Abe Vigoda and Ron Glass in the same year.
The rest of the Barney Miller cast had best watch it.
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27 November 2016
What Does Baffled Mean?
Marv is baffling!
Marv has begun work on his 5.56 suppressor for his 10.5" AR.
He's making a Maglite body style suppressor from a much reviled solvent trap kit. The baffles start out life as automotive freeze plugs that are dented and expanded with an hydraulic press, then the holes are drilled using a drill press and the guide that comes with the kit.
All up it will weigh about 14.8 ounces.
I've bet him a coke that he has a baffle strike on the first day, but I hope to pay rather than collect.
Marv has begun work on his 5.56 suppressor for his 10.5" AR.
He's making a Maglite body style suppressor from a much reviled solvent trap kit. The baffles start out life as automotive freeze plugs that are dented and expanded with an hydraulic press, then the holes are drilled using a drill press and the guide that comes with the kit.
All up it will weigh about 14.8 ounces.
I've bet him a coke that he has a baffle strike on the first day, but I hope to pay rather than collect.
26 November 2016
¡Arder en el infierno!
Fidel Castro has finally joined his bestie Che in the warm embrace of Satan's abode.
Let us give thanks!
And 2016 started off so bad... It's ending quite well.
Let us give thanks!
And 2016 started off so bad... It's ending quite well.
Tactical Purse
The 5.11 Tactical Purse.
The bare essentials are 3.7 lb.
PLUS:
1x Glock 17 Gen 2: 2 lb.
2x 17-round Glock 17 magazines (loaded): 1.2 lb.
6x 30-round M16 magazines (loaded): 6 lb.
1x M9 Bayonet: 0.9 lb.
1x Compression bandage: 0.1 lb.
1x Canteen with 1 liter water: 2.7 lb.
6x 30-round M16 magazines (loaded): 6 lb.
1x M9 Bayonet: 0.9 lb.
1x Compression bandage: 0.1 lb.
1x Canteen with 1 liter water: 2.7 lb.
1x First Aid Kit: 1 lb.
Out the door agains the zombies with: 17.6 lb.!
Alternatively, and more likely given that The Lovely Harvey and Marv will be toting them as well:
Replace the Glock with a High-Power.
1x FN-Browning HP: 2.4 lb.
2x 15-round HP magazines (loaded): 1 lb.
That changes the weight of the grab-bag to 17.8 lb.
Replace the Glock with a S&W M&P 9.
1x M&P 9: 2.2 lb.
2x 17-round M&P 9 magazines (loaded): 1.4 lb.
That changes the weight of the grab-bag to 18 even.
Update:
I discovered the magazine pouches hold 3x 30-round USGI magazines each. That adds 3 lb. to the package. But ups the ammo carried from 180 to 270 rounds.
20.6 lb. with Glock.
20.8 lb. with Browning.
21 lb. with S&W.
If I decided to carry Dottie instead of Kaylee:
The 27-round 6.8 magazines weigh 1.4 lb. so that would add 3.6 lb. to the package with 9 magazines or 2.4 lb. heavier with the 6 magazine load. Because of the reduced capacity, ammo carried is lowered to 162 or 243 rounds.
6x magazine:
20 lb. with Glock.
20.2 lb. with Browning.
20.4 lb. with S&W.
9x magazine:
24.2 lb. with Glock.
24.4 lb. with Browning.
24.6 lb. with S&W.
Alternatively, and more likely given that The Lovely Harvey and Marv will be toting them as well:
Replace the Glock with a High-Power.
1x FN-Browning HP: 2.4 lb.
2x 15-round HP magazines (loaded): 1 lb.
That changes the weight of the grab-bag to 17.8 lb.
Replace the Glock with a S&W M&P 9.
1x M&P 9: 2.2 lb.
2x 17-round M&P 9 magazines (loaded): 1.4 lb.
That changes the weight of the grab-bag to 18 even.
Update:
I discovered the magazine pouches hold 3x 30-round USGI magazines each. That adds 3 lb. to the package. But ups the ammo carried from 180 to 270 rounds.
20.6 lb. with Glock.
20.8 lb. with Browning.
21 lb. with S&W.
If I decided to carry Dottie instead of Kaylee:
The 27-round 6.8 magazines weigh 1.4 lb. so that would add 3.6 lb. to the package with 9 magazines or 2.4 lb. heavier with the 6 magazine load. Because of the reduced capacity, ammo carried is lowered to 162 or 243 rounds.
6x magazine:
20 lb. with Glock.
20.2 lb. with Browning.
20.4 lb. with S&W.
9x magazine:
24.2 lb. with Glock.
24.4 lb. with Browning.
24.6 lb. with S&W.
25 November 2016
Go Ask ALICE
ALICE or All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment gear is a lot lighter than the M1956/1967 hybrid...
The bare LBE is 4.2 lb.
PLUS:
6x 30-round M16 magazines (loaded): 6 lb.
1x M9 Bayonet: 0.9 lb.
1x Compression bandage: 0.1 lb.
1x Canteen with 1 quart water: 2.3 lb.
1x Tri-Fold Entrenching Tool 2.1 lb.
For a total of: 15.6 lb. chaffing the back of your neck because of poor yoke design!
PLUS: to be equivalent to the M1956 kit I showed before:
1x M12 Holster and twin magazine carrier 0.6 lb.
1x M9 Pistol 2.8 lb.
2x 15-round M9 magazines (loaded): 1 lb.
Grand total of 20 lb.
PLUS: to be equivalent to the M1956 kit I showed before:
1x M12 Holster and twin magazine carrier 0.6 lb.
1x M9 Pistol 2.8 lb.
2x 15-round M9 magazines (loaded): 1 lb.
Grand total of 20 lb.
Almost There
Got my extra-long set of suspenders today!
Except for the pattern '51 entrenching tool I have a complete set of period web gear for 1968+!
I firmly agree with many vets that the H style of suspenders from the M1956 Load Carrying Equipment and M1967 Modernized Load Carrying Equipment far superior to the Y style suspenders introduced with the All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE).
I would prefer to replace the M1967 first aid pouch and butt-pack with the M1956 items, but there's no great hurry.
Update: This kit without ammo, bandage, bayonet, bipod, canteen, cleaning kit, magazines, or weapons tares in at... 6.3 lb.
PLUS:
1x M1911A1 (loaded): 2.8 lb.
2x M1911A1 magazines (loaded): 1.0 lb.
8x 20-round M16 magazines (loaded): 4.8 lb.
1x M7 Bayonet: 0.7 lb.
1x Compression bandage: 0.1 lb.
1x M3 bipod: 0.6 lb.
1x Canteen with 1 quart water: 2.3 lb.
1x M1943 Entrenching Tool 2.5 lb.
1x M1951 Entrenching Tool 2.3 lb.
For an all-up weight of: 21.1 lb. hanging off your shoulders and waist.
Except for the pattern '51 entrenching tool I have a complete set of period web gear for 1968+!
I firmly agree with many vets that the H style of suspenders from the M1956 Load Carrying Equipment and M1967 Modernized Load Carrying Equipment far superior to the Y style suspenders introduced with the All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE).
I would prefer to replace the M1967 first aid pouch and butt-pack with the M1956 items, but there's no great hurry.
Update: This kit without ammo, bandage, bayonet, bipod, canteen, cleaning kit, magazines, or weapons tares in at... 6.3 lb.
PLUS:
1x M1911A1 (loaded): 2.8 lb.
2x M1911A1 magazines (loaded): 1.0 lb.
8x 20-round M16 magazines (loaded): 4.8 lb.
1x M7 Bayonet: 0.7 lb.
1x Compression bandage: 0.1 lb.
1x M3 bipod: 0.6 lb.
1x Canteen with 1 quart water: 2.3 lb.
1x M1943 Entrenching Tool 2.5 lb.
For an all-up weight of: 21.1 lb. hanging off your shoulders and waist.
Go West Anachronism Man
The modern music on a player piano is a real treat in Westworld.
But something is getting me.
The automatic ejection on a Winchester 73...
... that still needs the action worked!
Yaaaaaaay Hollywood!
But something is getting me.
The automatic ejection on a Winchester 73...
... that still needs the action worked!
Yaaaaaaay Hollywood!
The Huge Divide
While I am enjoying my "agreeing to disagree" victory lap (thanks for the perspective on that guys!) I noticed that the argument often boils down to a simple situation.
If I get everything I want, the other person will not be forced to change anything.
If they get everything they want, I would be forced to change everything.
I will even concede that isn't entirely true, because for me to get everything I want, they'd have to stop trying to force me to change everything.
There are things in this divide that are sometimes fascinating.
They cannot drive and advocate public transportation. That's fine, but they seem to feel that I am obligated to pay for it.
Why? I have a car, I don't require it.
But, shall we talk about those costs? The local bus service wants $40 a month for an unlimited ride pass. Seattle wants $62 for the same.
My car insurance is $340 a month. When do they start subsidizing MY transportation costs? I also spend about another $100 on fuel.
Why isn't that monthly pass more like $400 then? Then I wouldn't have to subsidize a product I'm not using.
If I get everything I want, the other person will not be forced to change anything.
If they get everything they want, I would be forced to change everything.
I will even concede that isn't entirely true, because for me to get everything I want, they'd have to stop trying to force me to change everything.
There are things in this divide that are sometimes fascinating.
They cannot drive and advocate public transportation. That's fine, but they seem to feel that I am obligated to pay for it.
Why? I have a car, I don't require it.
But, shall we talk about those costs? The local bus service wants $40 a month for an unlimited ride pass. Seattle wants $62 for the same.
My car insurance is $340 a month. When do they start subsidizing MY transportation costs? I also spend about another $100 on fuel.
Why isn't that monthly pass more like $400 then? Then I wouldn't have to subsidize a product I'm not using.
Media
If the entertainment media wasn't in the tank with the rest of them...
Every interview with a dancing monkey who said they'd move out of the country if Trump were elected would start with, "Why the fuck are you still here?" and not move on to any other question until it was answered.
Since these interviews tend to be done in rapid succession for the dancing monkey, they'd be hearing that question a lot.
It would drive them to... well, something worth filming.
Every interview with a dancing monkey who said they'd move out of the country if Trump were elected would start with, "Why the fuck are you still here?" and not move on to any other question until it was answered.
Since these interviews tend to be done in rapid succession for the dancing monkey, they'd be hearing that question a lot.
It would drive them to... well, something worth filming.
24 November 2016
Some Fascinating Reading
Seems that NFATCA has been just as cozy with ATF as everyone expected they were.
An excerpt (Ms Carlson's reply is above the original message):
Carlson, Krissy V.
From: Carlson, Krissy Y.
Sent: Thurs July 07, 2016 10:40 AM
To: REDACTED
Subject: RE: Prosecutorial action
Hi REDACTED,I am not aware of these 16 active cases. Let me see what I can find out and I will share with you what I can.
Krissy Y. Carlson Division Chief Firearms and Explosives Industry Division
REDACTED
-- -Original Message- ---
From: REDACTED
Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2016 10:37 AM
To: Carlson, Krissy Y. REDACTED
Subject: Prosecutorial action
Krissy, Hope you're doing well. I know that REDACTED is already pursuing this action so I apologize for the duplication of effort. While I was attending the Orchid Advisors conference in Atlanta someone from ATF, can't remember who, mentioned that ATF had about 16 active cases involving prohibited persons acquiring NFA weapons through a trust. As you probably know I have personally know that this was one of the primary reasons that ATF had been in a panic about trusts. Everyone, including ATF, needed to find a way to clean this up. I knew three years ago ATF had at least one case but was looking for more information on this type of problem. The NFATCA has been hammered for saying that we needed to prove that trusts and prohibited persons were a problem resulting in 41F. I need a little help either directly or indirectly to prove to everyone that trusts, were in fact, being abused. I don't care about names as much as numbers that are worth mentioning to all of the naysayers who say we screwed this whole thing up.REDACTED is apparently someone at NFATCA, and they requested that their names be redacted from the ATF's response to Stamboulieh.
Thanks for your helpREDACTED
I repeat from my post here from January 4, 2016; seven months before they queried ATF:
People who are forbidden to buy an NFA item used a trust to obtain one? NAME ONE just ONE and not just "I saw someone". Name their name. Link us to the arrest. Link us to the news story. You can't, can you? Because it didn't actually fucking happen, you lying piece of shit.Busted is the phrase we use here.
Update:
NFATCA assured us they'd seen trusts buying stuff, in person. Yet cannot produce a single name and the ATF they're cozy with doesn't know about any either. We need to not do business with people opposed to our interests.
23 November 2016
The Path
The twisted path that leads to no longer bothering with a friend comes from Facebook.
Thanks Facebook!
Facebook has an alert system that lets you know your friends are writing replies. Often replying to a conversation you're not involved with.
In hindsight, I foolishly clicked on that [Your Friend] has replied to...
It led to her reply to a conversation that started off talking about the election and what idiots people were who weren't liberal Democrats. But the thread led to subthreads where the participants were getting ever more specific about whom was an idiot.
The portion that set me off was how stupid, bigoted, racist, homophobic and misogynist that ALL straight white male gun owners in the south are and how much better things would be if we were all to die.
I clicked the unfriend button and stopped talking to her at that point. In April.
The wonder of it all is she didn't seem to notice that I'd stopped talking until just the other day. She sent a "hey what's up?" message in hangouts.
I tried to explain to her that she was being offensive, that I was offended and that (just maybe) she should say she was sorry.
But she doesn't understand.
She's got a right to her opinion. I should have known she didn't mean me. The people she was hating along with are actually nice people. She'd feel bad if I shit-canned a 30+ year friendship over this.
We should agree to disagree.
You will note that she doesn't refute her participation in the five minutes of hate. I chased her in circles for a long while to discover that she does really think that all white males in the south are uneducated, stupid, bigoted, racist, homophobic and misogynist breeders (except, apparently, me).
Agree to disagree?
Well, I disagree. Vehemently. If for no other reason because the crowd she's treating with wishes me dead. There's just no space to agree to disagree in here.
And this "agree to disagree" thing really pisses me off, because I can remember who I was before whom I am today.
I was sexist. I was racist. I was homophobic. What happened? I met a woman who wasn't all the things my bigoted mind said she should be. I met a black man who wasn't all the things my bigoted mind said he should be. I found out one of my best friends was gay and he wasn't all the things my bigoted mind said he should be.
I made the connection that if there is one example that breaks the stereotype, there must be others. Once that exception had been found, it broke the monolithic grouping and made them individual people.
I am disappointed in her behavior because she was one of the people who helped me see the people I was bigoted against as people.
Now I see that, like all Liberal shibboleths, that it's just fine to hate, as long as you hate correctly.
Thanks Facebook!
Facebook has an alert system that lets you know your friends are writing replies. Often replying to a conversation you're not involved with.
In hindsight, I foolishly clicked on that [Your Friend] has replied to...
It led to her reply to a conversation that started off talking about the election and what idiots people were who weren't liberal Democrats. But the thread led to subthreads where the participants were getting ever more specific about whom was an idiot.
The portion that set me off was how stupid, bigoted, racist, homophobic and misogynist that ALL straight white male gun owners in the south are and how much better things would be if we were all to die.
I clicked the unfriend button and stopped talking to her at that point. In April.
The wonder of it all is she didn't seem to notice that I'd stopped talking until just the other day. She sent a "hey what's up?" message in hangouts.
I tried to explain to her that she was being offensive, that I was offended and that (just maybe) she should say she was sorry.
But she doesn't understand.
She's got a right to her opinion. I should have known she didn't mean me. The people she was hating along with are actually nice people. She'd feel bad if I shit-canned a 30+ year friendship over this.
We should agree to disagree.
You will note that she doesn't refute her participation in the five minutes of hate. I chased her in circles for a long while to discover that she does really think that all white males in the south are uneducated, stupid, bigoted, racist, homophobic and misogynist breeders (except, apparently, me).
Agree to disagree?
Well, I disagree. Vehemently. If for no other reason because the crowd she's treating with wishes me dead. There's just no space to agree to disagree in here.
And this "agree to disagree" thing really pisses me off, because I can remember who I was before whom I am today.
I was sexist. I was racist. I was homophobic. What happened? I met a woman who wasn't all the things my bigoted mind said she should be. I met a black man who wasn't all the things my bigoted mind said he should be. I found out one of my best friends was gay and he wasn't all the things my bigoted mind said he should be.
I made the connection that if there is one example that breaks the stereotype, there must be others. Once that exception had been found, it broke the monolithic grouping and made them individual people.
I am disappointed in her behavior because she was one of the people who helped me see the people I was bigoted against as people.
Now I see that, like all Liberal shibboleths, that it's just fine to hate, as long as you hate correctly.
Education Bigotry
Since I've shitcanned yet another liberal friend...
One of the things she said, "When I think Southern, I think Alabama, Missippi and Lousiana, who trade the lowest education rate and highest preganancy rate back and forth."
Spelling mistakes in the original, by the way.
I see she's got her money's worth from her bachelor's degree from Iowa State...
Despite the lack of education, all three states have vibrant industries ranging from textiles, steel mills, automotive assembly and ship yards.
So what if they're reproducing? Lots of that work is union work, and well paid. They can afford to have families!
But they don't have college degrees so none of that matters.
It's really ironic that she also sneered, "[S]ome Democrats are ivory-tower whiney babies too."
Maybe because I was a drafter (a non degreed profession) and worked between the degreed engineers and the non-degreed shop that I know that formal education isn't the entirety of learning.
I know three people working in computer programming who don't have bachelor's degrees, by her definition they're uneducated. Two of them live in the south too.
My dad worked for Motorola setting up chip-fabs with just an associate's in mechanical engineering, but lots and LOTS of on the job experience. But he's uneducated (and porked out five kids with two wives), so worthy of scorn.
Something I've definitely noticed from her and her friends is a total lack of understanding of people who're outside their little bubbleworld. I've definitely had to censor what I say around them, but they don't around me. They love the phrase, "agree to disagree," which near as I can tell, in practice means I have to be silent while they insult me.
I'm fed up with it.
One of the things she said, "When I think Southern, I think Alabama, Missippi and Lousiana, who trade the lowest education rate and highest preganancy rate back and forth."
Spelling mistakes in the original, by the way.
I see she's got her money's worth from her bachelor's degree from Iowa State...
Despite the lack of education, all three states have vibrant industries ranging from textiles, steel mills, automotive assembly and ship yards.
So what if they're reproducing? Lots of that work is union work, and well paid. They can afford to have families!
But they don't have college degrees so none of that matters.
It's really ironic that she also sneered, "[S]ome Democrats are ivory-tower whiney babies too."
Maybe because I was a drafter (a non degreed profession) and worked between the degreed engineers and the non-degreed shop that I know that formal education isn't the entirety of learning.
I know three people working in computer programming who don't have bachelor's degrees, by her definition they're uneducated. Two of them live in the south too.
My dad worked for Motorola setting up chip-fabs with just an associate's in mechanical engineering, but lots and LOTS of on the job experience. But he's uneducated (and porked out five kids with two wives), so worthy of scorn.
Something I've definitely noticed from her and her friends is a total lack of understanding of people who're outside their little bubbleworld. I've definitely had to censor what I say around them, but they don't around me. They love the phrase, "agree to disagree," which near as I can tell, in practice means I have to be silent while they insult me.
I'm fed up with it.
Rollback!
From a judge Obama appointed, no less!
Yet another thing that was done with a phone and a pen that's undone for lack of power to actually do it.
This is excellent news as it might remove the people under The Lovely Harvey from the clock-punching limbo they've been under for a few weeks.
Yet another thing that was done with a phone and a pen that's undone for lack of power to actually do it.
This is excellent news as it might remove the people under The Lovely Harvey from the clock-punching limbo they've been under for a few weeks.
You Had One Job
My little ammo carrier for my J-Frame speed loaders has died.
Bummer.
It's given years of faithful service.
It's also interesting that I can openly carry this ammo pouch and not the gun, but it'd be pretty obvious that I have a gun if someone recognized it.
Ever. At least nobody has mentioned recognizing it.
A shapeless blob hanging on a belt could be anything in this day of magic elf boxes.
Bummer.
It's given years of faithful service.
It's also interesting that I can openly carry this ammo pouch and not the gun, but it'd be pretty obvious that I have a gun if someone recognized it.
Ever. At least nobody has mentioned recognizing it.
A shapeless blob hanging on a belt could be anything in this day of magic elf boxes.
22 November 2016
S * C * H * A * D * E * N * F * R * E * U * D * E
What's that spell?
Way back in February I noted that Cockbite Rat-Fuck Son-Of-A-BitchThe Honorable RINO Miguel Diaz de la Portilla's district got rezoned and District 37 would go Democrat.
Well, it did.
To yet another latino named man, Jose Javier Rodriguez (D) formerly of the Florida House of Representatives.
That means that his cockbite rat-fuck son-of-a-bitch ass is no longer chairman of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and there's at least a chance that we're going to get some advancement on open and campus carry now.
At least the bills have more than a snowballs' chance in Miami of seeing a real vote.
Now I just need a really crappy holster with zero retention where the gun will often just fall out!
Just for pictures at local eateries!
^^ I kid. I will need me a couple new holsters if we get open carry.
The Lovely Harvey will no longer be barred by law from carrying at work if we get campus carry.
Way back in February I noted that Cockbite Rat-Fuck Son-Of-A-Bitch
Well, it did.
To yet another latino named man, Jose Javier Rodriguez (D) formerly of the Florida House of Representatives.
That means that his cockbite rat-fuck son-of-a-bitch ass is no longer chairman of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and there's at least a chance that we're going to get some advancement on open and campus carry now.
At least the bills have more than a snowballs' chance in Miami of seeing a real vote.
Now I just need a really crappy holster with zero retention where the gun will often just fall out!
Just for pictures at local eateries!
^^ I kid. I will need me a couple new holsters if we get open carry.
The Lovely Harvey will no longer be barred by law from carrying at work if we get campus carry.
21 November 2016
Good News Everyone
The Canadian Immigration and Citizenship web page is back up!
So there's no excuse for your acceptable, satisfactory, bearable, tolerable, pleasant, wonderful, fortunate, lucky, successful, cheerful, delightful, excellent, shameless, good, nice, blessed, happy, respectable or other antonym of deplorable ass to delay your emigration any longer.
I do wonder why none of you said you were moving to Cuba, a nation you've often said you admired.
So there's no excuse for your acceptable, satisfactory, bearable, tolerable, pleasant, wonderful, fortunate, lucky, successful, cheerful, delightful, excellent, shameless, good, nice, blessed, happy, respectable or other antonym of deplorable ass to delay your emigration any longer.
I do wonder why none of you said you were moving to Cuba, a nation you've often said you admired.
General Practitioner
In the hoary days of my youth in a modestly sized town (about 6,000 people) in Iowa, before I moved to Ames...
When we needed to go to the doctor, it was a small office with a single doctor.
This doctor was not the only such practice in this smallish town.
The staff was his secretary/receptionist and a physician's assistant.
That's it. Three people and a clientele of about 1,000 patients of all ages.
My mom's income was just slightly above the point where a (newly) single mom with two kids would get government assistance, and we didn't have health insurance.
Yet we were able to afford to go to the doctor.
I've looked around and this sort of practice is gone.
The smallest I've been able to find still has 15 people working there.
This leads to some sickening comparisons.
The 15 person staff is servicing the same number of patients as the 3 person.
The secretary/receptionist at the GP way back had no medical training or certifications.
All 12 of the non-doctor positions at the 15 person practice have at least a medical assistant degree and certification, and you cannot work at an office without it. Most of them also have a specialized certificate/degree in medical billing and encoding.
What changed?
Laws and regulations mostly. Thanks to all that increased regulatory overhead, you need five times the personnel and three times the doctors to treat the same number of people. On top of that, the front office people need to be trained in skills they will never use.
This is akin to requiring the receptionist at a law firm to pass the bar so they can be hired to answer the phone.
When we needed to go to the doctor, it was a small office with a single doctor.
This doctor was not the only such practice in this smallish town.
The staff was his secretary/receptionist and a physician's assistant.
That's it. Three people and a clientele of about 1,000 patients of all ages.
My mom's income was just slightly above the point where a (newly) single mom with two kids would get government assistance, and we didn't have health insurance.
Yet we were able to afford to go to the doctor.
I've looked around and this sort of practice is gone.
The smallest I've been able to find still has 15 people working there.
This leads to some sickening comparisons.
The 15 person staff is servicing the same number of patients as the 3 person.
The secretary/receptionist at the GP way back had no medical training or certifications.
All 12 of the non-doctor positions at the 15 person practice have at least a medical assistant degree and certification, and you cannot work at an office without it. Most of them also have a specialized certificate/degree in medical billing and encoding.
What changed?
Laws and regulations mostly. Thanks to all that increased regulatory overhead, you need five times the personnel and three times the doctors to treat the same number of people. On top of that, the front office people need to be trained in skills they will never use.
This is akin to requiring the receptionist at a law firm to pass the bar so they can be hired to answer the phone.
No Good At It
I am often amused at my friends who thank me on Veteran's Day and say that they'd have made awful soldiers themselves.
Like I was a good soldier or something!
I was not a good soldier. I will admit it.
I was the kind of troop who shined in the field and tarnished in the barracks.
It drove my tank commander and platoon sergeant nuts trying to motivate me.
The thing is, I have too much negative motivation about cleaning my room, mowing the lawn and picking up after other people.
Left to my own devices I trend towards nocturnalism. The Army is a decidedly morning person on post, but loves to play in the dark in the field. Which military environment aligns with my interests again?
A problem with a peacetime army is hardly any time is spent in the field. Even some of our "field" time was under normal post schedules; like almost all of gunnery.
A really hilarious thing to me, now, is the person I've become would be a far better soldier than the person I was when I enlisted. The irony that it's likely because I enlisted that I am this person is not lost on me.
Like I was a good soldier or something!
I was not a good soldier. I will admit it.
I was the kind of troop who shined in the field and tarnished in the barracks.
It drove my tank commander and platoon sergeant nuts trying to motivate me.
The thing is, I have too much negative motivation about cleaning my room, mowing the lawn and picking up after other people.
Left to my own devices I trend towards nocturnalism. The Army is a decidedly morning person on post, but loves to play in the dark in the field. Which military environment aligns with my interests again?
A problem with a peacetime army is hardly any time is spent in the field. Even some of our "field" time was under normal post schedules; like almost all of gunnery.
A really hilarious thing to me, now, is the person I've become would be a far better soldier than the person I was when I enlisted. The irony that it's likely because I enlisted that I am this person is not lost on me.
20 November 2016
Dying To Know
Before the Trinity test, they set off 100 tons of "TNT" to calibrate the instruments to be used in the actual test of Gadget.
But it wasn't actually TNT.
There's footage filmed of them setting up the test, and it's COMP-B.
COMP-B has an REF of 1.4 compared to TNT's 1.0.
That's important, because the blast did 6dx1058 cr ex. If we assume it's TNT that would only be 6dx894 cr ex.
For reference, Gadget (20 kton) did 6dx12,649 cr ex with linked 6dx8,222 burn ex rad sur. You'll have to look up how "burn ex rad sur" or burning explosive radiation surge works in your own GURPS books because to explain it here would surely violate copyright. The linked damage is the EMP and heat blast.
But it wasn't actually TNT.
There's footage filmed of them setting up the test, and it's COMP-B.
COMP-B has an REF of 1.4 compared to TNT's 1.0.
That's important, because the blast did 6dx1058 cr ex. If we assume it's TNT that would only be 6dx894 cr ex.
For reference, Gadget (20 kton) did 6dx12,649 cr ex with linked 6dx8,222 burn ex rad sur. You'll have to look up how "burn ex rad sur" or burning explosive radiation surge works in your own GURPS books because to explain it here would surely violate copyright. The linked damage is the EMP and heat blast.
19 November 2016
Death By Character Generation
OG Little Black Book Traveller had an odd rule during character creation.
You gambled for your stats, like every other game, then proceeded to the Prior Service Table
Where you gambled to enter your chosen service by rolling a target number or higher on 2d6. If you failed, you rolled 1d6 to randomly select a service.
THEN you rolled to survive your term of enlistment!
If you lived, you check to see if you've earned a commission. If you have, you then check to see if you've been promoted.
Then regardless of rank and promotion you roll 2d6 to reenlist. Reenlistment is optional, but if you roll a 12, you're involuntarily reenlisted.
Then you're back to the survival roll... rinse... repeat.
Since the only way to acquire skills is to successfully serve enlistments, you're encouraged to keep going as long as you can. Successful terms also give rolls on the mustering out benefits table, another inducement to keep rolling.
Most services have a 5+ on 2d6 to survive. Marines have a 6+ and Scouts have a 7+. All of them have a high-stat bonus of +2 with the stat varying depending on service. So if your Intel score is 7+ you get a +2 to survive in the Navy, meaning you need to roll 3 or higher to survive. Scouts want an Endur of 9+ to get a 5+ roll to live through it.
I mention scouts because they get two skills per term instead of one. This made them popular. Scouts also had a chance to get a Type-S scout ship as a mustering benefit. More terms is more chances to win!
I've lost several promising characters during this process, before I ever got to roll for that elusive scout ship! Plus, more than once I rolled the 12 on reenlistment to then roll a 2 for survival. Did I mention my dice are very, very average?
GURPS, on the other hand, is a points based character generation system. You pick and choose your stats and skills. Everyone starts with the same number of points, so you can take disadvantages to gain more points to spend. Having one arm, for example, is worth [-20].
It just gets me to wondering: What's the point value of Died During Character Generation?
And GURPS has enough values that you can stat-out a corpse. Sessile, mute... I leave it as a challenge to the reader to make the corpse template.
You gambled for your stats, like every other game, then proceeded to the Prior Service Table
Where you gambled to enter your chosen service by rolling a target number or higher on 2d6. If you failed, you rolled 1d6 to randomly select a service.
THEN you rolled to survive your term of enlistment!
If you lived, you check to see if you've earned a commission. If you have, you then check to see if you've been promoted.
Then regardless of rank and promotion you roll 2d6 to reenlist. Reenlistment is optional, but if you roll a 12, you're involuntarily reenlisted.
Then you're back to the survival roll... rinse... repeat.
Since the only way to acquire skills is to successfully serve enlistments, you're encouraged to keep going as long as you can. Successful terms also give rolls on the mustering out benefits table, another inducement to keep rolling.
Most services have a 5+ on 2d6 to survive. Marines have a 6+ and Scouts have a 7+. All of them have a high-stat bonus of +2 with the stat varying depending on service. So if your Intel score is 7+ you get a +2 to survive in the Navy, meaning you need to roll 3 or higher to survive. Scouts want an Endur of 9+ to get a 5+ roll to live through it.
I mention scouts because they get two skills per term instead of one. This made them popular. Scouts also had a chance to get a Type-S scout ship as a mustering benefit. More terms is more chances to win!
I've lost several promising characters during this process, before I ever got to roll for that elusive scout ship! Plus, more than once I rolled the 12 on reenlistment to then roll a 2 for survival. Did I mention my dice are very, very average?
GURPS, on the other hand, is a points based character generation system. You pick and choose your stats and skills. Everyone starts with the same number of points, so you can take disadvantages to gain more points to spend. Having one arm, for example, is worth [-20].
It just gets me to wondering: What's the point value of Died During Character Generation?
And GURPS has enough values that you can stat-out a corpse. Sessile, mute... I leave it as a challenge to the reader to make the corpse template.
18 November 2016
Out For Anodizing
My 80% 100% M16A2 clone lower is at the finisher's for anodizing.
Pretty sweet!
They warned the anodizing guy is behind and it could be after Thanksgiving before I get it back.
A whole week, give or take?
Isn't it odd how when someone says it will be after a holiday your mind makes it seem like it will be a lot longer than it really is?
After Thanksgiving? That's in NOVEMBER!
Uh, it's November now...
Here's my sign.
Pretty sweet!
They warned the anodizing guy is behind and it could be after Thanksgiving before I get it back.
A whole week, give or take?
Isn't it odd how when someone says it will be after a holiday your mind makes it seem like it will be a lot longer than it really is?
After Thanksgiving? That's in NOVEMBER!
Uh, it's November now...
Here's my sign.
Molon Labe Indeed
Michael Shannon wishes death on us all.
Well, Mr Dancing Monkey, I wish starvation on all (what is it)...
Yeah that's the card I was thinking of. When you talk to the other 13,999+ people in the unemployment line you be sure to tell them we stopped buying tickets because you wanted us dead.
I can live a rich, normal life without ever buying another movie ticket, turning on the TV, buying a DVD or downloading a film.
How long can y'all go if half the nation stops buying your product?
How long can y'all go if even 10% of them decide that illegally downloading the product of your work is the morally correct decision?
Well, Mr Dancing Monkey, I wish starvation on all (what is it)...
Yeah that's the card I was thinking of. When you talk to the other 13,999+ people in the unemployment line you be sure to tell them we stopped buying tickets because you wanted us dead.
I can live a rich, normal life without ever buying another movie ticket, turning on the TV, buying a DVD or downloading a film.
How long can y'all go if half the nation stops buying your product?
How long can y'all go if even 10% of them decide that illegally downloading the product of your work is the morally correct decision?
Got A Good Buzz Going
Should I...
A. Threaten to kill the president and dare the Secret Service to come and get me?
or
B. Sober the fuck up?
or
C. Put on the headphones and enjoy some tunes and the buzz?
Well, since I'm not the CEO of PacketSled, I think I will choose C.
Pink Floyd should do well.
A. Threaten to kill the president and dare the Secret Service to come and get me?
or
B. Sober the fuck up?
or
C. Put on the headphones and enjoy some tunes and the buzz?
Well, since I'm not the CEO of PacketSled, I think I will choose C.
Pink Floyd should do well.
17 November 2016
Speaking Of Paracord
I made 70 of these things for the "kids" at Challengers Bowling League here locally. The Lovely Harvey now runs it and The Boy is a participant.
I bought the cord I got based on the vendor coming up first on Amazon, having Prime eligibility, price and colors.
I got this stuff. Dakota Gear™ Genuine Type III 7-Strand 550 Paracord; in Electric Royal Blue and Sexy Silver Gray.
It is, according to the package:
1/8th inch diameter.
Proudly made in the U.S.A.
7 twisted inner strands.
Resists abrasion & tangling.
Break strength 550+ pounds.
Will not rot, mildew or fade.
100% polyester (as good or better than nylon).
This is a great example of the milspec not always giving you what you want. Why? Because the milspec calls out material in addition to performance. This cord could outperform genuine, milspec compliant cord, but would be rejected because it's polyester instead of "[N]ylon yarn in the manufacture of the cord shall be a bright, high-tenacity, light-resistant and heat-resistant polyamide prepared from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid or its derivatives."
My color choices are outside milspec too, even if the things were made from the approved nylon!
Of course, the cheapest of cheap Chinese cord would have sufficed here. Max load expected is about three pounds for the biggest bottle we've seen someone try for this. The cheapo carabiner probably would fail before the cord at any rate.
I got snippy about the anodizing thing because it's performance I am looking for rather than adherence to the milspec.
In fact, the vendor I selected is uses a non spec process that exceeds it in performance.
Occasionally, milspec is a barrier to improved performance just because it's so difficult to amend. But that difficulty was built into it, to prevent it from being changed on a whim for no performance advantage.
On Saudi Arabia
It's got to be tough to realize your country only exports oil and terrorism and America isn't interested in either.
- User Undefined on Arfcom.
Regional Party
I've read a couple places that the Democrat party is being slowly reduced to a rump regional party.
Something to bear in mind is there's a metric fuck-tonne of people in those regions.
I'd hate, in victory, disenfranchise them as fully as they would disenfranchise me.
'Tis best if theFeral Federal Government were stripped of it's extraconstitutional power so that neither side can exert ruinous effect from afar on the other.
They wish to be ruinous locally, they can have at it. I think the founders were OK with that.
My only caveat would be that they have to adhere to their own regional constitutional limitations and to be aware that the 14th Amendment does force the Bill of Rights down everyone's throat, not just the Feds.
Something to bear in mind is there's a metric fuck-tonne of people in those regions.
I'd hate, in victory, disenfranchise them as fully as they would disenfranchise me.
'Tis best if the
They wish to be ruinous locally, they can have at it. I think the founders were OK with that.
My only caveat would be that they have to adhere to their own regional constitutional limitations and to be aware that the 14th Amendment does force the Bill of Rights down everyone's throat, not just the Feds.
Milspec
Been calling around attempting to get someone to do a Type III Class 2 (black) anodizing on my M16A2 clone lower.
Hardly anyone can do the hard-coat that Type III is.
Lots of places obfuscate by attempting to sell me Type IIB Class 2 by saying it's in accordance with MIL-A-8625.
I happen to have a copy of that!
When you ask, "do you properly adhere to section 3.4.3," they start equivocating start saying that Type II is good enough.
Except it isn't for the hammer, selector and trigger pin holes. Type II just isn't resistant enough to wear for even casual use for very long. You'll end up with an oval hammer hole in short order.
I have found a place that can actually do the work and is willing to do it! Road trip tomorrow morning!
Hardly anyone can do the hard-coat that Type III is.
Lots of places obfuscate by attempting to sell me Type IIB Class 2 by saying it's in accordance with MIL-A-8625.
I happen to have a copy of that!
3.4.2 Type II and IIB coatings. Type II and IIB coatings shall be the result of treating aluminum and aluminum alloys electrolytically in a bath containing sulfuric acid to produce a uniform anodic coating on the metal surface. Heat treatable alloys shall be in the required temper obtained by heat treatment, such as -T4, -T6, or T73, prior to anodizing.
3.4.2.1 Type IIB coatings. Type IIB coatings provide a non-chromate alternative to Type I and IB coatings. Unless approved by the procuring activity, substitution of a Type IIB coating where Type I or IB is specified shall be prohibited.
3.4.3 Type III coatings. Type III coatings shall be the result of treating aluminum and aluminum alloys electrolytically to produce a uniform anodic coating on the metal surface. Type III coatings shall be prepared by any process operation to produce a heavy dense coating of specified thickness on aluminum alloys (see 3.7.2.1). Unless otherwise specified in the contract, purchase order or applicable drawing, Type III coatings shall not be applied to aluminum alloys with a nominal copper content in excess of 5 percent or a nominal silicon content in excess of 8.0 percent. Alloys with a nominal silicon content higher than 8.0 percent may be anodized subject to approval of the procuring activity. Heat treatable alloys shall be in a temper obtained by heat treatment, such as -T4, -T6 or T73, prior to anodizing.
When you ask, "do you properly adhere to section 3.4.3," they start equivocating start saying that Type II is good enough.
Except it isn't for the hammer, selector and trigger pin holes. Type II just isn't resistant enough to wear for even casual use for very long. You'll end up with an oval hammer hole in short order.
I have found a place that can actually do the work and is willing to do it! Road trip tomorrow morning!
France?
My little blog is as popular in France as it is here.
I am quite shocked because what little French that's here is so bad as to make a Quebecois blush.
Am I the only one seeing this, or is it that I've pulled a Jerry Lewis and become a blogging genius?
I am quite shocked because what little French that's here is so bad as to make a Quebecois blush.
Am I the only one seeing this, or is it that I've pulled a Jerry Lewis and become a blogging genius?
Quote Of The Day
There are many regulations with employment level triggers: this regulation (or law) applies only to those firms with 10 or more employees; or 20 or more employees; or 50, or 100, and probably more. DOUBLE those numbers, particularly the smaller ones. Laws that apply to firms of 10 or more now apply only to places with 20 or more; 20 becomes 40; etc. This would immediately allow small businesses to grow, and doubtless many would do so. We know that the laws are not vital in the sense that workers cannot live without them, because we permit it for firms of say 19 employees; adding a 20th would greatly increase costs, which is why the business doesn’t grow. Etc.; surely the point is obvious. This could be done on the first day of the new Congress, passed by both houses and signed by the President; and it may well have a dramatic effect on the growth of the economy.
J. Pournelle (Yes, THAT J. Pournelle)
Buy A History Book
I am enjoying the comparisons of the present political situation with other historical events.
Like the Civil War, brought about because a Republican was elected to end slavery. Hint: The Republican won and slavery ended.
Like the Great Depression, which is a veritable litany of government interference which prolonged and worsened the economic situation. What party held the white house? Republicans? No... Whigs? No... Democrats! They control both houses of Congress too.
Like the Civil Rights Movement. Where southern Democrats maintained the worst of the Jim Crow laws. It was a Republican who integrated the schools, by the way. Never mind that Martin Luther King was, likewise, a Republican.
But lets add some stuff of our own.
Let's talk about national malaise. Democrat in the White House and Democrat majorities in both halves of Congress.
Or the Vietnam war. Victory thrown away because the Democrat controlled Congress had to punish Republican Ford for his pardon of Nixon. Yes, Virginia, we'd had Vietnam won. Look it up.
And speaking of wars...
We're still at our stop points from WW2.
We're well South of our stop points in Korea.
We sold out South Vietnam.
Iraq is still fucked.
Afghanistan is... well no shame there except for going at all. As long as there's two Afghanis, there's a blood feud. But we went with the silly notion that we could affect some sort of long term change without standing on their necks for generations and not letting them raise their own kids in their image. Of course, if we went back today, killing anything that moved and claiming the right of nyaw aw badal they'd at least grok what we were about.
Like the Civil War, brought about because a Republican was elected to end slavery. Hint: The Republican won and slavery ended.
Like the Great Depression, which is a veritable litany of government interference which prolonged and worsened the economic situation. What party held the white house? Republicans? No... Whigs? No... Democrats! They control both houses of Congress too.
Like the Civil Rights Movement. Where southern Democrats maintained the worst of the Jim Crow laws. It was a Republican who integrated the schools, by the way. Never mind that Martin Luther King was, likewise, a Republican.
But lets add some stuff of our own.
Let's talk about national malaise. Democrat in the White House and Democrat majorities in both halves of Congress.
Or the Vietnam war. Victory thrown away because the Democrat controlled Congress had to punish Republican Ford for his pardon of Nixon. Yes, Virginia, we'd had Vietnam won. Look it up.
And speaking of wars...
We're still at our stop points from WW2.
We're well South of our stop points in Korea.
We sold out South Vietnam.
Iraq is still fucked.
Afghanistan is... well no shame there except for going at all. As long as there's two Afghanis, there's a blood feud. But we went with the silly notion that we could affect some sort of long term change without standing on their necks for generations and not letting them raise their own kids in their image. Of course, if we went back today, killing anything that moved and claiming the right of nyaw aw badal they'd at least grok what we were about.
16 November 2016
Customer Service
I ordered a set of XL M1956 suspenders from Moore Militaria.
VG condition:
I respectfully disagree over this assessment.
I called to express my disagreement and talked to the owner (he answers his own phone). He indicates that there's a description that warns me of the state of things.
I cannot make any browser on any of my machines show that description.
No matter, he offered to swap them out for an unissued set and was very nice about it!
It's when things go wrong you find out how good a company is, not when things go right.
VG condition:
I respectfully disagree over this assessment.
I called to express my disagreement and talked to the owner (he answers his own phone). He indicates that there's a description that warns me of the state of things.
I cannot make any browser on any of my machines show that description.
No matter, he offered to swap them out for an unissued set and was very nice about it!
It's when things go wrong you find out how good a company is, not when things go right.
Repudation
Dear Democrats,
That we voted for Mr Trump should be a clue that accusations of racism no longer carry the veto power they once held.
You're going to have to prove actual hate crimes now (like in court and everything), not just make the claim.
Thank You
The Voters.
That we voted for Mr Trump should be a clue that accusations of racism no longer carry the veto power they once held.
You're going to have to prove actual hate crimes now (like in court and everything), not just make the claim.
Thank You
The Voters.
Filibuster
I have a suggestion!
New Senate rule:
They want the filibuster back, I suggest repeal of the 17th amendment. They wish to keep it House 2.0 then they can live with all the same rules.
New Senate rule:
The filibuster was appropriate for the august body the Senate was prior to the 17th amendment made it a smaller, longer termed echo of the House of Representatives.
The House has no filibuster, so shall the Senate be without.
They want the filibuster back, I suggest repeal of the 17th amendment. They wish to keep it House 2.0 then they can live with all the same rules.
15 November 2016
The Rarest Item Is A Shovel
In putting together a set of M1956 pattern LBE, the hardest thing to source is the frakking entrenching tool. I have an M1967 carrier and tri-fold e-tool, but I like the look of the older carrier with the bayonet attached to it (remember, this is about appearances).
I'm using the normal M1956 magazine pouches because the stubby pouches for the M16 are a bit scarce and I don't want to use the later M1967 pouches (they look too modern even though they're period correct).
Other oddities are attempting to get a carrying case for the M16's bipod without also buying another bipod. You can buy magazine pouches without magazines. You can buy entrenching tool carriers without entrenching tools. You can buy canteen carriers without canteens. You can even buy bayonet scabbards without the bayonet. You want a bipod carrying case, you have to take a bipod with it.
For photo purposes I've found a source of some really good looking dummy grenades too! That'd make the project a little spendy, but far more amusing.
I'm using the normal M1956 magazine pouches because the stubby pouches for the M16 are a bit scarce and I don't want to use the later M1967 pouches (they look too modern even though they're period correct).
Other oddities are attempting to get a carrying case for the M16's bipod without also buying another bipod. You can buy magazine pouches without magazines. You can buy entrenching tool carriers without entrenching tools. You can buy canteen carriers without canteens. You can even buy bayonet scabbards without the bayonet. You want a bipod carrying case, you have to take a bipod with it.
For photo purposes I've found a source of some really good looking dummy grenades too! That'd make the project a little spendy, but far more amusing.
14 November 2016
If They Come To Us To Be Evacuated They Are Refugees
"Donald Trump is going to deport all teh gheys!"
Deporting someone is sending them back to their home nation.
Kicking someone out of their home nation is called exile.
Therefore, "Donald Trump is going to exile all teh gheys!"
Even that's not true, because some of teh gheys are foreign nationals, and they would be deported.
Exile most of teh gheys? Not very catchy.
Deporting someone is sending them back to their home nation.
Kicking someone out of their home nation is called exile.
Therefore, "Donald Trump is going to exile all teh gheys!"
Even that's not true, because some of teh gheys are foreign nationals, and they would be deported.
Exile most of teh gheys? Not very catchy.
Response
After listening to one of Harvey's tiresome liberal friends go on and on about how Trump is a rapist.
I replied, "well we elected the person who was JUST a rapist then."
Wow.
Has it really changed from the less evil to the less criminal?
Yeah, it has, but I don't think we elected a rapist... well not recently... it's happened before... dammit.
I replied, "well we elected the person who was JUST a rapist then."
Wow.
Has it really changed from the less evil to the less criminal?
Yeah, it has, but I don't think we elected a rapist... well not recently... it's happened before... dammit.
Erin's Back!
I found the "I Support Erin" image that had become corrupted on the sidebar and have restored it to its place on my blogroll.
I was once asked how I could support someone like Erin.
I've always been able to be friends with people who're somewhat different from me, I have friends who are infantry. Trans seems kind of minor compared to grunt. :D I mean they WALK to war.
I was once asked how I could support someone like Erin.
I've always been able to be friends with people who're somewhat different from me, I have friends who are infantry. Trans seems kind of minor compared to grunt. :D I mean they WALK to war.
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