Just cause you don't understand what's going on don't mean it don't make no sense
And just cause you don't like it, don't mean it ain't no good
And let me tell you something;
Before you go taking a walk in my world
You better take a look at the real world
Cause this ain't no Mister Roger's Neighborhood
Can you say "feel like shit"?
Yea maybe sometimes I do feel like shit
I ain't happy 'bout it, but I'd rather feel like shit than be full of shit!
And if I offended you, oh I'm sorry...
But maybe you need to be offended
But here's my apology and one more thing...fuck you!
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26 November 2019
25 November 2019
DECM Training Film
The basic ideas from this film are still in play today.
Between JT and Brad I think we could come up with something that works "correctly" in the game that doesn't violate anyone's classification or export laws.
Thud
Coming "real soon now" to DCS!
Razbam has indicated they're going to make a module for the F-105!
Almost certainly the F-105D, the most numerous variation and since ECM is teh suxxor in the game, an F-105G would be nearly pointless.
I'm kinda excited.
Leatherneck Simulations is working on an F-8J Crusader.
Two of my perennial favorites, and there's already a Turkey and Bug!
The hilarious thing about ECM sucking hind tit in most flight sims is the concepts are very simple. There's YouTube postings of 1960's era training films explaining how most of the systems work in bold strokes.
The problem is while the concepts are simple and the basics are long declassified... it's way easy to end up in trouble making the systems work like they're rumored to work, and lots of the people involved have had access to the real thing.
You have to prove that you figured out how the ALQ-XX worked from public sources, and furthermore, didn't use your classified knowledge to steer your research into them. That's nearly impossible.
It'd take someone like me, who's never had the secret materials before them, to do the research for the game...
Hmmmmmm!
I'm going to need me some help on the coding side, I am sure, but this might be something someone could make a bit of money on selling module updates.
Razbam has indicated they're going to make a module for the F-105!
Almost certainly the F-105D, the most numerous variation and since ECM is teh suxxor in the game, an F-105G would be nearly pointless.
I'm kinda excited.
Leatherneck Simulations is working on an F-8J Crusader.
Two of my perennial favorites, and there's already a Turkey and Bug!
The hilarious thing about ECM sucking hind tit in most flight sims is the concepts are very simple. There's YouTube postings of 1960's era training films explaining how most of the systems work in bold strokes.
The problem is while the concepts are simple and the basics are long declassified... it's way easy to end up in trouble making the systems work like they're rumored to work, and lots of the people involved have had access to the real thing.
You have to prove that you figured out how the ALQ-XX worked from public sources, and furthermore, didn't use your classified knowledge to steer your research into them. That's nearly impossible.
It'd take someone like me, who's never had the secret materials before them, to do the research for the game...
Hmmmmmm!
I'm going to need me some help on the coding side, I am sure, but this might be something someone could make a bit of money on selling module updates.
Who Knows It Might Even Work
I got this email from a vendor I've bought Tantal bits from:
$300 on sale and it probably doesn't function.
This series of Commie night vision is easy to kill by showing it too much light, and a lot of them have been shown too much. Like firing it up to see if it works in a well lit room?
Click, zap, dead.
If it does function, it's a decent price.
A bit much for a photo accessory unless Chuck and Dianne suggest banning rudimentary night vision scopes.
Thanksgiving DEAL OF THE WEEK !!ENDS NOON EST 11/29/19Your choice of NSP-3 OR PPN-3 Soviet style night Vision.Great Stocking Stuffer! Perfect for hunting seasonThese fit most all side rail mount weapons, including AK-47, AK-74, SG-43, PKM & RPG-7 etc.We have no facilities to test, sold STRICTLY AS IS with NO RETURNS. These are relic from the cold war and most appear to be in very good to new condition. Accessories are included but vary from box to box. Included in original wood or metal transit chest.UPS ShippingSee Gunbroker for more informationhttps://www.gunbroker.com/item/845982372https://www.gunbroker.com/item/845984118We have optional infrared flash light COVER ONLY for $20 each. These are invisible at night to the human eye,but will light up an acre at a time in conjunction to the night vision.REG $399 DEAL $295.00 PLUS UPSOffice is closed Thursday and Friday but orders received by friday will be honored.Only 20 of each available!sales@bowmanarms.com your complete name address email & phone number with your order. You will receive and invoice with payment options.Like us on Facebook! bowman arms - tankride.com, inc.
$300 on sale and it probably doesn't function.
This series of Commie night vision is easy to kill by showing it too much light, and a lot of them have been shown too much. Like firing it up to see if it works in a well lit room?
Click, zap, dead.
If it does function, it's a decent price.
A bit much for a photo accessory unless Chuck and Dianne suggest banning rudimentary night vision scopes.
What WOULD Stoner Do?
I am not certain InRange is on quite the right track with their WWSD project.
After interviewing Jim Sullivan they surely must be aware that Gene was an advocate of the 7.62x51mm round.
The 5.56 AR15 is preceded by the 7.62 AR10. The 5.56 AR18 is preceded by the 7.62 AR16. The 5.56 Stoner Model 63 is preceded by the 7.62 M69W.
Three times he tried to make a 7.62 NATO gun and three times suffered having his design reduced in caliber.
Not that he put up much fight...
But, what would Stoner do?
I think the AR16 prototypes show us some insight. The first few guns used the same gas system as the AR15 and AR10. It was the fact that the patents no longer belonged to Armalite that caused the change to a short stroke piston system.
I think Stoner had moved beyond "high tech and lighter" to "ease of manufacture, higher volume production, more sales."
I wonder what barrel length he'd settle on today though.
The AR15 and M63 both start with a 20" tube and the AR18 is just a bit shorter with 18-1/4".
Would he go with the legal minimum length of 16"? For his round which was designed with 4" longer bores in mind?
After interviewing Jim Sullivan they surely must be aware that Gene was an advocate of the 7.62x51mm round.
The 5.56 AR15 is preceded by the 7.62 AR10. The 5.56 AR18 is preceded by the 7.62 AR16. The 5.56 Stoner Model 63 is preceded by the 7.62 M69W.
Three times he tried to make a 7.62 NATO gun and three times suffered having his design reduced in caliber.
Not that he put up much fight...
But, what would Stoner do?
I think the AR16 prototypes show us some insight. The first few guns used the same gas system as the AR15 and AR10. It was the fact that the patents no longer belonged to Armalite that caused the change to a short stroke piston system.
I think Stoner had moved beyond "high tech and lighter" to "ease of manufacture, higher volume production, more sales."
I wonder what barrel length he'd settle on today though.
The AR15 and M63 both start with a 20" tube and the AR18 is just a bit shorter with 18-1/4".
Would he go with the legal minimum length of 16"? For his round which was designed with 4" longer bores in mind?
Declutter
The corners of the bedroom accumulate... stuff.
Things I don't use much, or not at all, but have enough value that they're not trash; but have too little value to sell.
The past two days have seen me organizing the clutter and getting things put into some semblance of order.
Bonus feature: The Lovely Harvey can actually reach her gun safe and the filing cabinet!
Things I don't use much, or not at all, but have enough value that they're not trash; but have too little value to sell.
The past two days have seen me organizing the clutter and getting things put into some semblance of order.
Bonus feature: The Lovely Harvey can actually reach her gun safe and the filing cabinet!
24 November 2019
¡Para toda la humanidad!
Watching Apple TV's "For All Mankind".
I like me some alt-history but I am wondering at the inclusion of the Mexican illegal alien storyline.
I keep getting distracted by it and thinking, "is this heading someplace?"
I was also struck at the Congressional rail-roading of Werner Von Braun.
It seemed to me that his historical answer to the very question presented would have sufficed to win him in public opinion, especially since the entire point of Operation Paperclip was to give amnesty to valuable scientists and engineers who also happened to be blood-soaked Nazis.
I'm going to keep at it, but it's a slog just three episodes in.
I like me some alt-history but I am wondering at the inclusion of the Mexican illegal alien storyline.
I keep getting distracted by it and thinking, "is this heading someplace?"
I was also struck at the Congressional rail-roading of Werner Von Braun.
It seemed to me that his historical answer to the very question presented would have sufficed to win him in public opinion, especially since the entire point of Operation Paperclip was to give amnesty to valuable scientists and engineers who also happened to be blood-soaked Nazis.
I'm going to keep at it, but it's a slog just three episodes in.
23 November 2019
Honest Thag's Used Jack Repair
Took apart the power head on my dearly beloved Sears 214.50110 floor jack.
It stopped lifting about three years ago, when I needed to lift the car to change the starter.
Frustratingly, nobody had a seal kit for this model for years either. That recently changed and I bought the kit.
Here's the problem!
Happily, replacing this and two o-rings associated with it was dirt simple. I have o-rings for the pump side, but didn't need them because they aren't leaking (yet).
We got it put back together and filled with fresh oil and it took a lot of pumps to get it all bled out.
It doesn't go as low (4-7/8"vs 3-7/8") or as high (19" vs 21") as theHarbor Freight Northern Tool Strongway brand jack that replaced it; nor does it lift as much (2-1/4 tons vs 3-1/2 tons): but what it loses in those areas it makes up for by being smooth and predictable.
It's a good jack and well worth the effort to fix!
It stopped lifting about three years ago, when I needed to lift the car to change the starter.
Frustratingly, nobody had a seal kit for this model for years either. That recently changed and I bought the kit.
Here's the problem!
Happily, replacing this and two o-rings associated with it was dirt simple. I have o-rings for the pump side, but didn't need them because they aren't leaking (yet).
We got it put back together and filled with fresh oil and it took a lot of pumps to get it all bled out.
It doesn't go as low (4-7/8"vs 3-7/8") or as high (19" vs 21") as the
It's a good jack and well worth the effort to fix!
22 November 2019
Oh Thank The Gods!
Classic has sold out of their "very-good to excellent" Polish Tokarev pistols (C&R eligible).
I am saved!
Getting a Polish Tokarev would have meant scouring the world for a P83 Wanad.
Lord knows what it would take to lay hands on an WIST-94 or FB MAG; though these guns aren't T2K canonical.
I am saved!
Getting a Polish Tokarev would have meant scouring the world for a P83 Wanad.
Lord knows what it would take to lay hands on an WIST-94 or FB MAG; though these guns aren't T2K canonical.
Kinda Want
It was InRange's reviews of the CavArms/GWACS Mk 1 and Mk 2 lowers that made me want one.
I like lightweight ARs and pencil barrels.
What I do worry about is this lower has killed every company to bring one to market.
I wonder if Brownell's and KE Arms are going to offer it in the same rainbow of colors.
I like lightweight ARs and pencil barrels.
What I do worry about is this lower has killed every company to bring one to market.
I wonder if Brownell's and KE Arms are going to offer it in the same rainbow of colors.
That's A Reflection
h/t Mike
Bill Maher says, "anti-intellectualism on the right doesn’t come primarily through stupidity it comes from hate."
I don't hate you, Bill, I hate you back.
I don't hate intellectuals, I hate them back.
It's a distinction that makes a difference.
Y'all started out by hating on us, and now that you're seeing that we're willing to say, "Fine, War," you're starting to see you, maybe, came with a rock to a tank fight.
“We are going to have to learn to live with each other or else there will be blood,” Maher said.
Until you, and your intellectual buddies, started fucking with us, we were living with you.
How many times have we said we only wanted to be left alone?
Well, Bill, you woke us up. We're aware of your hatred and contempt.
The choice is yours to make, Mr Maher, back off or blood?
You might also note that we don't particularly mind either direction because if it goes blood it's going to suck for everyone; but the point will finally be settled.
I'd prefer you learned to live with me.
Bill Maher says, "anti-intellectualism on the right doesn’t come primarily through stupidity it comes from hate."
I don't hate you, Bill, I hate you back.
I don't hate intellectuals, I hate them back.
It's a distinction that makes a difference.
Y'all started out by hating on us, and now that you're seeing that we're willing to say, "Fine, War," you're starting to see you, maybe, came with a rock to a tank fight.
“We are going to have to learn to live with each other or else there will be blood,” Maher said.
Until you, and your intellectual buddies, started fucking with us, we were living with you.
How many times have we said we only wanted to be left alone?
Well, Bill, you woke us up. We're aware of your hatred and contempt.
The choice is yours to make, Mr Maher, back off or blood?
You might also note that we don't particularly mind either direction because if it goes blood it's going to suck for everyone; but the point will finally be settled.
I'd prefer you learned to live with me.
21 November 2019
DIY .45
The recent California shooting was done with an 80% 1911.
It appears that his dad made it, so the fact doesn't really seem relevant.
I don't think you can even drag dad into this for legality because he was dead before the serial number requirement took place.
There doesn't seem to be a "DIY" exception to the handgun registration laws, so dad might have been been the one to make an illegal gun that his son illegally took possession of.
It appears that his dad made it, so the fact doesn't really seem relevant.
I don't think you can even drag dad into this for legality because he was dead before the serial number requirement took place.
There doesn't seem to be a "DIY" exception to the handgun registration laws, so dad might have been been the one to make an illegal gun that his son illegally took possession of.
What About The Children
Looks like "What about the children?" has hit YouTube in the form of COPPA.
The results of the settlement have new rules coming down the pipe and YouTube is essentially shifting the liability to the content creators when a child manages to find inappropriate content.
Said creators are freaking out.
Welcome to the world of gun owners, content creators.
The results of the settlement have new rules coming down the pipe and YouTube is essentially shifting the liability to the content creators when a child manages to find inappropriate content.
Said creators are freaking out.
Welcome to the world of gun owners, content creators.
Buffalo
Brewster Buffalo, that is.
Counter Jockey has seen Midway and the topic of the F2A has come up.
It's a plane I flew a lot in IL-2 because I liked playing in the Finn campaign.
You get to shoot communists and you don't have to play a Nazi!
A plane I got scary good with in that sim is the B-239E.
That's an F2A-1 with a bigger engine and all the naval stuff removed.
It's a solid performer against the Soviet planes of the time.
Good range, predictable performance.
One thing that stood out was how difficult it was to land in the game. You really need to grease it in or it bounces really bad and it wants to roll over.
Come to think on it, I also got good with the FM-1 Wildcat and P-40 against zeros and oscars.
Counter Jockey has seen Midway and the topic of the F2A has come up.
It's a plane I flew a lot in IL-2 because I liked playing in the Finn campaign.
You get to shoot communists and you don't have to play a Nazi!
A plane I got scary good with in that sim is the B-239E.
That's an F2A-1 with a bigger engine and all the naval stuff removed.
It's a solid performer against the Soviet planes of the time.
Good range, predictable performance.
One thing that stood out was how difficult it was to land in the game. You really need to grease it in or it bounces really bad and it wants to roll over.
Come to think on it, I also got good with the FM-1 Wildcat and P-40 against zeros and oscars.
Have To Win
I have to win a Galil ARM JRA Gallant from Classic because a) I cannot afford one and b) they are out of stock. The ATI version is also out of stock at Brownell's.
I've wanted, and could never afford, a Galil way back to my Top Secret days. I even tried to turn a Mini-14 into the functional equivalent of one.
I've made a couple of Twilight: 2000 characters who've been equipped with one. Bigger magazine and the generous encumbrance system made it a no-brainer. There's just no down side to the 50 round magazine in T2K.
GURPS is more serious about the problems with the Galil's 50-rounder in that it adds to the Bulk stat. The excessive gravitational attraction is also better modeled.
In both GURPS and real life, you start looking hard at what you get in relation to an FAL because you're not saving an ounce of weight. Essentially it's an FAL with more shots that do less damage and don't reach out as far.
That doesn't change wanting one for a range toy.
I hesitate to give a link to the contest because the fewer people who enter, the better my chances. That link, should you enter, also improves my chances...
I've wanted, and could never afford, a Galil way back to my Top Secret days. I even tried to turn a Mini-14 into the functional equivalent of one.
I've made a couple of Twilight: 2000 characters who've been equipped with one. Bigger magazine and the generous encumbrance system made it a no-brainer. There's just no down side to the 50 round magazine in T2K.
GURPS is more serious about the problems with the Galil's 50-rounder in that it adds to the Bulk stat. The excessive gravitational attraction is also better modeled.
In both GURPS and real life, you start looking hard at what you get in relation to an FAL because you're not saving an ounce of weight. Essentially it's an FAL with more shots that do less damage and don't reach out as far.
That doesn't change wanting one for a range toy.
I hesitate to give a link to the contest because the fewer people who enter, the better my chances. That link, should you enter, also improves my chances...
20 November 2019
Gun Free Zone With A Gun Store
The Main Exchange on MacDill has an FFL.
Shop My Exchange lists guns on its site and those must be delivered to an exchange in the same state as the buyer. The prices don't seem to be anything to write home about, so it prolly won't come up...
Every single military base is a no carry zone. Encased and unloaded in the trunk is OK, but essentially a gun free zone.
I also remember how MP's were all assholes and Air Force SP being the worst of the species (prolly regret not joining the military). Drive the speed limit, three count at stop signs, signal every lane change and turn...
Especially driving a Vette on post when I'm obviously not a pilot.
Shop My Exchange lists guns on its site and those must be delivered to an exchange in the same state as the buyer. The prices don't seem to be anything to write home about, so it prolly won't come up...
Every single military base is a no carry zone. Encased and unloaded in the trunk is OK, but essentially a gun free zone.
I also remember how MP's were all assholes and Air Force SP being the worst of the species (prolly regret not joining the military). Drive the speed limit, three count at stop signs, signal every lane change and turn...
Especially driving a Vette on post when I'm obviously not a pilot.
Base Access?
Apparently, as of the first of the year, my lowly ass will be granted access to on-base exchanges and commissaries.
10 USC § 1065
Not sure this is great or meh.
10 USC § 1065
“(d) Eligibility Of Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities.—A veteran with a service-connected disability shall be permitted to use commissary stores and MWR facilities on the same basis as a member of the armed forces entitled to retired or retainer pay."
Not sure this is great or meh.
Military Working Raptors
I finally decided to watch Jurassic World.
The scheme to weaponize the Utahraptor Ostrommaysi is only considered insane because the bad guy is so obviously the bad guy he should have a top hat and a mustache to twirl while laughing maniacally.
Considering how damned scary military dogs like Belgian Malinois are, just think of how a raptor would be received.
The critters in Jurassic park/world are definitely smarter and more coordinated than a real one would have been.
Now I simply must make a character from a world that has them!
The scheme to weaponize the Utahraptor Ostrommaysi is only considered insane because the bad guy is so obviously the bad guy he should have a top hat and a mustache to twirl while laughing maniacally.
Considering how damned scary military dogs like Belgian Malinois are, just think of how a raptor would be received.
The critters in Jurassic park/world are definitely smarter and more coordinated than a real one would have been.
Now I simply must make a character from a world that has them!
Skinhead
I started shaving my head when it became obvious that I was not going to be going bald in a dignified manner.
My pattern of baldness is the kind where it will look like I'm trying to hide it with a comb-over even if I do nothing.
It's a small vanity.
But it has gotten me charged with racism a couple of times.
Particularly antisemitism.
Um... Nope, it's just a hairstyle.
Especially when I regard this, "If the dismissal of Jewish scientists means the annihilation of contemporary German science, then we shall do without science for a few years." as one of the stupidest statements of all time.
And mining Hitler quotes for "stupidest" is hard fucking work; because the man was a font of stupid shit.
Aside: Hitler also said, "The dogma of Christianity gets worn away before the advances of science. Religion will have to make more and more concessions. Gradually the myths crumble." That sure sounds familiar and contemporary, don't it?
I like science.
Without science we don't get so many things that make everyday life so much better.
I happen to like indoor plumbing, electricity and the internet. Science, Engineering and Industry.
Sciences that are chock-a-block with "untermensch".
But then, I celebrate individual accomplishment rather than racial attribution.
My pattern of baldness is the kind where it will look like I'm trying to hide it with a comb-over even if I do nothing.
It's a small vanity.
But it has gotten me charged with racism a couple of times.
Particularly antisemitism.
Um... Nope, it's just a hairstyle.
Especially when I regard this, "If the dismissal of Jewish scientists means the annihilation of contemporary German science, then we shall do without science for a few years." as one of the stupidest statements of all time.
And mining Hitler quotes for "stupidest" is hard fucking work; because the man was a font of stupid shit.
Aside: Hitler also said, "The dogma of Christianity gets worn away before the advances of science. Religion will have to make more and more concessions. Gradually the myths crumble." That sure sounds familiar and contemporary, don't it?
I like science.
Without science we don't get so many things that make everyday life so much better.
I happen to like indoor plumbing, electricity and the internet. Science, Engineering and Industry.
Sciences that are chock-a-block with "untermensch".
But then, I celebrate individual accomplishment rather than racial attribution.
LGBTQIA
I'm normally supportive of LGBT rights.
But I noticed something while reading about Chik-Fil-A caving.
In the entire alphabet listing of LGBTQIAEIEIO...
The supposed "all inclusive" LGBT sphere...
Where is the 'S'?
I already know the answer. Women's rights and minority rights organizations have already shown us.
They don't want equality, they want inversion.
Revenge or power. Either motivation will suffice.
It's hard to be supportive of the rights of people who deserve those rights when the, rich and powerful, organizations who "represent" them keep banging the drum to marginalize me.
We need to change the song from 'X' rights to Rights.
Women don't deserve or should get more rights than men.
Minorities should not get nor do they deserve more rights than the majority.
LGBT people don't have any more or less rights than the breeders.
It's just Rights. The same for everyone. No more, no less.
It's valid to complain that you're being discriminated against, but you don't get to discriminate against ME in return. You especially don't get to demand your rights while infringing on mine.
But I noticed something while reading about Chik-Fil-A caving.
In the entire alphabet listing of LGBTQIAEIEIO...
The supposed "all inclusive" LGBT sphere...
Where is the 'S'?
I already know the answer. Women's rights and minority rights organizations have already shown us.
They don't want equality, they want inversion.
Revenge or power. Either motivation will suffice.
It's hard to be supportive of the rights of people who deserve those rights when the, rich and powerful, organizations who "represent" them keep banging the drum to marginalize me.
We need to change the song from 'X' rights to Rights.
Women don't deserve or should get more rights than men.
Minorities should not get nor do they deserve more rights than the majority.
LGBT people don't have any more or less rights than the breeders.
It's just Rights. The same for everyone. No more, no less.
It's valid to complain that you're being discriminated against, but you don't get to discriminate against ME in return. You especially don't get to demand your rights while infringing on mine.
19 November 2019
More Than One Lex?
A teaching mission for DCS got some assistance from an F/A-18 pilot named "Lex".
This is not OUR Lex.
The Hornet community can't be very big, he's GOT to know.
This is not OUR Lex.
The Hornet community can't be very big, he's GOT to know.
I'll Take Stupid Ideas For $1,000 Alex
The coolant level on a C6 Corvette is not determined by physically measuring the level.
You know, like with a float?
Oh no! That'd be too simple.
How can you tell when the computer engineers have taken over management from the mechanical engineers?
You know, like with a float?
Oh no! That'd be too simple.
The [C6] Chevrolet Corvette utilizes an algorithm-based low coolant level system which eliminates the need for the coolant level sensor previously positioned inside the surge tank (fig. 12).
The algorithm measures the difference in engine coolant temperature readings over time as a function of engine speed, to determine if the cooling system has a low coolant condition. After vehicle start-up, the ECM sends an engine RPM and engine coolant message through the BCM to the HVAC control head. The HVAC control head uses engine coolant temperature and engine RPM to determine if an increase in coolant temperature is due to a low coolant level condition.
This system is capable of losing 2 full liters of coolant before triggering the Low Coolant warning message. Because the surge tank holds approximately 0.8 liters when filled to the proper level, it's possible that a Low Coolant warning message is not triggered, even though the surge tank is completely dry.
How can you tell when the computer engineers have taken over management from the mechanical engineers?
Deadlier
Signs like this have gotten more people killed than any of my unwelcome firearms.
If you can't trust me with a gun, I'm afraid I cannot trust you with money.
18 November 2019
Oklahoma Makes Up For California!
Armed citizens gun down scumbag!
So much for Oklahoma's low score from the Bradys.
Update:
Well, it would appear that Wal Mart is still not safe to shop at, even in Oklahoma.
So much for Oklahoma's low score from the Bradys.
Update:
Well, it would appear that Wal Mart is still not safe to shop at, even in Oklahoma.
Again From California
Four dead at a football watch party.
If only murder wasn't legal, they wouldn't have to put a gun control bandaid on these horrible acts.
Oh... wait.
If only murder wasn't legal, they wouldn't have to put a gun control bandaid on these horrible acts.
Oh... wait.
17 November 2019
Spring?
I've got two Mauser Model 1910/14 .25 ACP pistols here that don't run well.
It was suggested that it was the recoil spring causing the issue, but I kept forgetting to order one.
I remembered the other day.
Now I need to hit the range and see if that helps at all.
If it doesn't, then I've got representational samples of the type.
It was suggested that it was the recoil spring causing the issue, but I kept forgetting to order one.
I remembered the other day.
Now I need to hit the range and see if that helps at all.
If it doesn't, then I've got representational samples of the type.
16 November 2019
Organized Religion For Tyranny And Oppression... AGAIN?
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops appears to be.
I think the Catholic Church is due for another schism of the level that lead to Protestantism and The Church of England.
The hands of The Church are still bloody from centuries of supporting the divine right of kings, seems old habits die hard.
I think the Catholic Church is due for another schism of the level that lead to Protestantism and The Church of England.
The hands of The Church are still bloody from centuries of supporting the divine right of kings, seems old habits die hard.
Getting Exciting In Iran
Apparently, upping the price of gas 50% in Iran has triggered a wave of violent protests.
Hopefully this will lead to a regime change that has a government and people who like us and want to be friends!
I had the same hope in 2009.
I wonder if this is not getting much coverage because it might make the sanctions imposed by President Trump appear to be working.
Hopefully this will lead to a regime change that has a government and people who like us and want to be friends!
I had the same hope in 2009.
I wonder if this is not getting much coverage because it might make the sanctions imposed by President Trump appear to be working.
Lids
I did a post about the US' issue helmets back here.
I mentioned that the M1 steel pot had different liners and that those liners gave improved performance.
I was unaware that a kevlar liner had been produced in the early '80's pretty much as the PASGT kevlar helmet started issue.
I've made some changes to the GURPS stats since those posts, there's more public domain information on the PASGT for one...
The steel part of the M1 is DR 3. It weighs 2.6 lb. and would ride far too low on the head for use or comfort.
The liner includes a suspension system that keeps the helmet positioned correctly on the head and a chin-strap. Try as I might, I can't find a confirmed report of the strap causing decapitation.
The 1941 fiberglass liner gets DR 1, 0.3 lb. DR 4 and 2.9 lb. total.
The 1965 ballistic nylon liner gets DR 2, 0.8 lb. DR 5 and 3.4 lb. total.
The 1983 kevlar liner gets DR 4. <-- this is speculation, I've no hard data, not even weight. It stands to reason that it will either be lighter than the '65 model for the same protection or more protection for the same weight. DR 7 and 3.4 lb. total (for now).
Wikipedia gave me the weights for the 1941 model.
GURPS: SEALs in Vietnam gives the weights of the 1965 model.
GURPS Basic Set gives the kevlar DR 5.
I've read reports that says that this is way too low, even if the desired specifications called for it to be about this level.
For my Twilight: 2000 conversion, I gave it DR 10 and 3.6 lb. The improved version from 1993 scored DR 12 and 3.4 lb.
It gets frustrating because the ACH is supposed to be much better than the PASGT, but it's DR 12, 3.3 lb. I think that when this was set in the Basic Set they didn't have much information about it, and 12 is significantly better than 5 for protection, but isn't much better than the 10 I think the PASGT rates.
The ACH is NIJ rated as IIIA. That stops .44 Magnum. The specified test round is a 240gr semi-jacketed hollow-point at 1,400 fps. That is GURPS 4d(0.5) pi++. Average raw damage is 14, max 24.
Because DR is doubled against hollow points, average drops to 7 and max to 12 effectively.
DR 12 is correct for the ACH! Who knew? It is lighter and more comfortable than the PASGT, even if offering no more ballistic protection for GURPS.
I mentioned that the M1 steel pot had different liners and that those liners gave improved performance.
I was unaware that a kevlar liner had been produced in the early '80's pretty much as the PASGT kevlar helmet started issue.
I've made some changes to the GURPS stats since those posts, there's more public domain information on the PASGT for one...
The steel part of the M1 is DR 3. It weighs 2.6 lb. and would ride far too low on the head for use or comfort.
The liner includes a suspension system that keeps the helmet positioned correctly on the head and a chin-strap. Try as I might, I can't find a confirmed report of the strap causing decapitation.
The 1941 fiberglass liner gets DR 1, 0.3 lb. DR 4 and 2.9 lb. total.
The 1965 ballistic nylon liner gets DR 2, 0.8 lb. DR 5 and 3.4 lb. total.
The 1983 kevlar liner gets DR 4. <-- this is speculation, I've no hard data, not even weight. It stands to reason that it will either be lighter than the '65 model for the same protection or more protection for the same weight. DR 7 and 3.4 lb. total (for now).
Wikipedia gave me the weights for the 1941 model.
GURPS: SEALs in Vietnam gives the weights of the 1965 model.
GURPS Basic Set gives the kevlar DR 5.
I've read reports that says that this is way too low, even if the desired specifications called for it to be about this level.
For my Twilight: 2000 conversion, I gave it DR 10 and 3.6 lb. The improved version from 1993 scored DR 12 and 3.4 lb.
It gets frustrating because the ACH is supposed to be much better than the PASGT, but it's DR 12, 3.3 lb. I think that when this was set in the Basic Set they didn't have much information about it, and 12 is significantly better than 5 for protection, but isn't much better than the 10 I think the PASGT rates.
The ACH is NIJ rated as IIIA. That stops .44 Magnum. The specified test round is a 240gr semi-jacketed hollow-point at 1,400 fps. That is GURPS 4d(0.5) pi++. Average raw damage is 14, max 24.
Because DR is doubled against hollow points, average drops to 7 and max to 12 effectively.
DR 12 is correct for the ACH! Who knew? It is lighter and more comfortable than the PASGT, even if offering no more ballistic protection for GURPS.
15 November 2019
Credit Where It's Due
Miguel does yeoman's work on tracking the bills in Tallahassee.
Call your congress creature and let them know you don't think you can vote for someone who votes for these bills, especially if your creature's lair includes a committee membership.
It might not be a bad idea to suggest that if they cannot stop such bills from exiting committee, let alone passing, that perhaps a primary is in order.
Make sure their staffers know who you are!
Call your congress creature and let them know you don't think you can vote for someone who votes for these bills, especially if your creature's lair includes a committee membership.
It might not be a bad idea to suggest that if they cannot stop such bills from exiting committee, let alone passing, that perhaps a primary is in order.
Make sure their staffers know who you are!
14 November 2019
Parting Shot
The passion of the fuel system took its last shot at me today.
I cranked the battery dead flat before I gave up and took it down to Joe.
He noted that it was dead flat too.
Yesterday she was sluggish to crank and the voltage gauge stayed up at 14.6v like it was trying real hard to charge. Normally it drops off to 13 and change once the battery has recovered the cranking amps.
Today... No start.
Fudge.
I kind of expected this.
The battery in the C6 is chronically undersized for such a large motor and I just don't think they make batteries like they used to.
Still had enough warranty to get pro-rated on the new battery.
I cranked the battery dead flat before I gave up and took it down to Joe.
He noted that it was dead flat too.
Yesterday she was sluggish to crank and the voltage gauge stayed up at 14.6v like it was trying real hard to charge. Normally it drops off to 13 and change once the battery has recovered the cranking amps.
Today... No start.
Fudge.
I kind of expected this.
The battery in the C6 is chronically undersized for such a large motor and I just don't think they make batteries like they used to.
Still had enough warranty to get pro-rated on the new battery.
Quick! Change The News Cycle!
We've got a school shooting in California!
I'm getting cynical.
My first thought was, "are the impeachment hearings going bad?"
But it's California.
LA County.
Let's run down the list...
The minimum age to buy a gun is 18 with a hunting license and 21 with a Firearm Safety Certificate; our shooter appears to be younger than that.
All sales have to go through an FFL, who presumably wouldn't sell to someone without the proper credentials or was too young.
California has complete firearms registration.
California has a red flag law.
California bans open carry in non-rural areas.
California has a gun-free school act.
California has made assault with a deadly weapon illegal.
California has made manslaughter illegal.
California has made murder illegal.
Gee... none of that worked.
At present they're reporting just one dead, two in critical condition, one in good condition; down from the initial seven.
I'm getting cynical.
My first thought was, "are the impeachment hearings going bad?"
But it's California.
LA County.
Let's run down the list...
The minimum age to buy a gun is 18 with a hunting license and 21 with a Firearm Safety Certificate; our shooter appears to be younger than that.
All sales have to go through an FFL, who presumably wouldn't sell to someone without the proper credentials or was too young.
California has complete firearms registration.
California has a red flag law.
California bans open carry in non-rural areas.
California has a gun-free school act.
California has made assault with a deadly weapon illegal.
California has made manslaughter illegal.
California has made murder illegal.
Gee... none of that worked.
At present they're reporting just one dead, two in critical condition, one in good condition; down from the initial seven.
If You're Going To Say It That Way...
If you insist on saying FAL as a word instead of Eff Ayy Ell...
Then you'd better start saying Ack! when you're talking about an AK.
Then you'd better start saying Ack! when you're talking about an AK.
Statistically Small
People shot by the cops for being in their own homes.
One pull quote, "I don't know what their training is," Tench said in the "Nightline" interview. "I just know that if an officer is sent out to a house on a medical alert or a wellness alert, I'm not sure having guns blazing would be protocol."
The article lists 25 cases nationwide.
That's infinitesimal.
BUT.
That shit should terrify you!
Police agencies have policies that allow their officers to shoot, and kill, innocent citizens in places where they've an absolute right to be.
I don't think the part that matters is that it hasn't come up very often; but that there's policies in place which make it possible for a cop to commit manslaughter with impunity.
I don't like the potential implications.
I've always been of the opinion that the legal standard for The State to kill someone be higher, not lower, than the average citizen. At this point I would accept that the standard be the same as what I have to live under.
You might notice that I cannot issue a statement to the police that says, "In accordance to Casa McThag's policies concerning use of deadly force I shot and killed the perpetrator in my front yard."
I'm not allowed to make up my own rules.
This careens into my attitude that the idea of service has been lost on our current crop of cops in many jurisdictions. It's not universal, but it's creeping in...
The good news is many of these cases are being prosecuted as the crimes they are and shitty cops are being convicted!
With the FBI now tracking police use of force, if we can still trust them, we might even see some policy changes.
One pull quote, "I don't know what their training is," Tench said in the "Nightline" interview. "I just know that if an officer is sent out to a house on a medical alert or a wellness alert, I'm not sure having guns blazing would be protocol."
The article lists 25 cases nationwide.
That's infinitesimal.
BUT.
That shit should terrify you!
Police agencies have policies that allow their officers to shoot, and kill, innocent citizens in places where they've an absolute right to be.
I don't think the part that matters is that it hasn't come up very often; but that there's policies in place which make it possible for a cop to commit manslaughter with impunity.
I don't like the potential implications.
I've always been of the opinion that the legal standard for The State to kill someone be higher, not lower, than the average citizen. At this point I would accept that the standard be the same as what I have to live under.
You might notice that I cannot issue a statement to the police that says, "In accordance to Casa McThag's policies concerning use of deadly force I shot and killed the perpetrator in my front yard."
I'm not allowed to make up my own rules.
This careens into my attitude that the idea of service has been lost on our current crop of cops in many jurisdictions. It's not universal, but it's creeping in...
The good news is many of these cases are being prosecuted as the crimes they are and shitty cops are being convicted!
With the FBI now tracking police use of force, if we can still trust them, we might even see some policy changes.
Avoidance
1/3 of Americans avoid places where they think there might be a mass shooting.
Reading their list I realized that I've been avoiding the same places.
I simply don't like being in crowds.
I also noticed that many of the events listed are also, normally, gun-free zones.
I avoid those too.
Still, getting shot at (let alone hit or killed) in a mass shooting is so unlikely as to be statistical noise on the big list of things that killed you.
Complications from constipation kill more people every year. Look it up! It's true!
Reading their list I realized that I've been avoiding the same places.
I simply don't like being in crowds.
I also noticed that many of the events listed are also, normally, gun-free zones.
I avoid those too.
Still, getting shot at (let alone hit or killed) in a mass shooting is so unlikely as to be statistical noise on the big list of things that killed you.
Complications from constipation kill more people every year. Look it up! It's true!
13 November 2019
Training Standards
The Ranger template in GURPS 4e is 191 points.
IQ and DX are cranked to 13 each to save points on the DX and IQ based skills.
Each 20 per point in those stats saves more than 20 points in skills outlays.
It's built in optimization.
I have managed to get MacTavish down to 211 points by lowering a couple of skills and justifying with atrophy.
I think I can drop it even further by dropping DX and IQ to 12 each and using the excuse that training standards are lower during the war than they are in the idealized world of GURPS: Special Ops.
Jungle survival, for example, would probably be dropped from the normal curriculum because the war is in Europe.
GURPS and good character design "forces" me to consider MacTavish's college education. I decided he was on an athletic scholarship for biathlon. This included a point into Geology to model "rocks for jocks".
Lowering the stats and some of the skills gets me down to 149 points and I feel that accurately reflects the character I played in T2K, even if it's not quite what Special Ops would want.
IQ and DX are cranked to 13 each to save points on the DX and IQ based skills.
Each 20 per point in those stats saves more than 20 points in skills outlays.
It's built in optimization.
I have managed to get MacTavish down to 211 points by lowering a couple of skills and justifying with atrophy.
I think I can drop it even further by dropping DX and IQ to 12 each and using the excuse that training standards are lower during the war than they are in the idealized world of GURPS: Special Ops.
Jungle survival, for example, would probably be dropped from the normal curriculum because the war is in Europe.
GURPS and good character design "forces" me to consider MacTavish's college education. I decided he was on an athletic scholarship for biathlon. This included a point into Geology to model "rocks for jocks".
Lowering the stats and some of the skills gets me down to 149 points and I feel that accurately reflects the character I played in T2K, even if it's not quite what Special Ops would want.
Dusting Off Old Character Sheets
And doing it from memory.
To provide the players who weren't obsessive about doing research about the military and geopolitics at the time Twilight: 2000 was first released I made something of a Mary Sue in the form of 2LT Thomas MacTavish.
There's material advantage to being an officer and rolling well to get the Ranger: Infantryman branch/specialty.
Being an officer means you get double the starting loot.
Being a Ranger means you get more starting skills and pay less to improve them.
So, 2nd Lieutenant MacTavish is a Ranger.
This makes for interesting times with translating characters.
The Ranger template as translated from GURPS 3e to 4e is 191 points and intended for a 225 to 250 point campaign.
Twilight: 2000 was a gamble for stats, gamble for class, gamble for starting wealth game where such niceties as character equivalence and balance didn't come up.
Normally, a T2K character would be 150 points and Rangers or Green Berets simply wouldn't be allowed because of costs; but this is a translation.
From memory. I can't find the character sheet from the ancient days of 1985.
I did find a drawing I did!
I think I can make an informed decision about the character from this.
He's come a long way from Kalisz, Poland in just a few short months since July 18, 2000 when the 5th ID was wiped out.
We probably weren't keeping track of the dates properly, though OpOrd Omega is dated September 28, 2000 with a departure from Bremerhaven, Germany on November 15, 2000 with arrival in Norfolk, Virginia on or about November 25, 2000.
A month to get from Norfolk to Port Lavaca, Texas is probably sufficient.
The span from July 18 to November 15 probably wasn't enough for all the hi-jinx we did.
MacTavish (and the rest of the crew) definitely aligned with MilGov. I don't recall how they got to Texas, but the reason we were there was because the Red Star - Lone Star module was released right after the Going Home module...
The processing through Norfolk probably should have earned MacTavish a promotion. Everyone else too. I can retcon the reason for being in Texas as a mission to secure the oil production that's going on down there from both a Soviet/Cuban detachment and CivGov.
I wonder how many points this will end up being when I'm done.
To provide the players who weren't obsessive about doing research about the military and geopolitics at the time Twilight: 2000 was first released I made something of a Mary Sue in the form of 2LT Thomas MacTavish.
There's material advantage to being an officer and rolling well to get the Ranger: Infantryman branch/specialty.
Being an officer means you get double the starting loot.
Being a Ranger means you get more starting skills and pay less to improve them.
So, 2nd Lieutenant MacTavish is a Ranger.
This makes for interesting times with translating characters.
The Ranger template as translated from GURPS 3e to 4e is 191 points and intended for a 225 to 250 point campaign.
Twilight: 2000 was a gamble for stats, gamble for class, gamble for starting wealth game where such niceties as character equivalence and balance didn't come up.
Normally, a T2K character would be 150 points and Rangers or Green Berets simply wouldn't be allowed because of costs; but this is a translation.
From memory. I can't find the character sheet from the ancient days of 1985.
I did find a drawing I did!
I think I can make an informed decision about the character from this.
He's come a long way from Kalisz, Poland in just a few short months since July 18, 2000 when the 5th ID was wiped out.
We probably weren't keeping track of the dates properly, though OpOrd Omega is dated September 28, 2000 with a departure from Bremerhaven, Germany on November 15, 2000 with arrival in Norfolk, Virginia on or about November 25, 2000.
A month to get from Norfolk to Port Lavaca, Texas is probably sufficient.
The span from July 18 to November 15 probably wasn't enough for all the hi-jinx we did.
MacTavish (and the rest of the crew) definitely aligned with MilGov. I don't recall how they got to Texas, but the reason we were there was because the Red Star - Lone Star module was released right after the Going Home module...
The processing through Norfolk probably should have earned MacTavish a promotion. Everyone else too. I can retcon the reason for being in Texas as a mission to secure the oil production that's going on down there from both a Soviet/Cuban detachment and CivGov.
I wonder how many points this will end up being when I'm done.
Ick?
Watching Babylon 5 and the episode where Mr Garabaldi (no relation) smuggles in and prepares bagna cauda against doctor's orders came on.
Being willing to experiment in the kitchen, I looked up the recipe.
It's pretty darn simple.
Most every recipe warns that if you don't like garlic, stop now.
They never warn against the anchovies.
I do not know if I like anchovies. I know several people who don't, so it's never come up as a pizza topping, or anywhere else.
I'm not much of a raw veggie fan, so making this to dip veggies into doesn't seem to enter my wheelhouse.
I am, however, curious.
I'd hate to discover that I don't like it after going to the effort.
Of course, the only thing I'd need to make it right now is the anchovies. Everything else is on hand.
Being willing to experiment in the kitchen, I looked up the recipe.
It's pretty darn simple.
Most every recipe warns that if you don't like garlic, stop now.
They never warn against the anchovies.
I do not know if I like anchovies. I know several people who don't, so it's never come up as a pizza topping, or anywhere else.
I'm not much of a raw veggie fan, so making this to dip veggies into doesn't seem to enter my wheelhouse.
I am, however, curious.
I'd hate to discover that I don't like it after going to the effort.
Of course, the only thing I'd need to make it right now is the anchovies. Everything else is on hand.
Necessity
While my dad taught me the basics, it was poverty that led me to start working on my own car.
Sure, a real mechanic might take two hours to do a job that took me eight... That was two hours of $50+ labor that I often didn't have. Especially when the price of labor was often the majority of the bill.
For two hours of labor you can buy a lot of tools, and then never have to buy them again.
This DIY attitude spread to other things.
Home improvement.
Plumbing.
Every so often, I bite off more than I can chew. The gas tank adventure being the most recent.
I've failed more than a couple times. The point is to learn from those failures and let them inform your next attempt.
It's amazing how fast you become versatile.
Sure, a real mechanic might take two hours to do a job that took me eight... That was two hours of $50+ labor that I often didn't have. Especially when the price of labor was often the majority of the bill.
For two hours of labor you can buy a lot of tools, and then never have to buy them again.
This DIY attitude spread to other things.
Home improvement.
Plumbing.
Every so often, I bite off more than I can chew. The gas tank adventure being the most recent.
I've failed more than a couple times. The point is to learn from those failures and let them inform your next attempt.
It's amazing how fast you become versatile.
More Mercury
FuzzGeff with an entirely different kind of camera and filters than I use was also able to capture the transit.
I'd no idea how rare such a thing was until reading a bit more about them. It's a lot more common than a Venus transit, and about as common as a total eclipse.
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