I don't know a Dipstick. That means I am it.
I am truly sorry to all of those whom I have harmed.
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09 January 2012
I Apologize
All of us have a Dipstick somewhere in our life (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, you’re someone’s Dipstick).
08 January 2012
Defense Aviation
I am a great fan of aviation.
Military in particular.
What concerns me a great deal is the massive reduction in real capability that modern tactical aircraft have undergone.
Let's pick on the Navy for now. Ranges are max unrefueled total distance not combat radii.
The A-6E could carry 18,000 lb. of bombs out to 3,200 miles.
The A-7E could carry 15,000 lb. of bombs out to 1,200 miles.
Even the F-14B and F-14D could carry 8,000 lb. of bombs out to 1,000 miles.
The F/A-18C can carry 13,700 lb. of bombs out to 800 miles.
The F/A-18E can carry 17,750 lb. of bombs out to 780 miles.
The F-35 will carry 3,000 lb. of bombs (internally) out to 1,080 miles.
BWAH?
Look if you can't top an interceptor converted to the attack role in carriage and range...
To be fair, if you pile on stores on the external hardpoints the F-35 can carry 18,000 lb., but range suffers. If we're compromising stealth, how much can an F-22A carry on the wings? 20,000 lb. on the wings with an unused capability for 2,000 lb. internally. That's especially damning since the F-35 is turning out to be not that much cheaper. The F-22A has long legs too 942 miles assuming 100 of them are supersonic!
That range thing is what worries me the most about these specifications. Range doesn't just mean how far away you can drop bombs, it also says how long you can remain on station. An attack plane isn't doing the guys on the ground any good if he's heading home for fuel or latched to the tanker.
The amount of bombs matters a lot too. For the A-6E, it could readily carry 22x500 lb. bombs on the wings. Dropped in pairs for close air support that's 11 runs. It had the fuel to hang around and get good guidance from the forward air controller and is slow enough to see what's going on easily.
Wanna know why the A-10 is clinging on to service so tenaciously? 16,000 lb. load combat radius "288 mi at 1.88 hour single-engine loiter at 5,000 ft, 10 min combat" ALMOST TWO HOURS OF HANGING AROUND WAITING FOR THE CALL Oh, that 16k pound bomb load doesn't include the 1,174 rounds of 30mm available.
What caliber is the internal gun on the F-35B? F-35C? Oh. There is no internal gun. Sorry, Marines, we didn't mount the gun pod and have dropped our four JDAMS and have to head home.
WHAT THE FUCK?
An unanswered (perhaps unasked) question is how much of that theoretical 15k lb. external stores an F-35B can take-off with from an LHA.
I can't help but think the Navy and Marines would be better served doing an SCB-125 to the LHAs, installing cats and using the money saved in not buying the F-35 to develop a Navy F-22 equivalent.
Military in particular.
What concerns me a great deal is the massive reduction in real capability that modern tactical aircraft have undergone.
Let's pick on the Navy for now. Ranges are max unrefueled total distance not combat radii.
The A-6E could carry 18,000 lb. of bombs out to 3,200 miles.
The A-7E could carry 15,000 lb. of bombs out to 1,200 miles.
Even the F-14B and F-14D could carry 8,000 lb. of bombs out to 1,000 miles.
The F/A-18C can carry 13,700 lb. of bombs out to 800 miles.
The F/A-18E can carry 17,750 lb. of bombs out to 780 miles.
The F-35 will carry 3,000 lb. of bombs (internally) out to 1,080 miles.
BWAH?
Look if you can't top an interceptor converted to the attack role in carriage and range...
To be fair, if you pile on stores on the external hardpoints the F-35 can carry 18,000 lb., but range suffers. If we're compromising stealth, how much can an F-22A carry on the wings? 20,000 lb. on the wings with an unused capability for 2,000 lb. internally. That's especially damning since the F-35 is turning out to be not that much cheaper. The F-22A has long legs too 942 miles assuming 100 of them are supersonic!
That range thing is what worries me the most about these specifications. Range doesn't just mean how far away you can drop bombs, it also says how long you can remain on station. An attack plane isn't doing the guys on the ground any good if he's heading home for fuel or latched to the tanker.
The amount of bombs matters a lot too. For the A-6E, it could readily carry 22x500 lb. bombs on the wings. Dropped in pairs for close air support that's 11 runs. It had the fuel to hang around and get good guidance from the forward air controller and is slow enough to see what's going on easily.
Wanna know why the A-10 is clinging on to service so tenaciously? 16,000 lb. load combat radius "288 mi at 1.88 hour single-engine loiter at 5,000 ft, 10 min combat" ALMOST TWO HOURS OF HANGING AROUND WAITING FOR THE CALL Oh, that 16k pound bomb load doesn't include the 1,174 rounds of 30mm available.
What caliber is the internal gun on the F-35B? F-35C? Oh. There is no internal gun. Sorry, Marines, we didn't mount the gun pod and have dropped our four JDAMS and have to head home.
WHAT THE FUCK?
An unanswered (perhaps unasked) question is how much of that theoretical 15k lb. external stores an F-35B can take-off with from an LHA.
I can't help but think the Navy and Marines would be better served doing an SCB-125 to the LHAs, installing cats and using the money saved in not buying the F-35 to develop a Navy F-22 equivalent.
Lighting A Candle To Stop Violence
There is nothing safer in the world than these two firearms UNLESS you mean me or my loved ones harm. They will stop the violence, abruptly and with finality.
SIG-Sauer P238 in .380 ACP and Springfield Armory M1911-A1 GI in .45 ACP.
At Weer'd's suggestion... He has the explanation too.
Bonus anti-violence gun pics with candles! Evil black rifles make Sarah Brady cry. Best get some Gatorade or you'll dehydrate, Sarah...
Dottie, an AR-15 in 6.8x43mm SPC II.
Sabrina, a clone of an XM177E2, in 5.56x45mm. I think this EBR gets extra points for being a short barreled rifle.
Plus there's always tribute to those who cannot keep their guns. This S&W Sigma is in my care because the owner's present circumstances do not allow them to keep it at home.
BONUS ROUND UPDATE!
Chester, the lovely Mrs. Thag, wanted in on this meme too.
That's her S&W Sigma in .357 SIG and her carry knives. One by Kershaw, the other by Cold Steel.
UPDATE TWO:
My buddy Marv's carry guns. He doesn't blog but I suggested he take a couple pics and I'd post them. He did great!
His genuine Colt Mk IV Series 80 which is the best shooting "plain jane" 1911 I've ever fired. It's been to the Colt custom shop for trigger work and they did a "bang up" job!
His wee little SIG-Sauer P-238.
I love how he used a smaller candle for the smaller 1911 too! Marv is a man of great wit!
Speaking of his wit... Hungarian PA-63 with budget night sights...
SIG-Sauer P238 in .380 ACP and Springfield Armory M1911-A1 GI in .45 ACP.
At Weer'd's suggestion... He has the explanation too.
Bonus anti-violence gun pics with candles! Evil black rifles make Sarah Brady cry. Best get some Gatorade or you'll dehydrate, Sarah...
Dottie, an AR-15 in 6.8x43mm SPC II.
Sabrina, a clone of an XM177E2, in 5.56x45mm. I think this EBR gets extra points for being a short barreled rifle.
Plus there's always tribute to those who cannot keep their guns. This S&W Sigma is in my care because the owner's present circumstances do not allow them to keep it at home.
BONUS ROUND UPDATE!
Chester, the lovely Mrs. Thag, wanted in on this meme too.
That's her S&W Sigma in .357 SIG and her carry knives. One by Kershaw, the other by Cold Steel.
UPDATE TWO:
My buddy Marv's carry guns. He doesn't blog but I suggested he take a couple pics and I'd post them. He did great!
His genuine Colt Mk IV Series 80 which is the best shooting "plain jane" 1911 I've ever fired. It's been to the Colt custom shop for trigger work and they did a "bang up" job!
His wee little SIG-Sauer P-238.
I love how he used a smaller candle for the smaller 1911 too! Marv is a man of great wit!
Speaking of his wit... Hungarian PA-63 with budget night sights...
07 January 2012
06 January 2012
05 January 2012
Light A Candle To Stop Gun Violence D-3
This is a "house gun" since I can't open carry around here. 6" Anaconda in .45 Colt.
At Weer'd's suggestion...
04 January 2012
Constitution
Either the whole thing, plus amendments, is valid and matters; or it doesn't.
It's not an a la carte menu.
It's not an a la carte menu.
03 January 2012
Epiphany
I just realized that cloth slings are, well, CLOTH.
You can wash them!
Just like socks and underwear!
Who knew?
Chalk this up to the Army posting signs above every washer and dryer forbidding the washing of "field gear". They had us clean slings and web gear with a stiff brush.
You can wash them!
Just like socks and underwear!
Who knew?
Chalk this up to the Army posting signs above every washer and dryer forbidding the washing of "field gear". They had us clean slings and web gear with a stiff brush.
Metal Injection Molding
Metal injection molding, also known as MIM.
I think it's misunderstood.
It's a process of making parts with complicated shapes cheaply. That's really it.
The problem with it is too many shops try to use it on forged and machined parts that are not suited to the process.
The part produced via MIM, while dimensionally identical, is not the same metallurgically. What that means is, although it fits, it breaks.
Parts designed from the outset as MIM parts will be fine.
What it boils down to is your material selection is predicated by the form and function of your part. Some materials and forming processes cannot be used for particular parts. Some parts are process neutral.
Sometimes you can tell a smith did the design and not an engineer. That sounds disparaging, but it's not. They are related, but separate paths of learning about machines. The differences stand out when you jump into the realm of theory and conjecture and begin applying new processes to old designs.
An example that sticks out is a cast receiver for an M1A. Casting technology today and steels available mean you can make a receiver that's just as strong as a forged one made from the 1930's processes Springfield National Armory was using in 1950. "Can make" is an important part of that phrase, some don't.
I think it's misunderstood.
It's a process of making parts with complicated shapes cheaply. That's really it.
The problem with it is too many shops try to use it on forged and machined parts that are not suited to the process.
The part produced via MIM, while dimensionally identical, is not the same metallurgically. What that means is, although it fits, it breaks.
Parts designed from the outset as MIM parts will be fine.
What it boils down to is your material selection is predicated by the form and function of your part. Some materials and forming processes cannot be used for particular parts. Some parts are process neutral.
Sometimes you can tell a smith did the design and not an engineer. That sounds disparaging, but it's not. They are related, but separate paths of learning about machines. The differences stand out when you jump into the realm of theory and conjecture and begin applying new processes to old designs.
An example that sticks out is a cast receiver for an M1A. Casting technology today and steels available mean you can make a receiver that's just as strong as a forged one made from the 1930's processes Springfield National Armory was using in 1950. "Can make" is an important part of that phrase, some don't.
02 January 2012
Three of Three Eighty
The Colt's sights are very small and hard to see, but if you get them lined up it's very accurate. The P232 has easy-to-see three-dots. The P238 has tritium inserts. All three have been reliable and accurate with Speer Gold-Dot hollow points. The P232 fits my hand best, the P238 gets carried more.
I did carry the Colt in my pocket for quite a while before replacing it with the P238. The P232 was a regularly carried gun as well, in a Galco Executive shoulder holster before I decided that I could carry a 1911 in a shoulder holster just as easily.
I've also just discovered that the P232's shoulder holster carries the Colt just as well!
01 January 2012
31 December 2011
Bikers
I am the son and grandson of bikers.
I was a biker for a long while too.
I've hung out with them for many, many years.
I've been to Sturgis when the big party was still in town.
What the fuck happened since I stopped riding?
Did Harley start administering IQ tests during the purchase process and if you score above 90 you don't get the bike? Do they waive this test if you already own a scoot?
I ask because the ridership down here seems divided very sharply. People who seem to know what they're doing and riding defensively and people whose heads are so far up their asses they open their mouths to see. Gives new meaning to the term "eye tooth".
The former group I have zero problems with. They stay out of my way, I can tell what they are going to do next so I can stay out of theirs. Easy.
The latter, and larger group, seem to wanting to see if their helmet really can protect them after the 4,300 lb. of Biscayne fails to stop. I got news for you, Dr Biker Esq. my car cannot out brake your bike. I have four times the mass with about double the swept area; do the math.
Wildly varying your speed between five under the limit and five over flow of traffic and changing lanes seemingly at random makes it hard to predict where you are going to be next so I can give enough room to actually not hit you should you panic stop for optical illusions and unicorns.
Help me to help you! Because if the worst happens I'm not looking at more than a trip to the body shop; you're going to the hospital.
Something else to consider, I was a biker so I pay more attention to bikes. I try to give you guys more room and consideration. If I am having trouble avoiding collisions with your bad riding, what makes you think the New York City expatriate who didn't have a license until they retired down here will have the clue and experience to dodge you?
This is pretty easy stuff, really.
Adjust your mirrors so you can see.
Look over your shoulder before changing lanes!
Clearly signal your intentions. Vaguely waving your hand at waist level is not a signal no matter how cool you think you look doing it. Are you closing your choke? Are you switching to the reserve tank? Are you dropping your cigarette? Are you indicating a lane change?
Move with the flow of traffic!!! This one is the most important. While you are legally allowed to go five under, you're not making friends doing so. The speed-up slow-down game also doesn't make anyone around you happy with you. Try to remember that mass equation from earlier.
Be aware of the blind spots on the cars nearest you. If you cannot see my head in the window or the mirror there's no way I can see you at all. If I speed up or slow down to get you out of my blind spot don't move right back into it! I am trying to help us both.
That "Share The Road" bumper sticker, that works both ways.
I was a biker for a long while too.
I've hung out with them for many, many years.
I've been to Sturgis when the big party was still in town.
What the fuck happened since I stopped riding?
Did Harley start administering IQ tests during the purchase process and if you score above 90 you don't get the bike? Do they waive this test if you already own a scoot?
I ask because the ridership down here seems divided very sharply. People who seem to know what they're doing and riding defensively and people whose heads are so far up their asses they open their mouths to see. Gives new meaning to the term "eye tooth".
The former group I have zero problems with. They stay out of my way, I can tell what they are going to do next so I can stay out of theirs. Easy.
The latter, and larger group, seem to wanting to see if their helmet really can protect them after the 4,300 lb. of Biscayne fails to stop. I got news for you, Dr Biker Esq. my car cannot out brake your bike. I have four times the mass with about double the swept area; do the math.
Wildly varying your speed between five under the limit and five over flow of traffic and changing lanes seemingly at random makes it hard to predict where you are going to be next so I can give enough room to actually not hit you should you panic stop for optical illusions and unicorns.
Help me to help you! Because if the worst happens I'm not looking at more than a trip to the body shop; you're going to the hospital.
Something else to consider, I was a biker so I pay more attention to bikes. I try to give you guys more room and consideration. If I am having trouble avoiding collisions with your bad riding, what makes you think the New York City expatriate who didn't have a license until they retired down here will have the clue and experience to dodge you?
This is pretty easy stuff, really.
Adjust your mirrors so you can see.
Look over your shoulder before changing lanes!
Clearly signal your intentions. Vaguely waving your hand at waist level is not a signal no matter how cool you think you look doing it. Are you closing your choke? Are you switching to the reserve tank? Are you dropping your cigarette? Are you indicating a lane change?
Move with the flow of traffic!!! This one is the most important. While you are legally allowed to go five under, you're not making friends doing so. The speed-up slow-down game also doesn't make anyone around you happy with you. Try to remember that mass equation from earlier.
Be aware of the blind spots on the cars nearest you. If you cannot see my head in the window or the mirror there's no way I can see you at all. If I speed up or slow down to get you out of my blind spot don't move right back into it! I am trying to help us both.
That "Share The Road" bumper sticker, that works both ways.
Grammar Nazi
I am not normally too bad about grammar.
I may chide my friends from time to time, but bad grammar in a living language is par for the course as the language morphs.
The problem arises when the primary function of language begins to fail. Language is for communication. If the grammar you are using is not intelligible to the person whom you are trying to communicate with, you are failing.
The basics are pretty easy. Sentence structure isn't that hard. The rules are also pretty damn easy.
Things that would make my life on forums easier.
Learn where the shift key is! Start sentences with a capital letter and end them with some form of punctuation.
If you're using a computer there's no damn excuse for words being spelled wrong. Spell checkers are pervasive. Using the wrong word is more understandable, the computer is not normally going to let you know you used the wrong to, too or two; let alone there, their or they're.
I may chide my friends from time to time, but bad grammar in a living language is par for the course as the language morphs.
The problem arises when the primary function of language begins to fail. Language is for communication. If the grammar you are using is not intelligible to the person whom you are trying to communicate with, you are failing.
The basics are pretty easy. Sentence structure isn't that hard. The rules are also pretty damn easy.
Things that would make my life on forums easier.
Learn where the shift key is! Start sentences with a capital letter and end them with some form of punctuation.
If you're using a computer there's no damn excuse for words being spelled wrong. Spell checkers are pervasive. Using the wrong word is more understandable, the computer is not normally going to let you know you used the wrong to, too or two; let alone there, their or they're.
30 December 2011
Learning
One thing I most regret about my parents getting divorced is that my father was completely absent.
There are things that I grew to know that should be done.
There was nobody to teach me how.
It's a bitch to know what you are supposed to do without knowing how to do them.
I learned, the hard way. It took longer for being an OJT/DIY experience.
Later I learned that my father didn't know that there are things you are supposed to do, so he couldn't have taught me how.
One could suppose his removing himself from my life as a blessing since I was able to learn the lessons he had not.
There are things that I grew to know that should be done.
There was nobody to teach me how.
It's a bitch to know what you are supposed to do without knowing how to do them.
I learned, the hard way. It took longer for being an OJT/DIY experience.
Later I learned that my father didn't know that there are things you are supposed to do, so he couldn't have taught me how.
One could suppose his removing himself from my life as a blessing since I was able to learn the lessons he had not.
29 December 2011
Definitions
Can't.
As in cannot.
I would sure like to see every instance of "government can't" changed from "is not allowed" to "is unable to."
I wouldn't need to worry so much about things then.
EDIT:
What many people mean when they say can't is "shan't" or "shall not". That's much closer to meaning "not allowed to"
As in cannot.
I would sure like to see every instance of "government can't" changed from "is not allowed" to "is unable to."
I wouldn't need to worry so much about things then.
EDIT:
What many people mean when they say can't is "shan't" or "shall not". That's much closer to meaning "not allowed to"
Principles
One sign of principles is sticking to them.
Letting them guide you not the fickle winds of public opinion.
It's saying, "I will not do that," then not doing that! Saying you will never and then doing it anyway is not principled.
Yes, a principled person can amend their position, but they also have to explain why. They have to admit their principles were not in keeping with their present reality and show the process whereby their minds were changed about it.
What you cannot do is change your mind and still maintain your principles are unchanged.
Being principled is not easy. You will be punished for it. You will miss opportunities because of them.
It is work and there are rewards. The rewards exceed the pain. The opportunities that you don't miss are bigger and better than the ones you missed.
At the end you will know you did it the right way.
Letting them guide you not the fickle winds of public opinion.
It's saying, "I will not do that," then not doing that! Saying you will never and then doing it anyway is not principled.
Yes, a principled person can amend their position, but they also have to explain why. They have to admit their principles were not in keeping with their present reality and show the process whereby their minds were changed about it.
What you cannot do is change your mind and still maintain your principles are unchanged.
Being principled is not easy. You will be punished for it. You will miss opportunities because of them.
It is work and there are rewards. The rewards exceed the pain. The opportunities that you don't miss are bigger and better than the ones you missed.
At the end you will know you did it the right way.
28 December 2011
Music Meme
Top 25 Most Played on the iPod in the car. Meme from Tam.
Debonair (Fuck Hollywood Mix) by Dope
Interestingly this is not the same 25 songs as the laptop. The desktop has a different list of 25. I seem to listen to different music based on where I am.
Debonair (Fuck Hollywood Mix) by Dope
Just One Fix by Ministy
Die MF Die by Dope
Rock Is Dead by Marilyn Manson
My Suicide (Girl) by Critical Bill
mOBSCENE by Marilyn Manson
mOBSCENE by Marilyn Manson
Astonishing Panorama Of The Endtimes by Marilyn Manson
Away From Me by Puddle of Mudd
All These Things That I've Done by The Killers
Rock 'N' Roll by Motörhead
21st Century (Digital Boy) by Bad Religion
The Future's So Bright by Timbuk3
How Will I Laugh Tomorrow by Suicidal Tendencies
BEER! by Psyhcostick
Zero by The Smashing Pumpkins
Hollywood Nights by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet BandTeen Angst by Cracker
Girl U Want by Devo
Nemo by Nightwish
Bombshell by Powerman 5000
Whenever Wherever by Shakira
Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath
Interestingly this is not the same 25 songs as the laptop. The desktop has a different list of 25. I seem to listen to different music based on where I am.
27 December 2011
Giving OWB A Try
This method of carry is contraindicated by the narrow seats and center console on the Vette.
But the Biscayne is a whole other matter with its Barcalounger seating.
I think it disappears nicely.
It's a SIG-Sauer P232 in a Galco holster. Yes, I know, I buy a lot of Galco stuff; but it works for me and Dragon Leatherworks doesn't send me samples to get me hooked. Come on, Dennis, first fix is supposed to be free!
But the Biscayne is a whole other matter with its Barcalounger seating.
It's a SIG-Sauer P232 in a Galco holster. Yes, I know, I buy a lot of Galco stuff; but it works for me and Dragon Leatherworks doesn't send me samples to get me hooked. Come on, Dennis, first fix is supposed to be free!
600!
This is my 640-3. Zit and all.
Tam is to blame. I recall her saying something to the effect that if you pulled the trigger a thousand times you'd end up with a really good trigger pull.
Being who I am, I said, "why dry fire when you can shoot"? Why use .38 when you have .357? Now I know. Ouch. But I do have an honest 600 rounds through the gun without a hiccup (from the gun). To be fair, it was a shot 50 rounds at a time not all at once. This is the first gun I've owned where I had to force myself to finish a box of ammo. The first gun where I didn't have to force myself to take ammo home. I really don't like shooting it. The sights suck, recoil is harsh, lookitthat fireball! OK, the fireball is fun.
This not even as light as Jay G's Snubby From Hell™. I remember when I first read about the Snubby From Hell™, my very first thought was, "like my gun but LIGHTER?" No. Way. Ever.
But I learned a lot from this gun. I learned how to properly fire double action. I learned that how you hold a revolver is not the same as how you hold an auto. I learned that when Tam says "dry fire" she doesn't mean "go shooting".
The Devil You Know
I predict that President Obama will be reelected.
I also predict the Senate returning to Republican hands while the House remains Republican.
Why?
We know Barry pretty well by now.
We also know enough about Romney, Gingrich and Paul to know that they would be different but not better in everything except whom they would pick for the Supreme Court. Since the Senate is more than involved there, perhaps we could avert the disaster somewhat.
We don't know enough about Perry to really claim he'd be more than different, but what we've seen is promising. Except he's a bit heavy on the God thing for my tastes. Not to mention how I am almost pre-weary of the "governor from Texas" meme that's bound to be coming. He'll be Bush 45... Bush the Third... Anything but himself.
Gods, I want a candidate to vote FOR. I am sick to death of being presented with "here's the guy you get because we know you're voting against the other guy."
It's a nice feeling to have such. I voted FOR Marco Rubio. I voted FOR Rick Scott. Back when, I voted FOR Jeb Bush. My state political machine seems to have figured it out, why can't the national level?
Of course voting for someone isn't all milk and cookies. I voted for Ross Perot. That was the last presidential candidate I voted for. I voted against Bill Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry and Barack Obama not for Bob Dole, George W Bush or John McCain.
My write in candidate, sadly, passed away this year. I don't even have Bill Gerber any more.
I also predict the Senate returning to Republican hands while the House remains Republican.
Why?
We know Barry pretty well by now.
We also know enough about Romney, Gingrich and Paul to know that they would be different but not better in everything except whom they would pick for the Supreme Court. Since the Senate is more than involved there, perhaps we could avert the disaster somewhat.
We don't know enough about Perry to really claim he'd be more than different, but what we've seen is promising. Except he's a bit heavy on the God thing for my tastes. Not to mention how I am almost pre-weary of the "governor from Texas" meme that's bound to be coming. He'll be Bush 45... Bush the Third... Anything but himself.
Gods, I want a candidate to vote FOR. I am sick to death of being presented with "here's the guy you get because we know you're voting against the other guy."
It's a nice feeling to have such. I voted FOR Marco Rubio. I voted FOR Rick Scott. Back when, I voted FOR Jeb Bush. My state political machine seems to have figured it out, why can't the national level?
Of course voting for someone isn't all milk and cookies. I voted for Ross Perot. That was the last presidential candidate I voted for. I voted against Bill Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry and Barack Obama not for Bob Dole, George W Bush or John McCain.
My write in candidate, sadly, passed away this year. I don't even have Bill Gerber any more.
24 December 2011
Me Too! Me Too!
I do so love me a good meme.
Here's what I may be carrying at any given moment.
Springfield M-1911A1 GI in a Galco Miami Classic II.
Smith and Wesson 640-3 in a Galco Royal Guard.
SIG-Sauer P238 in a Don Hume 001.
Your best guess as to the exact load-out.
The 1911 tends to be for cooler weather where I can survive wearing a shirt over a t-shirt. The J-Frame is more my summer gun with an untucked shirt or the pocket of my cargo-shorts. The SIG is a constant companion who lives next to my wallet.
Here's what I may be carrying at any given moment.
Springfield M-1911A1 GI in a Galco Miami Classic II.
Smith and Wesson 640-3 in a Galco Royal Guard.
SIG-Sauer P238 in a Don Hume 001.
Your best guess as to the exact load-out.
The 1911 tends to be for cooler weather where I can survive wearing a shirt over a t-shirt. The J-Frame is more my summer gun with an untucked shirt or the pocket of my cargo-shorts. The SIG is a constant companion who lives next to my wallet.
23 December 2011
Another Piece of Evidence We're Winning.
Just for a lark I strapped on my Anaconda to wander around the house and while I was geeking out making a GURPS character.
The water delivery guy showed up, so I opened up the garage to let him swap the bottles.
No freak out about the gun at all, just a "Is that a .44?"
He didn't know that Colt made them in .45 Colt.
The water delivery guy showed up, so I opened up the garage to let him swap the bottles.
No freak out about the gun at all, just a "Is that a .44?"
He didn't know that Colt made them in .45 Colt.
22 December 2011
Now That Someone Else Has Mentioned It...
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/12/the-story-behind-ron-pauls-racist-newsletters/250338/
I remember Mr Paul back in those '90's.
I remember saying, "Well, he's good on guns..."
Unspoken, "but..."
He profited handsomely from those newsletters and has utterly failed to put any real distance on the position.
Even if it was "just a marketing tactic" it's damning that he'd even consider it; let alone actually print it!
If your name is on it, you own it. If you allowed someone else to write it and hang your name on it, you still own it!
Someone who storms off stage when the press asks about this is not someone I want as a dog-catcher let alone president.
I am not infatuated with libertarianism. Like all simple utopian ideals it falls apart with the slightest touch of reality. I believe I mentioned that feudalism can be constructed without violating libertarianism. Hardly freedom, is it?
Still, Mr Paul is not Mitt Romney. I'll take a racist libertarian ideologue over gun-grabbing RINO.
EDIT:
I forgot the dog whistling Truther shit!
I remember Mr Paul back in those '90's.
I remember saying, "Well, he's good on guns..."
Unspoken, "but..."
He profited handsomely from those newsletters and has utterly failed to put any real distance on the position.
Even if it was "just a marketing tactic" it's damning that he'd even consider it; let alone actually print it!
If your name is on it, you own it. If you allowed someone else to write it and hang your name on it, you still own it!
Someone who storms off stage when the press asks about this is not someone I want as a dog-catcher let alone president.
I am not infatuated with libertarianism. Like all simple utopian ideals it falls apart with the slightest touch of reality. I believe I mentioned that feudalism can be constructed without violating libertarianism. Hardly freedom, is it?
Still, Mr Paul is not Mitt Romney. I'll take a racist libertarian ideologue over gun-grabbing RINO.
EDIT:
I forgot the dog whistling Truther shit!
19 December 2011
Using Youtube To Review Guns
I have a couple of hints for you...
If <gasp> you <gasp> can't <gasp> breathe <gasp> you <gasp> shouldn't <gasp> be <gasp> talking <GASP GASP GASP>.
Check the <rumble rumble rumble> wind speeds.
Two words: Tri Pod.
Have a helper shoot you in the left foot with a pellet rifle every time you say "uh".
Learn to write.
See above.
Seriously.
Rehearse! Don't post your first attempt.
About that writing thing, if you can say everything you need to say without showing an actual video, just write it down and post to a blog. This saves me from listening to your emphysema, not hearing you from the wind over the mic and getting motion sickness because you clearly drank a fifth of vodka to get the courage to post, but forgot what that would do to your steadiness.
If <gasp> you <gasp> can't <gasp> breathe <gasp> you <gasp> shouldn't <gasp> be <gasp> talking <GASP GASP GASP>.
Check the <rumble rumble rumble> wind speeds.
Two words: Tri Pod.
Have a helper shoot you in the left foot with a pellet rifle every time you say "uh".
Learn to write.
See above.
Seriously.
Rehearse! Don't post your first attempt.
About that writing thing, if you can say everything you need to say without showing an actual video, just write it down and post to a blog. This saves me from listening to your emphysema, not hearing you from the wind over the mic and getting motion sickness because you clearly drank a fifth of vodka to get the courage to post, but forgot what that would do to your steadiness.
Another Errant Thought
In light of the circumstances of Kim Jong Il's death; Mr Obama: Next time take the train.
Just sayin'...
Just sayin'...
18 December 2011
17 December 2011
Grampa's Guns
These are the guns that defended the COOP gas station at the corner of 2nd St and Lincoln Way in Nevada, Iowa for at least thirty years.
This was Grampa's "tool-box gun. It's a Harrington and Richardson "Automatic" 2nd Model 1st Variation; made in 1891 as near as I have been able to determine. It's chambered for six rounds of .32 S&W Long. Despite being a "cheap" gun it still locks up good and tight. It hits point of aim at 10 yards, but that firing pin will pierce one primer in about ten. It's definitely a black-powder gun, I didn't know that when I bought smokeless ammo and fired it. This gun is the first gun I carried when I got my Florida permit, the Glock 21 being a lot too big for summer.
This is the "under-the-counter" gun. The rationale for the smaller gun than the H&R was that grandma would often be out front doing the books and she needed something smaller. This is an Iver Johnson Safety Hammer Automatic five shooter chambered in .32 S&W and made in 1911.
These two guns have almost exactly zero intrinsic value, but vast sentimental worth.
This was Grampa's "tool-box gun. It's a Harrington and Richardson "Automatic" 2nd Model 1st Variation; made in 1891 as near as I have been able to determine. It's chambered for six rounds of .32 S&W Long. Despite being a "cheap" gun it still locks up good and tight. It hits point of aim at 10 yards, but that firing pin will pierce one primer in about ten. It's definitely a black-powder gun, I didn't know that when I bought smokeless ammo and fired it. This gun is the first gun I carried when I got my Florida permit, the Glock 21 being a lot too big for summer.
This is the "under-the-counter" gun. The rationale for the smaller gun than the H&R was that grandma would often be out front doing the books and she needed something smaller. This is an Iver Johnson Safety Hammer Automatic five shooter chambered in .32 S&W and made in 1911.
These two guns have almost exactly zero intrinsic value, but vast sentimental worth.
16 December 2011
The Joys of Cooler Weather
Made a batch of my chili.
Yes, it has beans. And onions. And meat. And tomatoes.
This is what I call chili and regardless of if you agree to its labeling, it's tasty stuff!
Yes, it has beans. And onions. And meat. And tomatoes.
This is what I call chili and regardless of if you agree to its labeling, it's tasty stuff!
My buddy Marv and I developed this recipe from scratch. He's pretty sensitive to spices so we went for flavor and not heat. It's with no small amount of pride to claim that it's won every office chili cook-off we've entered it in (all three!).
My loving wife published our recipe in her cookbook. You should buy a copy; lots of tasty, affordable recipes in it. Many of them are our old family recipes that we transcribed verbatim, complete with spelling errors! Just for fun!
Burn in Hell Motherfucker!
Christopher Hitchens has become a good marxist.
Edit: I was supposed to like him? Because he said some things I would have agreed with?
Marxists are socialists and socialism is evil. Socialism has murdered too many people to trust. Murdered too many people to like or respect anyone who openly claims to be one or expresses their respect for Marx and Lenin.
So, Mr Hitchens, you may have written some good stuff, but burn in Hell anyways.
Edit: I was supposed to like him? Because he said some things I would have agreed with?
Marxists are socialists and socialism is evil. Socialism has murdered too many people to trust. Murdered too many people to like or respect anyone who openly claims to be one or expresses their respect for Marx and Lenin.
So, Mr Hitchens, you may have written some good stuff, but burn in Hell anyways.
15 December 2011
Cheap guns.
I am firm believer in A gun is better than NO gun.
This means a cheap POS is better than nothing.
Caleb is writing about how a good gun is better than a bad gun (true) and that the price point isn't that bad between bad and good (also true).
I say all this to tell this story.
I am at a gun show and we're walking past a vendor with two tables full of brand new High Points.
He starts his pitch because I glanced in his general direction.
One of my friends says, "I used to own one..."
The sales pitch instantly stops and the vendor sits down looking all dejected. Wow!
This means a cheap POS is better than nothing.
Caleb is writing about how a good gun is better than a bad gun (true) and that the price point isn't that bad between bad and good (also true).
I say all this to tell this story.
I am at a gun show and we're walking past a vendor with two tables full of brand new High Points.
He starts his pitch because I glanced in his general direction.
One of my friends says, "I used to own one..."
The sales pitch instantly stops and the vendor sits down looking all dejected. Wow!
100!
Today I am 100 calendar days pending on my most recent Form 1. That's 155 total days since I put it in the mailbox.
My examiner has been averaging 131 days pending to stamp received in the past six months.
Just a couple of weeks ago that average was 115 days over at NFA Tracker.
The average time seems to be slipping at about the same rate as my wait time.
This, above all else, is why I don't want the government in charge of my health.
The reason that the forms take so long to process is there are a buttload of them and only 12 examiners. The reason there are only12 7 examiners is because there is a hiring freeze. Here's a good write up about it.
My examiner has been averaging 131 days pending to stamp received in the past six months.
Just a couple of weeks ago that average was 115 days over at NFA Tracker.
The average time seems to be slipping at about the same rate as my wait time.
This, above all else, is why I don't want the government in charge of my health.
The reason that the forms take so long to process is there are a buttload of them and only 12 examiners. The reason there are only
Safe Queens
How does a gun become a safe queen?
I know I didn't set out to own a single one, but I seem to have acquired a few.
I simply don't shoot several of the guns in there.
I did have to have them though.
At least none of them are guns that I will not shoot because I fear I am affecting their value.
Grampa's old revolvers I don't shoot because I am not entirely convinced it's still safe to do so. Their value is entirely sentimental rather than intrinsic. This is on top of them being unpleasant to shoot as well.
Both of the rifle ranges I like are more than an hour's haul from here, so it's kind of a pain to get in some 50 or 100 yard trigger time.
I know I didn't set out to own a single one, but I seem to have acquired a few.
I simply don't shoot several of the guns in there.
I did have to have them though.
At least none of them are guns that I will not shoot because I fear I am affecting their value.
Grampa's old revolvers I don't shoot because I am not entirely convinced it's still safe to do so. Their value is entirely sentimental rather than intrinsic. This is on top of them being unpleasant to shoot as well.
Both of the rifle ranges I like are more than an hour's haul from here, so it's kind of a pain to get in some 50 or 100 yard trigger time.
14 December 2011
Innocent of What?
Reading here about a defensive gun use.
Weer'd quotes Bob quoting Caroline Brewer, "they’ll shoot innocent bystanders".
Caroline, not only do you not understand gun owners, you don't understand criminals.
The kind of crimes were a gun is most useful are also the type of crimes where the criminal seeks the most privacy. There are no innocent bystanders because, to the criminal, they are witnesses!
Not only are they witnesses, they are sources of assistance to the victim.
Weer'd quotes Bob quoting Caroline Brewer, "they’ll shoot innocent bystanders".
Caroline, not only do you not understand gun owners, you don't understand criminals.
The kind of crimes were a gun is most useful are also the type of crimes where the criminal seeks the most privacy. There are no innocent bystanders because, to the criminal, they are witnesses!
Not only are they witnesses, they are sources of assistance to the victim.
13 December 2011
Guess What?
Stolen from Another Gun Blog:
"It's weird that somebody came onto campus with a gun," "It kind of made me think that anybody could be doing anything on our campus." Freshman Rachel Robbins
I hate to tell you this, Sunshine, but anyone can bring a gun on campus NOW, it's just illegal.
When I was living in Iowa there was no chance of getting a conceal carry permit from the Story County Sheriff. "Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6" was my logic; so I carried without a permit. That included the campus of Iowa State University. Guess what happened! NOTHING!
Why?
Because I was an otherwise law abiding citizen who had been denied the legal means to self defense. I also recall one of the Founders said something to the effect of "any law that runs contrary to your rights is void; and should be treated as such." Well, that's what I did.
Ms. Robbins may be shocked to learn that she may already surrounded by gun owners who are being very, very quiet about it because they don't want to end up arrested over it, nor dead should a Virginia Tech incident happen.
I tend to prefer arrested to dead.
I've mentioned before that my law abidance has increased dramatically since I got my carry permit. Almost as if no longer being forced to break one law makes me respect the others all the more. I have not carried where I am forbidden since (much longer than the statute of limitations by the way).
Related to this: I did a search to see if Iowa's new conceal carry law allowed campus carry, it does not. I stumbled across an article from theISU Pravda Iowa State Daily where Stephanie Madon, associate professor of psychology, references the weapon effect. It's real. What she fails to mention is the "offensive effect of a weapon" which is also real, and stronger. Update 17APR25: I have to update that link periodically, they keep changing the structure of their archives.
The weapon effect is simply that an aggressor will be more aggressive when there's even an image of a weapon present.
The offensive effect of a weapon, counterintuitively, is that less aggression occurs when a real weapon is present because of the likelihood of it being used.
You have to consider both effects. While someone who is going to go off will be more likely to do so if they've got a weapon, they are also far less likely to do so if there's a likelihood of someone else having a weapon. Also part of both is that a person who has a weapon and is assured of being the only person with a weapon is much more likely to go off. An associate professor of psychology should know that.
Isn't that what we conceal carry people have been saying for decades?
"It's weird that somebody came onto campus with a gun," "It kind of made me think that anybody could be doing anything on our campus." Freshman Rachel Robbins
I hate to tell you this, Sunshine, but anyone can bring a gun on campus NOW, it's just illegal.
When I was living in Iowa there was no chance of getting a conceal carry permit from the Story County Sheriff. "Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6" was my logic; so I carried without a permit. That included the campus of Iowa State University. Guess what happened! NOTHING!
Why?
Because I was an otherwise law abiding citizen who had been denied the legal means to self defense. I also recall one of the Founders said something to the effect of "any law that runs contrary to your rights is void; and should be treated as such." Well, that's what I did.
Ms. Robbins may be shocked to learn that she may already surrounded by gun owners who are being very, very quiet about it because they don't want to end up arrested over it, nor dead should a Virginia Tech incident happen.
I tend to prefer arrested to dead.
I've mentioned before that my law abidance has increased dramatically since I got my carry permit. Almost as if no longer being forced to break one law makes me respect the others all the more. I have not carried where I am forbidden since (much longer than the statute of limitations by the way).
Related to this: I did a search to see if Iowa's new conceal carry law allowed campus carry, it does not. I stumbled across an article from the
The weapon effect is simply that an aggressor will be more aggressive when there's even an image of a weapon present.
The offensive effect of a weapon, counterintuitively, is that less aggression occurs when a real weapon is present because of the likelihood of it being used.
You have to consider both effects. While someone who is going to go off will be more likely to do so if they've got a weapon, they are also far less likely to do so if there's a likelihood of someone else having a weapon. Also part of both is that a person who has a weapon and is assured of being the only person with a weapon is much more likely to go off. An associate professor of psychology should know that.
Isn't that what we conceal carry people have been saying for decades?
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