I want to know who Adam Selene is, though...
That is all.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
BZZZT! Sorry!
Aging Manson 'Family' members long for freedom
Why? Why is there a debate over this at all? These folks should have been shot at dawn. End of story. The fact that their death sentences were overturned in 1972 meant that they were spared the chair; now they serve as cautionary examples of why we so desperately need the death penalty. Folks, if any single member of the Manson family is paroled from jail, it would be the single biggest pro-death penalty push made in this country since Timothy McVeigh was sent to hell.
I'm sure they "long" for freedom. I'm equally certain that Sharon Tate longed for her life to be spared, and that we should show poor crippled Susan Atkins the exact same level of compassion she showed Tate as she stabbed her to death: NONE. This is exactly the kind of case that wins my reluctant support of the death penalty - these people should NEVER come up for parole. The very fact that they DO come up for parole is a joke, a sham, a travesty of justice so perverse that it could only come from California. Or perhaps Massachusetts, assuming we don't just let our murderers go free on furloughs...
It absolutely boggles my ever-lovin' mind that members of the friggin' MANSON FAMILY are making a concerted effort to win their release from prison. It stuns, saddens, and shocks me greatly to learn that Manson himself comes up for parole. Digging a little deeper, I found that Manson first came up for parole in 1978 - yes, a scant eight years after the gruesome murders that rocked America.
And every year that passes, every turn of the calendar page brings us a little closer to the day when that horror is forgotten; when this monster gains his legal release from prison. Rather than being carried out in a pine box, he'll walk out a free man. On that day, justice will no longer simply be blind; she will be deaf, dumb, and stupid as well.
On the plus side, it makes for a very quick and defensible answer to the question "Why do you carry a gun?"...
That is all.
(CNN) -- Susan Atkins is terminally ill; Charles "Tex" Watson is an ordained minister. They and other members of Charles Manson's murderous "family" now shun him.
After three decades behind bars, Manson family members Atkins, Watson, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten have repeatedly been described as model prisoners who have accepted responsibility for their crimes.
Parole boards, however, continue to reject their bids for release, and a debate rages over whether the four should ever be freed.
Why? Why is there a debate over this at all? These folks should have been shot at dawn. End of story. The fact that their death sentences were overturned in 1972 meant that they were spared the chair; now they serve as cautionary examples of why we so desperately need the death penalty. Folks, if any single member of the Manson family is paroled from jail, it would be the single biggest pro-death penalty push made in this country since Timothy McVeigh was sent to hell.
I'm sure they "long" for freedom. I'm equally certain that Sharon Tate longed for her life to be spared, and that we should show poor crippled Susan Atkins the exact same level of compassion she showed Tate as she stabbed her to death: NONE. This is exactly the kind of case that wins my reluctant support of the death penalty - these people should NEVER come up for parole. The very fact that they DO come up for parole is a joke, a sham, a travesty of justice so perverse that it could only come from California. Or perhaps Massachusetts, assuming we don't just let our murderers go free on furloughs...
It absolutely boggles my ever-lovin' mind that members of the friggin' MANSON FAMILY are making a concerted effort to win their release from prison. It stuns, saddens, and shocks me greatly to learn that Manson himself comes up for parole. Digging a little deeper, I found that Manson first came up for parole in 1978 - yes, a scant eight years after the gruesome murders that rocked America.
And every year that passes, every turn of the calendar page brings us a little closer to the day when that horror is forgotten; when this monster gains his legal release from prison. Rather than being carried out in a pine box, he'll walk out a free man. On that day, justice will no longer simply be blind; she will be deaf, dumb, and stupid as well.
On the plus side, it makes for a very quick and defensible answer to the question "Why do you carry a gun?"...
That is all.
European Vacation...
So Barack's off on his first world tour trip as President. He'll be stopping in England, France, Germany, and the Czech Republic as part of an eight day trip meant to shore up support for recent measures to halt the plummeting world economy.
There's no truth to the rumor that he had his teleprompter reprogrammed in British in honor of the trip.
That is all.
There's no truth to the rumor that he had his teleprompter reprogrammed in British in honor of the trip.
That is all.
Safe Queens...
Safe queens. The guns that you own that just never seem to make the trip to the range. Now, I don't mean broken guns, or heirloom guns, or guns that are too valuable to shoot very often, or guns that take obscure ammo. I mean the guns that, through no fault of their own, just don't get out much.
Most of the time, at least in my experience, the reason for a safe queen is that there's a better alternative in the rotation. For example, the Harrington & Richardson Sportsman .22LR revolver. I've got two other .22LR revolvers (three if you count the NAA mini, but that's a safe queen in its own right) - a Colt Official police that's a good trainer for a .38 special, and the S&W model 17, which is my favorite .22LR handgun. The H&R just doesn't fit in; it's not as well-made as either the Colt or the Smith; the sights are even more rudimentary than the Colt's grooved topstrap; the only advantage is that, since the cylinder can be removed completely, it is easier to clean...
The NAA mini is another version of a safe queen. It takes .22LR ammo, so it's not that the mini is too expensive to shoot. It's only .22LR, so even the minuscule size of the gun doesn't provide terrible recoil. It's even so tiny that cleaning is a cinch. So why doesn't it make it out more often? Well, quite frankly, it's a single-action, five shot revolver with a 1 1/8" barrel that you need to remove the cylinder to load. It's just not a lot of fun to take to the range for a normal day shooting.
Now, where it does excel is as a novelty. It's a great gun to bring when folks are expecting/hoping for something interesting or out of the ordinary - it's not every day you get to fire a gun that's a third the size of your hand. The Snubbie from Hell™ falls into this category somewhat as well - folks want to shoot it out of a morbid curiosity to discover for themselves the unique level of agony that is setting off a 158 grain, 1300 FPS .357 Magnum round in a 3/4 pound handgun...
I've divested of most of my safe queens; the only ones left have some other intrinsic value like the 3" barrel Colt Detective Special or the aforementioned NAA mini. I had a Ruger Single Six that was an excellent little .22LR shooter; however, I got it the same time I found the S&W model 17 - and it just sat in the safe for range trip after range trip... Some guns, like the S&W model SW99 compact 9mm, have been replaced by other guns (the G30 in this case); there's little reason to bring a carry gun to the range if you no longer carry it.
So what are your safe queens? What are the guns you own that you don't shoot terribly often?
That is all.
Most of the time, at least in my experience, the reason for a safe queen is that there's a better alternative in the rotation. For example, the Harrington & Richardson Sportsman .22LR revolver. I've got two other .22LR revolvers (three if you count the NAA mini, but that's a safe queen in its own right) - a Colt Official police that's a good trainer for a .38 special, and the S&W model 17, which is my favorite .22LR handgun. The H&R just doesn't fit in; it's not as well-made as either the Colt or the Smith; the sights are even more rudimentary than the Colt's grooved topstrap; the only advantage is that, since the cylinder can be removed completely, it is easier to clean...
The NAA mini is another version of a safe queen. It takes .22LR ammo, so it's not that the mini is too expensive to shoot. It's only .22LR, so even the minuscule size of the gun doesn't provide terrible recoil. It's even so tiny that cleaning is a cinch. So why doesn't it make it out more often? Well, quite frankly, it's a single-action, five shot revolver with a 1 1/8" barrel that you need to remove the cylinder to load. It's just not a lot of fun to take to the range for a normal day shooting.
Now, where it does excel is as a novelty. It's a great gun to bring when folks are expecting/hoping for something interesting or out of the ordinary - it's not every day you get to fire a gun that's a third the size of your hand. The Snubbie from Hell™ falls into this category somewhat as well - folks want to shoot it out of a morbid curiosity to discover for themselves the unique level of agony that is setting off a 158 grain, 1300 FPS .357 Magnum round in a 3/4 pound handgun...
I've divested of most of my safe queens; the only ones left have some other intrinsic value like the 3" barrel Colt Detective Special or the aforementioned NAA mini. I had a Ruger Single Six that was an excellent little .22LR shooter; however, I got it the same time I found the S&W model 17 - and it just sat in the safe for range trip after range trip... Some guns, like the S&W model SW99 compact 9mm, have been replaced by other guns (the G30 in this case); there's little reason to bring a carry gun to the range if you no longer carry it.
So what are your safe queens? What are the guns you own that you don't shoot terribly often?
That is all.
Monday, March 30, 2009
MArooned Movie Review: Monsters Vs. Aliens
Tooks the kids to see "Monsters Vs. Aliens" yesterday. We had originally intended to catch the 3-D version, but a combination of dawdling kids and a rainy Sunday meant arriving at the theater just in time to see the "Sold Out" message displayed on the "Current Attractions" board.
Heavy sigh.
Wound up seeing the non-3-D show in a different theater a short time after. I'm glad we did - it was a cute movie, and both kids liked it. The first half-hour was a little slow, with the buildup for one of the characters taking (IMHO) a little long for a kids' movie; however once it got going it just never stopped. Don't expect things to make sense or for there to be any continuity; it's an animated kids' movie.
I'll let the target audience speak for itself. BabyGirl G. actually sat still for the entire movie. This is the first time she's ever made it through an entire movie in the theater without either falling asleep or getting bored and pitching a fit. As the closing credits started to roll, The Boy turned to me and said, "Daddy, how long until we can get the DVD?".
Yeah. $30 well-spent.
I give "Monsters vs. Aliens" a hearty B+ on the ol' MArooned report card. It's a kid favorite, with just enough pop-culture references to keep mom & dad from falling asleep. The monsters are funny, silly, and otherwise entertaining; there's no gore or scary scenes to speak of. And good triumphs over evil. What more could you want?
That is all.
Wait Just One Second...
Do you honestly mean to tell me that our illustrious president is taking a harder stance with the heads of GM and Chrysler than he is with the head of a possibly nuclear-armed Iran?
SRSLY? WTF?
Maybe someone oughtta tell 0bama that Ahmadinejad is threatening to start a business in the US that might make some money? Maybe that would get 0bama to come down hard on Iran then... Well, supposing that this new company doesn't hire any ACORNs or former Chicago office staffers, I suppose...
If someone has a clue what 0bama's doing, put it in an envelope and mail it to 1600 Penn Ave., 'K?
That is all.
SRSLY? WTF?
Maybe someone oughtta tell 0bama that Ahmadinejad is threatening to start a business in the US that might make some money? Maybe that would get 0bama to come down hard on Iran then... Well, supposing that this new company doesn't hire any ACORNs or former Chicago office staffers, I suppose...
If someone has a clue what 0bama's doing, put it in an envelope and mail it to 1600 Penn Ave., 'K?
That is all.
Flirtin' with Disaster...
Hoo, boy, did we have a close call yesterday...
I took The Boy to CCD after church, like we do every Sunday. It's held in the gymnasium of our parish's school, grades 1-5, with grades 6-8 held during the week. All of the Sunday CCD classes line up with their catechists in the gym, then head off to individual rooms after a short prayer.
Well, I look over at The Boy and see him looking quizzically. He has his hand in the pocket of his jacket, a jacket that had been in the closet since the fall (this comes in handy in a moment). All of a sudden, I see him pull out a shell casing. He looks over at me, holds it up for everyone to see, and exclaims, "Hey dad, look what I found!".
Bear in mind that in the state of MA, it's a felony to possess even components of ammunition without a permit...
I nonchalantly head over to see what he's holding, and when I get a bead on it, my heart plummets into my shoes. Fortunately, the only other adult present is the mom of one of my Cub Scouts, who looks at the benign piece of brass in his hand and gasps audibly.
"[The Boy], what is that" she asks.
"A bullet!" The Boy replies.
I step in, pocketing the brass in a fluid gesture that [hopefully] conceals my terror. I explain to the horrified mother that we attended the Veteran's Day ceremony in November, and that they fire a 21-gun salute to honor the veterans. At the end they call up the kids to pick up the brass as a souvenir (a practice I mentioned in my stint as Captain Buzzkill).
Well, Veteran's Day was the last time The Boy wore that particular jacket...
She seemed mollified by that response, especially when I pointed out that all of the Scouts had been invited to attend, and didn't we see her and her Scout there in support of our town's veterans? I also had to slightly bend the truth - I had to pretend I didn't know that they used modified M1 Garands and 1903 Springfield bolt-action rifles in the ceremony, stating only that they used "some sort of rifle" with blanks.
Figured in this case, discretion was definitely the better part of valor. Sure, I could have pointed out the different models of rifles used, but going all gun-geek on a soccer mom at CCD class just wouldn't have been a terrifically good idea. Especially since we're hoping to recruit her husband as the pack Committee chair when my current chair crosses over with his son in two years... I figure I'll have at least a year to work on getting him to the range....
Have I mentioned lately that I hate this state?
That is all.
I took The Boy to CCD after church, like we do every Sunday. It's held in the gymnasium of our parish's school, grades 1-5, with grades 6-8 held during the week. All of the Sunday CCD classes line up with their catechists in the gym, then head off to individual rooms after a short prayer.
Well, I look over at The Boy and see him looking quizzically. He has his hand in the pocket of his jacket, a jacket that had been in the closet since the fall (this comes in handy in a moment). All of a sudden, I see him pull out a shell casing. He looks over at me, holds it up for everyone to see, and exclaims, "Hey dad, look what I found!".
Bear in mind that in the state of MA, it's a felony to possess even components of ammunition without a permit...
I nonchalantly head over to see what he's holding, and when I get a bead on it, my heart plummets into my shoes. Fortunately, the only other adult present is the mom of one of my Cub Scouts, who looks at the benign piece of brass in his hand and gasps audibly.
"[The Boy], what is that" she asks.
"A bullet!" The Boy replies.
I step in, pocketing the brass in a fluid gesture that [hopefully] conceals my terror. I explain to the horrified mother that we attended the Veteran's Day ceremony in November, and that they fire a 21-gun salute to honor the veterans. At the end they call up the kids to pick up the brass as a souvenir (a practice I mentioned in my stint as Captain Buzzkill).
Well, Veteran's Day was the last time The Boy wore that particular jacket...
She seemed mollified by that response, especially when I pointed out that all of the Scouts had been invited to attend, and didn't we see her and her Scout there in support of our town's veterans? I also had to slightly bend the truth - I had to pretend I didn't know that they used modified M1 Garands and 1903 Springfield bolt-action rifles in the ceremony, stating only that they used "some sort of rifle" with blanks.
Figured in this case, discretion was definitely the better part of valor. Sure, I could have pointed out the different models of rifles used, but going all gun-geek on a soccer mom at CCD class just wouldn't have been a terrifically good idea. Especially since we're hoping to recruit her husband as the pack Committee chair when my current chair crosses over with his son in two years... I figure I'll have at least a year to work on getting him to the range....
Have I mentioned lately that I hate this state?
That is all.
Green!
No, not the faux-environmentalism as displayed by Saturday night's moronic "Earth Hour". Not even the sweet, sweet green of cold, hard American cash. No, I mean the green of spring. The rush of chlorophyll back into the blades of grass still remaining on my lawn; the ritual defeat of old man winter as the seasons turn yet again.
Started noticing lawns with just a hint of the green; less than your average "Irish" pub about a week and a half ago, but some green nonetheless. It's a heartening sight; made even more welcome by the decidely wintry temperatures while out and about yesterday - mid-30s, "global warming" notwithstanding.
The winter blahs are on their way out; snow only lingers in the giant mounds of supermarket parking lots and shaded woods. The brown of late winter has been washed away; early spring rains and thawing have scoured the roadways clear of winter's funk. It's a welcome change, one as inevitable as the taxes we fill out this time of year but certainly more enjoyable.
With the coming of spring, there are many new challenges. The winter's storms brought down many branches that must be collected for burning. The camper needs to be de-winterized. The cars need to be inspected. The coming rains demand an ever-vigilant eye for the sump pump tasked with keeping the basement from turning into an indoor pool.
Again.
But not all of the challenges are so difficult. There's the happy challenge of making time to get the Harley out of winter storage. There's a new bicycle to be obtained for The Boy, as he's sprouted at least two or three feet over the winter and looks rather comical on last year's bike. AA Baseball starts in a couple of weeks. And our Cub Scout Pack has a new Cubmaster.
Me.
That is all.
Started noticing lawns with just a hint of the green; less than your average "Irish" pub about a week and a half ago, but some green nonetheless. It's a heartening sight; made even more welcome by the decidely wintry temperatures while out and about yesterday - mid-30s, "global warming" notwithstanding.
The winter blahs are on their way out; snow only lingers in the giant mounds of supermarket parking lots and shaded woods. The brown of late winter has been washed away; early spring rains and thawing have scoured the roadways clear of winter's funk. It's a welcome change, one as inevitable as the taxes we fill out this time of year but certainly more enjoyable.
With the coming of spring, there are many new challenges. The winter's storms brought down many branches that must be collected for burning. The camper needs to be de-winterized. The cars need to be inspected. The coming rains demand an ever-vigilant eye for the sump pump tasked with keeping the basement from turning into an indoor pool.
Again.
But not all of the challenges are so difficult. There's the happy challenge of making time to get the Harley out of winter storage. There's a new bicycle to be obtained for The Boy, as he's sprouted at least two or three feet over the winter and looks rather comical on last year's bike. AA Baseball starts in a couple of weeks. And our Cub Scout Pack has a new Cubmaster.
Me.
That is all.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Overheard in the G. House...
BabyGirl G., while playing with her dolls,
And yes, it was in perfect tune to "Jamie's Cryin'" by Van Halen...
That is all.
*Don't ask me how or why, but she calls her favorite doll "Baby Mama".
Thanks to RW for pointing out that it's Jamie, not Janie. Janie was the one with the gun. Jamie was the one who was crying...
Whoa, whoa, whoa, baby mama*'s cryin'
And yes, it was in perfect tune to "Jamie's Cryin'" by Van Halen...
That is all.
*Don't ask me how or why, but she calls her favorite doll "Baby Mama".
Thanks to RW for pointing out that it's Jamie, not Janie. Janie was the one with the gun. Jamie was the one who was crying...
Saturday, March 28, 2009
¼ Mil...
Sometime over the past week, I kicked over the 250,000 visit mark. That's a lot of folks coming around to read my spittle-flecked brain droppings...
Thanks everyone.
That is all.
Thanks everyone.
That is all.
{Chortle}
I'm in the top ten Google hits for "Smart carry Accidents". I don't know why, but that just kicks over my giggle box...
That is all.
That is all.
Liar, Liar...
Patrick aides directed hiring
Ho hum, another whopper from Cadillac Deval. I mean, I guess you can't blame the man - one need look no further than the water-carrying that goes on in the media for his good buddy (and campaign speech stealin') Barack Obama to see why he might feel that he could get away with such shenanigans.
In a time of budget cuts, layoffs, and belt-tightening all around, offering a six-figure salary to a political ally for a job that's been vacant over a decade is more than just being tone-deaf. It speaks to a level of arrogance that approaches incredulity. This is a man who swept into office promising an end to business as usual, yet has surrounded himself with the same lobbyists he railed against on the campaign trail.
Hmmm. Sounds familiar...
From his brand new Cadillac to his new drapes to the tired old practice of rewarding political cronies with plum state gigs, Patrick has added "fleece these suckers" to his campaign slogan of "Together We Can". And now he's been caught lying about it, hiding behind a thin veneer of plausible deniability (it was an aide, not Patrick himself!) to insulate him from consequences.
The worst part is, he'll get re-elected in a landslide next year...
It's also rather telling that the Globe chose to release this information on a Saturday, traditionally a dead news time (right up there with Friday night). This information will be old hat by Monday, no reason to rehash, and the sheeple will have long forgotten the chicanery and lies by the time the election rolls around. Gee, more of the same ol', same ol'.
Go figure.
That is all.
Contradicting a series of steadfast denials, internal e-mails show that Governor Deval Patrick's top aides controlled the appointment of state Senator Marian Walsh to a high-paying job at a state authority, from setting her salary to crafting her job description.
They also provided the agency's talking points for the news media in an attempt to quell a public uproar.
Ho hum, another whopper from Cadillac Deval. I mean, I guess you can't blame the man - one need look no further than the water-carrying that goes on in the media for his good buddy (and campaign speech stealin') Barack Obama to see why he might feel that he could get away with such shenanigans.
In a time of budget cuts, layoffs, and belt-tightening all around, offering a six-figure salary to a political ally for a job that's been vacant over a decade is more than just being tone-deaf. It speaks to a level of arrogance that approaches incredulity. This is a man who swept into office promising an end to business as usual, yet has surrounded himself with the same lobbyists he railed against on the campaign trail.
Hmmm. Sounds familiar...
From his brand new Cadillac to his new drapes to the tired old practice of rewarding political cronies with plum state gigs, Patrick has added "fleece these suckers" to his campaign slogan of "Together We Can". And now he's been caught lying about it, hiding behind a thin veneer of plausible deniability (it was an aide, not Patrick himself!) to insulate him from consequences.
The worst part is, he'll get re-elected in a landslide next year...
It's also rather telling that the Globe chose to release this information on a Saturday, traditionally a dead news time (right up there with Friday night). This information will be old hat by Monday, no reason to rehash, and the sheeple will have long forgotten the chicanery and lies by the time the election rolls around. Gee, more of the same ol', same ol'.
Go figure.
That is all.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Blogroll Additions
Have a handful of new blogs to add to the MArooned blogroll today. These are blogs I've found mainly through my borderline psychotic obsession with perfectly normal and not at all obsessive Sitemeter perusal. Please welcome the following blogs:
1. 9X19 Dan. Describes himself thusly: "God-loving, prior-service Infantryman from the Great Plains who is now comfortably living the engineer life in Alabama." Yeah. You'll fit in fine here.
2. Collateral. Love the header: The daily maelstrom of Food, Fitness, Family, Philosophy and Fanaticism. Lots of fitness information here.
3. Gun Geek Rants. A geek who likes guns. Good thing there's none of those around here, nosirree bob...
Once again, if you have MArooned on your blogroll and do not appear on the list on the right, let me know and I'll be happy to reciprocate. Just send an e-mail, look me up on gchat or Facebook, or leave a comment below.
Welcome aboard everyone!
That is all.
1. 9X19 Dan. Describes himself thusly: "God-loving, prior-service Infantryman from the Great Plains who is now comfortably living the engineer life in Alabama." Yeah. You'll fit in fine here.
2. Collateral. Love the header: The daily maelstrom of Food, Fitness, Family, Philosophy and Fanaticism. Lots of fitness information here.
3. Gun Geek Rants. A geek who likes guns. Good thing there's none of those around here, nosirree bob...
Once again, if you have MArooned on your blogroll and do not appear on the list on the right, let me know and I'll be happy to reciprocate. Just send an e-mail, look me up on gchat or Facebook, or leave a comment below.
Welcome aboard everyone!
That is all.
Friday Fun Thread: Figureheads*
This week's Top Ten list is going to be another departure from the usual. This week's list contains a vanishing icon: The hood ornament... This list will be done with pictures, like the tailfins list a while back. So here goes!
1. Rolls Royce.
The Spirit of Ecstasy is probably one of the most copied, parodied, and prestigious emblem out there.
2. Cadillac crest & wreath.
What Guido would be caught dead in Brooklyn without a shiny new wreath on the front of his DeVille? The ducks got lost sometime in the 1990s.
3. Mercedes.
For a period in the 1980s, no one with a Mercedes was safe from folks stealing the hood ornament for their proto-rap bling. Why? We have no idea...
4. Mack Bulldog.
What differentiates a Mack from a Kenworth? Well, besides the obvious engine, transmission, frame, etc.
5. Dodge Ram.
Sadly, my truck doesn't have an actual Ram ornament (they phased them out in the 1980s), but the first Ram I owned did...
6. Jaguar.
Even though Ford didn't acquire Jaguar until the 1980s, the Jaguar emblem bears more than a passing resemblance to the Ford Greyhound of the 1940s.
7. Oldsmobile Rocket.
The Rocket was a theme for Oldsmobile - the Rocket engines were among the fastest of their class, and were a feature to look for in "your father's Oldsmobile"...
8. Ford Greyhound.
For a long time, the Greyhound was the symbol for Ford and Lincoln's top-of-the-line models.
9. Packard.
Who's going to argue with an amethyst-tone Indian on the front of your car?
10. Chrysler Imperial.
It looks like some sort of falcon. If the object of having a hood ornament is to make your car look faster, mission accomplished.
Thus concludes another Top Ten automotive list. If there is a hood ornament that you like, please leave it in comments - with pics, natch!
That is all.
*Thanks to Scotaku for the correction. Boy, is my face red! I think I concatenated "Figurehead" and "Masthead" there. Oopsie.
1. Rolls Royce.
The Spirit of Ecstasy is probably one of the most copied, parodied, and prestigious emblem out there.2. Cadillac crest & wreath.
What Guido would be caught dead in Brooklyn without a shiny new wreath on the front of his DeVille? The ducks got lost sometime in the 1990s.3. Mercedes.
For a period in the 1980s, no one with a Mercedes was safe from folks stealing the hood ornament for their proto-rap bling. Why? We have no idea...4. Mack Bulldog.
What differentiates a Mack from a Kenworth? Well, besides the obvious engine, transmission, frame, etc.5. Dodge Ram.
Sadly, my truck doesn't have an actual Ram ornament (they phased them out in the 1980s), but the first Ram I owned did...6. Jaguar.
Even though Ford didn't acquire Jaguar until the 1980s, the Jaguar emblem bears more than a passing resemblance to the Ford Greyhound of the 1940s.7. Oldsmobile Rocket.
The Rocket was a theme for Oldsmobile - the Rocket engines were among the fastest of their class, and were a feature to look for in "your father's Oldsmobile"...8. Ford Greyhound.
For a long time, the Greyhound was the symbol for Ford and Lincoln's top-of-the-line models.9. Packard.
Who's going to argue with an amethyst-tone Indian on the front of your car?10. Chrysler Imperial.
It looks like some sort of falcon. If the object of having a hood ornament is to make your car look faster, mission accomplished.Thus concludes another Top Ten automotive list. If there is a hood ornament that you like, please leave it in comments - with pics, natch!
That is all.
*Thanks to Scotaku for the correction. Boy, is my face red! I think I concatenated "Figurehead" and "Masthead" there. Oopsie.
What's In A Name?
THIS IS NOT THE FREEDOM TOWER
"Freedom Tower". "One World Trade Center".
Meh.
I prefer "Eat Shit and Die Terrorist Goat-Fucking Asshole Place" anyway.
That is all.
Freedom is out of fashion at Ground Zero.
Once hailed as a beacon of rebirth in the aftermath of Sept. 11, the Freedom Tower has been stripped of its patriotic name -- which has been swapped out for the more marketable "One World Trade Center," Port Authority officials conceded yesterday.
"Freedom Tower". "One World Trade Center".
Meh.
I prefer "Eat Shit and Die Terrorist Goat-Fucking Asshole Place" anyway.
That is all.
Friday Gun Pr0n #104
Since I've been thinking about getting another .22LR autoloader, I figured I'd put up the other .22 auto in the G. armory:
High Standard H-D Military
This is a High Standard H-D military model with 6" bull barrel. This is one of the most accurate guns I have ever shot - on a par with the Smith & Wesson Model 17. Unfortunately it's extremely finicky and tempermental, so it sits in the safe most of the time, waiting for the day I finally get around to taking it apart and cleaning and/or repairing it.
High Standard started out in Connecticut in the 1920s, moving to Texas in 1993. Their current line of firearms includes their signature target .22LR autoloaders, AR-15-based rifles, 1911-based pistols, and the remnants of AMT and Interarms. Ironically, none of these handguns are legal in MA...
Which is really a shame, because one of the AMT .30 carbines would be an absolute hoot...
That is all.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Jumping In...
Over on the Northeastshooters forum, there was a lively discussion of the FL CCW who shot and killed the armed robber in Burger King that was the subject of DGC#8.
There were two basic schools of thought presented. One school of thought was basically that the CCW holder has an obligation of sorts to society in general to step in and take out armed robbers in such a situation; the other school of thought (to which I ascribe) is that unless you or yours are personally in danger, or the situation escalates beyond strongarm robbery (i.e. the goblin starts assaulting people), it's best to sit it out in a state of readiness.
There's compelling arguments on both sides, IMHO. Taking immediate, decisive action against affronts to civilized society sends a clear message to the criminal element that it will not be tolerated; conversely, simply handing over the money emboldens the criminals. I can agree with this. If more people resisted; if more criminals wound up bleeding out on the convenience store floor; if their violence begat even more violence aimed at them, I agree that we'd all be better off (well, except the criminals, but I'm not too concerned about them).
On the other hand, I can see the "wait and see" angle - but speaking only as a citizen of MA. We've been told by our illustrious Attorney General that MA discourages "self-help" as a rule of thumb - and this was in regards to a case of a man who beat up the scumbag who molested his son. There's a legal - and financial - minefield in MA with regard to self-defense with a firearm in even the most clear-cut cases; coming to the defense of a third party gets heavily into a gray area.
My position - valid for MA only - is that in the absence of a clear and present danger to myself or others, I would not confront the goblin. I would make ready to confront him, discretely readying my sidearm if possible (or at least getting ready to draw); but in the absence of additional violence (above and beyond displaying the weapon), I would not take action. Should the goblin escalate the situation - say, by assaulting the clerk or other patrons - then it's on; if it's a simple strongarm robbery I'd be better served to take very careful note of the goblin for future identification.
Once again, I stress that this is valid only in MA and other locales where self-defense is actively frowned upon. In a state such as Florida, which has "Stand your ground" laws, I would take action (at least like to think I would; I hope and pray I never have to find out). Waving a gun around - whether it's loaded, unloaded, or a BB gun - presents a danger to all and sundry; it's the threat of violence and/or personal injury or death.
But here in MA, it's very likely that, were I to be the CCW holder who shot the robber, I would be arrested, jailed, and charged with murder. The recently deceased would be fêted in the local news as a misunderstood youth who was just about to turn his life around; I, of course, would be portrayed as a vicious, bloodthirsty redneck gun owner who wanted nothing more in life than to live out my Travis Bickle fantasies and kill me some minorities. Go before a liberal judge - of which there are many in MA - and wind up plea-bargaining to manslaughter and sentenced to a decade in jail. My kids lose their father; my wife loses her husband; we lose our home in the landslide of legal bills resulting in the defense of my actions and the civil suit served by the goblin's next-of-kin.
My actions would stand a very good chance of causing my family - the very people I am directly responsible for - to suffer.
Maybe I am selfish, but I'm not putting my life, my freedom, and the safety and security of my family on the line to defend a stranger from a potential assailant. My first and foremost responsibility is to my family, me and my own. It is imperative that I be there for them, to shape and guide my children, to provide for them, to be present and active in their lives in their formative years. And I can't do this from a jail cell. I am not willing to give up everything I've worked for my entire life in defense of another not in my immediate circle.
And I hate that this state forces me to make this decision.
That is all.
Oh, No You Didn't...
GOP critics walk fine line in opposing president's policies
Now the Republican minority is being accused of being unpatriotic after a whopping two months. They're finally discovering that they're supposed to be the party of small(er) government (HA!), and are starting to finally oppose spending - cynically, I might inject, because the dude in the White House has a "D" next to his name. But because they don't agree with his radical plans for forced socialism, they're unpatriotic.
And, we can only surmise, racist.
That is all.
How do you separate policies from the person?Excuse me? Did you really just say that? After eight fucking years of relentless hammering of the Bush administration over similar sentiments, you're just coming right out and laying it down like that? Remember "Dissent is patriotic"? Remember the fears from the liberal elite that Bush was crushing dissent? Now that the dude in the White House has a "D" next to his name, everything's upside down, eh folks?
It is more than an academic riddle these days, as President Obama's Republican critics gingerly walk the tightrope of opposing his economic and other plans without being accused of being unpatriotic.
Conservative radio personality Rush Limbaugh started it even before Obama's inauguration in January by saying that he hoped Obama would fail because he objected to many of Obama's policies.
Now the Republican minority is being accused of being unpatriotic after a whopping two months. They're finally discovering that they're supposed to be the party of small(er) government (HA!), and are starting to finally oppose spending - cynically, I might inject, because the dude in the White House has a "D" next to his name. But because they don't agree with his radical plans for forced socialism, they're unpatriotic.
And, we can only surmise, racist.
That is all.
Open Question...
Lawrence chief mulls closing firehouses on rotating basis to save money
Now, living in a town that has a volunteer firefighter force, I'm not especially concerned. Certainly, Lawrence has more need for a full-time force, but it can and has been done with fewer firefighters if needed. That's not my point, though.
What bothers me is that when budgets get tight, emergency services are the very first to be threatened with cuts - gee, almost like the town managers know that people are going to be very reluctant to go without police, fire, or EMS services and will therefore be more likely to okay overrides.
My question, though, is very simple: How many six-figure-salary "assistant executives" does Lawrence have?
Extrapolate it further - I've covered the $60K/year no-work job held by the sister of a MA official and the $175K/year position recently filled by Cadillac Deval that had been vacant for 12 years. It really makes you wonder, though, just how much money could be saved simply by weeding out some of the unnecessary bureaucracy.
But then again, where would the siblings, cousins, and offspring of all our state reps go to line up at the public trough, then?
That is all.
LAWRENCE — Fire Chief Peter Takvorian is considering revolving closures of the city's six firehouses to cut down on overtime costs and stave off any layoffs in what he calls his already lean department.
The revolving closures are still tentative and Takvorian has yet to discuss the matter at length with his department and city councilors.
Now, living in a town that has a volunteer firefighter force, I'm not especially concerned. Certainly, Lawrence has more need for a full-time force, but it can and has been done with fewer firefighters if needed. That's not my point, though.
What bothers me is that when budgets get tight, emergency services are the very first to be threatened with cuts - gee, almost like the town managers know that people are going to be very reluctant to go without police, fire, or EMS services and will therefore be more likely to okay overrides.
My question, though, is very simple: How many six-figure-salary "assistant executives" does Lawrence have?
Extrapolate it further - I've covered the $60K/year no-work job held by the sister of a MA official and the $175K/year position recently filled by Cadillac Deval that had been vacant for 12 years. It really makes you wonder, though, just how much money could be saved simply by weeding out some of the unnecessary bureaucracy.
But then again, where would the siblings, cousins, and offspring of all our state reps go to line up at the public trough, then?
That is all.
Convert Me...
The more I think about it, the more I want to get a conversion kit for my Gold Cup and my Sig P226. There's a lot of good reasons to get the kits - I can train with my centerfire pistols for far less money, I can have a bigger variety of .22s to use in the indoor range at my club, I can work on trigger control without breaking the bank shooting .45 ACP or 9mm.
Really, the only downside is the price - for what a conversion kit cost, I could pick up a Smith & Wesson 22A or a Ruger Mark III. It's hard to justify spending $300+ on a conversion kit when I could go out and buy another whole gun for that money - and not have to worry about fitting, or breaking in, or any of those issues.
I think that the pros outweigh the cons in this case. I think that getting a conversion kit will allow me to shoot a lot more while developing caliber-independent skills I can use in centerfire shooting as well. Another pro of the conversion is that I can swap it out when I find myself flinching too much.
Now... With all that said, which conversion kit is best for the 1911 platform? I've got a Colt Gold Cup National Match, series 80 that would be a good base. A quick search reveals conversion kits by Ciener ($199), Kimber ($289), Marvel ($316), and Advantage Arms ($349). Kits for the Sig P226 run roughly $320 or so, and kits for the Glock G30 for $265. The million dollar question, then, is: Does anyone have experiences - good or bad - with any of these conversion kits?
Any and all comments/suggestions/recommendations/etc. are greatly appreciated.
That is all.
Really, the only downside is the price - for what a conversion kit cost, I could pick up a Smith & Wesson 22A or a Ruger Mark III. It's hard to justify spending $300+ on a conversion kit when I could go out and buy another whole gun for that money - and not have to worry about fitting, or breaking in, or any of those issues.
I think that the pros outweigh the cons in this case. I think that getting a conversion kit will allow me to shoot a lot more while developing caliber-independent skills I can use in centerfire shooting as well. Another pro of the conversion is that I can swap it out when I find myself flinching too much.
Now... With all that said, which conversion kit is best for the 1911 platform? I've got a Colt Gold Cup National Match, series 80 that would be a good base. A quick search reveals conversion kits by Ciener ($199), Kimber ($289), Marvel ($316), and Advantage Arms ($349). Kits for the Sig P226 run roughly $320 or so, and kits for the Glock G30 for $265. The million dollar question, then, is: Does anyone have experiences - good or bad - with any of these conversion kits?
Any and all comments/suggestions/recommendations/etc. are greatly appreciated.
That is all.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
It Cometh...
Buy A Gun Day, that is.
Yes, that magical day is almost upon us, the day we cut our checks to the government and then head immediately to the gun store to salve our wounded consciences... It's time to do our part to stimulate the economy and buy something in the boomstick family...
Tax Day = Buy A Gun Day...
I'm still having a devil of a time deciding what to get. On the one hand, after shooting TOTWTYTR's Smith & Wesson model 34, I'm REALLY keen on getting a .22LR snubbie for practice on the cheap. I'd also like to get a .22LR conversion kit for my Gold Cup and/or my P226, for more practice on the cheap (if there's anything the Bloggershoot taught me, it's that I need to practice a LOT more so that next time I can hit something besides the ground...) ;)
OTOH, I could really use a Ruger Mark II or III, maybe one of the Hunter models with the bull barrel. It'd be nice to have a reliable .22 autoloader for first time shooters. And I still don't have a 10/22 in my armory, a gaping hole that will need to be filled before I take Ross up on his generous offer to shoot in an Appleseed shoot.
I'm leaning towards a handgun for the simple fact that the last five firearms I've purchased have been longarms - I'm due for another pistol. But what to get? I, like JD, have some cash burning a hole in my pocket and nothing specific that I really want or need. I guess I'm just going to have to go to a random gun shop or two and see what jumps out at me.
Yeah, I know, it's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it...
That is all.
Yes, that magical day is almost upon us, the day we cut our checks to the government and then head immediately to the gun store to salve our wounded consciences... It's time to do our part to stimulate the economy and buy something in the boomstick family...
Tax Day = Buy A Gun Day...
I'm still having a devil of a time deciding what to get. On the one hand, after shooting TOTWTYTR's Smith & Wesson model 34, I'm REALLY keen on getting a .22LR snubbie for practice on the cheap. I'd also like to get a .22LR conversion kit for my Gold Cup and/or my P226, for more practice on the cheap (if there's anything the Bloggershoot taught me, it's that I need to practice a LOT more so that next time I can hit something besides the ground...) ;)
OTOH, I could really use a Ruger Mark II or III, maybe one of the Hunter models with the bull barrel. It'd be nice to have a reliable .22 autoloader for first time shooters. And I still don't have a 10/22 in my armory, a gaping hole that will need to be filled before I take Ross up on his generous offer to shoot in an Appleseed shoot.
I'm leaning towards a handgun for the simple fact that the last five firearms I've purchased have been longarms - I'm due for another pistol. But what to get? I, like JD, have some cash burning a hole in my pocket and nothing specific that I really want or need. I guess I'm just going to have to go to a random gun shop or two and see what jumps out at me.
Yeah, I know, it's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it...
That is all.
Workin' Towards Double Digits...
1 dead, one injured in Miami Burger King shooting
{sniff}{sniff} I just love a story with a happy ending, don't you? Sadly, the good Samaritan was wounded in the exchange, but is expected to survive. No word on whether or not he will be charged, but given that it's Florida, home of "Stand your ground", it's rather doubtful. With any kind of luck, he'll even get his piece back before he's released from the hospital.
As it damn well should be.
Good guys: 1. Goblins: room temperature.
Dead goblin count: 8
That is all.
Thanks to commenter wolfwalker for the link. (Far too infrequent) commenter and very good friend sci-fi also sent me the link in an e-mail...
Police said a man wearing a ski mask walked into the store at Biscayne Boulevard and 54th Street and demanded money from a clerk.
A customer, who has a concealed weapons permit, pulled a gun, said Officer Jeff Giordano, a Miami police spokesman.
The customer and robber exchanged fire.
The robber was shot dead at the scene.
{sniff}{sniff} I just love a story with a happy ending, don't you? Sadly, the good Samaritan was wounded in the exchange, but is expected to survive. No word on whether or not he will be charged, but given that it's Florida, home of "Stand your ground", it's rather doubtful. With any kind of luck, he'll even get his piece back before he's released from the hospital.
As it damn well should be.
Good guys: 1. Goblins: room temperature.
Dead goblin count: 8
That is all.
Thanks to commenter wolfwalker for the link. (Far too infrequent) commenter and very good friend sci-fi also sent me the link in an e-mail...
Gunnie Bleg
My good friend (and fellow Bloggershoot attendee) JD has a serious problem. He's got money burning a hole in his pocket and a desire to upgrade his carry gun. He asks,
Well, it so happens I have a little experience with the M&P series, so I responded immediately:
So, what say you? Bear in mind that JD is, like me, trapped behind the Red curtain here in the Volksrepublik of MA, and therefore beholden to the Approved Firearms Roster {spit}. That means outrageous prices for Glocks and Kahrs, little-to-no chance of guns like the CZ75 or the Springfield XD, etc. We're pretty much limited to S&W, Ruger, ParaOrdnance, and SigSauer.
(Hey!!! JD - Sig 239 in .40 S&W. I've seen them used for around $550-$600, and you can get the screamin' .357 Sig barrel for it too!)
Help a fellow MAhole blogger out with this most important of decisions, won't you?
That is all.
*JD was very helpful when my Bushmaster developed a severe case of indigestion over the .223 reloads...
Jay
Have you had any experience with the Smith and Wesson M&P pistol?
I am looking for a new carry gun and am debating a 1911 say a Para Ordnance or S&W in the $700 range but it looks like the M&P does well in sales at Four Seasons and I don't know anyone that has one. . .
I want something with a bit more guts than the .380 I got now ya know. . . .
Anyways, if you have any thought on this I would love to hear them. . . and blog fodder them if you want = )
thanks
JD
Well, it so happens I have a little experience with the M&P series, so I responded immediately:
Hey JD (my AR-savior!)*,
Hmmm. You've got $700 and an itch for a new carry gun. Oh, what a terrible, terrible fate... Heh.
Let's see... The M&P. I had bad luck with the M&P compact .40 S&W when I shot it at the Smith & Wesson range. The placement of the magazine release put it in such a way that my normal grip would cause it to engage about, oh, once or twice a magazine. Leading to humorous range exchanges like this:
[M&P] BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
{CLUNK}
[me] SHIT DAMMIT!
Since I was thinking of the compact .40 as a carry gun, and couldn't rely on it as such, I more or less put the M&P series out of my mind.
I've heard that S&W has addressed this issue (I'd heard from several other people who had the same experience) since then. I would strongly recommend you find someone with a comparable model of M&P and try it out, first, though. The M&P series is one of the greatest values for the MA gunnie - under $500 new OTD, and right now I think S&W is running a "two free magazine" promo again. Can't argue with that at all.
If you can find one for a reasonable price, look at the subcompact Glocks - 26 (9mm) or 27 (.40 S&W). What's great about the Glock WRT MA law is that there are plenty of pre-ban high-capacity magazines to be had. M&P? Not so much.
You can also find the S&W scandium-framed Commander sized 1911s for around $700 (gently) used if you want to honor the St. JMB (PBUH). I'm waiting to see how much they want for the subcompact 1911 before I get a new 1911 - if it's MA compliant, which I would imagine it would be, and under $900 or so new, I will be SORELY tempted to pick one up.
Another thought would be a S&W snubbie - either the 442/642 for pocket carry or a 637 for IWB. Those are selling for around $400 or so new, and that extra $300 will buy quite a bit of practice ammo. I dunno if you got a chance to shoot The Snubbie From Hell™, but the Airweight .38 specials are only a couple ounces heavier and shoot .38 Spl +P ammo - almost as good as .357 Magnum. Let me know if you'd like to try it out (or my shrouded hammer model 38).
I'm going to post this and see if anyone else has any other suggestions - I'm sure there's a couple dozen other good suggestions that I'm just not thinking of right now...
So, what say you? Bear in mind that JD is, like me, trapped behind the Red curtain here in the Volksrepublik of MA, and therefore beholden to the Approved Firearms Roster {spit}. That means outrageous prices for Glocks and Kahrs, little-to-no chance of guns like the CZ75 or the Springfield XD, etc. We're pretty much limited to S&W, Ruger, ParaOrdnance, and SigSauer.
(Hey!!! JD - Sig 239 in .40 S&W. I've seen them used for around $550-$600, and you can get the screamin' .357 Sig barrel for it too!)
Help a fellow MAhole blogger out with this most important of decisions, won't you?
That is all.
*JD was very helpful when my Bushmaster developed a severe case of indigestion over the .223 reloads...
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Lighten Up, Francis...
Heh. As promised, the video:
Nothing says "Northeast Bloggershoot" quite like a child's stuffed plaything impaled on a rifle bayonet...
That is all.
Nothing says "Northeast Bloggershoot" quite like a child's stuffed plaything impaled on a rifle bayonet...
That is all.
Other BloggerShoot AARs
Just wanted to post a quick roundup of other folks' impressions of the dinner and/or shoot.
TOTWTYTR
Lissa
Scotaku
Borepatch
MedicMatthew
I'm so glad everyone had a good time, even if they were underwhelmed by the steak at Hilltop (that's it! You're off the list!).
That is all.
TOTWTYTR
Lissa
Scotaku
Borepatch
MedicMatthew
I'm so glad everyone had a good time, even if they were underwhelmed by the steak at Hilltop (that's it! You're off the list!).
That is all.
New Shooter Report
Sunday night, at the Northeast Blogger (and AD) Early Spring Meet-n-Eat, one of the attendees approached me and mentioned that he'd like to attend the shoot on Monday. He mentioned that he'd shot a couple of .22 rifles many years before, but that he hadn't shot a gun in probably two decades. He wanted to attend the shoot, but was reluctant to come without his own arsenal.
I felt he had been out of the shooting sports long enough to count as a new shooter, so I told him that I'd be more than happy to spot him any ammo he'd care to shoot. I had a hunch that the other shooters in the group would be more than happy to share as well, and was not proven incorrect. He traversed the shooting line, inspecting multitudinous shootie goodness, and wound up shooting pretty much everything we had to offer at least once or twice.
I'll let his own words in comments describe his experience:
And he posts more about it on his own blog. Go. Read Scotaku's firsthand account of his re-introduction to shootie goodness.
That is all.
I felt he had been out of the shooting sports long enough to count as a new shooter, so I told him that I'd be more than happy to spot him any ammo he'd care to shoot. I had a hunch that the other shooters in the group would be more than happy to share as well, and was not proven incorrect. He traversed the shooting line, inspecting multitudinous shootie goodness, and wound up shooting pretty much everything we had to offer at least once or twice.
I'll let his own words in comments describe his experience:
Thank you, Jay. I wasn't kidding about needing a team of plastic surgeons to get the smile off my face. It was chilly, but in the end, that really didn't matter. Thanks for your (and all the others') generosity and hospitality. Now to get Herself more involved...
And he posts more about it on his own blog. Go. Read Scotaku's firsthand account of his re-introduction to shootie goodness.
That is all.
Bloggershoot AAR
Ah, the After Action Report... This is a fun one to write, as I simply had a fantastic time yesterday at the Northeast Blogger Early Spring Shoot (with AD). I got to shoot a couple of my new guns that I hadn't gotten around to breaking in (the Mossberg 590 and the Mosin Nagant M44); I got to shoot a whole bunch of other people's very cool guns; and I got to fraternize with a simply wonderful group of people.
Even when they were making fun of my (lack of) shootin' skillz...
Even when they were making fun of my (lack of) shootin' skillz...
Let's start with the attendees. Heath and Amanda followed me to Harvard Sportsmen's Club, where Liz and Bill hosted our
A finer group of people you couldn't wish for...
So, onto what everyone wants to see: The guns!
Here are the many offerings:
Rifles, Part I
Rifles, Part II
Pistol Bench
Yeah. We easily had enough ordnance to conquer Canada. Hell, if I'd gotten on 495 going the wrong way I probably could have gotten Quebec to pre-emptively surrender when I hit northern Vermont... We had a wide gamut of firearms, from mil-surp Nagants and Enfields to top-end ARs, mini-14s, and even a Sig 556. Lots of shootie goodness to be enjoyed, that's for sure!
Here's where we were shooting:
25 & 50 Yard Ranges
And yes, those are eeeeevil orange clays on the backstop. You've got to keep a close eye on those clays, because they will charge at the slightest provocation. It's best to keep a shotgun fully charged just in case a group gets too close... The clays shown are on the 25 yard berm, but we also had clays on the 50 yard berm. Significantly more challenging...
Here's what it looked like when we were through:
Brass By The BushelThat's a big heapin' pile 'o' brass right there. I shudder to think of what the street value of the ammunition expended today would run (I was shooting 7.62X39mm that had a sticker price of $2.49 for a box of 20, so my prices weren't exactly current). Bill and Liz took the brass home, as they reload and we figured it was the least we could do to show our gratitude for hosting.
Some highlights, lowlights, and other thoughts of the day now.
Everybody loves the Colt Gold Cup National Match. AD was willing to endure the poking, prodding and otherwise humiliation of the TSA Security Theater for a shot at secreting it away upon his person to take home. I even commented, as I cleaned off some 2-300 rounds' worth of grime, that she was a "dirty, filthy whore" - a comment that garnered an odd look from Liz, until I opined that pretty much everyone had their hands on my Colt today...
Had two issues with two of my guns. I forgot to bring the allen wrench for the SpecOps stock on the Mossberg with me, so naturally it worked itself loose after about a dozen rounds of buckshot and slugs. A quick glance around the benches and bags failed to yield a proper wrench, so I had to retire the 590 prematurely. I did get to shoot 00 buckshot and slugs through it, though. The Bushmaster was emphatic in refusing reloaded .223 ammo, getting hung up on chambering and generally just plain stopped working after 1 or 2 rounds. Switched back to Rem factory ammo, no problem. Shot some of Heath's Norinco .223, no problem.
In all of the excitement, I don't want to lose sight of a new shooter - look for a separate report later today. Sunday night one of our attendees mentioned in passing that he would like to attend the shooting portion of the meet-n-greet, but that he hadn't shot in years, having fired a .22 rifle many decades prior.
One of my favorite parts of a get-together like this is getting the opportunity to try out new, different, and/or exotic firearms. I got to shoot Dwight's delicious Uberti - this is an absolute hoot, as the heft of the gun cancels all recoil, and the .45 Colt round takes its sweet time getting downrange on the 50 yard range. LOTS of fun to shoot. TOTWTYTR had several different guns that I kept trying to distract him from so I could spirit them away, not the least of which being a sweeeeeet S&W model 34 .22LR snubnose revolver. He also has a Model 18 .22LR with about the nicest double action trigger pull I've experienced outside of my Colt Official Police. And he's got both an Enfield with sword bayonet and a Schmidt-Rubin K31 which is every bit as nice as every gushes about... JD brought some really nice guns, including a Marlin lever action and a Remington Nylon 66 in chrome, but I only had time to run a 30 round magazine through his WASR-10.
Special Thanks.
I'd like to offer some words of thanks to some folks for kindness above and beyond. First, to Liz and Bill for hosting us. Second, to Dwight for the really neat scale-model Chevy panel truck that he gifted me with - having read of my penchant for diecast models, he offered me one he had received. Third, to Kelly, both for gracing us with his witty presence and for the super uber tacticool lighted reticle scope he brought me for my Bushmaster. It's very slick, exactly what I was looking for, and went on like it was born there. Me like! Lastly, a big thanks to Heath and Amanda for driving the 11 hours out to meet us, and for generously giving me sufficient stores of .223 and 7.62X39mm ammo to last quite a bit.
It was an absolute pleasure seeing all of you; some for the first time; some for the 10th time. I'm already starting to think about a summer shoot and/or summer BBQ - this time, in a private backyard, we could sit around a patio table and "show whatcha brung" like we should have done at Hilltop (except that they would have called in the SWAT team, of course...).
We will do this again.
And, lastly, a couple final pictures to set the stage for a later video:
The Victim
The Aftermath
Yes, I did bayonet a(nother) children's toy. Again. Video to follow...
That is all.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Range Day! Party Time! Excellent!
Had a fantastic time at the range today at the Northeast Blogger (and AD) Early Spring Shoot. I'll have a more comprehensive post for tomorrow morning, replete with pictures and video, but wanted to get down a few quick thoughts right away.
First off, a giant THANK YOU! to Liz and Bill for hosting us at Harvard. We had the run of the pistol and rifle ranges, and made excellent use of both.
The Snubbie from Hell™ was a big hit, even if some folks present (*cough* AD *cough*) only had the temerity to shoot one cylinder's worth of .357 Magnum from it. Look, just because it bit me (and drew blood).
The Bushmaster was also a BIG hit, especially with the lovely Mrs. Borepatch who graced us with her presence (Yes, she actually does exist, and she is every bit as lovely and charming as Sarah Palin).
I need to get a snub-nosed .22LR. SRSLY. Hitting a 6" steel plate at 25 yards with a snubbie 5 out of 6 times is almost more fun than should be allowed by law...
And before any vicious rumors start, I *can* hit what I'm shooting at. Sometimes. Look to AD's for his new hit catch phrase that I helped spawn. Someday I hope to live it down. If he couldn't shoot so damn well, I'd really give him shit...
I'll post more tomorrow. Right now I have guns to clean, a cut to re-bandage, and what's left of my ammo stash to put away.
Oh, and yes, there was a childhood toy and a bayonet. And video...
That is all.
First off, a giant THANK YOU! to Liz and Bill for hosting us at Harvard. We had the run of the pistol and rifle ranges, and made excellent use of both.
The Snubbie from Hell™ was a big hit, even if some folks present (*cough* AD *cough*) only had the temerity to shoot one cylinder's worth of .357 Magnum from it. Look, just because it bit me (and drew blood).
The Bushmaster was also a BIG hit, especially with the lovely Mrs. Borepatch who graced us with her presence (Yes, she actually does exist, and she is every bit as lovely and charming as Sarah Palin).
I need to get a snub-nosed .22LR. SRSLY. Hitting a 6" steel plate at 25 yards with a snubbie 5 out of 6 times is almost more fun than should be allowed by law...
And before any vicious rumors start, I *can* hit what I'm shooting at. Sometimes. Look to AD's for his new hit catch phrase that I helped spawn. Someday I hope to live it down. If he couldn't shoot so damn well, I'd really give him shit...
I'll post more tomorrow. Right now I have guns to clean, a cut to re-bandage, and what's left of my ammo stash to put away.
Oh, and yes, there was a childhood toy and a bayonet. And video...
That is all.
My Dinner with AD...
What I can possibly say about meeting the one, the only, the Ambulance Driver? Well, let's see. For starters, he's got great taste in gifts for hosts (more later...). He's just as funny in person as he is in print - and that's saying quite a bit. It was hard not to squee like the little fanboi bitch I am, but I think I managed to make it through the entire evening without saying "ZOMG! AD!"
Well, not more than three or four dozen times...
Who else was there? Let's see...
TOTWTYTR
Commenter wally
Heath and his wife Amanda (from OH!!!)
Marko
Lissa and her fiance Mike
Steve and Larry (friends of TOTWTYTR)
Scotaku
Zeeke42
Weer'dbeard
JD
commenter and fellow NES'r Ross
Borepatch
Ken and Katie
Sci-fi & B
Liz & Bill
MedicMatthew (a thousand apologies, Matthew!!!)
Apologies if I've missed anyone else, my brain had pretty much turned to tapioca by the end of the night. Over the course of the evening, we managed to discuss Star Wars, Star Trek, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the Simpsons, the two lever-action rifles mounted over the wall at the back of restaurant and why they may or may not have been exempt from MA's "safe storage" laws, the .17 HMR round, Porsches, Corvettes, road rage, motorcycles, and the ineptitude of the Obama administration.
For starters.
Oh, and since we were in the Volksrepublik of MA and were quite reluctant to show our carry pieces, we opted for the next best thing: BLADES! Naturally, I couldn't resist a picture:
Well, not more than three or four dozen times...
Who else was there? Let's see...
TOTWTYTR
Commenter wally
Heath and his wife Amanda (from OH!!!)
Marko
Lissa and her fiance Mike
Steve and Larry (friends of TOTWTYTR)
Scotaku
Zeeke42
Weer'dbeard
JD
commenter and fellow NES'r Ross
Borepatch
Ken and Katie
Sci-fi & B
Liz & Bill
MedicMatthew (a thousand apologies, Matthew!!!)
Apologies if I've missed anyone else, my brain had pretty much turned to tapioca by the end of the night. Over the course of the evening, we managed to discuss Star Wars, Star Trek, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the Simpsons, the two lever-action rifles mounted over the wall at the back of restaurant and why they may or may not have been exempt from MA's "safe storage" laws, the .17 HMR round, Porsches, Corvettes, road rage, motorcycles, and the ineptitude of the Obama administration.
For starters.
Oh, and since we were in the Volksrepublik of MA and were quite reluctant to show our carry pieces, we opted for the next best thing: BLADES! Naturally, I couldn't resist a picture:
Missing: One Ginsu
Had we not been given steak knives, we still could have gotten the job done. Quite well. Some of us (Ross) could have have gotten by without forks... Closest we got to comparing other weaponry was weer'dbeard and I showing off our spare magazines in the parking lot after they closed the restaurant... :)
I'll try to update more tomorrow. Right now, it's damn late as I type this and tomorrow is another big day. We're all meeting at Harvard Sportsmen's Club for a day of shootie goodness, including some trigger time for some folks who have never shot before. So not only do I get to go shooting with AD, but I get to score a new shooter as well.
Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug. Right now, I'm happy to be the windshield...
That is all.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Two Down, One To Go...
Okay...
Arrow of Light Ceremony is done.
Blue & Gold Banquet is done.
All that's left is the Northeast Blogger (and AD) Dinner at Hilltop. The fun stuff...
Woo Hoo!
That is all.
Arrow of Light Ceremony is done.
Blue & Gold Banquet is done.
All that's left is the Northeast Blogger (and AD) Dinner at Hilltop. The fun stuff...
Woo Hoo!
That is all.
Video Tribute...
Yeah, my day's been looking a lot like this:
Only with more crashing and chasing...
That is all.
Only with more crashing and chasing...
That is all.
Crazy Day!
Okay. Here's my schedule for today:
8:00AM: Feed the cats (folks are on vacation).
9:00AM: Church.
10:15AM: CCD for The Boy. BabyGirl G. and I to hit BJs to get last minute supplies for Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet.
11:15AM: Pick up The Boy.
12:00PM: Get sitter for BabyGirl G. Go to high school to help set up Blue & Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts.
1:00PM: Crossing over of WeBeLoS II Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. I officially become Cubmaster.
2:00PM: Banquet.
3:00PM: Clean-up.
4:00PM: Home to change and greet out-of-town guests arriving for Blog meet.
5:15PM: Arrive at restaurant ahead of other attendees towarn talk to hostess ahead of group arrival.
6:00PM: Blog meet dinner. Meet the inimitable Ambulance Driver. One word: Steak...
10:00PM: Restaurant closes.
10:05PM: Chinese restaurant across the street open until 2AM.
Midnight: Stumble home and collapse in a heap.
Heck, I'm tired just thinking about it...
That is all.
8:00AM: Feed the cats (folks are on vacation).
9:00AM: Church.
10:15AM: CCD for The Boy. BabyGirl G. and I to hit BJs to get last minute supplies for Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet.
11:15AM: Pick up The Boy.
12:00PM: Get sitter for BabyGirl G. Go to high school to help set up Blue & Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts.
1:00PM: Crossing over of WeBeLoS II Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. I officially become Cubmaster.
2:00PM: Banquet.
3:00PM: Clean-up.
4:00PM: Home to change and greet out-of-town guests arriving for Blog meet.
5:15PM: Arrive at restaurant ahead of other attendees to
6:00PM: Blog meet dinner. Meet the inimitable Ambulance Driver. One word: Steak...
10:00PM: Restaurant closes.
10:05PM: Chinese restaurant across the street open until 2AM.
Midnight: Stumble home and collapse in a heap.
Heck, I'm tired just thinking about it...
That is all.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Victory!!!
Heh.
Brought BabyGirl G to the gun store this morning while her brother was at his First Communion retreat. We walk into the place, and she takes one look at the display of pink and purple Cricketts on the counter and exclaims,
Sometime next week I might be able to chisel the smile off my face...
I told her that in a couple of years, when she was a little older, we would be back to get one for her. I asked her if she knew what it was, and she thought it was a BB gun. I told her it was a real rifle, like the one her brother was going to shoot this year, and she was equally pleased. Needless to say, so was Daddy.
Oh, and I scored some reasonably priced 9mm and .45 ACP, as well as some not-too-horrifically increased .223. You might be a gun nut if you need a cardboard box to carry all your ammo out of the store...
That is all.
Brought BabyGirl G to the gun store this morning while her brother was at his First Communion retreat. We walk into the place, and she takes one look at the display of pink and purple Cricketts on the counter and exclaims,
"Ooh, Daddy, can I get one of those?"
Sometime next week I might be able to chisel the smile off my face...
I told her that in a couple of years, when she was a little older, we would be back to get one for her. I asked her if she knew what it was, and she thought it was a BB gun. I told her it was a real rifle, like the one her brother was going to shoot this year, and she was equally pleased. Needless to say, so was Daddy.
Oh, and I scored some reasonably priced 9mm and .45 ACP, as well as some not-too-horrifically increased .223. You might be a gun nut if you need a cardboard box to carry all your ammo out of the store...
That is all.
Come Together...
I've had a couple people e-mail me about the Blogger dinner tomorrow afternoon. Seems that in my haste to get updates out and such, I neglected one of the basics: How the hell are we getting together?
Well, I'm planning on being at Hilltop between 5 and 5:30 (we're meeting at 6:00). I'll talk to the hostess when I get there, and find out where they'rehiding putting our group. Just look for the devastatingly handsome gentleman standing around looking dashing and worldly. Then look for the shaved head biker stealing his wallet. That'll be me.
For anyone attending the dinner (or the shoot): My contact information is in my profile. Shoot me an e-mail and I'll give you my cell# if you want it just in case. I'm really looking forward to seeing some of you again as well as meeting some of you for the first time.
See you tomorrow night!
That is all.
Well, I'm planning on being at Hilltop between 5 and 5:30 (we're meeting at 6:00). I'll talk to the hostess when I get there, and find out where they're
For anyone attending the dinner (or the shoot): My contact information is in my profile. Shoot me an e-mail and I'll give you my cell# if you want it just in case. I'm really looking forward to seeing some of you again as well as meeting some of you for the first time.
See you tomorrow night!
That is all.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Spring Has Sprung...
...the grass is riz, I wonder where the birdies is...
First day of spring. Hoping to get the Harley out of storage next weekend. After the winter we've had, I'm looking forward to getting back in the saddle. I'm guessing it's probably going to snow, given the normal state of my "luck"... Two years ago I picked the bike up and the air temperature was 25ºF. Much less with wind chill...
Even then, though, feeling the wind in my face was about the greatest cure for spring fever I could ever imagine...
That is all.
First day of spring. Hoping to get the Harley out of storage next weekend. After the winter we've had, I'm looking forward to getting back in the saddle. I'm guessing it's probably going to snow, given the normal state of my "luck"... Two years ago I picked the bike up and the air temperature was 25ºF. Much less with wind chill...
Even then, though, feeling the wind in my face was about the greatest cure for spring fever I could ever imagine...
That is all.
Friday Fun Thread: Micro Machines!
Okay, so I just had to book-end last week's car thread. Since we've covered the automotive equivalents to the USS Nimitz, today we're going to discuss the diminutive. Today's list will contain some of the smallest cars on the roadways, including one that, according to Dave Barry, belonged to a marque that was "so small it was routinely stolen by squirrels". Obviously this list will borrow heavily from our European brethren...
So here we go!
1. Nash Metropolitan. Yes, an American car tops the list, if for no other reason than serving as the inspiration for Mr. Incredible's econobox. It's an American car from the 1950s that doesn't have tailfins, bumper darts, or enough sheet metal to build a warehouse. In fact, I'd wager it could fit neatly in the trunk of the 1959 Cadillac...
2. Morris Mini. 12" tires, excuse me, tyres. 850cc engine (I've owned two motorcycles with equal or greater displacement). 10' length. I could literally double my garage space if I could convince Mrs. G. to get two Minis... I don't know why I love this little British oddball, but I do.
3. BMW Isetta. 247 cc engine. One door which doubles as the windshield. Was the car driven by Urkel. This is one of those "so homely it's cute" cars. One testing site, when asked for top speed, replied, "85 miles an hour. Except that we had it mounted in the bed of a Chevy pick-up at the time".
4. Messerschmitt KR200. Yes, that Messerschmitt. After WWII they were forbidden to manufacture aircraft, and turned to automotive/motorcycle oddities such as the three-wheeled KR200. It had a 10 hp single-cylinder engine capable of over 60 mph and seated two - in tandem.
5. VW Polo. Yes, over in Europe there is a Volkswagen smaller than the Golf. In fact, the Golf and Jetta are considered to be mid-sized to large cars in Europe, whereas here in the good ol' gas-guzzlin' US they're considered stop-gap transportation in between chrome behemoths. That require large infusions of cash to keep running (why yes, I had a GTI. Why do you ask?)
6. SMART Fortwo. One of my childhood friends' moms (who lives down the street) has one of these. One of these days I'm going to see if it will fit in the bed of my Ram with the tailgate up. I might be interesting in one of these as a commuter car if it:
a. Wasn't a two-seater only;
b. Cost less than $14,000;
c. Got better gas mileage than my Plymouth Sundance; and
d. Wasn't rear wheel drive.
7. Goggomobil. This is the "Dart" model, which one can only assume is short for "Lawn Dart". It's another two-stroke powered micro-car from Europe with top speeds that would be at home in a supermarket parking lot and all the accident survivability of a glass table. But it's red, and it sounds Italian!
8. Fiat 600. Ah, Fiat. Fix It Again Tony. With Fiat, Italy proved that the United States wasn't the only country that could produce really bad small cars. One of the few cars that could sidle up to a Nash Metropolitan and not dwarf it...
9. Hillman Imp. What's really amusing about the Hillman line of autos is that this is considered a mid-sized car. Ha! Those crazy Brits! And I hear they call food poisoning "Bubble & Squeak", too... The Imp was introduced as a rival to the Mini, but never quite achieved the same level of success as measured by sales, iconic stature, or number of people who exclaim "What the hell is that?" when they see one.
10. Trabant. Oh, yes, you'd better believe that Eastern Europe's "finest" would make the list. Probably most famous for being the car worked on with a hammer in the Bond movie "GoldenEye", the Trabant was rumored to have a lifespan of some 28 years. Of course, the fact that there was a ten year waiting period to get one behind the Iron Curtain might have something to do with that longevity...
Okay, so there's the list of my Top Ten "Micro Machines". Only one American car on the list, and the remainder of slots occupied by mostly obscure European cars. You might ask, "Jay, how the hell do you know about all these weirdo cars?", and I'd have to respond, "Diecast". I collect 1/18th scale diecast model cars, and for some reason, the European small cars are a perennial favorite of the diecast set.
I think it's the economy of packaging...
That is all.
So here we go!
1. Nash Metropolitan. Yes, an American car tops the list, if for no other reason than serving as the inspiration for Mr. Incredible's econobox. It's an American car from the 1950s that doesn't have tailfins, bumper darts, or enough sheet metal to build a warehouse. In fact, I'd wager it could fit neatly in the trunk of the 1959 Cadillac...
2. Morris Mini. 12" tires, excuse me, tyres. 850cc engine (I've owned two motorcycles with equal or greater displacement). 10' length. I could literally double my garage space if I could convince Mrs. G. to get two Minis... I don't know why I love this little British oddball, but I do.
3. BMW Isetta. 247 cc engine. One door which doubles as the windshield. Was the car driven by Urkel. This is one of those "so homely it's cute" cars. One testing site, when asked for top speed, replied, "85 miles an hour. Except that we had it mounted in the bed of a Chevy pick-up at the time".
4. Messerschmitt KR200. Yes, that Messerschmitt. After WWII they were forbidden to manufacture aircraft, and turned to automotive/motorcycle oddities such as the three-wheeled KR200. It had a 10 hp single-cylinder engine capable of over 60 mph and seated two - in tandem.
5. VW Polo. Yes, over in Europe there is a Volkswagen smaller than the Golf. In fact, the Golf and Jetta are considered to be mid-sized to large cars in Europe, whereas here in the good ol' gas-guzzlin' US they're considered stop-gap transportation in between chrome behemoths. That require large infusions of cash to keep running (why yes, I had a GTI. Why do you ask?)
6. SMART Fortwo. One of my childhood friends' moms (who lives down the street) has one of these. One of these days I'm going to see if it will fit in the bed of my Ram with the tailgate up. I might be interesting in one of these as a commuter car if it:
a. Wasn't a two-seater only;
b. Cost less than $14,000;
c. Got better gas mileage than my Plymouth Sundance; and
d. Wasn't rear wheel drive.
7. Goggomobil. This is the "Dart" model, which one can only assume is short for "Lawn Dart". It's another two-stroke powered micro-car from Europe with top speeds that would be at home in a supermarket parking lot and all the accident survivability of a glass table. But it's red, and it sounds Italian!
8. Fiat 600. Ah, Fiat. Fix It Again Tony. With Fiat, Italy proved that the United States wasn't the only country that could produce really bad small cars. One of the few cars that could sidle up to a Nash Metropolitan and not dwarf it...
9. Hillman Imp. What's really amusing about the Hillman line of autos is that this is considered a mid-sized car. Ha! Those crazy Brits! And I hear they call food poisoning "Bubble & Squeak", too... The Imp was introduced as a rival to the Mini, but never quite achieved the same level of success as measured by sales, iconic stature, or number of people who exclaim "What the hell is that?" when they see one.
10. Trabant. Oh, yes, you'd better believe that Eastern Europe's "finest" would make the list. Probably most famous for being the car worked on with a hammer in the Bond movie "GoldenEye", the Trabant was rumored to have a lifespan of some 28 years. Of course, the fact that there was a ten year waiting period to get one behind the Iron Curtain might have something to do with that longevity...
Okay, so there's the list of my Top Ten "Micro Machines". Only one American car on the list, and the remainder of slots occupied by mostly obscure European cars. You might ask, "Jay, how the hell do you know about all these weirdo cars?", and I'd have to respond, "Diecast". I collect 1/18th scale diecast model cars, and for some reason, the European small cars are a perennial favorite of the diecast set.
I think it's the economy of packaging...
That is all.
Friday Gun Pr0n #103
Today's gun pr0n is an update to a previously exhibited firearm. I've been a busy boy eviling up my home defense shotgun, the Mossberg 590 I acquired last year. So far I've taken great advantage of the pump-action feature, which grants it immunity from the stoopid Assault Weapons Ban we extended in 2004 (fuck you Mitt Romney).
Mossberg 590. Now 20% more evil
The eagle-eyed will note the addition of the M10 bayonet and a Knoxx SpecOps recoil-reducing stock with four-position adjustments. The recoil-reducing stock was a must-have addition, as I'd put one on my Winchester 1300 and it makes a significant difference when shooting slugs. For sheer tacticool points I'd rather have a Butler Creek side-folder, but for actual utility the Knoxx SpecOps gets the nod. And the ducats. Future additions include a tactical sling, a forend with SureFire light, and a forend pistol-grip.
Plus whatever else I can think of to add on to this bad larry to make Sarah Brady soil her armor...
That is all.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
UnSuitable...
BabyGirl G. just started "Daisy Troops", the junior league for girl scouts. Their big spring event is the "Father/Daughter Dance", which is coming up in two weeks. It's absolutely HUGE, with many of the girls getting their hair done, manicures, etc., all for a night of dancing with their daddies. It's extremely cute, and I can't wait for my turn this year.
Except I just realized something: I no longer own a suit that fits me...
I went into the closet where we had stored the suits and such (I don't wear suits very often if I can avoid it at all; often getting away with a sportcoat and Dockers). The smallest suit I have is a size 46 jacket and 36 pants. I put it on and looked like David Byrne of the Talking Heads. "Same as it... ever was".
And then I had another realization: I don't have to shop in the "Fat Bastard" men's clothing stores for suits any more. I can shop off the shelf! I'm so excited I can barely contain myself... I can walk into Macy's, or Filene's Basement, or... Hey. Where the hell do I get a good suit these days? I started thinking about it, and I'll need something I can wear to a funeral as well as a Baptism and my son's First Communion. I'm going to have to get something a step up from my usual cut of bottom-of-the-line economy suits...
It's a welcome change, I have to say, buying a new suit because the old one is too big, rather than the reverse...
That is all.
Except I just realized something: I no longer own a suit that fits me...
I went into the closet where we had stored the suits and such (I don't wear suits very often if I can avoid it at all; often getting away with a sportcoat and Dockers). The smallest suit I have is a size 46 jacket and 36 pants. I put it on and looked like David Byrne of the Talking Heads. "Same as it... ever was".
And then I had another realization: I don't have to shop in the "Fat Bastard" men's clothing stores for suits any more. I can shop off the shelf! I'm so excited I can barely contain myself... I can walk into Macy's, or Filene's Basement, or... Hey. Where the hell do I get a good suit these days? I started thinking about it, and I'll need something I can wear to a funeral as well as a Baptism and my son's First Communion. I'm going to have to get something a step up from my usual cut of bottom-of-the-line economy suits...
It's a welcome change, I have to say, buying a new suit because the old one is too big, rather than the reverse...
That is all.
Oopsie!
Dodd: Administration pushed for language protecting bonuses
I blame Bush.
Digging a little deeper, we find that:
My favorite, though, was this headline:
Obama on AIG bonuses: 'I'll take responsibility'
The very first thing he says, though, is:
That is all.
(CNN) -- Senate Banking committee Chairman Christopher Dodd told CNN Wednesday that he was responsible for language added to the federal stimulus bill to make sure that already-existing contracts for bonuses at companies receiving federal bailout money were honored.
Dodd acknowledged his role in the change after a Treasury Department official told CNN the administration pushed for the language.
Both Dodd and the official, who asked not to be named, said it was because administration officials were afraid the government would face numerous lawsuits without the new language.
I blame Bush.
Digging a little deeper, we find that:
AIG's derivatives branch is in Dodd's home state. Many of the bonuses in question were awarded to executives at that branch. But in the written statement, Dodd said he had no idea the legislation would impact the company.There's a shock, eh? Curse you, Bushhitler, for protecting your big business cronies!
My favorite, though, was this headline:
Obama on AIG bonuses: 'I'll take responsibility'
The very first thing he says, though, is:
"We didn't draft these contracts. We've got a lot on our plate. But it is appropriate when you're in charge to make sure stuff doesn't happen like this,"Here's a tip, Barry:
First rule of leadership: everything is your fault-A Bug's Life
-Hopper
That is all.
Finally, Some Sanity...
Insurance Change for Veterans Is Scrapped
Gee, do you think it had something to do with this idea being less popular than genital warts?
Was the administration actually surprised to hear that people were upset that we were honestly considering telling our servicemen and women that their job-related injuries would have to be covered by private insurance? SRSLY? Are they really THAT tone-deaf? They'd save $550 million by dropping vets' insurance. Obama's stimulus package contained over $4 BILLION for ACORN.
This was never about saving money.
The way I see it, there were two possible reasons for this idea. The first is, quite cynically, that Obama knows the military voted overwhelmingly for McCain, and was proposing this to punish them. The second, even more cynical idea, is that this was a back-door way to implement national health care - as our nation's servicemen and women overwhelm the health care system with their war-related injuries, it pushes us closer and closer to "needing" national health care.
Especially with a few dozen human interest stories about soldiers injured in battle who can't get the health care they need for those injuries...
In any case, it's good to see that there is still some tiny vestiges of sanity in the 0bama administration. While this idea never should have seen the light of day in the first place, it's at least joined the scrap heap of bad ideas thus proposed, a litany of idiocy rapidly tossed under the bus.
At least with this administration that bus will never want for traction...
That is all.
WASHINGTON — Under withering criticism from veterans and Congress, President Obama on Wednesday abandoned a proposal that would have required veterans to use their private health insurance to pay for the treatment of combat-related injuries.
David K. Rehbein, national commander of the American Legion, said the president had indicated at a meeting on Monday that he “intended to move forward” with the proposal, which could have saved the government more than $500 million a year.
But on Wednesday, the White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, said Mr. Obama had scrapped the idea.
Gee, do you think it had something to do with this idea being less popular than genital warts?
Was the administration actually surprised to hear that people were upset that we were honestly considering telling our servicemen and women that their job-related injuries would have to be covered by private insurance? SRSLY? Are they really THAT tone-deaf? They'd save $550 million by dropping vets' insurance. Obama's stimulus package contained over $4 BILLION for ACORN.
This was never about saving money.
The way I see it, there were two possible reasons for this idea. The first is, quite cynically, that Obama knows the military voted overwhelmingly for McCain, and was proposing this to punish them. The second, even more cynical idea, is that this was a back-door way to implement national health care - as our nation's servicemen and women overwhelm the health care system with their war-related injuries, it pushes us closer and closer to "needing" national health care.
Especially with a few dozen human interest stories about soldiers injured in battle who can't get the health care they need for those injuries...
In any case, it's good to see that there is still some tiny vestiges of sanity in the 0bama administration. While this idea never should have seen the light of day in the first place, it's at least joined the scrap heap of bad ideas thus proposed, a litany of idiocy rapidly tossed under the bus.
At least with this administration that bus will never want for traction...
That is all.
Northeast Blogger Shoot, Early Spring Edition Ordnance
As promised in my last update about this weekend's festivities, here's an accounting of the portions of the G. armory that will be making the trek to Harvard Sportsmen's Club on Monday for the Early Spring Northeast Blogger (and AD) Shoot.
Long arms:
Bushmaster XM15-E2S .223 Rem/5.56mm
Mossberg 590 12 gauge
Mosin-Nagant M44 carbine 7.62X54mmR
Possible: .22LR rifle to be determined (most likely the Marlin Model 39A or the Remington Model 572 Fieldmaster)
Handguns:
Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911 .45 ACP
Smith & Wesson Model 17 .22LR
Smith & Wesson Model 360PD .357 Magnum (A.K.A. The Snubbie From Hell™)
That's the definite stuff. If anybody who's coming on Monday would like to try something out that I haven't listed, let me know - I'm only too happy to share. I suspect that there will be a wide variety of arms available to try, so I'm bringing the newest and/or best of the armory for this shoot. As for ammo, well, if you're coming and you want to shoot something, bring some (except for AD; your ammo's on me!) or make arrangements to have some brought for you (for those coming from out of state or those that don't have a permit). I'm planning on bringing enough of the above calibers to have plenty to share, and will most likely bring a stash of 9mm, 7.62X39mm, and .380 ACP just in case. Oh, and I'll also be bringing a fresh case of orange clays...
Long arms:
Bushmaster XM15-E2S .223 Rem/5.56mm
Mossberg 590 12 gauge
Mosin-Nagant M44 carbine 7.62X54mmR
Possible: .22LR rifle to be determined (most likely the Marlin Model 39A or the Remington Model 572 Fieldmaster)
Handguns:
Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911 .45 ACP
Smith & Wesson Model 17 .22LR
Smith & Wesson Model 360PD .357 Magnum (A.K.A. The Snubbie From Hell™)
That's the definite stuff. If anybody who's coming on Monday would like to try something out that I haven't listed, let me know - I'm only too happy to share. I suspect that there will be a wide variety of arms available to try, so I'm bringing the newest and/or best of the armory for this shoot. As for ammo, well, if you're coming and you want to shoot something, bring some (except for AD; your ammo's on me!) or make arrangements to have some brought for you (for those coming from out of state or those that don't have a permit). I'm planning on bringing enough of the above calibers to have plenty to share, and will most likely bring a stash of 9mm, 7.62X39mm, and .380 ACP just in case. Oh, and I'll also be bringing a fresh case of orange clays...
But no teletubbies...
That is all.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tech Bleg...
Got a notice yesterday that my *new* Photobucket account is already reaching it's maximum bandwidth for the month. EEP. While I'm thrilled that y'all like my pictures (you like me! You really really like me!), I can't keep opening a new Photobucket account every week. I'm afraid that with each new password I'm getting closer and closer to the day I forget them all...
So... That said, what do y'all recommend for the next step in online storage? Photobucket gives 25 GB of monthly bandwidth, and I'm at 80% right now with the month a little more than half over. The "upgrade" to unlimited bandwidth is $40/year, before I go that route I'd like to know if there's better (read: free) options out there that I am not aware of.
Anyone got any hints? I'm with LawDog and the "Magic Elf Box" theory here, so any help is appreciated. I like putting up the pretty pictures and keepin' y'all entertained, and would like to keep on doing it. With the high price of ammo, though, I'd prefer to keep excess spending to a minimum...
Any and all options/providers/thoughts would be appreciated.
That is all.
UPDATE: I really appreciate all the options and offers y'all sent in. As is my wont, though, I took the path of least resistance and ponied up the bucks for the unlimited Photobucket account. So let's make 'em EARN that $39.95!!!
So... That said, what do y'all recommend for the next step in online storage? Photobucket gives 25 GB of monthly bandwidth, and I'm at 80% right now with the month a little more than half over. The "upgrade" to unlimited bandwidth is $40/year, before I go that route I'd like to know if there's better (read: free) options out there that I am not aware of.
Anyone got any hints? I'm with LawDog and the "Magic Elf Box" theory here, so any help is appreciated. I like putting up the pretty pictures and keepin' y'all entertained, and would like to keep on doing it. With the high price of ammo, though, I'd prefer to keep excess spending to a minimum...
Any and all options/providers/thoughts would be appreciated.
That is all.
UPDATE: I really appreciate all the options and offers y'all sent in. As is my wont, though, I took the path of least resistance and ponied up the bucks for the unlimited Photobucket account. So let's make 'em EARN that $39.95!!!
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Law makes drivers move over, slow down for roadside emergencies
There's no truth to the rumor that the bill was originally called the "Get Your Head Out of Your Ass" law...
What's next? The "Don't Shave Behind the Wheel" law? "Don't Stop in the Middle of the Road for No Reason" law? Do we really need a new law telling people they should move over and slow down when approaching an accident scene?
What frightens me most is this:
[Emphasis mine] Got that? You're supposed to slow down, but we're not going to tell you what to slow down to. Nope, no possibility of abuse there... Just "slow down" and you'll be okay. However, fail to "slow down" enough - or just catch the town at a time of low revenue - and it's $100 out of your pocket and increased insurance premiums.
No sir, I don't like it. Don't like it one bit.
That is all.
In the past few months, State Police have encountered numerous instances in which troopers or their cruisers are struck when they are on the side of the road, said David Procopio, a spokesman for the State Police.
Now, officials from State Police, the Massachusetts Highway Department, and AAA Southern New England are hoping a new law - "Slow Down, Move Over" - that goes into effect Sunday will eliminate some of those accidents.
There's no truth to the rumor that the bill was originally called the "Get Your Head Out of Your Ass" law...
What's next? The "Don't Shave Behind the Wheel" law? "Don't Stop in the Middle of the Road for No Reason" law? Do we really need a new law telling people they should move over and slow down when approaching an accident scene?
What frightens me most is this:
Passed by the State Legislature on Dec. 22, the law requires drivers approaching emergency situations to leave the lane closest to the incident if possible and to slow down to a reasonable rate of speed.
Procopio said there is no specified speed limit. Violators face a fine of up to $100, he said.
[Emphasis mine] Got that? You're supposed to slow down, but we're not going to tell you what to slow down to. Nope, no possibility of abuse there... Just "slow down" and you'll be okay. However, fail to "slow down" enough - or just catch the town at a time of low revenue - and it's $100 out of your pocket and increased insurance premiums.
No sir, I don't like it. Don't like it one bit.
That is all.
Spot the Problem!
What's wrong with this headline?
MA Native Shot During Alleged Robbery In Miami
Nothing at all, provided you want to mislead your readers. Going to the story, we find that:
trick bring viewers in, eh?
Sadly, since it was a police officer who ended this criminal's career, it doesn't count in the dead goblin category. On the plus side, we have a strong contender for a new category: "Victim selection: UR doin it rong"...
That is all.
UPDATE: TOTWTYTR points out that there's a good deal in this story that doesn't quite add up, not just the headline. Shot in a lifeguard station? That's just plain weird, and certainly doesn't quote pass the sniff test for self-defense.
MA Native Shot During Alleged Robbery In Miami
Nothing at all, provided you want to mislead your readers. Going to the story, we find that:
Nothing like a misleading headline toAround 10 p.m. Monday night, police say a Palm Beach sheriff's deputy, not in uniform, was confronted by a robber who had a knife. The deputy shot the man dead.
Police say the man is Nicholas Burdett, 25 – a Springfield College alum and a former Needham resident.
Sadly, since it was a police officer who ended this criminal's career, it doesn't count in the dead goblin category. On the plus side, we have a strong contender for a new category: "Victim selection: UR doin it rong"...
That is all.
UPDATE: TOTWTYTR points out that there's a good deal in this story that doesn't quite add up, not just the headline. Shot in a lifeguard station? That's just plain weird, and certainly doesn't quote pass the sniff test for self-defense.
Know What Would Be Nice?
Never, ever hearing the phrase "octo-mom" again. That's be just fucking peachy.
That is all.
That is all.
Convince Me...
I mentioned the paucity of new guns in the G armory earlier this month, and pondered over what I should get next. One of the guns on the list is the venerable M1 Garand, called "the greatest battle implement ever devised" by General George S*. Patton. What's not to love about a semi-automatic rifle that won WWII and is available from CMP for around $500?
I know I should want a Garand. But it's just not all that high on the list. It's heavy. It's a pain in the ass to clean. It uses clips rather than magazines. The ammo is pricey - even the military surplus available from CMP is running $6 per 20 rounds. It's not on the latest version of the Assault Weapons Ban, nor was it on the 1994 version, so it's available even in MA.
So... Convince me. I'm halfway on board due to the historical significance. I've heard the various and sundry rumors: CMP's running out of them; they're going to be banned; re-importation will be banned; etc. I want to get one, that's not the issue. It's a matter of priorities.
I just need to be convinced that I should get one right now...
That is all.
*Thanks to alert reader Brad for correcting me
I know I should want a Garand. But it's just not all that high on the list. It's heavy. It's a pain in the ass to clean. It uses clips rather than magazines. The ammo is pricey - even the military surplus available from CMP is running $6 per 20 rounds. It's not on the latest version of the Assault Weapons Ban, nor was it on the 1994 version, so it's available even in MA.
So... Convince me. I'm halfway on board due to the historical significance. I've heard the various and sundry rumors: CMP's running out of them; they're going to be banned; re-importation will be banned; etc. I want to get one, that's not the issue. It's a matter of priorities.
I just need to be convinced that I should get one right now...
That is all.
*Thanks to alert reader Brad for correcting me
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Six Words...
Ted lists his six words. Thought it was a cute idea worth stealing borrowing, so here's mine:
That is all.
Loves his kids more than freedom.
That is all.
The Massachusetts Way...
You want to know how things are done in MA? Here's a checklist...
- Proposed $0.19/gallon gas tax increase
- Proposed increase in income tax to 6% from 5% (20% increase)
- Proposed increase in various and sundry fees (firearms permits, car registrations, etc.)
- Cuts to local aid resulting in cuts in police, fire, and other critical services.
And at the same time, we have do-nothing jobs for $60K/year...
Yeah, that's change I can believe in. I do suppose it is better than a $175K/year job that had been vacant the previous 12 years... Welcome to Massachusetts. Pull a seat up to the trough and dig in...
That is all.
Who is this Erin, and Where is Her Bra?
Happy St. Patrick's Day, folks; or, if you're a City of Boston employee, happy "Day off from work so you can drink green beer" day. Also known as "Evacuation Day" {chortle}.
Being a Goombah-American, I've never been a big one to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. I've gone into the North End of the Feast of Saint Anthony (and yes, worn my corno). I've eaten homemade pasta (hell, I've made my own pasta). Hell, I've even drank my grandfather's homemade vermouth (from a stock that could double for paint thinner, no less...).
But St. Patty's Day? Green beer? Leprechauns? Never really got into it. Never really had the connection.
Well... Now I've got three reasons, two of which are half-Irish and one that's full... So, for one day I can be Irish. Chalk up another thing that happens when you become a parent (excellent list BTW Marko...) And yes, my children were served green applesauce for breakfast this morning...
Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!
That is all.
Being a Goombah-American, I've never been a big one to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. I've gone into the North End of the Feast of Saint Anthony (and yes, worn my corno). I've eaten homemade pasta (hell, I've made my own pasta). Hell, I've even drank my grandfather's homemade vermouth (from a stock that could double for paint thinner, no less...).
But St. Patty's Day? Green beer? Leprechauns? Never really got into it. Never really had the connection.
Well... Now I've got three reasons, two of which are half-Irish and one that's full... So, for one day I can be Irish. Chalk up another thing that happens when you become a parent (excellent list BTW Marko...) And yes, my children were served green applesauce for breakfast this morning...
Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!
That is all.
Give Me A Lever and a Place to Stand...
...and I will move the world. Archimedes spoke these words over two thousand years before the invention of the lever-action rifle. Prophetic, because with the proper lever gun, it is possible to remove the center of a target or the heart of a deer...
Far be it from me to tarry ere a gun-buying decision be made, I replied post-haste:
So, Jay, what prompted this astute observation, you ask?
Well, reader "merlin" recently e-mailed me with a question about lever-action rifles:Heh. "...wondering if you had an opinion". Merlin, I've got an opinion on everything gun related... *g*Hey JayG.
I've been reading your blog for a while, but I very rarely comment. I think I got introduced to you via Law Dog, but I honestly don't remember now.
Anyways, on to my question. I'm starting to get the itch again. You know the one I'm talking about. It's usually located somewhere near the tip of your index finger, and it seems it can only be scratched by sweetly caressing a slightly curved piece of metal, usually black, chrome, or blued in hue.
I've pretty much decided to start with a Buckmark just to get back in the game. I'm also being "gifted" a Model 28 N-Frame HighwayPatrolman in .357 with a 4" barrel from my dear old dad. He is also holding on to my Ruger 10/22 long gun for me, which I will repatriate at an appropriate time.
I feel like I'm fairly well set on the hand cannon side of things, at least for getting back into things, but I'm looking at rifles now, trying to decide what I want. At some point I'll probably end up with a .243 or a .308, but for now I want something in .22 LR, just because it's cheap and easy, and I'm broke.
So, I guess this is the long way of getting around to an ad I saw in the local rag yesterday for Henry Repeating Arms. I vaguely remember hearing the name, but don't know much about them and was curious if you had an opinion. The ad featured a nice looking rifle with an octagonal barrel, lever-action and chambered in .22LR. Looked very reminiscent of the old saddle guns of yore. I'll admit most of my interest is just for the looks alone, but that's almost reason enough, isn't it?
I'd appreciate any thoughts you might have on it, and feel free to turn this into a blog posting if you'd care to.-- Merlin
Far be it from me to tarry ere a gun-buying decision be made, I replied post-haste:
Hi Merlin,
Believe me, I know that itch extremely well. I'm trying to ignore it for another couple of weeks right now as it is, at least until Buy A Gun Day on April 15th... The Buckmark is an excellent choice, and I am positively green with envy over the Model 28... A 10/22 is on my short list of guns to get, and I might even get one this year.
As for the Henry, let's put it simply: You could do a whole lot worse, and spend a whole lot more, than a Henry lever-action rifle. They're great looking guns that shoot extremely well, have a great balance and heft, and a slick-as-snot lever action that you can, with little practice, work just as fast as a semi-auto. For the money, they're one of the greatest deals around. You get a lever-action rifle, which is about as American as you can get; you get an inexpensive shooter - you can shoot bulk .22LR all day long and not worry about jams or misfeeds like in a semi-auto; and you get this:
There's even a large lever loop available for it. How can you possibly go wrong?
I own a Marlin model 39A Golden .22LR lever action gun, which I positively stole a few years back. My buddy Bruce (No Looking Backwards) has a Henry. We've shot 'em side-by-side at the range, and I've got to say, that little Henry shoots every bit as good as my Marlin. The lever on the Henry's even a little slicker - although to be fair I don't think my Marlin is quite broken in yet. Accuracy's about the same between the two; the Marlin has a 4-round edge in the tubular mag (long barrel, longer magazine); other than that, they're evenly matched.
And with an MSRP of $325 (which means you should be able to take one home for ~ $250 or so), it's not going to break the bank. And it comes with a lifetime warranty. How can you argue with that?
Thanks for okaying the posting - I think this is an excellent question and I'm happy to give the MArooned Seal of Approval to the Henry Lever-action .22LR.
And yes, "because it looks cool" is an absolutely good reason to buy a gun. Of course!!!
Thanks for reading, and thanks for the e-mail!
Best regards,Jay G.
MArooned
Personally, no armory is complete without at least one .22LR rifle in it. It's best to have a semi-automatic rifle (I recommend the Ruger 10/22, even though I don't own one - yet) and one manually operated one - bolt, slide, or lever-action. One could do a heckuva lot worse than a Henry repeating .22 rimfire rifle, and not at heckuva lot better. Oh, sure, I like my Marlin just fine, but if I hadn't come across that deal, I'd have bought a Henry, no question about it.
So, as a parting thought question... What's your favorite .22LR rifle?
That is all.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Under the Radar...
Ah, smell that? It's more local HopenChange...
Only 1 hearing planned in Boston on governor's plan to raise Registry of Motor Vehicles fees
How's that go again? Oh yeah. BOHICA (Bend Over, Here It Comes Again). This is on top of the 19 cent/gallon gas tax increase as well as the proposed 1% increase in sales tax (which they have proposed as, and I am not making this up, "only a penny"...).
Obviously, Governor Escalade needs another six figure job for a political hack...
That is all.
Only 1 hearing planned in Boston on governor's plan to raise Registry of Motor Vehicles fees
BOSTON - The Patrick administration is planning a single public hearing in Boston to air plans for raising 30 different types of fees charged by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Mass. Gov. Deval L. Patrick wants to increase the fees to help pay for operation of transportation agencies and to pay debt for building roads and bridges.
How's that go again? Oh yeah. BOHICA (Bend Over, Here It Comes Again). This is on top of the 19 cent/gallon gas tax increase as well as the proposed 1% increase in sales tax (which they have proposed as, and I am not making this up, "only a penny"...).
Obviously, Governor Escalade needs another six figure job for a political hack...
That is all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
