[whump][whump][whump][whump][whump][whump]
[Jay looks outside]
[whump][whump][whump][whump][whump][whump]
"TheBoy, knock it off! You're rattling the whole house!"
[silence]
[whump][whump][whump][whump][whump][whump]
Ah, yes. The sounds of soccer season commencing...
That is all.
Monday, August 31, 2009
What Is It With OH Librarians?
Tiny librarian is hell on wheels
No, it's not who you think. This story, despite being about a petite OH librarian, is not about The World's Most Dangerous Librarian...
Go watch the video. OH librarians rock!
That is all.
No, it's not who you think. This story, despite being about a petite OH librarian, is not about The World's Most Dangerous Librarian...
The story: She's petite, she's middle-aged, she's bookish, and if she gets a chance, she'll knock you on your keister.
By day, she's Beth Hollis, a 53-year-old reference librarian in Akron, Ohio. By night, she's MegaBeth, an ageless dynamo on the roller derby rink.
Go watch the video. OH librarians rock!
That is all.
Haulin' Help...
Looking at the bed of the trusty (Mother Gaia-rapin') Ram, the scratches and dings tell me it's high time to start thinking about protection for the bed. There's three basic possibilities:
- Basic rubber mat. Has the advantage of being the cheapest option, with simple mats available for well under $100. Disadvantage is that it only covers the floor of the bed, not the sides or the tailgate.
- Drop-in bedliner like Duraliner. Middle of the road, price-wise, running under $300 for a drop-in unit. Basically a plastic liner that sits inside the entire bed. Advantage is that it's tough, can be installed quickly, and lasts forever; disadvantage that it can trap moisture and lead to rust.
- Spray-on liner like Line-X or Rhino liner. Most expensive option running $400-$500. Advantages are superior strength and wear; disadvantages are price and lengthy application time.
I've decided to go with a spray-on liner. I had a drop-in liner in my '98 Ram, and while it did the job (protect the bed for the life of the lease), I could see where it rubbed against the paint and didn't completely protect the bed. A friend of mine has had a spray-on liner in his F-250 since he bought it in 2002 and has had nothing but praise for it, so I'm thinking that's the way to go.
I mentioned a liner back when I bought the truck in 2007 and remembered several folks having definitive opinions as to which liner was better. Unfortunately, those opinions have been lost to the vagaries of time, so I thought I'd ask for thoughts/comments/etc. again. There might also be a new product or products to consider that weren't available 2½ years ago.
All thoughts/suggestions/etc. are greatly appreciated.
That is all.
Mousegun Face-off...
A Friday afternoon bull session in Gunblogger Conspiracy IRC chat got me to thinking... There was a shooting in a Wal-Mart in MT where a single shot to the head - which didn't penetrate the skull - stopped a potential physical assault. The (absolutely correct) observation made by Robb was that in this case, the .25 ACP was exactly the right gun - it stopped the potential attack and spared the person shooting further harm (it's hard to say if this was a righteous shooting, as there seems to be several different versions of what happened. The guy who was shot was 100 lbs. heavier and appeared to be the aggressor, but reports are sketchy).
The conversation then turned to carrying a .25 ACP handgun for self-defense in general, with the point being made that it was better than nothing. My point, and the reason for this post, is that the Kel-Tec P3AT and Ruger LCP make the .25 ACP mouseguns a relic of the past; with the advent of inexpensive self-defense pocket guns in .380ACP, there is simply no reason to fall back on an anemic round like the .25 ACP.
For this exercise, I'll compare a Colt Junior (.25ACP) with a Kel-Tec P3AT (.380ACP). These two firearms were chosen on the basis of being available from my armory without having to dig too deeply... :)
They will be compared for size,weight, ammo capacity, and cost.
Size:
Weight:
Ammo capacity:
Cost:
To the best of my knowledge the only new gun out there in .25 ACP is the Beretta Bobcat. Other than that, it's used for any other gun. Prices are all over the map, with pristine Colt Vest Pocket 1908s or Baby Brownings selling for upwards of six bills. Even the used Berettas are selling for $250 at a minimum. Whereas the P3AT has an MSRP of $324, and I've seen them in gun stores for as low as $275. The LCP has an MSRP of $347 and is selling for ~ $50 - $75 more than the P3AT.
Advantage: Kel-Tec.
I think the facts bear out that there's simply no reason to carry a .25ACP pistol rather than a pocket .380. The .25 is heavier, costs more, and has a less-powerful round. The slight size and capacity advantages are certainly offset by the extra heft and lesser penetration; additionally, the more modern design of the pocket .380 allows for safer carry of the loaded firearm.
In any case, the old saws apply - a .25 in the hand beats a .45 in the safe at home any day; shot placement is key; shoot what you're comfortable with...
That is all.
The conversation then turned to carrying a .25 ACP handgun for self-defense in general, with the point being made that it was better than nothing. My point, and the reason for this post, is that the Kel-Tec P3AT and Ruger LCP make the .25 ACP mouseguns a relic of the past; with the advent of inexpensive self-defense pocket guns in .380ACP, there is simply no reason to fall back on an anemic round like the .25 ACP.
For this exercise, I'll compare a Colt Junior (.25ACP) with a Kel-Tec P3AT (.380ACP). These two firearms were chosen on the basis of being available from my armory without having to dig too deeply... :)
They will be compared for size,weight, ammo capacity, and cost.
Size:
Colt Jr vs. Kel-Tec P3AT: Size
The Colt is the winner here, although by less than an inch at the most. The two guns are pretty evenly matched for height, but the P3AT is definitely longer.
Weight:
Colt Jr vs. Kel-Tec P3AT: Weight P3AT
Colt Jr vs. Kel-Tec P3AT: Weight Junior
No contest. The Kel-Tec wins hands down, a full three ounces lighter than the Colt. 11.2 ounces with loaded magazine - 0.8 ounces less than the Snubbie from Hell™ empty!
Ammo capacity:
Colt Jr vs. Kel-Tec P3AT: Ammo
The Colt wins on capacity, barely - the Junior has 7+1 capacity, whereas the P3AT has 6+1. I have a +1 extension for the P3AT, but it doesn't reliably feed every single time, so I keep the magazine standard. It's possible that I got a bad extension or magazine, but for now, the Colt has a one round lead.
However, that's comparing eight rounds of .25 ACP to seven rounds of .380 ACP. If I'm betting my life, I'll take the seven rounds of .380 ACP anyday of the week - it's what I consider to be the bare minimum in self-defensive chamberings. There's also a better array of defensive rounds for the .380ACP vs. the .25ACP, and the .380 has less issues WRT expansion of hollowpoint rounds. There's also the option of .380ACP +P.
Cost:
To the best of my knowledge the only new gun out there in .25 ACP is the Beretta Bobcat. Other than that, it's used for any other gun. Prices are all over the map, with pristine Colt Vest Pocket 1908s or Baby Brownings selling for upwards of six bills. Even the used Berettas are selling for $250 at a minimum. Whereas the P3AT has an MSRP of $324, and I've seen them in gun stores for as low as $275. The LCP has an MSRP of $347 and is selling for ~ $50 - $75 more than the P3AT.
Advantage: Kel-Tec.
I think the facts bear out that there's simply no reason to carry a .25ACP pistol rather than a pocket .380. The .25 is heavier, costs more, and has a less-powerful round. The slight size and capacity advantages are certainly offset by the extra heft and lesser penetration; additionally, the more modern design of the pocket .380 allows for safer carry of the loaded firearm.
In any case, the old saws apply - a .25 in the hand beats a .45 in the safe at home any day; shot placement is key; shoot what you're comfortable with...
That is all.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sunday Afternoon Linkfest...
Here's some good stuff from the smaht folks on my blogroll for some afternoon reading goodness:
Go, read, enjoy.
That is all.
- Sigboy has some excellent parenting advice.
- Sevesteen likes his Eee a lot and has the Quote of the Week: " I would almost call it [EeePC] the J-frame of computers..." (link found from my blogson)
- TOTWTYTR flirts with Godwin's law but for good reason.
- Sailorcurt has an excellent post on taking apart a Garand (bookmarked!!!)
- FreeinIdaho has some luscious 12 gauge gun pr0n.
- James recounts a teaching experience that didn't go as planned.
- Dancin' Alan remembers the golden days of air travel.
- Newbius has a pleasant open carry experience.
- Sabra reminds us to keep our priorities straight.
- Linoge posts his submission to the MHI patch contest. It looks good, but I will still urge everyone to vote for the teddy bear slayer patch...
Go, read, enjoy.
That is all.
Gone Shootin'...
Gonna taking the (blog)son to the range this afternoon. Rumors are the the lovely Mrs. Borepatch might be joining us, which makes me sad I don't have an Enfield for her to shoot...
Oh well. I've at least got the lever action goodness that has been requested...
That is all.
And Another Thing...
Riddle me this:
All you people that like to equate that shithead Fred Phelps* with the Republicans/right wing/conservatives... Please explain why he and his retarded group of jackoffs were nowhere to be found anywhere near the Kennedy compound throughout the past week.
I mean, if there's anyone that Phelps should be protesting, it's pro-abortion, pro-gay rights Ted Kennedy's passing, right?
Especially when you consider the amount of media attention that Kennedy's passing received, this should have been the holy fucking grail for that scum-sucking piece of sub-human filth. Yet he was nowhere to be found. Hell, he didn't even issue a damn press release on Kennedy's death...
That is all.
*I steadfastly refuse to link to that piece of shit's website...
All you people that like to equate that shithead Fred Phelps* with the Republicans/right wing/conservatives... Please explain why he and his retarded group of jackoffs were nowhere to be found anywhere near the Kennedy compound throughout the past week.
I mean, if there's anyone that Phelps should be protesting, it's pro-abortion, pro-gay rights Ted Kennedy's passing, right?
Especially when you consider the amount of media attention that Kennedy's passing received, this should have been the holy fucking grail for that scum-sucking piece of sub-human filth. Yet he was nowhere to be found. Hell, he didn't even issue a damn press release on Kennedy's death...
That is all.
*I steadfastly refuse to link to that piece of shit's website...
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Gunman On the Loose...
Reports indicate that the gunman entered a grocery store, completed his shopping, then returned without incident. He was then rumored to have entered several other stores under the guise of "back to school" shopping, then continued on to a restaurant.
Despite the fearsome weaponry - a high-capacity assault pistol bullet hose - no injuries were reported.
(I did have a moment of terror, though. At some point in the running of errands I must have hit the magazine release on my G30, because as I was entering Staples I could feel the magazine rattling itself loose. I did manage to catch it before it fell out, though. Crisis averted. Good dog.)
That is all.
Despite the fearsome weaponry - a high-capacity assault pistol bullet hose - no injuries were reported.
(I did have a moment of terror, though. At some point in the running of errands I must have hit the magazine release on my G30, because as I was entering Staples I could feel the magazine rattling itself loose. I did manage to catch it before it fell out, though. Crisis averted. Good dog.)
That is all.
Saturday Afternoon Music...
Love him or hate him, the passing of Ted Kennedy marks the end of an era in American political history. With that in mind, enjoy:
I wonder what the song from '90 - 2010 would sound like?
That is all.
I wonder what the song from '90 - 2010 would sound like?
That is all.
"It's Babyish"...
I'd wager a good number of the parents out there already know where this is going from the title alone...
We're doing back-to-school shopping and planning this weekend. It's pouring out, so going to the beach one last time, riding our bikes, etc. are out; so we're figuring it's a good time to make sure that we have everything in place before the madness of the school year starts in full tilt.
Mrs. G. had last week off, and took the kids shopping for school supplies. As she brought them from aisle to aisle looking at assorted character notebooks, colored pencils, and other assorted stationery and writing implements, she was informed by TheBoy that he didn't want anything with a logo because it was, and I quote, "too babyish" (I actually asked him to repeat this so I'd get it right).
*Sigh* I knew this was coming...
He's starting third grade in three days. He's playing in a traveling soccer league. Character pencils are "too babyish" for him. My little boy is growing up, rushing headlong towards tweenhood and then - {gasp} - the dreaded teen years. [Insert common parental refrain about how it was "just yesterday" that we brought him home from the hospital, yadda yadda yadda, cat's in the cradle, etc.] Who are you, and what have you done with the precious little boy who used to pirouette around the house saying "I'm a princess!"?
Side note1: I have a hypothesis about the "no scorekeeping" sports. I don't think it's to protect the kids - they know who won and who lost - I think it's to protect the parents. Keeping score means that your precious snowflake might be on the losing team, so in order to prevent all-out melees at the T-ball field, we claim to not keep score for the kids, when in reality it's the overzealous parents...
Side note2: I actually can't wait for my son to be a surly teen who sleeps until noon on the weekends. I have eager plans to come into his room with Mr. Whistle and get him out of bed at 7 AM to help me with the yardwork. I always thought my dad was being a sadistic bastard when he would do this to me; now that I've become a parent I know the real reason: payback. It's payback for years and years of having a small person come flying into your room, jump up and down on your chest, and ask (at top volume) DADDY, CAN I WATCH TV? at 5:30 in the morning...
Ah, parenthood. Keeping Jack Daniels and Pfizer in business for decades...
That is all.
We're doing back-to-school shopping and planning this weekend. It's pouring out, so going to the beach one last time, riding our bikes, etc. are out; so we're figuring it's a good time to make sure that we have everything in place before the madness of the school year starts in full tilt.
Mrs. G. had last week off, and took the kids shopping for school supplies. As she brought them from aisle to aisle looking at assorted character notebooks, colored pencils, and other assorted stationery and writing implements, she was informed by TheBoy that he didn't want anything with a logo because it was, and I quote, "too babyish" (I actually asked him to repeat this so I'd get it right).
*Sigh* I knew this was coming...
He's starting third grade in three days. He's playing in a traveling soccer league. Character pencils are "too babyish" for him. My little boy is growing up, rushing headlong towards tweenhood and then - {gasp} - the dreaded teen years. [Insert common parental refrain about how it was "just yesterday" that we brought him home from the hospital, yadda yadda yadda, cat's in the cradle, etc.] Who are you, and what have you done with the precious little boy who used to pirouette around the house saying "I'm a princess!"?
Side note1: I have a hypothesis about the "no scorekeeping" sports. I don't think it's to protect the kids - they know who won and who lost - I think it's to protect the parents. Keeping score means that your precious snowflake might be on the losing team, so in order to prevent all-out melees at the T-ball field, we claim to not keep score for the kids, when in reality it's the overzealous parents...
Side note2: I actually can't wait for my son to be a surly teen who sleeps until noon on the weekends. I have eager plans to come into his room with Mr. Whistle and get him out of bed at 7 AM to help me with the yardwork. I always thought my dad was being a sadistic bastard when he would do this to me; now that I've become a parent I know the real reason: payback. It's payback for years and years of having a small person come flying into your room, jump up and down on your chest, and ask (at top volume) DADDY, CAN I WATCH TV? at 5:30 in the morning...
Ah, parenthood. Keeping Jack Daniels and Pfizer in business for decades...
That is all.
Yet Another Reason...
...why a gun is better than 911:
Because it's a helluva lot better for the 911 operator to hear "I've just shot the man who abducted me" rather than "I'm sorry. I just want to see my family. ... I just want to see my family again. Please. ... Oh please, I just want to see my family again. Let me go."
Alternately, because given the choice between a Motorola and a Glock, I'll take the one that dispenses 230 grain justice over the one that plays "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when it gets an incoming call every time.
That is all.
Because it's a helluva lot better for the 911 operator to hear "I've just shot the man who abducted me" rather than "I'm sorry. I just want to see my family. ... I just want to see my family again. Please. ... Oh please, I just want to see my family again. Let me go."
Alternately, because given the choice between a Motorola and a Glock, I'll take the one that dispenses 230 grain justice over the one that plays "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when it gets an incoming call every time.
That is all.
Friday, August 28, 2009
New Blogs!
Got a couple new blogs to add to the MArooned blogroll today.
First up is Dixie Carpetbagger, who took the highly unorthodox step of sending me an e-mail to ask if we could exchange links. Sorry it took so long to add you to the 'roll, Dixie, but that's what happens when you catch me right before vacation... :)
Secondly is Push the Pull Door, which is the new home of Don Gwinn. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he used to blog under the name of the Armed Schoolteacher. Giving the PSH he encountered on a regular basis over people whose only exercise is jumping to conclusions, he opted for a less-martial moniker. Can't say I blame him...
Welcome aboard folks!
That is all.
First up is Dixie Carpetbagger, who took the highly unorthodox step of sending me an e-mail to ask if we could exchange links. Sorry it took so long to add you to the 'roll, Dixie, but that's what happens when you catch me right before vacation... :)
Secondly is Push the Pull Door, which is the new home of Don Gwinn. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he used to blog under the name of the Armed Schoolteacher. Giving the PSH he encountered on a regular basis over people whose only exercise is jumping to conclusions, he opted for a less-martial moniker. Can't say I blame him...
Welcome aboard folks!
That is all.
Friday Fun Thread: SUPERCARS!
I was having a tough time coming up with a Top Ten list this week when I stumbled across some notes I'd taken a few weeks ago for potential lists. This one jumped out at me: List my top ten favorite supercars.
1. Lamborghini Countach. Sure, the Diablo and Gallardo are sleeker and faster, but to a teenager growing up in the 1980s there was nothing that even came close to the scissor-wing perfection of the Countach.
2. Ferrari F40. Basically a "street legal F1 race car", the F-40 delivers performance like Tam delivers snark. It was the last Ferrari built under Enzo's direct supervision, and was put together to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary.
3. Porsche 959. Not legal for importation into the US due to low ground clearance and emissions, you can't help but love a supercar whose all-wheel drive variant won its class in the Paris-Dakar rally...
4. Lotus Esprit S4. While the Esprit of the 1980s reached movie fame as a Bond car (or as the car Richard Gere drove in "Pretty Woman"), the S4 of the mid-1990s was the model that pulled 300 hp out of an inline 4-cylinder. Pretty darn impressive, especially considering that, at the time, the Chevy big block 454 motor was rated at 210 hp...
5. Callaway Sledgehammer Corvette. The twin-turbo, 880HP 'Vette from the wizards in CT brings our first American supercar. While only one model exists, the fact that it achieved a blistering 254 MPH top speed puts it in the top five.
6. Bugatti Veyron. One of the few recent cars to make the list, pretty much any car running 1,000 HP deserves a slot on the list. So what it if costs a couple million? After all, it was built to be the "fastest, most powerful, and most expensive" car in the world...
7. Ford GT40. The car won the "24 Hours of LeMans" four years in a row after its introduction in 1966. That's badass, especially considering the competition at the time and the fact that American cars at the time were known for going very fast in a straight line, not so fast around corners (heck, that's more or less true even today...)
8. Mercedes SLR McLaren. There's just something about this sleek, fast Mercedes. Maybe it's the fact that the AMG V8 puts out over 625HP. Maybe it's the fact that it costs more than most suburban homes. Maybe it's the fact that it will hold its own among the Porsches, Ferraris, and other world-class supercars while wrapping you in luxury equal to that of the finest hotels... Or it could just be the ultra-cool scissor-style doors again...
9. Bentley Continental GT. Much like the aforementioned Mercedes, the Bentley-from-hell promises sumptious appointments destined to pamper the driver rocketing around the curves in this twelve-cylinder, 2.4 ton monster. At a price that could get you several Ferarris with change in Corvettes...
10. Dodge Viper SRT-10. Wrapping up the list is the high-end Viper of the late 2000s. As GM started to realize that they were losing the "fastest American car" designation on the 'Vette, they started upping the output going to the American Classic. Mopar's response was typical, producing a motor capable of a ridiculous 600+HP in a car that can only be described as awe-inspiring...
So there's my list of Top Ten supercars. Not all of the cars on this list are the tops in the field, or even necessarily the top offering from their respective manufacturer. They are tops in my list, though.
What supercars are on your list?
That is all.
1. Lamborghini Countach. Sure, the Diablo and Gallardo are sleeker and faster, but to a teenager growing up in the 1980s there was nothing that even came close to the scissor-wing perfection of the Countach.
2. Ferrari F40. Basically a "street legal F1 race car", the F-40 delivers performance like Tam delivers snark. It was the last Ferrari built under Enzo's direct supervision, and was put together to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary.
3. Porsche 959. Not legal for importation into the US due to low ground clearance and emissions, you can't help but love a supercar whose all-wheel drive variant won its class in the Paris-Dakar rally...
4. Lotus Esprit S4. While the Esprit of the 1980s reached movie fame as a Bond car (or as the car Richard Gere drove in "Pretty Woman"), the S4 of the mid-1990s was the model that pulled 300 hp out of an inline 4-cylinder. Pretty darn impressive, especially considering that, at the time, the Chevy big block 454 motor was rated at 210 hp...
5. Callaway Sledgehammer Corvette. The twin-turbo, 880HP 'Vette from the wizards in CT brings our first American supercar. While only one model exists, the fact that it achieved a blistering 254 MPH top speed puts it in the top five.
6. Bugatti Veyron. One of the few recent cars to make the list, pretty much any car running 1,000 HP deserves a slot on the list. So what it if costs a couple million? After all, it was built to be the "fastest, most powerful, and most expensive" car in the world...
7. Ford GT40. The car won the "24 Hours of LeMans" four years in a row after its introduction in 1966. That's badass, especially considering the competition at the time and the fact that American cars at the time were known for going very fast in a straight line, not so fast around corners (heck, that's more or less true even today...)
8. Mercedes SLR McLaren. There's just something about this sleek, fast Mercedes. Maybe it's the fact that the AMG V8 puts out over 625HP. Maybe it's the fact that it costs more than most suburban homes. Maybe it's the fact that it will hold its own among the Porsches, Ferraris, and other world-class supercars while wrapping you in luxury equal to that of the finest hotels... Or it could just be the ultra-cool scissor-style doors again...
9. Bentley Continental GT. Much like the aforementioned Mercedes, the Bentley-from-hell promises sumptious appointments destined to pamper the driver rocketing around the curves in this twelve-cylinder, 2.4 ton monster. At a price that could get you several Ferarris with change in Corvettes...
10. Dodge Viper SRT-10. Wrapping up the list is the high-end Viper of the late 2000s. As GM started to realize that they were losing the "fastest American car" designation on the 'Vette, they started upping the output going to the American Classic. Mopar's response was typical, producing a motor capable of a ridiculous 600+HP in a car that can only be described as awe-inspiring...
So there's my list of Top Ten supercars. Not all of the cars on this list are the tops in the field, or even necessarily the top offering from their respective manufacturer. They are tops in my list, though.
What supercars are on your list?
That is all.
Odd Headline of the Day...
Naked man hijacks bus carrying students
Yeah, that'll get your attention right there...
And in the running for "euphemism of the year" is this line:
Folks, this is Georgia, a place where "he needed killin'" is a valid defense. I'd bet pretty much any amount that "onlookers subdued the man" is a polite way of saying "beat him like a piñata on Cinqo de Mayo". Something tells me this dude got a beating that made Rodney King go "DAMN!"...
It is a shame to see the pants-free lifestyle taken too far, though...
That is all.
Yeah, that'll get your attention right there...
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- An angry, naked man commandeered a school bus full of teenage students Thursday in Atlanta, police said.
The man drove the bus for less than a mile before a student confronted him and the bus crashed into a wall off the road, according to police.
And in the running for "euphemism of the year" is this line:
Students fled the bus, many using the back door emergency exit, and onlookers subdued the man until police arrived.
Folks, this is Georgia, a place where "he needed killin'" is a valid defense. I'd bet pretty much any amount that "onlookers subdued the man" is a polite way of saying "beat him like a piñata on Cinqo de Mayo". Something tells me this dude got a beating that made Rodney King go "DAMN!"...
It is a shame to see the pants-free lifestyle taken too far, though...
That is all.
Friday Gun Pr0n #126
Today's Gun Pr0n is one of the oldies but goodies in the G. armory:
Stevens 311A
Here's yet another locally-made gun, a Stevens model 311A side-by-side 12 gauge shotgun. The J. Stevens Arms company was founded in 1864 in Chicopee, MA. Stevens was purchased by Savage Arms in the 1920s and continues to offer low-cost, high-quality shotguns today. The 28" barrel is an excellent length for skeet shooting, although the straight buttstock transmits most of the recoil directly into one's shoulder (hence the obvious slip-on recoil pad marks...)
If it only had exposed hammers, it could be the start of the perfect coach gun...
That is all.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
More MHI Madness!
With the kind assistance of Borepatch, we proudly present the Northeast Blogger MHI Patch:
This patch, lovingly created by Borepatch (and thought up and tweaked by your humble host), has been submitted to the MHI Patch Contest Larry is running until the end of the month. At the close of the contest, he's going to have a contest on Facebook (you *have* friended Larry, right???) and the winner will receive the following prize:
The PRIZE: For whoever wins the poll, I’ll mention your patch in MHI:2 so it will become official cannon in the MHI universe and I’ll send you an autographed copy of Monster Hunter International. If your town is already represented by another team in the MHI universe I might have to tweak accordingly, so the geography of where it is from will have to be at my discretion.
Got that? A mention in MHI:2 (something tells me there won't be any other submissions from MA/NE, so I doubt tweaking would be needed...) Do you have any freaking idea how cool that would be? To have the bayonetted possessed teddy bear immortalized in print would be... well... quite possibly the most geekerifically cool thing I can think of...
Obviously, I will need to bus in the undead from Chicago to help rig this...
That is all.
New NEW Bike...
Let's try this again. Before my vacation, I picked up a new bike. The goal was simple: obtain an inexpensive single-speed bicycle that would provide me with an easy-to-maintain set of wheels for infrequent biking. I wanted something that didn't require a lot of tweaking or tinkering, that I could replace tubes quickly and simply, that could be strapped on the carrier or tossed in the bed of the truck for a quick trip with the kids.
Well... As normally happens with me, right after picking up the new bike referenced above, I found the bike I really wanted. This one:
Well... As normally happens with me, right after picking up the new bike referenced above, I found the bike I really wanted. This one:
Schwinn Del Mar
Still a single-speed. Still a coaster brake. However, this one's a little nicer - it's a Schwinn, the same brand I had throughout my childhood (and have three ancient ten-speeds in my basement...). It's even got a rack!
The Huffy I got lasted exactly two rides. The second time I took it out, I noticed an uneven ride which I localized to the front tire after about a ¼ mile. The tire - not the tube, mind you, the actual tire itself - had split and deformed. Brought it back to the shop, paid the difference between the Huffy and the Schwinn, and got the exact bike I wanted.
Sometimes things really do work out...
That is all.
So Long, And Thanks For All The Snark
View from the Porch turns four today.
Wow.
It seems like Tam's been knockin' 'em out of the park longer than that, doesn't it?
Congrats, Tam!
That is all.
SQUEEEEEE!!!
Got something really cool in the mail yesterday:
How Cool is THAT?
Yes, a signed copy of Monster Hunter International, with some very kind words from the man himself, Larry Correia.
I am totally geeking out. Totally.
That is all.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Boo Effin' Hoo...
Kennedy's seat may remain empty for months
A little further down the article:
Got it? MA Dems screwed themselves on this one. They were so confident that Lurch was going to win in 2004 that they fell over themselves drafting a law to change how Senators were replaced should they leave office unexpectedly. Until 2004, the governor appointed someone to serve until the next general election. Because they were so afraid that Romney would appoint a Republican to fill Lurch's seat, they changed the rules mid-game...
And now it's biting them on the ass. Oh, the irony is delicious...
That is all.
(CNN) -- It may be months before Edward Kennedy's Senate seat is filled, following his death at the age of 77 on Tuesday.
...
Under Massachusetts law, a special election must be held 145 to 160 days after a Senate seat becomes vacant. The winner of that election serves the remainder of a senator's unexpired term.
A little further down the article:
Until 2004, Massachusetts law allowed the governor to appoint an immediate replacement in the event of a U.S. Senate vacancy. The heavily Democratic legislature changed the law, however, after Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry became the likely Democratic presidential nominee -- when Republican Mitt Romney was governor.
Got it? MA Dems screwed themselves on this one. They were so confident that Lurch was going to win in 2004 that they fell over themselves drafting a law to change how Senators were replaced should they leave office unexpectedly. Until 2004, the governor appointed someone to serve until the next general election. Because they were so afraid that Romney would appoint a Republican to fill Lurch's seat, they changed the rules mid-game...
And now it's biting them on the ass. Oh, the irony is delicious...
That is all.
Quick Observation...
Some of my, err, more hopeful right-leaning brethren like to point to the existence of websites like "Hillary2012" to show that 0bama is going to face an uphill battle in 3½ years. The thought that 0bama might be challenged for the Democratic nomination - by no less than his Secretary of State, mind you - is indeed a comforting one for those of us who cherish freedom and support the antiquated notion of personal responsibility. However, it's just not going to happen...
Let's put it this way: I think there's a greater chance of Reagan taking on 0bama than Hillary...
That is all.
Let's put it this way: I think there's a greater chance of Reagan taking on 0bama than Hillary...
That is all.
The Irony, She Is Thick Here...
I mentioned taking a day trip to Martha's Vineyard on my vacation to Cape Cod last week. While we were there, I was struck by the sheer volume of 0bama-themed merchandise. Now, granted,the President vacationing in one's locale is a big event, but to have such cheesy merchandise as:
Some of the puckering was not commercial-driven:
Pander Much?
just makes you shake your head.
Some of the puckering was not commercial-driven:
Words Fail Me
This is one of the houses on Ocean Park. To the immediate left of the picture is the Atlantic. This is a multi-million dollar home, and most likely rents for close to five figures a week.
The ultimate irony, in both cases, is that the small business owner and the wealthy owner/renter of the house are the ones getting hardest hit by 0bama's policies. They're the ones who will suffer if 0bama gets his way; the ones who will shutter their doors as health insurance costs, increasingly complex regulations, and soaring minimum wage requirements force small businesses under. They're the ones whose paychecks will be raided for the money to pay for the social programs 0's rainbow farting unicorns have been promising.
They're fêting a man who would cheerfully sign the warrant for their own economic death. How supremely ironic is that?
That is all.
Finally...
Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy dies after cancer battle
Edward Kennedy, Senate Stalwart, Dies
Kennedy dead at 77
That which I tell you three times is true...
Mom always said, "If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all."
That is all.
Edward Kennedy, Senate Stalwart, Dies
Kennedy dead at 77
That which I tell you three times is true...
Mom always said, "If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all."
That is all.
Won't Be Long...
The days grow shorter. The sun is later in rising. Evenings lose more and more daylight. School supplies fill shopping carts. Coaches send out soccer team rosters. School starts next week.
Fall is coming.
There is one bright side to fall, though, if you're a gunnie. As the mercury starts to dip, it becomes less and less noticeable to wear a vest or sweatshirt. The larger guns that make odd bumps under a polo shirt now disappear under the bulky sweatshirt. It's time to dust off the hi-cap wunder-nines and 1911s and let the J-frames and .380s take a breather from the carry rotation...
I look forward to fall for many reasons: The kids go back to school. I can ride my motorcycle with plenty of protective gear and not roast. The foliage here in New England is breathtaking. And the pleasure of wearing my G30 without worrying about accidentally printing or (gaia-forbid) exposing it...
Sure, we wear more layers in winter - heck, I can conceal my telescoping stock M1 carbine under a mid-length winter coat - but we also have gloves to fumble with and the frigid temperatures to slow our reflexes. And summer, well, the only saving grace of summer (as it pertains to CCW) is cargo shorts. IWB becomes a dicey prospect for reasons both of concealment (specifically not having enough) and wear - lesser finishes (Kel-Tec, I'm looking at yooouuuuu) start to oxidize on contact with skin...
"Fall back" on your larger, higher capacity, larger caliber defensive side arms.
That is all.
Fall is coming.
There is one bright side to fall, though, if you're a gunnie. As the mercury starts to dip, it becomes less and less noticeable to wear a vest or sweatshirt. The larger guns that make odd bumps under a polo shirt now disappear under the bulky sweatshirt. It's time to dust off the hi-cap wunder-nines and 1911s and let the J-frames and .380s take a breather from the carry rotation...
I look forward to fall for many reasons: The kids go back to school. I can ride my motorcycle with plenty of protective gear and not roast. The foliage here in New England is breathtaking. And the pleasure of wearing my G30 without worrying about accidentally printing or (gaia-forbid) exposing it...
Sure, we wear more layers in winter - heck, I can conceal my telescoping stock M1 carbine under a mid-length winter coat - but we also have gloves to fumble with and the frigid temperatures to slow our reflexes. And summer, well, the only saving grace of summer (as it pertains to CCW) is cargo shorts. IWB becomes a dicey prospect for reasons both of concealment (specifically not having enough) and wear - lesser finishes (Kel-Tec, I'm looking at yooouuuuu) start to oxidize on contact with skin...
"Fall back" on your larger, higher capacity, larger caliber defensive side arms.
That is all.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Gettin' Old...
You know you're getting old when you see a cute, approximately-teenaged girl walking down your street and your first thought is,
"Hey! I wonder if she's old enough to... babysit?"
That is all.
"Hey! I wonder if she's old enough to... babysit?"
That is all.
Gettin' the Word Out...
Great friend, (far too infrequent) commenter, and TheBoy's godfather sci-fi reminds me that there is a Tea Party March on DC planned for the weekend after Labor Day on September 12th. The website is here; there's more information about the March and the logistics thereof on the site.
Although I would love to go, I can't attend - the 12th is the annual "Hometown Days" in my town, which is a local celebration of fall, etc. blah blah blah that happens to be the biggest recruiting event of the year for our Cub Scout Pack. Since this is my first full year as Cubmaster, it would be in terrible form to miss this event.
Anyhoo, just putting it out there for anyone who might be interested in attending...
That is all.
Although I would love to go, I can't attend - the 12th is the annual "Hometown Days" in my town, which is a local celebration of fall, etc. blah blah blah that happens to be the biggest recruiting event of the year for our Cub Scout Pack. Since this is my first full year as Cubmaster, it would be in terrible form to miss this event.
Anyhoo, just putting it out there for anyone who might be interested in attending...
That is all.
Post 2K
Blogger informs me that this is my 2,000th post. That's a helluva lot of writing for someone with not a helluva lot to say, I guess. Let's see... 1/16th of those posts have been gun pr0n... Everything else has been either me ranting and raving about something that pissed me off, be it politics or MAhole drivers; or me waxing rhapsodical about my amazingly average life.
Not too shabby for a retarded chimp banging away at an old IBM Selectric typewriter...
That is all.
Not too shabby for a retarded chimp banging away at an old IBM Selectric typewriter...
That is all.
What I Did On My Summer Vacation...
Here's our trip to the Cape, summarized in pictures:
The campsite:
Naturally, we went to the beach and took home some souvenirs:
We took a day trip to Martha's Vineyard
Here's BabyGirl G. being silly on MV:
We walked out to the jetty that is the start of the Cape Cod Canal:
Here's TheBoy hamming it up on the jetty:
Here's an odd shot: The Mirant Power Plant in Sandwich
The smokestack of the power plant is the very first thing you see as you turn down the road to the state preservation where the campground is located. For many, I'm sure, it's an unpleasant eyesore; a nuisance that they'd rather not look at. For me, however, it feels like home. When I see that smokestack, I know I'm only minutes from my second-favorite place on earth.
Here's a shot just for Caleb:
And that was my vacation in a nutshell!
That is all.
The campsite:
Campsite
That's our Max-Sport Trail-Lite 25' bunkhouse travel trailer. All the comforts of home in a package that can easily be towed by a ½ ton pickup truck. Since Mrs. G. does not do tenting, we "compromised" on the travel trailer as a way to placate her disdain for "roughing it"...Naturally, we went to the beach and took home some souvenirs:
Beach treasure
Sandollars. You want to see pure, raw, unfiltered delight? Watch a child's face as they dig up a sandollar on a sand bar in the middle of the afternoon on their summer vacation.We took a day trip to Martha's Vineyard
Oak Bluffs
This is Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard. Lined with cottages and centered with a large bandstand, it has something else very important for parents of small, wound-up children: Lots of open space to run around and bleed off excess energy...Here's BabyGirl G. being silly on MV:
Silly Girl!
Yes, she's usually like this. She inherited her silly side from her paternal genetic donor... ;)We walked out to the jetty that is the start of the Cape Cod Canal:
Jetty
That foghorn is one of the recurring sights and sounds from my childhood on the Cape. On foggy, stormy nights, it was a steady sonic reminder of something solid, a beacon not only to ships but to young ears.Here's TheBoy hamming it up on the jetty:
TheBoy
Dunno if you can make it out, but he's got his "Flat Stanley" in his hand, a summer project for the start of third grade.Here's an odd shot: The Mirant Power Plant in Sandwich
Power!
Ever since I was about six years old, we've been coming to Cape Cod for summer vacations. My father was a MA state cop, and his last few years on the force he was stationed at Logan Airport. The Cape is roughly the same distance south of Logan as we are north, so we would spend weeks upon weeks at the Cape.The smokestack of the power plant is the very first thing you see as you turn down the road to the state preservation where the campground is located. For many, I'm sure, it's an unpleasant eyesore; a nuisance that they'd rather not look at. For me, however, it feels like home. When I see that smokestack, I know I'm only minutes from my second-favorite place on earth.
Here's a shot just for Caleb:
USCG
There is, naturally, a strong US Coast Guard presence on the Cape, providing assistance to the hustle and bustle of both the private craft and commercial ships that pass through the canal. Despite the "no wake" zones posted at many areas along the canal, many captains do not heed the admonition and rip through the canal, leaving impressive wakes behind. And these brave folks keep the peace there...And that was my vacation in a nutshell!
That is all.
Monday, August 24, 2009
No, Really, Pull The Other One...
Officials: Obama to tap FBI to interrogate terrorists
Right, because the FBI has such a lengthy track record of respect for civil rights, right? Why, let's ask the folks at the Koresh compound about that. Oh, wait, we can't, because the FBI barbequed their asses and lied about it for six fucking years...
0bama really can't be this clueless, can he?
That is all.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama hs approved the establishment of a special unit of terrorist interrogators based out of the FBI, senior administration officials said Monday.
The move comes in the wake of criticism of questionable CIA interrogation techniques, such as waterboarding and the transfer of detainees to countries where torture is common.
Right, because the FBI has such a lengthy track record of respect for civil rights, right? Why, let's ask the folks at the Koresh compound about that. Oh, wait, we can't, because the FBI barbequed their asses and lied about it for six fucking years...
0bama really can't be this clueless, can he?
That is all.
Yeah, That's It...
Gov. David Paterson blames calls for him to step aside on race
Look, I don't know anything about Paterson and the job he's doing in (or is it to?) NY. It's entirely possible he's doing a fantastic job, but the evil right wing racist media in NY is painting him as a failure because they're racists. And giant talking broccoli stalks from the planet Weembo might mow my lawn for me.
What I do know is that the problems facing MA governor, a.k.a. "Cadillac Deval", are entirely of his own making and have nothing to do with his race. The man has never met a tax he didn't want to raise, a freedom he didn't want to curtail, or a special interest group he didn't pander to. This is a man who can't get things done in a state that is 90% controlled by his own party. He can't get his liberal agenda passed in Massachusetts.
That's got nothing to do with race, and everything to do with gross incompetence, stunning arrogance, or a combination of the two...
That is all.
ALBANY - Gov. Paterson blamed a racist media Friday for trying to push him out of next year's election - launching into an angry rant that left even some black Democrats shaking their heads.
"The whole idea is to get me not to run in the primary," Paterson complained on a morning radio show hosted by Daily News columnist Errol Louis.
He suggested that Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, the country's only other African-American governor, also is under fire because of his race.
Look, I don't know anything about Paterson and the job he's doing in (or is it to?) NY. It's entirely possible he's doing a fantastic job, but the evil right wing racist media in NY is painting him as a failure because they're racists. And giant talking broccoli stalks from the planet Weembo might mow my lawn for me.
What I do know is that the problems facing MA governor, a.k.a. "Cadillac Deval", are entirely of his own making and have nothing to do with his race. The man has never met a tax he didn't want to raise, a freedom he didn't want to curtail, or a special interest group he didn't pander to. This is a man who can't get things done in a state that is 90% controlled by his own party. He can't get his liberal agenda passed in Massachusetts.
That's got nothing to do with race, and everything to do with gross incompetence, stunning arrogance, or a combination of the two...
That is all.
Unfinished Business...
One of the things I don't like about being away from the blog for a week is that I miss out on the back-and-forth in the comments to my pre-set posts. So I'm going to try something new for today: I'm going to pick-and-choose some comments from posts last week and respond. There was a lot of good information put out, and there's a bunch I'd like to respond to - and it'll get lost in the comments to a week-old post, so here we go!
From the "New Bike" post:
Cards in the spokes - man, that takes me back. If only I could reproduce the "potato potato" sound... ;)
Point taken on the difference between this bike and a "fixie", Mike. Guess it makes sense, as the gear truly is "fixed" in that sense. In any way, the single speed is one helluva workout.
And no contest. TheBoy wins (he throws a fit when he loses... I should try that sometime with the Mrs. Heh.)
Defensive practice post:
As for shooting on the move, that's an excellent component as well. Unfortunately, a lot of ranges won't let you practice this sort of drill without some sort of overseeing body (IDPA/IPSC/etc.) - it's not something you can just pop in on a Tuesday afternoon and futz around with (and for a good chunk of folks, that's probably not a bad idea...). I think the overwhelming message here is that you don't get the full effect by shooting holes in paper.
Caldwell Target review post:
Kinda like cleaning my shotgun... :)
.308 Thoughts post
I'm going to give a few general responses first, then reply to specific comments here. First off, the three guns were chosen mainly because they're the three best-known semi-auto .308s, at least in my opinion. There were many others named that I'm certain are excellent firearms; please do not take my exclusion of your personal favorite as any sort of slight at the platform. I was trying to narrow it down to what I considered the three main systems.
Another good question asked was "what do you want it for?" Really, this is just tire-kicking right now. I don't shoot my Bushmaster AR-15 anywhere near enough; the .308 would be the next step up, a semi-auto battle rifle with more oomph than 5.56mm. I guess it'd be something to have for later when I have time to devote to long(er) range shooting, or to put away in case they get stupid about a semi-auto ban...
I think Sigivald hit it closest:
Of course, I'd have to invest a LOT more time and money into getting to the point where my rifle shooting was good enough to tell the difference, so...
Are You Carrying post:
Plenty of good comments here as well; also going to respond in general to this one.
1. Work has no formal "No weapons" policy. However, work is also in MA, and if G-d forbid anything were to ever happen where I got "made" or otherwise found out (other than a defensive situation), I'd stand about a 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999% of losing my job and an equal chance of going to jail. And be about as likely to find employment that didn't involve asking if they want fries with that to boot...
2. Answering the door. Oh yes. If I am not expecting someone and the doorbell rings, you can absolutely believe I'll have a heater secreted somewhere on my person. Nothing good comes of someone unannounced banging on your door at 2AM...
3. Mexican wedding shirt. Very similar to Hawaiian shirt. Meant to be worn untucked.
4. "They don't know. Really, they don't know". Boy, howdy, did that take a LOT of time to actually sink in. I think the day I accidentally pulled my G21 magazine out of my pocket while searching for change (and absentmindedly put it on the counter) without causing a panic helped me realize that 99% of the people out there wouldn't recognize a concealed gun if you had a neon sign over your head...
Chortle post:
Remember, this is the place where reduced tuition for illegal immigrants became a rallying point in the last gubernatorial race...
Try again.
THfRO review:
However, the fact is that we also watched "Jaws" while on vacation - we made the mistake of pointing out to TheBoy that "Jaws" was filmed on Martha's Vineyard while we were visiting, so he insisted on seeing the movie. Young male human, movie about a great white attacking people, filmed where he was visiting... Foregone conclusion...
2. The MA DYS takes a dim view of leaving small children unattended in a camper so you can take a long walk on a beach...
Friday Fun Thread, Hauler edition:
As for the Durango, see comment to Marko above. Just what you see in the case, pal...
And lastly, Teh Funny post. Thanks everyone. The kids are just too cute; I couldn't resist at least one super-cute kid pic while I was on vacation...
I have a feeling this won't be the last time we see BabyGirl G. in a dumptruck, nor TheBoy in a squad car...
That is all.
From the "New Bike" post:
Heh. Well, first of all, the review... Errr... I only got to take it out twice, for a couple of short trips around the campground, before the front tire blew. I don't mean the tube - I mean the actual sidewall blew out. Fortunately, WallyWorld has a generous return/exchange policy. More on this later in the week - suffice to say, the bike I took on vacation is not the bike I took home from vacation.
Excellent choice, after all, the point of riding is exercise. Now, clothespins to hold baseball cards against the spokes to give it the motor sound.
- August 18, 2009 8:31 AM
Congrats on the new bike. The singlespeed lifestyle is simple and refreshing. My commuter and mountain bike are single geared and have been for years. Please note some purists might take you to task for assigning the "fixie" moniker to your new stead. A fixed gear bike (fixie) does not have the ability to coast.
- August 18, 2009 9:45 AM
I've got $10 on the Boy. Any takers?
Cards in the spokes - man, that takes me back. If only I could reproduce the "potato potato" sound... ;)
Point taken on the difference between this bike and a "fixie", Mike. Guess it makes sense, as the gear truly is "fixed" in that sense. In any way, the single speed is one helluva workout.
And no contest. TheBoy wins (he throws a fit when he loses... I should try that sometime with the Mrs. Heh.)
Defensive practice post:
Simply excellent points, all. I would dearly love to get into some form of action shooting discipline in the very near future, even if it's something as simple as attending the next pin shoot at my gun club. Time, unfortunately, is severely limited for me at the moment, so I'm reluctant to get into any formal schedule where I may not be a reliable participant. For those that can, absolutely. I can't think of a better way to get into a more "fighting" mindset.
With due respect to Jay, nothing brushes up the shooting skills faster then competition, especially competition against people better then you.
- August 18, 2009 4:48 PM
Jay, you're forgetting one important concept: movement while firing. Remember some of the force-on-force variations of the Tueller drill: standing still while firing is NOT a good idea!
Something like IDPA is REALLY good practice, as well...- August 18, 2009 10:53 PM
My police friend showed me this relatively simple drill. Start out about 5 paces from the target. Draw your gun, double tap the target, step back 2 paces, double tap, and repeat until the magazine is empty. Clearly you can only do this when you are alone at the range. The first couple times you do this are humbling.
As for shooting on the move, that's an excellent component as well. Unfortunately, a lot of ranges won't let you practice this sort of drill without some sort of overseeing body (IDPA/IPSC/etc.) - it's not something you can just pop in on a Tuesday afternoon and futz around with (and for a good chunk of folks, that's probably not a bad idea...). I think the overwhelming message here is that you don't get the full effect by shooting holes in paper.
Caldwell Target review post:
I've got a roll of 3" peel & stick orange stickers I bought years ago that are the perfect size for these targets; I've also got a can of orange Krylon. I think I'll give each a try and see which is easier/faster... The wire wheel/repaint idea is a good one, but I know me - being a lazy SOB, it'll be a once-a-year thing.
FYI: Walmart sells replacement target stickers for those.
- August 19, 2009 7:37 AM
Wire wheel in an electric drill to scrub off most of the old paint/lead, Then hit them with black spraypaint to take the shine off. Cheap spraypaint. None of it's bulletproof anyways.
- August 19, 2009 5:58 PM
I own a couple of these. When they get scuffed up lay it on a small piece of plywood and spray paint them with the cheapest paint I could find. No cleaning, no wire brushing. It dries in 10 minutes. Works like a charm.
- August 19, 2009 7:10 PM
I have one that's similar. I just spray each with the cheapest white paint I can find - no cleaning or brushing, just spray, dry, shoot.
- August 19, 2009 11:36 PM
Kinda like cleaning my shotgun... :)
.308 Thoughts post
I'm going to give a few general responses first, then reply to specific comments here. First off, the three guns were chosen mainly because they're the three best-known semi-auto .308s, at least in my opinion. There were many others named that I'm certain are excellent firearms; please do not take my exclusion of your personal favorite as any sort of slight at the platform. I was trying to narrow it down to what I considered the three main systems.
Another good question asked was "what do you want it for?" Really, this is just tire-kicking right now. I don't shoot my Bushmaster AR-15 anywhere near enough; the .308 would be the next step up, a semi-auto battle rifle with more oomph than 5.56mm. I guess it'd be something to have for later when I have time to devote to long(er) range shooting, or to put away in case they get stupid about a semi-auto ban...
I think Sigivald hit it closest:
For "just having a .308"Well, that's why I got the VEPR - before I found out that VEPR .308 mags are made of compressed unicorn tears... I'd like a semi-auto .308 that I can stock up pre-ban magazines for, basically. The VEPR kicks pretty hard; I don't know if I'd want something lighter for .308 Win. I've shot an FN/FAL before and been impressed with the minute-of-tin-can accuracy and ease of breakdown.
I know you have narrowed your choices to those 3, but I'm just wondering why the something like the PTR91 didn't make your cut? Decent parts supply, and you can still buy 20rnd mags for $1 a piece.
word verification=loane - what I need so I can afford to buy myself a PTR91
Get something that can share VEPR mags ;) I havn't shot any of them, the closest are the little brothers, AR-15 and M1 carbine. While the AR is a very advanced platform, for me at least the carbine is more fun so I'd lean toward M1A.
Of course, I'd have to invest a LOT more time and money into getting to the point where my rifle shooting was good enough to tell the difference, so...
PSL, ROMAK III, or better (and more expensive), the actual Dragunov SVD.
Same ammo as your Mosin-Nagant...
And they might let you keep it in MA, since it was built by communists...
WV: redlesse--really I promise, the communists thing was typed before I saw this.
Are You Carrying post:
Plenty of good comments here as well; also going to respond in general to this one.
1. Work has no formal "No weapons" policy. However, work is also in MA, and if G-d forbid anything were to ever happen where I got "made" or otherwise found out (other than a defensive situation), I'd stand about a 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999% of losing my job and an equal chance of going to jail. And be about as likely to find employment that didn't involve asking if they want fries with that to boot...
2. Answering the door. Oh yes. If I am not expecting someone and the doorbell rings, you can absolutely believe I'll have a heater secreted somewhere on my person. Nothing good comes of someone unannounced banging on your door at 2AM...
3. Mexican wedding shirt. Very similar to Hawaiian shirt. Meant to be worn untucked.
4. "They don't know. Really, they don't know". Boy, howdy, did that take a LOT of time to actually sink in. I think the day I accidentally pulled my G21 magazine out of my pocket while searching for change (and absentmindedly put it on the counter) without causing a panic helped me realize that 99% of the people out there wouldn't recognize a concealed gun if you had a neon sign over your head...
Chortle post:
I imagine if you run the numbers, you'll find that skyrocketing populations in the south & west have more to do with immigration and birth rate among minorities than they do with flight from Massachussetts. Nice try, though.
- August 20, 2009 11:52 AM
Remember, this is the place where reduced tuition for illegal immigrants became a rallying point in the last gubernatorial race...
Try again.
THfRO review:
"Roy Scheider???"
Um, don't remember the guy from Jaws being in THRO.
You're not talking about Scott Glenn, playing the role of Capt. Bart Mancuso, are you?- August 20, 2009 3:35 PM
However, the fact is that we also watched "Jaws" while on vacation - we made the mistake of pointing out to TheBoy that "Jaws" was filmed on Martha's Vineyard while we were visiting, so he insisted on seeing the movie. Young male human, movie about a great white attacking people, filmed where he was visiting... Foregone conclusion...
1. Our RV has a pass-through system for the monitor, so we were able to kick on the outside speakers and watch the movie while sitting under the stars, thank you very much.
Dude...you're on the Cape, in a veritable vacation paradise with the ocean schlepping at your front door, & you're watching a DVD??!!?
- August 20, 2009 9:18 PM
2. The MA DYS takes a dim view of leaving small children unattended in a camper so you can take a long walk on a beach...
Friday Fun Thread, Hauler edition:
Mater!
1951 International Harvester tow truck. Don't see too many of those around for some reason, though.- August 21, 2009 9:25 AM
Well Jay, since mine is almost the identical twin of yours; you already know my favorite. :P
Just a minor correction though. The new Hemi Ram 1500 has a dual exhaust which brings it up to 390 ponies. They also added electronic trailer sway control to all but the most basic models.
I would add the Dodge Durango to the list. The hemi gives it a towing capacity only 150lbs less then the 1500 pickup while carrying a family and their crap. Plus it's got electronic trailer sway control as well, and it's easier to park.- August 21, 2009 4:42 PM
As for the Durango, see comment to Marko above. Just what you see in the case, pal...
And lastly, Teh Funny post. Thanks everyone. The kids are just too cute; I couldn't resist at least one super-cute kid pic while I was on vacation...
I have a feeling this won't be the last time we see BabyGirl G. in a dumptruck, nor TheBoy in a squad car...
That is all.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
There's No Place Like...
...waking up in your own bed after a week on a 3" thick "mattress" in a small metal box...
For the first time in a week, my back's not tied up in knots. This is a good thing. It's not going to last, though, because tomorrow I go back to {shudder} work to deal with a week's worth of neglect - the office was more or less empty all last week, and I have a feeling that the backlog is going to be epic...
But for now, I have one day left, and I'm going to enjoy it...
That is all.
For the first time in a week, my back's not tied up in knots. This is a good thing. It's not going to last, though, because tomorrow I go back to {shudder} work to deal with a week's worth of neglect - the office was more or less empty all last week, and I have a feeling that the backlog is going to be epic...
But for now, I have one day left, and I'm going to enjoy it...
That is all.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Home Again, Home Again...
...jiggity, jiggity, to avoid a damn hurricane...
We're back a day early to avoid the wrath of Hurricane Bill, which is rumored to make the Cape its bitch late tonight/early tomorrow morning. Since the wee bairns have been poking each other with sticks all week long, we opted to pack up a day early and head for home.
Home is where teh intarwebz are, right?
That is all.
We're back a day early to avoid the wrath of Hurricane Bill, which is rumored to make the Cape its bitch late tonight/early tomorrow morning. Since the wee bairns have been poking each other with sticks all week long, we opted to pack up a day early and head for home.
Home is where teh intarwebz are, right?
That is all.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Teh Funny...
Took the kids to the town "Vehicle Night" a couple weeks back. They gather a representative sampling of the town's municipal equipment - police cars, fire trucks, electrical trucks, etc. - and let the kids climb all over them while giving a safety lecture specific to the vehicle and tasks it may be needed to perform. Needless to say, the kids were in seventh heaven...
I couldn't resist this shot:
And TheBoy doesn't disappoint in the "cute pic" department:
That is all.
I couldn't resist this shot:
I Can Haz Dumptruck?
Yeah. That's my little sweetie. I still maintain that she's not going to break hearts, she's going to break legs...
And TheBoy doesn't disappoint in the "cute pic" department:
A Harbinger?
Yeah. Don't get used to that view, pal...
That is all.
Friday Fun Thread: Heavy Haulers
Hey, what can I say? I’ve gotta go with what I know, and right now, it’s all about campers and the vehicles that yank them into place… Today’s list is taken from the world around me, direct from the campground, it’s a list of vehicles well-suited for towing a recreational vehicle.
1. Ford F-250. It seems like pretty much every other tow vehicle is an F-250. I can’t tell if it’s Ford’s low pricing, the versatility of the ¾ truck, or if there was simply a sale in the southeastern MA area that led to the large number of mid-range Ford trucks.
2. Dodge Ram 1500. With the 345 horsepower Hemi powering the ½ ton Dodge, the tow capacity is over four tons. That’s a good-sized travel trailer today, especially with advances in trailer construction that allow trailers to weigh less (our camper weighs under 6,000 pounds fully loaded) and still hold up. Pulling a good-sized camper with a half-ton truck was an exercise in going slowly before; however the Hemi renders that a moot point now.
3. Chevy/GMC 3500. The biggest of the big boys, the full-ton trucks are more often than not Chevy/GMCs. The Dodge full ton with the Cummins turbo diesel is a surprisingly expensive option, and the F-350 isn’t sufficiently distinguished from the F-250; however the largest campers seem to be pulled by the full-tons from Government Motors. The dual rear wheels yield superior weight distribution for the slide-in campers as well.
4. Toyota Tundra. I’m seeing a lot more Tundras towing campers since Toyota redesigned them two years ago. It’s pretty impressive when you consider that, not all that long ago, all Toyota had to offer was the sickly T-100 with a 3.9L V6 engine. Now if they could only price them more in line with the rest of the large trucks currently out there…
5. Chevy Suburban. For the large family going camping, nothing even comes close to a Suburban for towing. Seating for 8 or 9, and with the ¾ ton option towing capacity gets up to respectable trailer sizes, the ‘Burban makes for a heavy-hitting hauler in the RV world.
6. Ford Explorer. Granted, even the V8 Explorer is limited to towing pop-up campers and the most ultra-light hybrids, but it’s still represented in the campground. Watching some of the overloaded Explorers bottom-out while towing far-too-heavy campers, though, reminds me why I would never buy a used SUV…
7. Dodge Ram 2500. Slightly more beefed up than the half-ton Ram, the ¾ ton Dodge is another familiar sight at the State Preservation. Dodge typically runs a good number of promos for the heavier duty trucks, and the larger Ram is no exception. Plus the 2500 series has the option of the Cummins diesel for some serious towing capacity.
8. Chevy/GMC ½ ton. It’s a less-common sight than the F-150 or the 1500 Ram, but the ½ ton Governmental Motors offering - usually a slightly older model - is a solid bet for a tow vehicle. The abysmal resale value means that these often get snapped up by savvy buyers of used vehicles as winter vehicles, with the capability to tow a trailer a handy bonus.
9. Ford Expedition. Properly equipped, the Expedition can tow nearly as much weight as the F-250 and still carry 8 passengers. With the XL version, there’s even room inside to stow some gear even when you’re carrying the full passenger complement…
10. Nissan Titan. While the Titan is still a pretty rare sight in the RV park, they’re gaining in popularity as folks realize that Nissan finally offers a truck capable of running with the big dogs. The Titan’s V8 plant gives it a respectable tow rating, and the legendary Nissan reliability means it will be pulling your camper for many years to come.
So there’s my list of Top Ten Commonly Seen Trucks Towing Trailers I’ve observed during my vacation. What tow vehicles have you commonly seen, or are currently using?
1. Ford F-250. It seems like pretty much every other tow vehicle is an F-250. I can’t tell if it’s Ford’s low pricing, the versatility of the ¾ truck, or if there was simply a sale in the southeastern MA area that led to the large number of mid-range Ford trucks.
2. Dodge Ram 1500. With the 345 horsepower Hemi powering the ½ ton Dodge, the tow capacity is over four tons. That’s a good-sized travel trailer today, especially with advances in trailer construction that allow trailers to weigh less (our camper weighs under 6,000 pounds fully loaded) and still hold up. Pulling a good-sized camper with a half-ton truck was an exercise in going slowly before; however the Hemi renders that a moot point now.
3. Chevy/GMC 3500. The biggest of the big boys, the full-ton trucks are more often than not Chevy/GMCs. The Dodge full ton with the Cummins turbo diesel is a surprisingly expensive option, and the F-350 isn’t sufficiently distinguished from the F-250; however the largest campers seem to be pulled by the full-tons from Government Motors. The dual rear wheels yield superior weight distribution for the slide-in campers as well.
4. Toyota Tundra. I’m seeing a lot more Tundras towing campers since Toyota redesigned them two years ago. It’s pretty impressive when you consider that, not all that long ago, all Toyota had to offer was the sickly T-100 with a 3.9L V6 engine. Now if they could only price them more in line with the rest of the large trucks currently out there…
5. Chevy Suburban. For the large family going camping, nothing even comes close to a Suburban for towing. Seating for 8 or 9, and with the ¾ ton option towing capacity gets up to respectable trailer sizes, the ‘Burban makes for a heavy-hitting hauler in the RV world.
6. Ford Explorer. Granted, even the V8 Explorer is limited to towing pop-up campers and the most ultra-light hybrids, but it’s still represented in the campground. Watching some of the overloaded Explorers bottom-out while towing far-too-heavy campers, though, reminds me why I would never buy a used SUV…
7. Dodge Ram 2500. Slightly more beefed up than the half-ton Ram, the ¾ ton Dodge is another familiar sight at the State Preservation. Dodge typically runs a good number of promos for the heavier duty trucks, and the larger Ram is no exception. Plus the 2500 series has the option of the Cummins diesel for some serious towing capacity.
8. Chevy/GMC ½ ton. It’s a less-common sight than the F-150 or the 1500 Ram, but the ½ ton Governmental Motors offering - usually a slightly older model - is a solid bet for a tow vehicle. The abysmal resale value means that these often get snapped up by savvy buyers of used vehicles as winter vehicles, with the capability to tow a trailer a handy bonus.
9. Ford Expedition. Properly equipped, the Expedition can tow nearly as much weight as the F-250 and still carry 8 passengers. With the XL version, there’s even room inside to stow some gear even when you’re carrying the full passenger complement…
10. Nissan Titan. While the Titan is still a pretty rare sight in the RV park, they’re gaining in popularity as folks realize that Nissan finally offers a truck capable of running with the big dogs. The Titan’s V8 plant gives it a respectable tow rating, and the legendary Nissan reliability means it will be pulling your camper for many years to come.
So there’s my list of Top Ten Commonly Seen Trucks Towing Trailers I’ve observed during my vacation. What tow vehicles have you commonly seen, or are currently using?
That is all.
Friday Gun Pr0n #125
Today's rockin' gun pr0n is one of the marvelous toys from the Northeast Bloggershoot earlier this month:
It's also about the most fun you can have with your clothes still on...
That is all.
Colt 9mm Subgun
This is, per owner Wally's description, "a retro build of a Colt 635SD". That's a suppressor on the end of that 9mm carbine there. It makes wonderful "brass rainbows" - yes, it is a completely legal select-fire weapon. We decided it would make an excellent zombie defense gun - the suppressor won't give away your six to the other zeds, and the rapid-fire will make short work of even the freshest zombie brain pan.It's also about the most fun you can have with your clothes still on...
That is all.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
MArooned Review: The Hunt for Red October
I sat down and watched The Hunt for Red October last night. It was the first time I’ve actually sat down and watched the entire movie start to finish. I’ve forgotten - or perhaps never fully appreciated - what a great movie tHfRO is. Alec Baldwin, Sean Connery, Senator Fred Dalton Thompson, Roy Schneider… the cast is a veritable who’s who in Hollywood dramatic cinema, and everyone in this movie turns in a fantastic performance.
But you already know that. In fact, you’ve known that for nearly 20 years now.
What struck me the most, however, was the technology. I’m certain that when tHfRO came out, much of the technology showcased was either state of the art (sonar equipment) or at least commonplace (reel-to-reel tape recorders!). Watching it, though, brought back the memories of living through the 1980s all over again, from the first generation touchtone phone (complete with office-ready light-up secretary buttons!) to the ubiquitous Crown Vic signifying “faceless government bureaucrat” to the omnipresent cigarette smoking…
It’s amazing. For $5 at Wal-Mart, I was able to relive being 18 years old again. Only instead of being on summer break from college watching a rented VHS tape in my parents’ basement, I was watching it on an LCD TV in my recreational vehicle on vacation at the Cape. And thinking the entire time, “I need to blog this!”
La plus ca change, c’est le meme chose…
That is all.
But you already know that. In fact, you’ve known that for nearly 20 years now.
What struck me the most, however, was the technology. I’m certain that when tHfRO came out, much of the technology showcased was either state of the art (sonar equipment) or at least commonplace (reel-to-reel tape recorders!). Watching it, though, brought back the memories of living through the 1980s all over again, from the first generation touchtone phone (complete with office-ready light-up secretary buttons!) to the ubiquitous Crown Vic signifying “faceless government bureaucrat” to the omnipresent cigarette smoking…
It’s amazing. For $5 at Wal-Mart, I was able to relive being 18 years old again. Only instead of being on summer break from college watching a rented VHS tape in my parents’ basement, I was watching it on an LCD TV in my recreational vehicle on vacation at the Cape. And thinking the entire time, “I need to blog this!”
La plus ca change, c’est le meme chose…
That is all.
Chortle...
Mass. likely to lose seat in US House
Here's a thought: Stop treating the state's most productive workers as little better than chattel from which you extract taxes to buy votes with, and perhaps the state will stop hemorrhaging population?
That is all.
Link sent from good friend, loyal reader and commenter, and all around good egg brad_in_ma. Thanks Brad!
WASHINGTON - Massachusetts almost certainly will lose one of its 10 congressional districts after next year’s census, the result of a long-term population shift that is giving Southern and Western states more political power in Washington at the expense of the Northeast, say specialists who have been poring over data in advance of the 2010 count.
Long-term economic and demographic shifts in favor of warmer climates with less expensive housing are to blame for the state’s slower growth, and thus the loss of a congressional district, according to estimates. Massachusetts’ population grew by just 2.3 percent from 2000 to 2008, compared with 8 percent nationally, a disparity that is expected to continue next year and beyond.
Hmmm. What's missing from this analysis? Could it be, oh, TAXES? How about personal freedom? How about the state viewing the average productive worker as little more than its own private piggie bank?
Here's a thought: Stop treating the state's most productive workers as little better than chattel from which you extract taxes to buy votes with, and perhaps the state will stop hemorrhaging population?
That is all.
Link sent from good friend, loyal reader and commenter, and all around good egg brad_in_ma. Thanks Brad!
Are You Carrying?
If I’m outside of the house (and not at work), then the answer to the titular question is most likely yes. A wise person once opined “Carry your gun. It’s a lighter burden than regret”, and this sage advice reverberates in my skull when I think “hey, it’s just the grocery store, I really don’t need to carry, do I?” That 8/12/24 ounces of plastic/rubber and metal doesn’t seem like such a heavy weight when placed next to the need for self-defense. With a little preparation, it’s virtually undetectable (by those who would react negatively, of course), and the knowledge that I have the best tools with which to defend myself and my family is worth the effort.
How can you tell I’m carrying? Perhaps I’m giving away “trade secrets” here, but here’s a good clue that I’m carrying a concealed firearm:
A. I’m wearing one of the following items of clothing:
How can you tell I’m carrying? Perhaps I’m giving away “trade secrets” here, but here’s a good clue that I’m carrying a concealed firearm:
A. I’m wearing one of the following items of clothing:
- Untucked polo shirt.
- Hawaiian shirt
- Mexican wedding shirt
- Cargo shorts
- Fleece vest
- Avoid reaching over my head
- Bend to pick something up using an exaggerated “golf bend”
- Bend my knees rather than my back to get down near the ground to pick something up
- Compulsively tug at my shirt or vest
- Keep my hands in my pockets more than usual
- I‘m with my kids.
- I’m going to the bank/gas station/Home Depot/WallyWorld.
- Out for a ride on the Harley.
- Not at a school, post office, or place of employment.
- I’m outside of my house.
That is all.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
308 Thoughts
It's not something on the "ZOMG GOTTA HAVE ONE!!1111" list quite yet, but I've been thinking about adding a semi-automatic .308 rifle to the armory. There's three different major varieties under discussion:
1. FN/FAL
2. AR-10
3. M1A
1. FN/FAL
2. AR-10
3. M1A
Each platform has their own merits and drawbacks, and it's hard to say which will get the nod once I decide to take the plunge. In all three cases, whatever I get will have to abide by the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, meaning that unless the rifle is made prior to 1994, it cannot have any of the banned features of the AWB. It also means that the platform that gets the nod will have to have "pre-ban" magazines available for >10 rounds.
Of the three platforms listed (and yes, I'm well aware there are others, these are just the ones I'm considering), it's hard to say which appeals to me more. The FN/FAL is the "right arm of freedom" given its ubiquity throughout the world - manufactured in many different countries and adopted by many scores more. The FN/FAL has the advantage of having the greatest pool of available spare parts. The main disadvantage I can see to the FN/FAL is a lack of accessories compared to the other two platforms.
The AR-10 has two distinct advantages: it's the same AR platform as my Bushmaster, meaning that I don't have to adapt to a different system; and it's a uniquely American rifle. It's the least available of the three platforms, which is the main drawback. However, an inherently accurate design and the similarity - and modularity - of platforms give the AR-10 a decent edge.
Lastly is the venerable M14/M1A. Adapted from the "greatest battle implement ever devised by man", the M1 Garand, the M14 has the history and pedigree. Since it was issued by the US Armed F0rces, there are still hundred of thousands of magazines available (those that Clinton didn't destroy {spit}). It's also the heaviest rifle, meaning that it will handle the .308 round best. With the advent of the Springfield SOCOM series there's even a good deal of tacticool add-ons available.
So there are my choices for a semi-auto .308 rifle - which is your favorite, and why?
That is all.
MArooned Shootin' Gear Review: .22 Target System
Picked up a Caldwell Resetting Target System from MidwayUSA (this one) and brought it to the range last weekend to put it through its paces. Here's what it looked like before:
Overall, this is a GREAT target system for the price. The minimum distance recommended by Caldwell is 25 yards, which by a happy coincidence happens to be the back of the pistol range at my gun club. The targets are only 2.5" across, which tends to make things challenging using a pistol (oddly enough, the first two times I shot at this target I used my scoped Remington 511 and my Smith & Wesson Model 17. Of course, I hit it more times with the Smith...).
The "resetting" part works - when the swinging targets will actually stay up top. 9 out of 10 times, you'd hit the last target hanging down only to have another target be jarred down. This is a minor quibble, in that the fun lies in hearing the "tink" of lead on steel rather than in the mechanics of getting all the targets up at once - although there is somewhat of a rush when you hit those little targets with all six shots out of a revolver at 25 yards...
Overall, an enthusiastic two thumbs up for the Caldwell .22 Resetting Target System!
That is all.
Shiny!
And after:
Not So Shiny...
Here's a close-up of one of the swinging targets:
Still In One Piece!
Overall, this is a GREAT target system for the price. The minimum distance recommended by Caldwell is 25 yards, which by a happy coincidence happens to be the back of the pistol range at my gun club. The targets are only 2.5" across, which tends to make things challenging using a pistol (oddly enough, the first two times I shot at this target I used my scoped Remington 511 and my Smith & Wesson Model 17. Of course, I hit it more times with the Smith...).
The "resetting" part works - when the swinging targets will actually stay up top. 9 out of 10 times, you'd hit the last target hanging down only to have another target be jarred down. This is a minor quibble, in that the fun lies in hearing the "tink" of lead on steel rather than in the mechanics of getting all the targets up at once - although there is somewhat of a rush when you hit those little targets with all six shots out of a revolver at 25 yards...
Overall, an enthusiastic two thumbs up for the Caldwell .22 Resetting Target System!
That is all.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Thoughts On Defensive Practice
One of the questions that was posed in response to my "ZOMG, please help me come up with stuff to write about before vacation" post was the following from Bob S:
I try to work in defensive practice every other trip to the range or so. Bring only carry guns, some defensive ammo, silhouette targets, etc. I prefer to separate my "fun" or "target" range sessions from my defensive-centered outings, as the skills needed for one don't necessarily transfer to the other. When I want to target-shoot, I'll bring the model 17 and the Gold Cup; when I want to practice for defense it's the 360 and the G30.
It's a pretty basic routine - draw and empty a magazine as quickly as I can while still keeping everything on paper (8" circle representing COM); distance is 21 - 25 feet; reload as quickly as possible and empty again. Run 3-5 magazines through, checking to make sure all shots are on target. For the snubbie, same routine except a pause to let my wrist heal after each set... :)
If there's any one thing I work on improving each time, it's tightening the grouping of shots while shaving precious seconds off the total time needed to empty. I'm working towards getting as many shots where I want them to go as I can in the least time possible - I want to be able to consistently and reliably put the rounds where they need to go in a short a time as I can. Anything else is just burning ammo IMHO.
Some ranges don't allow you to draw and fire, whether from a CYA standpoint or whatever. In these cases, a two-part practice can work - practice the draw at home (unloaded gun, of course), then at the range, start with the gun on the table in front of you, then pick up quickly to simulate the draw. It's not ideal, but it's better than slow-fire target shooting from a rest...
In any case, what matters is that you practice, practice, practice. And when you think you've practiced enough, practice some more...
That is all.
How about an overview of your self defense training/practice sessions at the range?
What distance do you shoot at, what do you try to work on each and every time, what do you add to help improve, etc?
I try to work in defensive practice every other trip to the range or so. Bring only carry guns, some defensive ammo, silhouette targets, etc. I prefer to separate my "fun" or "target" range sessions from my defensive-centered outings, as the skills needed for one don't necessarily transfer to the other. When I want to target-shoot, I'll bring the model 17 and the Gold Cup; when I want to practice for defense it's the 360 and the G30.
It's a pretty basic routine - draw and empty a magazine as quickly as I can while still keeping everything on paper (8" circle representing COM); distance is 21 - 25 feet; reload as quickly as possible and empty again. Run 3-5 magazines through, checking to make sure all shots are on target. For the snubbie, same routine except a pause to let my wrist heal after each set... :)
If there's any one thing I work on improving each time, it's tightening the grouping of shots while shaving precious seconds off the total time needed to empty. I'm working towards getting as many shots where I want them to go as I can in the least time possible - I want to be able to consistently and reliably put the rounds where they need to go in a short a time as I can. Anything else is just burning ammo IMHO.
Some ranges don't allow you to draw and fire, whether from a CYA standpoint or whatever. In these cases, a two-part practice can work - practice the draw at home (unloaded gun, of course), then at the range, start with the gun on the table in front of you, then pick up quickly to simulate the draw. It's not ideal, but it's better than slow-fire target shooting from a rest...
In any case, what matters is that you practice, practice, practice. And when you think you've practiced enough, practice some more...
That is all.
Checkin' In...
Oh, the horrors I endure for my readers... Sitting in {shudder} McDonald's of all places, having actually PAID for internet (!!!) just so I can check in and make sure 0bama hasn't run the Republic into the ground in my absence (not yet).
Vacation's going well; kids are reacting about as expected to being crammed into a small metal box for an extended period of time; heavy drinking expected in 3... 2... (heh).
Will check in later, probably a couple days or so to see what's up. In the meantime, don't let the 0-bots trash the place too bad, 'k?
That is all.
Vacation's going well; kids are reacting about as expected to being crammed into a small metal box for an extended period of time; heavy drinking expected in 3... 2... (heh).
Will check in later, probably a couple days or so to see what's up. In the meantime, don't let the 0-bots trash the place too bad, 'k?
That is all.
New Bike!
I mentioned looking for a new set of (two) wheels last week. I'm still looking, but I did pick up a stop-gap mode of pedal-powered transport:
The single speed has many advantages to a multiple-geared bike. It's a lot simpler to maintain, with only chain tension and proper lubrication required rather than the delicate symphony of derailers and shifting mechanisms. Tire (inner tube) changes, a necessity for anyone who rides in anything resembling a city, are significantly easier on a bike with no gears nor brake calipers. It also offers more of a workout in general, as there's no low gear(s) to kick down into when the hills get steep - it's either raw brute force, or walking...
We're down on Cape Cod this week, and our campground abuts the Canal. There's 7½ miles of bike- and pedestrian- only traffic along the canal, and it's a fantastic place to bring your kids for car-free biking. I'm looking forward to seeing who's faster on the straightaways - me or TheBoy...
Review forthcoming after vacation...
That is all.
New Bike
It's a Huffy Cranbrook single-speed, coaster-brake cruiser-style bike (with beach bars for Old NFO...). It's decidedly low-end, but I looked at it as an inexpensive way to discover whether the "fixie" lifestyle was the way to go or not. I've noticed that I get out on a bicycle, no matter how many gears the bike has, I generally use only two or three: low gear for climbing hills, top gear for downhill, and/or upper midrange for straightaways.The single speed has many advantages to a multiple-geared bike. It's a lot simpler to maintain, with only chain tension and proper lubrication required rather than the delicate symphony of derailers and shifting mechanisms. Tire (inner tube) changes, a necessity for anyone who rides in anything resembling a city, are significantly easier on a bike with no gears nor brake calipers. It also offers more of a workout in general, as there's no low gear(s) to kick down into when the hills get steep - it's either raw brute force, or walking...
We're down on Cape Cod this week, and our campground abuts the Canal. There's 7½ miles of bike- and pedestrian- only traffic along the canal, and it's a fantastic place to bring your kids for car-free biking. I'm looking forward to seeing who's faster on the straightaways - me or TheBoy...
Review forthcoming after vacation...
That is all.
Monday, August 17, 2009
And We're Off!
Okay. Got the camper loaded up. Got the truck loaded up. Got some posts loaded up...
Taking off for the week for some much-needed rest & relaxation down on lovely Cape Cod. Nothing to do but lay on the beach, walk along the canal, or fish off the pier. I know I'm not the only one who needs a break from politics for a bit, so I'm going to drink beer, fish, swim in the ocean, and build sandcastles with the kids (although not necessarily in that order).
I've got a few posts loaded up for each day; it's alleged that the local McD's has free wi-fi and I'm bringing the mighty Eee with me so I might pop in from time to time while scarfing down some coffee. Or not. Depends on how the fish are biting...
For now, though, I. AM. A. DOT...
that is all.
Taking off for the week for some much-needed rest & relaxation down on lovely Cape Cod. Nothing to do but lay on the beach, walk along the canal, or fish off the pier. I know I'm not the only one who needs a break from politics for a bit, so I'm going to drink beer, fish, swim in the ocean, and build sandcastles with the kids (although not necessarily in that order).
I've got a few posts loaded up for each day; it's alleged that the local McD's has free wi-fi and I'm bringing the mighty Eee with me so I might pop in from time to time while scarfing down some coffee. Or not. Depends on how the fish are biting...
For now, though, I. AM. A. DOT...
that is all.
File Under "D"...
...for "DUH!"
100+ Teen Drinking Arrests At Country Music Fest
What? People were drinking at a country music festival? Why, that's almost as shocking as finding out that there was illicit drug use at a Phish concert!
That is all.
100+ Teen Drinking Arrests At Country Music Fest
FOXBOROUGH (AP) ― State and local police arrested more than 100 people and took a total of about 350 people in to custody in a crackdown on underage drinkers at a country music festival over the weekend.
What? People were drinking at a country music festival? Why, that's almost as shocking as finding out that there was illicit drug use at a Phish concert!
That is all.
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