Ava lounging around with her dear friend Henry J Beachballington in the background.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The SKS slimline clip carrier
After purchasing my new sewing machine Fully-Automatic Tactical Thread Delivery Device, I wasted no time assembling something I'd been thinking about for a while.
A few hours later, I had a prototype.
I keep my SKS ready as a trunk gun, and had difficulty thinking of a way to keep some stripper clips easily available for carry should I ever to grab it. Kind of a grab and go clip carrier.
I'm thinking about adding something like a belt clip. The tight fit is alright for holding the stripper clips in place with light jostling, but anything more and the clips fly free. I'm trying to think of a simple retention device for them that doesn't get in the way or add too much bulk.
Next project is the three level messenger bag. A messenger bag designed for carrying a pistol at three different levels of concealment/readiness. At high readiness, the pistol would be exposed and ready for draw, and an outer pocket would expand into rifle mag pockets and a dump pouch. Also, it would clean your room and walk your dog. I will entertain suggestions on this project.
A few hours later, I had a prototype.
I keep my SKS ready as a trunk gun, and had difficulty thinking of a way to keep some stripper clips easily available for carry should I ever to grab it. Kind of a grab and go clip carrier.
I'm thinking about adding something like a belt clip. The tight fit is alright for holding the stripper clips in place with light jostling, but anything more and the clips fly free. I'm trying to think of a simple retention device for them that doesn't get in the way or add too much bulk.
Next project is the three level messenger bag. A messenger bag designed for carrying a pistol at three different levels of concealment/readiness. At high readiness, the pistol would be exposed and ready for draw, and an outer pocket would expand into rifle mag pockets and a dump pouch. Also, it would clean your room and walk your dog. I will entertain suggestions on this project.
Trust in Americans
I was over at The Armed Canadian's blog reading a post he has up. I started writing this in the comment section, but it got too big. So here it is.
First and foremost;
Trust that things always get worse before they get better.
Americans can be faulted for being complacent. In fact; Americans could actually be called dense. We'll sit back in our comfy chairs, and see the nastiness taking place in our government, and say; "Oh yeah? Well, just wait until you guys do something really bad." I guess you could say we're slow to anger. :) But when someone comes into our home and says, "Hey. Get up. It's time to report to your mandatory community service." Trust in Americans to go from zero to enraged in no time flat. It may take quite a bit to piss us off, but when the pinch makes its way down to the everyday folks, there's going to be hell to pay. Just because it's been so long since we've felt that pinch doesn't mean we'll react any differently.
Trust in Americans to be cynical about government.
Approval ratings for the government as a whole are abysmally low. No, they're not low; they're in the gutter. Americans have not been happy with how the country has been run. Is it any wonder why a political nobody was able to win the presidency with little more than a promise of unqualified change, and vague hope? Approval ratings remain low, but expectations are incredibly high-- extremely high-- impossibly high. The honeymoon will end, maybe sooner, maybe later, but it will end. When it does; people are going to be pissed. When someone says they can put a camel through the eye of a needle a lot of people may clap and applaud, but one of those people is going to go find a camel and a needle, hand them over, and stare expectantly. Americans have given Obama his camel and his needle, and much of the audience is still optimistic, but we know what the outcome must be.
Trust in Americans to get angry.
When Americans get angry, they vote no. We see it in California. People look at the ballot, read the words "spend" or "borrow" and vote no. Frankly, almost to a fault. But the point remains; Americans will get angry. Expect the "flush congress" movement to gain momentum, and trust Americans to start voting out incumbents simply because they're incumbents. Expect republicans and democrats to come together as citizens, and march against politicians. The madder Americans get; the louder Americans get. Expect things to get loud. Expect the fairweather socialists to turn very quickly and harshly. It's hard to say "Trust in Obama" when your government rent check is a month late, or your food stamps are up for review.
Trust in Americans to be fickle when they are promised more than can possibly be delivered.
Even in liberal liberal California, everyone got pissed off enough to recall Gray Davis for his stupidity. We may have lost that anger after we won that fight, but the anger was there. It hung in the air for months prior to the election. We just have to make sure people get pissed off at the right time, and come down like a ton of bricks on something that matters. We may be in danger of building the momentum, and wasting it on something inconsequential. If you want to rile up Americans screw with their lives. Trust the federal government to reach into the lives of Americans with promises of free health care and cheap loans. Trust the federal government to fail to deliver those services. Trust Americans to feel cheated, and strike back with their votes. Trust Americans to become very politically active when they realize federal politics do, indeed, affect them.
Trust in American politicians to see the light when they feel the heat.
I think there are very few politicians who don't worry about being reelected. I also think there is little politicians won't do if they really feel their reelection hangs in the balance. Most politicians today are husks. They have no morals, no principals, and no deeply held beliefs. They have inclinations, and they have self preservation. If there is no fear, they will vote with their inclination, but if there is fear from the party or from the people, they will vote to save their own skins. They're simple like that. I think the only way a new federal AWB will pass is if they get enough supporters to do a voice vote so they won't be held specifically accountable. But even if that happens, Americans aren't going to just let it go; they're going to return with a chainsaw, and cut down every tree they see. Good, bad, and indifferent. Americans are like that.
Trust in Americans not to be Europeans.
This is not a socialist country yet. We haven't brought up our kids to tolerate failure from our leaders. When things don't go our way, we don't simply shrug and mumble into our beer. WE FIGHT! One of the things other nations hate about Americans is our can-do spirit. We don't like to lose, and we certainly aren't going to lose because elitist assholes in a big building thousands of miles away are too busy blowing hot air to do something about it!The states are not 100% dependent upon the fedgov yet, if things get really bad, trust state governments to start ignoring the those windbags. We have the infrastructure for autonomy. Besides; what incentive will the states have to hang around when the free money runs out? Uncle Sugar isn't very bright, and isn't very nice, but he buys a lot of friends with his printing presses. Don't expect them to hang around when he runs out of ink.
Lastly;
Trust in Americans to buy more guns.
Americans buy guns. It's just what we do. Americans from all walks of life go to gun shops, and buy and sell guns. Don't worry about it; celebrate it. Celebrate that when California passed their state Assault Weapons Ban, the registration rate was estimated at 1%. Trust that 99% of every gun that is bought will have to be taken by force. Diane Feinstein can pontificate, "If I could have said Mr. and Mrs. America, turn them all in, I would have", but it's the implementation where the government never fails to fall flat on its face. How many police officers will an agency have to lose to confiscation sweeps before they refuse to continue? I assure you; the number is VERY low. Trust that in some dark room in a bunker deep under Washington DC, the secret leaders of the Democrat party are laughing their asses off at someone who just suggested confiscating guns. Every time a law abiding American buys a gun, we win just a little bit more.
First and foremost;
Trust that things always get worse before they get better.
Americans can be faulted for being complacent. In fact; Americans could actually be called dense. We'll sit back in our comfy chairs, and see the nastiness taking place in our government, and say; "Oh yeah? Well, just wait until you guys do something really bad." I guess you could say we're slow to anger. :) But when someone comes into our home and says, "Hey. Get up. It's time to report to your mandatory community service." Trust in Americans to go from zero to enraged in no time flat. It may take quite a bit to piss us off, but when the pinch makes its way down to the everyday folks, there's going to be hell to pay. Just because it's been so long since we've felt that pinch doesn't mean we'll react any differently.
Trust in Americans to be cynical about government.
Approval ratings for the government as a whole are abysmally low. No, they're not low; they're in the gutter. Americans have not been happy with how the country has been run. Is it any wonder why a political nobody was able to win the presidency with little more than a promise of unqualified change, and vague hope? Approval ratings remain low, but expectations are incredibly high-- extremely high-- impossibly high. The honeymoon will end, maybe sooner, maybe later, but it will end. When it does; people are going to be pissed. When someone says they can put a camel through the eye of a needle a lot of people may clap and applaud, but one of those people is going to go find a camel and a needle, hand them over, and stare expectantly. Americans have given Obama his camel and his needle, and much of the audience is still optimistic, but we know what the outcome must be.
Trust in Americans to get angry.
When Americans get angry, they vote no. We see it in California. People look at the ballot, read the words "spend" or "borrow" and vote no. Frankly, almost to a fault. But the point remains; Americans will get angry. Expect the "flush congress" movement to gain momentum, and trust Americans to start voting out incumbents simply because they're incumbents. Expect republicans and democrats to come together as citizens, and march against politicians. The madder Americans get; the louder Americans get. Expect things to get loud. Expect the fairweather socialists to turn very quickly and harshly. It's hard to say "Trust in Obama" when your government rent check is a month late, or your food stamps are up for review.
Trust in Americans to be fickle when they are promised more than can possibly be delivered.
Even in liberal liberal California, everyone got pissed off enough to recall Gray Davis for his stupidity. We may have lost that anger after we won that fight, but the anger was there. It hung in the air for months prior to the election. We just have to make sure people get pissed off at the right time, and come down like a ton of bricks on something that matters. We may be in danger of building the momentum, and wasting it on something inconsequential. If you want to rile up Americans screw with their lives. Trust the federal government to reach into the lives of Americans with promises of free health care and cheap loans. Trust the federal government to fail to deliver those services. Trust Americans to feel cheated, and strike back with their votes. Trust Americans to become very politically active when they realize federal politics do, indeed, affect them.
Trust in American politicians to see the light when they feel the heat.
I think there are very few politicians who don't worry about being reelected. I also think there is little politicians won't do if they really feel their reelection hangs in the balance. Most politicians today are husks. They have no morals, no principals, and no deeply held beliefs. They have inclinations, and they have self preservation. If there is no fear, they will vote with their inclination, but if there is fear from the party or from the people, they will vote to save their own skins. They're simple like that. I think the only way a new federal AWB will pass is if they get enough supporters to do a voice vote so they won't be held specifically accountable. But even if that happens, Americans aren't going to just let it go; they're going to return with a chainsaw, and cut down every tree they see. Good, bad, and indifferent. Americans are like that.
Trust in Americans not to be Europeans.
This is not a socialist country yet. We haven't brought up our kids to tolerate failure from our leaders. When things don't go our way, we don't simply shrug and mumble into our beer. WE FIGHT! One of the things other nations hate about Americans is our can-do spirit. We don't like to lose, and we certainly aren't going to lose because elitist assholes in a big building thousands of miles away are too busy blowing hot air to do something about it!The states are not 100% dependent upon the fedgov yet, if things get really bad, trust state governments to start ignoring the those windbags. We have the infrastructure for autonomy. Besides; what incentive will the states have to hang around when the free money runs out? Uncle Sugar isn't very bright, and isn't very nice, but he buys a lot of friends with his printing presses. Don't expect them to hang around when he runs out of ink.
Lastly;
Trust in Americans to buy more guns.
Americans buy guns. It's just what we do. Americans from all walks of life go to gun shops, and buy and sell guns. Don't worry about it; celebrate it. Celebrate that when California passed their state Assault Weapons Ban, the registration rate was estimated at 1%. Trust that 99% of every gun that is bought will have to be taken by force. Diane Feinstein can pontificate, "If I could have said Mr. and Mrs. America, turn them all in, I would have", but it's the implementation where the government never fails to fall flat on its face. How many police officers will an agency have to lose to confiscation sweeps before they refuse to continue? I assure you; the number is VERY low. Trust that in some dark room in a bunker deep under Washington DC, the secret leaders of the Democrat party are laughing their asses off at someone who just suggested confiscating guns. Every time a law abiding American buys a gun, we win just a little bit more.
Quote of the government
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
~Thomas Jefferson
~Thomas Jefferson
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
OC Register: Supervisors criticize sheriff over weapons permits
Supervisors criticize sheriff over weapons permits
More than 100 protesters show up at county board meeting to show anger over reversal of Carona gun policy.
Some highlights;
More than 100 protesters show up at county board meeting to show anger over reversal of Carona gun policy.
Some highlights;
Hutchens replied, "I do not view my policy to be restrictive," which triggered massive laughter from the audience.
Later that month, county supervisors questioned her and she made a misstep by saying none had yet to be revoked. She forgot to add that hundreds of residents were receiving letters advising them that their licenses would be revoked in 30 days without further good cause information.
Most of the speakers at the podium before supervisors told stories of being affected by crime, or having professions such as pilots that made them vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
Video of the BOS CCW meeting
Click here, then scroll down to board meeting date 11/18/2008. The end of the morning session was the beginning of the discussion, and the afternoon session was almost all public speakers.
I recommend you watch a bit when you get a chance, but understand that just the second half is 5 hours long.
Some points of interest in the afternoon session are at 42:30 and 1:29:30.
Hopefully this is the start of change in OC and in California.
I recommend you watch a bit when you get a chance, but understand that just the second half is 5 hours long.
Some points of interest in the afternoon session are at 42:30 and 1:29:30.
Hopefully this is the start of change in OC and in California.
Did the public school system fail me?
I didn't used to think so.
For the longest time, I took comments about the failure of the public school system with a grain of salt. "You get out of it what you put into it" I always thought. Aside from problems later in high school, I managed to learn just fine. Of course, I'm smart.
Recently I was talking to my sister, and she mentioned something I didn't know about my childhood. K through 3rd grade I was at a private school, and I never knew why we switched to a public school. Apparently it was because I was not doing my homework, and the teachers didn't care because I aced all the tests, and clearly knew the subject matter.
At first I was annoyed that they cared about homework when I would obviously know the subject matter, but then I wondered if they wanted me to do the homework to prepare me for the doldrums of working life. Later in my school career, homework became a problem for me. Not because I couldn't do it; but because I could do it.
Homework (at least in my school career) was busy work. Always. We'd learn a new topic, go over it in class, then be assigned homework to practice it until we understood it. I always understood it. The homework would be dumb repetition for the first section, then the last few problems would usually add a wrinkle to it. So I would just do the last section, understand the loops that I might be thrown, and then ace the test.
My teachers didn't care for this because it seemed to undermine their teaching style. How could I possibly learn without doing the homework? I must be cheating. They'd sit me in the corner for tests, and comment on how "lucky" I was "this time" when I got an A.
My minor annoyance with homework became a total wash when it got to showing my work. I remember arguing with teacher after teacher that I didn't have to show my work because I could do it in my head. At first they would argue that I couldn't do it in my head, and after a few demonstrations, they'd argue that I could have just copied the answers from someone else. Of course, my offer to do the homework again in front of them was always turned down.
"You have to show your work, otherwise I'm going to give you zeros for cheating."
"Why?"
"Because you can't do these in your head."
"Give me another assignment right now, and I'll do it in front of you."
"That's not the point."
"You just said that it is the point. You said you think I'm cheating because I'm not showing work. I'm saying I can prove to you that I'm not cheating. What's the problem?"
"You just have to show your work."
"Why?"
"To show you understand the material."
"How could I not understand the material if I'm offering to do it right now?!"
"If you raise your voice to me again, you'll be going to the vice principal's office!"
"Alright, I'm sorry. I'm just trying to understand why you even want me to do this busy work."
"To prove you know the material."
"But I always ace the tests! I know the material. You know I know the material. The vice principal knows I know the material. Why are you making me waste my time?"
"Homework is not a waste of time."
"But, WHY???"
"Because I say so."
There you have it. The end of my homework career.
From then on, all homework was either completed as one would pull teeth, partially completed (beginning problems to learn the topic, then last problems to learn the tricks), or ignored. Tests were still aced, and I'd happily contribute in class, but even when homework would only account for 20% of a grade, teachers would invariably resent my refusal to do homework and start marking down my tests for no homework. It all felt pointless after that.
As I thought back on all this, and remembered more each time, it occurred to me that it wasn't my fault that my homework was easy. I was part of every "gifted" program they had, but they never challenged me. (of course, now I know that the "gifted" program was adopted as an excuse for more free money that they obviously spent elsewhere, because all we did was take a test once a year) It wasn't my job to challenge myself. It was the school's job to challenge me. Instead they wanted me to conform to the lowest common denominator (which I could also do in my head), and punished me for failure to do so.
Was it really my job to challenge myself?
Should I have just conformed and done the mind-numbing busy work?
Was the busy work supposed to "prepare" me for adult life?
Meh. I'm a "no regrets" kind of guy. I did what I thought made sense. Frankly, thinking about it now, it seems to make more sense to me.
For the longest time, I took comments about the failure of the public school system with a grain of salt. "You get out of it what you put into it" I always thought. Aside from problems later in high school, I managed to learn just fine. Of course, I'm smart.
Recently I was talking to my sister, and she mentioned something I didn't know about my childhood. K through 3rd grade I was at a private school, and I never knew why we switched to a public school. Apparently it was because I was not doing my homework, and the teachers didn't care because I aced all the tests, and clearly knew the subject matter.
At first I was annoyed that they cared about homework when I would obviously know the subject matter, but then I wondered if they wanted me to do the homework to prepare me for the doldrums of working life. Later in my school career, homework became a problem for me. Not because I couldn't do it; but because I could do it.
Homework (at least in my school career) was busy work. Always. We'd learn a new topic, go over it in class, then be assigned homework to practice it until we understood it. I always understood it. The homework would be dumb repetition for the first section, then the last few problems would usually add a wrinkle to it. So I would just do the last section, understand the loops that I might be thrown, and then ace the test.
My teachers didn't care for this because it seemed to undermine their teaching style. How could I possibly learn without doing the homework? I must be cheating. They'd sit me in the corner for tests, and comment on how "lucky" I was "this time" when I got an A.
My minor annoyance with homework became a total wash when it got to showing my work. I remember arguing with teacher after teacher that I didn't have to show my work because I could do it in my head. At first they would argue that I couldn't do it in my head, and after a few demonstrations, they'd argue that I could have just copied the answers from someone else. Of course, my offer to do the homework again in front of them was always turned down.
"You have to show your work, otherwise I'm going to give you zeros for cheating."
"Why?"
"Because you can't do these in your head."
"Give me another assignment right now, and I'll do it in front of you."
"That's not the point."
"You just said that it is the point. You said you think I'm cheating because I'm not showing work. I'm saying I can prove to you that I'm not cheating. What's the problem?"
"You just have to show your work."
"Why?"
"To show you understand the material."
"How could I not understand the material if I'm offering to do it right now?!"
"If you raise your voice to me again, you'll be going to the vice principal's office!"
"Alright, I'm sorry. I'm just trying to understand why you even want me to do this busy work."
"To prove you know the material."
"But I always ace the tests! I know the material. You know I know the material. The vice principal knows I know the material. Why are you making me waste my time?"
"Homework is not a waste of time."
"But, WHY???"
"Because I say so."
There you have it. The end of my homework career.
From then on, all homework was either completed as one would pull teeth, partially completed (beginning problems to learn the topic, then last problems to learn the tricks), or ignored. Tests were still aced, and I'd happily contribute in class, but even when homework would only account for 20% of a grade, teachers would invariably resent my refusal to do homework and start marking down my tests for no homework. It all felt pointless after that.
As I thought back on all this, and remembered more each time, it occurred to me that it wasn't my fault that my homework was easy. I was part of every "gifted" program they had, but they never challenged me. (of course, now I know that the "gifted" program was adopted as an excuse for more free money that they obviously spent elsewhere, because all we did was take a test once a year) It wasn't my job to challenge myself. It was the school's job to challenge me. Instead they wanted me to conform to the lowest common denominator (which I could also do in my head), and punished me for failure to do so.
Was it really my job to challenge myself?
Should I have just conformed and done the mind-numbing busy work?
Was the busy work supposed to "prepare" me for adult life?
Meh. I'm a "no regrets" kind of guy. I did what I thought made sense. Frankly, thinking about it now, it seems to make more sense to me.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
How Obama Got Elected... Interviews with Obama Voters
Keep watching, the questions get better midway through.
live blogging oc bos meeting - its packed
0942
lots of sheriffs and police presence, main hall full. overflow almost full. ccw agenda item is last.
happened to sit down next to another ccw supporter who comes to these meetings regularly, he said he'd never seen it this packed.
1040
80 public speakers on the ccw issue. potentially 4 hours of discussion. WIN
1045
they've recommended those with other business check back at 1pm. leaving only those here for ccw. main meeting room still full, overflow about 1/3. hutchens talking now
1058
they're bringing up approving ccws but adding strictions. good
1101
doesn't look like she's enjoying the hot seat
1103
her numbers don't add up. hmmm.
1108
she says her hands are tied as to what the law is for good cause, except she has SOLE discression. bos is putting it to her.
1117
the peanut gallery is issuing light laughter at hutchens' statements. loud enough to be heard on teevee.
1140
bos has legal advisor speaking with impartial legal specialist, but legal specialist usually works for bos chairman. some supervisors didn't care for that, audience approved of the disapproval.
1155
revocation showing up on your record has been brought up. very good.
1217
the nra speaks!
I need to sign up
1236
running long, and approaching lunch, bos called for a standing vote of more lenient ccw policy, and 90% stood
1259
on lunch, just heard an unofficial count at 280. also spotted local gun shop proprietor. j&j armory will definitely get my continued business
1305
little bit of gun talk going on in the hall during lunch. surely everyone is in fear for their lives...
152
an emotional moment when a handicapped public speaker talked about his inabi ity to defend himself. a standing ovation and thunderous applause.
lots of sheriffs and police presence, main hall full. overflow almost full. ccw agenda item is last.
happened to sit down next to another ccw supporter who comes to these meetings regularly, he said he'd never seen it this packed.
1040
80 public speakers on the ccw issue. potentially 4 hours of discussion. WIN
1045
they've recommended those with other business check back at 1pm. leaving only those here for ccw. main meeting room still full, overflow about 1/3. hutchens talking now
1058
they're bringing up approving ccws but adding strictions. good
1101
doesn't look like she's enjoying the hot seat
1103
her numbers don't add up. hmmm.
1108
she says her hands are tied as to what the law is for good cause, except she has SOLE discression. bos is putting it to her.
1117
the peanut gallery is issuing light laughter at hutchens' statements. loud enough to be heard on teevee.
1140
bos has legal advisor speaking with impartial legal specialist, but legal specialist usually works for bos chairman. some supervisors didn't care for that, audience approved of the disapproval.
1155
revocation showing up on your record has been brought up. very good.
1217
the nra speaks!
I need to sign up
1236
running long, and approaching lunch, bos called for a standing vote of more lenient ccw policy, and 90% stood
1259
on lunch, just heard an unofficial count at 280. also spotted local gun shop proprietor. j&j armory will definitely get my continued business
1305
little bit of gun talk going on in the hall during lunch. surely everyone is in fear for their lives...
152
an emotional moment when a handicapped public speaker talked about his inabi ity to defend himself. a standing ovation and thunderous applause.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sitting down with first time shooters
A friend of mine had been working up the nerve (and the nerve of his wife) to buy their first gun. I, of course, offered my services, and offered to introduce them to firearms, and most of what firearm ownership involves.
This weekend was set for an introduction to handguns, and a trip to the range.
I showed up with my XD-9 (the firearm I had planned on recommending to them), and my GP100. We were going to go over the function of both, but we didn't make it to the revolver.
I began by covering the four rules of firearm safety, and we discussed why they were what they were. They already had a good idea of the rules from previous times when we'd spoken about this, so we moved on to function.
I took to heart the input of my first students, and resolved to remove Springfield XD-9's totemic handgun status, by explaining exactly how it works, and reducing it to the collection of springs, hunk of polymer, and machined steel that made up this misleadingly simple machine.
We covered basic function, and then I field stripped it, and explained how everything worked. I identified all the important parts, and explained how they work, and what they do. They were very interested in how it worked, and weren't shy about asking questions. I explained and demonstrated the safety features, and why they were in place. They both were surprised that it was so simple, yet did so much.
I explained what it would be like to shoot it, and reassured them that the human body does not want to shoot. Your nervous system wants to react when there are small explosions nearby, and you have to get your body used to shooting before you can expect to be able to use a handgun in self-defense.
I had them practice using the controls to ensure they were able to operate them. This was important specifically because one of the new shooters had limited use in one hand. I showed them how to use the sights, and they dry-fired a few times.
Because they were planning on purchasing their first firearm for defense, I talked to them about the legalities of self-defense shootings, and what they should consider and say. (especially, "I though he was going to kill me. I feared for my life. I want to speak to my lawyer) We talked about why it is inadvisable to issue a non-urgent statement to the police. If the assailant escaped, it is important the police get a description as soon as possible, but any other statements can be issued through a lawyer. Unintentional self-incrimination is very dangerous.
All in all, I'd say it was a success. People fear what they don't understand, and by reducing a handgun to a simple collection of springs and metal, I took away the fear.
We had to cut it short because of other obligations, but keep mentioning that we need to complete our discussion.
This weekend was set for an introduction to handguns, and a trip to the range.
I showed up with my XD-9 (the firearm I had planned on recommending to them), and my GP100. We were going to go over the function of both, but we didn't make it to the revolver.
I began by covering the four rules of firearm safety, and we discussed why they were what they were. They already had a good idea of the rules from previous times when we'd spoken about this, so we moved on to function.
I took to heart the input of my first students, and resolved to remove Springfield XD-9's totemic handgun status, by explaining exactly how it works, and reducing it to the collection of springs, hunk of polymer, and machined steel that made up this misleadingly simple machine.
We covered basic function, and then I field stripped it, and explained how everything worked. I identified all the important parts, and explained how they work, and what they do. They were very interested in how it worked, and weren't shy about asking questions. I explained and demonstrated the safety features, and why they were in place. They both were surprised that it was so simple, yet did so much.
I explained what it would be like to shoot it, and reassured them that the human body does not want to shoot. Your nervous system wants to react when there are small explosions nearby, and you have to get your body used to shooting before you can expect to be able to use a handgun in self-defense.
I had them practice using the controls to ensure they were able to operate them. This was important specifically because one of the new shooters had limited use in one hand. I showed them how to use the sights, and they dry-fired a few times.
Because they were planning on purchasing their first firearm for defense, I talked to them about the legalities of self-defense shootings, and what they should consider and say. (especially, "I though he was going to kill me. I feared for my life. I want to speak to my lawyer) We talked about why it is inadvisable to issue a non-urgent statement to the police. If the assailant escaped, it is important the police get a description as soon as possible, but any other statements can be issued through a lawyer. Unintentional self-incrimination is very dangerous.
All in all, I'd say it was a success. People fear what they don't understand, and by reducing a handgun to a simple collection of springs and metal, I took away the fear.
We had to cut it short because of other obligations, but keep mentioning that we need to complete our discussion.
183 miles of respect for your elders
My dad was a little cautious when he asked me if I'd be able to do two LAX airport pickups, but I was happy to oblige, because I would certainly do it for a friend, so for family I'd happily go out of my way.
There was another wrinkle, though. I would have to get to LAX on Sunday morning, pick up my grandma without getting pulled over for no front license place (my dad got pulled over three times for it on his last trip to LAX), make my way to the train station, and help her get a ticket on the right train. I don't know the LA area, LAX is confusing and problematic for me to drive in, and the train station is awkwardly located at the end of a private street that doesn't appear on any maps.
I got on Google maps, and followed the route my dad gave me to where I needed to be. He recommended I wait at a nearby bus/metro station, and have grandma get on the free shuttle to the station (something he had had her do before). I found and figured out how to get to the station. I Google wandered around where the train station should be, and then switched to satellite view, and the private road popped into view, plain as day. I fucking love Google maps.
The next morning I was waiting at the bus station when grandma called.
Grandma: Ok, I'm ready to be picked up. I think I'm at terminal 2.
Good thing I bothered to check that information, because she's actually at terminal B
Me: I was going to have you get on the free shuttle to the station, and take you from here.
GM: What do you mean?
Me: The shuttle to the green line. Dad lead me to believe you've done this before.
GM: Well... I have... But I... Your father had some books that he had to put in my bag, and I'm not comfortable getting it up the steps to the bus.
She's 80 years old, and she's my grandma. She wants me to pick her up, so I gotta pick her up. Ah, what the hell? She's forgotten more than I know right now, so she's earned whatever I can do for her. Who am I to deny her?
Me: Sure, I'll be there in a bit.
GM: Ok, thank you.
Bugger. Oh well. I'll handle the front license place ticket somehow.
As I approached LAX, I use my secret technique to avoid police attention; be dumb. I've always been a very attentive driver, and have always worried that I was going to be pulled over, despite the fact that the only thing I do is speed. For years I would get pulled over constantly, questioned, and released with a ticket. A while back, my dad (LA Sheriff) told me about a woman who always got pulled over, and opined that she always got pulled over because she always expected to get pulled over. He figured that people who expect to have encounters with the police put out a "vibe" of some kind, and it's that vibe that gives police the gut feeling they attribute to finding law breakers. I realized that for every one person the police pull over, hundreds pass by without a care in the world. These are the same people who are busy listening to music, talking on their phone, or futzing with their hair. They are not aware of their surroundings. They are dumb. So I decided to try this theory out, and whenever I saw a cop, I regarded them as I would any other car, and then return to adjusting the radio, or pretending to sing along to the song on the radio. I haven't been pulled over since.
I only mention this, because this was the ultimate test. There have been three times I've driven my dad to LAX in his front-license-plate-free car, and every time we were stopped between two and FIVE times each trip. It got to the point that we'd see the motorcycle cop perk up, then just hold up the ticket, and he'd realize we'd already been ticketed, and let us by. It was almost a joke. I was certain I'd get a ticket, but forced myself to put it out of my mind, and focused on being just another lost person, somehow confused by LAXs big easy-to-read signs. I went through a vehicle stop point, and I did three laps before I spotted her and left. No ticket.
Me: Good to see you! How was your flight?
GM: Too long. 11 hours.
Me: Yeesh...
GM: Hey, could I bribe you to take me all the way to Carlsbad?
I was eager to take some new shooters to the range, and had planned on taking them right after. I was also going to give someone a ride. Carlsbad would put me out of the way to the tune of a little under two hours. Two hours of solid driving, and talking to my grandma. I don't frequently talk to her, and really didn't expect us to have much to talk about. I expected the ride would be uncomfortable. And yet I answered before I could think.
Me: My pleasure.
I expected her to ask me to lunch, and already had an excuse prepared, but I just kept thinking about the conclusion I came to when she asked me to pick her up instead. "She's earned whatever I can do for her." I wasn't ready to decline, even if I could have easily gotten away with it. It's not like what I was going to do was incredibly important, or couldn't wait.
So we drove down to Carlsbad, and talked the entire way. About her trip, about my professional life, about squeaky wheels, and about the family. There were a few lulls, but nothing uncomfortable. I realized I'd never really sat down and talked with my grandma.
The time flew by, and I came away with a better relationship with my grandma. I'm glad I did it.
The drive home was fine (I like driving), and the new shooters were ready to get started right as I pulled in to my parking spot.
Total mileage on trip; 183 miles.
There was another wrinkle, though. I would have to get to LAX on Sunday morning, pick up my grandma without getting pulled over for no front license place (my dad got pulled over three times for it on his last trip to LAX), make my way to the train station, and help her get a ticket on the right train. I don't know the LA area, LAX is confusing and problematic for me to drive in, and the train station is awkwardly located at the end of a private street that doesn't appear on any maps.
I got on Google maps, and followed the route my dad gave me to where I needed to be. He recommended I wait at a nearby bus/metro station, and have grandma get on the free shuttle to the station (something he had had her do before). I found and figured out how to get to the station. I Google wandered around where the train station should be, and then switched to satellite view, and the private road popped into view, plain as day. I fucking love Google maps.
The next morning I was waiting at the bus station when grandma called.
Grandma: Ok, I'm ready to be picked up. I think I'm at terminal 2.
Good thing I bothered to check that information, because she's actually at terminal B
Me: I was going to have you get on the free shuttle to the station, and take you from here.
GM: What do you mean?
Me: The shuttle to the green line. Dad lead me to believe you've done this before.
GM: Well... I have... But I... Your father had some books that he had to put in my bag, and I'm not comfortable getting it up the steps to the bus.
She's 80 years old, and she's my grandma. She wants me to pick her up, so I gotta pick her up. Ah, what the hell? She's forgotten more than I know right now, so she's earned whatever I can do for her. Who am I to deny her?
Me: Sure, I'll be there in a bit.
GM: Ok, thank you.
Bugger. Oh well. I'll handle the front license place ticket somehow.
As I approached LAX, I use my secret technique to avoid police attention; be dumb. I've always been a very attentive driver, and have always worried that I was going to be pulled over, despite the fact that the only thing I do is speed. For years I would get pulled over constantly, questioned, and released with a ticket. A while back, my dad (LA Sheriff) told me about a woman who always got pulled over, and opined that she always got pulled over because she always expected to get pulled over. He figured that people who expect to have encounters with the police put out a "vibe" of some kind, and it's that vibe that gives police the gut feeling they attribute to finding law breakers. I realized that for every one person the police pull over, hundreds pass by without a care in the world. These are the same people who are busy listening to music, talking on their phone, or futzing with their hair. They are not aware of their surroundings. They are dumb. So I decided to try this theory out, and whenever I saw a cop, I regarded them as I would any other car, and then return to adjusting the radio, or pretending to sing along to the song on the radio. I haven't been pulled over since.
I only mention this, because this was the ultimate test. There have been three times I've driven my dad to LAX in his front-license-plate-free car, and every time we were stopped between two and FIVE times each trip. It got to the point that we'd see the motorcycle cop perk up, then just hold up the ticket, and he'd realize we'd already been ticketed, and let us by. It was almost a joke. I was certain I'd get a ticket, but forced myself to put it out of my mind, and focused on being just another lost person, somehow confused by LAXs big easy-to-read signs. I went through a vehicle stop point, and I did three laps before I spotted her and left. No ticket.
Me: Good to see you! How was your flight?
GM: Too long. 11 hours.
Me: Yeesh...
GM: Hey, could I bribe you to take me all the way to Carlsbad?
I was eager to take some new shooters to the range, and had planned on taking them right after. I was also going to give someone a ride. Carlsbad would put me out of the way to the tune of a little under two hours. Two hours of solid driving, and talking to my grandma. I don't frequently talk to her, and really didn't expect us to have much to talk about. I expected the ride would be uncomfortable. And yet I answered before I could think.
Me: My pleasure.
I expected her to ask me to lunch, and already had an excuse prepared, but I just kept thinking about the conclusion I came to when she asked me to pick her up instead. "She's earned whatever I can do for her." I wasn't ready to decline, even if I could have easily gotten away with it. It's not like what I was going to do was incredibly important, or couldn't wait.
So we drove down to Carlsbad, and talked the entire way. About her trip, about my professional life, about squeaky wheels, and about the family. There were a few lulls, but nothing uncomfortable. I realized I'd never really sat down and talked with my grandma.
The time flew by, and I came away with a better relationship with my grandma. I'm glad I did it.
The drive home was fine (I like driving), and the new shooters were ready to get started right as I pulled in to my parking spot.
Total mileage on trip; 183 miles.
Dear Mom,
When my sister and I were old enough to get beyond our sibling annoyance and avoidance, we actually became very good friends. We would go places and do things, and actually hang out like friends. This is why it was especially hard for me to accept that she was getting married to someone she hadn't known for very long, and someone that I barely knew. A stranger. It took some time, about three years, but I've accepted him as family. We actually just went bowling, followed by some 2am Denny's, and had a great time. He's a good man, and my sister couldn't have chosen someone better.
He taught me that strangers can become family.
You taught me that family can become strangers.
I learned when I was very young that people only have power over you when you give it to them, and you should only give it where it is deserved. A child's parents automatically have that power. A child trusts his parents to make him feel good when he has done something good, and bad when he has done something bad. Sometimes we give this power to other people; respected people whom we trust to have accurate judgement, and look to for guidance. If those people abuse this power, by making you feel bad unduly, or only; it should be revoked.
I made the mistake of thinking that your power was irrevocable. It is not. It was not.
You don't get to make me feel bad anymore.
This simple statement freed me from weights I never even knew I was carrying. Looking back now, I wonder how I even functioned under their weight.
I used to blame your treatment of myself and my sister on the manic depression from which you, now so clearly, suffered and still suffer. However, after repeated attempts to make you understand what damage you do to us and your relationships, and repeated promises of change followed by repeated failures to even attempt to change, your physiology can no longer be blamed for your actions. Even if it could be, it's clear things will never change.
It is said that things get worse before they get better. They did, and they are.
It was very hard for me to come to the realization that you were actually trying to make me feel bad just because you felt bad. At least the realization made my decision clear.
My mom, who's job it was to protect, love, and help me, was intentionally hurting me.
Mothers aren't supposed to do that.
I would not suffer it from anyone else, and realized I shouldn't have to suffer it from you.
So I've decided that you don't get to be my mother anymore.
I hereby revoke your parental privileges, and remand you to stranger status.
Future attempts at contact will be treated in a manner befitting your status.
Further harassment will be met with a restraining order.
Know that who you are now will be forgotten, but understand that who you were when times were good will always live in my heart.
Goodbye. I wish you all the best on your future endeavors.
With kind regards,
Your Former Son
He taught me that strangers can become family.
You taught me that family can become strangers.
I learned when I was very young that people only have power over you when you give it to them, and you should only give it where it is deserved. A child's parents automatically have that power. A child trusts his parents to make him feel good when he has done something good, and bad when he has done something bad. Sometimes we give this power to other people; respected people whom we trust to have accurate judgement, and look to for guidance. If those people abuse this power, by making you feel bad unduly, or only; it should be revoked.
I made the mistake of thinking that your power was irrevocable. It is not. It was not.
You don't get to make me feel bad anymore.
This simple statement freed me from weights I never even knew I was carrying. Looking back now, I wonder how I even functioned under their weight.
I used to blame your treatment of myself and my sister on the manic depression from which you, now so clearly, suffered and still suffer. However, after repeated attempts to make you understand what damage you do to us and your relationships, and repeated promises of change followed by repeated failures to even attempt to change, your physiology can no longer be blamed for your actions. Even if it could be, it's clear things will never change.
It is said that things get worse before they get better. They did, and they are.
It was very hard for me to come to the realization that you were actually trying to make me feel bad just because you felt bad. At least the realization made my decision clear.
My mom, who's job it was to protect, love, and help me, was intentionally hurting me.
Mothers aren't supposed to do that.
I would not suffer it from anyone else, and realized I shouldn't have to suffer it from you.
So I've decided that you don't get to be my mother anymore.
I hereby revoke your parental privileges, and remand you to stranger status.
Future attempts at contact will be treated in a manner befitting your status.
Further harassment will be met with a restraining order.
Know that who you are now will be forgotten, but understand that who you were when times were good will always live in my heart.
Goodbye. I wish you all the best on your future endeavors.
With kind regards,
Your Former Son
More Bjork insanity
Friday, November 14, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
