If you're squeamish, read no further
Some idiot dropped a weight on my toe at the gym and it pushed my toenail into my toe. I didn't know it at the time, but as it continued to grow it became an ingrown toenail, and became infected.
Not cool.
It didn't hurt very much to walk on it, but if it was ever touched or pushed on, it hurt like hell. At first I thought the discharge was just crud, but when I realized it was badly infected I tried to see if I could raise the part of the nail growing into my toe, it began to bleed profusely.
Also, not cool.
After I got the blood cleaned up, I decided I should probably go to the doctor. Not sure if there was anything they could do about an ingrown toenail (or even if it was important enough to go to the doctor for), I searched Google for more information.
Very not cool.
Ok, so it's definitely infected, and I should definitely go to the hospital, but that operation? Oy. Oh well, maybe they'll have another fix for it. It's just an ingrown toenail.
So I hit the hospital as soon as they open, and bring my book so I'm actually looking forward to the wait. I see the doctor and expect I'll be given an appointment with a pediotrist.
"Nope, that's going to have to come off."
"Bugger."
Sooo not cool.
The doctor promised me that a lot of people get the operation, and that the partial toenail removal will be almost painless. I knew it was going to hurt, but as long as it would take care of the problem, I shouldn't care. What's a little temporary pain, right? I'll just have to cowboy up. What she didn't tell me, was that the painless procedure would be preceded by a series of painful injections!
As she prepped for the minor surgery I became very anxious. I wasn't sure why, but I'm sure it had something to do with the pictures I found on google, and what I read about the operation.
"I gotta say, I'm REALLY apprehensive about this, and I don't know why."
"Well, we haven't started yet, you can still change your mind."
"Changing my mind won't fix the problem, I'm just being a baby, ignore me. I just wonder if it would be better or worse if I saw it." (I was lying flat with my upper half slightly tilted downward)
"You don't want to see it.-- I mean, I would be more comfortable if you didn't watch."
SLIGHT PANIC! "... Ok."
She told me that I would be getting some shots to numb the site, and that I would barely feel the operation. I hate needles. I hate how the look, I hate thinking about them, I hate the feeling before, during, and after their use. But I'm not one to run away, so I may not like needles, but I'll grab a pair and put up with it just to prove I can. She asked if I was ready, and started the injections.
I've had painful shots before, but this was a whole NEW kind of pain. This was like if pain was a successful author, and pain's older brother resented it, so his unskilled mind incorrectly figured pain's formula for a successful book, and just multiplied it by ten and expected the book to be a winner just because he copied what he thought was the right elements. I read pain's older brother's book, and it was nothing like his younger brother's books. I want to carve this into a wall so future generations can be aware of spectacular levels and many varied types of pain I encountered. What was worse was that the site was slowly numbing, and it made a very strange type of pain; the kind of pain that your brain registers, but you only feel because you know you should, like when you break your arm and it doesn't hurt, but you feel really wrong. I didn't scream, and I didn't yell. There were a few tears though, and I'm pretty sure I would have thrown up if I had eaten anything. It was almost as painful as my spinal tap. Actually, thinking about it now, I was young and freaked out, so this probably was more painful.
So... just... eugh-
After the numbness started to work, I swore I could feel the scissors, and the pressure, and the twisting on my toe, and my imagination went wild. Then she she stood up.
"Ok, now we can get started."
I laughed the most nervous, pained laugh ever. "You mean what I was feeling WASN'T you tearing my nail off???"
"No, that was the injections."
"But I felt you--" I cut myself off when I pictured how and where she would have to deliver the injections in order for me to think she was yanking on a hanging flap of my nail. I quickly thought about bunnies and puppies before my mind concluded its thought.
She waited a bit and made sure I was numb, then started the removal. After those shots this was like relaxing in a jacuzzi.
When she was done she wrapped it up and spoke.
"Will you need a note for work?"
"I didn't think I was going to miss work. I go in at 12."
"In about 4 hours this is going to wear off, and it's going to hurt. I'll prescribe you some Vicodin."
"I'm not going to take Vicodin."
"No, I think you will."
I got my antibiotics and vicodin, and hobbled myself out to the car. I drove to work to do some things I couldn't do from home. By now the pain faded in my memory, and when I thought about it, I figured I was just imagining most of the pain, and that it probably wasn't as bad as it seemed. I resolved to keep the pain to myself so I didn't seem like a n00b who freaked out because he had to get a shot.
When I got in, I explained what had happened and one of my older coworkers looked intensely at me and said with a tinge of fear; "Did they give you those shots???"
At this question I felt a weight off my chest (surprising since I hadn't even held it in that long), "Oh god. Yes they did."
He shifted in his seat and looked around. "I've lived a long time, and I've done a lot of painful things, but those shots were easily one of the most painful things I've ever experienced."
Wow. Validation. I guess it really did hurt as much as I thought. The next day I told my Dad that I got the operation done and asked him if he ever had it done. He said the hadn't, but he heard it was extremely painful. After hearing this, I admit to feeling a little proud that I took the pain so well. It's been a little over a day now, and I did take one vicodin five hours after the operation and knocked out for a few hours watching Pulp Fiction, but that was the most of the pain. Every once in a while I'll get a strong pang of pain that will throw me off, but it's mostly just sore now. I still haven't looked at it, and I still get a little sick thinking about it. It's a permanent operation (OW!) which is good, but it's likely I'll have to (OW!) have the other toe done.
Oh well. What's a little temporary pain, right?
UPDATE: THE RETURN!
Friday, March 30, 2007
If ye love wealth greater than liberty...
"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen."
-- Samuel Adams
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Responsibility and Gun Ownership
I spoke to the wife of a friend at his behest; he said that she didn't see the value in gun ownership. He wasn't quite right. She told me that she saw the value in gun ownership, but didn't think that he was taking the purchase seriously, or considering the responsibilities that come with owning guns for defense.
Unfortunately there are far too many gun owners who simply purchase guns instead of owning guns. They hear on the news that violent crime is on the way up, so they buy a gun. How progressive. They might get training, but they probably won't. They might shoot it more than once, but the probably won't. The gun will sit in a shoe box on the top shelf of the hall closet, unloaded, locked, next to a box of whatever ammo the man at the store said would fit their gun, and think to themselves, "There. Now I'm/we're safe." After many years these owners will be reminded they have this gun (because many honestly forgot), and decide that it was just a passing fancy or a frivolous purchase, and ask the nearest gun shop how much they can get for it. Were these owners to be called upon to use their firearm in defense of themselves or their loved ones, if they remembered where it was, that they owned a gun, could successfully load it, and it wasn't stolen months or years ago as many of these kinds of guns are, these owners would likely be too afraid to use or too afraid of misusing it to actually employ it in the purpose of defense. These people are the people who get shot with their own guns.
There are other owners to whom guns are simply a plaything. There's no shame in that; guns are tools, and if going out to the desert with your buddies twice a year to shoot propane tanks on top of flaming Christmas trees (true story) is your idea of a good time, more power to you. Guns are just objects, and can serve as entertainment. The guns spend most of their time in a safe, and are rarely cleaned or shot. Somewhere in the back of this owner's mind is the idea that the guns can be used for defense of himself and his loved ones, but it's really an afterthought or a footnote to the purchase.
The owners I really have a problem with are those who, like the first type buy a gun for protection of self and loved ones, but are more active with its use. These are the guys you see at the range shooting off their gun as quickly as possible at a full-size target at the closest range allowable, and landing 4/10 hits on the paper, reloading, and then repeating. These owners are not concerned about their skills, tactics, or the legalities. They think that by simply owning a gun, they've won any fight they could possibly get into. Your basic mall ninja. While most of these guys are pretty easy to spot, and avoid, there exists a contingent who thinks exactly the same way, but are more low-key about it. If ever called upon to use their gun in defense of themselves or their loved ones, their answer is always "Reach for my glock and start firing." Little attention is paid to the ineffectiveness of a handgun vs a rifle or shotgun, and much stock is placed the movies where they saw that dude flying through the air shooting three pistols at 87 terrorists, killing 2-3 with each shot. These owners are not interested the legalities of shooting someone in their place of residence, the psychological effect of taking another life, or the physical strains of a life-or-death situation. They're confident in their ability to land rapid hits in vital areas of multiple targets while minimizing their own exposure based completely on their inflated self-image. As the saying goes, "All you need is ignorance and confidence, then success is sure!"
To all gun owners I say; you can either imagine yourself shooting someone or you can't. There's no shame in admitting you don't think you'll be able to pull the trigger, just have no delusions and plan for what you will do, or train and practice until you change yourself.
When I bought my first gun, it was not for fun. Guns were serious business to me, because I was afraid of them, and the idea of one being around bothered me to my core. I bought my gun to protect myself and my loved ones, it was a responsibility I took up with a heavy heart, because it meant that no one else was in charge of the safety of myself and my loved ones. I would have no one to blame if I failed to act. During the first months of ownership I had to learn not to think of a gun as an item of totemic significance, to realize that the gun never does anything because it's simply a machine which requires an operator. When I realized that I was in charge of the gun and its usage, my potential use of the gun became something of totemic significance. Too many questions flooded my head, and I decided that I wasn't yet prepared for this responsibility, but swore I would be.
To me, it is a burden. It demands you change your thinking and the way you view and react to the other humans around you. When the rose-colored glasses come off, and you realize that the world can be a dangerous place, and that the safety net you thought was always there really full of holes, there's no going back. At the point of this realization you must come to terms with the fact that before now, you were very vulnerable. Now that you have become enlightened to your position in this world, you must do something to regain control of your life which, up to now, was at the mercy of some random meth-head with a steak knife. A gun is the most effective weapon you can use, so you buy one.
So now you find yourself very alone. Confronted with this new responsibility to be in charge of your personal safety and the safety of your loved ones, charged with the possibly of taking the life of another human being, and you're staring at the implement of destruction in your hands.
Many owners don't make it past this point. The weight of the responsibility is too much, and they either relinquish the responsibility, refuse to acknowledge the responsibility, or replace their apprehension with blind confidence.
Not everyone is ready for the responsibility, which is perfectly understandable.
Those who accept the responsibility will begin the life-long task of preparing themselves for what they paradoxically hope will never happen.
Guns are the ultimate freedom, an ultimate power, and the ultimate responsibility. If you hold in your hand a gun, and you hold in your head the will to use it on another human being, then you hold in your heart a heavy responsibility. Once you accept that responsibility you will begin a journey of practice, research, and preparedness that will only end when you do.
I don't think anyone in their right mind would ask to put their sight picture COM on a mother's son and apply steady, relentless pressure. No matter how deserved. Taking a life is something I wish for countless reasons I'll never have to do, but since accepting my responsibility, it's something I force myself to think about, prepare for, and train to do. To me the responsibility will always be a burden. But, once you begin to fully understand the weight of the responsibility, you will happily carry this burden because it means that your loved ones won't have to.
Gun ownership is serious business, and can be a life-altering decision, but the negatives pale in comparison with the knowledge that YOU are in charge of your destiny and responsible for one of the most important things in life.
Unfortunately there are far too many gun owners who simply purchase guns instead of owning guns. They hear on the news that violent crime is on the way up, so they buy a gun. How progressive. They might get training, but they probably won't. They might shoot it more than once, but the probably won't. The gun will sit in a shoe box on the top shelf of the hall closet, unloaded, locked, next to a box of whatever ammo the man at the store said would fit their gun, and think to themselves, "There. Now I'm/we're safe." After many years these owners will be reminded they have this gun (because many honestly forgot), and decide that it was just a passing fancy or a frivolous purchase, and ask the nearest gun shop how much they can get for it. Were these owners to be called upon to use their firearm in defense of themselves or their loved ones, if they remembered where it was, that they owned a gun, could successfully load it, and it wasn't stolen months or years ago as many of these kinds of guns are, these owners would likely be too afraid to use or too afraid of misusing it to actually employ it in the purpose of defense. These people are the people who get shot with their own guns.
There are other owners to whom guns are simply a plaything. There's no shame in that; guns are tools, and if going out to the desert with your buddies twice a year to shoot propane tanks on top of flaming Christmas trees (true story) is your idea of a good time, more power to you. Guns are just objects, and can serve as entertainment. The guns spend most of their time in a safe, and are rarely cleaned or shot. Somewhere in the back of this owner's mind is the idea that the guns can be used for defense of himself and his loved ones, but it's really an afterthought or a footnote to the purchase.
The owners I really have a problem with are those who, like the first type buy a gun for protection of self and loved ones, but are more active with its use. These are the guys you see at the range shooting off their gun as quickly as possible at a full-size target at the closest range allowable, and landing 4/10 hits on the paper, reloading, and then repeating. These owners are not concerned about their skills, tactics, or the legalities. They think that by simply owning a gun, they've won any fight they could possibly get into. Your basic mall ninja. While most of these guys are pretty easy to spot, and avoid, there exists a contingent who thinks exactly the same way, but are more low-key about it. If ever called upon to use their gun in defense of themselves or their loved ones, their answer is always "Reach for my glock and start firing." Little attention is paid to the ineffectiveness of a handgun vs a rifle or shotgun, and much stock is placed the movies where they saw that dude flying through the air shooting three pistols at 87 terrorists, killing 2-3 with each shot. These owners are not interested the legalities of shooting someone in their place of residence, the psychological effect of taking another life, or the physical strains of a life-or-death situation. They're confident in their ability to land rapid hits in vital areas of multiple targets while minimizing their own exposure based completely on their inflated self-image. As the saying goes, "All you need is ignorance and confidence, then success is sure!"
To all gun owners I say; you can either imagine yourself shooting someone or you can't. There's no shame in admitting you don't think you'll be able to pull the trigger, just have no delusions and plan for what you will do, or train and practice until you change yourself.
When I bought my first gun, it was not for fun. Guns were serious business to me, because I was afraid of them, and the idea of one being around bothered me to my core. I bought my gun to protect myself and my loved ones, it was a responsibility I took up with a heavy heart, because it meant that no one else was in charge of the safety of myself and my loved ones. I would have no one to blame if I failed to act. During the first months of ownership I had to learn not to think of a gun as an item of totemic significance, to realize that the gun never does anything because it's simply a machine which requires an operator. When I realized that I was in charge of the gun and its usage, my potential use of the gun became something of totemic significance. Too many questions flooded my head, and I decided that I wasn't yet prepared for this responsibility, but swore I would be.
To me, it is a burden. It demands you change your thinking and the way you view and react to the other humans around you. When the rose-colored glasses come off, and you realize that the world can be a dangerous place, and that the safety net you thought was always there really full of holes, there's no going back. At the point of this realization you must come to terms with the fact that before now, you were very vulnerable. Now that you have become enlightened to your position in this world, you must do something to regain control of your life which, up to now, was at the mercy of some random meth-head with a steak knife. A gun is the most effective weapon you can use, so you buy one.
So now you find yourself very alone. Confronted with this new responsibility to be in charge of your personal safety and the safety of your loved ones, charged with the possibly of taking the life of another human being, and you're staring at the implement of destruction in your hands.
Many owners don't make it past this point. The weight of the responsibility is too much, and they either relinquish the responsibility, refuse to acknowledge the responsibility, or replace their apprehension with blind confidence.
Not everyone is ready for the responsibility, which is perfectly understandable.
Those who accept the responsibility will begin the life-long task of preparing themselves for what they paradoxically hope will never happen.
Guns are the ultimate freedom, an ultimate power, and the ultimate responsibility. If you hold in your hand a gun, and you hold in your head the will to use it on another human being, then you hold in your heart a heavy responsibility. Once you accept that responsibility you will begin a journey of practice, research, and preparedness that will only end when you do.
I don't think anyone in their right mind would ask to put their sight picture COM on a mother's son and apply steady, relentless pressure. No matter how deserved. Taking a life is something I wish for countless reasons I'll never have to do, but since accepting my responsibility, it's something I force myself to think about, prepare for, and train to do. To me the responsibility will always be a burden. But, once you begin to fully understand the weight of the responsibility, you will happily carry this burden because it means that your loved ones won't have to.
Gun ownership is serious business, and can be a life-altering decision, but the negatives pale in comparison with the knowledge that YOU are in charge of your destiny and responsible for one of the most important things in life.
glock *sigh*
Went with my sister and brother-in-law to the range on Sunday; they're interested in purchasing their first gun. I brought my XD-9 and my 1911 (which they both shot VERY well), and we rented a few guns to try out. I begrudgingly admitted that they should check out the .45 glock (g21) and even shot a partial mag out of it. First time shooting a glock in a long time, mushy rental trigger, and since it was a .45 it was big as a brick. I would have been happy to keep all the shots on the paper. 9 shots, all within a 3"x3" square over the X. Just like all the other times. I hate glocks, and I hate even more that I shoot them so well. I guess there's no way around it.
My brother-in-law summed it up nicely for someone still new to shooting, "It feels like shit, but it shoots great!" Quite so... I hate glocks so much that I'm going to have to buy one.
My brother-in-law summed it up nicely for someone still new to shooting, "It feels like shit, but it shoots great!" Quite so... I hate glocks so much that I'm going to have to buy one.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Been doing some... restructuring...
I've been restructuring my life for a bit now, and have been busy kicking myself in the butt, and changing the way I live my life.
So, I've been a little busy. Sorry for the long lull in posts guys and gals. (there's got to be at least two of you...)
Below you'll find some delicious posts for your blog dining pleasure, thanks for putting up with me.
-ET
ps: Teehee! Gun show's tomorrow!
So, I've been a little busy. Sorry for the long lull in posts guys and gals. (there's got to be at least two of you...)
Below you'll find some delicious posts for your blog dining pleasure, thanks for putting up with me.
-ET
ps: Teehee! Gun show's tomorrow!
Common sense regulation of the FIRST amendment.
Alright, how's this for a twist you ungrateful 1st-amendment-only supporters. So forgetful of the support you get from 2nd amendment supporters when the time comes to pass more laws restricting gun ownership. Your keyboard chatters as you laugh loudly on your blog, proclaiming one more victory against the "crazed gun nuts"; completely unaware that the amendment you hold so near-and-dear is next on their list.
I'd like to stand up, and be the first to call for "common sense" regulation of our freedom of speech.
In the recent years, and with the advent of the intarweb, it's becoming increasingly apparent that there must be regulation of the freedom of speech. In the wrong hands, the freedom of speech becomes a tool for hate, threats, violence, and deviant behavior such as pedophilia.
Therefore, I'd like to propose the institution of the following "common sense" regulations to put a stop to the misuse of our first, and most precious right. These regulations are penned with the greater good in mind! If it saves just ONE life, it will be worth it.
The following regulations will refer to printed materials, published materials, materials placed on web logs or "blogs", web forums, web sites, chat rooms, and all other forms of digital and physical media availability. Hereafter referred to as "posts."
Carry: Carrying materials in the form of physical media such as pamphlets, posters, or notices, or in digital media such as portable flash memory cards, hard drives, or laptops, must be approved by the Sheriff of the county in which the proposed carrier of this information resides. Permits shall be issues on a "may issue" basis, and may be revoked at the Sheriff's discretion with no explanation required. Pamphlets and posters have been known to incite riots and violence and must be controlled and managed. Digital media can be transferred or copied in seconds to others who may then transfer the information to others, increasing the affected population exponentially. This rapid dissemination of information must be controlled for the safety of our population.
Assault sites: Sites which exceed regulation length, size, breadth of information, or approved content limits will be classified as "Assault Sites." In the past "blogs" have contained a preponderance of information and many varying topics. Limits will control the amount of people who view a post or "blog", and word limits for the amount of information being made available. Limits will also control the offensive appearance of these sites, while these appearances don't affect the content or ability of the site, they serve only to strike fear into readers. There is no reason anyone but professionals should have control over this much information potentially available to our children. If you want an "Assault site", join the reporter corp.
Automatic operation: Various tools allow the reproduction of rapid amounts of information in milliseconds. Tools such as "copy" and "paste", which are likely available on your computer at home and therefore available to our children, allow the high-speed reproduction of information. These tools endow too much power to disseminate copious amounts of information at a "rapid-fire" pace. This kind of speed of publishing has no legitimate civilian use, and should be left to the professionals.
Manufacturing: There are various free and pay publishing tools available on-line. These tools allow the average citizen to publish content. These tools will be controlled and regulated through legislation. Because these tools will be under control, and managed for content based on these rules, people will not be allowed to manufacture or program their own publishing tools. If left unchecked, people could create tools beyond our control, and subvert the common sense regulations imposed on this new media.
Filter bypass ("cop killer") posts: These posts subvert, bypass, and "kill" filters that protect our children from objectionable content. These posts are defined as any post which uses misleading language or implies subject matter or topics it may not directly address. These sites are made to attack our children, and must be stopped. I realize there will be an issue positively determining which sites are attempting to subvert any filters of blocking mechanisms, so there will be some inadvertent violations. These site owners are required to maintain a clear understanding of the laws, and make their content obviously obvious.
Penalty: Any site owners or content providers found in violation of these rules will be brought on felony charges of "Conspiracy to disseminate subversive information." This charge will carry a minimum 3 years and a maximum 30 years in federal prison.
Conclusion: No one loves and appreciates the freedom of speech more than I, which is why I know these laws and regulations are necessary for the preservation of our union. We must think of the children! I know that some will argue that these rules and regulations destroy the freedom of speech, and are open to abuse. To them I say: If you've done nothing wrong; you've nothing to hide.
For those of you unaware, I modeled these idiotic laws after the laws gun owners must already deal with, laws similar to these are already on the books and being enforced. Now that I finish it, I'm a little hesitant to post it. It just seems TOO plausible to me. I'd be more afraid our betters would think my (sad, sad) satire was a great idea, but then I remind myself that as far as they know, the Internet is a series of tubes. (speaking of tubes, net neutrality would make some real strides toward the fictional goals I outlined in this satire. Scary, eh?)
While I'm on the topic, I feel compelled to remind everyone that our rights are not granted by the bill of rights, they are ENUMERATED. It's like saying you have the right to a blue sky. If you revoke the blue sky amendment, the sky will still be blue. The bill of rights doesn't allow us to have our rights, it just reminds everyone that we are endowed by our creator with these inalienable rights.
I'd like to stand up, and be the first to call for "common sense" regulation of our freedom of speech.
In the recent years, and with the advent of the intarweb, it's becoming increasingly apparent that there must be regulation of the freedom of speech. In the wrong hands, the freedom of speech becomes a tool for hate, threats, violence, and deviant behavior such as pedophilia.
Therefore, I'd like to propose the institution of the following "common sense" regulations to put a stop to the misuse of our first, and most precious right. These regulations are penned with the greater good in mind! If it saves just ONE life, it will be worth it.
The following regulations will refer to printed materials, published materials, materials placed on web logs or "blogs", web forums, web sites, chat rooms, and all other forms of digital and physical media availability. Hereafter referred to as "posts."
Carry: Carrying materials in the form of physical media such as pamphlets, posters, or notices, or in digital media such as portable flash memory cards, hard drives, or laptops, must be approved by the Sheriff of the county in which the proposed carrier of this information resides. Permits shall be issues on a "may issue" basis, and may be revoked at the Sheriff's discretion with no explanation required. Pamphlets and posters have been known to incite riots and violence and must be controlled and managed. Digital media can be transferred or copied in seconds to others who may then transfer the information to others, increasing the affected population exponentially. This rapid dissemination of information must be controlled for the safety of our population.
Assault sites: Sites which exceed regulation length, size, breadth of information, or approved content limits will be classified as "Assault Sites." In the past "blogs" have contained a preponderance of information and many varying topics. Limits will control the amount of people who view a post or "blog", and word limits for the amount of information being made available. Limits will also control the offensive appearance of these sites, while these appearances don't affect the content or ability of the site, they serve only to strike fear into readers. There is no reason anyone but professionals should have control over this much information potentially available to our children. If you want an "Assault site", join the reporter corp.
Automatic operation: Various tools allow the reproduction of rapid amounts of information in milliseconds. Tools such as "copy" and "paste", which are likely available on your computer at home and therefore available to our children, allow the high-speed reproduction of information. These tools endow too much power to disseminate copious amounts of information at a "rapid-fire" pace. This kind of speed of publishing has no legitimate civilian use, and should be left to the professionals.
Manufacturing: There are various free and pay publishing tools available on-line. These tools allow the average citizen to publish content. These tools will be controlled and regulated through legislation. Because these tools will be under control, and managed for content based on these rules, people will not be allowed to manufacture or program their own publishing tools. If left unchecked, people could create tools beyond our control, and subvert the common sense regulations imposed on this new media.
Filter bypass ("cop killer") posts: These posts subvert, bypass, and "kill" filters that protect our children from objectionable content. These posts are defined as any post which uses misleading language or implies subject matter or topics it may not directly address. These sites are made to attack our children, and must be stopped. I realize there will be an issue positively determining which sites are attempting to subvert any filters of blocking mechanisms, so there will be some inadvertent violations. These site owners are required to maintain a clear understanding of the laws, and make their content obviously obvious.
Penalty: Any site owners or content providers found in violation of these rules will be brought on felony charges of "Conspiracy to disseminate subversive information." This charge will carry a minimum 3 years and a maximum 30 years in federal prison.
Conclusion: No one loves and appreciates the freedom of speech more than I, which is why I know these laws and regulations are necessary for the preservation of our union. We must think of the children! I know that some will argue that these rules and regulations destroy the freedom of speech, and are open to abuse. To them I say: If you've done nothing wrong; you've nothing to hide.
For those of you unaware, I modeled these idiotic laws after the laws gun owners must already deal with, laws similar to these are already on the books and being enforced. Now that I finish it, I'm a little hesitant to post it. It just seems TOO plausible to me. I'd be more afraid our betters would think my (sad, sad) satire was a great idea, but then I remind myself that as far as they know, the Internet is a series of tubes. (speaking of tubes, net neutrality would make some real strides toward the fictional goals I outlined in this satire. Scary, eh?)
While I'm on the topic, I feel compelled to remind everyone that our rights are not granted by the bill of rights, they are ENUMERATED. It's like saying you have the right to a blue sky. If you revoke the blue sky amendment, the sky will still be blue. The bill of rights doesn't allow us to have our rights, it just reminds everyone that we are endowed by our creator with these inalienable rights.
Unintended Consequences
I'd heard mention of this book for a few months, and decided it warranted further investigation... Then forgot about it. Weeks later, someone on one of the boards brought up the book again, and everyone echoed that it was a must read for any gun owner. I did a little more research, and found that the ATF tried to intimidate publishers (among other things) to stop the book. Now, I was REALLY interested. I looked at the huge book, and wondered if it was going to join the ranks of so many other books with dog-eared bookmarks on a page number usually under 100.
I looked at the first page, and began my marathon of reading. It was hard to put the book down, and on the last couple hundred pages it was impossible I actually called in sick to finish it. Yeah. That's right. I know everyone likes to say that a book was "hard to put down" but I'm an extremely jaded reader, and have little tolerance for things that waste my time. Even if I like a book a lot, I'll still stop to do things like eat, answer the phone, or save orphans from burning buildings. Such was not the case with this book. (pooooor little Timmy)
I'm the last person who would review a book. I don't like reading books for extended periods of time because I don't have a good reading position that lets me read for more than 20 minutes without giving me a neck ache for the rest of the day. I don't see the value in reading "stories" about things that do not obviously help me with my life or my immediate concerns. When I do read, I usually read reference books, and would regularly shift myself into odd positions on the couch to figure out a way to allow me to continue reading without killing my neck, and continually adjust the light to keep from tiring my eyes.
Even though I had all those things against me, I had extreme difficulty stepping away from this book.
So what exactly made this book so amazing? I'm not sure. It's a mixture of history, anger, outrage, humor, astonishment, thrills, and (of course) guns. The book begins retelling history. The author admits that while the history isn't 100% accurate, it's as accurate as he can make it. He talks about the origins of gun control and the incrimentalism that brought us to the laws we see today. The book is fiction, but the history is accurate. It deals with court rulings, and specific cases that have resulted in the progress of gun control. Along the way, history is developed for the fictional characters who will play important roles in the rest of the book. Once all the history is set, we find ourselves in the present day, this is where most of the action takes place. This is where the ATF gets mad.
(Mild spoilers ahoy!) Our hero repels some ninjafied attackers from his friend's property, only to find they were federal agents of the F-troop (that's the ATF, I was going to hyperlink "f-troop" to the ATF's website, but since my site would show up on the reference, I was afraid they'd find me, blow up my house, shoot my children in the back, shoot my wife in the face while she nursed our child, unload an mp5 at me from a van as I stand unarmed on my porch holding my baby daughter, apply liberal amounts of "tear" gas then incendiary grenades, attack me without identifying themselves, shoot each other, tear my house apart and say "oops, lolz" and leave, raid and shoot me due to a paperwork error on their part, stomp my cat to death, shoot my dog, laugh about it, execute a ninjified no-knock raid without checking the address first, burn my house down, fire automatic weapons at my house from helicopter gunships, "return fire" preemptively, then "find" evidence that I'm a polygamist pedophile spy who deals guns to terrorists and coke to babies while setting puppies on fire and not rewinding videos before I return them) (seriously, I would do it as an "FU", but I know their record with people who say "FU" to them) (anyways, back to the story!) Our hero decides that he's finally tired of what the ATF is doing to people, and begins the process of inciting the second civil war. Fought to regain the rights of the amendment that protects all the others.
Most of the book is history, but it's told though fictionalized character which keeps the drama and excitement levels high. I really don't want you to roll your eyes when I say "history" it's extremely well written (unlike other "gunnie" books), and that makes the pages fly by. I was surprised when the story got started that I'd gotten so far though the book on just history.
The story from "present day" on is non-stop action and thrills, I'd recommend stopping once you get there if you have things to do that day (or the next day depending on the time), and returning once you have a big enough block of time to finish.
This isn't exactly "light fiction." This book deals with some very serious issues that we face in America today. This book deals with the beginning and end of a violent civil war, and the overthrowing of some systems of government. This is truly an important book. (in my humble opinion :)
If you're a gunny, this book will run you through the gamut of emotions. You'll be seeing red one minute, and cheering the next, it's really quite an amazing book. This book is also important for reasons I won't go into publicly. If you're a GFW, this book will have you pegged at "fear and five eighths"; it will scare the heck out of you. (if that isn't a promotion for gunnies, I don't know what is!)
Unintended Consequences truly is required reading for gun owners, and for people who take their liberty and freedoms seriously. (I know I just said "required reading" and I mean it. THIS MEANS YOU!) (No, seriously, buy it now!) (WHY ARE YOU STILL READING?!)
Unintended Consequences is again available on Amazon. If the book was $100, I'd still buy it in a heartbeat. In fact, I'm thinking of buying two in case the ATF burns one of them.
I looked at the first page, and began my marathon of reading. It was hard to put the book down, and on the last couple hundred pages it was impossible I actually called in sick to finish it. Yeah. That's right. I know everyone likes to say that a book was "hard to put down" but I'm an extremely jaded reader, and have little tolerance for things that waste my time. Even if I like a book a lot, I'll still stop to do things like eat, answer the phone, or save orphans from burning buildings. Such was not the case with this book. (pooooor little Timmy)
I'm the last person who would review a book. I don't like reading books for extended periods of time because I don't have a good reading position that lets me read for more than 20 minutes without giving me a neck ache for the rest of the day. I don't see the value in reading "stories" about things that do not obviously help me with my life or my immediate concerns. When I do read, I usually read reference books, and would regularly shift myself into odd positions on the couch to figure out a way to allow me to continue reading without killing my neck, and continually adjust the light to keep from tiring my eyes.
Even though I had all those things against me, I had extreme difficulty stepping away from this book.
So what exactly made this book so amazing? I'm not sure. It's a mixture of history, anger, outrage, humor, astonishment, thrills, and (of course) guns. The book begins retelling history. The author admits that while the history isn't 100% accurate, it's as accurate as he can make it. He talks about the origins of gun control and the incrimentalism that brought us to the laws we see today. The book is fiction, but the history is accurate. It deals with court rulings, and specific cases that have resulted in the progress of gun control. Along the way, history is developed for the fictional characters who will play important roles in the rest of the book. Once all the history is set, we find ourselves in the present day, this is where most of the action takes place. This is where the ATF gets mad.
(Mild spoilers ahoy!) Our hero repels some ninjafied attackers from his friend's property, only to find they were federal agents of the F-troop (that's the ATF, I was going to hyperlink "f-troop" to the ATF's website, but since my site would show up on the reference, I was afraid they'd find me, blow up my house, shoot my children in the back, shoot my wife in the face while she nursed our child, unload an mp5 at me from a van as I stand unarmed on my porch holding my baby daughter, apply liberal amounts of "tear" gas then incendiary grenades, attack me without identifying themselves, shoot each other, tear my house apart and say "oops, lolz" and leave, raid and shoot me due to a paperwork error on their part, stomp my cat to death, shoot my dog, laugh about it, execute a ninjified no-knock raid without checking the address first, burn my house down, fire automatic weapons at my house from helicopter gunships, "return fire" preemptively, then "find" evidence that I'm a polygamist pedophile spy who deals guns to terrorists and coke to babies while setting puppies on fire and not rewinding videos before I return them) (seriously, I would do it as an "FU", but I know their record with people who say "FU" to them) (anyways, back to the story!) Our hero decides that he's finally tired of what the ATF is doing to people, and begins the process of inciting the second civil war. Fought to regain the rights of the amendment that protects all the others.
Most of the book is history, but it's told though fictionalized character which keeps the drama and excitement levels high. I really don't want you to roll your eyes when I say "history" it's extremely well written (unlike other "gunnie" books), and that makes the pages fly by. I was surprised when the story got started that I'd gotten so far though the book on just history.
The story from "present day" on is non-stop action and thrills, I'd recommend stopping once you get there if you have things to do that day (or the next day depending on the time), and returning once you have a big enough block of time to finish.
This isn't exactly "light fiction." This book deals with some very serious issues that we face in America today. This book deals with the beginning and end of a violent civil war, and the overthrowing of some systems of government. This is truly an important book. (in my humble opinion :)
If you're a gunny, this book will run you through the gamut of emotions. You'll be seeing red one minute, and cheering the next, it's really quite an amazing book. This book is also important for reasons I won't go into publicly. If you're a GFW, this book will have you pegged at "fear and five eighths"; it will scare the heck out of you. (if that isn't a promotion for gunnies, I don't know what is!)
Unintended Consequences truly is required reading for gun owners, and for people who take their liberty and freedoms seriously. (I know I just said "required reading" and I mean it. THIS MEANS YOU!) (No, seriously, buy it now!) (WHY ARE YOU STILL READING?!)
Unintended Consequences is again available on Amazon. If the book was $100, I'd still buy it in a heartbeat. In fact, I'm thinking of buying two in case the ATF burns one of them.
Lunch with a Sheepdog
I set a lunch with an old neighbor because my dad suggested he might be a good person to talk to about a letter of recommendation for my CCW permit. I wanted to talk to him about why I chose to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon, but he started talking about entrepreneurialism. I've been pondering this topic for some time, so all his input was more than welcome.
When we got around to talking about the permit, he asked me why I wanted the permit. I told him that I knew that the police couldn't be everywhere, and that when it came down to it; the person in charge of protecting my loved ones and myself was me.
"So, you're looking to take a more 'active' role."
(Uh oh, we're into that omnipresent gray area. I know he takes a pretty active role, but he doesn't use a gun. Better make sure we're on the same page before I come off as a PDwannabe)
"Well, I don't plan on being a vigilante if that's what you're asking."
"Oh no, you misunderstand me. I mean... If you're unarmed, and you see a woman getting beat up in an alley by two men, what do you do?"
"I grab the arm of the nearest person, tell then to call 911, and haul ass over to stop them."
"'Stop them'... you could be seriously injured or killed doing that"
"I decided a long time ago that I would never be one of those people who stands there and watches someone get killed or seriously injured. There's a quote that I heard, 'All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing' it really kind of changed the way I think about myself. I'll never do nothing."
"Good. You've really thought this through."
"It's an important decision."
Once we were clear of the vigilante/PDwannabe/mall ninja/sheepdog hurdle, we understood each other and were able to talk about sheepdoggery more freely. (it is kind of an odd topic in Kalifornia where it is thought that the police save everyone instantly and are faultless) He's a big guy, and is not afraid to get in peoples' faces, he also is very well connected to the police department, and has several personal cell numbers of cops who work in the area. Whenever he sees something going on, he calls someone who's on duty, and they're there in minutes. No 911, no busy signal, no waiting, no triage. He also actively maintains these relationships and is careful not to misuse them. He admits that he very rarely is "active" and usually relies on passive avenues of ascertaining threats and diffusing situations (having already placed his phone call). He also has a rule that he'll never "go active" when with loved ones. He confided that he had once sent his wife away on a false alarm. "That was tense. It was the only time I wished I'd had a gun."
I picked up a lot of logistical sheepdog info from him. Everyone wants to talk about how you act and what you do when the time comes to stand out from the sheep, but no one talks about how you get through the days when nothing happens, and you have to deal with the sheep who regard you as they would a wolf.
Definitely an interesting discussion.
When we got around to talking about the permit, he asked me why I wanted the permit. I told him that I knew that the police couldn't be everywhere, and that when it came down to it; the person in charge of protecting my loved ones and myself was me.
"So, you're looking to take a more 'active' role."
(Uh oh, we're into that omnipresent gray area. I know he takes a pretty active role, but he doesn't use a gun. Better make sure we're on the same page before I come off as a PDwannabe)
"Well, I don't plan on being a vigilante if that's what you're asking."
"Oh no, you misunderstand me. I mean... If you're unarmed, and you see a woman getting beat up in an alley by two men, what do you do?"
"I grab the arm of the nearest person, tell then to call 911, and haul ass over to stop them."
"'Stop them'... you could be seriously injured or killed doing that"
"I decided a long time ago that I would never be one of those people who stands there and watches someone get killed or seriously injured. There's a quote that I heard, 'All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing' it really kind of changed the way I think about myself. I'll never do nothing."
"Good. You've really thought this through."
"It's an important decision."
Once we were clear of the vigilante/PDwannabe/mall ninja/sheepdog hurdle, we understood each other and were able to talk about sheepdoggery more freely. (it is kind of an odd topic in Kalifornia where it is thought that the police save everyone instantly and are faultless) He's a big guy, and is not afraid to get in peoples' faces, he also is very well connected to the police department, and has several personal cell numbers of cops who work in the area. Whenever he sees something going on, he calls someone who's on duty, and they're there in minutes. No 911, no busy signal, no waiting, no triage. He also actively maintains these relationships and is careful not to misuse them. He admits that he very rarely is "active" and usually relies on passive avenues of ascertaining threats and diffusing situations (having already placed his phone call). He also has a rule that he'll never "go active" when with loved ones. He confided that he had once sent his wife away on a false alarm. "That was tense. It was the only time I wished I'd had a gun."
I picked up a lot of logistical sheepdog info from him. Everyone wants to talk about how you act and what you do when the time comes to stand out from the sheep, but no one talks about how you get through the days when nothing happens, and you have to deal with the sheep who regard you as they would a wolf.
Definitely an interesting discussion.
Spotting
I decided to break from my usual cardio routine and do a little lifting. I haven't lifted in a very long time, but I wan't overly concerned with being overly strong.
The way I lift is, I try to destroy myself. I lift until I can't lift any more (literally, the bar won't move) for two sets, and then on the last set I go till I can't go any more, then I ask for a spot and do two more. These last two usually have very little influence from me, but I still try. This type of lifting causes very good results for me.
I didn't want to bulk up any more, so I decided I'd just tone. I bench pressed for four sets, and gradually lowered the weight until I was straining to lift the empty bar.
I was closing in on my last few when I realized I had no one to spot me. I looked around, and spotted a few guys, but only one was close enough to hear me. He was one of those guys ubiquitous to weight rooms, short but big, wearing a beanie-cap North by North-West at a forward cant, with slight yaw, walking in slow motion while bobbing his head, exagerating his lifting grunt, and constantly looking around to see if anyone is "chekin' he aouttt".
I'm a little hesitant of asking this guy, but I figure we're still in a weight room, and you would just turn down someone asking for help.
"Hey, give me a spot?"
*looks at me incredulously* "Psssh." *smiles*
"Naw, really, spot for my last two?"
"Ha." *bobs his head, and turns away*
(is this guy "too sexy for his spot?")
"I'm not kiddin', c'mon, gimme a spot."
"Pssssh. Ask a woman." *gets up, and takes a slow, exagerated walk away*
"Ooooh-kay..."
The way I lift is, I try to destroy myself. I lift until I can't lift any more (literally, the bar won't move) for two sets, and then on the last set I go till I can't go any more, then I ask for a spot and do two more. These last two usually have very little influence from me, but I still try. This type of lifting causes very good results for me.
I didn't want to bulk up any more, so I decided I'd just tone. I bench pressed for four sets, and gradually lowered the weight until I was straining to lift the empty bar.
I was closing in on my last few when I realized I had no one to spot me. I looked around, and spotted a few guys, but only one was close enough to hear me. He was one of those guys ubiquitous to weight rooms, short but big, wearing a beanie-cap North by North-West at a forward cant, with slight yaw, walking in slow motion while bobbing his head, exagerating his lifting grunt, and constantly looking around to see if anyone is "chekin' he aouttt".
I'm a little hesitant of asking this guy, but I figure we're still in a weight room, and you would just turn down someone asking for help.
"Hey, give me a spot?"
*looks at me incredulously* "Psssh." *smiles*
"Naw, really, spot for my last two?"
"Ha." *bobs his head, and turns away*
(is this guy "too sexy for his spot?")
"I'm not kiddin', c'mon, gimme a spot."
"Pssssh. Ask a woman." *gets up, and takes a slow, exagerated walk away*
"Ooooh-kay..."
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Spyderco vs CRKT
I like Benchmade. I like Benchmade for many reasons.
But why should I like CRKT over Spyderco? CRKT is obviously a lower grade than Spyderco...
Spyderco is obviously a quality manufacturer, they use quality materials, and seem to have a quality design. They like their design. A lot. A whole lot. Excessively. Sure they change the blade style slightly from time to time, and the offer full, partial, or no serrations... Yeah. But they've introduced some interesting designs... Like a small metal one, a small metal one with a defined grip curve, a small... pointy one... erm... Paw prints? The obligatory Resq-u knife. Something wavy. Something... er... whatever. I-can't-believe-it's-not-Ambush. But for the most part it's really just more of the same over and over again. Little tweaks here and there. A few extra lines. Like I said; it's quality hardware... It's just really uninspired. Just because you've bought the best paints doesn't mean you'll create a masterpiece, or that you won't just paint the same bowl of fruit over and over again. Not to say that the fruit bowl isn't a good painting, it's just that some people don't like fruit.
My Spyderco Ladybug deals with friction, sweat, heat, and pressure all day and asks for more. I trust it, and it's earning my respect; but that doesn't mean that I like it.
Looking at their line I see little variety, and extremely limited evolution. In fact, the only evolution I can see is the initial implementation of the choil (which I really like, by the way). Then I see a more innovative grip design in the Manix. Then I see a stronger blade design, and a more accentuated grip in the Native. Then I see the Native III with a strong blade attached to a grip that looks like it was made to actually fit a human hand. The Native III is a very functional utility blade, high-quality materials, a properly fitting grip, and a choil feature for added control. But it seems to have something that the other models don't. Is it heart? Is it creativity? Is it a flair for utility? I don't know, but they've made a good knife. It's different from what they've done before. And they know it. That's probably why they're prominently displaying on the front page of their site. I want a Native III.
While Spyderco slowly realizes that there's more to the knife world than a big, round hole, serrations, and thin grips, CRKT, a lesser knife company by most standards was doing some interesting things, some new things, and some old things with their own flair added. CRKT wasn't hung up on bringing the consumer the latest-and-greatest steel which only marginally outperforms its predecessor (which only marginally outperformed its predecessor), they were more concerned with design. Designs with purpose, designs that were new, designs that were classic, designs that were interesting, designs that were different, designs that were particular, designs that were useful, designs that were concealable, and designs that were innovative. And for less green than Spyderco. Much less. Am I afraid my CRKT is going to fall apart in my hands? No. I've mistreated my m16 (not terribly, of course), and have yet to see anything but quality from CRKT. And I've certainly yet to see anything of competing functionality from Spyderco. Does that mean I'm buying "junk" knives because I'm cheap? No. But when Spyderco comes out with a bear claw for half of what they usually charge for their knives I'll happily trot into the knife shop, and buy it. Until then; I'll be content using knives that specifically fit the purpose I'm using them for, and will lovingly give my "junky" knives a few passes of the sharpener, and continue using them with confidence.
But why should I like CRKT over Spyderco? CRKT is obviously a lower grade than Spyderco...
Spyderco is obviously a quality manufacturer, they use quality materials, and seem to have a quality design. They like their design. A lot. A whole lot. Excessively. Sure they change the blade style slightly from time to time, and the offer full, partial, or no serrations... Yeah. But they've introduced some interesting designs... Like a small metal one, a small metal one with a defined grip curve, a small... pointy one... erm... Paw prints? The obligatory Resq-u knife. Something wavy. Something... er... whatever. I-can't-believe-it's-not-Ambush. But for the most part it's really just more of the same over and over again. Little tweaks here and there. A few extra lines. Like I said; it's quality hardware... It's just really uninspired. Just because you've bought the best paints doesn't mean you'll create a masterpiece, or that you won't just paint the same bowl of fruit over and over again. Not to say that the fruit bowl isn't a good painting, it's just that some people don't like fruit.
My Spyderco Ladybug deals with friction, sweat, heat, and pressure all day and asks for more. I trust it, and it's earning my respect; but that doesn't mean that I like it.
Looking at their line I see little variety, and extremely limited evolution. In fact, the only evolution I can see is the initial implementation of the choil (which I really like, by the way). Then I see a more innovative grip design in the Manix. Then I see a stronger blade design, and a more accentuated grip in the Native. Then I see the Native III with a strong blade attached to a grip that looks like it was made to actually fit a human hand. The Native III is a very functional utility blade, high-quality materials, a properly fitting grip, and a choil feature for added control. But it seems to have something that the other models don't. Is it heart? Is it creativity? Is it a flair for utility? I don't know, but they've made a good knife. It's different from what they've done before. And they know it. That's probably why they're prominently displaying on the front page of their site. I want a Native III.
While Spyderco slowly realizes that there's more to the knife world than a big, round hole, serrations, and thin grips, CRKT, a lesser knife company by most standards was doing some interesting things, some new things, and some old things with their own flair added. CRKT wasn't hung up on bringing the consumer the latest-and-greatest steel which only marginally outperforms its predecessor (which only marginally outperformed its predecessor), they were more concerned with design. Designs with purpose, designs that were new, designs that were classic, designs that were interesting, designs that were different, designs that were particular, designs that were useful, designs that were concealable, and designs that were innovative. And for less green than Spyderco. Much less. Am I afraid my CRKT is going to fall apart in my hands? No. I've mistreated my m16 (not terribly, of course), and have yet to see anything but quality from CRKT. And I've certainly yet to see anything of competing functionality from Spyderco. Does that mean I'm buying "junk" knives because I'm cheap? No. But when Spyderco comes out with a bear claw for half of what they usually charge for their knives I'll happily trot into the knife shop, and buy it. Until then; I'll be content using knives that specifically fit the purpose I'm using them for, and will lovingly give my "junky" knives a few passes of the sharpener, and continue using them with confidence.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
The return of Maddox!!!
Maddox is back, and he's kicking babies and punching hippies!
One thing PC users can do that Mac users can't
(It ain't right clicking)
One thing PC users can do that Mac users can't
(It ain't right clicking)
Monday, March 05, 2007
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Saturday, March 03, 2007
OMGHOWITSMADESPRINGS!!!1
Ok, I have no idea why I love How it's Made on the Science Channel. The music sucks, the narrator's voice is boring and near-monotone, there's very little "showmanship", it basically has all the makings of a show no one would watch voluntarily.
And yet...
For some boring reason...
I love this show.
It just shows how odd things are made (obviously). The first episode I saw, which also was my most favorite, showed how springs were made. It was awesome.
At first I thought it was seeing all the crazy automated machinery, but I also enjoyed watching some dude make a kayak... It's weird... But I like it.
And yet...
For some boring reason...
I love this show.
It just shows how odd things are made (obviously). The first episode I saw, which also was my most favorite, showed how springs were made. It was awesome.
At first I thought it was seeing all the crazy automated machinery, but I also enjoyed watching some dude make a kayak... It's weird... But I like it.
Friday, March 02, 2007
On Spyderco
My brother-in-law's birthday party was last night and I'd planned on getting him a nice knife. I knew he usually carried Spydercos (he's an electrician), but I wanted to get him a knife that was... you know; nice. Now, before Josh starts yelling, this was BEFORE our Spyderco challenge, and before I had considered taking Spydercos seriously. Since I realized that there might be something about Spyderco, I called my sister to see if he always used Spydercos for a particular reason. She said she thought he liked them because his dad always used them, but wasn't sure. I told her I'd like to take him to the knife shop, and get him whatever he wants, but I was afraid he'd worry about price; she though it'd be fine so I'll do that.
At the party I found some friends of his talking about guns and took part in the conversation regarding legalities of OLLs, and other possibly illegal guns. The guy was an EMT, and had a slew of unregistered guns. It reminded me that many in California simply don't care or worry about the Assault Weapon laws. We needed to pick up the food so she suggested I go with the EMT as an extra set of hands. When we got to his car, I asked him what he did, and when he said he was an EMT, I asked him what knife he carried; SOG Flash 2. Assisted opening, one sided slider lock, partially sarrated, and obviously well used.
"SOG Flash... Looks like you use it too!"
"Yeah, I like it. The assisted opening is nice."
"Benchmade 940. My EDC."
"Hey, I like Benchmade... *opens* Niiiiice!"
"And...! *reach* Spyderco ladybug at 6 o'clock on my waistband. Added the clip myself."
"Nice! That's cool!"
*talk about different brands, vendors, and models we like*
(this guy knows his stuff, why don't I ask him...)
"Hey; what do you think about Spyderco?"
"I like 'em."
"... Why?"
"Well... Actually, I don't own one."
"...Uh huh..."
"But I do like some of their stuff... Like the Spyderfly... And... There was another one..."
"The native?"
"Yeah! The native... I guess I just know a lot of people with them. They seem alright."
Hmmm... Later I asked my brother-in-law why he liked Spyderco and he said that he just got them because he always has. When I told him I was planning on getting him a Griptilian, but I wanted him to pick something from the knife shop. He perked up when I mentioned the Griptilian so, maybe he's not really that married to Spyderco.
Just some more opinions to throw on the pile...
At the party I found some friends of his talking about guns and took part in the conversation regarding legalities of OLLs, and other possibly illegal guns. The guy was an EMT, and had a slew of unregistered guns. It reminded me that many in California simply don't care or worry about the Assault Weapon laws. We needed to pick up the food so she suggested I go with the EMT as an extra set of hands. When we got to his car, I asked him what he did, and when he said he was an EMT, I asked him what knife he carried; SOG Flash 2. Assisted opening, one sided slider lock, partially sarrated, and obviously well used.
"SOG Flash... Looks like you use it too!"
"Yeah, I like it. The assisted opening is nice."
"Benchmade 940. My EDC."
"Hey, I like Benchmade... *opens* Niiiiice!"
"And...! *reach* Spyderco ladybug at 6 o'clock on my waistband. Added the clip myself."
"Nice! That's cool!"
*talk about different brands, vendors, and models we like*
(this guy knows his stuff, why don't I ask him...)
"Hey; what do you think about Spyderco?"
"I like 'em."
"... Why?"
"Well... Actually, I don't own one."
"...Uh huh..."
"But I do like some of their stuff... Like the Spyderfly... And... There was another one..."
"The native?"
"Yeah! The native... I guess I just know a lot of people with them. They seem alright."
Hmmm... Later I asked my brother-in-law why he liked Spyderco and he said that he just got them because he always has. When I told him I was planning on getting him a Griptilian, but I wanted him to pick something from the knife shop. He perked up when I mentioned the Griptilian so, maybe he's not really that married to Spyderco.
Just some more opinions to throw on the pile...
Thursday, March 01, 2007
But I live in a Good Neighborhood! Part 6
Tagger allegedly stabs ex-deputy
Close to home...
No, seriously! I used to live on this block when I was a kid! I'd ride my skate board to that PetCo to buy crickets for my lizard! And my dad's a deputy...
REAL close to home...
Close to home...
No, seriously! I used to live on this block when I was a kid! I'd ride my skate board to that PetCo to buy crickets for my lizard! And my dad's a deputy...
REAL close to home...
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