped to ask me directions to the local Toys for Tots drive...
So what would you do?
That is all.
Okay. Here's the scenario. It's dusk, and you're in a decent area of town. Assume, for the sake of argument, you're standing outside of a restaurant having a smoke (or chatting with someone having a smoke). A person of questionable means (looks like a bum) crosses the street and heads towards you. He has his hand in his jacket pocket, and as he gets within earshot, demands your wallet/purse. You are a lawfully licensed CCW holder with your lawfully owned firearm on your person.
What do you do?
This is the kind of grey-area scenario that we need to be thinking about, IMHO. This is exactly the nebulous kind of situation where we need to have a plan in place before the ball drops. For me, there's a lot of variables that aren't apparent in this situation but require thought ahead of time.
What if he's got a loaded gun in his pocket, his hand on the trigger, and he's just itching to blow some rich person away?
What if he's got nothing but his own meathook in the pocket, and is no more dangerous than Mother Theresa?
Are you willing to gamble with your life that he doesn't have a weapon?
Are you willing to gamble with your freedom if he doesn't?
I'm not terribly willing to surrender my wallet. First off, my license with my home address is in it. I really don't want Chippy McCrackhead deciding to head to my house at 3 AM for an easy score. Second, there's a grey area in MA that makes the claim that if you do not have your LTC on your person when you have a firearm, then you are carrying illegally - felony illegally. In the absense of an immediate threat to my life, I'm reluctant to hand over the wallet (in the presence of an immediate threat to my life, someone's getting ventilated).
So here you are, face to face with Billy Boozebag and his jacket pocket. You've got to assess the threat, determine if its serious enough to employ deadly force, and put that force into use if necessary, all in the span of, what, 2-3 seconds? If that is a gun in his pocket, the momentary hesitation you show before action could be enough to cost you your life. If it's not a gun, and you draw your weapon (even without firing), you're opening yourself up to a world of liability.
I don't know the answer. There's a lot of variable in play, and I'd need to be staring Richie Reefer down before I made a move. In the absense of a visible weapon, I'd most likely take the chance and run like a scared jackrabbit - sure, in an ideal world, it would be perfectly legal to draw my Model 19 and pistol-whip the little bastard just for good measure. But we don't live in a perfect world, and I don't want to be explaining to my Chief of Police the felony stop I had performed on me in Boston because some disadvantaged youth stopped to ask me directions to the local Toys for Tots drive...
So what would you do?
That is all.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Random Riffs
In no particular order...
- Ladies, if your SO has spent the better part of the weekend clearing literally FEET of snow from the driveway, walkways, etc.; up to and including clearing the driveway in sweats so you can get out and run errands rather than being housebound, a simple "thank you" goes an awfully long way...
- In the snow-clearing vein, my left shoulder is never going to stop hurting if we keep getting snow by the foot...
- It ought to be legal to shoot someone driving down the road with their entire car covered in snow except for a 6" hole in the windshield in front of the driver's side. Maybe not to kill, but you should be able to at least wing 'em. Stupidity should hurt.
- If you help your kids build an eight-foot tall snowman, including a middle section that's 3.5' around and weighs more than an engine block, and THEN shovel snow for an hour and a half, don't wake up the next morning and wonder why your back hurts.
- Much like every other year on record, I still have a bit of Christmas shopping to do with only 3 days left. CRAP...
- I'm looking forward to Christmas even more so this year - it's one of the few times out of the year that I completely and utterly stop counting calories. I'll pay for it the next day, but Mom G.'s Christmas meal is worth it...
Number Two...
Another heartwarming story out of the Hoosier state:
Police: Employee kills robber at grocery store
Gotta love a story with a happy ending. Doesn't that leave you all warm and fuzzy inside? Now, I've just got to ask: What, exactly, was the robber's plan, herding everyone into the back of the store and pointing his weapon at them? Was he going to ask them for more hopenchange? Or, perhaps, was he getting rid of witnesses? I'd say that employee saved a lot of lives...
Now, to my Hoosier friends... Shall we take up a collection to buy the employee a box of ammo to say thanks?
Good guys: 1. Goblins: 0.
Dead Goblin count: 2.
That is all.
Link found courtesy of Caleb from Call Me Ahab...
Police: Employee kills robber at grocery store
A robber was shot and killed by a grocery store employee Sunday after the robber pointed a gun at a customer and her baby, police said.
The shooting happened at 8:50 p.m. at Tienda Suarez, 6240 W. 34th St.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Sgt. Matthew Mount said the robber, brandishing a handgun, corralled all the customers into one part of the store. When the robber pointed the gun at a woman and her child, an employee shot him. The man was taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Gotta love a story with a happy ending. Doesn't that leave you all warm and fuzzy inside? Now, I've just got to ask: What, exactly, was the robber's plan, herding everyone into the back of the store and pointing his weapon at them? Was he going to ask them for more hopenchange? Or, perhaps, was he getting rid of witnesses? I'd say that employee saved a lot of lives...
Now, to my Hoosier friends... Shall we take up a collection to buy the employee a box of ammo to say thanks?
Good guys: 1. Goblins: 0.
Dead Goblin count: 2.
That is all.
Link found courtesy of Caleb from Call Me Ahab...
Careful With that "X" Eugene...
There's something a lot of people have that has many misconceptions swirling around it and its use.
- This item is not a magic talisman. Simply possessing it does not make one invulnerable.
- Relying on this item rather than basic common sense and situational awareness will lead to very bad things.
- It's absolutely critical to know when this item should be used versus when it should not be used.
- Use of this item requires practice; it's not something that should be ignored for months at a time and then pulled out at the last minute, deus ex machina style.
- This item should never get you into trouble, only out of it.
- This item can give you peace of mind even though you may never use it.
What's the item in question? Why, four-wheel-drive, of course!
What, you thought I meant something else?
That is all.
Not Covered by the "Great Big Book of Everything"
...and for the parents out there, sorry for putting the song in your head...
Saturday night, as we drove home from a family night out to dinner, The Boy asked a question about "those idiots who flew the planes into the buildings in New York." Apparently they were singing "This Land Is Your Land" in music class, and their music teacher commented on the 9/11 attacks as part of "to the New York islands." I don't know the exact circumstances (getting correct information out of a tired second-grader isn't the easiest of chores), so I won't comment on whether it was appropriate or not.
So The Boy started asking questions about 9/11. Why did it happen? Why do they hate us? Why do they want to kill us? And it just tore me up inside that I had to explain the concept of radical fundamentalism to my son, especially after so recently bringing him to church. It's hard to boil down the nutjob perversion that is radical Islam to a form understandable to a seven year old; it's even harder to bring in the religious aspect.
How the hell do you tell a kid that there are people out there who want to kill us simply because we follow a different religion? I tried to present the basic concept that they had different beliefs than we do, and that while ours revolve around doing good to help people, theirs revolve around hatred, intolerance, and rewards for those who kill people who don't belong to that religion. It was made doubly hard in that he's just starting to learn about his own religion - we haven't even scratched the surface of the different religions found around the world. Hell, how many different branches of Christianity are there?
What's really hard is not having a good answer for my son's "Why, Daddy?"
And I hate that these barbarians make this conversation necessary. I hate that I have to explain the concept of hijacking a plane; dying for a cause; the raw, unadulterated hatred that drives a man to give his own life solely for the purpose of killing others for his cause. I have to tread lightly, lest the anger and violence I feel towards these subhumans influence my responses. I stressed the heroism of the people who resisted on Flight 93 and how they saved the lives of countless hundreds or thousands on the ground by fighting back (always take the opportunity to plug the concept of fighting back!).
I don't want to explain mass murder or wild-eyed fanaticism to my children. But even more than that, I don't want them to fall victim to it as random victims of the violence it spawns. I tried to reassure him that we wouldn't encounter anything like this on a plane (we're hoping to do Disneyworld next year), that people wouldn't let it happen a second time. But looking at the sheep around us, people blithely sleepwalking through life in Condition Translucent (worse than white), I don't know if that's necessarily true.
What I do know is that I will be dead before harm comes to my children, and whoever attempts that harm will either be dead as well or missing a few key pieces at the least.
That is all.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha Ha...
Okay. Just spent the past hour and a half shoveling my driveway.
Again.
Why, you ask, did Jay shovel the 6" of snow off his driveway rather than use the 25HP lawn tractor with 46" snowthrower attachment? Was it broken? Out of gas? Being used by Dad G. (the rightful owner)?
No. I shoveled my driveway by hand because the snowthrower doesn't pack the snow into a snow fort... The horrors we invite upon ourselves in the interest of making our children happy... Rather than take the easy, mechanized way out, I fell back on the tried-and-true method of snow removal via pure brute force.
All to make sure my kids had a snow fort that would be the envy of the neighborhood...
Sometimes a dad's gotta do what a dad's gotta do. If that means a little elbow grease instead of the easy way out, well, hell. It's a good workout. That's how I look at it. And now, instead of having a sterile, perfectly clean driveway with straight-lined edges, we have ragged shovel marks. And five feet of packed snow fort walls along the entire driveway.
And two ecstatically happy children, who showed their appreciation by raining snowballs down on their hapless father while he finished shoveling. Naturally, they received several shovels of snow catapulted back at them - I may be an old softie, but I'm not above retaliation...
That is all.
Again.
Why, you ask, did Jay shovel the 6" of snow off his driveway rather than use the 25HP lawn tractor with 46" snowthrower attachment? Was it broken? Out of gas? Being used by Dad G. (the rightful owner)?
No. I shoveled my driveway by hand because the snowthrower doesn't pack the snow into a snow fort... The horrors we invite upon ourselves in the interest of making our children happy... Rather than take the easy, mechanized way out, I fell back on the tried-and-true method of snow removal via pure brute force.
All to make sure my kids had a snow fort that would be the envy of the neighborhood...
Sometimes a dad's gotta do what a dad's gotta do. If that means a little elbow grease instead of the easy way out, well, hell. It's a good workout. That's how I look at it. And now, instead of having a sterile, perfectly clean driveway with straight-lined edges, we have ragged shovel marks. And five feet of packed snow fort walls along the entire driveway.
And two ecstatically happy children, who showed their appreciation by raining snowballs down on their hapless father while he finished shoveling. Naturally, they received several shovels of snow catapulted back at them - I may be an old softie, but I'm not above retaliation...
That is all.
You Win This Round, Al Gore!
12" of snow Friday into Saturday.
Up to 15" of snow predicted between today and tomorrow morning.
Global Warming, take me away!
That is all.
Up to 15" of snow predicted between today and tomorrow morning.
Global Warming, take me away!
That is all.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
If Necessity Is the Mother of Invention...
...then duct tape is the crazy uncle everyone strives to avoid over the holidays...
Since there's a reasonable possibility that the kids will be getting snow gear for Christmas, and we've just had the first appreciable snowfall of the season, we'd been waiting until after the holidays to get any snow-related outerwear the kids might need. We wanted to avoid the scene two Christmases ago where BabyGirlG got not one, not two, but three snowsuits (one for home, one for daycare, one for???).
So we've had to make do:
MacGuvyer, eat your heart out!
Yes, those are The Boy's boots. They still fit him - kinda. I noticed the other day when we pulled them out of the closet that the only thing holding the entire sole onto the rest of the boot was apparently his foot funk... Given that you could literally see daylight through the boot, it struck me that it probably was less-than-optimal for keeping snow & wetness out and heat in.
Ah, duct tape. Is there anything you can't do?
For every problem there are many solutions. Some are elegant. Some are intricate. And some just require judicious application of a tough waterproof tape. Kinda like raising kids. Errr... (Just kiddin' DYS. We use bungee cords...)
That is all.
Since there's a reasonable possibility that the kids will be getting snow gear for Christmas, and we've just had the first appreciable snowfall of the season, we'd been waiting until after the holidays to get any snow-related outerwear the kids might need. We wanted to avoid the scene two Christmases ago where BabyGirlG got not one, not two, but three snowsuits (one for home, one for daycare, one for???).
So we've had to make do:
MacGuvyer, eat your heart out!
Yes, those are The Boy's boots. They still fit him - kinda. I noticed the other day when we pulled them out of the closet that the only thing holding the entire sole onto the rest of the boot was apparently his foot funk... Given that you could literally see daylight through the boot, it struck me that it probably was less-than-optimal for keeping snow & wetness out and heat in.
Ah, duct tape. Is there anything you can't do?
For every problem there are many solutions. Some are elegant. Some are intricate. And some just require judicious application of a tough waterproof tape. Kinda like raising kids. Errr... (Just kiddin' DYS. We use bungee cords...)
That is all.
Saturday Snow Photoblogging...
Here's the view from MY porch:
And here's Casa del G.:
Sure is pretty, once you've spent 2+ hours clearing your driveway and can enjoy it (after the Advil kicks in, that is...)
That is all.
And here's Casa del G.:
Sure is pretty, once you've spent 2+ hours clearing your driveway and can enjoy it (after the Advil kicks in, that is...)
That is all.
Friday, December 19, 2008
"I Know, I Know"...
This one's for the parents out there...
Both The Boy and BabyGirlG have the most annoying habit. Whenever they are scolded for any reason, the stock response is "I know, I know" in an annoyed voice. It doesn't matter what they've done; it doesn't matter how many times they've gotten in trouble for doing it before; most of the time it seems to be a rote response, much like the moro reflex...
Quite frankly, it drives Mrs. G. and I positively batshit insane.
Our standard response to it is something along the lines of "No, you obviously don't know, or you wouldn't have [done/said/forgotten/etc.] what you did!" This has approximately the same effect as firing a BB gun at the Death Star, except that the Death Star wouldn't then turn and give a blank stare vaguely reminiscent of a grazing bovine...
It's become a battle of wills. Will Mrs. G. and I go crazy first, or will our children learn to live in a world without television, computers, toys, or video games? Will we have to resort to the time-honored tradition of the backhand? Tune in to next week's installment of "As the Stomach Churns"...
That is all.
Both The Boy and BabyGirlG have the most annoying habit. Whenever they are scolded for any reason, the stock response is "I know, I know" in an annoyed voice. It doesn't matter what they've done; it doesn't matter how many times they've gotten in trouble for doing it before; most of the time it seems to be a rote response, much like the moro reflex...
Quite frankly, it drives Mrs. G. and I positively batshit insane.
Our standard response to it is something along the lines of "No, you obviously don't know, or you wouldn't have [done/said/forgotten/etc.] what you did!" This has approximately the same effect as firing a BB gun at the Death Star, except that the Death Star wouldn't then turn and give a blank stare vaguely reminiscent of a grazing bovine...
It's become a battle of wills. Will Mrs. G. and I go crazy first, or will our children learn to live in a world without television, computers, toys, or video games? Will we have to resort to the time-honored tradition of the backhand? Tune in to next week's installment of "As the Stomach Churns"...
That is all.
Battin' 500...
There's a particularly difficult intersection on my daily commute. There's two lanes coming up to a traffic light where two main routes intersect. The left lane turns left; the right lane goes straight or turns right. The right lane typically has 4-6X the traffic of the left.
(See where this is going?)
Well, the past two days I've been the first person at the light in the right lane, and the person next to me has ignored the line of traffic, numerous signs, and all attempts at common courtesy and proceeded straight through the intersection rather than turning left as they should.
In neither case did the driver use a turn signal to indicate their dumbassery; go figure.
Yesterday it was a Toyota Tundra. When the light turned green, I saw him start to go straight and floored it - smoked 'im. Today it was an Audi A8. If the rear-end of the Ram hadn't broken loose, I might have had a chance. He smoked me. (Re: If... My grandfather had a saying whenever we whined about "If X had only happened". He'd look us straight in the eye and say, "If? If the dog hadn't stopped to shit he'd have caught the rabbit." Grampy was like that...).
Yesterday I was the dog, today I was the hydrant...
That is all.
(See where this is going?)
Well, the past two days I've been the first person at the light in the right lane, and the person next to me has ignored the line of traffic, numerous signs, and all attempts at common courtesy and proceeded straight through the intersection rather than turning left as they should.
In neither case did the driver use a turn signal to indicate their dumbassery; go figure.
Yesterday it was a Toyota Tundra. When the light turned green, I saw him start to go straight and floored it - smoked 'im. Today it was an Audi A8. If the rear-end of the Ram hadn't broken loose, I might have had a chance. He smoked me. (Re: If... My grandfather had a saying whenever we whined about "If X had only happened". He'd look us straight in the eye and say, "If? If the dog hadn't stopped to shit he'd have caught the rabbit." Grampy was like that...).
Yesterday I was the dog, today I was the hydrant...
That is all.
Friday Fun Thread: Mid-Life Crisis Cars!
And now for something completely different... This week's list consists of cars most likely to find their way into the garage of a 40- to 60- something male homo sapiens. These are the "mid-life crisis" cars; the ones purchased when a man feels youth slipping through his fingers like so much of his hair... The last-ditch effort to be cool or hip or current... You know the type - bad comb-over, spare tire (that most often could fit a semi), etc...
So here are the cars that Herb Tarlek might covet
1. Chevrolet Corvette convertible - gotta be red, ideally with white top. The discerning MLC sufferer will choose a classic 'Vette, perhaps an early '70s Stingray. Other common variants are early 1990s ZR-1s or early (1995-96) C5s.
2. Ford Mustang GT convertible - for the budget-conscious MLC, a new GT will set you back less than $30K new, and even less for a 2-3 year old used model. Can also be subsituted for a boutique 'Stang like the Bullitt commemorative, Cobra, or a new Shelby variant.
3. Porsche 911/Boxster. The more upscale MLC car carries a Bavarian badge; this is most often a changeover from a similar vintage upscale SUV like a Land Rover or Mercedes M series. The 911 is more traditional, but the Boxster retains more of the Porsche heritage with the air-cooled engine amidships.
4. Subaru WRX. This might appeal to the later-in-life dads who want some thing sporty and yet still suitable for a (small) family. It's sporty, has Fast 'n' Furious-type cred, and can seat four in a pinch with room for groceries. This is one of the more responsible MLC choices.
5. Dodge Challenger. For a long time, the Viper was the only Chrysler offering that would make this sort of list, but now the Challenger takes its place. With the 6.1L Hemi engine, this car is stupidly fast, has major league retro appeal, and can be obtained for under $100K...
6. Mercedes CLK convertible. Another high-end MLC car; Mercedes convertibles have been a favorite of the silver-hair set since the venerable 280 became the car of choice for Matt Houston (I'm showing my age with that reference!). Speed, comfort, and German engineering all in one package that screams "sugar daddy" - what's not to love?
7. Jeep Wrangler. (No offense Ted). Another practical vehicle for someone looking for a youth-oriented vehicle, the Jeep has the added benefit of being something that's equally at home in the winter as well as the summer. Pop the top, take the doors off, and you're all set to cruise the beach; put on the hard top and hard doors and you've got a legendary 4WD machine for the snowy months. If you really want attention, a lift kit and 33" tires will get you noticed - just don't take any sharp corners...
8. Volkswagen GTI. With the first GTI introduced to the American market in 1983, those 20-somethings who ponied up the extra $$$ for the GTI package in 1983 are now in their mid- to upper 40s and looking at new GTIs as a way to relive their youth. And I'm not just saying this because I had an '86 GTI and I'm jealous of Robb's new wheels...
9. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Another "boy racer" inspired by the FnF craze, this is a 290+ HP turbocharged grocery-getter that harkens back to the days of the Omni GLH. The Dodge turbos and the Buick Grand National helped bring turbo- and super-charged engines to the forefront of automotive performance once the displacement wars ended in the mid 1970s, and the technology has gotten a lot more advanced and impressive as we approach the 2010s...
10. 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird. The "retro" or "boutique" T-bird which ranks right up there with the Edsel as one of Ford's blunders; it's still a sharp, stylish car that Ford all but gave away as models languished on the sales lots. Initial pricing was upwards of $50K, at which price buyers laughed and bought Mustangs aplenty. As the sales dropped from anemic to outright sickly, Ford slashed prices in half, resulting in a fairly good bargain. When they canceled it after only three years, it ensured that this model would be nothing if not a unique choice.
So... Did I miss the car you're waiting for? What vehicular conveyance are you planning on purchasing once you no longer have to schlep around car seats/hockey equipment/camping gear/etc.? Have you noticed a plethora of late-model lotharios cruising around in a car not mentioned? Inquiring minds want to know...
That is all.
Friday Gun Pr0n #90
Okay. It is time. Time to reveal what the sooper-special gun for today's gun pr0n might be...
I'll start off with this hint:
No, not an M1 Garand (although that is on the short list of "Guns Jay Desperately Wants To Get ASAP"). The Garand's successor. Specifically, the semi-automatic variant thereof (I don't have $15K for a transferable M-16!):
Yes, Barack Obama's imminent coronation has caused me to do what heretofore was thought impossible: Buy an AR-15-based semi-automatic rifle...
This is a Bushmaster (Sorry Old NFO!) XM15-E2S semi-automatic rifle chambered in .223 Remington (5.56 mm NATO). 16" barrel, pinned stock to comply with MA AWB {spit}, and 5 genuine pre-ban Colt 20-round magazines. Bought used, but barely - it looked like it had been shot maybe once or twice, tops - at my local merchant of death. Considering the current climate and availability of evil black rifles, I'm quite pleased with the deal I got...
Here I am at the range, about to shoot my shiny new rifle:
Holy crap .223 Remington is fun to shoot! It sounds like the world is coming to an end, especially with the short barrel; however the "kick" is an absolute minimum. That's actually one of the reasons I was so interested in an AR-15 based gun - it's a good introduction to semi-automatic rifles. It's not terribly heavy, yet the round doesn't kick like a mule like a .308 would.
So, how does it shoot?
Well, considering that:
1. This is the first time I've ever shot this rifle;
2. I was on the 50 yard range;
3. The rifle has no optics, and my eyesight's not the greatest...
I'd say it shoots pretty damned well:
I need to adjust the sights a bit, obviously - it was shooting low and to the left. I'm going to look around for a decent 4X scope or 2X red dot type sight (any suggestions?) and get everything sighted in at once.
Now the big question: Who's got pre-ban 30 rounders they'd like to unload?
That is all.
I'll start off with this hint:
No, not an M1 Garand (although that is on the short list of "Guns Jay Desperately Wants To Get ASAP"). The Garand's successor. Specifically, the semi-automatic variant thereof (I don't have $15K for a transferable M-16!):
Yes, Barack Obama's imminent coronation has caused me to do what heretofore was thought impossible: Buy an AR-15-based semi-automatic rifle...
This is a Bushmaster (Sorry Old NFO!) XM15-E2S semi-automatic rifle chambered in .223 Remington (5.56 mm NATO). 16" barrel, pinned stock to comply with MA AWB {spit}, and 5 genuine pre-ban Colt 20-round magazines. Bought used, but barely - it looked like it had been shot maybe once or twice, tops - at my local merchant of death. Considering the current climate and availability of evil black rifles, I'm quite pleased with the deal I got...
Here I am at the range, about to shoot my shiny new rifle:
Holy crap .223 Remington is fun to shoot! It sounds like the world is coming to an end, especially with the short barrel; however the "kick" is an absolute minimum. That's actually one of the reasons I was so interested in an AR-15 based gun - it's a good introduction to semi-automatic rifles. It's not terribly heavy, yet the round doesn't kick like a mule like a .308 would.
So, how does it shoot?
Well, considering that:
1. This is the first time I've ever shot this rifle;
2. I was on the 50 yard range;
3. The rifle has no optics, and my eyesight's not the greatest...
I'd say it shoots pretty damned well:
I need to adjust the sights a bit, obviously - it was shooting low and to the left. I'm going to look around for a decent 4X scope or 2X red dot type sight (any suggestions?) and get everything sighted in at once.
Now the big question: Who's got pre-ban 30 rounders they'd like to unload?
That is all.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Guessing Game, Part II!
Got a sooper-special Friday Gun Pr0n for tomorrow. It's something that's been on my list for a long time; something that moved up the ranks with a certain Presidential election outcome. I've been unable to contain my enthusiasm and let a handful of y'all know, so those of you "in the know" just hush for a bit.
So, the big question for today is: What's Jay's new mystery gun?
To be revealed first thing Friday morning. It's very cool, I do have to admit... Give your guesses in comments - let's see who comes closest!
That is all.
So, the big question for today is: What's Jay's new mystery gun?
To be revealed first thing Friday morning. It's very cool, I do have to admit... Give your guesses in comments - let's see who comes closest!
That is all.
Paging the Wahmbulance, Part II...
Wow. What is it with the whining lately?
'Taliban American' asks Bush to commute prison sentence
Let's get one thing straight, right now. This man took up arms against the United States. By all rights, he should have faced a firing squad or a hangman's noose seven years ago. What he did is treason, plain and simple, and the penalty for treason is death. His mother's request for "mercy" has already been granted in the sentencing; that this puke didn't do the Danny Deever seven years ago is mercy enough.
Then again, if this country is so heinous that he felt the need to take up arms against it, perhaps "mercy" would be served with a single .22 behind the ear?
That is all.
'Taliban American' asks Bush to commute prison sentence
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The man dubbed the "Taliban American" is asking the president to commute the remaining years of his federal prison sentence, according to a statement released by his attorneys Wednesday.
John Walker Lindh is hoping that President Bush will commute the rest of his 20-year sentence.
John Walker Lindh, a 27-year-old Californian, has served seven years of a 20-year sentence after being captured in Afghanistan in 2001.
Let's get one thing straight, right now. This man took up arms against the United States. By all rights, he should have faced a firing squad or a hangman's noose seven years ago. What he did is treason, plain and simple, and the penalty for treason is death. His mother's request for "mercy" has already been granted in the sentencing; that this puke didn't do the Danny Deever seven years ago is mercy enough.
Then again, if this country is so heinous that he felt the need to take up arms against it, perhaps "mercy" would be served with a single .22 behind the ear?
That is all.
Merry Christmas! Part II
With Christmas merely a week away, I thought I'd share our family's Christmas letter.
G. Family Christmas Letter 2008
It is time again for the G. Christmas letter. What a year 2008 has been for us! It started out in grand style - The Boy took First Place for the Tiger Cubs in the Pinewood Derby, earning him a trip to Regionals in March. He faced some stiff competition from his fellow Tigers, coming in a respectable fifth place (sadly, trophies were only awarded through Fourth…); however he knew the Tiger who took first place - his pre-school friend Jack (whose father is a mechanic, go figure…)
April was a very busy month, with Mrs. G’s parents moving into a new home in [town name redacted]. Mrs. G was very busy helping her parents pack for the move as well as helping to clean out the former family homestead in [second town name redacted]. It was a tough job cleaning out years and years of memories (not to mention dust bunnies!) but Mrs. G and her sisters made short work of cleaning out the old house in [second town name redacted] in time for the big move.
May saw the end of an era, with BabyGirlG finishing pre-school; June saw the end of the school year and The Boy’s first summer camp. We also took our first family tenting trip, going to the Cub Scout Family Weekend at Lonetree Reservation. The Boy and BabyGirlG did actually sleep in the tent rather than just bounce off the walls… We didn’t take our camper out as much as we’d have liked to, given that gas was $4/gallon; however in August we did take a week’s vacation on Cape Cod as we’ve done for the past few years. It’s always nice to have time to just relax!
School started the week before Labor Day, and BabyGirlG went off to full-day Kindergarten! Yes, both G. children are now riding the big yellow school bus. [Name redacted] School is still adjusting to the G. Gang roaming the halls, with big brother The Boy in second grade to keep a wary eye on his little sister (and he is certain to let us know when she gets in trouble!). Both kids are doing well in school, with The Boy needing to pay closer attention to his penmanship (we have no idea where he gets that!!!) and BabyGirlG needing to be nicer to the other children (mostly not beating up the boys…).
October was a busy month, with Mrs. G getting promoted to a supervisory position. She’s now the supervisor of the laboratory assistants for [Hospital name redacted], a job that combines the glamour of phlebotomy with the challenges of herding cats, err, phlebotomists. It’s a tough job, but Mrs. G has adapted well, getting a handle on being the boss lady as well as dealing with the joys of middle management… We also had back-to-back Halloween parties for the PTA and Cub Scouts at the end of October. Mrs. G ran the Halloween Howl games for the PTA, and Jay coordinated the Halloween party and Haunted Hallway for the Cub Scouts. Busy, scary time for everyone!
The Boy and Jay froze their patookies off at the Cub Scout Overnight in November, awaking to a balmy 29º morning in their tent… Thanksgiving provided a much-needed rest from the busy schedule, and Mrs. G even made it out for some Black Friday Super Special deals (and was only 45 minutes late for work!) We’re still preparing for the big visit from the Fat Guy himself, with the omnipresent “Threat of Santa” scaring the kids into behaving (well, kinda). It’s been a hectic, crazy, non-stop year for us, and we’re expecting 2009 to be just as frantic. Hope this letter finds you and yours in equally splendid shape!
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Season's Greetings from the G. family to you and yours!
That is all.
G. Family Christmas Letter 2008
It is time again for the G. Christmas letter. What a year 2008 has been for us! It started out in grand style - The Boy took First Place for the Tiger Cubs in the Pinewood Derby, earning him a trip to Regionals in March. He faced some stiff competition from his fellow Tigers, coming in a respectable fifth place (sadly, trophies were only awarded through Fourth…); however he knew the Tiger who took first place - his pre-school friend Jack (whose father is a mechanic, go figure…)
April was a very busy month, with Mrs. G’s parents moving into a new home in [town name redacted]. Mrs. G was very busy helping her parents pack for the move as well as helping to clean out the former family homestead in [second town name redacted]. It was a tough job cleaning out years and years of memories (not to mention dust bunnies!) but Mrs. G and her sisters made short work of cleaning out the old house in [second town name redacted] in time for the big move.
May saw the end of an era, with BabyGirlG finishing pre-school; June saw the end of the school year and The Boy’s first summer camp. We also took our first family tenting trip, going to the Cub Scout Family Weekend at Lonetree Reservation. The Boy and BabyGirlG did actually sleep in the tent rather than just bounce off the walls… We didn’t take our camper out as much as we’d have liked to, given that gas was $4/gallon; however in August we did take a week’s vacation on Cape Cod as we’ve done for the past few years. It’s always nice to have time to just relax!
School started the week before Labor Day, and BabyGirlG went off to full-day Kindergarten! Yes, both G. children are now riding the big yellow school bus. [Name redacted] School is still adjusting to the G. Gang roaming the halls, with big brother The Boy in second grade to keep a wary eye on his little sister (and he is certain to let us know when she gets in trouble!). Both kids are doing well in school, with The Boy needing to pay closer attention to his penmanship (we have no idea where he gets that!!!) and BabyGirlG needing to be nicer to the other children (mostly not beating up the boys…).
October was a busy month, with Mrs. G getting promoted to a supervisory position. She’s now the supervisor of the laboratory assistants for [Hospital name redacted], a job that combines the glamour of phlebotomy with the challenges of herding cats, err, phlebotomists. It’s a tough job, but Mrs. G has adapted well, getting a handle on being the boss lady as well as dealing with the joys of middle management… We also had back-to-back Halloween parties for the PTA and Cub Scouts at the end of October. Mrs. G ran the Halloween Howl games for the PTA, and Jay coordinated the Halloween party and Haunted Hallway for the Cub Scouts. Busy, scary time for everyone!
The Boy and Jay froze their patookies off at the Cub Scout Overnight in November, awaking to a balmy 29º morning in their tent… Thanksgiving provided a much-needed rest from the busy schedule, and Mrs. G even made it out for some Black Friday Super Special deals (and was only 45 minutes late for work!) We’re still preparing for the big visit from the Fat Guy himself, with the omnipresent “Threat of Santa” scaring the kids into behaving (well, kinda). It’s been a hectic, crazy, non-stop year for us, and we’re expecting 2009 to be just as frantic. Hope this letter finds you and yours in equally splendid shape!
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Season's Greetings from the G. family to you and yours!
That is all.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Northeast Blogger Winter Gathering Reminder
Just a quick reminder to everyone that the Northeast Blogger Winter Gathering is only ten days away!
What? Northeast Blogger Winter Gathering.
Who? Any and all bloggers, commenters, readers, lurkers, etc. in the Northeast area, or those passing through, or anyone crazy enough to show up.
When? Saturday, December 27th 2008, starting at 5:00 PM and going until they throw us out.
Where? The "Brew Section" at Martha's Exchange in Nashua, NH.
Why? Folks getting together to enjoy good food, great beer, and superlative company. Bring your appetite, a whistle for wetting, and your best stories to tell.
Attendees:
JD
doubletrouble
Marko
MedicMatthew
wally
scotaku
Lissa
Bruce
weer'd beard
Elizabeth
Bill
TOTWTYTR
wolfwalker
zeeke42
MeatAxe
sci-fi
brad_in_ma
Possible:
thefaz
Liberty
Paul
There's still plenty of time to chime in and let us know you're coming! (Hell, just show up, that's fine too!). Brad_in_MA was kind enough to make a reconnaissance run earlier and confirmed that we do, in fact, have the area reserved for the 27th... Should be a rockin' good time!
That is all.
What? Northeast Blogger Winter Gathering.
Who? Any and all bloggers, commenters, readers, lurkers, etc. in the Northeast area, or those passing through, or anyone crazy enough to show up.
When? Saturday, December 27th 2008, starting at 5:00 PM and going until they throw us out.
Where? The "Brew Section" at Martha's Exchange in Nashua, NH.
Why? Folks getting together to enjoy good food, great beer, and superlative company. Bring your appetite, a whistle for wetting, and your best stories to tell.
Attendees:
JD
doubletrouble
Marko
MedicMatthew
wally
scotaku
Lissa
Bruce
weer'd beard
Elizabeth
Bill
TOTWTYTR
wolfwalker
zeeke42
MeatAxe
sci-fi
brad_in_ma
Possible:
thefaz
Liberty
Paul
There's still plenty of time to chime in and let us know you're coming! (Hell, just show up, that's fine too!). Brad_in_MA was kind enough to make a reconnaissance run earlier and confirmed that we do, in fact, have the area reserved for the 27th... Should be a rockin' good time!
That is all.
Picking Up the Torch
Because someone's gotta do it.
Police say would-be robber carried a .357-caliber handgun*
and:
{Pause to let hooting and hollering die down to a dull roar}
Please note that this happened in the Volksrepublik of MA, so the clerk is in for a world of shit. Yes, even though he was properly licensed; even though he faced a known felon with a lengthy rap sheet who had no business being out on the street, he's going to be out tens of thousands of dollars and most likely lose his permit to own firearms over this righteous shooting.
He is, however, still alive. Good guys 1, Goblins 0
Dead Goblin count: 1.
(Hey, it's gotta start somewhere, right?)
That is all.
*Note: I have no idea why that was the title of the article in the link. I just link 'em, I don't write 'em...
Note2: Link sent to me by alert reader and good friend Brad_in_ma. Thanks Brad!
Police say would-be robber carried a .357-caliber handgun*
WORCESTER— Police are continuing to search for the second man involved in the attempted robbery of a liquor store that left his alleged accomplice dead.
The man fled the Richmond Avenue store after the second would-be robber was shot by the clerk, police said.
and:
Mr. Rivera was shot multiple times and taken by ambulance to UMass Memorial Medical Center — University Campus, where he was pronounced dead at 10:46 p.m., according to Detective Capt. Edward J. McGinn Jr.
{Pause to let hooting and hollering die down to a dull roar}
Please note that this happened in the Volksrepublik of MA, so the clerk is in for a world of shit. Yes, even though he was properly licensed; even though he faced a known felon with a lengthy rap sheet who had no business being out on the street, he's going to be out tens of thousands of dollars and most likely lose his permit to own firearms over this righteous shooting.
He is, however, still alive. Good guys 1, Goblins 0
Dead Goblin count: 1.
(Hey, it's gotta start somewhere, right?)
That is all.
*Note: I have no idea why that was the title of the article in the link. I just link 'em, I don't write 'em...
Note2: Link sent to me by alert reader and good friend Brad_in_ma. Thanks Brad!
First Snowfall...
Caution. Many bad words ahead. Don't say I didn't warn you...
As the title states, we've had our first snowfall of the new winter season. Coming on the heels of last week's Ice Storm of Doom!™, it wasn't exactly welcome - adding snow to already damaged trees and still-downed power lines is a bad mix, especially with well over 100,000 people in MA and NH still without power.
And, of course, it makes drivers completely and utterly lose their fucking minds.
Look. It's really simple. I'll post some handy tips for winter driving in New England. See if you can spot a theme:
Ahhhh. That feels better. Thanks for listening. I'm certain that no one out here who reads MArooned needs these tips, but perhaps you could print them out and leave them for the induhviduals in your lives who may look like they need them. They're pretty easy to spot - they'll be the ones with their mouths open and drool puddling on the floor under them...
That is all.
As the title states, we've had our first snowfall of the new winter season. Coming on the heels of last week's Ice Storm of Doom!™, it wasn't exactly welcome - adding snow to already damaged trees and still-downed power lines is a bad mix, especially with well over 100,000 people in MA and NH still without power.
And, of course, it makes drivers completely and utterly lose their fucking minds.
Look. It's really simple. I'll post some handy tips for winter driving in New England. See if you can spot a theme:
- If you doubt your foul weather driving ability, stay the fuck home.
- If you don't want to get your $75K BMW dirty, stay the fuck home.
- If you're going to pull stupid-assed shit like come to a complete fucking stop at the BOTTOM of a steep, icy hill, stay the fuck home.
- If you're one of those morons who thinks going 20 MPH below the speed limit is a good idea, even though the 20+ cars in your wake don't, stay the fuck home.
- If you think it's a good idea to blow through a stop sign right in front of me, even though the weather is bad and stopping distances need to be increased, stay the fuck home.
- People, I'm driving a 6,000 pound, 345 horsepower rear-wheel drive pickup truck with no weight over the rear wheels. In 2WD. If I'm not having any trouble, your FWD Matrix is just ducky.
- And lastly, if you have made the correct decision to stay home, and you decide to clear the 1.5" of snow with your 25 HP snowthrower? Don't blow it right into the street. It's fucking rude, it's a danger to traffic, and it makes us want to stop our cars, get out, and strangle you to death with the rip cord of your Craftsman...
Ahhhh. That feels better. Thanks for listening. I'm certain that no one out here who reads MArooned needs these tips, but perhaps you could print them out and leave them for the induhviduals in your lives who may look like they need them. They're pretty easy to spot - they'll be the ones with their mouths open and drool puddling on the floor under them...
That is all.
Riddle Me This Part III...
Top Ten List: Caroline Kennedy's Qualifications to be the Junior Senator from NY:
1. She's a Kennedy.
2. She's a Democrat.
3-10. See items 1 & 2.
Remember, she's from the same political party that railed about Sarah Palin being grossly unqualified to be the Vice President. And that's after being a mayor and a governor, two positions more than Caroline Kennedy has ever held. Now, I'm certain that Ms. Kennedy is a wonderful person and certainly couldn't be any worse than the senior senator from NY, but there's a certain delicious irony in seeing many of the same people who jeered Sarah Palin now cheering Caroline Kennedy.
Why, it's almost like they really don't give a hairy rat's patoot about qualifications!
That is all.
1. She's a Kennedy.
2. She's a Democrat.
3-10. See items 1 & 2.
Remember, she's from the same political party that railed about Sarah Palin being grossly unqualified to be the Vice President. And that's after being a mayor and a governor, two positions more than Caroline Kennedy has ever held. Now, I'm certain that Ms. Kennedy is a wonderful person and certainly couldn't be any worse than the senior senator from NY, but there's a certain delicious irony in seeing many of the same people who jeered Sarah Palin now cheering Caroline Kennedy.
Why, it's almost like they really don't give a hairy rat's patoot about qualifications!
That is all.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Christmas List...
Caleb posts his gunnie Christmas list and asks us for our own. So here goes:
1. For some sanity to return to ammo and "assault rifle" pricing. (HA!)
2. A MA-compliant pocket 9mm like the Kel-Tec P9/P11 or anything by Kahr.
3. Reloading components - something, anything, to get me started.
4. Gift Certificates to Four Seasons and/or Bass Pro/Dick's.
5. Two more rifle safes and one more pistol safe.
Pretty boring, I know, but that's my list.
How 'bout y'all? What are you hoping Santa stuffs down your chimney?
That is all.
1. For some sanity to return to ammo and "assault rifle" pricing. (HA!)
2. A MA-compliant pocket 9mm like the Kel-Tec P9/P11 or anything by Kahr.
3. Reloading components - something, anything, to get me started.
4. Gift Certificates to Four Seasons and/or Bass Pro/Dick's.
5. Two more rifle safes and one more pistol safe.
Pretty boring, I know, but that's my list.
How 'bout y'all? What are you hoping Santa stuffs down your chimney?
That is all.
Merry Christmas!
Now that I've exceeded the cute limit, have yourself a Merry Christmas. Or a Happy Hanukah. Or Festivus. Whatever you are going to have, here's hoping it's a joyous event.
That is all.
Letter and Links!
Hoo boy! More letters! I love this stuff. This time, it's got an international flair to it!
Bobski from the UK writes:
I am curious about how one goes about obtaining a firearm in the UK these days. It sounds like it's even more arduous than getting one in MA, if you can believe that. It's also a pretty good indicator (IMHO) of where we're headed if the Schumers/Bradys/etc. had their way...
Welcome aboard, Bobski. You hit the magical combination needed to make the MArooned blogroll: You added me to yours, and you told me about it... That way, I knew to add you, as opposed to stumbling across your blog like the next two additions...
Please welcome Old Blind Dog and Bogieblog to the MArooned blogroll. OBD is a pilot (wow, lots of flyers out there!) and fellow gunnie; Bogie is a fellow New Englandah (currently recovering for the wicked ice storm we just had...)
That is all.
Bobski from the UK writes:
Hi Jay
I've been reading your blog for a while now and it always makes for a good read. After a couple of abortive attempts, I've recently plucked up the courage to start one of my own (http://bobskisblog.blogspot.com). I'm not sure how many people read it other than my friends, but it gives me somewhere to vent, which with a family history of high blood pressure is usefully theraputic. It's got a bit of everything, rants, guns, cars, planes, whatever takes my fancy really.
[ed. With the exception of planes, that describes MArooned pretty well. Oh, and the road rage. Can't forget the road rage...]
The point of all this is that I thought you'd be interested in a little range report I've put on there: http://bobskisblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/shooty-bang-bang-range-report.html. The day was a bit short, due to the rain, but I did get to put some .303 down the range from a Lee Enfield Mk.4 and some .22 down the range from a Winchester action Marlin rifle (sorry don't know the name yet) and a GSG-5 (semi-auto MP5 variant).
[ed. Wouldn't be a Marlin model 39, would it?]
I'm not quite a new shooter, I've been shooting through the Air Cadets (UK version of the Civil Air Patrol) for several years, firing both Lee Enfield Number 8 rifles in .22 and the L98 Cadet Rifle in 5.56mm (a single shot, straight pull version of the Army's SA80) but I've recently entered the world of full-bore shooting courtesy of a local club.
Being from Moonbat Central (ie the UK under a Labour Government) I don't get to own any guns without going through a ludicrous process of licencing, something I cannot do at the moment because I live in a rented apartment that does not have walls suitable for attaching the mandatory gun safe. However, through friends, I have managed to shoot a number of cool and interesting weapons over the years, some of which I had no idea were legal in this country until very recently. Weapons such as AKs, Dragunovs, FN-FALs and AR-15s are all legal here as long as they are single-shot or bolt action. Some handguns are allowed, but mainly black powder muzzle-loaders. Semi-auto weapons are also legal, but only in certain calibres (ie .22LR). We're even allowed silencers and in some cases, like the GSG-5, a silencer is not only permitted by is in fact a legal requirement because it gets the weapon to the mandatory minimum length to be considered a rifle and thus legal. Ditto for folding stocks.
Needless to say, it's not quite the selection that I would be allowed in the US of A, but it's a start. I just thought you might be interested in the fact that shooting in the UK is not the barren desert that some may think it is.
[ed. Well, that is news to me. I thought y'all were limited to single shot shotguns and .22LR rifles only. Huh. Guess you learn something new every day!]
Keep up the good blogging and I hope you enjoy mine. I've added you to my (admittedly small) blogroll, so if you like what you read feel free to add me to yours if you wish.
Cheers
Bobski
PS: If you want to post any part of this or my blog post, feel free.
[ed. Do they know me or what?] ;)
I am curious about how one goes about obtaining a firearm in the UK these days. It sounds like it's even more arduous than getting one in MA, if you can believe that. It's also a pretty good indicator (IMHO) of where we're headed if the Schumers/Bradys/etc. had their way...
Welcome aboard, Bobski. You hit the magical combination needed to make the MArooned blogroll: You added me to yours, and you told me about it... That way, I knew to add you, as opposed to stumbling across your blog like the next two additions...
Please welcome Old Blind Dog and Bogieblog to the MArooned blogroll. OBD is a pilot (wow, lots of flyers out there!) and fellow gunnie; Bogie is a fellow New Englandah (currently recovering for the wicked ice storm we just had...)
That is all.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Gettin' the Word Out
The Second Amendment Book Bomb
Check it out. Buy the book. Wouldn't it just be a hoot to see that on the NYT Bestseller List?
That is all.
December 15 marks America’s Bill of Rights Day, the anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. To commemorate this event, we have created the Second Amendment Book Bomb, a unique and powerful way to communicate the importance of the Bill of Rights’ Second Amendment for the protection of liberty. With your help, we can launch constitutional rights to the top of national book bestseller lists, making a loud and clear statement that Second Amendment rights are inalienable!
Check it out. Buy the book. Wouldn't it just be a hoot to see that on the NYT Bestseller List?
That is all.
Paging the Wahmbulance...
Paterson's office says SNL went too far
Buck the fuck up, Gov.
That is all.
(CNN) — New York Gov. David Paterson's office says Saturday Night Live went too far in its portrayal of the legally blind governor over the weekend.Wah! Wah! It's not funny when it's OUR politicians in the crosshairs! And yet, with naught a hint of irony, there's this headline: Fey, Palin, McCain dominate list of top 10 quotes for '08 - with, naturally, Fey's portrayal of Palin hitting the #1 slot.
SNL, famous for mocking politicians and newsmakers, portrayed the governor in a four-minute "Weekend Update" segment as confused and disoriented — often looking in the wrong direction and mistakenly walking in front of the camera when it was not his turn to speak.
Buck the fuck up, Gov.
That is all.
Taking a Stand.
I sense a theme. The inimitable LawDog cautions us to practice and carry as the most important part of one's decision to go armed; and the world's most dangerous librarian recounts a recent situation where someone got inside her comfort zone. These two individual posts were crying out to be put together. Now, I'm just a chimp banging away at an old IBM selectric typewriter compared to Breda and LawDog, but I'll give it a shot.
Both posts bring up incredibly important aspects of self-defense. They both point out the importance of having the proper mindset, which Breda demonstrates aptly in her tale of the boor of the bar. She maintains an excellent balance between overt aggression and meek submission, using body language only to send the unmistakeable message that messing with her would be to the other person's detriment. LawDog reminds us that all the hardware in the world is meaningless if the software can't execute the program; that you can have the most uber tacticool blastomatic in the world's most deadly caliber, but if it's sitting in the safe at home when the goblins find you, or if you've only put one magazine through it in the 10 years you've owned it, you're in a big hole long before the ball drops.
Putting these two stories together helps better define the concept of self-defense, especially when it entails a firearm. Breda points out that the human animal is the best defense against predators - that having the proper mindset (i.e. non-prey) is just as important as whether one is armed with a firearm or not. LawDog warns us to be prepared for when the smelly stuff hits the fan, that the greatest tactical advantage one can have is to be armed with a firearm with which one is proficient.
I'll expand on Breda's post a little here. I've had a certain amount of experience with the type of blowhard she encountered through the years. For a long time, I was the "biggest guy in the room" - six feet tall, 220-250 pounds, large build, muscular. While my size meant that I was less attractive to goblins, it also meant that in social situations (such as at the local sports bar) I was a target for a drunk with an axe to grind or a point to prove. I honestly can't count the number of times I was approached by some loudmouth trying to goad me into a fight.
I can, however, count the number of fights I was actually in: zero.
I have nothing to prove. I'm not the toughest guy out there, but I can generally hold my own; I'm not about to roll the dice with my freedom because some jackass wants to show his friends he can take out "the big guy". I basically had two levels of dealing with these imbeciles: the first level was being self-effacing and conciliatory, basically sending the message that I was not the least bit interested in playing the game, nor was I going to be goaded into a fight. Should the person move beyond that level, it went to stage two - draw myself up to my full height, puff out my chest, flex the muscles a bit, and give "the stare" - as I mentioned in comments to Breda's post, "the stare" was meant to convey one of two messages:
Basically, it's the look that says "you have pushed me right to my limit. If you continue to push, you are about to find out the horrors that I am capable of unleashing". 99 times out of 100, this look is sufficient to settle any argument - the blowhards don't actually want to get into a fight; they merely want to project power in a sitaution where they really don't have it. Breda's response to the jerk in the bar was absolutely perfect and appropriate; while she didn't threaten him or even cuss him out, she let him know in no uncertain terms that his continued existence on this planet was due only to her good graces.
LawDog's exhortations come for that 1 time out of 100 when "the stare" is not enough. It could be a psychopath. It could be a goblin intent to do you harm. Thing is, it doesn't matter - you run into that person who will not back down nor be cowed by projection of force alone. And when that happens, you need to be trained to handle the situation and have the tools needed to get the job done. On last week's Gun Nuts, LawDog called in and gave some excellent pointers about knowing one's limits - basically, knowing at what point you're willing to employ deadly force BEFORE you need to... Even in that 1/100 situation, there may - or may not - come a point at which you will need to make the decision to employ force of some sort.
Making that decision ahead of time is the key, as is knowing how to deal with the aftermath.
Avoiding that decision is always the best way; that means being hyper-vigilant of one's surroundings and avoiding bad situations; it means dealing with blowhards in such a manner as to avoid having to use force; and it means being prepared, mentally and physically, to deal with that rare situation where force need be applied. I'm firmly in the "avoid" camp - I'll stay away from sketchy areas; I don't have any illusions of being a "tough guy" with "something to prove"; I'd much rather walk - or run - away from a confrontation than have to get into it.
But if someone's going to do harm to me or mine, I'm damn well ready to introduce a whole new level of suck into their (short) life... I've got my triggers, the points at which I go from mild-mannered dad to the Punisher; I will do everything in my power and then some to avoid that trigger. But once it's on, it's on. I've got the tools, I can use them effectively, and I have no qualms about doing what needs to be done when the shit hits the fan.
As do Breda and the 'Dog...
That is all.
UPDATE: Shorter Tam:
Heh.
Both posts bring up incredibly important aspects of self-defense. They both point out the importance of having the proper mindset, which Breda demonstrates aptly in her tale of the boor of the bar. She maintains an excellent balance between overt aggression and meek submission, using body language only to send the unmistakeable message that messing with her would be to the other person's detriment. LawDog reminds us that all the hardware in the world is meaningless if the software can't execute the program; that you can have the most uber tacticool blastomatic in the world's most deadly caliber, but if it's sitting in the safe at home when the goblins find you, or if you've only put one magazine through it in the 10 years you've owned it, you're in a big hole long before the ball drops.
Putting these two stories together helps better define the concept of self-defense, especially when it entails a firearm. Breda points out that the human animal is the best defense against predators - that having the proper mindset (i.e. non-prey) is just as important as whether one is armed with a firearm or not. LawDog warns us to be prepared for when the smelly stuff hits the fan, that the greatest tactical advantage one can have is to be armed with a firearm with which one is proficient.
I'll expand on Breda's post a little here. I've had a certain amount of experience with the type of blowhard she encountered through the years. For a long time, I was the "biggest guy in the room" - six feet tall, 220-250 pounds, large build, muscular. While my size meant that I was less attractive to goblins, it also meant that in social situations (such as at the local sports bar) I was a target for a drunk with an axe to grind or a point to prove. I honestly can't count the number of times I was approached by some loudmouth trying to goad me into a fight.
I can, however, count the number of fights I was actually in: zero.
I have nothing to prove. I'm not the toughest guy out there, but I can generally hold my own; I'm not about to roll the dice with my freedom because some jackass wants to show his friends he can take out "the big guy". I basically had two levels of dealing with these imbeciles: the first level was being self-effacing and conciliatory, basically sending the message that I was not the least bit interested in playing the game, nor was I going to be goaded into a fight. Should the person move beyond that level, it went to stage two - draw myself up to my full height, puff out my chest, flex the muscles a bit, and give "the stare" - as I mentioned in comments to Breda's post, "the stare" was meant to convey one of two messages:
"Keep this shit up and I'll be hosing your DNA out of a woodchipper tomorrow"
or
"Keep yapping. I'm just trying to decide which part of you I'm gonna eat first"
Basically, it's the look that says "you have pushed me right to my limit. If you continue to push, you are about to find out the horrors that I am capable of unleashing". 99 times out of 100, this look is sufficient to settle any argument - the blowhards don't actually want to get into a fight; they merely want to project power in a sitaution where they really don't have it. Breda's response to the jerk in the bar was absolutely perfect and appropriate; while she didn't threaten him or even cuss him out, she let him know in no uncertain terms that his continued existence on this planet was due only to her good graces.
LawDog's exhortations come for that 1 time out of 100 when "the stare" is not enough. It could be a psychopath. It could be a goblin intent to do you harm. Thing is, it doesn't matter - you run into that person who will not back down nor be cowed by projection of force alone. And when that happens, you need to be trained to handle the situation and have the tools needed to get the job done. On last week's Gun Nuts, LawDog called in and gave some excellent pointers about knowing one's limits - basically, knowing at what point you're willing to employ deadly force BEFORE you need to... Even in that 1/100 situation, there may - or may not - come a point at which you will need to make the decision to employ force of some sort.
Making that decision ahead of time is the key, as is knowing how to deal with the aftermath.
Avoiding that decision is always the best way; that means being hyper-vigilant of one's surroundings and avoiding bad situations; it means dealing with blowhards in such a manner as to avoid having to use force; and it means being prepared, mentally and physically, to deal with that rare situation where force need be applied. I'm firmly in the "avoid" camp - I'll stay away from sketchy areas; I don't have any illusions of being a "tough guy" with "something to prove"; I'd much rather walk - or run - away from a confrontation than have to get into it.
But if someone's going to do harm to me or mine, I'm damn well ready to introduce a whole new level of suck into their (short) life... I've got my triggers, the points at which I go from mild-mannered dad to the Punisher; I will do everything in my power and then some to avoid that trigger. But once it's on, it's on. I've got the tools, I can use them effectively, and I have no qualms about doing what needs to be done when the shit hits the fan.
As do Breda and the 'Dog...
That is all.
UPDATE: Shorter Tam:
The most important word in "gunfight" is not "gun", it's "fight".
Heh.
Giving Away Trade Secrets...
Where do i start on a successful weight loss journey?
And I felt that a proper response would both be too long for a comment and also get lost in the shuffle of things. [ed. No, he just wanted to milk a post out of it].
I started the "official" diet on January 1, 2006. That's when I made the formal decision to take control over my weight. I've struggled with my weight my entire life - I've been heavy from the time I was about 4 or 5. I'd gone on and off diets with limited success (read: None) throughout the years, trying diet drinks, rice cakes, grapefruit, carbs, no carbs, Atkins, etc. You name it, I tried it. The pattern was sadly predictable: I'd go on the diet. I'd follow it religiously until I lost the weight I wanted to lose. Then I'd go off the diet and gain it all back.
That changed three years ago. I decided that this time, I wasn't going to go on a diet. I was going to change my diet. I decided to change how I ate, not just what I ate. I started by taking honest notes about my daily caloric intake for about three weeks prior to starting. This means writing down literally every single piece of food or drink that went down my gullet, then researching the caloric content of every item. The three weeks were tallied, and I took the average daily intake (somewhere around 3500 calories on a sedentary lifestyle) and set a target intake of 1,000 calories fewer. Once I got going on the weight loss, I cut that back even further - from 2,500 calories to 2,250 to 2,000. I think I got as low as 1,500 calories a day during the height of my weight loss.
So, how did I do it? It took a lot of doing - basically, I made a lot of very small changes that all added up. When folks asked how I was doing it, I would use the example of my morning coffee to illustrate my thought process. Before the diet, I would have a large cup of coffee with cream and sugar. The coffee itself is almost calorie-free (I think a 20 ounce cup has maybe 15 calories). The sugar (~3 tbsps, or 144 calories) and cream (~ 50 calories in 2 tbsps ½ and ½) brought the total to over 200 calories. Post-diet, I use Splenda (o calories) and non-dairy creamer (~ 30 calories) for about 50 calories. That's a 150 calorie-per-day savings right there.
And there's precious little difference in taste.
That was the critical part - finding substitutions that I could live with. The goal was to find a new way of eating that incorporated healthier choices that are still enjoyable, with the long-term plan of maintaining the same diet only with more intake once the weight was lost. I started taking a healthy wheat wrap with ham and lettuce rather than a bologna and cheese sandwich - tastes just as good (especially with Emeril's spicy horseradish mustard!) and at about half the calories (less, even), a much better choice. Another factor in sustainable weight loss was NOT cutting out going out to eat entirely - what I did do, though, was to eschew any establishment for which I could not find caloric information either on their website or via a quick search. If the food is so fattening that they won't publicize it, I don't need or want it...
You know what the most interesting part is now? I have very little interest in going back to the old way I used to eat. Just as one example, I'd take the kids out for dinner at McDonald's maybe once a month. I'd get them each a Happy Meal, and I would get two double cheeseburgers, a chicken sandwich, and a large order of fries for myself. That alone is more than my daily intake now. The thought of eating a McDonald's burger right now makes my stomach church... I can't eat pizza for the same reason. Oddly enough, I've noticed other changes in my food preferences, like preferring chocolate ice cream to vanilla now (where the converse was true pre-diet). If pressed, I'd say because before I'd layer on chocolate syrup and whipped cream on the vanilla, whereas now I'll have low-fat chocolate by itself.
It's been a very long and difficult road. I've had to learn to pass on many things that, really, I'd like to be eating. It's so totally worth it, though - I've been off blood pressure medication for almost two years, and with the exercises I've been doing I feel better now that I did when I was 17. I'm in the best shape of my life, and have plans on improving that in the following year.
It's well-worth the time and energy, chris; the sacrifices you make now in the interest of losing the weight and keeping it off will come back to you a hundred-fold.
That is all.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Cool Stuff...
How to Put Steel on Target - Boresighting the M1A1
An explanation of how the targeting for the M1A1 Abrams tank is achieved. Kewl.
That is all.
Link found courtesy of poster "doobie" at the Northeastshooters forum post here.
An explanation of how the targeting for the M1A1 Abrams tank is achieved. Kewl.
That is all.
Link found courtesy of poster "doobie" at the Northeastshooters forum post here.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Oh, The Humanity!
Alternate title: Christmas Choppin'...
In the interest of keeping the blaspheming to a bare minimum, I'll refrain from uttering several dozen iterations on the many colorful middle names of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Let's just say that the oppressive wall of "humanity" out shopping ostensibly for the celebration of His birth is far more suited to line the floor of the manger...
On the plus side, I managed to score some brass-cased 9mm for $9/box of 50, so it wasn't all bad...
Oh, yeah, and I have just about completed my Christmas shopping. The remainder will most likely be done online, as I do not relish another 45 minute wait in traffic only to find a store's shelves picked clean and naught but surly minwage seasonhelp to stand around with their thumbs up their asses...
That is all.
In the interest of keeping the blaspheming to a bare minimum, I'll refrain from uttering several dozen iterations on the many colorful middle names of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Let's just say that the oppressive wall of "humanity" out shopping ostensibly for the celebration of His birth is far more suited to line the floor of the manger...
On the plus side, I managed to score some brass-cased 9mm for $9/box of 50, so it wasn't all bad...
Oh, yeah, and I have just about completed my Christmas shopping. The remainder will most likely be done online, as I do not relish another 45 minute wait in traffic only to find a store's shelves picked clean and naught but surly minwage seasonhelp to stand around with their thumbs up their asses...
That is all.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Congratulations!!!
Fellow New England blogger and close friend Bruce of No Looking Backwards just hit his one millionth visit. Given the consistently high level of discourse, quality snark, and all-around ass-kickingly good content, the only surprising part is that he didn't hit it sooner.
Great job, Bruce. Here's wishing you the best for the next million hits!!!
(Side note: My one little numerological experiment - right now my daily average hits is 666. The sitemeter of the beast...)
That is all.
Great job, Bruce. Here's wishing you the best for the next million hits!!!
(Side note: My one little numerological experiment - right now my daily average hits is 666. The sitemeter of the beast...)
That is all.
Quel Difference...
I noticed something when I got dressed for work today. We've got a "casual Friday" atmosphere, which is really nice, and recently they started allowing the non-lab personel to wear jeans on Fridays. Which means that I had to go out and buy presentable jeans - most of mine get worn when mowing the lawn, riding the Harley, helping friends move, etc., so they're, well, nasty...
There's a world of difference between jeans that are tight because you bought them that way and jeans that are tight because you got too damned fat for them...
It's a good feeling. It's a feeling I'd never experienced before - I'd always had the latter reason for tight jeans, which meant that it was time to admit defeat and go out and buy the next size up (actually, it was usually two sizes up, as I'd wait until the jeans were nearly cutting me in half before admitting that I'd gained that much weight...).
One of the really interesting observations I've made through my weight-loss journey is that we as a culture seem to be getting much fatter. When I was in college in the late 1980s, the "popular" clothes stopped at (for men) a waist size of 36 inches. After that it was Wrangler jeans and "Obese & Gangly Gentleman" shopping. Looking around today, I can't help but notice that the trendy clothes now go up to 42 or even 44 inch waists - apparently the lust for the almighty dollar has eclipsed the desire to keep the fatasses out of the trendy clothes...
Ah, capitalism. You unabashed whore...
One last thought: I've gone from not being able to find my size because it was too big (44") to not being able to find my size because it's too small (30"). Although I have to admit - in this case, I can win for losing... Looks like I'm going to have to follow Ricky's program and bulk up some, just so I can have more options...
That is all.
There's a world of difference between jeans that are tight because you bought them that way and jeans that are tight because you got too damned fat for them...
It's a good feeling. It's a feeling I'd never experienced before - I'd always had the latter reason for tight jeans, which meant that it was time to admit defeat and go out and buy the next size up (actually, it was usually two sizes up, as I'd wait until the jeans were nearly cutting me in half before admitting that I'd gained that much weight...).
One of the really interesting observations I've made through my weight-loss journey is that we as a culture seem to be getting much fatter. When I was in college in the late 1980s, the "popular" clothes stopped at (for men) a waist size of 36 inches. After that it was Wrangler jeans and "Obese & Gangly Gentleman" shopping. Looking around today, I can't help but notice that the trendy clothes now go up to 42 or even 44 inch waists - apparently the lust for the almighty dollar has eclipsed the desire to keep the fatasses out of the trendy clothes...
Ah, capitalism. You unabashed whore...
One last thought: I've gone from not being able to find my size because it was too big (44") to not being able to find my size because it's too small (30"). Although I have to admit - in this case, I can win for losing... Looks like I'm going to have to follow Ricky's program and bulk up some, just so I can have more options...
That is all.
Friday Fun Thread: Cars in Song!
I was listening to the radio on the ride home from work the other night, when a song came on that gave me the idea for today's automotive fun thread. Americans have been in love with their cars since the first Model T rolled off the assembly line, and have been composing ballads to their vehicular counterparts for about as long.
Today's Top Ten are the most memorable songs about cars, or at least songs that have cars in them:
1. 1990s Lincoln Mark VIII. My boss at my last job had one of these monsters, and he asked me to pick him up at another facility with his new Lincoln. Took it out on 95, punched it, and I swear I heard Scotty say "I canna give ye nay more Cap'n!" Song, obviously? "Hot Rod Lincoln" by Commander Cody And His Lost Planet Airmen.
2. 1980s era Chevrolet Corvette - for Prince's "Little Red Corvette", natch. Back before Prince got all funky 'n' artsy, he kicked out some pretty decent songs. This wasn't particularly one of them, mind you, but it is about a car.
3. 1964½ Ford Mustang - for Wilson Pickett's "Mustang Sally", of course. It gets extra props because Aretha Franklin suggested the name (It was originally supposed to be "Mustang Mama", and it was written about Della Reese...)
4. 1960 Cadillac El Dorado, hot pink. Song, naturally, is Springstein's "Pink Cadillac". Which is not to be confused with the video for Aretha Franklin's "Freeway of Love", which features a pink Cadillac...
5. 1980s era Chevy Camaro, provided it's driven up from Jamaica. Song, quite appropriately, is "Bitchin' Camaro" by the Dead Milkmen.
6. 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, for Heart's "Barracuda". Not a car song, exactly, but just had to feature a Hemi 'Cuda...
7. 1964 Pontiac GTO. Since the Beach Boys wrote songs about girls, surfing, and cars, there's a bunch of their material dealing with four-wheeled transportation ("Little Deuce Coupe", "409", etc.). Many groups tried to match their winning formula for producing hit songs (most notable Jan & Dean), but Ronnie &The Daytona's "Little GTO" gets this nod.
8. 1950 Mercury coupe. This car is probably most famous for being Sylvester Stallone's mode of transport in the farcical "Cobra", but the song is "Crazy 'bout a Mercury", most recently covered by Alan Jackson.
9. The self-titled Nash Rambler. What late-night listener to Doctor Demento can hear the name "Nash Rambler" and not immediately start singing, "Beep beep. Beep beep. His horn went beep beep beep"...
10. 1970s Chrysler Newport. The B-52s sang about a Chrysler that "seats about 20", and the Newport certainly fits that description. In the pantheon of "Cars You Could Never, Ever Fit into a Modern Parking Space", the Newport from the early 1970s is right up at the top of the list.
Okay, so there's another automotive list for your amusement. I've got a pretty good idea for next week's list (at least *I* think it's a neat idea), but if there's anything y'all would like to see, give a shout and I'll see what I can do!
That is all.
Today's Top Ten are the most memorable songs about cars, or at least songs that have cars in them:
1. 1990s Lincoln Mark VIII. My boss at my last job had one of these monsters, and he asked me to pick him up at another facility with his new Lincoln. Took it out on 95, punched it, and I swear I heard Scotty say "I canna give ye nay more Cap'n!" Song, obviously? "Hot Rod Lincoln" by Commander Cody And His Lost Planet Airmen.
2. 1980s era Chevrolet Corvette - for Prince's "Little Red Corvette", natch. Back before Prince got all funky 'n' artsy, he kicked out some pretty decent songs. This wasn't particularly one of them, mind you, but it is about a car.
3. 1964½ Ford Mustang - for Wilson Pickett's "Mustang Sally", of course. It gets extra props because Aretha Franklin suggested the name (It was originally supposed to be "Mustang Mama", and it was written about Della Reese...)
4. 1960 Cadillac El Dorado, hot pink. Song, naturally, is Springstein's "Pink Cadillac". Which is not to be confused with the video for Aretha Franklin's "Freeway of Love", which features a pink Cadillac...
5. 1980s era Chevy Camaro, provided it's driven up from Jamaica. Song, quite appropriately, is "Bitchin' Camaro" by the Dead Milkmen.
6. 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, for Heart's "Barracuda". Not a car song, exactly, but just had to feature a Hemi 'Cuda...
7. 1964 Pontiac GTO. Since the Beach Boys wrote songs about girls, surfing, and cars, there's a bunch of their material dealing with four-wheeled transportation ("Little Deuce Coupe", "409", etc.). Many groups tried to match their winning formula for producing hit songs (most notable Jan & Dean), but Ronnie &The Daytona's "Little GTO" gets this nod.
8. 1950 Mercury coupe. This car is probably most famous for being Sylvester Stallone's mode of transport in the farcical "Cobra", but the song is "Crazy 'bout a Mercury", most recently covered by Alan Jackson.
9. The self-titled Nash Rambler. What late-night listener to Doctor Demento can hear the name "Nash Rambler" and not immediately start singing, "Beep beep. Beep beep. His horn went beep beep beep"...
10. 1970s Chrysler Newport. The B-52s sang about a Chrysler that "seats about 20", and the Newport certainly fits that description. In the pantheon of "Cars You Could Never, Ever Fit into a Modern Parking Space", the Newport from the early 1970s is right up at the top of the list.
Okay, so there's another automotive list for your amusement. I've got a pretty good idea for next week's list (at least *I* think it's a neat idea), but if there's anything y'all would like to see, give a shout and I'll see what I can do!
That is all.
My Blood Runs Cold...
My memory, has just been... deceased.
Bettie Page dies at 85
Bettie Page dies at 85
Requiescat in pace, dear Bettie.
The world is a colder, darker place today.
That is all.
Friday Gun Pr0n #89
I hinted at this week's gun a while back, so the attentive reader already knows what's coming...
Wait a minute. Back up a bit... Yes. I have a shotgun with a bayonet lug. Life. Is Good.
I was really hoping that the bayonet I ordered to go with the 590 would have arrived by now, to make the picture, but alas I went cheap off eBay... It's okay, really, because this is the "before" picture - I've already got a Knoxx SpecOps recoil reducing, four-position adjustable stock on order, and need to find a tactical forend with foregrip next... (anybody got any tips on where to get accessories for Mossberg shotguns?)
Oh yeah, this has supplanted the Winchester 1300 as the shotgun from hell...
Tune in next week, for an extra-special gun pr0n surprise... ;)
That is all.
Wait a minute. Back up a bit... Yes. I have a shotgun with a bayonet lug. Life. Is Good.
I was really hoping that the bayonet I ordered to go with the 590 would have arrived by now, to make the picture, but alas I went cheap off eBay... It's okay, really, because this is the "before" picture - I've already got a Knoxx SpecOps recoil reducing, four-position adjustable stock on order, and need to find a tactical forend with foregrip next... (anybody got any tips on where to get accessories for Mossberg shotguns?)
Oh yeah, this has supplanted the Winchester 1300 as the shotgun from hell...
Tune in next week, for an extra-special gun pr0n surprise... ;)
That is all.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Felicitations!
Robb reminds us that Mike W. at Another Gun Blog just hit the one year mark.
Congratulations Mike!
Go wish him well. He's another onna them young'uns that we so desperately need joining us in the good fight to save the Second Amendment and the shooting sports. Plus he's in Delaware, home of Joe Biden - so I can commiserate about having crappy asshat Demo senators...
That is all.
Congratulations Mike!
Go wish him well. He's another onna them young'uns that we so desperately need joining us in the good fight to save the Second Amendment and the shooting sports. Plus he's in Delaware, home of Joe Biden - so I can commiserate about having crappy asshat Demo senators...
That is all.
Two Weeks...
Christmas is only two weeks from today.
Remember being a kid when it was Christmas time? About this time of year, you'd practically be hovering off the ground you'd be so excited. If you still believed in Santa Claus, you'd scan the skies, wistfully thinking of two weeks hence when his goodie-laden sleigh would make it's magical flight. If you were too old to believe in Jolly Saint Nick, there was still plenty to be excited about. You were had two weeks off from school, plenty of loot to be had, and more candy than anything short of Halloween. It was still a time of magic and mirth, even if you were on the outside edge of childhood innocence and wonder.
But now... What happened when you read the first sentence? Oh shit, only two weeks until Christmas! Still have to finish the shopping, wrap the presents, write the Christmas letter, take the Christmas picture (side note: We're a little behind this year, but they will go out!), get the kids' letters to Santa in the mail, fight the lines at the mall, sit in traffic forever at the local strip mall, rush, rush, rush. Sleep deprivation and irritability are the norm this time of year as we try to cram a whole year's worth of caring and giving into the span of one day.
The only real saving grace, naturally, is spiked egg nog...
Merry Christmas, everyone. Take a moment to reflect on what this season really is about; take a moment to share in the joy of the holiday with a child - there's nothing that brings the Christmas magic more clearly into focus than to ask a young person about Santa Claus...
That is all.
Remember being a kid when it was Christmas time? About this time of year, you'd practically be hovering off the ground you'd be so excited. If you still believed in Santa Claus, you'd scan the skies, wistfully thinking of two weeks hence when his goodie-laden sleigh would make it's magical flight. If you were too old to believe in Jolly Saint Nick, there was still plenty to be excited about. You were had two weeks off from school, plenty of loot to be had, and more candy than anything short of Halloween. It was still a time of magic and mirth, even if you were on the outside edge of childhood innocence and wonder.
But now... What happened when you read the first sentence? Oh shit, only two weeks until Christmas! Still have to finish the shopping, wrap the presents, write the Christmas letter, take the Christmas picture (side note: We're a little behind this year, but they will go out!), get the kids' letters to Santa in the mail, fight the lines at the mall, sit in traffic forever at the local strip mall, rush, rush, rush. Sleep deprivation and irritability are the norm this time of year as we try to cram a whole year's worth of caring and giving into the span of one day.
The only real saving grace, naturally, is spiked egg nog...
Merry Christmas, everyone. Take a moment to reflect on what this season really is about; take a moment to share in the joy of the holiday with a child - there's nothing that brings the Christmas magic more clearly into focus than to ask a young person about Santa Claus...
That is all.
Glimmer of Hope...
...in the Volksrepublik of MA???
School Emergency Plan Teaches Kids To 'Strike Back'
(watch the video)
Yes, this is in Massa-fucking-chusetts (actually right down the road from me AAMOF). Teaching kids to do something other than rolling over and hoping to be killed last. What a concept. Next thing you know, they'll be suggesting radical concepts like incarcerating career criminals and reviving ol' sparky...
This is something I've been saying for a while. Teaching the kids to huddle in a corner and do nothing else is short-sighted at best, downright criminal at worst. All that does is provide nice little stationary targets for a madman to pick off at his leisure. Throw stuff, rush the gunman, run like a scared jackrabbit; in short, do something - anything - other than cower and wait your turn to die.
IOW, fighting back might get you killed. Not fighting back will get you killed.
That is all.
(Link to HotAir story sent to me by the World's Most Dangerous Librarian. Thanks Breda!)
School Emergency Plan Teaches Kids To 'Strike Back'
Georgetown officials are considering a plan that would have fourth- and fifth-graders trained to help fight off an armed gunman should one enter their elementary school. FOX25's Margie O'Brien has the story.
(watch the video)
Yes, this is in Massa-fucking-chusetts (actually right down the road from me AAMOF). Teaching kids to do something other than rolling over and hoping to be killed last. What a concept. Next thing you know, they'll be suggesting radical concepts like incarcerating career criminals and reviving ol' sparky...
This is something I've been saying for a while. Teaching the kids to huddle in a corner and do nothing else is short-sighted at best, downright criminal at worst. All that does is provide nice little stationary targets for a madman to pick off at his leisure. Throw stuff, rush the gunman, run like a scared jackrabbit; in short, do something - anything - other than cower and wait your turn to die.
IOW, fighting back might get you killed. Not fighting back will get you killed.
That is all.
(Link to HotAir story sent to me by the World's Most Dangerous Librarian. Thanks Breda!)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Fun With Headlines...
Found @ CNN, the following headline:
Woman 'pregnant' with monkey convicted of smuggling
Monkey smuggling. The only way this story could get better would be if the woman in question were hijacked by pirates.
Oh! And then rescued by ninjas. Now that would be cool...
That is all.
Woman 'pregnant' with monkey convicted of smuggling
Monkey smuggling. The only way this story could get better would be if the woman in question were hijacked by pirates.
Oh! And then rescued by ninjas. Now that would be cool...
That is all.
Obligatory Blagojevich Post...
So the governor of Illinois is more corrupt than Boss Hogg.
A corrupt politician from Chicago. Didn't see that coming.
Seems he also used his position to frighten critics and threatened a freaking children's hospital with revoking state aid if they didn't contribute to his campaign. I hope this piece of shit gets a real angry roommate in the Federal pen...
That is all.
A corrupt politician from Chicago. Didn't see that coming.
Seems he also used his position to frighten critics and threatened a freaking children's hospital with revoking state aid if they didn't contribute to his campaign. I hope this piece of shit gets a real angry roommate in the Federal pen...
That is all.
Follow-up...
Back in September, I took a couple new folks to the range. It's the second new person I'm following up on now. I got an e-mail over the weekend from Dwight, the father of the first new shooter I took to the range. He had only minimal experience with firearms before going, a few fleeting shots with a .22 rifle at camp as a young man.
He came to the range partly out of curiosity; partly out of a growing urge to try something new, and partly because, as an engineer, he was fascinated by the mechanical aspect of handguns (can't say I blame him there, it's one of the many fascinations for me, too). We ran through a variety of guns, starting with a .22 and going up to a Colt 1911. He seemed to enjoy the outing, but I didn't realize how deeply we'd set the hooks until this past weekend's e-mail...
Here's his e-mail:
Heh. heheheheheheheheheheh.
Consider one new gunnie. Corrupted. Hooked, even.
I'd be happy, nay, honored, to come shootin' with you, Dwight. And I'll have to remember to send the NRA an extra $20 for the sooper-seekrit time-delay mind control rays they've been putting in every western since Roy Rogers first donned a white hat... That's the most dangerous thing about going shooting - finding out that guns aren't, in fact, evil talismans waiting to turn the unsuspecting choirboy into a mass murderer, but rather, kinda fun, once you get over the loud factor...
Fun, stress relief, and training that could possibly save your life one day. What other activity offers all that?
That is all.
He came to the range partly out of curiosity; partly out of a growing urge to try something new, and partly because, as an engineer, he was fascinated by the mechanical aspect of handguns (can't say I blame him there, it's one of the many fascinations for me, too). We ran through a variety of guns, starting with a .22 and going up to a Colt 1911. He seemed to enjoy the outing, but I didn't realize how deeply we'd set the hooks until this past weekend's e-mail...
Here's his e-mail:
Jay -
I thought you might be interested.
Since you took me out with Bill & Elizabeth I have been to the HSC [Harvard Sportsman's Club] with them once.
I joined HSC.
I am taking the ISI/A&G course late december and will apply to the [town name redacted] police department as soon as I have the course certificate.
Cowboy action shooting ( and later maybe mounted if my horse agrees) has captured my fancy. I believe it may be a massive long-time conspiracy between the NRA, hollywood, the TV networks and the gun manufacturers corrupting me at a very early age and planting subconscious time delay intructions. I've joined SASS and applied for an alias.
We're going to have to get together after I get the Rugers, 1866 and coach gun and knock down some steel targets.
dwight
Heh. heheheheheheheheheheh.
Consider one new gunnie. Corrupted. Hooked, even.
I'd be happy, nay, honored, to come shootin' with you, Dwight. And I'll have to remember to send the NRA an extra $20 for the sooper-seekrit time-delay mind control rays they've been putting in every western since Roy Rogers first donned a white hat... That's the most dangerous thing about going shooting - finding out that guns aren't, in fact, evil talismans waiting to turn the unsuspecting choirboy into a mass murderer, but rather, kinda fun, once you get over the loud factor...
Fun, stress relief, and training that could possibly save your life one day. What other activity offers all that?
That is all.
Calling in... Gun Day?
Okay, so today is supposed to be "Call in Gay Day", the theory being that if all the homosexual people across the country called in sick on the same day, we'd realize just how indispensible they are to the economy, nay, the very fabric of our great nation. Uh, whatev. Maybe next time plan your sick-out for a time when the economy's not in freefall and people aren't losing their jobs and their savings en masse...
Civil disobediance. UR doing it rong.
It did get me to thinking, though... If, as statistics claim, 1 out of every 10 people is gay or bisexual, that's 1/10th of the workforce that could theoretically be out of work. Now, there's some 80 million gun owners out there. Imagine if all of them called in sick to work on one day.
Pick an important day in Gun Rights history. Maybe Heller Decision. Maybe JMB's birthday. Have every gun owner in America take a sick day that day (okay, special dispensation for the folks that work in gun shops...). Could you imagine the impact of seeing a quarter to a half of the workforce absent?
Something to think about...
That is all.
Side note: Of all the days to chose to burn a vacation day...
Civil disobediance. UR doing it rong.
It did get me to thinking, though... If, as statistics claim, 1 out of every 10 people is gay or bisexual, that's 1/10th of the workforce that could theoretically be out of work. Now, there's some 80 million gun owners out there. Imagine if all of them called in sick to work on one day.
Call In Gunnie Day.
Pick an important day in Gun Rights history. Maybe Heller Decision. Maybe JMB's birthday. Have every gun owner in America take a sick day that day (okay, special dispensation for the folks that work in gun shops...). Could you imagine the impact of seeing a quarter to a half of the workforce absent?
Something to think about...
That is all.
Side note: Of all the days to chose to burn a vacation day...
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Thanks for the Memery...
Well, once again I'm late to the party, but what the heck, I'm in. Lots of my favorite people have done this one, so in the interest of hangin' with the cool kids, here's my "100" meme:
1. Started your own blog. (uh, yeah. Took me four years to work up the courage to strike out on my own from Toys in the Attic, but I finally did it).
2. Slept under the stars. Yep. With the Scouts, with the family, with my friends, even alone.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii. Interesting note about Jay G.: I've never been more than one time zone in either direction...
5. Watched a meteor shower. The Perseids last year was the last one.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity. Often.
7. Been to Disneyland. (See note to #4).
8. Climbed a mountain. (Mt. Washington. In my car. I'm lazy...)
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped. Not. On. A. Bet.
12. Visited Paris. (See note to #4).
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch. (Something tells me that lighting my farts on fire is not an art. Although, if Karen Finley can be considered an artist shooting ping pong balls out of her dooney...)
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning. (So often you won't even notice)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables. Helped my grandparents with their garden for many years.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France. (See note to #4).
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight. (Hell, 2-3 days a week it's how I wake The Boy for school...)
22. Hitch hiked. (I've picked up a few hitchhikers, but never done it myself).
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill. (Sick time and personal time are one and the same...)
24. Built a snow fort. (one of the advantages to living in New England).
25. Held a lamb. (Unless you add "chop" to the end, then yes).
26. Gone skinny dipping. (Although at the time it couldn't truthfully be called skinny dipping...)
27. Run a Marathon. (I've done the 20 mile Walk for Hunger in Boston many times though).
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice. (#4)
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset. I've watched the sun rise out of the Atlantic Ocean on more than a couple occasions...
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise. (Yep. Went to Cozumel from Tampa with commenter sci-fi and his girlfriend - who became Mrs. sci-fi - commenter B.)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person. Twice.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors. (#4, but visiting my cousins in Italy is on my "bucket list")
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language. (Does Klingon count?).
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. (Until I have enough money to stay home with my kids 24/7, then there isn't enough).
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person. (#4)
39. Gone rock climbing. (If you count a rock wall)
40. Seen Michelangelo's David.
41. Sung karaoke. (Ray Charles' "What'd I Say". From what I hear - I don't remember, ahem - I did a fair job...)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight. Ah, yes. It's even better than it sounds, especially when you've got a willing partner, a deserted section of beach, and a couple of blankets to keep the sand out...
46. Been transported in an ambulance. (Getting rear-ended at 60 MPH will do that).
47. Had your portrait painted. By my grandmother.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud. I have kids. 'Nuff said?
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business. (Had my own painting company for a while after college).
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies.
62. Gone whale watching. Brought the kids. Neither got seasick. Yay!
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma. (As often as I can).
65. Gone sky diving. (See bungee jumping,)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.
67. Bounced a check.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy. Legos and Matchbox cars, which my son now plays with.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job. (I was laid off, but never fired).
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London. (Tomb of the Unknown, yes).
77. Broken a bone. (Remind me to post a picture of my right pinkie sometime...)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle. (Oddly enough, the fastest I have ever gone on a motorcycle that I was driving is about 80. There's a reason I ride an Electra Glide and not a Ducati Monster...)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book. (Does a Master's Thesis count? I've also got at least two or three books rattling around in my head)
81. Visited the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car. (I haven't bought a used car in over 10 years).
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House. Did the tour in the first Reagan administration...
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. Flounder counts.
88. Had chickenpox. Twice, actually.
89. Saved someone’s life. (Talked two friends out of suicide)
90. Sat on a jury. I didn't have to go to trial, but I was chosen.
91. Met someone famous. Terry O'Reilly from the Bruins.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one. My namesake. :(
94. Had a baby. Two actually. Both ways, even - one natural, one C-section.
95. Seen the Alamo in person. The Alamo is the most surreal experience. You expect it to be this lone building out on the plains. Instead, it's tucked in between two skyscrapers like something out of a Tex Avery cartoon.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a law suit. Car accident before my wedding. Since it put me a good six months off finishing my Master's and all...
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee. I did landscaping for several years. Wasps, hornets, bees; I've been stung by pretty much every stinging insect in North America...
100. Read an entire book in one day. So often I've lost count. I get involved...
I'm not going to tag anyone, but if anyone else wants to play along, let me know!
That is all.
100 things I've done - items I have done are in bold.
1. Started your own blog. (uh, yeah. Took me four years to work up the courage to strike out on my own from Toys in the Attic, but I finally did it).
2. Slept under the stars. Yep. With the Scouts, with the family, with my friends, even alone.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii. Interesting note about Jay G.: I've never been more than one time zone in either direction...
5. Watched a meteor shower. The Perseids last year was the last one.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity. Often.
7. Been to Disneyland. (See note to #4).
8. Climbed a mountain. (Mt. Washington. In my car. I'm lazy...)
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped. Not. On. A. Bet.
12. Visited Paris. (See note to #4).
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch. (Something tells me that lighting my farts on fire is not an art. Although, if Karen Finley can be considered an artist shooting ping pong balls out of her dooney...)
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning. (So often you won't even notice)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables. Helped my grandparents with their garden for many years.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France. (See note to #4).
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight. (Hell, 2-3 days a week it's how I wake The Boy for school...)
22. Hitch hiked. (I've picked up a few hitchhikers, but never done it myself).
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill. (Sick time and personal time are one and the same...)
24. Built a snow fort. (one of the advantages to living in New England).
25. Held a lamb. (Unless you add "chop" to the end, then yes).
26. Gone skinny dipping. (Although at the time it couldn't truthfully be called skinny dipping...)
27. Run a Marathon. (I've done the 20 mile Walk for Hunger in Boston many times though).
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice. (#4)
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset. I've watched the sun rise out of the Atlantic Ocean on more than a couple occasions...
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise. (Yep. Went to Cozumel from Tampa with commenter sci-fi and his girlfriend - who became Mrs. sci-fi - commenter B.)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person. Twice.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors. (#4, but visiting my cousins in Italy is on my "bucket list")
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language. (Does Klingon count?).
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. (Until I have enough money to stay home with my kids 24/7, then there isn't enough).
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person. (#4)
39. Gone rock climbing. (If you count a rock wall)
40. Seen Michelangelo's David.
41. Sung karaoke. (Ray Charles' "What'd I Say". From what I hear - I don't remember, ahem - I did a fair job...)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight. Ah, yes. It's even better than it sounds, especially when you've got a willing partner, a deserted section of beach, and a couple of blankets to keep the sand out...
46. Been transported in an ambulance. (Getting rear-ended at 60 MPH will do that).
47. Had your portrait painted. By my grandmother.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud. I have kids. 'Nuff said?
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business. (Had my own painting company for a while after college).
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies.
62. Gone whale watching. Brought the kids. Neither got seasick. Yay!
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma. (As often as I can).
65. Gone sky diving. (See bungee jumping,)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.
67. Bounced a check.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy. Legos and Matchbox cars, which my son now plays with.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job. (I was laid off, but never fired).
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London. (Tomb of the Unknown, yes).
77. Broken a bone. (Remind me to post a picture of my right pinkie sometime...)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle. (Oddly enough, the fastest I have ever gone on a motorcycle that I was driving is about 80. There's a reason I ride an Electra Glide and not a Ducati Monster...)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book. (Does a Master's Thesis count? I've also got at least two or three books rattling around in my head)
81. Visited the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car. (I haven't bought a used car in over 10 years).
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House. Did the tour in the first Reagan administration...
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. Flounder counts.
88. Had chickenpox. Twice, actually.
89. Saved someone’s life. (Talked two friends out of suicide)
90. Sat on a jury. I didn't have to go to trial, but I was chosen.
91. Met someone famous. Terry O'Reilly from the Bruins.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one. My namesake. :(
94. Had a baby. Two actually. Both ways, even - one natural, one C-section.
95. Seen the Alamo in person. The Alamo is the most surreal experience. You expect it to be this lone building out on the plains. Instead, it's tucked in between two skyscrapers like something out of a Tex Avery cartoon.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a law suit. Car accident before my wedding. Since it put me a good six months off finishing my Master's and all...
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee. I did landscaping for several years. Wasps, hornets, bees; I've been stung by pretty much every stinging insect in North America...
100. Read an entire book in one day. So often I've lost count. I get involved...
I'm not going to tag anyone, but if anyone else wants to play along, let me know!
That is all.
Some Things to Think About...
I took yesterday off to get some much-needed Xmas shopping done (don't tell The Boy and BabyGirl G, but they are, in fact, getting a Wii for Xmas. What can I say? I'm a softie...). While out and about, I made a few observations about shopping while carrying.
That is all.
- I need to practice drawing in winter garb - two cover garments plus a long winter coat make accessing my carry piece significantly more difficult than in warmer weather.
- I wonder how many people would equate "carrying every single bag in one hand even though it's approximately 750 pounds" with "carrying a concealed firearm and keeping his dominant hand free"?
- In conjunction with the previous point, is it that obvious when I've got one gloved hand and one non-gloved hand? Am I the only person to think about these things?
- A double-stack .45 ACP magazine leaves little room for car keys. Plan accordingly. Don't wind up putting said magazine on the counter of Missy's Hallmark unless you want some really interesting looks.
- I really, really, really need to get off my lazy ass and order up a decent holster for the G30. Carrying around that brick all day is difficult enough; doing it in a cheapo $20 nylon holster is even worse. Ditto the need for a better belt...
That is all.
WANT!!!
Latest G&A came in the mail today. On the cover is the new Kahr P380:
One word: WANT!
Wow. Kahr reliability and accuracy in a P3AT-sized (and weighted) package. What's not to love?
Sadly, although there are some firearms from Kahr on the MA Approved Firearms Roster {spit}, none are available for sale in the Volksrepublik. It is highly doubtful that the P380 will fare any better; meaning that the only way to get ahold of one as a MAcaptive resident will be to pay an exhorbitant price for one brought in by someone moving into state.
Have I mentioned lately how much I hate this state?
That is all.
One word: WANT!
Wow. Kahr reliability and accuracy in a P3AT-sized (and weighted) package. What's not to love?
Sadly, although there are some firearms from Kahr on the MA Approved Firearms Roster {spit}, none are available for sale in the Volksrepublik. It is highly doubtful that the P380 will fare any better; meaning that the only way to get ahold of one as a MA
Have I mentioned lately how much I hate this state?
That is all.
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Boor War...
This past Saturday I attended a Christmas party at the home of one of Mrs. G.'s co-workers. Chatting with a friend of mine, I admitted that I wasn't exactly thrilled about going, as I don't really know these people (except hearing Mrs. G. bitch about some of them, but that's fodder for another time...). My friend suggested that I pick up a six-pack of beer and make the best of it. I replied that I don't drink anyways, but also that I'd be carrying that evening (out of the house and all...)
Well, my friend was surprised at that. Asked if I had told the hosts of the party my intentions. Since this is the volksrepublik of MA, where gun ownership, let alone CCW, is viewed similarly to bestiality, I admitted I hadn't. I've always gone by the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy favored by the US Armed Forces when it comes to carrying a concealed weapon, and just assumed that all CCW holders did the same.
This got me to wondering, though: was I out of line? Do folks who carry regularly make a habit of informing people when they're carrying? Is is just limited to gun-unfriendly areas? Am I just a big fat hairy boor?
People who know me know that, unless I am going to work or to a place where I'll be searched, I'll be carrying a firearm. If they do not want me to carry into their homes and request such, I will be more than happy to comply - I may be an unintentional boor, but I try hard not to be boorish intentionally...
So, then, the question is, to inform, or not to inform, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the shock and disdain of gun-fearing wussies, or to leave our arms at home, defenseless against a sea of troubles, and by eschewing arms, end our chances of survival. To die, as sheep; no more; and as sheep we meet our end. (with apologies to Billy S.)
That is all.
Well, my friend was surprised at that. Asked if I had told the hosts of the party my intentions. Since this is the volksrepublik of MA, where gun ownership, let alone CCW, is viewed similarly to bestiality, I admitted I hadn't. I've always gone by the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy favored by the US Armed Forces when it comes to carrying a concealed weapon, and just assumed that all CCW holders did the same.
This got me to wondering, though: was I out of line? Do folks who carry regularly make a habit of informing people when they're carrying? Is is just limited to gun-unfriendly areas? Am I just a big fat hairy boor?
People who know me know that, unless I am going to work or to a place where I'll be searched, I'll be carrying a firearm. If they do not want me to carry into their homes and request such, I will be more than happy to comply - I may be an unintentional boor, but I try hard not to be boorish intentionally...
So, then, the question is, to inform, or not to inform, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the shock and disdain of gun-fearing wussies, or to leave our arms at home, defenseless against a sea of troubles, and by eschewing arms, end our chances of survival. To die, as sheep; no more; and as sheep we meet our end. (with apologies to Billy S.)
That is all.
Northeast Blogger Winter Gathering Update, Part III
Okay everyone, I think we've finally nailed everything down...
From the last update, it seems like the majority of people want to go to Nashua, so Martha's it is. With that in mind, here's the official invitation:
What? Northeast Blogger Winter Gathering.
Who? Any and all bloggers, commenters, readers, lurkers, etc. in the Northeast area, or those passing through, or anyone crazy enough to show up.
When? Saturday, December 27th 2008, starting at 5:00 PM and going until they throw us out.
Where? The "Brew Section" at Martha's Exchange in Nashua, NH.
Why? Folks getting together to enjoy good food, great beer, and superlative company. Bring your appetite, a whistle for wetting, and your best stories to tell.
Attendees:
JD
doubletrouble
Marko
MedicMatthew
wally
the saj
scotaku
Lissa
Bruce
weer'd beard
Elizabeth
Bill
TOTWTYTR
wolfwalker
zeeke42
MeatAxe
andrew
sci-fi
Possible:
brad_in_ma
thefaz
Liberty
Paul
So... We've got a time. We've got a date. We've got the location. This is officially official.
Now... Anyone else out there want to come along? We've got almost 20 people coming already, and there's lots of room for more folks! For anyone coming from a significant distance, there are several hotels within a couple miles of the Brewery if you'd like to rent a room (did someone say afterparty???) :) I don't drink, so I'm more than happy to shuttle folks back and forth if someone gets a room and wants to sample every beer Martha's has on tap... Also, for anyone coming from eastern MA or southeastern NH, I've got either a six passenger truck or a five passenger car that's got plenty of room for others who might want to car pool.
Timewise, I've got to be back at the homestead by noon the 28th (we're going to see Disney on Ice in Boston as one of the kids' Christmas presents - so no one talk to The Boy or BabyGirl G!), other than that I'm wide open. I've got a feeling this is going to be a really fun time, and what better way to chase away the after-Christmas blahs than by getting together with a rowdy group of weirdos you met on the internet? ;)
Lookin' forward to the 27th!
That is all.
From the last update, it seems like the majority of people want to go to Nashua, so Martha's it is. With that in mind, here's the official invitation:
What? Northeast Blogger Winter Gathering.
Who? Any and all bloggers, commenters, readers, lurkers, etc. in the Northeast area, or those passing through, or anyone crazy enough to show up.
When? Saturday, December 27th 2008, starting at 5:00 PM and going until they throw us out.
Where? The "Brew Section" at Martha's Exchange in Nashua, NH.
Why? Folks getting together to enjoy good food, great beer, and superlative company. Bring your appetite, a whistle for wetting, and your best stories to tell.
Attendees:
JD
doubletrouble
Marko
MedicMatthew
wally
the saj
scotaku
Lissa
Bruce
weer'd beard
Elizabeth
Bill
TOTWTYTR
wolfwalker
zeeke42
MeatAxe
andrew
sci-fi
Possible:
brad_in_ma
thefaz
Liberty
Paul
So... We've got a time. We've got a date. We've got the location. This is officially official.
Now... Anyone else out there want to come along? We've got almost 20 people coming already, and there's lots of room for more folks! For anyone coming from a significant distance, there are several hotels within a couple miles of the Brewery if you'd like to rent a room (did someone say afterparty???) :) I don't drink, so I'm more than happy to shuttle folks back and forth if someone gets a room and wants to sample every beer Martha's has on tap... Also, for anyone coming from eastern MA or southeastern NH, I've got either a six passenger truck or a five passenger car that's got plenty of room for others who might want to car pool.
Timewise, I've got to be back at the homestead by noon the 28th (we're going to see Disney on Ice in Boston as one of the kids' Christmas presents - so no one talk to The Boy or BabyGirl G!), other than that I'm wide open. I've got a feeling this is going to be a really fun time, and what better way to chase away the after-Christmas blahs than by getting together with a rowdy group of weirdos you met on the internet? ;)
Lookin' forward to the 27th!
That is all.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Yule Music...
We're having our first "snowfall" today (there's maybe a half a dusting out there). It's really starting to look like winter out there, and Christmas in particular. Last night we went to our first Christmas party, and as the Christmas classics played over the sound system, it got me to thinking about my favorite Christmas tunes...
I worked in a supermarket through high school and college, so "traditional" Christmas music to me is like garlic to a vampire. I prefer the more, uh, unconventional Christmas songs. Heh. So here's the MArooned Christmas playlist:
1. "12 Days of Christmas" as performed by The MacKenzie Brothers.
2. "Father Christmas" by The Kinks.
3. "Rock 'n' Roll Christmas" by George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers.
4. "Christmas Eve in Sarajevo" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (The Boy's favorite).
5. "Dominic the Donkey" by Lou Monte (this is BabyGirl G.'s favorite).
6. "Run, Run Rudolph" by Chuck Berry.
7. "Christmas at Ground Zero" by Weird Al Yankovic
8. "Christmas Is the Time to Say "I Love You"' by Billy Squire
9. "Christmas in Hollis" by Run DMC
10. "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time" by Paul McCartney.
So what are your favorite Christmas songs? Traditional, non-traditional, serious, not-so-serious, punk, metal, rap, what-have-you?
Let's hear 'em, folks!
That is all.
I worked in a supermarket through high school and college, so "traditional" Christmas music to me is like garlic to a vampire. I prefer the more, uh, unconventional Christmas songs. Heh. So here's the MArooned Christmas playlist:
1. "12 Days of Christmas" as performed by The MacKenzie Brothers.
2. "Father Christmas" by The Kinks.
3. "Rock 'n' Roll Christmas" by George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers.
4. "Christmas Eve in Sarajevo" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (The Boy's favorite).
5. "Dominic the Donkey" by Lou Monte (this is BabyGirl G.'s favorite).
6. "Run, Run Rudolph" by Chuck Berry.
7. "Christmas at Ground Zero" by Weird Al Yankovic
8. "Christmas Is the Time to Say "I Love You"' by Billy Squire
9. "Christmas in Hollis" by Run DMC
10. "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time" by Paul McCartney.
So what are your favorite Christmas songs? Traditional, non-traditional, serious, not-so-serious, punk, metal, rap, what-have-you?
Let's hear 'em, folks!
That is all.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Here There (May) Be Monsters...
Brought BabyGirl G to the local YMCA this morning for her swimming lesson. While we were there, The Boy wanted to go over to the gym to shoot some baskets. I told him that I wanted to stay and watch BabyGirl G's swimming lessons (usually Mrs. G. takes her to swimming).
"It's okay, Dad, I can go over by myself" was his answer.
Now, the Y's not exactly in the best part of town. There's plenty of gangbangers and wanna-bes hanging around, "security" consists of a teenaged girl at the front desk who doesn't even look when folks walk by, and there's no supervision in the gymnasium. I'm just not comfortable letting my seven year old son go over to the gym on his own.
But how do I tell him that?
How do I tell him that there are people out there that would cause him harm simply because he looks different than they do, or because he "disrespected" them, or simply because he's smaller than they are and they can get away with it? Or, going to the next level, that some people might want to hurt him for no reason at all, either because of mental illness or just plain evil? How do I express my fears and apprehension without making him afraid to leave the house?
Now, granted, we've gone over "stranger danger" numerous times - his dojo is really good about getting the idea across to the younger participants, even teaching them the "magic wave" and other moves dedicated to helping them break free of an assailant. We've gone over what to do if he's approached by someone he doesn't know, what types of people to look for if he gets lost (women, or families, or someone in a uniform). The "Bobcat Trail" for Cub Scouts has a lot of information on keeping young kids safe.
But how do I explain the gray areas?
A wise friend had a good idea. Take a brown paper bag or a cardboard box. Explain to your kid that someone they don't know is like the bag/box without a label. There's no way of knowing what's inside. It could be something you like, like a candy bar. It could be something you don't like, like dried prunes. Or it could be something that could hurt you, like a mousetrap. I think I'm going to give this a shot. It's a good, solid idea that won't frighten the kids but gets the point across.
Parenthood is quite often a tightrope act, a delicate balance of doing too much vs. not doing enough. Walking the razor's edge between frightening your kids too much, so that they are afraid of their own shadow; or not honing their awareness enough, so that they're too trusting and eager and susceptible to the monsters that skulk among us.
My kids are safe with me. As I've said before, the only way harm will befall tham in my presence is literally over my lifeless body. But I can't be with them 24/7. I shouldn't be with them 24/7 - they've got to learn to live life, to experience life without the protective umbrella of mom & dad. I just hope I can give them all the tools they need to make the right choices and stay safe.
And G-d have mercy on the sonofabitch who tries to hurt either of my kids, because I certainly won't have any.
That is all.
"It's okay, Dad, I can go over by myself" was his answer.
Now, the Y's not exactly in the best part of town. There's plenty of gangbangers and wanna-bes hanging around, "security" consists of a teenaged girl at the front desk who doesn't even look when folks walk by, and there's no supervision in the gymnasium. I'm just not comfortable letting my seven year old son go over to the gym on his own.
But how do I tell him that?
How do I tell him that there are people out there that would cause him harm simply because he looks different than they do, or because he "disrespected" them, or simply because he's smaller than they are and they can get away with it? Or, going to the next level, that some people might want to hurt him for no reason at all, either because of mental illness or just plain evil? How do I express my fears and apprehension without making him afraid to leave the house?
Now, granted, we've gone over "stranger danger" numerous times - his dojo is really good about getting the idea across to the younger participants, even teaching them the "magic wave" and other moves dedicated to helping them break free of an assailant. We've gone over what to do if he's approached by someone he doesn't know, what types of people to look for if he gets lost (women, or families, or someone in a uniform). The "Bobcat Trail" for Cub Scouts has a lot of information on keeping young kids safe.
But how do I explain the gray areas?
A wise friend had a good idea. Take a brown paper bag or a cardboard box. Explain to your kid that someone they don't know is like the bag/box without a label. There's no way of knowing what's inside. It could be something you like, like a candy bar. It could be something you don't like, like dried prunes. Or it could be something that could hurt you, like a mousetrap. I think I'm going to give this a shot. It's a good, solid idea that won't frighten the kids but gets the point across.
Parenthood is quite often a tightrope act, a delicate balance of doing too much vs. not doing enough. Walking the razor's edge between frightening your kids too much, so that they are afraid of their own shadow; or not honing their awareness enough, so that they're too trusting and eager and susceptible to the monsters that skulk among us.
My kids are safe with me. As I've said before, the only way harm will befall tham in my presence is literally over my lifeless body. But I can't be with them 24/7. I shouldn't be with them 24/7 - they've got to learn to live life, to experience life without the protective umbrella of mom & dad. I just hope I can give them all the tools they need to make the right choices and stay safe.
And G-d have mercy on the sonofabitch who tries to hurt either of my kids, because I certainly won't have any.
That is all.
Gotta Love Caller ID...
Heh. Does this make me a bad person?
Phone rings. I'm in the middle of getting breakfast for the G. horde (yes, I know. There are only two of them. But when I'm outnumbered 2:1, and they've been watching Saturday morning cartoons for the past hour and a half, they constitute a horde to rival that of Attila's...). I look at the caller ID, and it's my wife's old college roommate.
Now, I knew this girl in college. She had a major thing for my roommate, and consequentially was forever hanging around. She's the only person to ever attack me with a weapon (pair of scissors). So, no, I don't particularly like this little sack 'o' crazymeat.
I see the number, figure it's her inviting us to her annual Christmas party (it was), and quickly put the phone back down - I have no need to talk to her, and the answering machine can take a message just as good or better than I can...
Technology. Sometimes I think that avoiding people we don't like is its primary use...
That is all.
Phone rings. I'm in the middle of getting breakfast for the G. horde (yes, I know. There are only two of them. But when I'm outnumbered 2:1, and they've been watching Saturday morning cartoons for the past hour and a half, they constitute a horde to rival that of Attila's...). I look at the caller ID, and it's my wife's old college roommate.
Now, I knew this girl in college. She had a major thing for my roommate, and consequentially was forever hanging around. She's the only person to ever attack me with a weapon (pair of scissors). So, no, I don't particularly like this little sack 'o' crazymeat.
I see the number, figure it's her inviting us to her annual Christmas party (it was), and quickly put the phone back down - I have no need to talk to her, and the answering machine can take a message just as good or better than I can...
Technology. Sometimes I think that avoiding people we don't like is its primary use...
That is all.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Tech Bleg
Okay, folks, I need some help...
(Chorus from the peanut gallery: "So what else is new?")
Mrs. G. wants a GPS for Christmas. Her dad, who used to be a long haul trucker, got one a couple of years ago, and has been raving about how much easier it makes driving in unfamiliar territory. Given that we often find ourselves in unfamiliar areas, often towing a large camper at the same time, it's not a bad idea.
Our requirements are pretty open: Pretty much under $200 or thereabouts; be either rechargeable, battery-operated, or have a cigarette lighter plug; ability to offer routes based on highway/no highway/fastest/shortest/etc. I'm also guessing you need to sign up for a service of some sort for updates and such - I'm guessing it needs to connect to a computer... (Is it obvious I haven't kept pace with technology?) Pretty standard stuff, certainly nothing that hasn't been on the market for a few years.
Since I know next-to-nothing about GPS systems, like who makes good units and who makes junk that should be avoided at all costs, I thought I'd open things up to the technophiles out there. I've talked to a couple people who have GPS receivers and definitely think it's a worthwhile addition to our ever-growing pile of technological accessories; I just need to know what's the best "bang for the buck" out there...
Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.
That is all.
(Chorus from the peanut gallery: "So what else is new?")
Mrs. G. wants a GPS for Christmas. Her dad, who used to be a long haul trucker, got one a couple of years ago, and has been raving about how much easier it makes driving in unfamiliar territory. Given that we often find ourselves in unfamiliar areas, often towing a large camper at the same time, it's not a bad idea.
Our requirements are pretty open: Pretty much under $200 or thereabouts; be either rechargeable, battery-operated, or have a cigarette lighter plug; ability to offer routes based on highway/no highway/fastest/shortest/etc. I'm also guessing you need to sign up for a service of some sort for updates and such - I'm guessing it needs to connect to a computer... (Is it obvious I haven't kept pace with technology?) Pretty standard stuff, certainly nothing that hasn't been on the market for a few years.
Since I know next-to-nothing about GPS systems, like who makes good units and who makes junk that should be avoided at all costs, I thought I'd open things up to the technophiles out there. I've talked to a couple people who have GPS receivers and definitely think it's a worthwhile addition to our ever-growing pile of technological accessories; I just need to know what's the best "bang for the buck" out there...
Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.
That is all.
Friday Fun Thread: What Were They Thinking?
Gonna shoot for something a little different this Friday morning. This time, it's cars/trucks that make you say, "What the hell were they thinking?". Could be a particularly bad design. Could be something butt ugly. Could just be another example of "do it again, only harder!"
In any case, here's the list:
1. 20?? Chevy Camaro. In the wake of the disasterous 2000 Ford Thunderbird and it's complete and utter failure as a "boutique" car, GM's response was to... Kill the Camaro only to resurrect it 10 years later? Uh, guys? Didn't work for Ford. Why did you think it would work for you?
2. Pontiac Aztek. Ugh. This is the epitome of ugly vehicles. One can only assume that GM was shooting for the "new buyer" market share with their "edgy" design; apparently the thinking was along the lines of "make it so ugly no one over 25 would be caught dead in it"...
3. Subaru Baja. Uh, guys? There's a reason Ford phased out the Ranchero in the '70s, and Chevy the El Camino in the '80s. Ford can't give away their Explorer Sport Trac. Hell, you've got your own example to follow - the Brat didn't exactly set the automotive world afire with sales.
4. Cadillac Catera. SRSLY, doods, WTF? The abysmal failure that was the Cimarron didn't teach you the folly of grabbing a GM platform, slapping Caddy emblems on it, and charging 2X the going rate? The only possible explanation I can come up with for the Catera is that you saw the big piles 'o' cash you were making on the Escalade and were hoping the Cadillac cachet would carry over...
5. Honda Element. See Aztek, Pontiac for ugly styling. This one has the added disadvantage of suicide doors and utilitarian (read: spartan) seating. Apparently they were counting on the Honda mystique to sell this turkey. Would have been better to have invested a little more R&D into redesigning the Pilot into something less box-like...
6. 1988 Pontiac LeMans. GUYS! You simply do NOT take a namesake from the muscle cars of the '60s and '70s and then slap it on a freakin' Korean POS. At least take a cue from Chevy and re-badge a Toyota, for cryin' out loud...
7. Speaking of 70s marques that would later be re-badged foreign econoboxes in the '80s, the Chevy Nova. A car whose name means "It doesn't go" in Spanish, it started off as a compact body with clean, straight lines and big motors. As the years progressed, the styling got worse, the performance anemic in all but the top end SS package, and the final re-design in '75 only made it worse...
8. Lincoln Blackwood. After, what, two previous attempts to re-badge an F-150 with the Lincoln name (and heftier price tag), they rolled out the Blackwood. It looked like, surprise, an F-150 with a Lincoln Navigator (rebadged Expedition) front end grafted on. Poorly, like a drunken shadetree mechanic (with apologies to shadetree mechanics).
9. Plymouth Prowler. Ugh. Note to Chrysler Corporation: Killer looks are only half the battle. You roll out this fancy-assed, retro-hot-rod. WIN. Make it available with only a V6 and an automatic tranny? FAIL. Why the hell wasn't a modified 5.9L available for this car; ideally mated to a 6 speed Borg-Warner tranny??? (I know, I know, Borg-Warner supplied the Corvette ZR-1 trannies, so they may have been under contract with GM...).
10. Toyota Scion. Honestly, what's the point? There's three models, a weird box (Element), a teeny sedan (Yaris), and a quasi-coupe (Paseo). Trying some edgy new pseudo-brand on Gen X? Newsflash - you want to keep them in the brand when they grow up and have kids. What's there to upgrade to after the odd looking box? Nothing.
11. (yes, this list goes up to 11). Saturn. The entire fucking line. Specifically, GM's MORONIC decision to simply re-badge their whole shitty line as Saturns in a pathetic attempt to cash in on the success of the original SC, SL, and SW line. The whole reason those cars sold so well was that they WEREN'T the standard GM crappy offerings. They were built well, supported even better, got phenomenal gas mileage, and lasted forever. Slapping Saturn badges on existing GM brands rather than investing in growing the Saturn line doomed Saturn to failure. Way to kill off the only fucking thing you did right, GM. I hope you don't get the bailout and go under...
Not that I feel strongly about this or anyhing...
In any case, here's the list:
1. 20?? Chevy Camaro. In the wake of the disasterous 2000 Ford Thunderbird and it's complete and utter failure as a "boutique" car, GM's response was to... Kill the Camaro only to resurrect it 10 years later? Uh, guys? Didn't work for Ford. Why did you think it would work for you?
2. Pontiac Aztek. Ugh. This is the epitome of ugly vehicles. One can only assume that GM was shooting for the "new buyer" market share with their "edgy" design; apparently the thinking was along the lines of "make it so ugly no one over 25 would be caught dead in it"...
3. Subaru Baja. Uh, guys? There's a reason Ford phased out the Ranchero in the '70s, and Chevy the El Camino in the '80s. Ford can't give away their Explorer Sport Trac. Hell, you've got your own example to follow - the Brat didn't exactly set the automotive world afire with sales.
4. Cadillac Catera. SRSLY, doods, WTF? The abysmal failure that was the Cimarron didn't teach you the folly of grabbing a GM platform, slapping Caddy emblems on it, and charging 2X the going rate? The only possible explanation I can come up with for the Catera is that you saw the big piles 'o' cash you were making on the Escalade and were hoping the Cadillac cachet would carry over...
5. Honda Element. See Aztek, Pontiac for ugly styling. This one has the added disadvantage of suicide doors and utilitarian (read: spartan) seating. Apparently they were counting on the Honda mystique to sell this turkey. Would have been better to have invested a little more R&D into redesigning the Pilot into something less box-like...
6. 1988 Pontiac LeMans. GUYS! You simply do NOT take a namesake from the muscle cars of the '60s and '70s and then slap it on a freakin' Korean POS. At least take a cue from Chevy and re-badge a Toyota, for cryin' out loud...
7. Speaking of 70s marques that would later be re-badged foreign econoboxes in the '80s, the Chevy Nova. A car whose name means "It doesn't go" in Spanish, it started off as a compact body with clean, straight lines and big motors. As the years progressed, the styling got worse, the performance anemic in all but the top end SS package, and the final re-design in '75 only made it worse...
8. Lincoln Blackwood. After, what, two previous attempts to re-badge an F-150 with the Lincoln name (and heftier price tag), they rolled out the Blackwood. It looked like, surprise, an F-150 with a Lincoln Navigator (rebadged Expedition) front end grafted on. Poorly, like a drunken shadetree mechanic (with apologies to shadetree mechanics).
9. Plymouth Prowler. Ugh. Note to Chrysler Corporation: Killer looks are only half the battle. You roll out this fancy-assed, retro-hot-rod. WIN. Make it available with only a V6 and an automatic tranny? FAIL. Why the hell wasn't a modified 5.9L available for this car; ideally mated to a 6 speed Borg-Warner tranny??? (I know, I know, Borg-Warner supplied the Corvette ZR-1 trannies, so they may have been under contract with GM...).
10. Toyota Scion. Honestly, what's the point? There's three models, a weird box (Element), a teeny sedan (Yaris), and a quasi-coupe (Paseo). Trying some edgy new pseudo-brand on Gen X? Newsflash - you want to keep them in the brand when they grow up and have kids. What's there to upgrade to after the odd looking box? Nothing.
11. (yes, this list goes up to 11). Saturn. The entire fucking line. Specifically, GM's MORONIC decision to simply re-badge their whole shitty line as Saturns in a pathetic attempt to cash in on the success of the original SC, SL, and SW line. The whole reason those cars sold so well was that they WEREN'T the standard GM crappy offerings. They were built well, supported even better, got phenomenal gas mileage, and lasted forever. Slapping Saturn badges on existing GM brands rather than investing in growing the Saturn line doomed Saturn to failure. Way to kill off the only fucking thing you did right, GM. I hope you don't get the bailout and go under...
Not that I feel strongly about this or anyhing...
So that's my list of famous automotive "What the hell were they thinking???". What else did I miss (and yes, I deliberately left the Ford Edsel off this list. It's been done.)?
That is all.
Friday Gun Pr0n #88
I just realized I've been neglecting one of my all-time favorite guns:
The hardest part is finding aftermarket parts for it - I'd like to get a nice set of wood grips, but haven't found anyplace that stocks anything other than the red plastic grips... Sure would be nice if Hogue made a monogrip for it, too...
I haven't brought it to the range in a while. It's long past time to remedy that.
That is all.
The hardest part is finding aftermarket parts for it - I'd like to get a nice set of wood grips, but haven't found anyplace that stocks anything other than the red plastic grips... Sure would be nice if Hogue made a monogrip for it, too...
I haven't brought it to the range in a while. It's long past time to remedy that.
That is all.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
GO. READ. NOW.
To any of my readers out there who don't read Tam religiously (or even secularly), go read this post right now.
Then read it again.
Then print it out and mail it to yourself so you can read it next week.
No excerpts, because the whole damn thing is that good.
The only thing I can add is, buy a P3AT or LCP. Either gun is small enough to conceal pretty much anywhere, and both offer 6+1 rounds of .380 ACP marginalness in a package that weighs less than most cell phones...
Then read it again.
Then print it out and mail it to yourself so you can read it next week.
No excerpts, because the whole damn thing is that good.
The only thing I can add is, buy a P3AT or LCP. Either gun is small enough to conceal pretty much anywhere, and both offer 6+1 rounds of .380 ACP marginalness in a package that weighs less than most cell phones...
Guessing Game!
There will be a new addition to the G. armory (hopefully) over the weekend.
It's fun. It's evil. It's something I've always wanted.
Them's the hints. Who wants to take a stab at guessing what the mystery gun is? I might be inclined to offer more hints if needed...
That is all.
It's fun. It's evil. It's something I've always wanted.
Them's the hints. Who wants to take a stab at guessing what the mystery gun is? I might be inclined to offer more hints if needed...
That is all.
Heartbreaking...
Antique Cars Destroyed In Weymouth Fire
I'd wager his condition is "heavily medicated", because that's what I'd need to be if my prized car collection just went up in smoke...
Damn.
That is all.
WEYMOUTH (WBZ) ― Several antique cars were destroyed in a heartbreaking fire in Weymouth on Wednesday. The fire at 899 Middle St. consumed the entire building.
The 89-year-old man who owns the cars was moving one of the cars when it sparked the fire, destroying his three-car collection and his barn where the cars were being stored in.
A 1929 Buick Roadmaster, which was used in movies like "The Great Gatsby" and "The Witches of Eastwick," was destroyed. A 1964 and a half Mustang convertable[sic] and a 1915 Dodge Phaeton -- one of only three in the U.S. -- were also destroyed.
The man escaped the fire but was so upset over the loss he had to be taken to the hospital. His condition is not yet known.
I'd wager his condition is "heavily medicated", because that's what I'd need to be if my prized car collection just went up in smoke...
Damn.
That is all.
Rules Are for the Losers...
Stories like these are one of the reasons we're going to hell in a handbasket:
Mansfield High's Football Season Lives - For Now
I guess I'm just too simple of a man here. It shouldn't be too difficult to determine if the player in question was ineligible, right? Once it has been established that the player was ineligible, it shouldn't be too difficult to determine whether he played in any games - lopsided victories or not (side note: Perhaps the victories were "lopsided" because your fucking team was cheating?).
End of fucking list.
There should be no controversy here, folks. They broke the rules, they forfeit the games, they don't make the playoffs. We start making exceptions because they did so well, then, hell, what's the point in having any rules at all?
I particularly liked this quote:
Yeah. Anyone want to give odds on whether or not they'd actually go through with this? It's about the same time Mumbles admits he's been an abysmal failure as mayor and commits ritual seppuku live on channel 25...
One of the local news stations runs a blog-like section called Conversation Nation where they discuss this story. Comments to the entry are overwhelmingly in favor of letting the school compete in the finals, with the overwhelming attitude of "let the kids play, it's not their fault". Now, while this is certainly true, don't we set a dangerous example by throwing the rule book out the window in this case?
Don't we just set the stage for another Plaxico Burress situation, where the rules for a sports star are different than those of the plebes? How can we push aside the rules for sports eligibility for winning teams and then wonder why cheating is on the rise? Rules are in place for a reason. If they can be pushed aside for expediency's sake when a team, or a player, or a company is doing well, then they need to be abolished. Period. Even when the team breaking the rules is winning.
That is all.
Mansfield High's Football Season Lives - For Now
Mansfield High School was allowed to play Bishop Feehan Wednesday evening for
the right to go to the Division 2 Super Bowl. The[sic] won the game 22-6.
The MIAA, the board that governs high school sports in the state, learned this week that Mansfield had a fifth-year player on its roster who was ineligible. Even though that player only saw limited action during two lopsided victories, the MIAA ruled
Mansfield must forfeit the two games he played in and that would have knocked them out of the playoffs.
I guess I'm just too simple of a man here. It shouldn't be too difficult to determine if the player in question was ineligible, right? Once it has been established that the player was ineligible, it shouldn't be too difficult to determine whether he played in any games - lopsided victories or not (side note: Perhaps the victories were "lopsided" because your fucking team was cheating?).
End of fucking list.
There should be no controversy here, folks. They broke the rules, they forfeit the games, they don't make the playoffs. We start making exceptions because they did so well, then, hell, what's the point in having any rules at all?
I particularly liked this quote:
"After the tournament is over, we will invite Mansfield in to make their case and deal with it. If Mansfield were to go on and win the tournament and are found to be guilty, we would strip them of the title."
Yeah. Anyone want to give odds on whether or not they'd actually go through with this? It's about the same time Mumbles admits he's been an abysmal failure as mayor and commits ritual seppuku live on channel 25...
One of the local news stations runs a blog-like section called Conversation Nation where they discuss this story. Comments to the entry are overwhelmingly in favor of letting the school compete in the finals, with the overwhelming attitude of "let the kids play, it's not their fault". Now, while this is certainly true, don't we set a dangerous example by throwing the rule book out the window in this case?
Don't we just set the stage for another Plaxico Burress situation, where the rules for a sports star are different than those of the plebes? How can we push aside the rules for sports eligibility for winning teams and then wonder why cheating is on the rise? Rules are in place for a reason. If they can be pushed aside for expediency's sake when a team, or a player, or a company is doing well, then they need to be abolished. Period. Even when the team breaking the rules is winning.
That is all.
And Yes, Even More Letters!
Okay, folks, this is just too cool. I received another e-mail earlier this week, this time with one of my all-time favorite gun-related thought exercises...
Here's the request:
Ah. The age-old "What should I get for my first gun?" question. I love it.
Here's my (rather long-winded) response:
So there are my recommendations in a nutshell. If pushed to limit it to only one gun, I'd offer the .357 Magnum revolver as the "must-have". While I prefer a shotgun for home defense, it's not a plinking or recreational gun by any means. And the 10/22, while much fun at the range and very economical to shoot, is a less-than-optimal poor home defense weapon. The .357 Magnum revolver offers plenty of stopping power with the full-bore .357 Magnum loads while also being more than capable of fun days at the range with low-powered .38 Special rounds.
So what did I forget?
That is all.
Here's the request:
Hi Jay,
I've been a reader of your blog for a little while now (year? year and a half?). I think I may have come via Bruce in NH (just before he moved there). Love the site. Especially entertaining are your um... commutes to work. Being a lifelong MA resident, I can totally relate! My blood pressure rises just thinking about the landscaper trailers....
I just picked up my LTC-A from the [Name of MA town redacted] Police this morning, and I'm trying to decide what to buy for my first gun. I did a little bit of shooting as a kid. Dad was an Aux. Cop in my hometown and I followed my skeet shooting friend around a lot in high school. I'm (sort of) coming back to shooting in my middle age; much to my wife's chagrin. I've read that that the first gun to buy is a pump action shot gun. It's great from home defense and maybe I can use it to shoot at cute flying things. I've also heard that that the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500 are the ones to look at. I guess they're fairly inexpensive and are reliable? Any preferences, advice, or other suggestions? I'm looking to spend in the $300 range.
Eventually, I'd also like to get a 22 rifle to slowly bring my wife (and daughter who would jump at it) into shooting. Oh crap! Here we go... Gun Acquisition Syndrome (GAS)! My wife is still probably sore at me for my old GAS (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome).Anyway, I would appreciate any help you could give me.
Thanks,
Sean [redacted] (also stuck in MA, and a lapsed Star Trek (and sci fi) geek)
Ah. The age-old "What should I get for my first gun?" question. I love it.
Here's my (rather long-winded) response:
Good morning Sean,
And thanks for reading MArooned, and writing to me!
Let's see... I hope you've got a comfy chair, because "What should I get for my first gun" is one of my very favorite thought questions...
IMHO, there are three guns every gunowner simply must have: A home defense shotgun, a sturdy pistol, and a .22LR rifle. You've asked for guidance on two out of three; I'll toss in the third for free. :)
For a shotgun, there's really two main players in the game: The Mossberg 500, and the Remington 870. The good news is that both are available new for around $300. The even better news is that they're available used for even less, and it's quite difficult to break a pump-action shotgun. My advice here would be to look around for a used Rem 870 around the $200-$250 mark. Four Seasons in Woburn has the 870 HD version (extended mag tube) for something like $330 (new), so keep that in mind. Look for a shorter barrel (18-20") and that's all you need out the door. Goodies like extended magazine tubes and folding/telescoping stocks can be purchased on the aftermarket.
As for alternates, there's a wide world of shotguns out there. For home defense, I'm a big fan of the pump-action - it's reliable, doesn't require a lot of maintenance, and doesn't run afoul of the Assault Weapons Ban if you put on an extended magazine tube or folding/telescoping stock. There's a lot of shotties out there, like old JC Higgings, Stevens, Ithaca Arms, as well as new imports from Turkey, China, and Russia; however the Remington and Mossbergs are so cheap even brand new that I just don't see a reason to buy an off-brand or out-of-business brand. Stick with the 500 or the 870 and you'll do well.
For the .22LR rifle, I'll refer you to my post earlier this week where I endorse the Ruger 10/22. I've seen these going, brand new, for under $200 from Bass Pro or Dick's Sporting Goods. Used isn't a heckuva lot cheaper as a rule, although you're likely to find one with a scope, sling, extra magazines, etc. on the used market. Magazines run between $15 and $20 on sale (for factory 10-round magazines); if you want more than 10-round capacity, though, you'll need the magazines to be "pre-ban", meaning made before the Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 was enacted. It's stupid, but it's the law.
Alternates would be a Marlin Model 60, which I've seen on sale for around $125 NEW @ Bass Pro, or a Henry lever-action (~$250 new) if you've got a hankerin' to let your inner cowboy roam the range on a plinkin' budget... There's also fine lever-action .22s available from Mossberg and Marlin; and pump-action rifles from Remington and Rossi. No, the alliteration isn't part of the business, it just seems that way... :)
The third gun, a sturdy pistol, is very well represented by something like a Smith & Wesson 686 or 620. They're stainless (easier to care for), built for the long haul, and can handle hot .357 Magnum loads for defense or light .38 special rounds for plinking. Get one with a 4" barrel and you can carry it if you need to (although it's really too heavy and bulky for much carrying, especially in MA where you really want it hidden!). The 686 (full lug under the barrel) is available as a 6- or 7- shot model; the 620 (ejector shroud only) comes as a 7 shot.
Worthy alternates here are the Ruger GP-100 or Security Six. There's also the S&W model 19, if you can find one; there's the Colt Python if you've got a grand and a half to spend (and worth every penny); after that the choices fall off dramatically. What comes into play here is the stupid Approved Firearms Roster {spit} which limits what you can buy from a dealer - IOW, you can't get a $150 Charter Arms revolver or a $250 Taurus S&W knock-off.
I think that's it in a nutshell; I'd be happy to expound on any of the above points if you'd like. Also, if you don't mind I'd like to post this at MArooned - I'm SURE that folks will have plenty to say and offer their own words of wisdom. Obviously I won't use your last name or town. Let me know if this is okay with you.
Best regards,
Jay G.
MArooned
So there are my recommendations in a nutshell. If pushed to limit it to only one gun, I'd offer the .357 Magnum revolver as the "must-have". While I prefer a shotgun for home defense, it's not a plinking or recreational gun by any means. And the 10/22, while much fun at the range and very economical to shoot, is a less-than-optimal poor home defense weapon. The .357 Magnum revolver offers plenty of stopping power with the full-bore .357 Magnum loads while also being more than capable of fun days at the range with low-powered .38 Special rounds.
So what did I forget?
That is all.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
I Am JayGicus, Destroyer of Retailers
This is getting eerie.
The G. household contains exactly two television sets that we have purchased. There's a 10-year old Panasonic projection TV in the family room, and a 15-year old 25" Daewoo in our bedroom. Both TV sets were purchased at local electronics retailers. Both retailers have gone out of business - the Daewoo was purchased at Lechmere, the Panasonic at Tweeter (local chain).
At least in the case of the Panasonic, the electronics store lasted longer than the extended warrantee would have, had we chosen to purchase one...
So... I have decided to put my powers to use for my own personal gain. We'd like to get a 52" or larger plasma HDTV for the family room. We don't need it - the Panasonic projection TV is going strong - so I'm proposing a little shakedown. Give me a TV, or I'll be forced to buy one from your store! Look at my track record: Two TVs purchased, two chains brought down. Coincidence? I think not!
That is all...
The G. household contains exactly two television sets that we have purchased. There's a 10-year old Panasonic projection TV in the family room, and a 15-year old 25" Daewoo in our bedroom. Both TV sets were purchased at local electronics retailers. Both retailers have gone out of business - the Daewoo was purchased at Lechmere, the Panasonic at Tweeter (local chain).
At least in the case of the Panasonic, the electronics store lasted longer than the extended warrantee would have, had we chosen to purchase one...
So... I have decided to put my powers to use for my own personal gain. We'd like to get a 52" or larger plasma HDTV for the family room. We don't need it - the Panasonic projection TV is going strong - so I'm proposing a little shakedown. Give me a TV, or I'll be forced to buy one from your store! Look at my track record: Two TVs purchased, two chains brought down. Coincidence? I think not!
That is all...
Epic Fail...
OUI cited in Provincetown firetruck crash
Drivin' teh fyr truk. UR doin it rong.
I mean, I'll man up and admit to a couple of vehicular boners in my time, not the least of which was crashing my Blazer into a brook about a mile from my high school. Yeah, I took a lot of ribbing for that one, and rightfully so. At least I had icy weather and bald tires to blame (I'd owned the truck for four days at that point and hadn't had time to even get the insurance inspection done yet!).
But I never did this:
Dude. Rolled. A. Fire. Truck.
That's epic fail, brother. Covered in losersauce...
That is all.
PROVINCETOWN — A young volunteer firefighter who joined the town fire department in his early teens at his father's side will be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in the wreck of a ladder truck Nov. 9, police said.
Police cited Elias Martinez, 21, of Provincetown yesterday based on a review of his Cape Cod Hospital medical records after the one-vehicle crash that totaled the town's only ladder truck, Provincetown police Staff Sgt. Warren Tobias said. A court date will be set in Orleans District Court, Tobias said.
Drivin' teh fyr truk. UR doin it rong.
I mean, I'll man up and admit to a couple of vehicular boners in my time, not the least of which was crashing my Blazer into a brook about a mile from my high school. Yeah, I took a lot of ribbing for that one, and rightfully so. At least I had icy weather and bald tires to blame (I'd owned the truck for four days at that point and hadn't had time to even get the insurance inspection done yet!).
But I never did this:
At the intersection of Route 6 and Snail Road, near the Truro town line, the front tire of the ladder truck hit a curb, Trovato said. The truck then rolled a few times.
Dude. Rolled. A. Fire. Truck.
That's epic fail, brother. Covered in losersauce...
That is all.
We Don't Need Another Hero...
I'm with Robb:
I don't carry a gun so that people around me are safe. I carry a gun so that I, and the little people in my care, are safe. If there's a threat that directly impacts us, I will do my damnedest to neutralize that threat using my sidearm, pocketknife, bare hands, and/or teeth if necessary. But would I intervene to save a third party? That's a difficult question, and one that comes with a host of "what-ifs" and other theoreticals. What if I get sued? What if it's not what it seems?
What if I get killed playing hero and my kids grow up without a daddy? Is the knowledge that their daddy saved someone else (or worse, tried and failed) enough to comfort them every Christmas? Is it worth spending every Father's Day at the cemetary rather than in the backyard because that's where daddy is? Is it worth losing our family home in a lawsuit because daddy's shot paralyzed the poor misunderstood yoot bashing the store owner's head in with a Louisville slugger?
I'm selfish. I say no.
In the mall shooting scenario, my first and foremost thought is of my family's safety. If I'm alone, my only thought is getting the hell out. If the shooter materializes between me and the door; if there's even the slightest chance he'll harm me or mine; well, then it's on. I've got no formal training (something I hope to rectify in the coming year), but I'm a fair shot at conversational distances and I'm not one to fall apart under stress. I will do my level best to do unto him before he does unto me, or die trying.
The only way harm will come to my family in my presence is, quite literally, over my lifeless corpse.
Now, granted, I've never been shot at (been shot once, but that's a story for another time), so I honestly can't say I won't curl up in the fetal position and cry for mommy. I've been in hairy situations before, and gone immediately into fight mode rather than flight, so I have some reason to believe I could make a stand if provoked.
And I'm Italian. You mess with my family, you are a fucking dead man.
But if it ain't family, I just want to get the hell outta Dodge. Maybe that makes me a coward; maybe it makes me less of a man, but to be perfectly blunt, I don't give a hairy rat's ass. As long as my family's safe, the rest of the world can go to hell in a handbasket. That's not to say that I'd pass up a good shot, mind you. I just won't go looking for it...
That is all.
It's a common theme amongst those in the gun community that those of us who carry also add an extra level of protection to others. Sorry, but that's not me. Come hell or high water, when everything goes tits up you're going to find me defending my own flock. If that entails me putting myself in harm's way and engaging the threat and that ends up benefiting your flock, well then, lucky you.Damn straight.
I don't carry a gun so that people around me are safe. I carry a gun so that I, and the little people in my care, are safe. If there's a threat that directly impacts us, I will do my damnedest to neutralize that threat using my sidearm, pocketknife, bare hands, and/or teeth if necessary. But would I intervene to save a third party? That's a difficult question, and one that comes with a host of "what-ifs" and other theoreticals. What if I get sued? What if it's not what it seems?
What if I get killed playing hero and my kids grow up without a daddy? Is the knowledge that their daddy saved someone else (or worse, tried and failed) enough to comfort them every Christmas? Is it worth spending every Father's Day at the cemetary rather than in the backyard because that's where daddy is? Is it worth losing our family home in a lawsuit because daddy's shot paralyzed the poor misunderstood yoot bashing the store owner's head in with a Louisville slugger?
I'm selfish. I say no.
In the mall shooting scenario, my first and foremost thought is of my family's safety. If I'm alone, my only thought is getting the hell out. If the shooter materializes between me and the door; if there's even the slightest chance he'll harm me or mine; well, then it's on. I've got no formal training (something I hope to rectify in the coming year), but I'm a fair shot at conversational distances and I'm not one to fall apart under stress. I will do my level best to do unto him before he does unto me, or die trying.
The only way harm will come to my family in my presence is, quite literally, over my lifeless corpse.
Now, granted, I've never been shot at (been shot once, but that's a story for another time), so I honestly can't say I won't curl up in the fetal position and cry for mommy. I've been in hairy situations before, and gone immediately into fight mode rather than flight, so I have some reason to believe I could make a stand if provoked.
And I'm Italian. You mess with my family, you are a fucking dead man.
But if it ain't family, I just want to get the hell outta Dodge. Maybe that makes me a coward; maybe it makes me less of a man, but to be perfectly blunt, I don't give a hairy rat's ass. As long as my family's safe, the rest of the world can go to hell in a handbasket. That's not to say that I'd pass up a good shot, mind you. I just won't go looking for it...
That is all.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Practice Makes...
Well, maybe not perfect, but certainly less made of fail...
As my blogson mentioned, I hosted Ted and his #1 son at my club this past weekend. I brought along some stalwart companions - my Colt Gold Cup, my Colt Official Police .22LR, and, at the request of Ted's son, the Remington 572 Fieldmaster pump-action .22LR.
My shooting with the Remington was fine - of course, shooting a rifle on a 25 yard pistol range isn't terribly challenging to start with. I didn't have trouble with the Official Police .22, either; at 25 feet all shots were kept solidly in the black in a tight, decent grouping. But the Gold Cup... I had a hard time hitting the target, period. I could barely hit the ground if not for gravity. Ted shot it just fine; it was obviously all me shooting like crap.
But yesterday I redeemed myself. I went to the range with Bill and Elizabeth to play with some of their shiny new toys (which are extremely nice, and left me with a serious case of the I-gotta-haveits). Since I had just been two days prior with Ted, I brought along the same guns I took on that outing plus my new SKS (which is not a single-shot, like my old SKS...).
I practiced shooting the Gold Cup very carefully, taking care to grip it very tightly (the 20% tighter grip Robb talks about) and also to stop stabbing at the damn trigger. It's hard to believe, but when you take your time and actually aim the gun, you can actually hit the target. Shocking and novel, I know, but I'm learning this for the first time, apparently... It also doesn't hurt that I'm going shooting more often and starting to shed the dreaded flinch.
Yeah, this is much better:
The Official Police .22 had an interesting target:
So, basically, when I can slow myself down and take some time, I make my shots. Go figure. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Some of it's that I normally practice with defensive firearms using silhouette targets, and am happy to keep all shots COM under rapid-fire shooting. I've found that splitting range sessions works pretty well - take defensive guns only one range trip, and "fun" or target guns on another. Trying to mix the two almost always yields the worst of both worlds - I can't hit squat in either case...
Slow ride. Take it easy...
That is all.
As my blogson mentioned, I hosted Ted and his #1 son at my club this past weekend. I brought along some stalwart companions - my Colt Gold Cup, my Colt Official Police .22LR, and, at the request of Ted's son, the Remington 572 Fieldmaster pump-action .22LR.
My shooting with the Remington was fine - of course, shooting a rifle on a 25 yard pistol range isn't terribly challenging to start with. I didn't have trouble with the Official Police .22, either; at 25 feet all shots were kept solidly in the black in a tight, decent grouping. But the Gold Cup... I had a hard time hitting the target, period. I could barely hit the ground if not for gravity. Ted shot it just fine; it was obviously all me shooting like crap.
But yesterday I redeemed myself. I went to the range with Bill and Elizabeth to play with some of their shiny new toys (which are extremely nice, and left me with a serious case of the I-gotta-haveits). Since I had just been two days prior with Ted, I brought along the same guns I took on that outing plus my new SKS (which is not a single-shot, like my old SKS...).
I practiced shooting the Gold Cup very carefully, taking care to grip it very tightly (the 20% tighter grip Robb talks about) and also to stop stabbing at the damn trigger. It's hard to believe, but when you take your time and actually aim the gun, you can actually hit the target. Shocking and novel, I know, but I'm learning this for the first time, apparently... It also doesn't hurt that I'm going shooting more often and starting to shed the dreaded flinch.
Yeah, this is much better:
The Official Police .22 had an interesting target:
So, basically, when I can slow myself down and take some time, I make my shots. Go figure. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Some of it's that I normally practice with defensive firearms using silhouette targets, and am happy to keep all shots COM under rapid-fire shooting. I've found that splitting range sessions works pretty well - take defensive guns only one range trip, and "fun" or target guns on another. Trying to mix the two almost always yields the worst of both worlds - I can't hit squat in either case...
Slow ride. Take it easy...
That is all.
MORE Letters!
Holy smokes! It never rains but it pours. Got another letter late last week asking my opinion on a potential firearm. By all means, folks, keep 'em comin' - I love this kinda thing. Giving back to the gunnie community, hearing myself talk helping folks out, that sort of thing...
Anyhoo, reader Chris asks,
So, while I like the Marlin, I'd offer that the 10/22 would be a better first .22 autoloader choice (I'd suggest a Henry lever-action for a first .22 rifle). There's absolutely nothing wrong with the Marlin Model 60, don't get me wrong, it's just that there are so many more options available for the Ruger.
Plus, tubular magazines are a PITA at the range...
That is all.
Anyhoo, reader Chris asks,
I know it has been nearly a year since you posted on your site but I am hoping you can help. I noticed you had a few guns on your blog and I am looking at getting a .22 rifle, just to shoot some cans and have fun, nothing big. Maybe eventually upgrade to hunting. I have heard the Martin Model 60 is a wonderful rifle to start with, I was curious what your thoughts on the rifle are and what rifle you would suggest.Heh. "a few guns on your blog". I like the way Chris thinks. I thought about his questions for a bit, and responded thusly:
Good morning Chris,
I had a Marlin model 60SS (stainless steel) that I got a few years back that was an absolute joy to shoot. Now, I got it at the GOAL (Gun Owner's Action League; MA gun owner's advocacy group) Banquet, where the proceeds went to GOAL, so that's how I wound up with it.
Were I to go out and buy a new .22 rifle off the rack, there's really only one choice: The Ruger 10/22.
It's magazine-fed, with 10-, 25-, and even 50- and 100- round magazines available for it (although the 50- and 100- round magazines are expensive, tempermental, and good only for "shock" or "giggle" value IMHO). I prefer magazines over tubes in just about any case (only exception is lever-action rifles), as the speed of loading translates into more shooting per time at range. Magazines are pretty cheap - new factory 10 rounders can be found for ~ $15 if you look around or $20 pretty much anywhere - so if you pick up a magazine every time you buy a brick of .22LR you can accumulate a pretty fair amount for not a lot of money.
The biggest reason for the 10/22, though, is that there is an entire cottage industry set up to provide the 10/22 owner with aftermarket parts and accessories. Heavy bull barrel? Can do! Peep sights? You got it. Scope mounts to co-witness with iron? Gotcha. The 10/22, along with the 1911 and the AR-15, can be built entirely from parts out of the Brownells or MidwayUSA catalog...
In other words, you can buy a stock 10/22 for about $200 and drop another $2,000 customizing it if you feel like it...
The Marlin? Well, not so much. It's cheaper than the 10/22 - I've seen wood-stocked blue Marlin Model 60s selling for $120 new vs. $180 new for the same configuration 10/22. The other possibility is buying a used one - I've seen used model 60s in fair-to-good conditions selling for as little as $50. The 10/22 rarely drops below $100, and at that it's going to be a beater...
If you don't mind, I'd like to use your letter for a post to go up either later this week or early next week. The Model 60 vs. 10/22 debate is a good one, and there may be some salient points made in favor of the Marlin that I'm not thinking of right now.
Best regards,
Jay G.
MArooned
So, while I like the Marlin, I'd offer that the 10/22 would be a better first .22 autoloader choice (I'd suggest a Henry lever-action for a first .22 rifle). There's absolutely nothing wrong with the Marlin Model 60, don't get me wrong, it's just that there are so many more options available for the Ruger.
Plus, tubular magazines are a PITA at the range...
That is all.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Vote for Me!
There's a contest at Sebastian's over the H-S Precision photoshops.
I'm entry #8. You know what to do...
That is all.
I'm entry #8. You know what to do...
That is all.
Help A Blogger Out...
Jay Caruso, my former co-blogger at Toys in the Attic, has asked for help with a personal matter.
Stop by, take a read, and leave a little something if you can. Tis the season and all.
That is all.
Stop by, take a read, and leave a little something if you can. Tis the season and all.
That is all.
Tis the Season...
For the damn cutesy Santa toilet lid covers that won't allow the damn lid to stay up when taking a whizz...
Bah (wet) humbug!
That is all.
Bah (wet) humbug!
That is all.
You Might Be A...
...gun nut blogger if you're sitting at your computer, surfing the gun blogs with one hand and loading magazines for today's range outing with the other...
Yep. The Sig P226 is getting a workout today...
That is all.
Out to the Woodshed
My man Bruce catches a Biden plagiarist in the act. The resultant snark and absolute verbal ass-whuppin' is a thing of beauty.
Good on you, Bruce.
That is all.
Good on you, Bruce.
That is all.
Northeast Blogger Winter Gathering Update, Part II
I think things are starting to come together here, folks. We've got a time and date worked out and the location is narrowed to two choices. We've got a pretty decent guest list assembled, some two dozen people or so, give or take, and I'm expecting it to be a crackin' good time.
Without further ado, onto the specifics!
Date: Saturday, December 27th 2008.
Time: 5:00 PM until they throw us out.
Location: I have reserved (as in, given them my name and phone number) the "Brew Section" at Martha's Exchange in Nashua, NH starting at 5:00 PM. I have also reserved the back room at Murphy's Taproom in Manchester, NH, which we can have to ourselves from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM (at which point they open to the public for showing the UFC fight).
Both venues are free, provided we drink a lot of beer and eat a lot of food. I think we can accomplish both goals. Also, for those coming from a distance, or those wishing to sample many of the fine brews, both locations are close to hotels should people chose to stay over. I don't drink (except for nights the Republic takes it in the shorts), so I'll even offer to shuttle folks from the location to a nearby hotel if needed...
Attendees:
JD
doubletrouble
Liberty
Marko
MedicMatthew
wally
the saj (dependent on location)
scotaku
Lissa
Bruce
Paul (dependent on time)
weer'd beard
Elizabeth
Bill
TOTWTYTR
wolfwalker
zeeke42
MeatAxe
andrew (dependent on time)
Possible:
Ted
brad_in_ma
thefaz
sci-fi
So, we need to make a final decision on location, and then it's just a matter of bringing your appetite for good food, good beer, and good company. There's still plenty of room for anybody who'd like to come that hasn't spoken up yet; this event is wide open and there's no practical limit on the attendees list. Just let me know, either in comments here or updates, or shoot me an e-mail.
We can make this happen...
That is all.
Without further ado, onto the specifics!
Date: Saturday, December 27th 2008.
Time: 5:00 PM until they throw us out.
Location: I have reserved (as in, given them my name and phone number) the "Brew Section" at Martha's Exchange in Nashua, NH starting at 5:00 PM. I have also reserved the back room at Murphy's Taproom in Manchester, NH, which we can have to ourselves from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM (at which point they open to the public for showing the UFC fight).
Both venues are free, provided we drink a lot of beer and eat a lot of food. I think we can accomplish both goals. Also, for those coming from a distance, or those wishing to sample many of the fine brews, both locations are close to hotels should people chose to stay over. I don't drink (except for nights the Republic takes it in the shorts), so I'll even offer to shuttle folks from the location to a nearby hotel if needed...
Attendees:
JD
doubletrouble
Liberty
Marko
MedicMatthew
wally
the saj (dependent on location)
scotaku
Lissa
Bruce
Paul (dependent on time)
weer'd beard
Elizabeth
Bill
TOTWTYTR
wolfwalker
zeeke42
MeatAxe
andrew (dependent on time)
Possible:
Ted
brad_in_ma
thefaz
sci-fi
So, we need to make a final decision on location, and then it's just a matter of bringing your appetite for good food, good beer, and good company. There's still plenty of room for anybody who'd like to come that hasn't spoken up yet; this event is wide open and there's no practical limit on the attendees list. Just let me know, either in comments here or updates, or shoot me an e-mail.
We can make this happen...
That is all.
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