Wandering Thoughts

For All These Things...

2012-01-14T04:10:00.000-05:00

I have been moving a lot in the past 3 weeks. I realized about a week ago that I had already far exceeded my total air travel for the my last deployment! After just a few hours back at LNK, I was on the road again, headed for the other side of the country.

Bagram had a very cold spell, and the resulting weather added over a week to the usual travel time. I spent an extra 3 days trying to get to Bagram, and an extra 4 days trying to get out! I still count my blessings, though. I have had cover to keep the rain and snow off me, regular showers, and plenty of food.

During the process of moving around a country the size of Texas, I have not been able to bring many of the toiletries and comfort items that have been kindly sent to me at Camp Leatherneck, due to space constraints. A well-stocked USO is certainly a relief at these times. Here at a base in Dehdadi, I picked up a couple more razors, shampoo, lotion, soap, toothpaste. I usually use Gillette Aftershave, as I especially like following shaving with aftershave in this place, with its many particulates and contaminants. I was delighted to find some Mennen Afta aftershave here. It's really amazing how much something small can bring a smile.

Should old aquaintance be forgot?

2011-12-31T11:15:00.000-05:00

This has been quite a year, and after my painful 2010, I am very thankful for the very many good things I encountered in 2011. I hope this year will be one in which you continually find the good in life, reach out in love to those around you, and find yourself more at peace.

Happy New Year.

My Old Friend

2011-12-31T10:38:00.001-05:00

For all my suggestions to others to carry two lights, wouldn't you know it- I got in a hurry to make sure I caught my flight out to visit a sister DRMO site, at the last minute and went off without my ElZetta. As I drove with Chief A to the fixed wing terminal, he suggested that I take the opportunity while I was at the larger base to go out to a FOB, instead of waiting until I returned to LNK. Great idea!

A day and a half later, I found myself outside at a decent-sized FOB that, in most areas, was pitch-black at night. Fortunately, I did take some of my own advice! I have tried a variety of small keychain lights, and after years of experience and trial and error, I strongly suggest the Photon 2. The Photon 2 puts out a very useful light that lasts for an extremely long time, and it is tough (for comparison, I have broken three of the marginally less expensive Inova microlights, but never broken a Photon). Further, the price relative to inflation has actually gone down over the years.

I had a Photon 2 as I flew into Kuwait, on the way to Afghanistan. I noticed a specialist with a 25th Infantry patch, and after talking to him, found that he was in the same battalion I had been in when I was at Fort Lewis. Before I flew out, I gave the specialist the Photon 2 I had on my keychain. Fortunately, when I asked for Christmas gifts for my team, one generous soul (bless you), sent extra- including red Photons. Since my team was covered, I felt comfortable taking one for myself, as well.

I have never been as thankful for that little red light as out on that dark FOB. The light was bright enough to keep me from running into several objects that I would not have seen otherwise, without so much light that it would have been an issue on the almost completely blacked-out base. But remember, kids- two lights are better, even if you think you don't or won't need them.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-12-25T10:42:00.000-05:00

Christmas has always been my favorite day of the year. Sure, I like getting things, but even more, the joy and excitement of being able to give things to others has often led to me planning for Christmas for months in advance.

This year, I was focused on getting ready for deployment. Only after I was here, did I think about the small team at Camp Leatherneck, and how they could surely use some reminders of how they were loved. So I asked for help. And you delivered.

I was amazed, astonished, humbled, and brought to tears several times by the response. My team has all kinds of OTC meds,

shelf-stable snacks, toiletries, books, movies, lights, knives, warm socks, personalized stockings, and cards. Thank you so much. You made today special for this little group of sailors and soldiers, so far from home. You made it very special for me, too.

Merry Christmas.

Justified

2011-12-19T11:04:00.001-05:00

One of the boxes I received a few days ago contained CDs and DVDs from Little Bro and my favorite SIL. They were mostly to include in gifts bags for my team (gift bags were helpfully included), but there were also a few DVDs and CDs that Philip explained had been sent especially for me.

I had seen an episode or two of Justified when it first came out in 2010, but my schedule didn't allow me to follow it as I'd wanted. When I actually started at the beginning, I quickly changed my opinion of the show from "pretty entertaining" to really good.

Timothy Olyphant starred in 2007's Hitman . I rarely expect much from movies based on video games, but Hitman was surprisingly entertaining. (Yes, I was a bit intoxicated, the first time I watched it, but I've watched it since. And I still enjoyed it.) He also played the villain in Life Free or Die Hard, the same year. In Justified, Olyphant plays a US Marshal forced back to his native Kentucky after a very public gunfight in Florida.

Olyphant is a good actor, and sometimes reminds me of Billy Bob Thornton in an "aw, shucks!" role. (If BBT ever played any characters that would warn you 24 hours in advance to get out of town or die, that is.) The gun handling is pretty good, the story lines are reasonably fresh, and the hero's nemesis is brilliantly played by Walton Goggins. There is some vulgarity, and of course violence. If you can handle those, I think you'll enjoy the show- I know I'm already most of the way through the first 9 episodes, and dreading reaching the end of number 9.

And so it goes...

2011-12-19T10:22:00.001-05:00

I received a work cell phone yesterday, and charged it. Today, I added minutes from a calling card, and left the phone on. Just 15 minutes later, I got my first call! It was a wrong number, of course.

I received more boxes full of incredible stuff for my team yesterday and today. I am delighted that so many of you have obviously worked hard so people you will probably never see will have some things to bring a smile to their faces Christmas morning. (As well as some things we usually take for granted, like vitamins and aspirin.)

I am understating a great deal, here. I am seriously awed at the generosity shown, and very thankful. I hope everyone reading this is having a great December.

When the Gifts Came Rolling In

2011-12-12T07:17:00.003-05:00

The grumpy former Marine in the office wanted to know today who had packed all the boxes for Lieutenant Shirley?! When I walked out, I found a whole stack. My scheme to bring Christmas for my crew has already done as well as I'd hoped, and I know there are at least a few more boxes inbound, too. Besides the gift bags assembled, we have books and toiletries and snacks, oh my. And sheet sets for the members of my team who arrive in late December.

My thanks to every one of you who has supported my team, or any soldier, sailor, Marine, or airman.

Absolutely not at all connected to your support, there's a bit more history (with links to abundant black and white photos) up at Seek Cover.

My ATV

2011-12-03T14:17:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to ride in a M-ATV this week. I really liked the vehicle, and was able to see some improvements that should make them even more survivable. I have an article describing the whole HMMVW to MRAP process at Seek Cover.

To answer your question...

2011-12-02T11:44:00.003-05:00

I've received quite a few queries in just the week that I've been here, asking what my people and I can use. Camp Leatherneck does have a USO, and it's well stocked with many essential items.

What we got:

Sanitizer
Baby/wet wipes
Toothpaste
Lotion
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Hard candy

What we don't got:

Sugar-free cough drops (Not sold in the MCX, either)
Aspirin (These three are in the MCX, but only in single serving packets)
Tylenol (generic is fine)
Benadryl (generic is fine)
We do get in jerky sometimes, but it's rare, and appreciated. As always, feel free to send John Ringo, Larry Correia, and David Weber books. ;-)

Operation Afghan Christmas 2011

2011-12-01T23:05:00.000-05:00

Gentle readers, I need your help. I am assuming command of my own little detachment. I would like to make Christmas special for the 9 sailors and soldiers under my command. I plan to pull them in, so they can get a few days off to relax, recharge their batteries, and talk to family and friends around Christmas.

I could really use some help with some small gifts to brighten their holidays in this ugly place, so far from their homes.

Thanks in advance,

John

Dust, old cars, and moon rocks

2011-11-28T11:28:00.000-05:00

I forgot just how much I loath this country, with its wet-dog smell and silt blown into every crevice. But I'm here, after a marathon series of flights. It's good to be well prepared, but there is a down side to the four duffel bags worth of uniforms and gear I was issued.

I thankfully have my own little teeny-tiny living cubicle, which is a major improvement from living accomodations on my last deployment! I am looking forward to learning the job well and making the most of this year.

On Thankfulness

2011-11-23T10:38:00.001-05:00

I scraped my plate and placed it on the counter in front of the DFAC worker. "Good mornin'", I cheerfully wished her.

"Good morning," she replied. "How are you?"

"I'm so good it hurts."

"It's good to be thankful," she said. And it is.

We celebrated a Thanksgiving lunch today. I managed to restrict myself to a not-quite-obscene amount. Even now, in the midst of a recessession, and facing a rougher economic forecast than many previous US citizens, we still have much for which to be thankful.

When it's packing time...

2011-11-15T14:15:00.001-05:00

APFT shorts, shirts, jacket and pants
Army Combat Uniform, 2
Atrix Lapdock
Books, reference
Boots, Protected Toe
Boots, Temperate
Cigars
Knife, fixed, custom
Knife, folding, Spyderco Manix 2 Translucent
Laptop
Light, tactical, ElZetta
Light, red
Lotion, sun protective
Pants
Papers
Personal hygiene kit
Running shoes
Shirts, brown, t
Shirt, longsleeve, button-up
Socks, boot
Socks, white
Vitamins

What is this list? Well, if you haven't guessed, it's just some of the things I'm packing for my deployment. This is the part I really hate, arranging and guessing what's going to be most important and valuable in an environment in which I might have to carry everything I need for an extended period, and in which I will definitely have to move everything myself.

My job description includes travel to FOBs, so I bought a Maxpedition Doppleduffle from Optics Planet. I want a bag big enough to carry enough gear for a week or two, but still light enough to be portable. I also wanted a bag big enough to carry most of my gear until I get to Fort Benning, where I know I'll be issued a lot more gear. The LapDock I got in the hope that I can use it instead of my much heavier, bulkier laptop when I travel to the FOBs. Look for a review of the Doppleduffle in the future on Seek Cover.

I face this deployment with both trepidation and anticipation. I've been away from my civilian job for about a month now, and despite spending some of that time training in Battle Creek, I am eager to feel gainfully employed again, to feel useful. I also know that everything changes us. I hope I can successfully apply all my previous life lessons, and come back from this deployment as someone I like even better.

(And, Tamara, I'm sorry I didn't get to make it out to visit y'all in Broad Ripple. I'll make it a priority after I return.)

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T14:13:00.001-05:00

History is part of everything else. Science is based on observable, repeatable fact (though my friend Matt says science is actually based on curiosity, and that observation is just a tool). That observation and recording is history, the written record of what has transpired. Without history, nothing that happens has context. It is just meaningless data. History helps us understand what is happening now, based on what has happened before.

Our veterans have been present for some of the most harrowing moments of our recent history. We cannot know how future generations, from their distant perspective, will judge us, but we can choose to live bravely, and with honor, as so many of our previous family has lived and died.

What is now called Veteran's Day was originally created to celebrate the end of the destructive horror of World War I. Read about "Armistice Day" here.

Happy Veteran's Day.

Battle Creek Thoughts

2011-10-28T13:05:00.001-04:00

I'm getting DLA training in Michigan, and the cold is moving in. I was happy to find that the training is specifically focused on the job I'll be doing while deployed.

It's interesting to see that the women in this area tend to have a unique facial construction.

And, it's good to be back on active duty.

Wandering to AZ

2011-10-20T14:05:00.000-04:00

I went to Gunsite three weeks ago with three friends. Training is good. Good training is better. I'd rate this training as pretty darn good, and the mindset as excellent. More thoughts on the trip at Seek Cover.

I really enjoyed hanging out with friends. In our modern world- or perhaps, especially in my nomadic existence- spending time with good friends just seems too rare an occasion. I really treasure the times I can spend.

Little Soviets and Americans

2011-10-19T17:35:00.003-04:00

There is a post up at Seek Cover about a deal running on S&W
ar-15 uppers at CDNN. And history, philosophy, and stuff.

Dust in the Wind

2011-10-18T22:45:00.000-04:00

Thursday I received notification that my orders had been approved. I'm heading back to Afghanistan in short order. I've been to Afghanistan before. It wasn't the hardest thing I've done, but I was incredibly happy to leave. I'm hoping this time, as an officer doing something that requires some thought, will be even better.

Late September Movie Round-up

2011-10-07T03:23:00.001-04:00

(Late, late September. So late, it's not even in September.)

X-Men: First Class I wanted to watch this movie. I've seen the other movies in the series, and-well- it just looked neat, too. While the film obstensibly follows the initial formation and history of the X-Men (with some license: I don't think some of the characters were original X-Men), it really seems to be more correctly titled "The Rise of Magneto" as the film begins with, and ultimately connects the viewer emotionally to, Eric Lehnsherr.

The major problem with First Class is suspension of disbelief. Not of super-heroes, but of the actions of various participants. I can make myself believe in superpowers enough to be entertained, but the screenwriters for First Class have both humans and mutants doing and saying things they absolutely would not. This annoys me incredibly.

In the case of Charles Xavier, the authors of the script have made the mistake of writing for someone supposedly in the rarest, stratospherically high percentile of intelligence on the planet. And they are not up to the task. "True focus lies somewhere between rage and serenity, " Xavier solemnly pronounces to Michael Fassbender as Erik Lehnsherr. Oh, yeah? You know what lies somewhere between rage and serenity? I call it (drum roll)...life. Since we know "true focus lies in life" is an incredibly stupid comment, the writers should have stuck to more plebeian tasks, like writing a plot that made a lick of sense. Or understanding the total force output of 20 submachine guns and 1 66mm rocket.

Didn't happen.

3 of 5 stars for mostly good actors and blinky lights (really, incredible special effects).

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

One day, entire movies will be able to be charactered by CGI with reasonable believability. That day has not yet arrived. Rise is pretty good for what it is: a moody drama about the nature of the soul and man's hubris. If such be your poison, go. Watch.

3 of 5 stars.

Hannah is another superhero story. If you can dig escapism, it's not bad once. And Eric Bana always reminds me of a basset hound, so there's that.

Yet another 3/5 stars.

Dylan Dog: Dead of Night

If you like silly, sometimes gross humor, this is the movie for you. It should be fairly inoffensive to most, and okay for all but very young kids who are frightened of movie monsters, especially zombies.

Really not doing this on purpose~ 3/5 stars.

Chris Evans, who lit up the screen as The Human Torch in the Fantastic Four movies, plays the ultimate good guy in yeoman fashion. This isn't the most enjoyable super hero movie ever- that's probably Iron Man- but it's not bad. I give extra style points for Hugo Weaving's casting as the bad guy.

3.5/5 stars.

Super 8

Coming of age or monster flick? It's both! With impressive acting by a couple of youngsters, this film mostly gets credit from me by the treatment of the film to make it look like it was shot in the early 80s. With an almost preternaturally morally good main character, some parts of this movie don't stand up well to scrutiny, but it's not a bad flick once.

3/5 stars.

The Glades

2011-09-23T13:44:00.000-04:00

I've watched several episodes of The Glades recently. The more I watch this show, the more I like it. It's more than just cute leads in retreads of the same old cop show plots. It's funny, and thoughtful, and every now and then, touching.

Changes and Time

2011-09-10T07:10:00.001-04:00

My shift is ending at the base I guard. It seems the ten-year anniversary of the 9-11 attack will pass without any incidents here, so close to D.C. and a brief walk away from the Pentagon. The world has never really been a safe place, but that message was driven home ten years ago: you are vulnerable. You can be killed not only as a U.S. service member deployed overseas, but as a man, woman, or even child with the temerity to live in these United States.

We are now fighting a war we can neither win nor withdraw from. We are inspected in minute detail when boarding flights, with laughable and pointless restrictions on how much shampoo or toothpaste we are permitted. We may be fondled by security personnel, or strip-searched electronically. Our conversations may be recorded without a judge first granting a warrant, and our government holds many prisoners without granting them the customary rights and protections of prisoners of war or charging them with a crime. While we may withdraw in the not-so-distant future from Afghanistan, leaving it to inevitably return to utter chaos, there seems to be no way to "break contact" with terrorists.

We have fought,and some of us have died fighting in this conflict to protect our families and our way of life, but it seems the longer we fight, the the more we lose. I don't have a solution. So, just after this decade anniversary, we find ourselves looking back on immense quantities of money spent on the conflict.

Our economic policies have finally caught up with us as our population ages, leaving us far too few workers to support the pyramid scheme of Social Security. We are the world power, but our options will rapidly shrink as the amount we owe to foreign governments increases, with no real way to pay it. Our way of life mostly remains, but for how long?

Summer Ends

2011-09-07T10:57:00.006-04:00

The heat has finally broken, and Fall seems to be here with cooler temps and rain. Due to changes to my battle assembly ("drill") schedule, I had requested this last weekend off from WSI, but found I was free after all. I had covered a shift for a WSI coworker Thursday night, so after some recovery sleep Friday, I headed back to Pennsylvania.

Sam and I were able to have some hanging-out time as the rest of the family was off with in-laws. Sam and I have been working together on some knives this year. There have been several knife steels I've used extensively over the last 12 years or so, and I've used knives in a few particular applications enough to know some things that work really well.

CDv2 with GunKote and pale jade G10

Sam will be producing a line of large knives that I designed. These knives will be suitable for camp use or make very powerful fighters along the bolo or kukuri "heavy hitter" model. The blades will be about 9" long, and handles will be of micarta. A kydex sheath will be included. I've seen Sam's work. Sam's day job is historical reconstruction, so he usually is rebuilding something while painstakingly matching it to much older construction. I have seen the first two knives of this series, and they are terrific. The 5160 steel used is an excellent big knife/hard use steel because the bit of chrome content adds toughness and some rust resistance, while still being easy to resharpen and keeping an edge.

Initially, the Camp Defenders will be available for $150 shipped, with natural micarta handles, satin finish, and a belt loop attachment on the sheath. $175 gives you a choice of natural or green micarta or light jade G10 handle scales, high-polish or (black or brown) GunKoted blade, and a TekLock or MOLLE attachment on the sheath. These are excellent prices for handmade knives of this size, and I don't know how long Sam will be able to offer them for this. If you want one of the first Camp Defenders at these prices, you can reserve one for $75, with delivery expected within two months after deposit. Send me an email for mailing or PayPal address.

CDv1 with natural canvas micarta and high-polish finish.

v2 is a little heavier and wider-bellied (at bottom):

While at Sam's, I also shot an IDPA match. I'll cover that in more detail in another post.

Summer Shooting

2011-08-27T14:23:00.002-04:00

I have twice in the last month had the pleasure of joining my friend Sam in Pennsylvania for shooting and socializing.

The first time, our buddy Ken was able to shoot with us as well, though sickness interfered the second time.

I hadn't had the chance to meet Sam and Ken in person previously, though I've corresponded with Ken online for three years or more, and with Sam, for at least two. Both were skilled shooters, and kind teachers to my less experienced trip companions. It was a great experience, though there were a few..."issues".

Pros: everyone had a great time, we got to shoot some new firearms, we got to finally really put some faces to people that had previously only been voices and words on a screen, and a safe time was had by all.

Cons: my Rossi 7.62x39mm not only won't fire Russian ammunition, it won't reliably fire Winchester ammunition, nor the handloads Sam had. My Remington 7600 .35 Whelen was discovered to have some rust in the chamber (but some CLP and a good scrubbing remedied that- Sam then put two rounds into touching holes at 50 meters using a Williams aperture sight). Easily the most distressing of all was my beautiful Territorial Gunsmiths custom .35 Whelen, which was previously unfired. Despite trying...it's still unfired. Here's hoping it's a simple fix, since the TG .35 is one of my two most expensive rifles.

Batvision

2011-08-23T08:45:00.000-04:00

Popular Science reports on a bracelet that will give blind people warning of objects from one inch to ten feet away. Proximity is expressed by increasing pressure, and direction conveyed by varying the side the pressure is felt on the gauntlet. I might ordinarily be offended that the inventor is not attempting to make a profit- he'll give the plans away, and materials can be purchased for under $100-but considering the target audience, I guess he gets a pass.

July News

2011-07-21T02:59:00.001-04:00

It's hot! One day I'll find my way back to the Pacific Northwest, where it's not so oppressively hot in the summer. After a very enjoyable visit with my family in Mobile, I had more than a week off before qualifying with my M9 for WSI, followed the next day by battle assembly ("drill") with my unit. Monday I took my annual PT test with WSI and dutifully performed three days of annual training, and now I'm back. It's also great to be back training with my Bujinkan class near Fort Myer.

Saturday I finished another John Ringo book, Eye of the Storm. When I went to Afghanistan, I devoured the first four of the Posleen War series (which tell a complete story) in early 2007 as I sat out in the boonies of Afghanistan on a tiny firebase with a handful of SF guys and 4 other mortarmen. These books are an incredible, fast-paced, well-written 4-parter. I mentioned on my blog trying to read with night vision- unsuccessfully- and John even commented, asking if I'd like a larger-print version. Ringo is still one of my very favorite authors, along with pal Larry Correia, for not only the stellar first four books he wrote, but for other superior writing since.

John's stuff is incredibly entertaining, with (usually) solid story lines, plot twists, enjoyable characters, and tons of action. He does have a few...quirks, though. Based on his writing, it's easy to believe John is a bit of a perv. Also, John sometimes obviously wants to create a character or situation that's really fricking cool, man! Sometimes those things may work, and sometimes...An example is the Des Moines. She is a warship that has bonded with its artificial intelligence computer- and fallen in love with the captain. So she cloned a body from cells of a deceased movie starlet who played Daisy Mae. Daisy Mae/Des Moines is a single entity who feels and controls what happens in the ship and in her physical body, which must remain close to the ship.

Eye of the Storm is full of John's usual skillful writing, though he does tend to sometimes use translations of ethnic insults that just sound...off as we read them. In English. John also seems to have created the Ultimate Bad Guys for this book. Because they're bad, and they look horrendous, and they can USE THE FORCE. No, really. John has characters who use The Force, only he calls it something else than The Force, because aliens had it first, and they don't speak English on their planet. Also, George Lucas could sue. It's still The Force, though, and despite some attempt at a scientific explanation for it, well, it's still magic.

Regardless of potential distractors, Eye of the Storm is a solid, very enjoyable read. I give it a 3.5/5 stars.

News Flash!

2011-07-06T17:41:00.000-04:00

The U.S economy in such bad shape, Mexicans are staying home.

In all seriousness, a series of factors seem to be involved in the decrease of illegal Mexican-U.S. immigration:

o Poor US economy
o Increased criminal penalties
o Improving Mexican economy
o Ease of legal immigration to U.S.

More Cigars and Troops

2011-07-03T01:01:00.001-04:00

Thanks to all of you who were able to help a few months ago when I was sending some cigars to members of my old unit who are deployed to Afghanistan. I received a very nice card signed by about a platoon's worth of troops (and it is VERY hard to assemble that many for a non-mission function in a war zone!).

If anyone would like to send some more, JRCigars is having $.99 shipping for the month of July. A 12-pack of JR Special Corona #5s, a cheap cigar cutter, and a small humidifier will set you back less than $21. Email for address if you're interested...and it's not a bad deal for everyday cigars for you, either.

Other inexpensive cigars that are favorites of mine are Maria Mancini Robusto Largas and El Rey Del Mundo. Lastly, probably my favorite cigar is the Romeo Y Julieta Reserve Maduro.

Should you decide to enjoy any of these yourself, or purchase them to store and share with guests, remember all cigars benefit from being kept in a moderately moist environment. If you don't have a humidor, an inexpensive humidifier and a small cooler work. I actually use a cheap plastic tool box that I've lined with bamboo skewers.

A Good Cup

2011-06-29T11:33:00.000-04:00

I have used a Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker on and off for years (I used them at others' houses before I had my own). My original one was purchased in Miami while visiting my grandmother some years ago. A Bialetti is a kind of mini-percolator, but since the hot water doesn't keep circulating, the coffee has a "cleaner" taste than percolator coffee (which can also be excellent). I find that gas heat and glass-top stoves seem to work much better than electric burners. I enjoy making espresso in the Bialetti, and adding warm milk to make my own latte. This lets me use plenty of milk without diluting the coffee taste or strength.

I loved my Bialetti. I even took it to Afghanistan, since a reduced amount of coffee grounds will make regular coffee, and I didn't know if I would be somewhere away from power sources. (I wasn't, but some of the other soldiers in my infantry battalion were away from all creature comforts for several months.) Unfortunately, my Bialetti was lost somewhere after moving back to the States and my divorce. My roommate has a Bialetti Moka, but it wasn't well maintained by her last roommate. I am finally giving in and getting a stainless steel version.

It's not cheap, when countertop coffee makers can be found for $15, but I have found that it's usually less expensive in the long run to buy quality the first time.

Concrete Canoes

2011-06-24T02:26:00.000-04:00

Would you like a concrete canoe? It doesn't sound , um, very buoyant, does it? But students from 23 colleges met Saturday, 18 June for the American Society of Civil Engineers' National Concrete Canoe Competition in Henderson, KY. Concrete ships were first made in the 1800s, and were made in small quantities during WW1 and WW2, when shipping needs were high, and traditional material and labor was in short supply.

Despite its heavy weight, steel has been the most common hull material for large modern ships beginning with the SS Great Britain. Other materials such as fiberglass and aluminum may be used, as sell as the old standby, wood.

Footsteps Turn Homeward

2011-06-19T09:56:00.002-04:00

After a grueling rotation in the field, with 6 LTs, 25 SGTs, and 149 AIT soldiers under me, I walked across the stage Thursday. I am now affiliated with the two oldest branches of the U.S. Army, as first an infantryman, and now, a quartermaster officer. My Temporary Duty Tour apartment clear time was 1200, and in my rush, I forgot to take a picture. My apologies.

I think the last time I visited my family in Mobile was almost exactly two years ago. Home turf always has such mixed emotions associated- my unhappy childhood, far-right Southern Christianity, family, the Gulf of Mexico, Southern food, family, azaleas, and the sticky, brooding Deep South heat. There are things I love about lower Alabama, and things I do not.

But I haven't seen my family in too long, so I'll make the rounds, hurting a little at the age I see assaulting my closest loved ones, and rejoicing and astonished at the growth of young Shirleys. I will be seen as kind and adventuresome by young nieces and nephews, and hopefully will be seen as loving and warm by my siblings and cousins.

For all their imperfect humanity, we can't change where and from whom we come. And maybe that's not so bad.

Happy Fathers' Day.

Brothers in Arms

2011-05-30T22:37:00.001-04:00

It's Memorial Day, a day to celebrate our dead. I've been listening to Best Of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler: Private Investigations . One of those songs is "Brothers in Arms", which some have claimed is the best song ever.

"Best" is a hell of a superlative, and I'd be reluctant to describe any song in those terms (though of course "When the Levee Breaks" is the greatest rock song ever). Mark Knopfler's quiet, meditative voice, thoughtful lyrics, and enveloping guitar instrumentals do make "Brothers in Arms" one of my favorite songs. It's certainly an appropriate song for today.

These mist covered mountains
Are a home now for me
But my home is the lowlands
And always will be
Some day you'll return to
Your valleys and your farms
And you'll no longer burn
To be brothers in arms

Through these fields of destruction
Baptisms of fire
I've witnessed your suffering
As the battles raged higher
And though they hurt me so bad
In the fear and alarm
You did not desert me
My brothers in arms

There's so many different words
So many different songs
We have just one world
But we live in different ones

Now the sun's gone to hell
And the moon's riding high
Let me bid you farewell
Every man has to die
But it's written in the starlight
And every line on your palm
We're fools to make war
On our brothers in arms

Those who have served in the armed services know a special kinship. We train to do terrible things- wage war, take the fight to the enemy, endure privation and long absences from friends and family- to do a great thing. Protecting our families, country, and way of life is a great thing, and a honor. In the process, strong bonds are formed, some forged in the fires of war.

We can believe that war is noble, which, though there may be nobility in some things, is not true. We can also believe that the existence of war is sad, though it's really truer that interpersonal violence is just a fact of existence.

In any case, honor those who have gone before...and those who will join them.

Stay in and Win

2011-05-30T09:50:00.000-04:00

I've posted some thoughts about my recent Combatives training on Seek Cover. Combatives: FM 3-25.150 is the official hand-to-hand system the US Army has used since 2002.

Thunder Gods, Hot Wheels and Men of Light

2011-05-17T12:49:00.001-04:00

I haven't reviewed any movies for a while, so I thought I'd knock a few out.

Tron. Jeff Bridges once again reprises his role of genius lost in a data universe. There are pretty lights a-plenty, action and eye-candy, and Jeff Bridges plays the same character he's played in numerous movies ("You're messin' with my Zen thing, man.") Unfortunately, the storyline doesn't make a lot of sense, but that's not really why you'd watch this, is it? 3/5 stars.

Thor. Relative newcomer Chris Hemsworth plays the Thunder God perfectly. Sir Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman perform admirably, as usual. Action. Thunder. Beefcake. I didn't expect so much of this movie to be set in other "realms" than Earth, but the movie was still fairly enjoyable, anyway. 3.5/5 stars.

Fast Five. Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Dwayne Johnson together. What could go wrong, right? Hmph.
If you don't watch these for the (heh-heh) storyline, you'll probably enjoy it. Cool cars, speed, explosions. And Diesel and Johnson fight. I'm going to be a little generous because I'm just happy Dwayne Johnson isn't in a Disney movie for once, and give this 3/5 stars.

The Way of All Flesh

2011-05-03T01:10:00.000-04:00

Just over 24 hours ago, I heard the news that Osama Bin Laden was dead. Some part of me is still trying to grasp that. Killing OBL was something that needed to be done, and I hope some people find a measure of peace in knowing of it. But nothing's really changed. There's still a war on.

Looking back over the past century of so, it seems the US has rarely gone more than a few years without being embroiled in some conflict, often for years. Believing that the nature of people will suddenly change is futile, so even if the combat zones we currently inhabit were evacuated of US service members, it is likely we will be fighting again shortly.

I do not see any dramatic reduction in the threats we as a country will face in the near future. I hope I am wrong.

Cigars and such

2011-04-28T23:32:00.001-04:00

I heard from Major G again. After hearing how well received some cigars I gave to the Major had been with soldiers he shared them with, I decided to send more, and invited anyone who could to help me. Here's what the Major had to say about it:

Great to hear from you. The cigars are a hit here. I've shared with 1SG P, CPT S, SFC D and the rest of the guys. Even sent some down to the boys in the dets. I really appreciate it. They are great cigars. I have my humidifier here, so no worries, they get plenty of time in the box.

Having been deployed, I have suggestions for some things that go well in care packages. Besides the things you might think, like books and snacks, I especially appreciated sugar-free cough drops. In an area with so much dust in the air, I often could not sleep without a cough drop. Also, wet wipes are invaluable when in that environment with continual dust, especially since some areas do not have shower facilities.

If you were able to help in this particular case, thank you. You've brightened some soldiers' days. Even if you weren't able to help with the cigars, there are so many ways to support our deployed service members. Some of them you may not have considered, like asking families with deployed service members if there's some way you can help them. There's always something you can do. Do it.

Uncle Kenny

2011-04-24T11:52:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I discovered that my driver's window had been smashed. That would have elicited more of a reaction from me, except I was talking to Cousin Pam...who was telling me about the passing of my Uncle Kenny. Uncle Kenny tended to be quiet and sometimes a bit stern, and he was very dignified. I remember spending a few nights over at my cousin's, so young that I was afraid to come back from the bathroom in the middle of the night, frightened of the dark doorways around me. Over the years, I remember reading Pam's Star War comics, of watching The A-Team's exploits and playing Atari with her, but I never remember Uncle Kenny giving me a single harsh word.

Maurice McKinley "Kenny" Chastain died at home Friday, April 22, 2011 at the age of 81. Kenny was born in Mt. Vernon, AL to Wren and Pearl Chastain. A resident of Mobile, he was a member of Luke 4:18 Fellowship Church. He was a Korean War Navy Veteran and a retired Air Traffic Controller who enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and being with his family. He was Past Master of Chickasaw Lodge #894 and a dual member of Spring Hill Lodge #896, and served as District Lecturer of the Alabama Grand Lodge, F&AM. It was his great honor to conduct hundreds of Masonic funeral services. Kenny was a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a KYCH York Rite member, and a Shriner. He was Past Grand Governor of Alabama of theYork Rite College and Past Patron of John B. Shearer Chapter #517, OES. He served as Grand Master of the Alabama Grand Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was Past Sovereign Grand Chaplain of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, IOOF.
He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Carrol Shirley; daughters Diane (Ken) Eelkema, Sandra Chastain, and Pamela Upchurch; sister Jane (Charles) Gullatt; grandson Dennis (Lisa) Eelkema; great granddaughters Lauren and Maggie; and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Mobile Memorial Gardens, with the funeral services at 12:00 in the chapel. Internment will be at Valhalla Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers: Percy D. Lane, Randall Fletcher, Curtis Hass, and Dulane Dunnam.
Memorials may be sent to: Luke 4:18 Fellowship Building Fund, P.O. Box 850695, Mobile, AL 36685.

Goodbye, Uncle. I'm glad your pain is over.

Alibis

2011-04-21T21:28:00.001-04:00

So...I've been sick. Sick enough that our TAC called me out of PT formation Tuesday to ask if I would be okay for the PT test today. Yesterday I bought a new pair of running shoes, my first K-Swiss. And crossed my fingers.

I haven't been sleeping well for the past week, between the tickling in the throat and frequently coughing myself awake. I took three Benadryl last night, early (to make sure I wasn't weak from after-effects), but still slept poorly. I felt reasonably well this morning.

The weather was perfect, in the low 60s with no wind. I pushed out a few more pushups than last test. Pumped out 77 situps. And, finally, took my new shoes onto the long-dreaded 2-mile run.

I didn't do as well as I might've liked, but I did drop exactly a minute off my time, leaving me with a 271 out of 300. I'll take that. For now.

BOLC Times

2011-04-19T12:42:00.000-04:00

After at least a week with a sore throat, I went to sick call yesterday morning. I've been given antibiotics and expectorants. I'm just hoping I'm good for the PT test Thursday.

On Seek Cover, I describe an incident that happened Friday. It was nerve-wracking. And a good lesson.

Cigars for PsyOps

2011-04-14T10:32:00.000-04:00

I miss training with MAJ G. He is now deployed to Afghanistan with my old unit, 312 PO. Here is an excerpt from an email this week: "I have to thank you again for the cigars. I have been enjoying them, and so have CPT S, SFC D and some of the other cigar smokers here. It's a nice break on Fridays after Tommy Taliban is done with his IDF"*.

*Indirect fire: mortars or other high-angle artillery fire.

I am going to send more cigars to the unit. They won't be the absolute most expensive, but they will be high quality, solid value good smokes. If you'd like to help, and know something about cigars, if you email me at JRShirley(at)Gmail.com, I will give you mailing information. If you want to kick in a few bucks to help, PayPal to that email address. Just put" cigars" in the notes, and I'll take care of it.

I remember how nice a cigar was to help pass the time when I was in Afghanistan. The little comforts can really mean a lot to deployed service members. Help if you can.

Red Riding Hood

2011-04-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

Red Riding Hood
Stars: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, Gary Oldman
Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Summary: Werewolf rending of fairy tale, cast for 14-y/os. If you expect it to suck, it won't be too bad. 2.5 stars.

BOLC

2011-03-13T23:31:00.001-04:00

So far, the hardest thing about BOLC has been the PT. We took a diagnostic APFT the first Thursday. The group average was a dismal 189 (the minimum passing score on the current APFT is 180, 60% in each of the three events). Almost 1/3 of the class failed.

It was barely above freezing, but I managed a 251. I'll do better next time.

LAPG 3-Day Pack

2011-03-13T16:11:00.001-04:00

A review of the LA Police Gear 3-Day Backpack is up on Seek Cover.

Fun (not)!

2011-03-06T14:33:00.002-05:00

Moving is pretty much my least favorite thing in the world. It's kind of like a mega-flu: you feel it coming on, then it screws your life up. And then, (if you're me), it takes months to recover. Sometimes, it must be done, though.

I loved a lot of things about living in Springfield. I was one mile from the interstate, with a quick and easy commute to work. I was one mile from Trader Joe's, stores, and a variety of restaurants. I was the same distance from the American Legion, and could walk there for breakfast, lunch, or a beer. I loved the trees in the neighborhood, the country feel of the back yard, and watching the birds, foxes, squirrels, and deer. I even enjoyed watching this intrepid visitor:

Springfield was a good value for me in a lot of ways, but there are always tradeoffs: little personal or storage space, finicky stovetop burners, sharing washing machine and dryer. And Springfield ended up being too far away from at least one person I wanted to spend more time with.

So...moving. Again. And since I was abruptly given an opportunity to attend BOLC eight months early, I had a minimum of prep and move time. But it's almost spring, and I'll be in a space with plenty of room, and good company...so I will "endeavor to persevere." ;-)

We had furious winds about 10 days ago. As I was exiting my apartment building, a gentleman outside beckoned me to hurry. This was why:

More Customer "Care"

2011-02-17T20:39:00.000-05:00

Background: I worked customer care for about four and a half years. I moved from answering calls primarily from internal wireless customers, to being a second-tier representative. There, I dealt with escalated calls, problem situations, and monitored calls. I would then coach the care representative on what they had done well, and what could be improved. I do know what good customer care looks like.

I recently tried to ensure my Xbox Live membership was not automatically renewed. MicroSoft will let subscribers renew on their own, but not cancel. This is odd from a company that has made its money by supplying computer hardware and software. Most companies prefer online interactions for customer care actions, since customers can usually handle their own affairs without needing to involve a care rep. This means faster, more efficient service for the customer, and reduced cost for the company. Forcing customers to actually call in to talk to someone is clearly designed to make cancelling less convenient for the customer.

Hello John,

> This is Joyce, with Microsoft Xbox Support services.

> I understand that you would like to turn off your account's auto-renewal on Xbox Live. I appreciate the opportunity to assist you with this concern.

> Be advised that you can turn off the auto-renewal setting on your Xbox Live account by calling our phone support line. Our phone support line will verify your account information and they can automatically turn off the renewal date on your credit card on file.

> Thank you for your time and understanding.

> Thank you for visiting Xbox.com. If you should have future questions on Xbox products or services, please be sure to revisit our Web site as we are continually adding information to enhance our service.

> Best Regards,

> Joyce

> Microsoft XBOX Support Services

> http://support.microsoft.com/
--

Joyce,

How exactly have you helped me? You appreciate the opportunity to assist me...and then, you don't. Thanks a lot, for absolutely nothing other than wasting my time and making me even more pissed at MicroSoft.

Please do not fraudulently charge my credit card.

John Shirley

Hello John!

> Thank you for contacting Microsoft online support for XBOX. I am Jay and I will be helping you today with this issue.

> As our valued customer we are sorry to hear that you have issue on turning off the auto renewal.

> We know how frustrating it is when you have an account issue. However, all cancellations, billing questions, inquiries, and account or subscription problems are being addressed through our phone support line. Email support lines do not have the capabilities to process your request. We may require personal information verification which cannot be divulged over email. When you call, immediate action will be given to your inquiries or request. Thank you for your time and understanding.

> To expedite service, please provide Service Request Number 1148711893 when you call.

> Thank you for visiting Xbox.com. We hope that we were able to assist you, and that your experience with our customer service was positive - something we constantly strive to improve. If you should have future questions on Xbox products or services, please be sure to revisit our Web site as we are continually adding information to enhance our service.

> Best Regards,

> Jay

Hi Jay!

Thanks for replying to once again tell me how MS wants to take me for every dime they can wring. Since you are able to determine enough information from me to allow me to renew, you obviously have enough information from me to allow me to cancel. Too bad you don't even have the stones to admit it's a revenue-control measure.

While we're here, let's talk about business etiquette. Are you my friend, Jay? Family, maybe? Do you know me in other than a business capacity? No? Yet you, knowing my last name, and without invitation from me, call me by my first name. I don't know your last name, or I would extend the courtesy of calling you "Mr. X". Because I don't know you, Jay. But you're certainly not my friend.

Regards,

("Mr." or "Lieutenant" to you, you badly trained drone)

John Shirley

From the FWIW Files...

2011-02-13T08:11:00.000-05:00

A Verizon Service Representative will be with you shortly. Thank you. (07:46:50)
07:49:55 We apologize for the delay.You are next in the queue. A representative will be with you shortly.

Agent Patricia has joined. (07:50:05)
Patricia : Chat ID for this session is 02131117510. (07:50:05)
Patricia(07:50:10): Hello. Thank you for choosing Verizon and visiting our Verizon chat service. How can I help you set up your new service and save with a Verizon bundle?

You(07:50:25): Hi, this is J Shirley. Good morning, Patricia . I was interested in setting up internet svc in 22211, and wanted to ask about military discounts.

Patricia(07:51:25): You will qualify for the online offer and discount.

You(07:51:55): A general online offer, or a military-specific offer?

Patricia(07:52:35): There is no special military-specific offer.

You(07:53:10): I see. I was sent a link by Verizon to my military email, but the link did not work.

Patricia(07:54:20): Yes, it is because there is no speical military discount

You(07:54:31): ...but it looks like that may have just been a Verizon wireless link...

Patricia(07:55:16): It will apply for wireless service.

You(07:55:26): ...but the link does not work.

Patricia(07:56:01): It will apply for wireless (Cell phone service).

You(07:56:26): BUT. THE. LINK. DOES. NOT. WORK.
You(07:57:11): If I try to drill down on the link, it says, about:blank

Patricia(07:57:36): You are looking for Internet service and the discount will apply for only cell phone (Wireless service)/.
Patricia(07:57:51): So that link will help you to place order for Internet.

You(07:58:16): What? Are you an English speaker?

Patricia(07:58:46): So that link will not help you to place order for Internet. *
Patricia(07:58:51): Yes

You(07:59:21): Patricia, maybe you can help someone else who's a little less pissy this morning. Have a pleasant Sunday.
Your session is now closed.
Thank you, have a nice day.

X-47B goodness

2011-02-09T19:55:00.002-05:00

J-UCAS post up on Seek Cover.

After SHOT

2011-01-29T23:53:00.000-05:00

SHOT 2011 was a lot of fun. Very busy, but I found that working with definite goals on behalf of The High Road actually let me enjoy myself even more than I did when I was there just for my own benefit. Perhaps the biggest reason for attending, was to give THR members a glimpse of new or rare products.

Taurus has sold a boatload of their Judge revolving .45 Colt/.410 shotshell handguns. This year they are introducing a variety of carbine/shotguns through their Rossi subsidiary, as well.

The Rossi Judge carbines actually feel really good, but I would be happier with them if they were offered in a .454 Casull/.410 version (similar to the "Raging Judge" revolver coming out), so I could be certain my hot .45 Colt loads could be safely fired. One of the Taurus reps told me that a Casull Judge carbine wasn't offered because of the potential for cylinder gap blast to cause injury, but there is a .44 magnum Judge carbine...dunno. I especially liked the "Tuffy" Tactical Judge carbine, which has a short LOP synthetic stock, fiber-optic front sights, and light rail! It remains to be seen how well the Colt ammunition will shoot from the 3" .410-length cylinders.

I finally got my hands on a Kel-Tec SU-16D SBR. I'd love to have a suppressed one. I also love, love, love what I saw of the new KT RMR-30 .22 magnum carbine. It feels absolutely great.

o

Bang!

2011-01-18T03:18:00.000-05:00

I'm at SHOT. Much more overtly for business, this time.

First time at Vegas. I haven't decided if this is the best or worst of the US. Maybe both. Lots of neon.

Birthday Thoughts 2010 and Goodwill to Men

2010-12-25T19:29:00.000-05:00

A year ago today found me filled with despair for "the human condition". Despite being a Buddhist, I had let myself become attached to a certain end result, and when I discovered that reality was different from my dreams, I could not let go.

I cannot guarantee that I will never let myself be too attached to something again, but I'm not there now, and life feels pretty good. One of the things I'm happiest about is the generosity I've seen demonstrated to good folks in the past couple of weeks. Some of you helped bring a lot of joy and some unexpected help to a family this year. I got a beautiful picture postcard last night, with thanks and blessings. Thank you.

On TheHighRoad.org, one of the staff members asked if the other staff had some AR lower components he could buy, to present a good friend who doesn't have a lot of funds a completed AR lower. Staff built a complete rifle for his friend. I am proud to be associated with such generous people. Even I will be the recipient of some unexpected generosity, as a staff member has offered to send me a loading press he's not using.

At the end of the day, we all fall down sometimes. We all make mistakes. But, sometimes, when it is in our power to do good, when we can touch our world with compassion- this, I think, is when the best of humanity shines.

Merry Christmas, y'all.

Some Dreams Do!

2010-12-18T04:51:00.000-05:00

My window was fast approaching, and I was afraid the ball was going to be dropped several layers up the paperwork chain. If my 90 days expired before the appropriate documents were sent to Human Resources Command, I would either have to redo the entire process or give up. I was getting nervous.

But. Saturday I received my orders from HRC. I am now a "butterbar", a newly minted 2nd LT. (But with a deployment patch. That helps.)

Operation Gift-giver 2010

2010-12-11T18:55:00.006-05:00

Folks, I wouldn't claim to be a good man, but I know some. I just found out tonight that an acquaintance is really tight financially. I knew that the business he'd worked for had been in trouble, but he and his wife aren't really going to have a Christmas. No gifts for each other. No decorations. No tree. They have three small children, ages 10 (girl), 7 (boy), and 3 (boy). This...bothers me. Pretty deeply.

I've been a Buddhist for almost half my life, but I still love Christmas. When I'm not being cynical, I treasure the spirit of goodwill and generosity that prompts us to give unselfishly to brighten the lives of others. Though I may enjoy seeing them, the decorations, lights, music and gifts are not what the season is about. They're just symbols of the celebration of the best of human nature. We can't make anyone happy, but sometimes we can do something nice. Just because.

I'm asking for your help. I'm a gun/knife/gear guy, and in some items, I'm well stocked. I can give this man some things he'll appreciate and value...but. I have nothing appropriate to give to most women for Christmas. If you can help, drop a few dollars in my PayPal. My account is JRShirley(at)gmail.com. I'll make sure it's well-spent, with gift certificates being most likely. Alternatively, if you're a woman, and would like to wrap and send something nice to this lady, email me for the address.

Thanks, and Merry Christmas.

Plane vs. Wall

2010-12-09T08:49:00.002-05:00

Friend Old NFO finds video showing what happens when a fighter hits a thick concrete wall at 500 mph. I've seen this before, but it's worth rewatching.

Here's a "greatest hits" version of the whole test, with multiple angles, but no sound:

And, while this may be redundant, Michael Moore is an idiot.

Last Minute Gift Guide

2010-12-07T11:26:00.002-05:00

So...you've procrastinated on your Christmas gift buying. Or you find you've forgotten just one person (or two, or three). What to do? Well, here is your ticket to redemption, a list of inexpensive but neat nick-knacks that you can order this week and have in time to not look like an ass on X-day. I even will list them from cheapskate- um, I mean, cheapest to most expensive. Here goes.

Spyderco Honeybee. This is about the shortest useful blade length, at barely over 1.5". All metal, handy Spyderco opening hole, and perfect for a necklace, or on a keychain with a micro-light.

The Gerber Shard is a lightweight, inexpensive little keychain tool with screwdriver heads and a bottle opener on a pry bar. The screwdrivers may be too fat to use well, but the pry bar and bottle opener alone are well worth the cost. Buy from Amazon for cheaper shipping.

Spyderco Grasshopper. Similar to the Honeybee, but with a blade over 2", the Grasshopper is a super-inexpensive way to give a useful pocket knife to someone, or at less than $9 right now from Cutlery Shoppe, cheap insurance to stash in backpacks, buggout bags, or emergency kits.

I have used and owned many different keychain lights, and the Photon Microlights are the best of the squeeze-activated. The Photon IIs have a choice of squeeze-on or lock-on, so the light can be set down or hung up without turning off. The red is a good choice for finding your way in the dark without destroying your night vision, and has an extremely long battery life (over 120 hours). I have broken many other small lights that you might think are similar, both cheap lights and the more expensive Inovas. I have never broken a Photon. (Note: be careful about ordering the "cheapest" one from Amazon. Some buyers tack on a $5 or more shipping charge per light. Order this one.)

The Spyderco Persistence, Tenacious, and Resilience are Spyderco's new made-in-PRC line. They offer multi-positionable pocket clips for right or left-hand and tip-up or tip-down carry, G10 scales, and skeletonized liners. All with the sterling Spyderco reputation and quality control. I have bought Persistence and Tenacious folders to give to friends, and they are extremely high-quality knives. (I actually prefer the G10 used on these to the G10 used on higher-end Spydercos, because it's not as abrasive and destructive to pants.) Cutlery Shoppe has the best prices I've found for these, ranging from $25-35, and Jeff at Cutlery Shoppe is just a really nice guy.

When it comes to suitability, the Persistence is sized to be a good daily folder. The Tenacious is starting to get into big folder territory, at almost 3.5" of blade, and the Resilience is just huge, with over a 4" blade. It's probably best suited to outdoor uses, Rambo. Rocky National isn't quite as cheap as Cutlery Shoppe, but if you want that extra touch, you can order your blade etched from them for an additional $4.95, and it only adds one day to your order.

Well, what if the person you're buying for doesn't like knives or lights? While it's hard to imagine such a person, should they exist, here are other options.

If your recipient is at least 11, an excellent choice is Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game. This is a simply-written but deeply thought-provoking book about adolescence, life, history, war, and the importance of each individual decision. Oh, it's just a fun read, too, whatever your age. ;-)

If you are buying for a teen or adult who enjoys reading action-packed books, John Ringo's A Hymn Before Battle (Posleen War #1) is the first of a 4-part series that is perhaps the most enjoyable multi-part scifi I have ever read, helping me pass some otherwise dreary hours in a god-forsaken 4th-world hellhole. In fact, if you are trying to encourage a teen to read, giving this book might be the incentive they need to dive into the remainder of the series: Gust Front, When the Devil Dances, and Hell's Faire. And- once they have an appetite for reading- they aren't likely to stop there.

Not as refined, but just plain fun, my buddy Larry Correia's Monster Hunter International was the first book in years to keep me awake until I finished reading it. If you've read the first, the sequel, Monster Hunter Vendetta is now out.

Alec Baldwin was in at least one good movie, and it's rare enough that your intended has almost certainly never seen it. And this movie is good enough to make up for the rest of Alec Baldwin's career before 30 Rock, filled with intelligent but understated humor and precise but not pretentious dialog.

Mel Gibson's an ass, but for war movies, it's hard to beat the real-life-based We Were Soldiers.

If you want to give music, Diana Krall's When I Look in Your Eyes is an all-time favorite of mine, and music that almost any adult should greatly enjoy. If your person doesn't enjoy classically great music, try Taio Cruz's Rokstarr. (Note: not claiming this is "good" or "good for teens", just that they'll almost certainly enjoy it. You may, too, but you don't have to admit it.)

For the refined of taste but reading and listening impaired, consider some delicious Lazzaroni Amaretti di Saronno Italian cookies. Packed in a colorful tin, these amaretto cookies are simply the best in the world. Yeah.

Okay, so the person on your list reads, but doesn't enjoy purely fun books, or just wants some intellectual stimulation. Too easy.

Friend Gary Yee's Sharpshooters is both readable and exhaustively researched. Not cheap, but highly recommended, and packed so full that it's like getting three solid books in one.

Mentor Mark Fissel's The Bishops' Wars: Charles I's Campaigns against Scotland, 1638-1640 is at the pricey end of the book spectrum, but sure to impress. And Dr. Fissel is worth reading.

Okay: what if none of these things seems to be what you've looking for? Hell, I dunno. Get 'em a slingshot. And eye pro, kids.

For What We Receive

2010-11-26T16:22:00.000-05:00

My Thanksgiving was relaxed and fulfilling. I hope yours found you thankful and at peace, as well.

(I'm trying to post a pic, but no matter what I choose from that toolbar, my Android only selects "link". Maybe later.)

Golden Time/Like It's 1999

2010-11-22T02:59:00.001-05:00

Several different events- inflation, rising metal prices, high demand, and the dollar losing strength against foreign currency- all led to skyrocketing ammunition prices in the last couple of years. In some calibers, prices literally doubled- when you could find any ammunition at all! In the last few months, supply seems to have finally caught up with demand, and as prices have dropped somewhat, I have invested in my own ammunition store.

I was talking to a friend about this. He's a competitive long-distance shooter, and very active with shooters in his local area. His take on the situation mirrors mine- prices can only rise from here, and this is the time to buy if you can. Here are some links.

Aim Surplus does not have a very wide selection, but they can be a good source especially for military calibers and inexpensive foreign ammunition.

Georgia Arms has been a favorite source of mine for years. Much of their ammunition is a screaming deal, while a few of their offerings (some of their rifle hunting ammo in particular) can be bested by major manufacturer rounds.

Midway has a broad ammunition selection, though the loaded ammunition can frequently be found less expensively elsewhere. The major advantage they offer is the huge selection, including components for the handloader, they have available.

Sportsman's Guide was a company I used frequently when I was younger. I sometimes found very good deals on surplus items like East German coats, and I liked the ability to set up an account, and distribute the cost of a large purchase over a few months. Here's a link to their ammo.

I am not saying the sky is falling. I am saying it's good to have gear before you need it, instead of being forced to pay a premium for whatever's available when you need it right damn now.

NOW HEAR THIS

2010-11-18T19:04:00.000-05:00

I am not yet an officer, no matter what any friends of mine, however dear and close, [cough]Matt![/cough] may have reported.

I do have the paperwork.
I am supposed to commission.
I have a slot at nearby Fort Belvoir, and don't see any near-term deployment. BUT- I am waiting on orders from my current command releasing me, before I can swear my oath as an officer.

I'll let y'all know, promise. And in other News of John, I'm doing just fine. :-)

BUY THIS KNIFE!

2010-11-09T19:03:00.002-05:00

EDITED TO ADD: the sale is now over. These are still great knives at fair prices, but not the screaming steal they were when I posted this.

I like knives. I like firearms and other tools too, but there is no other tool that will get as much daily usage in the kitchen or around the house as a good knife. Spyderco really pioneered the practical one-handed folder, giving convenience, strength, speed and safety to pocketknives. Since 1990, Spyderco's two best-selling knives have been the Endura and the Delica. The Endura is starting to get into big knife territory, with about a 4" blade, but the Delica is in a "sweet spot". It has just under a 3" blade, and it's like the baby bear's porridge, big enough to use well and to handle just about any daily task you might encounter, but small and light enough to carry easily and be convenient. When I was training with Bud Malmstrom at the Bujinkan Atlanta Dojo, every now and then, the instructor would call "Spyderco check!" and everyone would draw their folder. The Delica was most often what emerged from pockets and waistbands.

I talked to Sal Glesser, the head of Spyderco, at the 2007 BLADE Show, and he showed me the Delica 4. The Delica 4 has "screw construction", which means it can be easily dissasembled with just a screwdriver. The steel pocket clip can be moved for tip-up or tip-down carry on the right or left side. Skeletonized steel liners add additional strength while keeping the Delica 4 nice and light, and the Delica comes with excellent VG-10 steel. All of this, in a knife that usually sells for around $50. I looked at Sal in amazement. This knife should sell for over $100. He grinned at me. "Yep."

If you think I like this knife, you'd be correct. Spyderco is known for innovation, quality, and strong ethics. And they're just plain friendly folks. While I was in Afghanistan, I had some conversation over the net with Sal about a knife (what became the Spyderco Jumpmaster), and Sal suggested I apply for the monthly drawing they had to send a Spyderco Native to a deployed soldier. I applied- and next month, I had a Native from Spyderco, with a nice letter from Mrs. Glesser.

(Now, I know I didn't win that drawing. Some other soldier did, and got his own Native- but I sure as hell did put that knife through the ringer during several fire missions on top of a mountain, cutting into old "tootsie roll" mortar round carriers. No company is better than its people, and Spyderco is damn good people.)

If you've gotten the idea that I like Spyderco in general, and the Delica in particular, you'd be right. VG-10 is a great, stain resistant steel. Spyderco also offers a "super-super steel", ZDP 189, on a few knives. ZDP 189 can take an extremely hard temper, resulting in a blade that is capable of incredible sharpness, yet still resists chipping. The Delica is available in a ZDP version, and there are just a few left at an incredible price- the same as the extremely affordable regular Delica- on Amazon. I suggest you get one while they last.

Rolling, rolling

2010-10-19T13:44:00.001-04:00

Life keeps chugging along. I've been doing quite a bit more training recently, which is good for me in a number of ways. Lauren, our head instructor, told us we needed to make some padded training weapons.

Carl and I picked up PVC pipe, two sizes of PVC insulation, and heavy duct tape from Home Depot. We were standing in front of the checkout counter when I turned to him.

You know...we should find a way to add weights, so these will balance like real swords.

We ended up using 6" lengths of 1/4" steel pipe and epoxy for additional weight and balance. The epoxy and steel made the project much longer, more complicated, and more than tripled the cost, but Carl and I were giggling like middle-schoolers most of the time.

The additional weight and balance shift really gives a more realistic feel to our padded long and short swords. The extra weight also means they can deliver a real smack, while the double insulation means the weight is distributed enough to not injure. And Carl and I had a ridiculously good time.

Turn the page...again.

2010-10-09T07:40:00.003-04:00

Claire and I are no longer an item. Ultimately, she was not honest, loyal, or loving enough. I'm not going to whine about it here interminably, this time. Most of my grieving was done months ago, when I lost most of my readership because I just couldn't scrape up anything to say.

I was very deeply in love. I suppose I should be thankful for those blissful, unfortunately short weeks when I believed there could actually be a happily ever after. It was a beautiful fantasy.

Here's break-up music, if you're feeling maudlin:

Echo

Reason to Believe

Almost Over You

Alone Again

You Lied

Honesty

And in other news...

2010-10-08T17:41:00.001-04:00

(This is a more adult blog than usual. Be warned.)

Americans evidently do not have enough healthy, fulfilling sex, and have too much time on their hands. This leads to a preoccupation with sex, and the latest evidence of this is the widespread fascination with slutty Karen Owen's "sex thesis" in which she rated the performance of 13 partners while she was pursuing her undergraduate degree at Duke University. If you have nothing better to do than fascinatedly read about some college athlete's penis size and how good he was or wasn't in the sack, you need to get a life.

Once again, we learn that if you behave badly on the internet, it's probably never going to go away. And that women are capable of even more objectification than men (there is no equivalent to some women's preoccupation with penis size: and I, to be extremely frank, have never heard men have the fixation with very tight genitalia that would be the closest direct equivalent, from a man's perspective- which can be taken care of through a few minutes' worth of exercise by a woman every other day, in any case). The things that some men focus on in women can be taken care of by exercise and surgery. Good luck with similar penis surgery.

So, in summary, if you have a happy, healthy, sex life, carry on. Keep doing what works. And if you're a pathetic individual who needs to vicariously live through others' lurid accounts, you need to change something.

Old, Stinky Dogs

2010-09-18T04:16:00.000-04:00

Old Dogs
John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston
comedy

No.
Even an appearance by Justin Long, wearing a mustache, couldn't save this one. 1/5 stars.

I Heard About the Morgans

2010-09-06T23:11:00.004-04:00

I just finished watching the surprisingly enjoyable Did You Hear about the Morgans? I should confess that I've enjoyed Hugh Grant in everything I've seen him in, so far. Music and Lyricsis one of my favorite romantic comedies. Hm. (Just saying that, I'm embarrassed to admit I have favorite romantic comedies.) He was also perfect for his role in Love Actually.

Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker, who I usually find annoying, star in this comedy about an estranged couple who witness a murder. They end up finding shelter with a couple played by the incomparable Sam Elliott and capable Mary Steenburgen. The chemistry between the couple is excellent, every actor plays his part beautifully, and there are a few enjoyable jokes about the gun culture and Democrats. With an extra half a star for the first movie use I've seen of a Kel-Tec carbine, it gets 3.5/5 stars.

Salt and The Other Guys

2010-09-06T04:38:00.004-04:00

Salt is the Angelina Jolie spy thriller. It succeeds in having lots of action, and is well-acted. The unfortunate part is that Salt has a ridiculously overcomplicated plot that is, somehow, still predictable. After adding back in half a star for the most innovative use of a Taser in a movie, it nets 3/5 stars. Don't expect a lot except gunfire and big lips, and you should be happy.

The Other Guys pits Will Ferrell against and with Mark Wahlberg. Will Ferrell seems to only know how to play humor one way, over the top (with perhaps the single exception of the touching Stranger Than Fiction). This works in some movies (Old School , Anchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Talladega Nights) but falls down in others (Semi-Pro, Stepbrothers). Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson make brief but even more outrageous appearances (but at least you're not in a Disney flick this time, right, Dwayne?). If you can handle your humor silly and applied heavily, you'll enjoy this movie. 3.5/5 stars.

Continuing Gulf Problems

2010-09-02T15:42:00.000-04:00

The environmental and economic problems the USA has been experiencing in the Gulf of Mexico continued today with another oil rig explosion. The Mariner Energy rig off the coast of Louisiana is about 200 miles west of the British Petroleum rig that caused massive leakage this year. The 13 rig crew members donned "gumby" suits and huddled together in the water until rescued by the Coast Guard.

This travel blog photo's source is TravelPod page: Gumby survival suit, Dillingham, United States

Exploding Across Your Screen

2010-08-25T04:19:00.005-04:00

Last year, little brother mentioned an upcoming movie with most of the major action stars. There are a few actors out there who can shine even in horrible movies shot for a $50 budget (witness Drew Barrymore- of all people!- in Guncrazy), but some actors are capable of very good work, but rarely are given good scripts and direction. Dolf Lundgren is a prime example. Lundgren starred in 1989's The Punisher, but despite Lundgren's martial arts ability and believable onscreen toughness, the script was so bad, The Punisher was shown in one theater, then sent straight to video. He had enjoyable roles in Showdown in Little Tokyo and I Come in Peace, lower-budget but very fun flicks in 1990 and 91. Universal Soldier with Van Damme was in 1992, and Lundgren played his part beautifully, but the script tried too hard towards the end. These days, Lundgren has fallen into the Steven Seagal/Cuba Gooding, Jr. routine of starring in cheap action thrillers, though, like Wesley Snipes, Lundgren can still put in a solid performance- and would beat Seagal's posing, spouse-abusing flabby ass into hamburger without breaking a decent sweat. One of Lundgren's selling points was his extremely fit, ripped body, though it was a capable, realistic martial artist form instead of Schwarzenegger's swollen bodybuilder physique.

A more recent, and probably more gifted actor is Jason Statham. Another very capable martial artist, Statham was impeccable in one of my favorite movies, 2000's Snatch. He's starred in action fantasies such as The Transporter and the 2008 remake of Death Race, both enjoyable fluff, and been in other roles not demanding martial artistry, such as the well-done The Italian Job and the true story The Bank Job. True, Statham broke my heart when he voluntarily participated in the Uwe Boll "movie", In the Name of the King, but I forgive you, Jason. (I wouldn't even watch In the Name for Kristanna Loken, who has now been in TWO of Boll's abominations. Kristanna, you are dead to me.)

When Philip mentioned a movie that would have Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jet Li, Jason Statham, and others, I admit, I was wildly excited. (The "others" turn out to be Mickey Rourke, Eric Roberts, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, David Zayas, Gary Daniels, and Terry Crews!) Claire, on the other hand, commented, "Smells like desperation." Could a movie packed with stars deliver? The Expendables opened a week ago, and I found myself awake early this morning. When I work following a day off, I like to get up early, and then go back to bed for a nap in the afternoon before going in to work. I lucked out, finding my closest theater had a 9:15 showing, which I enjoyed all...by...myself. (After having my ID carefully scrutinized at AMC. I guess the ticket-taking attendant thought I was cutting my high school classes!)

On to the movie. The plot is pretty basic, probably because it's been done in real life many times in the past 100 years. A group of mercenaries is hired to kill the leadership of an island currently run by a murderous dictator. The client may have ulterior motives. (There was a lot of this type of thing that happened in the 60s and 70s in Africa, and some of the mercs ended up fighting for purely personal motives, and being abandoned by their employers even before that point.)

One trailer shows a discussion between Arnold Schwarzenegger and cowriter/director/star Stallone. Unlike many trailers these days, the entire story isn't given away, and the best part of the conversation isn't shown! This is an extremely funny exchange, for which Willis is also present, and the only time Willis and Der Gubernator are in the film.

How much realism do we want in a movie? Expendables finds a pretty good balance between the ultra-realistic movies like The Way of the Gun and outright fantasy such as Shoot 'Em Up and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The only perpetually unrealistic element is knife throwing, but I can forgive this when so many things are done right- such as depicting what happens when a small skilled martial artist fights a large skilled martial artist, or showing a rapid handgun reload without silliness like tossing magazines in the air or "self-loading" magazine pouches. Stallone's Barney Ross shoots his 1911s about as fast as humanly possible, though his shots 4 through 6 with a single-action revolver might be faster than actually possible. He also carries 3 sidearms, in addition to his rifle (for any non-gunnies: this would never happen). Terry Crews rocks an autoloading shotgun sometimes loaded with exploding rounds, but he's not running around with a Mini Gun a la Predator or Terminator II.

Expendables doesn't take itself too seriously, but it's serious enough. I think today was the first time I've ever seriously thought, I want a flying boat. It's a little sad that Ahnuld isn't in condition anymore to throw any lead in this movie, but there's still plenty of action to spread around. Couture and Austin aren't the best actors, but director Stallone wisely handles this by keeping their mouths shut almost the entire time, making them MUCH better actors.

I'm really happy Lundgren gets to be in a vehicle with a good script again, and he delivers. Everyone does, though Roberts as an EVIL corporate overlord doesn't use his own martial arts abilities. Jet Li provides very earnest comedic relief as well as kicking ass, and Mickey Rourke is just scenery. Disturbing scenery. He may not be acting.

Really, about the only way this movie could be better, is if Steven Seagal and Jean Claud van Damme were in this movie, too. And they were both gruesomely killed by Chuck Norris in a 30-second cameo. An extremely enjoyable 4.5/5 stars. Language, bloody violence, and a rollicking good time.

Self-Selection

2010-08-16T12:13:00.002-04:00

Eight people died because of their own stupidity on Saturday, August 14, 2010. The eight were among a group crowded close to watch off-road trucks in Mojave Desert Racing's California 200, when driver Brett Sloppy rolled his Ford Ranger after a jump.

The section where too-few stupid people were forcibly ejected from the gene pool is popular because the off-road vehicles are airborne. Fans stood as close as four feet from the racing vehicles, despite no guardrail or other protection. The only real apparent tragedy is the injury of a child who was one of the 12 injured survivors.

Hey, stupidity should hurt, folks. I'm sorry a child was injured, but much like the joke about 10,000 lawyers at the bottom of the sea...What do you call the death of 8 people who were stupid enough to stand just feet away from A RACE TRACK without any protective barrier? A good start.

UC Berkeley Wants Your Genes

2010-08-13T15:24:00.000-04:00

The far-left would like you to believe they are champions of individual liberty. One must then wonder why UC Berkeley, that bastion of pinko wackyism, wanted to take samples of DNA at new-student orientation. It's a sad day when the California State Assembly, of all groups, has to exert some common-sense.

Captivate Me!

2010-08-12T03:28:00.003-04:00

Almost three weeks ago, I was given a Samsung Captivatefor an anniversary gift. I had been using the LG Neon, and to say that I was not happy with it would be a fairly dramatic understatement. (Besides other issues, about half of the time I would make a call, there would be perhaps a 15-second delay before I could hear the other party.) I recently bought an inexpensive Chinese media player, and- surprise!- got what I paid for. Claire knew of my issues with my media player, and offered to buy me an iPod Touch.

After some research, I suggested that perhaps a good smartphone would meet my portable media needs as well, and resolve my phone issues, too, and might be in the same price range. I bought my Palm Centro (which succumbed to "battle damage" because someone was dumb enough to take it on missions with him at WLC) just over a year ago, so I have many months to go before I am eligible to get discounted pricing for renewing my two-year contract. I have been very interested in Google's Android operating system as an open-source alternative to the iPhone, with its proprietary code, but ATT was late to the Android game, since iPhone is only offered by ATT (and they must have believed they'd be competing against themselves). The first ATT Android, the Backflip, didn't appear to be an ideal solution.

At the ATT store, Claire urged me again to get a phone that I was really happy with, even if it was more than I'd wanted her to spend. The manager pointed out the Captivate (ATT's version of the Samsung Galaxy S), which was so new the sticker hadn't even been put on its pedestal yet. The screen was very large (4"!) and bright, the colors were vibrant, controls were intuitive and I was quoted a no-commitment price of $350. (Which was apparently at least $150 cheaper than it should have been, but ATT had some much-needed kissing up to do to me, anyway.)

So far, I am LOVING this phone! I use a lot of Google products already, so I can use various Google application FREE instead of paying to use ATT services that are most likely not as good. I can use Google Maps to navigate, use Google Voice to send text messages without using any of my pool of ATT SMS, and use Google Chat to send messages to friends who are using computers or smartphones. If I'm in another application, new chat messages will pop up at the top of my screen, and I get a lot of use out of the Kindle app. Since the Captivate has GPS, I can hear turn-by-turn directions to addresses I type in, or select on the map. (Since I have special abilities of losing myself, I especially like this feature.) Video is clear and bright, the camera is excellent, and the phone's apps are easily customizable. I have tons of storage capacity (16G, plus the 16G micro SD I added), and almost all commands are almost idiot-proof. Since ATT wants to take every cent they can from their customers, they do not offer unlimited data plans. To reduce my data consumption, whenever possible, I use the Captivate's WiFi.

What I don't love: I'm still acclimating to the virtual keyboard. The Captivate/Galaxy has a "SWYPE" function, but I haven't really played with it yet. It took me a while to find a way to not have to wade through the THOUSAND or so people listed as my GOOGLE contacts when I'm just trying to make a PHONE call, dammit (from "phone" function, choose "contacts", then "groups")! The only true flaw I've found is the power supply. The Captivate's power/data connection is on the curved top of the phone. The slightest jar will knock it loose (a coworker with a competitor's version of the Galaxy with a straight top, does not have this problem).

The Captivate so far has proven to be an excellent mobile computing device and media player, and it's a pretty good phone, too. I give it a 9.75 of 10 possible points.

New Old Good Stuff

2010-08-10T13:53:00.002-04:00

Martial arts have been a major part of my life. I moved to Ohio in 1994 to train in a relatively obscure martial art. My mother had a cancer relapse in 1995, so I moved back to Mobile. I moved to to Atlanta in mid-1996, because it was almost halfway between my wife's parents and my family, there were jobs to be had- and I could train. I trained in two dojos in the Atlanta area until I enlisted in the Army in late 2001.

At Fort Lewis, I was fortunate enough to find a 5th-degree black belt in my art, and trained with him for several months. I've trained here and there with interested novices, but haven't had any formal instruction in at least seven years. A few months after I moved to the area, I thought of looking up Bujinkan dojos in the area. Lo and behold, there are many. I tried to visit the closest THREE TIMES.

The first time, somehow the wrong zip code was attached to the address I typed into Google Maps, which had me wandering around at least 10 miles away from where I needed to be. The second time, I missed, retraced, called, re-missed- and finally found the complex I was looking for about when training ended. The third time, the weather wasn't great, and I found the complex in time- then spent 45 minutes or so wandering around on foot, looking for the group. No dice. I gave up in disgust after that third time, thinking that maybe it wasn't meant to be.

I've been training with one of the officers from my new unit. He wants to improve his hand-to-hand skills, so we've been meeting once a week while I teach him a simplified curriculum of things like chokes, breakfalls, and punches. Before we started training, I'd begun thinking that I should probably give the DC dojo another try, now that I was getting more familiar with the area. When my trainee asked if we could visit the local dojo, it seemed serendipitous. I checked the schedule again, and sure enough, classes meet on Mondays- which I usually have free.

My training partner told me we could park on the base on which I work. And finding the group of martial artists practicing on the lawn, from the direction we walked, couldn't have been much easier. I participated in the belt training the class was having, and it was a good review. I'm a little rusty, and I especially need to work on my Japanese terms, but if I can get to class regularly, I wouldn't be surprised if I can get my black belt in less than a year. Finally.

And hopefully, I'll be back in fighting trim soon, because right now, my back and thighs feel like they've been worked over with a bat. But I can deal with it. :-)

Monday Mornings

2010-08-03T10:56:00.004-04:00

I walked towards the door and picked up my running shoes. Tempy padded over and looked expectantly up at me. "No, baby, you're not going with me," I told her. She kept looking up at me.

"Well, okay," I relented, and slipped the leashes on the dogs before I made my way outside to the patio for a Monday morning sit in the pleasantly cool weather visiting the DC area. Since I hit the big time (joking), I actually have my own cigar credit card from JRCigars. Probably the biggest reason I applied for the card was the sampler of high-quality cigars I would get with my first card order. (The fine print said "First order OVER $100, but I still got the sampler!) I decided to break into that batch today with a Romeo Y Julieta Maduro that had been sitting in my humidor for almost two months.

As I sat on the patio, I believed there was almost no risk of me suffering violent attack. Since "very little" is not the same as NO, I had a little alloy Smith and Wesson .38 on my belt. If I felt the risk was higher, I would have worn at least one of my automatics, and if I thought the risk was high, I wouldn't have sat there. I took a Long Hammer IPA with me.

India Pale Ales tend to be too bitter for me, but Long Hammer is one of the few I enjoy. It's still "grapefruity" while not being overpowering. It's powerful enough to stand up to most cigars, while also leaving a clean feeling to offset the heavy taste of a cigar. I often use a good stout, Scotch and water, or whiskey and water, but a Long Hammer works really well.

Romeo Y Julieta cigars are a favorite higher-quality cigar. Since Cuba went communist in 1960, Cuban cigars command a premium, since they are illegal to sell in the United States. The brand, as with several other cigar brands, has spit into Central American-based and Cuban companies. The RyJ Reserve Maduros are made in the Dominican Republic. Non-cuban Romeo Y Julieta are not the most expensive cigars that can be found, but they have a good reputation.

My Romeo Y Julieta Reserve Maduro's wrapper was a bit on the veiny side, but looked well contructed. Since I didn't order it, I'm not sure the exact dimensions- not thinking to measure it before smoking- but I think I may have smoked a 7x48. I clipped the end and lit.

The taste was fairly strong, but not overly bitter or harsh. Espresso is probably the best flavor description, toasty, but not burnt. The draw was not too tight, nor too loose. A good quantity of smoke was produced. The burn time was almost exactly an hour, and the flavor stayed very consistent throughout the smoke. I tend to leave a lot of a cigar unsmoked, but I smoked this one down to just over an inch. The burn stayed fairly consistent, but was not perfectly even.

Romeo Y Julieta Reserve Maduro
Appearance: 3.5 stars
Taste: 4.5 stars
Construction: 4 stars
Burn: 4 stars

The Romeo Y Julieta Reserve Maduro I smoked was a solid 4/5 cigar (actually, a bit better than 4/5). When you're talking about cigars that can be afforded by most of us, the Romeo Y Julieta is a good bet. I may have a new favorite cigar.

Ninja

2010-08-01T17:55:00.006-04:00

The 80s was the decade of the ninja. Stephen K. Hayes wrote a column for Black Belt Magazine, "ninja" movies were everywhere, and on many young chests shirts showing a portrayal of a "ninja" in a karate flying side kick could be seen. Since most people had no idea what ninjutsu (sometimes rendered ninjitsu[sic]) was, some teachers of karate and tae kwon do rebranded and became instant ninja masters, much as today many schools proclaim to teach Mixed Martial Arts.

2009's Ninja shares some historical elements with many of the 1980's ninja movies, including students practicing karate, ritualized magic, and a Western leading character who ends up fighting a Japanese ninja who has gone to the dark side. (An early scene shows Casey (Scott Adkins) practicing in a white gi while Masazuka(Tsuyoshi Ihara) can be seen across from him working in all black. Symbolic? NOOOOO.) The "good" ninja does not use firearms, while the evil Asian assassin has his own special handgun and high technology armor and tools. At the same time, some of the terminology used in the movie is more authentic than the 80's offerings, and the ground rolls shown by the actors are impeccable. The actual fighting seems to be mostly karate, with the occasional Wu Shu thrown in for theatrics.

Don't watch this movie looking for Oscar-winning performances. Nor is this the movie if you're looking for a trashy B flick with lots of gratuitous skin. If you're in the mood for a movie that enjoyably combines the 80's US ninja flicks with standard elements from Japanese warrior films, Ninja may help with an enjoyable but not over-serious Friday night or Saturday afternoon. And there will be blood. 3/5 stars.

Practical Survival I

2010-07-26T15:05:00.000-04:00

Some time back, I contemplated writing a book about practical survival. I thought, and still think, that most folks miss the point of survivalism. Stocking beans and bullets may be useful, but if you don't have the funds to pay the rent, or don't maintain your roof, you're not surviving very well, no matter how much ammunition you have stored.

My point is, the things that help us thrive on a daily basis are the same things that will be most useful to us during an emergency. I still may write the book one day, but in the meantime, here is the first installment in my Practical Survival series.

Kick-ass Zombies

2010-07-05T15:17:00.000-04:00

Let's knock out some movies, shall we? Here's two to start.

Kick-Ass looks like a comedy starring the extemely funny Chistopher Mintze-Plasse, of Superbad and Role Models. Sorry to disappoint- CMP is NOT the main character, and the comedy found in this is incidental to the action/drama and very, very dark. ("La, la, la, lala-la, la!" sings the high-pitched background singer as the cute little girl in the purple wig cuts down a roomful of unsavory characters with a spear and takes their cash.) Nick Cage's acting-challenged self is also in this, which is okay if you like Tarantino-like bloodshed and laughing at misery. 2.5/5 stars.

Zombieland looks like a light-hearted romp about zombies, and that's what it is. If you're okay with some language and a lot of movie bloodshed, you'll probably love this movie. 3.5/5 stars.

Dodging Death

2010-06-20T09:39:00.001-04:00

I've been in some dangerous places in the last 15 years. Looking back, the highest risk I've usually faced has been due to exhaustion. I remember working security in busy, drug-riddled clubs, and being perhaps the most "out of it" of anyone in the club, I was so tired. I remember falling asleep 12 or 14 times driving back from downtown Atlanta to Roswell late Saturday morning.

Fortunately, I've not been quite so tired, most times, in the past few years. That has changed some with adapting to my new work schedule. Since it's not fixed yet, it's a little harder to adjust. Yesterday, I left work, hurried home and bustled around doing last-minute chores, and then headed out for North Carolina.

I fell asleep just after my 31st mile in, waking up as my wheel crossed the rumble strip onto the shoulder. I fell asleep twice more in the next five miles, before my Drenbuterol "workout supplement" finally kicked in.

It's Father's Day. I am filled with so many thoughts, of confusion, nostalgia, sadness, love, longing. Thinking about both all those emotions about fathering and driving makes this song the only real choice for today.

Zac Brown Band More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

Unashamed

2010-06-10T21:58:00.002-04:00

Probably just as much bubble gum, but I'm somehow less ashamed to admit I like this. At least for now.

My Drug

2010-05-31T12:39:00.007-04:00

Bubble gum and a dance beat. What's to like? Dunno, but I can't seem to help it.

If you watched that, and you're still here, you must be a glutton for punishment, so take some more!

Standing

2010-05-14T08:53:00.000-04:00

I've been out of our month-long academy for a few weeks now. Watching shifts has been easier than expected, with only one of the four posts I've worked requiring a great deal of work. Even that is welcome, in its own way- the time goes swiftly, and I got a great leg workout. Most of my coworkers have been very pleasant, and I like most of the people coming through the gates. (Well, there are some Marines, too, but no-one's perfect.)

Raining on Me

2010-05-13T08:37:00.000-04:00

I rarely use my blog to rant, but there are times...

There is a leak coming from the neighbors upstairs. We almost always discover there's been a leak in the morning when we get up, but I heard water running a few minutes ago. It sounded like the shower upstairs was running, and water was POURING out. GRRRR.

The owner was notified weeks ago, but as can be seen from the pics, large cracks are now developing in the ceiling. It's actually been getting worse.

The Sensei

2010-05-12T12:46:00.001-04:00

Martial arts legend Dan Inosanto's daughter Diana Lee Inosanto wrote, directed, and co-starred in this 2008 movie set in the 1980s. I almost turned the movie off after the first two minutes, which look like they cost $50 to film. Fortunately, the rest of the movie doesn't look as noticeably cheap.

I was pretty sure I knew exactly what this movie would be like, and I expected just another twist on the wimp gets beaten, turns to martial arts teacher to learn to be a badass. While I was not necessarily wrong, the movie ended up being considerably more complicated than I expected. Several scenes were obviously based on real life crimes committed against homosexuals, and there were a few more twists I didnt see coming.

Low production value, but thoughtful and sometimes wrenching storyline. 3/5 stars. May be worth watching and discussing with older children, if you feel that vulgarity can be tolerated in the right setting.

PS- while I would never encourage reckless behavior towards others, if you're intolerant- you suck.

Welcome to the Asylum

2010-05-12T09:28:00.002-04:00

I have posted a few guest blogs from my brother Philip. Years ago, Philip created a primarily music-oriented bulletin board. The general topics forum was called The Asylum. The Asylum is now back in a mega-blog format, and I will be one of the authors.

Many of my readers are gun bloggers. This blog will be very light on any gun content, but you may find it interesting and worth reading. Language may be...unrestrained. If you're willing to find fresh perspectives, check it out.

Another Graduation

2010-04-30T22:27:00.000-04:00

I had another "graduation" today. Unlike my Bachelor's and Master's degrees, I attended the ceremony for this one.

I was tasked with a poem...

I had planned on writing a poem to read to you today, but that seemed too much like torture. Since we're here at Arlington, I thought a poem about another cemetery, established in Europe early in World War I, would be appropriate. This is In Flanders Fields, by John McCrae:

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

The job of a security officer is often a thankless one. We will have boring days, and long days, and it will be easy to be complacent. But we have a responsibility to the many service members who lie close by, some of whom gave their lives for their country. We must honor their sacrifice by protecting those who live and work here. Thank you.

The Book of Eli

2010-04-29T14:11:00.005-04:00

Claire and I watched The Book of Eli a week or so after it came out. The previews make this look like a lone wolf character with a powerful weapon moving through a post-apocalyptic world. The previews are not wrong: but this movie is more than just that.

Denzel Washington has played a lot of angry badasses in the last 10 years. They often have drinking problems and at least a touch of faith. This role is not a significant departure from that, but at least one scene is martial arts genius, shot in a way that allows it to be stylized but still look realistic. Gary Oldman again masterfully plays a very bad man.

There are other innovative features to the film, such as subtle perpetual lighting changes that I believe are meant to indicate damage to the ozone layer. There is at least one surprise you should not see coming. 3.5/5 stars.

Sherlock: Case of Evil

2010-04-29T13:32:00.004-04:00

I was bemused to see a Sherlock Holmes movie featuring Vincent D'Onofrio on the cover as a choice in Netflix, so I watched it. D'Onofrio is actually Professor Moriarty, which seems a natural choice for an actor who usually projects a twisted genius.

James D'Arcy does a suitable job as the lead character, portraying him as a proud, brilliant young man making a name for himself. Gabrielle Anwar (usually seen in USA's Burn Notice, but evidently this role was before she was left too long in the sun without food) is the female lead. She also performs well.

Sherlock: Case of Evil was evidently made for TV, but does have some gore from autopsy scenes and a little attractive female flesh. Despite the low production values, the move is enjoyable, except for D'Onofrio. This man has played at least two of the all-time memorable movie characters (Private Pyle in Full Metal Jacket, and the evil-farmer-inhabited-by-an-alien in Men in Black), but while his character is otherwise believable, his British accent sounds off. I subtract half a star, still leaving a very decent 3/5 stars.

Eh.

2010-04-13T00:22:00.000-04:00

The first week of training academy with WSI is behind me. We qualified on Thursday, and I scored a respectable 272/300 (220 is passing). I was especially happy when some suggestions and practice I gave to our last individual helped her qualify with a 269 (from a low 100 points lower)!

Another class leader has been chosen for this week, which is gratifying, since the chief did something to annoy the sergeant, and he in turn, kept being pissy with me. Unfortunately, tonight I've been trying to "square away" my Class A uniform for my DA photo tomorrow. The first time I'd scheduled one, I'd forgotten my name tag. This time...hey, did anyone remember that some of the buttons come off the Class A? I sure didn't. And now, I have no clue where they are. Ugh.

No Good Deed

2010-04-03T13:11:00.000-04:00

Claire is having a girls' weekend in Boston. I left with plenty of time for my 0900 PT test, which was good, because I spaced and missed my exit. I still made my hit time.

One of the sergeants who was assisting with the test asked me to warm up the group, so I warmed them up and got them stretched before the Captain made it out. He walked by the group, eyeing us, saying he needed a class leader, preferably someone with experience. We did our pushups and situps, though I was a little disappointed that it was stressed that this was a pass/fail test, with no extra points for more than the minimum needed.

I ended up running a respectable 7:35 mile. Not stellar, but in the top 1/3 of the group. I walked around for a minute, and then jogged back to help encourage the stragglers to make it in time. I ran the last two in, with the chief just behind. I heard him check the last runner's time (she passed, with 19 seconds to spare), and then verify that I had already finished. He turned to me.

"You're class leader," he said. "March 'em back."

Spring Sprung

2010-03-28T23:55:00.001-04:00

The weather has been much milder here, for the last couple of weeks. Claire and I spent the afternoon yesterday with the dogs at the kite festival, and she took some great shots. We ate an early dinner at a local Indian place, and hung out with some of the neighbors a little later.

After an under-employed period that has lasted entirely too long, I am accepting a job with WSI. I would prefer to work as an analyst, but I'll be doing the exact same job I've done some of the time while deployed (screening visitors to DoD sites and searching cars), only under better work conditions, and for more pay. I do have to pass a PT test, but should have no problem meeting their standard. Training academy starts next Monday.

Ridin' the Horse

2010-03-19T12:34:00.000-04:00

I obviously haven't written for QUITE some time. I hear that writers write. I've reminded myself of this quite a few times.

Life goes on, whether or not we note its passing.

Spring has sprung, and it's good. The dogs are mock-fighting in the background, all snarls and low growls, the big poofs. The cat is effortlessly winning.

I have a cold. And it's okay. May your day be as beautiful as mine.

Puffin Flies

2010-01-20T08:42:00.000-05:00

The design for an electric-battery powered Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) airplane is supposed to be displayed today at an American Helicopter Society meeting today in San Francisco. According to Scientific American, the Puffin shows great stealth potential due to its small size and extremely low noise and thermal signatures, despite very limited range and low speed. Evidently not well understood by Scientific American is that large rotors and propellers reflect a disproportionately high amount of radar energy, because they're spinning.

A 1/3 scale hover-capable model is expected by March.

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T13:37:00.000-05:00

2009 has been a hell of a year. Maybe this is true of every year.

May 2010 be a year in which you fulfill your goals, become a better person, and grow more at peace with yourself and your world. Go forth and do good things, however you define those. Happy New Year.

Weight of the Years

2009-12-25T15:24:00.002-05:00

This is the day I'm supposed to make sweet holiday wishes. You know, I have placed my birthday second for 30-some years, so screw that. I'm going to talk about my birthday.

Another year has passed, leaving me nothing to show but scars. The annoyingly optimistic are certain to pipe up some happy nonsense about lessons, but, really? In my experience, people rarely have the sense to learn from their experiences.

Some of us seem driven to search for a reason for everything. In the past, I have seen propagation of our most dearly held beliefs as the ultimate logical conclusion to the natural evolutionary drive to procreate: as humans, we can make some conscious decisions about what is worth preserving for future generations. This is the top of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the pointy tip of the pyramid. Ultimately, though, I can only conclude that mankind's vaunted self-awareness is mere delusion. Humanity's ability to think about his condition seems to have gained him little except being able to understand he is miserable.

Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." This man, supposedly one of the greatest of philosophers, also used his last toast to wish some nonsense about a happy afterlife after he poisoned himself for being such an annoyance to his city. I think any utterance from such a source must be suspect.

Life. It passes. Here's to ignorance.

Movie Review Drive-by

2009-12-14T17:23:00.001-05:00

Inglourious Basterds. Little historical content, utter fantasy, not even believable just in common-sense details. Bloody gory escapist fun. 3/5 stars.

Planet 51. Surprisingly juvenile gay humor, but cleverly lampoons many other movies. Good for anyone over 7. 3.5/5 stars.

GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra. I should have known better than to watch any movie staring a Wayans brother other than Damon. Horrible. Not even worth watching for nostalgia. Or Sienna Miller. 1/5 stars.

In The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, Denzel Washington stretches his acting repertoire by playing an angry and possibly crooked public servant. John Travolta likewise tries something new by playing a maniacal crook. This formula has been followed many times before, but it's a solid performance. 3/5 stars.

The Ugly Truth is a comedic drama about the differences between men and women. It is very, very funny at times, but in general is more drama than comedy- but not a downer in any case, so worth watching. 3/5 stars.

Bruno follows Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat formula of insane scenarios with oblivious people. Some of you will find this worth watching. Most of you will not. Claire cringed many times, and I did a few times, as well. We are both certain that he would literally not have lived if there had not been a camera crew present at all times. Clever at times, but most successful in that a man my age managed to somewhat believably present himself as a 19 year old gay German. I'm going to give an extra half star for acting ability, but this movie is horrible in almost every other regard. You have been warned. 1.5/5 stars.

Death to the Double

2009-12-03T11:03:00.001-05:00

Some weeks ago, a friend was relating to me a humorous story that had happened at the ER she was working. A woman with the most incredible body and large, perfect breasts had been brought in, unconscious. Because the nature of the accident, her clothes had to be cut off. While she was unconscious, every male member of the hospital trouped in to gaze in wonder at her beautiful nude, perfectly waxed figure.

I was appalled. Revolted. My friend hadn't even considered the victimization that was happening, the violation of the patient's privacy. It was horrible. I'm sure everyone reading this is appalled, as well.

Well, okay. That's not actually what happened. What really happened, was that a male with an incredibly large sex member (described as "the size of a baby's arm") was brought in, unconscious. While he was unconscious, every female on duty in the hospital trouped in to look at his penis.

Now, imagine- if you haven't already- how horrified everyone would be that men would get to ogle a nude unconscious female. It's hard for me to see a hospital in the U.S. today where such behavior would be tolerated. When it happens to a male, though, no-one even seemed to notice, except Look! Big penis! Funny.

It's revolting and horrible. The double standard doesn't just extend to males being allowed to get away with behaviors that most of society would not accept from females. Equal rights. Equal treatment. Every time. Anything else goes against the very spirit of our country.

From the Dead

2009-11-23T09:04:00.002-05:00

Well, not actually, but an update is certainly in order. My unit had attempted to place me in WLC (sergeant's school) twice, but each time, I was bumped because not enough slots were available.

Wednesday afternoon, I got a call from my unit in Augusta. My Unit Administrator said she understood that this was the last minute, but wanted to know if I wanted to go to WLC. I would have to fly out Friday morning.

WLC gives promotion points for enlisted ranks, and is a prerequisite before making E6. I'm also still looking for a job in the DC area, and the work was welcome. I received the packing list and my orders mid-afternoon on Thursday, and flew out early Friday.

I'll have a review of WLC up at Seek Cover soon.

Worthy

2009-10-21T18:33:00.003-04:00

I need to add two long-overdue additions to my blogroll: my friend Charlotte, one of many very neat people who love me...well, just because, and John at Gun Geeks, a humble, well-spoken, and interesting guy. (And who *doesn't* love cool airplanes and entertaining movies?!)

Free

2009-10-20T17:33:00.001-04:00

My divorce was finalized on the 6th of October.

I'm sorry for all the wasted emotion, the frustration, the lost sleep, the anger.

But it's time to let them go. A new day has come.

Struck Bottom, Digging

2009-10-19T11:02:00.002-04:00

I have the dubious pleasure of reviewing Observe and Report. This is the movie in which Seth Rogen plays his least funny role ever, while paradoxically proving, without a doubt, that he can act.

Rogen plays a bipolar, low intelligence mall security guard who has a crush on a pretty, slutty cosmetics clerk played by Anna Farris. The problem for enjoyment is twofold: suspension of disbelief when these minimum-wage workers are working out with $30,000 in NFA weaponry, and when multiple violent felonies are committed, only to find the perpetrators back at work shortly afterward (and perhaps carrying concealed firearms, apparently without legal consequence), and the perpetual slow train wreck that is this character's life. As far as his character, I have met delusional, often fairly stupid wannabes frequently over the years. He plays his part perfectly.

Observe and Report: well acted, but unfunny. 1 of 5 stars.

Light me Up

2009-10-17T19:16:00.004-04:00

There's a new post about one of my favorite pieces of gear on Seek Cover.

1995 was a hard year for me. My mother's cancer came back, and there were some...issues that hurt me deeply. I've had some hard times here and there since, but have probably never had a more difficult time, emotionally. One of the things that helped me through this time was a coworker, Keith, who became good friends with me.

Every now and then, we're fortunate enough to meet people that really want nothing more than to be our friend. Keith was one of those guys. Unfortunately, we lost touch when I enlisted in the Army in 2001, and my Hotmail was automatically deleted from no usage while I was going through ITB (basic training for infantry).

Keith found my neglected MySpace account this week, and Davis and I met him in Atlanta today. It was a great day.

Of my many blessings, good friends are one of the very best. I love you, guys.

Blowing in the Wind

2009-10-02T13:50:00.001-04:00

I was less than 15 miles away from reaching my trip destination in Smallville, NC, to see my lovely Claire. I have never actually had a speeding ticket (that stuck, anyway!), but I began thinking about getting one, and what I would say, "I haven't seen my girlfriend in MONTHS, and I'm only x miles away...!"

I may have still been thinking these thoughts as I raced by a large gray SUV, noticing too late it was marked "NC State Patrol" on the side. Oh, geez. He immediately pulled in behind me, and my foot already off the gas, I pulled over to the right and looked for a good place to pull over. I was already holding my directions showing I was only 12 miles away when the trooper pulled up next to me. I sheepishly looked over, and he made a "brake down" gesture with his hand. I nodded. He left.

Soon afterward, my heart restarted with a thump, and I made it my last few miles without incident. To Claire. Woohoo!

My Interview With Steve Colbert

2009-09-23T20:02:00.003-04:00

was briefly humorous, and is now gone. Cheers!