It seems fate argued with my intended selection, and won. I woke up this morning from a dream, involving my impending nuptials, tonight's song, and a Gibson Thunderbird. Every time I selected a new song on my iPod, within 5 songs, it was back. Can't ignore a message like that, so here it is...
Lokidude
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Best. Thanksgiving. Ever.
Cruising around my feed reader, I see everybody enumerating what they're thankful for. For me, a list like that just doesn't really do it. The people that need thanked have been, the people that need hugged and kissed have gotten them. For my Thanksgiving rambling, I'm goin a different direction. I'm gonna talk turkey. And everything that goes with it.
I come from a family where food is love, and my beltline will corroborate my story. I've always loved Thanksgiving, because it's always been a holiday where the whole family is together, and there's never less than three people in the kitchen, and everybody else is standing around swapping lies, catching up, and just being... family.
This year, as we were planning the holiday, was shaping up to be very different. It was going to be Bex's first Thanksgiving away from home, and she is her family's designated holiday cook, so she was planning on spending the whole day at her mother's house cooking. Her mother's entire guest list was six adults and a young child. This will be important in a minute.
My family's traditional large guest list withered to nothing this year as well, as my grandmother is in a rehab facility for a couple more weeks, Mama's younger sister and her husband went to spend Thanksgiving with his family, and Mama's older sister and her husband are EMTs who had to work the holiday this year. That meant Mama and Dad had a guest list of five, including myself and Bex.
Thanksgiving dinner for six and five is darn near impossible, without 3 months worth of leftovers. Trust me here.
Bex's mom jokingly said we should combine Thanksgiving, which planted the seed that was to become today's mighty feast. That, and it was going to be the first time that she and I drew virtually sole cooking duty for the holiday. No grandparents, no major parental assistance, just us. Which was a riot. Throughout the day, family and food filtered in, introductions were made all around, and our families, who'd never really met before, meshed like old friends. It was just like Thanksgivings from when I was younger, football and snacks, stories and lies, and lots of laughter and love. Some serious bonding time with my future niece (seriously, 3 year olds find me riotously funny and good company), and a beer run with one of her brothers (drinkin beer with the brother in law... I said it was the Best. Thanksgiving. Ever.) Said brother in law and I are planning on going shooting Saturday while the women are handling dresses for the wedding, and her other brother would have been invited too, but his uber-cool job is taking him away for a couple days. His loss.
All told, I'm amazed at how perfectly everything worked out, and am still grinning ear to ear, over six hours after everybody went home. The more time I spend with her, and with our families, the more I see exactly how good my life is, and is going to be. And those people, those memories, and a life well-lived and full of love, THOSE are the things to be thankful for, because they're the only things that matter.
Go make a turkey sandwich and hug somebody who matters.
Lokidude
I come from a family where food is love, and my beltline will corroborate my story. I've always loved Thanksgiving, because it's always been a holiday where the whole family is together, and there's never less than three people in the kitchen, and everybody else is standing around swapping lies, catching up, and just being... family.
This year, as we were planning the holiday, was shaping up to be very different. It was going to be Bex's first Thanksgiving away from home, and she is her family's designated holiday cook, so she was planning on spending the whole day at her mother's house cooking. Her mother's entire guest list was six adults and a young child. This will be important in a minute.
My family's traditional large guest list withered to nothing this year as well, as my grandmother is in a rehab facility for a couple more weeks, Mama's younger sister and her husband went to spend Thanksgiving with his family, and Mama's older sister and her husband are EMTs who had to work the holiday this year. That meant Mama and Dad had a guest list of five, including myself and Bex.
Thanksgiving dinner for six and five is darn near impossible, without 3 months worth of leftovers. Trust me here.
Bex's mom jokingly said we should combine Thanksgiving, which planted the seed that was to become today's mighty feast. That, and it was going to be the first time that she and I drew virtually sole cooking duty for the holiday. No grandparents, no major parental assistance, just us. Which was a riot. Throughout the day, family and food filtered in, introductions were made all around, and our families, who'd never really met before, meshed like old friends. It was just like Thanksgivings from when I was younger, football and snacks, stories and lies, and lots of laughter and love. Some serious bonding time with my future niece (seriously, 3 year olds find me riotously funny and good company), and a beer run with one of her brothers (drinkin beer with the brother in law... I said it was the Best. Thanksgiving. Ever.) Said brother in law and I are planning on going shooting Saturday while the women are handling dresses for the wedding, and her other brother would have been invited too, but his uber-cool job is taking him away for a couple days. His loss.
All told, I'm amazed at how perfectly everything worked out, and am still grinning ear to ear, over six hours after everybody went home. The more time I spend with her, and with our families, the more I see exactly how good my life is, and is going to be. And those people, those memories, and a life well-lived and full of love, THOSE are the things to be thankful for, because they're the only things that matter.
Go make a turkey sandwich and hug somebody who matters.
Lokidude
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Comment policy
Due to some recent kerfluffles in the blogosphere, I feel it necessary to lay down the official House of Dude Comment Policy (for what few comments I currently get).
In brief:
Have an opinion. Bring it with you. Bring some facts for backup, and we'll have ourselves a grand debate. You prove me wrong, and I'll even admit it, right here in public.
Ad hominem attacks will be in the least deleted, or, if they're laughable enough, will be held up to the light to expose the stupidity of both the argument and the person making it.
Links to ad hominem attacks, or to anti-American or anti-freedom drivel will be summarily deleted, or rerouted to a site of my choosing, at my sole discretion.
Be adult, and play nice.
Lokidude
In brief:
Dissent is cool. Asshattery is not.
Have an opinion. Bring it with you. Bring some facts for backup, and we'll have ourselves a grand debate. You prove me wrong, and I'll even admit it, right here in public.
Ad hominem attacks will be in the least deleted, or, if they're laughable enough, will be held up to the light to expose the stupidity of both the argument and the person making it.
Links to ad hominem attacks, or to anti-American or anti-freedom drivel will be summarily deleted, or rerouted to a site of my choosing, at my sole discretion.
Be adult, and play nice.
Lokidude
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Epic Visitors...
While I was out making my appointed rounds today at work, it seems I had a visitor. When I got back to my office, I had a little note on my desk.
That's right, John Linebaugh himself came to see me. I'm excited and nervous to call him back tomorrow. All I know is that he wants to talk to me about a gun.
Watch me twitch impatiently.
Lokidude
That's right, John Linebaugh himself came to see me. I'm excited and nervous to call him back tomorrow. All I know is that he wants to talk to me about a gun.
Watch me twitch impatiently.
Lokidude
Everything gets hotter when the sun goes down
It's Baby Brother's birthday today, so for On Stage Thursday, I'm going with a song that he and I actually got pounded out as a duet, and sing pretty much anytime we're together. I don't know how far he got on the guitar part, but I had the bass work down solid.
Happy Birthday, bro!
Lokidude
Happy Birthday, bro!
Lokidude
National Ammo Day AAR
Back from making my Ammo Day rounds. The damage is presented below.
That's 15 rounds of Remington 00 buck, 500 rounds of .22lr, 100 Hornady XTP .45 bullets, and a set of .45ACP Hornady dies.
Unca Loki's got a box o boom!
Lokidude
That's 15 rounds of Remington 00 buck, 500 rounds of .22lr, 100 Hornady XTP .45 bullets, and a set of .45ACP Hornady dies.
Unca Loki's got a box o boom!
Lokidude
100 Rounds
It's November 19, which means, among other things, that it's National Ammo Day! The basic premise and goal of National Ammo Day is to remind retailers, and hopefully our elected representatives, how large and powerful an economic and voting block American gun owners are. This is accomplished via the purchase of at least 100 rounds of ammunition, or the components to reload that amount. Personally, I prefer the local mom and pop shop, but really, the retailer doesn't matter. What matters is the purchase.
So step to it.
Lokidude
So step to it.
Lokidude
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
"She wanted to know what it felt like..."
I've been withholding comment in the matter of Shaniya Davis, simply because I can't come up with enough apologies to my mama to cover the words I'd use if I started on that topic.
But there's another case that's as disturbing in my mind, that I feel safe offering commentary on, the murder of Elizabeth Olten.
Why, indeed? That's a question for folks a lot smarter than me. I don't know that I want to understand. If I understood, it might start to make sense, and that's a possibility I'm unwilling to contemplate.
My only analysis remains that, for some reason, this 15 year old girl is fundamentally broken. A girl who should be swooning over her latest crush, and scheming with her friends, instead was planning a brutal murder, to find out "what it felt like."
I have no desire to find out what taking human life feels like, and honestly, if that's something WANT to know, I consider you irreparably broken.
God rest the souls of these little girls, and be with the grieving in their time of need.
Lokidude.
But there's another case that's as disturbing in my mind, that I feel safe offering commentary on, the murder of Elizabeth Olten.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Blessed with a Friday off school, 15-year-old Alyssa Bustamante dug two holes in the ground to be used as a grave, authorities said. For the next week, she attended classes, all the while plotting the right time for a murder, they said.
That time arrived the evening of Oct. 21, when Bustamante strangled 9-year-old neighbor Elizabeth Olten without provocation, cut the girl's throat and stabbed her, prosecutors said.
Why?
Why, indeed? That's a question for folks a lot smarter than me. I don't know that I want to understand. If I understood, it might start to make sense, and that's a possibility I'm unwilling to contemplate.
"Ultimately, she stated she wanted to know what it felt like," Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. David Rice testified Wednesday during a court hearing over the slaying.
My only analysis remains that, for some reason, this 15 year old girl is fundamentally broken. A girl who should be swooning over her latest crush, and scheming with her friends, instead was planning a brutal murder, to find out "what it felt like."
I have no desire to find out what taking human life feels like, and honestly, if that's something WANT to know, I consider you irreparably broken.
God rest the souls of these little girls, and be with the grieving in their time of need.
Lokidude.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday! Tuesday! Tuesday!
It's Tuesday, and Tuesday means another edition of GunNuts Radio! Details at the link.
Be there or be quadrilateral!
Lokidude
Be there or be quadrilateral!
Lokidude
Monday, November 16, 2009
SCHWEEET!
Larry Correia mentions that gears are moving for an MHI film! How cool is that?
For a little mental exercise, me and some fellow nerds started assembling the cast. What we have will be posted here. Suggestions are, of course, most welcome.
Characters with a * are my personal submissions.
Owen Zastava Pitt - Clive Owen*
Sam Haven - Sam Elliott* (backed by JayG, as I read some of my notes)
Milo Anderson - Alan Tudyk*
Agent Franks - Adam Baldwin*
Earl Harbinger - Terence Stamp
Ray Shackleford - Gary Busey
Susan Shackleford - Catherine Zeta Jones
Julie Shackleford - Rachel Nichols
Dorcas - Judy Dench
Trip - Don Cheadle
Albert Lee - John Leguizamo (Yeah, I know Lee's supposed to be Asian. Make me a better suggestion, then.)
Still plenty of roles to cast, so help me out.
Lokidude
For a little mental exercise, me and some fellow nerds started assembling the cast. What we have will be posted here. Suggestions are, of course, most welcome.
Characters with a * are my personal submissions.
Owen Zastava Pitt - Clive Owen*
Sam Haven - Sam Elliott* (backed by JayG, as I read some of my notes)
Milo Anderson - Alan Tudyk*
Agent Franks - Adam Baldwin*
Earl Harbinger - Terence Stamp
Ray Shackleford - Gary Busey
Susan Shackleford - Catherine Zeta Jones
Julie Shackleford - Rachel Nichols
Dorcas - Judy Dench
Trip - Don Cheadle
Albert Lee - John Leguizamo (Yeah, I know Lee's supposed to be Asian. Make me a better suggestion, then.)
Still plenty of roles to cast, so help me out.
Lokidude
Newsflash!
Attention, everyone who panic-bought any and all guns and ammo they could get their hands on: You overpaid. Dramatically. Prices have gone down, a lot. I don't care how much you paid for your gun. I don't care that you never fired it. It still is classified as "used." Which is how you have to price it now that you have to liquidate to cover for your panic stupidity. No, I also don't care that your wife will kill you if you lose that much money on the deal. If I can buy a brand-new-in-my-local-gunstore complete AR that's at least the equivalent of yours, for $250 less than you're asking, there's no way in hell your gun is selling.
Seriously, pay your stupid tax, shut the hell up, and don't be a dumbass next time around.
Lokidude
Seriously, pay your stupid tax, shut the hell up, and don't be a dumbass next time around.
Lokidude
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Happy Birthday, Devil Dogs!
234 years old today, and still kicking ass like you're not a day over 150. Keep it up, boys, it is noticed and appreciated.
This Bud's for you, as it were.
Lokidude
This Bud's for you, as it were.
Lokidude
Saturday, November 7, 2009
No charges, but I still find fault
It seems that no charges will be filed in the matter of a shooting death at Colorado's Rampart Range.
So, the gun suffered a mechanical failure which caused it to go off. Okay, I buy that. Happens sometimes, due to failures in maintenance, design, or some other failure. But that does not excuse the shooter from fault. Whether or not he pulled the trigger, he pointed a gun at another person, and that gun went off, striking and killing his friend.
The Four Rules are sacred and inviolate for a reason. This shooting involved at least a violation of Rule 2, and also, I would say, Rule 1.
The Rules save lives. Follow them and live.
Lokidude
So, the gun suffered a mechanical failure which caused it to go off. Okay, I buy that. Happens sometimes, due to failures in maintenance, design, or some other failure. But that does not excuse the shooter from fault. Whether or not he pulled the trigger, he pointed a gun at another person, and that gun went off, striking and killing his friend.
The Four Rules are sacred and inviolate for a reason. This shooting involved at least a violation of Rule 2, and also, I would say, Rule 1.
The Rules save lives. Follow them and live.
Lokidude
Friday, November 6, 2009
RIP, Jim
Jim inked his own death warrant this morning.
Brother, know that you died for a greater good.
*snicker*
Lokidude
Brother, know that you died for a greater good.
*snicker*
Lokidude
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Two from the Crue!
It's been a good day, and I'm in a great mood. Good moods require good mood music, and around here, that means Motley Crue. I think that the most flat-out fun I've ever had at a rock show was when I took my friend J to see Cruefest in '08. It was all about girls, booze, rock, and just an all-around good time. Since I'm in such a good mood, I'm pulling another twofer tonight, one old, one new. No explanations required, just pour your favorite brew and rock like tomorrow doesn't matter.
Girls, Girls, Girls
Saints of Los Angeles
- Free videos are just a click away
Lokidude
Girls, Girls, Girls
Saints of Los Angeles
- Free videos are just a click away
Lokidude
Friday, October 30, 2009
Weekend incoming!
The weekend's rolling in, and boy do I need it. Expect minimal posting.
First off, JayG gets quoted in the Boston Globe.
And in anticipation of the weekend, I'm gonna let Dierks convey my feelings...
I'll catch y'all on the other side.
Lokidude
First off, JayG gets quoted in the Boston Globe.
And in anticipation of the weekend, I'm gonna let Dierks convey my feelings...
I'll catch y'all on the other side.
Lokidude
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Oh! Yeah!
It's Thursday again, which means two things... First, Snarky has a picture up guaranteed to induce diabetic coma, or double your money back.
And second... Another edition of On Stage Thursday!
Chickenfoot "Oh Yeah" - A funny movie is a click away
Chickenfoot is awesome in so many different directions. First off, Sammy Hagar seems to have never lost the fun that is the soul of music. Satriani is a legend, a status he's earned over a timeline longer than my life. Chad Smith is the most underrated member of the group, but his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers more than speaks for itself. And then there's Michael Anthony. I've wanted to be as cool as the mighty Van Halen bassist since before I first picked up a bass. If I could be half as awesome at 50 as they are, I'd be farther than I could ever imagine.
Rock on.
Lokidude
And second... Another edition of On Stage Thursday!
Chickenfoot "Oh Yeah" - A funny movie is a click away
Chickenfoot is awesome in so many different directions. First off, Sammy Hagar seems to have never lost the fun that is the soul of music. Satriani is a legend, a status he's earned over a timeline longer than my life. Chad Smith is the most underrated member of the group, but his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers more than speaks for itself. And then there's Michael Anthony. I've wanted to be as cool as the mighty Van Halen bassist since before I first picked up a bass. If I could be half as awesome at 50 as they are, I'd be farther than I could ever imagine.
Rock on.
Lokidude
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Arming the Privateers
Came across something today that's perfect for Stingray's Privateers. A real-life antique harpoon gun! Prepare to be boarded, you low-life Somali sea rats!
Thanks go out to my buddies over at The Gun Counter.
Yo ho!
Lokidude
Thanks go out to my buddies over at The Gun Counter.
Yo ho!
Lokidude
Apologies and excitement
First, I'm sorry for the light blogging lately. Been a busy couple weeks. The light blogging is tied to the excitement, though. I've been making room for my fiance to move in this weekend. The dishes are all done, the living room and bathroom are cleared out and the place looks much less like a bachelor pad. All that's left is to haul a half-dozen boxes downstairs, and clean out the bedroom. I have roughly 30 hours. I can do this, so she can feel right at home when she gets here.
I can't wait.
Lokidude
I can't wait.
Lokidude
Friday, October 16, 2009
Holy Cool, Batman!
I'm a geek. To say the least. So, this hit on my sitemeter made me squee like a fanboy, and I'm not ashamed to admit it!
NASA? How much cooler does it get?
Thanks Robb!
Lokidude
NASA? How much cooler does it get?
Thanks Robb!
Lokidude
Blogroll updates!
Today, we have four additions to the blogroll for your reading pleasure. Coincidentally, all four of them happen to be members of the Conspiracy.
First we have Silver, daughter of Christina over at Lucrative Pain. Gamer chick, anime fan, and a clarinet player, she's an all-around cool kid.
Next up is Top of the Chain. Because, hey, he's got opposeable thumbs! A cool 2A fan, and just an all around good egg.
Next up is Earnest Truth at To Which I Replied... Pretty much like his name says, he tells the straight truth, with no sugarcoating on it. Put on your hockey pads and prepare for the truth.
Last, but in no way least, is Salamander over at Armed and Amphibious. A grand combination of snark and haiku, and just all around fun. Also, he dropped me a line to let me know he'd blogrolled me and request the add.
Yes, that's a hit from the Cluebat(tm), now with 50% LESS NERF! As I've said, I try to reciprocate the blogroll love, so if I'm on yours and haven't added you already, please drop me an email or leave a comment, and I'll be sure to add you with a quickness.
Now go, read what my friends have to say.
Lokidude
First we have Silver, daughter of Christina over at Lucrative Pain. Gamer chick, anime fan, and a clarinet player, she's an all-around cool kid.
Next up is Top of the Chain. Because, hey, he's got opposeable thumbs! A cool 2A fan, and just an all around good egg.
Next up is Earnest Truth at To Which I Replied... Pretty much like his name says, he tells the straight truth, with no sugarcoating on it. Put on your hockey pads and prepare for the truth.
Last, but in no way least, is Salamander over at Armed and Amphibious. A grand combination of snark and haiku, and just all around fun. Also, he dropped me a line to let me know he'd blogrolled me and request the add.
Yes, that's a hit from the Cluebat(tm), now with 50% LESS NERF! As I've said, I try to reciprocate the blogroll love, so if I'm on yours and haven't added you already, please drop me an email or leave a comment, and I'll be sure to add you with a quickness.
Now go, read what my friends have to say.
Lokidude
Five Rifles?
Gun Nuts Radio this week debated the Top 5 rifles of all time. In the spirit of the show, tonight, I'm putting up my list. This is list is in no particular order, because I really didn't want to go to that much effort. So, without further adieu, here's my list of the five most significant rifles in history.
Benjamin Tyler Henry's lever rifle. Lever guns are just cool, and this pretty much began lever guns as we know them today. It was also one of the earliest repeaters, and was said to be a gun you could "Load on Sunday and shoot all week long."
United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1 The famed "M1 Garand." This rifle changed warfare forever. The Garand, chambered in the mighty .30-06, saw heavy use in World War II and the Korean Conflict, and limited use in Viet Nam, being replaced in service by it's mechanical descendant, the M-14 rifle. After WWII, in large part due to the Garand's effectiveness, no army went into war without a semi-automatic weapon in common service.
Lebel Model 1886 rifle The first rifle to successfully employ nitrocellulose-based smokeless powder, which is what is almost universally referred to today as "gunpowder." Before the Lebel, all cartridge arms used the same "black powder" as muzzleloading weapons. Smokeless powder represented a massive improvement in ammunition technology, allowing for much higher velocities for the same case capacities, granting much longer ranges and greater accuracy than was possible before.
Mauser Gewehr 98 The Mauser 98 is the action that inspired all controlled-round-feed bolt actions in use today. Basically, if you use a bolt-gun for hunting, it draws a large portion of its lineage from Paul Mauser's designs. Unlike earlier Mausers (such as my 1896 Argentine), which were cock-on-closing, the 98 cocks when opened, making for easier and smoother cycling. These rifles are still popular target guns today, and are not unheard of in hunting fields.
British Army Land Pattern Musket (Brown Bess) The famed Brown Bess musket served the British Army for over 100 years, and with all its variants, served for roughly 140 years, seeing action in over six major world conflicts (counting all the Napoleonic Wars as one). Not truly a "rifle," the Brown Bess was a smoothbore, but it is truly one of the most significant weapons of all time.
I'm also adding two other rifles that I consider less significant historically, but that are just too cool for school.
Krag-Jorgenson An action that's slicker than boiled owl snot. Magazine cutoff allowing single-loading of rounds, until a soldier needs to use his magazine for volume fire. A unique, side-loading magazine that actually works very well with gloves. What's not to love? Truly, these are beautiful rifles, both in form and function.
Dreyse Needle Rifle Called a "pinfire," the Dreyse rifle employed paper cartridges with a percussion cap at the base of the bullet. When the trigger was pulled, the firing pin punctured the base of the paper cartridge, through the powder, and impacted the percussion cap, which ignited the powder, from a forward position. This firing pattern actually is more efficient than modern systems, but modern brass cartridge casings offer other benefits that overpower the efficiency gains.
Because, as Caleb says, "Guns are fricken COOL!"
Lokidude
Benjamin Tyler Henry's lever rifle. Lever guns are just cool, and this pretty much began lever guns as we know them today. It was also one of the earliest repeaters, and was said to be a gun you could "Load on Sunday and shoot all week long."
United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1 The famed "M1 Garand." This rifle changed warfare forever. The Garand, chambered in the mighty .30-06, saw heavy use in World War II and the Korean Conflict, and limited use in Viet Nam, being replaced in service by it's mechanical descendant, the M-14 rifle. After WWII, in large part due to the Garand's effectiveness, no army went into war without a semi-automatic weapon in common service.
Lebel Model 1886 rifle The first rifle to successfully employ nitrocellulose-based smokeless powder, which is what is almost universally referred to today as "gunpowder." Before the Lebel, all cartridge arms used the same "black powder" as muzzleloading weapons. Smokeless powder represented a massive improvement in ammunition technology, allowing for much higher velocities for the same case capacities, granting much longer ranges and greater accuracy than was possible before.
Mauser Gewehr 98 The Mauser 98 is the action that inspired all controlled-round-feed bolt actions in use today. Basically, if you use a bolt-gun for hunting, it draws a large portion of its lineage from Paul Mauser's designs. Unlike earlier Mausers (such as my 1896 Argentine), which were cock-on-closing, the 98 cocks when opened, making for easier and smoother cycling. These rifles are still popular target guns today, and are not unheard of in hunting fields.
British Army Land Pattern Musket (Brown Bess) The famed Brown Bess musket served the British Army for over 100 years, and with all its variants, served for roughly 140 years, seeing action in over six major world conflicts (counting all the Napoleonic Wars as one). Not truly a "rifle," the Brown Bess was a smoothbore, but it is truly one of the most significant weapons of all time.
I'm also adding two other rifles that I consider less significant historically, but that are just too cool for school.
Krag-Jorgenson An action that's slicker than boiled owl snot. Magazine cutoff allowing single-loading of rounds, until a soldier needs to use his magazine for volume fire. A unique, side-loading magazine that actually works very well with gloves. What's not to love? Truly, these are beautiful rifles, both in form and function.
Dreyse Needle Rifle Called a "pinfire," the Dreyse rifle employed paper cartridges with a percussion cap at the base of the bullet. When the trigger was pulled, the firing pin punctured the base of the paper cartridge, through the powder, and impacted the percussion cap, which ignited the powder, from a forward position. This firing pattern actually is more efficient than modern systems, but modern brass cartridge casings offer other benefits that overpower the efficiency gains.
Because, as Caleb says, "Guns are fricken COOL!"
Lokidude
Thursday, October 15, 2009
We were wrapped up in our music, that's why we never saw...
I'm feelin a bit outlaw tonight, so you get this little gem...
I actually love the original Waylon Jennings version of this song just as much as the Hetfield version, and both are in high rotation on my iPod. But I seriously felt that the rougher sound of James's cut is just more my style.
Music knows no boundaries.
Lokidude
I actually love the original Waylon Jennings version of this song just as much as the Hetfield version, and both are in high rotation on my iPod. But I seriously felt that the rougher sound of James's cut is just more my style.
Music knows no boundaries.
Lokidude
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
And the winner is....
Hey, 500 hits since I put up the SiteMeter! Cool beans!
You, Mr Firefox/XP user from Delray Beach, Florida, win the Kewpie Doll!
(not really, as I have no clue what in the hell a Kewpie Doll even is...)
And a special thanks to JayG for directing our lucky winner here today!
You, Mr Firefox/XP user from Delray Beach, Florida, win the Kewpie Doll!
(not really, as I have no clue what in the hell a Kewpie Doll even is...)
And a special thanks to JayG for directing our lucky winner here today!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Tragic
Prayers and love tonight go out to the members and family of the American Fork High School marching band. They took first place at the Pocatello marching competition, but suffered a terrible accident on the way home.
Damn. Just damn.
Lokidude
Damn. Just damn.
Lokidude
Friday, October 9, 2009
At least when Nobel shits himself...
he shits dynamite. And he's definitely shitting himself today.
In their latest effort to solidify their corruption and utter irrelevance, the Nobel committee awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Hussein Obama.
Now, personally, I think he hasn't done much in his entire life that's worthy of active commendation, much less in his current office. But the real kicker here is that nominations for this year's Prize had to be submitted no later than February 1, 2009. He's been given an award for a total of ten, count 'em, TEN days in office. He didn't have time to properly adjust the his chair in the Oval Office before that deadline.
That, or he got the award for being the Messiah, or at least not G.W. Bush.
It seems the roads to Hell and Oslo used the same paving contractor.
Lokidude
In their latest effort to solidify their corruption and utter irrelevance, the Nobel committee awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Hussein Obama.
Now, personally, I think he hasn't done much in his entire life that's worthy of active commendation, much less in his current office. But the real kicker here is that nominations for this year's Prize had to be submitted no later than February 1, 2009. He's been given an award for a total of ten, count 'em, TEN days in office. He didn't have time to properly adjust the his chair in the Oval Office before that deadline.
That, or he got the award for being the Messiah, or at least not G.W. Bush.
It seems the roads to Hell and Oslo used the same paving contractor.
Lokidude
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Meleanie Hain shot to death
The woman who gained national press attention as the "gun-toting soccer mom" was found dead in her home on Wednesday, the victim of an apparent murder-suicide. It appears at this time that her husband, a parole officer, was responsible for the shooting.
Breda has the best take I've yet found on the matter.
It's a shame to see a bright, articulate, loving mother taken from the world in such a terrible way. All of the condolences from everyone at the House of Dude go out to her family, especially to her children, who witnessed this horrible act. May they somehow find peace and calm in the midst of this hell.
Go hug someone you love.
Lokidude
Edit: No On Stage Thursday tonight. It just doesn't seem right. Maybe I'll make it up to you tomorrow.
Breda has the best take I've yet found on the matter.
It's a shame to see a bright, articulate, loving mother taken from the world in such a terrible way. All of the condolences from everyone at the House of Dude go out to her family, especially to her children, who witnessed this horrible act. May they somehow find peace and calm in the midst of this hell.
Go hug someone you love.
Lokidude
Edit: No On Stage Thursday tonight. It just doesn't seem right. Maybe I'll make it up to you tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The pirates need better intelligence...
Or... "Holy cow, the French didn't immediately surrender? WTF?"
We learn today that our favorite misunderstood Somali seafarers were unfortunate enough to pick the wrong target. Instead of a cushy merchant ship, the fools tried to take the La Somme, a French Navy oiler. Not only did they not succeed in taking the vessel, but shockingly enough, the French gave chase and captured one of the pirate skiffs, and five of the pirates. No word on whether they exercised long-standing naval law and hung said brigands, or if they took the gentler approach of bringing them in for trial and rehabilitation.
Shockingly, tonight, I say Go Frogs!
Lokidude
We learn today that our favorite misunderstood Somali seafarers were unfortunate enough to pick the wrong target. Instead of a cushy merchant ship, the fools tried to take the La Somme, a French Navy oiler. Not only did they not succeed in taking the vessel, but shockingly enough, the French gave chase and captured one of the pirate skiffs, and five of the pirates. No word on whether they exercised long-standing naval law and hung said brigands, or if they took the gentler approach of bringing them in for trial and rehabilitation.
Shockingly, tonight, I say Go Frogs!
Lokidude
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Moonlight
There's something truly unreal about driving under a Wyoming full moon.
Thank you, that is all.
Lokidude
Thank you, that is all.
Lokidude
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Goin Old School
Tonight, I was lacking inspiration, so I trolled some incredibly random music, and was hit by this utter retro gem.
Fishbone - Sunless Saturday (Official Music Video) - Free videos are just a click away
Ladies and Gentlemen, Fishbone! In the height of the grunge movement, these guys were keeping ska and reggae going as strong as ever. They had their biggest hit, and their greatest fame, at a time when everything on MTV was flannel and bad overdrive.
That's powerful.
Lokidude.
Fishbone - Sunless Saturday (Official Music Video) - Free videos are just a click away
Ladies and Gentlemen, Fishbone! In the height of the grunge movement, these guys were keeping ska and reggae going as strong as ever. They had their biggest hit, and their greatest fame, at a time when everything on MTV was flannel and bad overdrive.
That's powerful.
Lokidude.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
My Gun Culture
Tonight's topic on GunNuts (the fastest hour on the internet) was "gun culture." When I read that earlier today, it immediately brought to my recollection an editorial by Mike Venturino from a couple years back in American Handgunner. Thanks to Salamander over at Armed and Amphibious for his help in locating the text of the article. I think Mike says it all pretty well.
I'm not so sure that the guns have so much to do with it, but the people that gunnies tend to be, and associate with, are people who're a cut above par, people who tend to believe in live-and-let-live, earning what you take, and giving back freely to those who need a deserve a little help. The Golden Rule has nothing to do with having gold. For me, the crux of my "gun culture," as it is, is associating with people I WANT to introduce to my parents, and living in such a way that I can look in the mirror each night and be proud of who I am, and look my father in the eye, and know he's proud of me.
Just do good things, because they are good.
Lokidude
My gun culture
American Handgunner, Nov-Dec, 2007 by Mike Venturino
Recently, while browsing DVDs in a rental store, l saw one that labeled its movie as a "Look at the dark I underside of the gun culture." And in the wake of the Virginia Tech killings, the news media has made its usual references to "America's gun culture." Essentially, those with the rigid mind-set of so-called liberals love to portray people with our interests as "on the edge" just itching to put bullets into live tissue, or some place bullets don't belong.
That stuff drives me up the wall because I've been an active member of the so-called gun culture now for 40 years. Let me tell you about how I see it. In my gun culture words like honor and integrity are not obsolete, and other peoples' property is still sacred. In my gun culture someone's word is still their bond. When I came aboard this magazine three years ago, editor Roy asked me if I felt we needed anything in writing. He and I had been friends for some years already at that time and I said, "No. I know you will do exactly as you say you will, and I hope you feel the same about me." Evidently he did.
COPYRIGHT 2007 Publishers' Development Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
I'm not so sure that the guns have so much to do with it, but the people that gunnies tend to be, and associate with, are people who're a cut above par, people who tend to believe in live-and-let-live, earning what you take, and giving back freely to those who need a deserve a little help. The Golden Rule has nothing to do with having gold. For me, the crux of my "gun culture," as it is, is associating with people I WANT to introduce to my parents, and living in such a way that I can look in the mirror each night and be proud of who I am, and look my father in the eye, and know he's proud of me.
Just do good things, because they are good.
Lokidude
Horry Clap, Man!
Perusing my sitemeter, I learned that Robb Allen over at Sharp As A Marble blogrolled me! Wow, that just feels cool!
Of course, immediately thereafter, I felt like an utter tool, when I realized that I have Robb on my reader, but not on my blogroll. This error was rectified immediately, though.
Lokidude
Of course, immediately thereafter, I felt like an utter tool, when I realized that I have Robb on my reader, but not on my blogroll. This error was rectified immediately, though.
Lokidude
Monday, September 28, 2009
Interesting
It would seem I'm the number 2 result on Google for the search string "exite chemicus sum." This ranks me above Larry Corriea's blog, where the Exite! Chemicus Sum! was a winner in the MHI2 patch contest, and above the Nerds themselves, the designers of said patch. I'm truly flattered, and totally mystified as to how this actually happened.
Lokidude
Lokidude
Friday, September 25, 2009
You're Almost There, It's Gone
Apologies for missing last week and being late with this week, it's been a long couple.
I find myself sometimes sitting around listening to old music I'd almost forgotten, and remembering how epic it was at the time, a soundtrack to my youth, to memories that I'm sure are greater than the actual acts, and more precious than gold.
Treasure them, even if they are a bit inflated.
Lokidude
I find myself sometimes sitting around listening to old music I'd almost forgotten, and remembering how epic it was at the time, a soundtrack to my youth, to memories that I'm sure are greater than the actual acts, and more precious than gold.
Treasure them, even if they are a bit inflated.
Lokidude
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Arrrr
We at Redneck Command be reminded that today be International Talk Like A Pirate Day. Ye best be larnin to live and learn the life of ye inner scurvy buccaneer, or ye be walkin the plank right ta Davy Jones' Locker!
Yo ho!
Lokidude
Yo ho!
Lokidude
Thursday, September 17, 2009
You have GOT to be shitting me
From the UK, we get the story of a 12 year old boy who is prepping for a transgender operation.
I can't even manage to pull a money quote from there to show you the idiocy. I have zero problem with transgender operations. If you feel you need to alter that in you, go right ahead. But to perform such an operation on a prepubescent 12 year old is medically neglectful, entering into the realm of criminal malpractice. Such massive, elective, non-lifesaving procedures should be reserved for people who've reached the age of majority. Minors are not, and should not be, considered able to make an informed decision on matters like this. That's why we call them minors, and why they legally require guardianship.
Rule Brittania
Lokidude
I can't even manage to pull a money quote from there to show you the idiocy. I have zero problem with transgender operations. If you feel you need to alter that in you, go right ahead. But to perform such an operation on a prepubescent 12 year old is medically neglectful, entering into the realm of criminal malpractice. Such massive, elective, non-lifesaving procedures should be reserved for people who've reached the age of majority. Minors are not, and should not be, considered able to make an informed decision on matters like this. That's why we call them minors, and why they legally require guardianship.
Rule Brittania
Lokidude
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Race card's gettin worn
Robb Allen once again knocks one out of the park.
Personally, I think the "card" is getting a touch worn. Hard to claim "The Man" is keeping you down when you ARE "The Man."
Lokidude
Personally, I think the "card" is getting a touch worn. Hard to claim "The Man" is keeping you down when you ARE "The Man."
Lokidude
Monday, September 14, 2009
I'd call Kanye West a douche
but that would be an insult to respectable douches everywhere.
(I gotta apologize, mama, I know you'll read this, but I'm just pissed enough that some grown-up language is gonna come out, and I can't hold back any more than I am.)
Normally, I wouldn't waste the bandwidth on the waste of carbon-base that is Kanye West. I find him to be one of the worst-educated, worst spoken, and most blatantly racist people ever to disgrace this planet. I firmly feel that any respectable media establishment should be ashamed to grant him a mic, a voice, and airtime.
A quick refresher as to one of his greater moments.
Now, we learn that at the MTV VMA awards this weekend (showing how much I care, I had no clue they were even on), Kanye chooses the acceptance speech of tiny little 19-year-old Taylor Swift getting her first VMA ever to spout even more of his racist drivel.
Now, personally, him being a racist shit doesn't make a difference to me either way, and proving yourself to be nothing more than an asshat in public is something I'm all in favor of. But having to walk all over a little girl who never did a damn thing to you? Kanye West, you're officially a bitch.
May you never sell another album, and your mother deny she ever gave birth to you.
Lokidude
(I gotta apologize, mama, I know you'll read this, but I'm just pissed enough that some grown-up language is gonna come out, and I can't hold back any more than I am.)
Normally, I wouldn't waste the bandwidth on the waste of carbon-base that is Kanye West. I find him to be one of the worst-educated, worst spoken, and most blatantly racist people ever to disgrace this planet. I firmly feel that any respectable media establishment should be ashamed to grant him a mic, a voice, and airtime.
A quick refresher as to one of his greater moments.
Now, we learn that at the MTV VMA awards this weekend (showing how much I care, I had no clue they were even on), Kanye chooses the acceptance speech of tiny little 19-year-old Taylor Swift getting her first VMA ever to spout even more of his racist drivel.
Now, personally, him being a racist shit doesn't make a difference to me either way, and proving yourself to be nothing more than an asshat in public is something I'm all in favor of. But having to walk all over a little girl who never did a damn thing to you? Kanye West, you're officially a bitch.
May you never sell another album, and your mother deny she ever gave birth to you.
Lokidude
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