Heh. There will be a new gun in the G. armory soon, hopefully in time for the Bloggershoot.
Any guesses on what it is?
That is all.
Friday, July 31, 2009
How Fitting...
Dodd says he has prostate cancer, feels fine
Now both sides of the "waitress sandwich" have cancer. How fitting.
That is all.
HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd says he has been diagnosed with an early stage of prostate cancer and will have surgery early in August.
Dodd says he feels fine and is "confident we're going to come out of this well." He says he was diagnosed about six weeks ago, but the diagnosis will not affect his plans to seek a sixth term next year.
Now both sides of the "waitress sandwich" have cancer. How fitting.
That is all.
I'm A Schadenfreude Not...
Poll of Polls: President's approval ratings slip
Once again, I'll reiterate: I wonder what his numbers would look like if the media didn't treat him like he tap-danced on hot coals and shat ice cream...
Gee, imagine that. Fail to do anything other than propose new taxes and spend, spend, spend our way into debt at the speed of Democrat leads to falling poll numbers. Who knew? The disastrous "Cash for Clunkers" program has been put on hiatus after a whole week - imagine that, offering cash money for people to turn in old cars, and getting a big reaction! - they can't manage a simple giveaway, and yet they want to run our health care? NFW.
My favorite part was this, though:
Right. And that's a cold sore, not herpes.
That is all.
WASHINGTON (CNN) — It's late July, a time for hot and humid weather in the nation's capital. But when it comes to President Barack Obama's approval rating, an average of the most recent national surveys indicates a cooling trend.
According to a new CNN Poll of Polls, 54 percent of Americans approve of how Obama is handling his duties in the White House. That's down 7 points from late June, when the president's approval rating stood at 61 percent. The latest approval rating is the lowest for Obama in his young presidency. The CNN Poll of Polls, compiled and released Thursday, is an average of seven national surveys conducted over the past nine days.
Once again, I'll reiterate: I wonder what his numbers would look like if the media didn't treat him like he tap-danced on hot coals and shat ice cream...
Gee, imagine that. Fail to do anything other than propose new taxes and spend, spend, spend our way into debt at the speed of Democrat leads to falling poll numbers. Who knew? The disastrous "Cash for Clunkers" program has been put on hiatus after a whole week - imagine that, offering cash money for people to turn in old cars, and getting a big reaction! - they can't manage a simple giveaway, and yet they want to run our health care? NFW.
My favorite part was this, though:
UPDATE: "The president isn't fixated on the ups and downs of polling," said White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs at Thursday's briefing.
Right. And that's a cold sore, not herpes.
That is all.
Friday Fun Thread: Two-Wheeled Faves
Today's Top Ten list is a direct result of me staring out my window at the beautiful sunny day and wishing I could be on two wheels instead of five (office chair)... These are my all-time favorite motorcycles, either bikes I've ridden or lusted over.
1. Harley Davidson Ultra Glide CVO. I currently ride an Electra Glide Standard, which is essentially the base model tourer. The Ultra Glide is the high end, with all the bells and whistles, and the CVO gives it custom paint, hotter motor, and a host of special touches like heated seats.
2. Honda Valkyrie. The Valk has been one of my favorite motorcycles since the first time I rode one. It was part of a Honda Open House at the local Honda dealer, and one of the demo ride bikes was a Valk. I waited and waited until it was open, because I wanted to try out the six cylinder, six carburator monster cruiser. And it did not disappoint.
3. Ducati 1198 Superbike. I don't ride sport bikes for a very good reason (I happen to enjoy living). I know myself. I know that, with a powerful bike at my beck and call, the temptation to push the envelope will be great. I don't trust myself on a sportbike. But I'd be willing to chance it on a Ducati...
4. Triumph Bonneville. There's just something about this Brit bike that gives it immense curb appeal. Maybe it's the throwback-to-the-1960s styling. Maybe it's the "James Dean rode a Bonnie". In any case, this is one standard motorcycle that is anything but boring...
5. Kawasaki Drifter. With styling reminiscent of the Indian days, and a price tag that wouldn't even buy a rusted out Indian hulk, the Drifter is the best of both worlds. It's a reliable Japanese bike, built on the venerable Vulcan platform, yet is styled like the great cruising bikes of the '50s.
6. Ural. Ah, the Ural. Like the Makarov pistol, it's a Russian copy of a German staple. It's utilitarian yet functional, and offers a military-styled hack mount for less than the cost of a Harley Davidson sidecar by itself.
7. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe. It's got serious retro appeal while maintaining modern amenities like fuel injection, clock, and fuel gauge. It looks good with a solo seat or two up; with leather saddlebags or without; with windshield or open.
8. Honda Goldwing. Ah, the Hondabago. Everything except the kitchen sink (and that might actually be an option). Storage for everything you need for a weekend. Power to spare. Linked anti-lock brakes. Satellite radio. If you want a bike that will eat up the miles in decadent comfort, look no further.
9. Boss Hoss. Chevy 350. 'Nuff said? Well, that and the two-speed transmission ("Go" and "HOLYSHITWHATHAVEIGOTTENMYSELFINTO???"). There's just something about a motorcycle built around a V8 engine. Oh, and there's a 502 available, too...
10. Kawasaki ZRX 1200. I thought this was one of the greatest ideas ever when Kawasaki came out with it. Take your sportbike. Strip off all the extraneous plastic cladding. Give it a standard motorcycle-style seat for greater comfort. Then, when you've got the greatest motorcycle since the Honda Nighthawk 700S, offer it for about half the sportbike cost. WIN!
So there's ten of my favorite bikes. This could easily have been a Top 20 or even Top 30 list, as I didn't even get to list my first bike ever (Yamaha XS850) or the first bike I ever rode (Suzuki Tempter). I could also have gone straight through the Harley Davidson line - or Honda, for that matter.
What are your favorite scoots?
That is all.
1. Harley Davidson Ultra Glide CVO. I currently ride an Electra Glide Standard, which is essentially the base model tourer. The Ultra Glide is the high end, with all the bells and whistles, and the CVO gives it custom paint, hotter motor, and a host of special touches like heated seats.
2. Honda Valkyrie. The Valk has been one of my favorite motorcycles since the first time I rode one. It was part of a Honda Open House at the local Honda dealer, and one of the demo ride bikes was a Valk. I waited and waited until it was open, because I wanted to try out the six cylinder, six carburator monster cruiser. And it did not disappoint.
3. Ducati 1198 Superbike. I don't ride sport bikes for a very good reason (I happen to enjoy living). I know myself. I know that, with a powerful bike at my beck and call, the temptation to push the envelope will be great. I don't trust myself on a sportbike. But I'd be willing to chance it on a Ducati...
4. Triumph Bonneville. There's just something about this Brit bike that gives it immense curb appeal. Maybe it's the throwback-to-the-1960s styling. Maybe it's the "James Dean rode a Bonnie". In any case, this is one standard motorcycle that is anything but boring...
5. Kawasaki Drifter. With styling reminiscent of the Indian days, and a price tag that wouldn't even buy a rusted out Indian hulk, the Drifter is the best of both worlds. It's a reliable Japanese bike, built on the venerable Vulcan platform, yet is styled like the great cruising bikes of the '50s.
6. Ural. Ah, the Ural. Like the Makarov pistol, it's a Russian copy of a German staple. It's utilitarian yet functional, and offers a military-styled hack mount for less than the cost of a Harley Davidson sidecar by itself.
7. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe. It's got serious retro appeal while maintaining modern amenities like fuel injection, clock, and fuel gauge. It looks good with a solo seat or two up; with leather saddlebags or without; with windshield or open.
8. Honda Goldwing. Ah, the Hondabago. Everything except the kitchen sink (and that might actually be an option). Storage for everything you need for a weekend. Power to spare. Linked anti-lock brakes. Satellite radio. If you want a bike that will eat up the miles in decadent comfort, look no further.
9. Boss Hoss. Chevy 350. 'Nuff said? Well, that and the two-speed transmission ("Go" and "HOLYSHITWHATHAVEIGOTTENMYSELFINTO???"). There's just something about a motorcycle built around a V8 engine. Oh, and there's a 502 available, too...
10. Kawasaki ZRX 1200. I thought this was one of the greatest ideas ever when Kawasaki came out with it. Take your sportbike. Strip off all the extraneous plastic cladding. Give it a standard motorcycle-style seat for greater comfort. Then, when you've got the greatest motorcycle since the Honda Nighthawk 700S, offer it for about half the sportbike cost. WIN!
So there's ten of my favorite bikes. This could easily have been a Top 20 or even Top 30 list, as I didn't even get to list my first bike ever (Yamaha XS850) or the first bike I ever rode (Suzuki Tempter). I could also have gone straight through the Harley Davidson line - or Honda, for that matter.
What are your favorite scoots?
That is all.
Friday Gun Pr0n #122
Today's gun is one of the many coming to the Bloggershoot on Sunday. This is my trap & skeet gun, such as it is:
Model 20
JC Higgins Model 20 pump-action 12 gauge shotgun. 2 3/4" only. This is another firearm I inherited from my grandfather, and the wear on it attests to its primary use as Grampy's duck- and pheasant gun. John Audubon didn't kill as many birds as this old Sears & Roebuck workhorse. These days, though, all it kills are orange clays, and it will send them to clayhalla all day long if I do my part.
We'll see on Sunday if that's still the case...
That is all.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
CAUTION: MINDLESS PSH AHEAD
Be careful. The bullshit is at least hip deep in this little bit of "journalism*"
Brazen weapon fire chills police
Now, this *is* the Boston Globe. Please understand that, even under the best of circumstances, I would no sooner expect them to get something right about firearms than to sprout wings and fly to the moon. However, this article takes teh stoopid to new lows. Please, allow me to demonstrate.
"Fearsome firearms". PSH much? What, praytell, is so "fearsome" about these weapons? Do we have to go through the whole "assault weapon/not an assault weapon" exercise again? Additionally, why is Mumbles meeting with "ministers in Roxbury"? Do these ministers have an "in" with the gang members? Or do the clergy in Boston routinely have their pulse on the illegal weapons trade?
The "fearsome" AK-47 fires the 7.62X39mm round, also known as .30 Russian or .30 short. It's about as powerful as a .30-30, which is what many lever-action deer rifles sitting in grandpa's safe are chambered in. The odds of this round "rip[ping]" through a telephone pole are slim, to be charitable...
You know what's missing here? Two facts: 1. MA has continued the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban in perpetuity; and 2. Boston proper has even stricter regulations ban on semi-automatic rifles. In other words, the gangbangers in question are breaking dozens of laws just touching these weapons... And let's not even get into the disconnect between "MA has the AWB" and "these guns are showing up on the streets"...
BULLSHIT FLAG ON THE PLAY.
Robb covered this one already. Your standard AK-47 cannot "easily" be converted to fully automatic. That's a canard that started with the 1994 AWB. It requires an not-inconsequential amount of gunsmithing and metalworking skill.
Oh, and it's also a FEDERAL FELONY that will land your ass in a Federal Penitentiary.
Cite, please. Don't through up an inflammatory statement like that without some proof to back it up. "Link or it didn't happen". And, just as a reminder, it's a Federal Felony for a private sale to cross state lines. If Joe Gun Owner in NH sells his "fearsome" AK-47 to George Gangbanger in MA, they are both committing a federal crime.
If you do decide to write to the author of thiswretched bit of PSH dreck informative piece of journalism, please be polite, respectful, and factual. Remember that the author works for Pravda the Globe, is most likely a denizen of Boston, and likely has no functional knowledge whatsoever of firearms.
And please, tempting though it may be, please refrain from using terms like "pants-shitting hysteria" even though that's the most accurate term for "journalism" of this ilk.
That is all.
*in this case, "journalism" is a euphemism for "steaming turd of anti-gun hysteria that wouldn't know a fact if it got bit on the ass by one".
Brazen weapon fire chills police
The gang shoot-out that rained gunfire and smoke on a quiet Dorchester street this week disturbed police on many levels: the seemingly new height in disregard for neighborhood safety, the fact that a 12-year-old girl watching TV inside a nearby house was shot through the leg.
But even more alarming: At least one of the weapons used in the gunfire was an AK-47 assault rifle, the fourth time in three weeks that one had been found or used in Boston and the seventh time since last July, when a 32-year-old man was shot dead with one.
Now, this *is* the Boston Globe. Please understand that, even under the best of circumstances, I would no sooner expect them to get something right about firearms than to sprout wings and fly to the moon. However, this article takes teh stoopid to new lows. Please, allow me to demonstrate.
Police say they are noticing more of the fearsome firearms on Boston streets than last year and, in particular, are concerned that there have been so many in the past three weeks. Tomorrow afternoon, Mayor Thomas M. Menino will meet with ministers in Roxbury to discuss crime in the city and the sudden proliferation of the rifles.
"Fearsome firearms". PSH much? What, praytell, is so "fearsome" about these weapons? Do we have to go through the whole "assault weapon/not an assault weapon" exercise again? Additionally, why is Mumbles meeting with "ministers in Roxbury"? Do these ministers have an "in" with the gang members? Or do the clergy in Boston routinely have their pulse on the illegal weapons trade?
“This [weapon] can lay down a lot of fire in an urban area where there is basically no cover from it,’’ Commissioner Edward F. Davis said yesterday. “You can conceal yourself from these weapons, but they’ll rip through a car. They’ll rip through a telephone pole. They can rip through just about anything in an urban environment.’’
The "fearsome" AK-47 fires the 7.62X39mm round, also known as .30 Russian or .30 short. It's about as powerful as a .30-30, which is what many lever-action deer rifles sitting in grandpa's safe are chambered in. The odds of this round "rip[ping]" through a telephone pole are slim, to be charitable...
"Everybody understands when they read the morning paper that you have to push as much as you can to get these guns off the street,’’ he said.
...
Nine assault rifles have been confiscated so far this year, compared with four seized in 2008. Eighteen assault rifles were found in 2007.
You know what's missing here? Two facts: 1. MA has continued the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban in perpetuity; and 2. Boston proper has even stricter regulations ban on semi-automatic rifles. In other words, the gangbangers in question are breaking dozens of laws just touching these weapons... And let's not even get into the disconnect between "MA has the AWB" and "these guns are showing up on the streets"...
But police worry about the attractiveness of assault rifles to gangs. AK-47s are much more powerful than handguns, capable of firing at least 100 yards, and can be easily converted into automatic weapons.
BULLSHIT FLAG ON THE PLAY.
Robb covered this one already. Your standard AK-47 cannot "easily" be converted to fully automatic. That's a canard that started with the 1994 AWB. It requires an not-inconsequential amount of gunsmithing and metalworking skill.
Oh, and it's also a FEDERAL FELONY that will land your ass in a Federal Penitentiary.
Community leaders and gun control advocates yesterday said many of the illegal guns in Massachusetts likely come from states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, where private gun owners can sell their weapons to anyone without requiring background checks.
Cite, please. Don't through up an inflammatory statement like that without some proof to back it up. "Link or it didn't happen". And, just as a reminder, it's a Federal Felony for a private sale to cross state lines. If Joe Gun Owner in NH sells his "fearsome" AK-47 to George Gangbanger in MA, they are both committing a federal crime.
Maria Cramer can be reached at mcramer@globe.com.
If you do decide to write to the author of this
And please, tempting though it may be, please refrain from using terms like "pants-shitting hysteria" even though that's the most accurate term for "journalism" of this ilk.
That is all.
*in this case, "journalism" is a euphemism for "steaming turd of anti-gun hysteria that wouldn't know a fact if it got bit on the ass by one".
0bama's Latest Gaffe
Yes, our illustrious Dear Leader has stepped in it again:
Beer choice at Obama meeting touches off new debate
(emphasis mine) Seriously, Bud Light? Dude! I quit drinking that when I got out of college and had money to spend on real beer. Bud Mud is the best 0bama can do? Honestly? It's especially surprising when you recall who sits on the Board of Directors for Anheiser-Busch...
The article makes a good albeit specious point, that the three beers chosen for the event are all foreign-owned or based (A-B is owned by a Belgian consortium; Red Stripe is Jamaican, and Blue Moon is Canadian). They point to Boston's own Sam Adam's as an American company that could have been chosen, and point to other local, American brews that could have been chosen. Personally, I would have gone with something from NH-based Red Hook, but that's just me...
I did have to chuckle at this line, though:
Apparently he read yesterday's headline of the day...
That is all.
Beer choice at Obama meeting touches off new debate
(CNN) — The upcoming White House meeting with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and the Cambridge police officer who arrested him earlier this month appears to have touched off a fresh debate all on its own: what kind of beer should be served?
Earlier this week the White House indicated each man would drink the beer of their choice — Bud Light for President Obama, Blue Moon for the police officer, and perhaps Red Stripe or Beck's for Gates.
(emphasis mine) Seriously, Bud Light? Dude! I quit drinking that when I got out of college and had money to spend on real beer. Bud Mud is the best 0bama can do? Honestly? It's especially surprising when you recall who sits on the Board of Directors for Anheiser-Busch...
The article makes a good albeit specious point, that the three beers chosen for the event are all foreign-owned or based (A-B is owned by a Belgian consortium; Red Stripe is Jamaican, and Blue Moon is Canadian). They point to Boston's own Sam Adam's as an American company that could have been chosen, and point to other local, American brews that could have been chosen. Personally, I would have gone with something from NH-based Red Hook, but that's just me...
I did have to chuckle at this line, though:
Dan Kenary, president of Harpoon Brewery, told the paper they are working every "back-door channel" the company has.
Apparently he read yesterday's headline of the day...
That is all.
Gun ADD...
Caleb's not the only one with Gun ADD (the distracting phenomenom of wanting a new gun but not knowing which one to get...) It's been almost four months since I last brought home a new (to me) heater; I'm starting to get Igottahaveit-itis. Problem is, I just don't know what to get.
I've been thinking of a 9mm carbine, so a Kel-Tec Sub2000 that takes Sig 226 mags is a possibility. Then again, so's a cheap-assed Hi-Point 995 with the Beretta Storm lookalike stock. AK clones are starting to come back down to earth, it would be nice to pick up a functioning model. The new Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 looks kick-ass. And I still don't own a 10/22...
I've been thinking of a 9mm carbine, so a Kel-Tec Sub2000 that takes Sig 226 mags is a possibility. Then again, so's a cheap-assed Hi-Point 995 with the Beretta Storm lookalike stock. AK clones are starting to come back down to earth, it would be nice to pick up a functioning model. The new Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 looks kick-ass. And I still don't own a 10/22...
For pistols, I've got a line on a CZ-50, which intrigues me because I don't have anything chambered in .32 ACP. However the C&R eligible CZ-82 is starting to dry up, so prices may be going up. And I really want to get a decent .22LR semi-automatic that's a little more reliable than my S&W 422 (great gun, but jams, and that's not good for teaching new shooters) - thinking a Ruger Mark III or 22/45.
On the "save up a little more" front, I'd like another semi-auto rifle in .308, preferably one that doesn't take mags made from compressed unicorn tears. An M1 Garand or functioning M1 Carbine would be a welcome (and needed) addition to the armory. Something with longer reach - bolt action .308 with decent glass - is also currently missing. The Walther PPS in .40 S&W would make an excellent carry piece, as would a S&W 442.
*sigh* So many guns, so little discretionary income...
That is all.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Northeast Blogger Shoot, Summer Edition: Directions Update...
Note to attendees: An e-mail with directions to the Bloggershoot's Sooper Seekrit location was sent out via e-mail last night. If you did not receive the e-mail, it means one of three things:
1. I don't have your e-mail address (please send it to me; my e-mail's in my profile);
2. The e-mail address that I have on file for you is not correct (please send correct/current e-mail address); or
3. Read your damn e-mail...
Please let me know ASAP if you need directions or have any other questions...
That is all.
1. I don't have your e-mail address (please send it to me; my e-mail's in my profile);
2. The e-mail address that I have on file for you is not correct (please send correct/current e-mail address); or
3. Read your damn e-mail...
Please let me know ASAP if you need directions or have any other questions...
That is all.
Headline of the Day...
Gunblogger Conspiracy is abuzz with this story:
Stripper's 'sex toy rape accidental'
Oh, there's just so much wrong with this story... I'll let the chat log at GBC tell the tale:
Mental note: Cancel plans to visit Australia...
That is all.
Stripper's 'sex toy rape accidental'
A BUCK'S night reveller was completely naked and on his hands and knees when he allegedly was raped by a stripper with a "statuesque'' pink sex toy, a court has heard.
Stripper Linda Maree Naggs, 40, will argue the rape of the best man at the party in the bayside Melbourne suburb of Mornington in September 2007 was an accident.
The alleged victim had volunteered to take part in a dildo routine, but asked the stripper not to penetrate him, the Victorian County Court heard.
Oh, there's just so much wrong with this story... I'll let the chat log at GBC tell the tale:
[xyankeeworkshop]: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,25853780-5005962,00.html
[xyankeeworkshop]: "You said you weren't going to do that and you did,'' he told the stripper after the alleged rape. ``Do you think this is a joke when there is blood.''
[xyankeeworkshop]: Note to self...
[JayG]: Stay WAY the hell away from Aussie hookers?
[JayG]: Or???
[Lokidude]: New Rule: if you're naked, on your hands and knees, don't be surprised if penetration occurs.
[xyankeeworkshop]: there are many, many notes to take away from this
[Salamander]: Aww hell
[David]: when you drop the soap, don't bend to pick it up
[Salamander]: I wonder if his friends were like "WHAT THE HELL IS MIKEY DOIN'?"
[JayG]: "Dude, when I said I got your back... I GOT your BACK"...
[Salamander]: hehe
[JayG]: Are you kidding Sal?
[Salamander]: which?
[JayG]: His friends were slipping her $10 spots to "ride him like a bronco"...
[Salamander]: lol
[JayG]: I mean, that's what I'd do...
[JayG]: you're dumb enough to drop to all fours stark nekkid in front of a stripper with a strap-on...
[JayG]: I'm gonna take pictures.
[Salamander]: ...for a dildo routine
[Unix-Jedi]: Serves him right for serving as best man
[Salamander]: Heh, forever after, when someone has lost their keys. "Did you check Mike's ass?"
[Salamander]: Poor guy
[Lokidude]: "Hey, guys, remember that time Tom got fucked up the ass?"
[Lokidude]: Every party, you know that's coming out.
Mental note: Cancel plans to visit Australia...
That is all.
Is This A Bad Thing?
Strip clubs, marijuana eyed during budget crunch
Why the hell not? Can anyone honestly give one good reason why we shouldn't legalize marijuana and treat it just like alcohol? Is there any reason NOT derived from the Puritanical "Reefer Madness" bullshit, that is? It makes zero sense that we spend millions of dollars a year fighting this mythical "war on drugs" when we could be taxing it like any other commodity and putting that money to good use.
Use the same laws governing alcohol - no public consumption (i.e. how you can't walk down Main Street with an open bottle of Bud in your hands); set a limit for OUI (if there's no quick determination of how intoxicated one is with MJ, then set the limit at 0); age limit for purchase/use (I'd say 18 but if it makes the nanny-staters feel better, 21); etc. Tax it like alcohol or cigarettes, collect the taxes, and for the love of all that's good and holy, stop throwing people into prison for having a ziploc bag full of the stuff.
Please, spare me the "ZOMG it's a gateway drug". Uh, no. No it's not. Yes, sometimes people start out on MJ and move up to harder drugs, that's true. But you know what? Those same people would move onto harder drugs anyways. Ditto the "ZOMG you'll have druggies out on teh streets" (snark aside that I'd rather have dopers driving around at 15 MPH with their right blinker on than drunks...). It couldn't be any worse than it is now, and once it's legalized we can start nailing people for OUI and handling accordingly.
MJ is arguably better for society than alcohol - last time I checked, you don't often hear stories of dopers getting baked and starting wild fights or riots. I'd rather have Maynard G. Krebs macramé his ass into the sofa than Billy Beergut pound a dozen tall boys then decide he doesn't like the way the guy across the bar looked at him... Physiological strain on the body is pretty much a wash as well - MJ has lung cancer as the #1 pitfall, whereas with alcohol it's cirrhosis and liver cancer. Lung cancer kills faster and doesn't squander good organs on transplants for celebrities...
It's time, folks. It's time to drop the decades-old prejudices, old wives tales, and stereotypes and Realize It's Time to Legalize.
That is all.
(CNN) -- With their budgets teetering on bankruptcy, states are digging deep to find creative ways to ease their financial woes.
...
One of the more controversial ideas is to legalize the sale of marijuana, as proposed in a bill introduced in California's state legislature by Democratic State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano this year. The bill proposed taxing pot by $50 per ounce. If legalized,
marijuana could become California's No. 1 cash crop, bringing in an estimated $1 billion a year in state taxes.
Why the hell not? Can anyone honestly give one good reason why we shouldn't legalize marijuana and treat it just like alcohol? Is there any reason NOT derived from the Puritanical "Reefer Madness" bullshit, that is? It makes zero sense that we spend millions of dollars a year fighting this mythical "war on drugs" when we could be taxing it like any other commodity and putting that money to good use.
Use the same laws governing alcohol - no public consumption (i.e. how you can't walk down Main Street with an open bottle of Bud in your hands); set a limit for OUI (if there's no quick determination of how intoxicated one is with MJ, then set the limit at 0); age limit for purchase/use (I'd say 18 but if it makes the nanny-staters feel better, 21); etc. Tax it like alcohol or cigarettes, collect the taxes, and for the love of all that's good and holy, stop throwing people into prison for having a ziploc bag full of the stuff.
Please, spare me the "ZOMG it's a gateway drug". Uh, no. No it's not. Yes, sometimes people start out on MJ and move up to harder drugs, that's true. But you know what? Those same people would move onto harder drugs anyways. Ditto the "ZOMG you'll have druggies out on teh streets" (snark aside that I'd rather have dopers driving around at 15 MPH with their right blinker on than drunks...). It couldn't be any worse than it is now, and once it's legalized we can start nailing people for OUI and handling accordingly.
MJ is arguably better for society than alcohol - last time I checked, you don't often hear stories of dopers getting baked and starting wild fights or riots. I'd rather have Maynard G. Krebs macramé his ass into the sofa than Billy Beergut pound a dozen tall boys then decide he doesn't like the way the guy across the bar looked at him... Physiological strain on the body is pretty much a wash as well - MJ has lung cancer as the #1 pitfall, whereas with alcohol it's cirrhosis and liver cancer. Lung cancer kills faster and doesn't squander good organs on transplants for celebrities...
It's time, folks. It's time to drop the decades-old prejudices, old wives tales, and stereotypes and Realize It's Time to Legalize.
That is all.
WWWAAAAANNNNNTTTTTT!!!!!
I need some of these for the Bloggershoot:
"This is Dragon's Breath. Strong Stuff"...
That is all.
(Side note: No, I wouldn't use these at the Sooper Seekrit Range. Too much danger of fire. But BOY, does that ever look like fun!!!)
"This is Dragon's Breath. Strong Stuff"...
That is all.
(Side note: No, I wouldn't use these at the Sooper Seekrit Range. Too much danger of fire. But BOY, does that ever look like fun!!!)
Gotta Cash In...
So Marko's set up a Cafe Press shop. Go. Check it out. Buy a bumper sticker or T-shirt. Bruce has two (err, three) shops. Ambulance Driver has a shop as well. Seems like all the cool kids have proprietary merchandise.
Well, it's about time to ramp up the awesome power of the MArooned Marketing Machine...
I was trying to figure out what, exactly, could go on a T-shirt or bumper sticker, and was thinking of phrases unique to this particular corner of the intarweb. Here's what I came up with so far:
And for graphics, well, there's always my personal favorite:
Well, it's about time to ramp up the awesome power of the MArooned Marketing Machine...
I was trying to figure out what, exactly, could go on a T-shirt or bumper sticker, and was thinking of phrases unique to this particular corner of the intarweb. Here's what I came up with so far:
- "That is all" (perhaps too esoteric)
- "Lead, Follow, or Get the F**K Out of My Way" (the JayG Driving School)
- "A Shotgun Without A Bayonet Is Like A Day Without Sunshine"
- "I Hate the Republicans and the Democrats. I Just Hate the Republicans a Little Less" (political philosophy, could be adapted for the other party)
- "Øbama" (might not sell well in Cambridge)
And for graphics, well, there's always my personal favorite:
So... I'm afraid to ask, but what other unique "Jayisms" can y'all think of?
That is all.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
And Again...
SUV Crashes into Yard, Injures Toddler & Woman
Another elderly driver, another eeeevil over-powered SUV, another child mowed down in the alleged safety of their own yard. When will the MA legislators finally break the shackles of the powerful AA and AARP lobbies and start calling for some common sense elderly controls? How many more children must suffer at the hands of overcompensating seniors and their machineries of death? Why can't Congress ban these evil SUVs whose large wheels and hefty ground clearance are clearly designed only to run over children and puppies?
Gah. It strains my brain to even try to pretend to talk an an anti-gunner...
I did notice they blame that slippery culprit, Mr. "Gas pedal changes with the brake":
Emphasis mine. "For some unknown reason".
Let's review. There are two possible options here:
1. The driver got confused and mashed down on the wrong pedal; or
2. Magical elves played a practical joke and changed the controls of the SUV.
I know, I know. In these days of magic gasoline peeing unicorns that pay our mortgage and sign us up to vote Democrat through ACORN, anything's possible, but really...
Oh, and one more time: A primer to help.
UPDATE: Since preparing this post, the woman who was struck has died. Rest in Peace.
That is all.
SOMERVILLE (WBZ) ― The SUV backed onto a sidewalk on Munroe Street in Somerville, striking a woman and child.
Somerville Police say a 2-year-old Roslindale child was seriously hurt and a 32-year-old Dedham woman was gravely injured when a 71-year-old neighbor drove his Nissan Pathfinder into a yard Sunday afternoon.A birthday party for the woman's child was being held at the Munroe Street home at the time of the accident.
Another elderly driver, another eeeevil over-powered SUV, another child mowed down in the alleged safety of their own yard. When will the MA legislators finally break the shackles of the powerful AA and AARP lobbies and start calling for some common sense elderly controls? How many more children must suffer at the hands of overcompensating seniors and their machineries of death? Why can't Congress ban these evil SUVs whose large wheels and hefty ground clearance are clearly designed only to run over children and puppies?
Gah. It strains my brain to even try to pretend to talk an an anti-gunner...
I did notice they blame that slippery culprit, Mr. "Gas pedal changes with the brake":
"(The) driver was going in or out of a parking space on Munroe Street and for some unknown reason, the vehicle accelerated across the sidewalk, a couple of wheels up onto private property," says Deputy Police Chief Paul Upton.
Emphasis mine. "For some unknown reason".
Let's review. There are two possible options here:
1. The driver got confused and mashed down on the wrong pedal; or
2. Magical elves played a practical joke and changed the controls of the SUV.
I know, I know. In these days of magic gasoline peeing unicorns that pay our mortgage and sign us up to vote Democrat through ACORN, anything's possible, but really...
Oh, and one more time: A primer to help.
UPDATE: Since preparing this post, the woman who was struck has died. Rest in Peace.
That is all.
Even More Gunnie Pet Peeves...
Caleb points out a rather unsafe firearms exhibit from Russia, and doesn't like it. I started to comment with some of the online stuff I've seen that makes me cringe, and it turned into enough for a whole 'nother "Gunnie Pet Peeve" post. Here's a bunch of things that, when I see online, I just shake my head and hope no one from VPC finds...
- The "point the loaded gun at the camera" shots.
- The "show the pretty girl with her finger on the trigger" shots.
- Videos of yahoos playing tricks on their friends either with guns or using guns as props (the firecrackers-while-the-wife-holds-the-1911 video springs to mind here).
- Videos where small women are handed ginormous handguns or shotguns and mocked when they get hit by recoil.
- Pretty much any video that shows someone hit by a ricochet (having been hit myself I'm a little leery anyways).
- Videos of questionable targets - propane tanks, improperly prepared cars, images of ex-wives...
- Any pic or video that shows a shooter without proper eye- and/or hearing protection.
- Any pic or video that substitutes a barely-clothed, silicone-enhanced model for a competent shooter.
That about covers it for now. What else pisses you off?
That is all.
Well Lookie Lookie!
Look what the white truck of happiness left on my porch yesterday:
Life. Is. Good.
The funny thing is, when I was a wee sprog, I used to hate the dreaded "Summer Reading List". Of course, that probably has something to do with being forced to read books like Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Agent" and Thomas Hardy's insufferable "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" (the highlight of which I'd have to say was Tess killing the bird. But only because after reading that boring book I longed to switch places with the bird...)
Had they assigned "Monster Hunter International" I'd have ripped into the list with a zeal normally reserve for dad's private stash...
That is all.
Northeast Blogger Shoot, Summer Edition Update: ARMS RACE!!!
Okay folks, this is it. We've got less than a week to the big event. It's time to start the fun part: Laying out the ordnance we'll be lugging out to the shoot!
Here's what will be coming from the G. armory:
Long arms:
Bushmaster XM15-E2S (5.56X45mm/.223 Rem) semi-auto
VEPR (.308 Win) semi-auto
Mossberg 590 (12 gauge, with bayonet) pump action
Remington 511 (.22LR) scoped bolt action
Marlin 39A (.22LR) lever action
Handguns:
Smith & Wesson SW99 (.40 S&W, with bayonet) semi-auto
Browning Hi-Power (9mm) semi-auto
Colt Gold Cup National Match (.45 ACP) semi-auto
Colt New Frontier (.22LR) single action revolver
Ruger Security Six (.357 Magnum) double action revolver
Sufficient levels of ammunition for all firearms, plus extra ammunition for others (Borepatch,Lissa, etc.).
Is there anything else in the G. armory anyone would like to try out? The above is about my limit for what I'm willing to lug/clean, but substitutions can be made or an extra gun or two added to the mix if someone really wants to try something out.
So... What are y'all planning to bring?
I would recommend bringing a box or two extra of factory 9mm ammo at the least and probably some .223 Rem as well. There's a definite chance of full-auto goodness at this year's shoot...
That is all.
PS: Anyone who needs directions to the sooper-seekrit range please let me know...
Here's what will be coming from the G. armory:
Long arms:
Bushmaster XM15-E2S (5.56X45mm/.223 Rem) semi-auto
VEPR (.308 Win) semi-auto
Mossberg 590 (12 gauge, with bayonet) pump action
Remington 511 (.22LR) scoped bolt action
Marlin 39A (.22LR) lever action
Handguns:
Smith & Wesson SW99 (.40 S&W, with bayonet) semi-auto
Browning Hi-Power (9mm) semi-auto
Colt Gold Cup National Match (.45 ACP) semi-auto
Colt New Frontier (.22LR) single action revolver
Ruger Security Six (.357 Magnum) double action revolver
Sufficient levels of ammunition for all firearms, plus extra ammunition for others (Borepatch,Lissa, etc.).
Is there anything else in the G. armory anyone would like to try out? The above is about my limit for what I'm willing to lug/clean, but substitutions can be made or an extra gun or two added to the mix if someone really wants to try something out.
So... What are y'all planning to bring?
I would recommend bringing a box or two extra of factory 9mm ammo at the least and probably some .223 Rem as well. There's a definite chance of full-auto goodness at this year's shoot...
That is all.
PS: Anyone who needs directions to the sooper-seekrit range please let me know...
Monday, July 27, 2009
Climbin' the Walls...
So yesterday I took the kids to an indoor rock-climbing center. They'd been taking a class at the local YMCA for rock-climbing, and as an end-of-session "field trip" they'd gotten a free morning at this center. The Y was bringing their gear (they have a small indoor rock-wall room and the necessary harnesses and other gear), so the admission was free. So off we went to check the place out and do some climbing.
Come to find out, the place is really nice. They have two separate sections, one that requires a harness (~ 20' high) and one that does not (~ 10' high). The section that does not require a harness has padded areas under it, and a flat portion on the top that climbers can reach and then observe the other areas. Needless to say, it proved to be quite the incentive for TheBoy to climb all the way to the top. Heck, they even got me to climb all the way up!
It's a pretty intense workout - you need both upper- and lower- body strength to climb using nothing more than your fingertips and toenails for leverage. It was interesting to see how the kids handled the physical challenge in their individual ways: TheBoy used his upper body strength (when did my son start developing muscles? He's eight, for cryin' out loud!) and long reach to finally claw (literally) his way to the top, swinging his legs over in triumph and gloating over his smaller, weaker sibling.
Who then proceeded to walk over to the staircase on the side and calmly walk up to the top...
That is all.
Come to find out, the place is really nice. They have two separate sections, one that requires a harness (~ 20' high) and one that does not (~ 10' high). The section that does not require a harness has padded areas under it, and a flat portion on the top that climbers can reach and then observe the other areas. Needless to say, it proved to be quite the incentive for TheBoy to climb all the way to the top. Heck, they even got me to climb all the way up!
It's a pretty intense workout - you need both upper- and lower- body strength to climb using nothing more than your fingertips and toenails for leverage. It was interesting to see how the kids handled the physical challenge in their individual ways: TheBoy used his upper body strength (when did my son start developing muscles? He's eight, for cryin' out loud!) and long reach to finally claw (literally) his way to the top, swinging his legs over in triumph and gloating over his smaller, weaker sibling.
Who then proceeded to walk over to the staircase on the side and calmly walk up to the top...
That is all.
Striking Similarities...
A little background into my train of thought here... I was checking my reflection in the mirror this morning after my post-workout shower. I was trying to decide if I needed to shave, or if the previous evening's shave after the post-lawnmowing shower would be sufficient (it was). A quick glance revealed that the ol' goatee needs trimming, and I reflected that I usually trim it after Bike Week (because, really, who goes to a motorcycle event with close-cropped facial hair?).
And then it struck me: I manage my facial hair roughly thrice a year: Once around review time at work (Ferengi Rule of Acquisition #27: It never hurts to suck up to the boss); once after Bike Week, and once after King Richard's Faire, the local Renaissance Faire. Four months is about how long it takes the goatee to go from trim & orderly to bushy & unruly, apparently.
So then I started ruminating on the similarities between the motorcycle event and the Renaissance Faire. At both events, you're likely to see:
That is all.
And then it struck me: I manage my facial hair roughly thrice a year: Once around review time at work (Ferengi Rule of Acquisition #27: It never hurts to suck up to the boss); once after Bike Week, and once after King Richard's Faire, the local Renaissance Faire. Four months is about how long it takes the goatee to go from trim & orderly to bushy & unruly, apparently.
So then I started ruminating on the similarities between the motorcycle event and the Renaissance Faire. At both events, you're likely to see:
- Displays involving riding.
- Men in leather.
- Breasts hanging out of clothing.
- Shiny steel.
- Women in leather.
- People drinking beer out of non-traditional vessels.
- Weapons of all shapes, sizes, and function.
- Large groups of bearded, burly men.
- Dirt- and dust- encrusted grounds.
- Dozens of cops eyeing the patrons suspiciously.
That is all.
More and More...
Driver Plows Into Toddler, Woman On Sidewalk
Elderly Driver Strikes 2 Children In Crosswalk
Man injured in motorcycle crash dies
Elderly drivers accused
Woman, 83, smashes into Natick liquor store, injures cashier
Massachusetts: You're more likely to live here - unless you get in the way of one of our out-of-control elderly drivers.
Once again, I'll reiterate: I understand completely that the plural of anecdote is not data. However, our enemies in the gun-grabbing community are quick to stand over the latest shooting victims and cry that we need more gun control to stop the carnage, usually invoking the "for the children" defense. Yet when there are actual, honest-to-goodness children being stricken in the streets, these same tireless advocates for the Nickelodeon set are strangely mute.
Why, it's almost like they care more about the tool used than the victim!
As my friend Bruce would say, here's my shocked face...
That is all.
SOMERVILLE, Mass. -- A toddler and a 32-year-old woman were seriously injured when they were struck by a 71-year-old driver while they were walking down a sidewalk in Somerville on Sunday, police said.
Elderly Driver Strikes 2 Children In Crosswalk
BOSTON -- An elderly driver struck two children in Medfield as she was pulling out of a church parking lot.
The driver Anne Johnson, 83, Max Lodkin, 5, and his 23-month-old brother, Timothy, while they were in the crosswalk with their grandmother, police said.
Man injured in motorcycle crash dies
HUDSON, N.H. — The 55-year-old Pelham, N.H., man whose motorcycle was hit by an elderly driver on Saturday afternoon died in a Boston hospital yesterday morning.
Richard Kelley was not wearing a helmet when his 2005 Harley-Davidson was struck by Harrison Smith, 88, of Hudson on Route 102 just before 3 p.m. Saturday.
Elderly drivers accused
In Revere, police said Michele Veneziano, 85, of Lynn struck a parked car, then slammed into a man exiting his car. The victim was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with serious injuries. Veneziano was cited for negligent operation and leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.
Woman, 83, smashes into Natick liquor store, injures cashier
An 83-year-old woman drove her car through the exit doors of a liquor store in Natick this morning, striking a counter inside and pinning a cashier, who fortunately suffered only minor injuries, authorities said.
Massachusetts: You're more likely to live here - unless you get in the way of one of our out-of-control elderly drivers.
Once again, I'll reiterate: I understand completely that the plural of anecdote is not data. However, our enemies in the gun-grabbing community are quick to stand over the latest shooting victims and cry that we need more gun control to stop the carnage, usually invoking the "for the children" defense. Yet when there are actual, honest-to-goodness children being stricken in the streets, these same tireless advocates for the Nickelodeon set are strangely mute.
Why, it's almost like they care more about the tool used than the victim!
As my friend Bruce would say, here's my shocked face...
That is all.
Singing Praises...
The topic of today's sermon is the lowly .22 Long Rifle rimfire round, and the guns chambered therein.
Can I get an amen?
Forsooth, when thou doth needeth a cheap training gun, doth thou not turn to the .22 conversion kit?
Can I get an amen?
When thou wisheth to obtain trigger time on thine AR-15, doth thou not put on thy .22 upper and spare thine wallet?
Can I get an amen?
Rather than loading the costly .38 Special into thine model 10, thou wouldst rather loadeth thy model 17, verily?
Can I get an amen?
Tin cans tremble before your lever action Henry. Orange clays shake with fear on the berm in anticipation of breakage from the Winchester 1890.
Can I get an amen?
Let us not spaketh ill of the rimfire. Let us cast out terms such as "underpowered", for they knoweth not of which they spake.
Appreciate it for what it is, do not curse it for what it is not.
That is all.
Can I get an amen?
Forsooth, when thou doth needeth a cheap training gun, doth thou not turn to the .22 conversion kit?
Can I get an amen?
When thou wisheth to obtain trigger time on thine AR-15, doth thou not put on thy .22 upper and spare thine wallet?
Can I get an amen?
Rather than loading the costly .38 Special into thine model 10, thou wouldst rather loadeth thy model 17, verily?
Can I get an amen?
Tin cans tremble before your lever action Henry. Orange clays shake with fear on the berm in anticipation of breakage from the Winchester 1890.
Can I get an amen?
Let us not spaketh ill of the rimfire. Let us cast out terms such as "underpowered", for they knoweth not of which they spake.
Appreciate it for what it is, do not curse it for what it is not.
That is all.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Crimea River...
Patrick support plummets, poll finds
Gee. Cadillac Deval's approval rating is hovering around that of George Bush's right before he left office. What a tragedy. Why, it's almost like people don't like having their taxes raised, services cut, and freedoms curtailed while the .gov never stops growing... Oh, wait. This is Massachusetts. They're probably disappointed with Patrick because he hasn't outlawed all guns and internal combustion engines yet...
I did find this interesting:
Oh, make no mistake about it - Patrick had a plan in place. Unfortunately for Massachusetts, that plan appeared to be "Get elected. Raise taxes. Get a cushy job in 0bama Cabinet". Having failed to be elevated to a national position, Patrick has flailed and failed as governor. This is the guy who, just hours before a landmark bill to allow casino gambling in MA was voted on, flew to NY to ink a book deal. The casino bill was championed by Patrick as the savior of the MA economy, and he couldn't wait 24 hours to sign a book deal to enrich himself.
And now that the economy has gone south, the only plan he has is to raise taxes. Even then, he's been dishonest with MA residents - pitching the increase as 6¼%, then actually signing a 6½% increase. He's been nothing short of brutal to the 2A community, proposing useless one-gun-a-month laws, doubling of permit fees, outlawing private sales, and continuing the unconstitutional practices brought upon us by the 1998 Gun Control Act.
Raising taxes and reducing freedom - that's the Massachusetts way!
That is all.
Governor Deval Patrick, fresh off signing a major tax increase and still battling through a historic budget crisis, has seen a huge drop in his standing among Massachusetts voters and faces a tough road to a second term, according to a new Boston Globe poll.
The survey, taken 16 months before the election, shows that the public has lost faith in Patrick’s ability to handle the state’s fiscal problems or bring reform to Beacon Hill, as he had promised. He is either losing or running neck-and-neck in matchups with prospective rivals, according to the poll, conducted for the Globe by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.
Gee. Cadillac Deval's approval rating is hovering around that of George Bush's right before he left office. What a tragedy. Why, it's almost like people don't like having their taxes raised, services cut, and freedoms curtailed while the .gov never stops growing... Oh, wait. This is Massachusetts. They're probably disappointed with Patrick because he hasn't outlawed all guns and internal combustion engines yet...
I did find this interesting:
Seven months ago, a Globe poll showed that 52 percent of independents viewed the governor favorably.
“I just somehow expected him to be more ready and have more of a plan in place by now than he does,’’ said one poll respondent, Norma George, a 71-year-old retired nurse from Duxbury.
Oh, make no mistake about it - Patrick had a plan in place. Unfortunately for Massachusetts, that plan appeared to be "Get elected. Raise taxes. Get a cushy job in 0bama Cabinet". Having failed to be elevated to a national position, Patrick has flailed and failed as governor. This is the guy who, just hours before a landmark bill to allow casino gambling in MA was voted on, flew to NY to ink a book deal. The casino bill was championed by Patrick as the savior of the MA economy, and he couldn't wait 24 hours to sign a book deal to enrich himself.
And now that the economy has gone south, the only plan he has is to raise taxes. Even then, he's been dishonest with MA residents - pitching the increase as 6¼%, then actually signing a 6½% increase. He's been nothing short of brutal to the 2A community, proposing useless one-gun-a-month laws, doubling of permit fees, outlawing private sales, and continuing the unconstitutional practices brought upon us by the 1998 Gun Control Act.
Raising taxes and reducing freedom - that's the Massachusetts way!
That is all.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Special Saturday Gun Pr0n
My blogson posted this exquisite Friday Gun Pr0n yesterday, and I would be extremely remiss if I didn't shout it to the heaveans...
Mighty fine lookin' shootin' iron there, Borepatch. MArooned Seal of Approval™ (bark bark).
That is all.
Mighty fine lookin' shootin' iron there, Borepatch. MArooned Seal of Approval™ (bark bark).
That is all.
The Eagle Has Landed...
The new fridge is in. It is positively mammoth:
MR. Fridge
This thing is enormous. It squats in our kitchen like a giant white elephant, ready for all of our cooling needs. I have a feeling that if the air conditioning were to fail, we could move into the fridge for the duration...
I'm a simple man, amused by simple things. Cold food being one of them...
And yes, it was properly christened:
MMmmmmm. Beeeeer.
Yes. There is beer in the new fridge. Life is good...
That is all.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Spread the Word!
Monster Hunter International is shipping early! From the man himself:
And Larry asks a favor of us:
Just remember to tell the truth and gush about how awesome MHI is...
That is all.
I know a bunch of you preordered MHI from Amazon. They just bumped up the In Stock date two days, so it is now July 26th. Only two days left. It will be shipping very soon.
And Larry asks a favor of us:
For those of you that got it from there, I’d like to ask a favor. When you get done, write an honest review on Amazon. Thanks.
Just remember to tell the truth and gush about how awesome MHI is...
That is all.
Friday Fun Thread: Summer Wheels!
Today's Top Ten list is a celebration of summer! We did convertibles when I was in sunny FLA; this time, it's the cars that we only see in the summer time for a variety of reasons.
1. VW Thing. The VW model 181 Kurierwagen, more commonly known as the Thing, is a direct descendant of the WWII Kübelwagen, or "bucket car". With the removable top and folding windshield, it's the perfect Thing for taking to the beach.
2. Ford Model T. What could possibly be a cooler ride than the car that started it all? They were later released in a color other than black, but an original "Tin Lizzie" will be guaranteed to get you all kinds of looks at the local ice cream shop "Cruise Night"...
3. MGA. It's small. It's cute. It's the original small roadster. It screams "British motoring". Bonus cool points if you have one with right-hand drive. Interesting personal note: This is Mom G.'s dream car...
4. CampagnaT-Rex. Sure, it costs $50K, but where else are you going to find a vehicle capable of ~ 160 MPH top speed and a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds? Not to mention you're going to have the most unique ride on the strip - you'll fit in with both the biker crowd and the sports car crowd.
5. Dune buggy. Ah, the dune buggy. Generally built on a VW Bug platform, the open-top dune buggy was a seeming staple of the 1970s beach scene. The fiberglass tub and minimal safety gear won't impress Ralph Nader, but for beachside cruising it's a must-have.
6. Early '70s Chevrolet Blazer. With a completely removable hard top, the early '70s Blazer - the answer to the Ford Bronco - makes the list. The size and heft of the top generally means that it comes off on Memorial Day and goes back on for Labor Day, making it the ultimate summer ride.
7. Lotus Caterham 7. A little more exotic than the MGA, the Caterham 7 found a small niche among the autocrossers for it's low center of gravity and excellent power-to-weight ratio. It really stands out for a summer convertible - you're not likely to pull up to the hamburger stand and find three other Caterham 7s.
8. Vespa scooter. Yes, even a scooter makes the list. Whether it be a fully-restored 1960s Italian Vespa, a brand new retro Vespa, or even a Japanese wanna-be Vespa look-alike, the traditional scooter is a fun and economical summer transport. If you do chose this option, please take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course to learn to ride - just because it's a scooter doesn't mean you shouldn't learn how to ride on two wheels...
9. Trike. Really, any motorcycle is an excellent summer ride, but the wild mods possible with a three-wheeled configuration put this on the list. Trikes can be powered by VW four-bangers up to Chevy 350s (and beyond, yes), with rear-ends donated by VW Bugs, Pontiac Fieros, Model T pickups, and pretty much anything else you can imagine.
10. DIY convertibles. I hesitated to put this one on the list, as turning a coupe into a convertible poses significant safety risks. But this list is about fun, not practicality, right? I had a buddy in college who created a 1976 Dodge Dart convertible with a sawzall and a blue tarp (just in case). It was a fun car to cruise around in for the simple "What the hell was THAT?" factor. A decently done job will turn heads; a poorly done job will have those same heads shaking...
So there's my list of "alternative" summer rides. These aren't just the best convertibles, although many are drop-tops; these aren't just motorcycles (although a "Top Ten Bikes" list would be pretty cool for a summer list). These are interesting vehicles that are most at home when it's warm and sunny out.
What else can you think of for this list?
That is all.
1. VW Thing. The VW model 181 Kurierwagen, more commonly known as the Thing, is a direct descendant of the WWII Kübelwagen, or "bucket car". With the removable top and folding windshield, it's the perfect Thing for taking to the beach.
2. Ford Model T. What could possibly be a cooler ride than the car that started it all? They were later released in a color other than black, but an original "Tin Lizzie" will be guaranteed to get you all kinds of looks at the local ice cream shop "Cruise Night"...
3. MGA. It's small. It's cute. It's the original small roadster. It screams "British motoring". Bonus cool points if you have one with right-hand drive. Interesting personal note: This is Mom G.'s dream car...
4. CampagnaT-Rex. Sure, it costs $50K, but where else are you going to find a vehicle capable of ~ 160 MPH top speed and a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds? Not to mention you're going to have the most unique ride on the strip - you'll fit in with both the biker crowd and the sports car crowd.
5. Dune buggy. Ah, the dune buggy. Generally built on a VW Bug platform, the open-top dune buggy was a seeming staple of the 1970s beach scene. The fiberglass tub and minimal safety gear won't impress Ralph Nader, but for beachside cruising it's a must-have.
6. Early '70s Chevrolet Blazer. With a completely removable hard top, the early '70s Blazer - the answer to the Ford Bronco - makes the list. The size and heft of the top generally means that it comes off on Memorial Day and goes back on for Labor Day, making it the ultimate summer ride.
7. Lotus Caterham 7. A little more exotic than the MGA, the Caterham 7 found a small niche among the autocrossers for it's low center of gravity and excellent power-to-weight ratio. It really stands out for a summer convertible - you're not likely to pull up to the hamburger stand and find three other Caterham 7s.
8. Vespa scooter. Yes, even a scooter makes the list. Whether it be a fully-restored 1960s Italian Vespa, a brand new retro Vespa, or even a Japanese wanna-be Vespa look-alike, the traditional scooter is a fun and economical summer transport. If you do chose this option, please take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course to learn to ride - just because it's a scooter doesn't mean you shouldn't learn how to ride on two wheels...
9. Trike. Really, any motorcycle is an excellent summer ride, but the wild mods possible with a three-wheeled configuration put this on the list. Trikes can be powered by VW four-bangers up to Chevy 350s (and beyond, yes), with rear-ends donated by VW Bugs, Pontiac Fieros, Model T pickups, and pretty much anything else you can imagine.
10. DIY convertibles. I hesitated to put this one on the list, as turning a coupe into a convertible poses significant safety risks. But this list is about fun, not practicality, right? I had a buddy in college who created a 1976 Dodge Dart convertible with a sawzall and a blue tarp (just in case). It was a fun car to cruise around in for the simple "What the hell was THAT?" factor. A decently done job will turn heads; a poorly done job will have those same heads shaking...
So there's my list of "alternative" summer rides. These aren't just the best convertibles, although many are drop-tops; these aren't just motorcycles (although a "Top Ten Bikes" list would be pretty cool for a summer list). These are interesting vehicles that are most at home when it's warm and sunny out.
What else can you think of for this list?
That is all.
Dude, I Got A Raise!
Minimum wage hike: More money or fewer jobs?
For the record, MA has a minimum wage of $8/hour, WA has the highest at $8.55/hour (from the map shown here). The wage hike is being touted as some sort of stimulus-like apparatus; with the apparent thinking being that min-wage droves are now going to have an extra $28/week to cram into the economy...
Can we stop pretending that this actually makes a difference? Really? So Chippy McDopehead makes an extra $25 a week at his McJob. Are we deluding ourselves into thinking that this is going to make any difference in the local economy, let alone the national economy? Who's even at the minimum wage, really? Within a month or so if you haven't progressed in your employment beyond minimum wage, there's generally a reason.
And let's carry it to the extreme: Make the minimum wage $20/hour. That's $40K a year; that should be plenty for everyone to live on, right? Sure, as long as you don't mind paying $15 for a gallon of milk and $250 for dinner out. There's a reason some jobs only pay minimum wage - there's no skill or danger involved that warrants such a high rate of pay. Businesses that want their employees to stick around more than six months or provide more than the bare minimum pay more.
This is one case where the free market kicks the .gov's ass six ways to Sunday...
That is all.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- On Friday, the federal minimum wage rises for the third year in a row, sparking the perennial argument among economists: Will it help workers at the bottom of the ladder, or will it kill their jobs?
The U.S. minimum wage goes to $7.25 an hour, from $6.55, according to the U.S.
Department of Labor. Most states have their own minimum wage, and employers are required to pay whichever is higher. That means minimum wage workers will get a raise in 29 states. In the remaining 21 states and Washington, D.C., they'll see no change.
For the record, MA has a minimum wage of $8/hour, WA has the highest at $8.55/hour (from the map shown here). The wage hike is being touted as some sort of stimulus-like apparatus; with the apparent thinking being that min-wage droves are now going to have an extra $28/week to cram into the economy...
Can we stop pretending that this actually makes a difference? Really? So Chippy McDopehead makes an extra $25 a week at his McJob. Are we deluding ourselves into thinking that this is going to make any difference in the local economy, let alone the national economy? Who's even at the minimum wage, really? Within a month or so if you haven't progressed in your employment beyond minimum wage, there's generally a reason.
And let's carry it to the extreme: Make the minimum wage $20/hour. That's $40K a year; that should be plenty for everyone to live on, right? Sure, as long as you don't mind paying $15 for a gallon of milk and $250 for dinner out. There's a reason some jobs only pay minimum wage - there's no skill or danger involved that warrants such a high rate of pay. Businesses that want their employees to stick around more than six months or provide more than the bare minimum pay more.
This is one case where the free market kicks the .gov's ass six ways to Sunday...
That is all.
Friday Gun Pr0n #121
While rummaging through the ol' armory looking for inspiration, I came across this beauty:
That is a Russian VEPR in .308 Winchester. It's a "sporting" (don't get me started) semi-automatic .308 using the unstoppable AK-47 design on an RPK frame. There are rumors that there are 5- and 10- round magazines available, but they're scarcer than Bigfoot sightings or sober relatives at a wedding. This particular rifle has the distinction of being the only full-power semi-automatic rifle in the G. armory.
At some point I'd like to get a Weaver rail mount and a better scope for it to really see what it can do - VEPRs are among the most accurate of the AK designs. While the POSP scope that accompanies the VEPR is fitting to the Soviet heritage, something with Arabic markings would be appreciated. Or it could serve for an optical sight should it be necessary to make some tactical adjustments...
Now all I need to do is find a few 10-round magazines for it and I'll be in good shape...
That is all.
VEPR
That is a Russian VEPR in .308 Winchester. It's a "sporting" (don't get me started) semi-automatic .308 using the unstoppable AK-47 design on an RPK frame. There are rumors that there are 5- and 10- round magazines available, but they're scarcer than Bigfoot sightings or sober relatives at a wedding. This particular rifle has the distinction of being the only full-power semi-automatic rifle in the G. armory.
At some point I'd like to get a Weaver rail mount and a better scope for it to really see what it can do - VEPRs are among the most accurate of the AK designs. While the POSP scope that accompanies the VEPR is fitting to the Soviet heritage, something with Arabic markings would be appreciated. Or it could serve for an optical sight should it be necessary to make some tactical adjustments...
Now all I need to do is find a few 10-round magazines for it and I'll be in good shape...
That is all.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
That's It, I'm Gettin' Outta Here...
4 Toddlers Walk Out Of Day Care, Saved By Truckers On Busy Road
Man, what's that say about the conditions of the day care that these kids would rather risk playing in traffic than staying in the center? What was this place, the Ayn Rand School for Tots?
In all seriousness, if this had happened when my kids were in daycare, I would be looking for another daycare post-haste. If the kids can get out that easily, who's to say Petey Pedophile can't get *in* equally easily? I'd prefer that my daycare be secure enough to hold in a gang of two year olds, thankyewverramuch...
Carin' 4 da kidz: UR doin it rong.
That is all.
WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. -- Channel 11 has learned the state is investigating a West Mifflin day care from which four 2-year-olds wandered away Tuesday. The toddlers walked out of the Walnut Grove Christian School and down an access road. They ended up 200 yards away in the middle of busy West Mifflin Street.
When E. Dorcett stepped out of a nearby gospel radio station for a break, he noticed four toddlers, one girl and three boys, in the road. He then watched as two truckers ran to save the kids.
Man, what's that say about the conditions of the day care that these kids would rather risk playing in traffic than staying in the center? What was this place, the Ayn Rand School for Tots?
In all seriousness, if this had happened when my kids were in daycare, I would be looking for another daycare post-haste. If the kids can get out that easily, who's to say Petey Pedophile can't get *in* equally easily? I'd prefer that my daycare be secure enough to hold in a gang of two year olds, thankyewverramuch...
Carin' 4 da kidz: UR doin it rong.
That is all.
Another "Feel Good" Story
82-year-old man kills invader
Dead Goblin Count: 22.
That is all.
Thanks to poster "baldkat82" on NES for pointing out #22 in this thread.
Bradley Harvell, an 82-year-old WWII veteran, points to the area near his television where he shot and killed an invading robber late Sunday night July 19, 2009 south of Bristol in Liberty County, Fla. Harvill said the man, dressed like a western-style "train robber", forced his way into his home and demanded money, shocking him with an electrical device. A scuffle ensued when Harvill didn't produce enough money, and he shot the invader twice, killing him. (PHIL SEARS/Democrat)Ah, you've just gotta love it when the victim selection process breaks down. Good guys win, bad guys take a dirt nap. And it reinforces the message: Don't mess with a veteran unless you want to get your dumb ass shot.
Dead Goblin Count: 22.
That is all.
Thanks to poster "baldkat82" on NES for pointing out #22 in this thread.
Ah, The Fine Taste of Shoe Leather
Obama: Police who arrested professor 'acted stupidly'
(emphasis mine).
What an unmitigated ass. He starts off by saying that he wasn't there and doesn't know all the facts of the case, yet feels free to weigh in on the actions of the Cambridge Police Department. With one thoughtless word he condemns an entire police force based on one man's admittedly biased testimony. This is a man who freely admits he "got in the cop's face", and starts off his interview by the cops with this:
Look, the neighborhood where Gates lived had numerous break-ins reported over the past few months. The cops get a call from someone in the neighborhood that two men are trying to break into a house. They show up, knock on the door, and are greeted by Mr. Racist Chip-on-his-shoulder-hates-whitey saying "you're only here because I'm black".
Yeah. Someone has a problem with race, and it ain't the Cambridge Police.
$50 says that had it been an actual break-in and the police didn't respond within seconds it would be proof of their "racism" as well. Not to mention them being "stupid". Way to go, President 0bama, putting your foot in your mouth yet again. I wonder who typed that statement into the teleprompter?
That is all.
(CNN) -- President Obama said that police in Cambridge, Massachusetts, "acted stupidly" in arresting a prominent black Harvard professor last week after a confrontation at the man's home.
"I don't know, not having been there and not seeing all the facts, what role race played," Obama said Wednesday night while taking questions after a White House news conference.
(emphasis mine).
What an unmitigated ass. He starts off by saying that he wasn't there and doesn't know all the facts of the case, yet feels free to weigh in on the actions of the Cambridge Police Department. With one thoughtless word he condemns an entire police force based on one man's admittedly biased testimony. This is a man who freely admits he "got in the cop's face", and starts off his interview by the cops with this:
Crowley wrote in the Cambridge police report that Gates refused to step outside to speak with him, the police report said, and when Crowley told Gates that he was investigating a possible break-in, Gates opened the front door and exclaimed, "Why, because I'm a black man in America?" the report said.
Look, the neighborhood where Gates lived had numerous break-ins reported over the past few months. The cops get a call from someone in the neighborhood that two men are trying to break into a house. They show up, knock on the door, and are greeted by Mr. Racist Chip-on-his-shoulder-hates-whitey saying "you're only here because I'm black".
Yeah. Someone has a problem with race, and it ain't the Cambridge Police.
$50 says that had it been an actual break-in and the police didn't respond within seconds it would be proof of their "racism" as well. Not to mention them being "stupid". Way to go, President 0bama, putting your foot in your mouth yet again. I wonder who typed that statement into the teleprompter?
That is all.
Carbine Conundrum...
Okay. I've got a hankerin'...
(You know this is gonna be a good one, dontcha?)
I've been thinking about picking up a pistol-caliber carbine for plinking/SHTF/home defense duty. Cheaper ammo, lighter weight, less recoil, and the ability to shoot the carbine on the pistol range (and at the indoor public range) are all factors in this decision. Plus, having a pistol-caliber rifle that I can start new shooters (including TheBoy) for their first centerfire rifle experience can only be a good thing.
Simply put, there's a lot of reasons to add a pistol-caliber carbine to the armory.
The harder question, then, becomes which pistol caliber carbine? Do I scour Gunbroker looking for a Camp Carbine in .45 ACP that's not either beaten to death or astronomically priced? Do I fork over the price of a good used car for a USC - and then search for neutered magazines at insane prices? Go for the retro Thompson, or perhaps even an Uzi? Another M1 carbine, perhaps one I can throw a synthetic stock on? What to get, what to get...
I've more or less decided to stick with something chambered in 9mm, as it's still the least expensive centerfire round in common use. This limits me to essentially three levels of choices:
1. High end. Uzis, MP5 semi-auto (i.e. Bobcat), Beretta Storm. The Beretta's the most likely candidate from the high-end offering, as I have no intention of dropping $1,500 on a used Uzi or Bobcat. The Storm takes the model 92 magazines, which even in MA are plentiful for pre-bans. The gun is modular, easy to clean, and well-made.
2. Middle-of-the-road. There's really only a couple of offerings here, the Ruger PC-9 and the Kel-Tec Sub2000. The Ruger is hampered by the lack of large capacity magazines plus the general scarcity of aftermarket accessories, while the Kel-Tec has both the advantage and disadvantage of the folding mechanism. It's a neat trick that allows the rifle to be packed small, but with Kel-Tec's reputation for less-than-refined machining, it seems more complicated than it need be.
3. Entry level. This would be the Hi-Point line. The advantage of the Hi-Point boils down to price - it can be had for around $200, new. Of course, you're still getting a Hi-Point, essentially the Kia of firearms. For another $100 or so you can get the Storm-lookalike stock, putting you into a similar-looking firearm to the storm for about half the price if you're so inclined.
I've got a line on a Sub2000 9mm with some goodies. It's offered at a reasonable price given what it comes with, and seems like it might fill the above need nicely. I just can't decide if it's worth taking the chance on Kel-Tec quality, fit, and finish for what is essentially a novelty. Does anyone out there in blog-land have any experience with the Sub2000, either good, bad, or indifferent? How about Kel-Tec customer service if needed? There's a lot of "what-ifs" about this set-up, and if I can get a few of them answered I'll probably toss out an offer.
Because it sure would be nice to have a pistol-caliber rifle...
That is all.
(You know this is gonna be a good one, dontcha?)
I've been thinking about picking up a pistol-caliber carbine for plinking/SHTF/home defense duty. Cheaper ammo, lighter weight, less recoil, and the ability to shoot the carbine on the pistol range (and at the indoor public range) are all factors in this decision. Plus, having a pistol-caliber rifle that I can start new shooters (including TheBoy) for their first centerfire rifle experience can only be a good thing.
Simply put, there's a lot of reasons to add a pistol-caliber carbine to the armory.
The harder question, then, becomes which pistol caliber carbine? Do I scour Gunbroker looking for a Camp Carbine in .45 ACP that's not either beaten to death or astronomically priced? Do I fork over the price of a good used car for a USC - and then search for neutered magazines at insane prices? Go for the retro Thompson, or perhaps even an Uzi? Another M1 carbine, perhaps one I can throw a synthetic stock on? What to get, what to get...
I've more or less decided to stick with something chambered in 9mm, as it's still the least expensive centerfire round in common use. This limits me to essentially three levels of choices:
1. High end. Uzis, MP5 semi-auto (i.e. Bobcat), Beretta Storm. The Beretta's the most likely candidate from the high-end offering, as I have no intention of dropping $1,500 on a used Uzi or Bobcat. The Storm takes the model 92 magazines, which even in MA are plentiful for pre-bans. The gun is modular, easy to clean, and well-made.
2. Middle-of-the-road. There's really only a couple of offerings here, the Ruger PC-9 and the Kel-Tec Sub2000. The Ruger is hampered by the lack of large capacity magazines plus the general scarcity of aftermarket accessories, while the Kel-Tec has both the advantage and disadvantage of the folding mechanism. It's a neat trick that allows the rifle to be packed small, but with Kel-Tec's reputation for less-than-refined machining, it seems more complicated than it need be.
3. Entry level. This would be the Hi-Point line. The advantage of the Hi-Point boils down to price - it can be had for around $200, new. Of course, you're still getting a Hi-Point, essentially the Kia of firearms. For another $100 or so you can get the Storm-lookalike stock, putting you into a similar-looking firearm to the storm for about half the price if you're so inclined.
I've got a line on a Sub2000 9mm with some goodies. It's offered at a reasonable price given what it comes with, and seems like it might fill the above need nicely. I just can't decide if it's worth taking the chance on Kel-Tec quality, fit, and finish for what is essentially a novelty. Does anyone out there in blog-land have any experience with the Sub2000, either good, bad, or indifferent? How about Kel-Tec customer service if needed? There's a lot of "what-ifs" about this set-up, and if I can get a few of them answered I'll probably toss out an offer.
Because it sure would be nice to have a pistol-caliber rifle...
That is all.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Feel Good Story
Surgeon: Strangers saved life of boy trapped in burning SUV
Watch the video in the link. These men clearly risked their lives for that little boy. They went into a fully engulfed car fire with no protective gear to save the life of a child. There was no discussion, just clear, decisive, life-saving action - with no regard for their own safety.
That's the very definition of "hero" in my book.
That is all.
(CNN) -- The off-duty firefighters who rushed into a burning SUV and cut a 4-year-old boy out of the seatbelt saved his life, the boy's doctor said during a press conference Tuesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The depth of the boy's burns "indicates to me this was a very hot fire, and he was in close contact with it," pediatric surgeon David Gourlay said. "These firefighters were clearly heroic and saved D.J.'s life."
Watch the video in the link. These men clearly risked their lives for that little boy. They went into a fully engulfed car fire with no protective gear to save the life of a child. There was no discussion, just clear, decisive, life-saving action - with no regard for their own safety.
That's the very definition of "hero" in my book.
That is all.
I'm Here to Help...
Older drivers go back to basics
But never fear - there's a buck to be made here!
I'll make it even simpler:
Older drivers took advantage of a crash-prevention program yesterday in South Weymouth, in collaboration with Commerce Insurance. Drivers 65 and older can take the course, offered by In Control Advanced Driver Training, for $75 through Aug. 14.We've had a recent rash of incidents whereby elderly drivers have been involved in traffic accidents. Some were comical, as one gentleman turned a Wal-Mart into a drive-through. Others were tragic, resulting in the needless death of a young girl.
But never fear - there's a buck to be made here!
I'll make it even simpler:
This is the standard set-up for acceleration and deceleration in an automobile with an automatic transmission. We won't need to discuss standard transmission, as generally any senior still driving stick is most likely still capable of piloting without my assistance.
- The long, skinny pedal on the right is the accelerator, more commonly known as the gas. Press this pedal to go.
- The smaller pedal on the left is the brake. Press this pedal to stop.
There. That should significantly reduce the number of accidents, as the most oft-heard "excuse" when a senior rams into a building is that they confused the gas and the brake.
Skinny = go. Small = stop. It's just that simple.
That is all.
And yes, I fully realize I'm going to hell for this post...
Northeast Blogger Shoot, Summer Edition Update Part III...
Original post here; first update here, second update here.
Alrighty folks. We're a week and a half away from the happy event. We've got the time, place, and most of the attendees in place. As we approach the event, I'd like to get a firm head count, as I've had several people contact me about attending and we're starting to run into limits. I'd like to finalize the attendees list in the next couple of days so I can let those folks know if there will be space or not.
With that in mind, if you're listed below as attending, please let me know if you're still coming. If you're listed as possible, please let me know as soon as you can whether you can make it or not. The list of attendees right now is close to the limit; we can take another three or four folks but after that we'll have to work in shifts; we'd prefer to keep the number under 20.
Now, the specifics:
Date: Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
Time: 10:00 AM EST until 5:00 PM/dusk/cops get called/we get kicked out
Location: Area 12, doubletrouble's sooper seekrit (and very heavily guarded) private range. Invitation only.
Attendees:
doubletrouble
JD
Andrew
Borepatch
Marko
Lissa
weer'd beard
zeeke42
MedicMatthew
mopar & missus mopar
Bruce
libertyman
stickman
David
Possible:
ZerCool
brad_in_ma
wally
Bennett
TOTWTYTR
The Saj
scotaku
Right now we're at 16 definites (including the range host and your humble scribe), which puts us at the same attendance as last year's shoot, which was pretty manageable. I think we could handle another 3 or 4 attendees with minimal effort; any more than that and it really starts turning into a goat rope.
Also, just so we're all clear, there are a few rules to set down. The Four Rules are tantamount - anyone showing disrespect for any of the Four Rules will be politely but firmly asked to leave. We have never encountered this at any shoot I have ever attended, but it needs to be said. Additionally, the range owner's word is law; if he asks you to hop around on one foot humming the theme to Battlestar Galactica, your only question should be "New or old?".
Here are a few simple rules for making the day complete:
1. Bring whatever you'd like to shoot, but be prepared to cart it home with you. If you want to haul out an old dishwasher to fill with lead, that's great, we'll be happy to help supply the lead. Just be ready to drag the bullet-riddled carcass back out with you.
2. Clean-up detail. When the shootin's done, we'll need a half-dozen or so folks to help pick the range back up and restore it to the way we found it.
3. Firing line. The firing line needs to be held to a maximum of four shooters (you'll understand better when you get there). This is to insure that all rounds go into the backstop. We can arrange heats for shooting, pick numbers, or just take turns like in elementary school. We're adults. We can figure it out.
That's it; there's nothing terribly onerous in that, is there?
Miscellanous:
That is all.
Second Annual Northeast Blogger Shoot Meet & Shootin' Spectacular!!!
Alrighty folks. We're a week and a half away from the happy event. We've got the time, place, and most of the attendees in place. As we approach the event, I'd like to get a firm head count, as I've had several people contact me about attending and we're starting to run into limits. I'd like to finalize the attendees list in the next couple of days so I can let those folks know if there will be space or not.
With that in mind, if you're listed below as attending, please let me know if you're still coming. If you're listed as possible, please let me know as soon as you can whether you can make it or not. The list of attendees right now is close to the limit; we can take another three or four folks but after that we'll have to work in shifts; we'd prefer to keep the number under 20.
Now, the specifics:
Date: Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
Time: 10:00 AM EST until 5:00 PM/dusk/cops get called/we get kicked out
Location: Area 12, doubletrouble's sooper seekrit (and very heavily guarded) private range. Invitation only.
Attendees:
doubletrouble
JD
Andrew
Borepatch
Marko
Lissa
weer'd beard
zeeke42
MedicMatthew
mopar & missus mopar
Bruce
libertyman
stickman
David
Possible:
ZerCool
brad_in_ma
wally
Bennett
TOTWTYTR
The Saj
scotaku
Right now we're at 16 definites (including the range host and your humble scribe), which puts us at the same attendance as last year's shoot, which was pretty manageable. I think we could handle another 3 or 4 attendees with minimal effort; any more than that and it really starts turning into a goat rope.
Also, just so we're all clear, there are a few rules to set down. The Four Rules are tantamount - anyone showing disrespect for any of the Four Rules will be politely but firmly asked to leave. We have never encountered this at any shoot I have ever attended, but it needs to be said. Additionally, the range owner's word is law; if he asks you to hop around on one foot humming the theme to Battlestar Galactica, your only question should be "New or old?".
Here are a few simple rules for making the day complete:
1. Bring whatever you'd like to shoot, but be prepared to cart it home with you. If you want to haul out an old dishwasher to fill with lead, that's great, we'll be happy to help supply the lead. Just be ready to drag the bullet-riddled carcass back out with you.
2. Clean-up detail. When the shootin's done, we'll need a half-dozen or so folks to help pick the range back up and restore it to the way we found it.
3. Firing line. The firing line needs to be held to a maximum of four shooters (you'll understand better when you get there). This is to insure that all rounds go into the backstop. We can arrange heats for shooting, pick numbers, or just take turns like in elementary school. We're adults. We can figure it out.
That's it; there's nothing terribly onerous in that, is there?
Miscellanous:
- I think it will be mostly free-form shooting, with plinking and informal target shooting the order of the day. I'll be bringing a number of large orange jugs (bulk laundry detergent) and a bunch of 2L soda bottles for reactive targets; there's a bunch of smaller water jugs leftover from last year; I'll also have a case or two or orange clays we can set up on the back stop or borrow the thrower. If I get really ambitious I'll pick up a .22LR metal spinner.
- As mentioned above, bring anything you want, but be prepared to take it home with you. I'll bring a bunch of trash bags to help with clean-up.
- Bring bug spray. This is in the woods, and we will get eaten if not slathered in DEET.
- Lunch will be ordered from the local sub shop; we discussed this last year and determined that, yes, a large cookout would be grand, but it would cut into shootin' time...
That is all.
Gettin' Medieval...
While I know I've mentioned going to the local Renaissance Faire (King Richard's Faire in Carver, MA, for those who might be curious or for those in the area who might like to meet up at this year's faire, hint hint...), I've only shown pictures of the entire ensemble, not the weaponry. Well, we here at MArooned are equal opportunity arms nuts - everything from fictional weapons to crossbows and BB guns gets it's share of blog time.
In that vein, here's some medieval weaponry:
In that vein, here's some medieval weaponry:
Consult the Book of Armaments!
Throwing axe, full-meter broadsword (two-handed), and dagger with matching quillion. All pieces are from Starfire Swords out of Spenser, NY who exhibit at King Richard's Faire every year. There's also a plain jane boot dagger that completes the armory, but for the sake of symmetry was left out of the shot. The dagger was a kind gift from commenter and life-long best bud sci-fi; the broadsword was actually my wedding present from Mrs. G.
How bloody cool is THAT?
That is all.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Don't Forget!
Gun Nuts tonight! Be sure to tune in to talk about your "30 seconds with President 0bama" as well as the National Reciprocity amendment tacked onto the Defense Appropriations Bill. It's sure to be another excellent show full of wicked pissah smaht folks calling in and giving their $1.98 (that's $0.02 in 0bamanomics).
Plus it'll be hosted by the World's Most Dangerous Librarian modeling "the most awesome tshirt " - how can you miss?
That is all.
Plus it'll be hosted by the World's Most Dangerous Librarian modeling "the most awesome tshirt " - how can you miss?
That is all.
Overheard in Conversation...
This certainly wasn't me talking to Mrs. G. earlier. Nope. Nossirree bob.
Heh.
That is all.
[NotMrs. G.] Yeah, I got a bunch of junk at Christmas Tree Shop.
[NotJay] You got junk? At Christmas Tree Shop? That's unpossible.
[NotMrs. G.] {laughs}
Heh.
That is all.
More Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes
Mass. Man Killed, Cop Injured In NH Traffic Stop
Yeah, cops get a little pissed off when you try to kill them:
Excuse me if I don't show a lot of remorse for the demise of Mr. Richardson. My father knew George Hanna, saw the devastation his death left on his widow and his children. People who ambush cops at traffic stops deserve every bit of malice due them, in treble.
Thankfully Cpl. Eccelston was able to end the confrontation satisfactorily - scratch one scumbag.
That is all.
SWANZEY, N.H. (AP) ― New Hampshire authorities say a Massachusetts man died of a single gunshot wound to the back of his left shoulder following a confrontation with a police officer.
Yeah, cops get a little pissed off when you try to kill them:
The attorney general's office says Swanzey Cpl. Robert Eccelston was responding to a call about an erratic driver Saturday night when he encountered 24-year-old Jeffrey Richardson of Northfield, Mass., in a parking lot.
Richardson then drove off, dragging the officer with his car.
Excuse me if I don't show a lot of remorse for the demise of Mr. Richardson. My father knew George Hanna, saw the devastation his death left on his widow and his children. People who ambush cops at traffic stops deserve every bit of malice due them, in treble.
Thankfully Cpl. Eccelston was able to end the confrontation satisfactorily - scratch one scumbag.
That is all.
Talk About Feeling Old...
Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch Has Cancer
Now, the "feeling old" part has nothing to do with MCA's cancer announcement. Hell, most of the bands I listened to as a teen have had some sort of death, let alone disease - Jerry Garcia, half the Ramones, Kurt Cobain, Grandmaster J... It was actually seeing an updated picture as opposed to the mind's eye view from 1987. Take a good look at the Beastie Boys - they're friggin' middle aged dudes still trying to party down like 20-somethings (and granted, that's their schtick and they've made good coin with it; more power to 'em says I!)
It just made me feel old, is all; it's made even worse by knowing that there are many folks out there acting like that IRL who *aren't* getting paid big bucks by a record company for acting that way. Everybody knows someone (or someones) like that; the perennial "party boy/girl" who never outgrew the "day without a buzz is a day that never was" philosophy. And with the advent of FaceBook, we can reconnect with these perpetual Peter Pans at the speed of light...
Sometimes I think the Luddites might have the right idea...
That is all.
In a video posted Monday (July 20) on BeastieBoys.com, Adam "MCA" Yauch announced that he has cancer and the group is canceling all upcoming shows (and pushing back the release of their Hot Sauce Committee, Part One album) while he receives treatment for it.
Now, the "feeling old" part has nothing to do with MCA's cancer announcement. Hell, most of the bands I listened to as a teen have had some sort of death, let alone disease - Jerry Garcia, half the Ramones, Kurt Cobain, Grandmaster J... It was actually seeing an updated picture as opposed to the mind's eye view from 1987. Take a good look at the Beastie Boys - they're friggin' middle aged dudes still trying to party down like 20-somethings (and granted, that's their schtick and they've made good coin with it; more power to 'em says I!)
It just made me feel old, is all; it's made even worse by knowing that there are many folks out there acting like that IRL who *aren't* getting paid big bucks by a record company for acting that way. Everybody knows someone (or someones) like that; the perennial "party boy/girl" who never outgrew the "day without a buzz is a day that never was" philosophy. And with the advent of FaceBook, we can reconnect with these perpetual Peter Pans at the speed of light...
Sometimes I think the Luddites might have the right idea...
That is all.
Range Report Match-ups...
In the comments to my Range Report for the Browning Hi-Power, brad_in_ma reminded me that I'd posited about a head-to-head matchup of the Hi-Power and the WWI-issue Colt 1911 as mentioned in the gun pr0n some time back. Naturally, this got me to thinking (always a scary proposition) about other potential match-ups in the G. armory...
And that's just the pistols! What other match-ups could/should I look into? Any requests on which pairing or pairings to run first? Given the rate at which I make it to the range, it could be quite some time before most of these get completed - what's the first one I should undertake?
How about a matchup involving a gun or guns not represented in the G. armory, like a S&W model 27 vs. Colt Python?
That is all.
- Colt Police Positive .22LR vs. Smith & Wesson model 17
- Glock 30 vs. Smith & Wesson SW99C
- Colt Junior vs. Kel-Tec P3AT
- Colt Lawman III vs. Smith & Wesson model 19
- Miroku .38 Special vs. Colt Detective Special
- Hi-Standard H-D Military vs. Smith & Wesson model 422
- Hi-Power vs. SigSauer P226
- Colt 1991A1 vs. Colt Gold Cup National Match vs. WWI Colt 1911
And that's just the pistols! What other match-ups could/should I look into? Any requests on which pairing or pairings to run first? Given the rate at which I make it to the range, it could be quite some time before most of these get completed - what's the first one I should undertake?
How about a matchup involving a gun or guns not represented in the G. armory, like a S&W model 27 vs. Colt Python?
That is all.
Monday, July 20, 2009
I Can Haz Cold Fud?
The new refrigerator is on order. Theoretically it will be delivered on Friday, so all we have to do is cross our fingers that the old Amana doesn't lose the last few degrees in the next four days. We opted for a Samsung refrigerator over the Kenmore or Frigidaire we'd been looking at, as it was the largest (27.0 cu. ft.) side-by-side fridge we'd come across. The Amana it replaces is only a 22 cu. ft. capacity, so we're hoping to be able to lose the auxiliary back-up fridge (Mrs. G.'s old college cube fridge) that we've been putting the kids' lunches in (I prep everything the night before to save precious time in the morning...)
What's really scary is that I am excited about this new fridge. A refrigerator. I have been domesticated to the point of eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new household appliance. Oh, sure, it's going to be nice to have an actual working refrigerator again. Granted, it will be nice to actually drink cold soda and eat solid ice cream once more. But still. Am I that old and boring that I'm all a-flutter about a refrigerator?
What's next? Am I going to get all emo when the hot water heater dies? (Oh, why did it have to diiiiiie?)
That is all.
What's really scary is that I am excited about this new fridge. A refrigerator. I have been domesticated to the point of eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new household appliance. Oh, sure, it's going to be nice to have an actual working refrigerator again. Granted, it will be nice to actually drink cold soda and eat solid ice cream once more. But still. Am I that old and boring that I'm all a-flutter about a refrigerator?
What's next? Am I going to get all emo when the hot water heater dies? (Oh, why did it have to diiiiiie?)
That is all.
Important Tip...
Don't watch stories like this one while listing to "Riot on Broad Street" by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones:
U.S. soldier captured by Taliban: 'I'm afraid'
...because it does interesting things for your blood pressure.
I am curious about one thing, though. Why do all of these terrorist assholes have contacts at CNN? And, in that same vein, is there any link between all of the terrorist connections at CNN and the vehement opposition to torture emanating from said media orifices? Like, they're scared that they might find themselves whisked away to Gitmo for some old-fashioned bamboo-shoots-under-the-fingernails-type treatments to find out where the tangoes are holding our soldiers?
Not that I condone torture against fellow Americans, mind you. Oh, wait, these are folks who have more or less thrown in with our enemies, haven't they?
That is all.
U.S. soldier captured by Taliban: 'I'm afraid'
(CNN) -- A United States soldier captured by the Taliban says in a video posted on the Internet he is "scared I won't be able to go home."
The soldier was identified Sunday by the Pentagon as Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl, 23, of Ketchum, Idaho. He was captured June 30 from Paktika province in southeastern Afghanistan.
The Taliban has threatened to kill Bergdahl if foreign troops continue targeting civilians in the name of search operations in Ghazni and Paktika province, Taliban commander Mulvi Sangeen said by telephone Friday after being contacted by CNN at an undisclosed location.
...because it does interesting things for your blood pressure.
I am curious about one thing, though. Why do all of these terrorist assholes have contacts at CNN? And, in that same vein, is there any link between all of the terrorist connections at CNN and the vehement opposition to torture emanating from said media orifices? Like, they're scared that they might find themselves whisked away to Gitmo for some old-fashioned bamboo-shoots-under-the-fingernails-type treatments to find out where the tangoes are holding our soldiers?
Not that I condone torture against fellow Americans, mind you. Oh, wait, these are folks who have more or less thrown in with our enemies, haven't they?
That is all.
The Inevitable...
"One small step":
NASA releases clearest videos yet of 1969 moonwalk
Go check out the video. It's nothing short of amazing that today, some forty years later, we have yet to duplicate this accomplishment. Today's space-going news?
International space station flush with woes
Yeah. Potty problems on ISS lead to overly cutesy news headlines... One small step indeed...
That is all.
NASA releases clearest videos yet of 1969 moonwalk
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- NASA released newly restored videos Thursday of two U.S. astronauts taking the world's first steps on the moon.
The images were released just four days before the 40th anniversary of the historic event that captivated the world on July 20, 1969.
Go check out the video. It's nothing short of amazing that today, some forty years later, we have yet to duplicate this accomplishment. Today's space-going news?
International space station flush with woes
Yeah. Potty problems on ISS lead to overly cutesy news headlines... One small step indeed...
That is all.
Range Report: Browning Hi-Power & Colt New Frontier
Took my two newest guns to the range yesterday with the express intent of shooting 'em for a proper range report. I'm happy to report mission accomplished. The guns in question are the Browning Hi-Power which was my Buy A Gun Day purchase and the Colt New Frontier that was my "happy birthday to me" present. Yes, both guns were acquired in April. Yes, I am well aware that it is currently July. Shaddup...
Anyhoo, onto the reports...
There's really no bad to report for either gun. Both are *far* more accurate than I can shoot; both functioned flawlessly; both were more fun than a barrel of hyperactive Calebs. The hardest problem I faced was which gun to lead off with. I chose the Colt New Frontier as I at least shot the Browning back in April...
Colt New Frontier Single Action .22LR:
Browning Hi-Power single action semi-automatic 9mm:
Anyhoo, onto the reports...
There's really no bad to report for either gun. Both are *far* more accurate than I can shoot; both functioned flawlessly; both were more fun than a barrel of hyperactive Calebs. The hardest problem I faced was which gun to lead off with. I chose the Colt New Frontier as I at least shot the Browning back in April...
Colt New Frontier Single Action .22LR:
Federal bulk 40 gr. CP .22LR, 25 feet
My good friend Heath (he of teh awesome fu-stache) raves about his Colt New Frontier ("the most accurate single action .22LR out there"), and with good cause. Given that I haven't been to the range in quite a long time (not quite two months, but close...), keeping all but one shot out of six in the 10 ring is a testament to the accuracy of the Colt, not my shooting ability.
There were a couple of small faults I found with the Colt, and I'll readily admit that they are pretty nit-picky. First off, it took a couple of go-arounds before I realized I had to manually push in the safety bolt to eject the empty casings. With the safety bolt out, the ejector will only push the casings out about a quarter-inch, which makes for tedious and slow emptying of the cylinder. Once I figured it out, though, it was easily the smoothest single action unloading of any I've ever fired.
The other "fault" really isn't - the grip is just a little too small for my meathooks. I found that there wasn't quite enough of the grip to really hold onto, and I found the Colt shifting in my grip between shots. With the wild popularity of the Colt single action revolver, I'm guessing there's probably an aftermarket company or two that might make some grips for this gun. I'm thinking with the case-hardened frame, a nice set of elkhorn or staghorn grips would look kick-ass...
Anyone have a line on some nice grips for a New Frontier?
The good *FAR* outweighs the bad (think like 100:1 factor at a minimum). The sights are adjustable, clear, and shoot to point of aim. The gun makes that unmistakeable "C-O-L-T" four-click upon cocking that's music to the SA crowd's ears. It's scary-accurate - I haven't exactly been burning up the range time lately, and even I can hit the center with this gun!
All I need now is a nice embossed holster and a .22LR cartridge belt...
Browning Hi-Power single action semi-automatic 9mm:
Winchester White Box 115 gr. FMJ 9mm, 25 feet
This is the second time I've shot the Hi-Power, the first being at my new shooter outing in April shortly after acquiring it. At the time I wasn't terribly concerned with fine shooting ability, but with reliability, given that it was for a new shooter. Two dropped shots (both of which I called) notwithstanding, the Hi-Power certainly lived up to its reputation as an accurate single action semi-automatic.
That's seven shots in the center there...
Both of the magazines that Zach so kindly sent me worked flawlessly (although one very stubbornly clung to the gun and needed a stern lecture to get out); I put about a hundred rounds through it without a single failure; about the only thing of note was that the Browning got HOT by the end of the range session. Oh, and it was even responsible for the deaths of a couple evil orange clays on the 25 yard berm...
Two new guns, two range reports in one; it all adds up to a good day shooting.
That is all.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Torn...
Yesterday's shootie goodness wound up getting canceled in favor of appliance shopping (such is the boundless hedonism of home ownership...). I'd like to get to the range, seeing as how I haven't been in well over a month (getting closer to two months now, actually; that's what happens in vacation season!). I haven't given a proper range report for the Hi-Power; I haven't even shot the New Frontier (that I bought back in April!!!) yet.
On the flip side, I've only had the Harley out once since Memorial Day. It rained almost literally all of June (we did not have a single day where it wasn't at least cloudy with sprinkles), and while I can and have ridden in the rain (and most likely will again on occasions too numerous to count), I'd prefer to avoid it if possible. Because of Disney and work considerations I missed going up to Bike Week in Laconia for the first time since I bought the Harley, and haven't made any long trips this year at all.
So... Bike ride... or range trip???
(And no, riding to the range really doesn't do it. The range is only four miles away, and taking anything other than a couple a pistols is problematic on two wheels...)
That is all.
On the flip side, I've only had the Harley out once since Memorial Day. It rained almost literally all of June (we did not have a single day where it wasn't at least cloudy with sprinkles), and while I can and have ridden in the rain (and most likely will again on occasions too numerous to count), I'd prefer to avoid it if possible. Because of Disney and work considerations I missed going up to Bike Week in Laconia for the first time since I bought the Harley, and haven't made any long trips this year at all.
So... Bike ride... or range trip???
(And no, riding to the range really doesn't do it. The range is only four miles away, and taking anything other than a couple a pistols is problematic on two wheels...)
That is all.
Wonder What Our "Wise Latina" Thinks About This?
Akron police investigate teen mob attack on family
Please note when this happened - two weeks ago. Can you possibly imagine a story where 50 white kids beat the hell out of a black family, yelling "this is a white world" being buried for two weeks? Any takers on just how large the media circus would have been on July 5th?
No? I didn't think so.
I do have to admit to being puzzled by this comment:
"Possible problems"??? Unless they mean the problem of finding ammo, or perhaps the 9mm vs. .45 ACP/Glock vs. 1911 debate, I fail to see the problem here. It's not like you don't have a reason to want a means of protection against large groups... Also, they were attacked by "dozens" of kids - kinda puts to rest that whole "Why do you need more than ten rounds?" chestnut, eh? Although I do suppose that once the first couple of gangbangers went down with sucking chest wounds the rest wouldn't stick around long...
Welcome to America, home of justice for some.
That is all.
Hat tip to Jim at NES for pointing this story out in this thread.
Akron police say they aren't ready to call it a hate crime or a gang initiation.
But to Marty Marshall, his wife and two kids, it seems pretty clear.
It came after a family night of celebrating America and freedom with a fireworks show at Firestone Stadium. Marshall, his family and two friends were gathered outside a friend's home in South Akron.
Out of nowhere, the six were attacked by dozens of teenage boys, who shouted ''This is our world'' and ''This is a black world'' as they confronted Marshall and his family.
Please note when this happened - two weeks ago. Can you possibly imagine a story where 50 white kids beat the hell out of a black family, yelling "this is a white world" being buried for two weeks? Any takers on just how large the media circus would have been on July 5th?
No? I didn't think so.
I do have to admit to being puzzled by this comment:
The Marshalls say they fear retaliation at home or when they go outside. They are considering arming themselves, but they're concerned about the possible problems that come with guns.
"Possible problems"??? Unless they mean the problem of finding ammo, or perhaps the 9mm vs. .45 ACP/Glock vs. 1911 debate, I fail to see the problem here. It's not like you don't have a reason to want a means of protection against large groups... Also, they were attacked by "dozens" of kids - kinda puts to rest that whole "Why do you need more than ten rounds?" chestnut, eh? Although I do suppose that once the first couple of gangbangers went down with sucking chest wounds the rest wouldn't stick around long...
Welcome to America, home of justice for some.
That is all.
Hat tip to Jim at NES for pointing this story out in this thread.
The High Price of Being Cool...
Well, at least keeping your food cool... I remember the refrigerator being a pricey item when we built our house, but at the time we also got a range unit, washer/dryer, and dishwasher - it wasn't as noticeable. I just remember at the time thinking that we wouldn't have to worry about spending this kind of money again. Ha.
Of course, now I look at prices of most of the fridges and think, "Holy crap, I paid less for my Bushmaster!"...
We're looking at either a Kenmore from Sears or a Frigidaire from Best Buy. There's a local shop we want to investigate - they came out to proclaim last rites for the Amana - and having someone local to service the appliances can't hurt. We got ten years out of the old fridge without incident, but it's nice to know we have a local repair option.
The worst part of all is knowing that all the other appliances are the same vintage, meaning that it's not "if", but "when" they start dropping like flies, too. Well, all except for the oven. The rate at which we use our oven means it will need replacing sometime around 2030 or so...
That is all.
Of course, now I look at prices of most of the fridges and think, "Holy crap, I paid less for my Bushmaster!"...
We're looking at either a Kenmore from Sears or a Frigidaire from Best Buy. There's a local shop we want to investigate - they came out to proclaim last rites for the Amana - and having someone local to service the appliances can't hurt. We got ten years out of the old fridge without incident, but it's nice to know we have a local repair option.
The worst part of all is knowing that all the other appliances are the same vintage, meaning that it's not "if", but "when" they start dropping like flies, too. Well, all except for the oven. The rate at which we use our oven means it will need replacing sometime around 2030 or so...
That is all.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A Good Sign?
Is it possible that the ammo shortage is starting to come to an end?
Scored the above at the local WallyWorld; they're still clinging to (ha!) a six-box limit, and while I could have picked up 6 boxes of the WWB 100 ct. 9mm, it was $2 more than the Blazer Brass I scored ($21/100 vs. $9.50/50). The cheap bastard in me won out; I opted for less ammo at the cheaper price, and didn't even feel bad about cleaning them out of 9mm. I would have gotten another box of 9mm, except I'm taking my blogson to the range and figure we can drag a .38 with us now...
And now comes the fun part - loading up to go shoot some of this stash!
That is all.
Scored the above at the local WallyWorld; they're still clinging to (ha!) a six-box limit, and while I could have picked up 6 boxes of the WWB 100 ct. 9mm, it was $2 more than the Blazer Brass I scored ($21/100 vs. $9.50/50). The cheap bastard in me won out; I opted for less ammo at the cheaper price, and didn't even feel bad about cleaning them out of 9mm. I would have gotten another box of 9mm, except I'm taking my blogson to the range and figure we can drag a .38 with us now...And now comes the fun part - loading up to go shoot some of this stash!
That is all.
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