Today we remember

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.

General George S Patton, June 7, 1945

I've been blessed in my life to know many individuals who willingly and proudly put on the uniform of our great nation.  I've also been blessed to never have lost a friend to enemy fire.  However, on this day, we remember all of those who paid the price for freedom, in blood, the only currency that can be traded for liberty.

Lokidude

Life is hard

Our cats are so put upon.  Can't you tell?

I don't know how they survive.

Lokidude

That most burning of questions

As a matter of fact, I am! 

That's a whole ammo can full of 7.62x39, plus I have another 1000 round sealed case.  I need a couple more zombie cans, though, to stuff with the preferred pistol calibers of the house.

Are you ready?

Lokidude

Search term fun!

One of the hits I got in the past week was "How to carry a gun in a suit."

Simple.  Same way you carry in any other clothing.  Actually, a suit can often be easier to carry in, since it has a built-in cover garment.  Suit coats work wonders for concealing shoulder holsters, as well as OWB and IWB rigs.

I don't wear a suit very often, but I've had my very best luck wearing a tuckable IWB rig, if I was concerned about taking off my jacket.  Which, interestingly, is the same result I get in standard street clothes.

And that's how you carry in a suit.

Lokidude

I have found my new God

And Keurig is it's name.

Seriously, this thing is the most awesome beast ever.  Fresh coffee, faster than a drip machine, no wasted Joe.  K cups run us something like $.60 each locally (I know they're far cheaper online, I just haven't gotten that far yet), which beats the guts out of paying $3 or more at the coffee shop.

And in the deepest parts of awesome, it's more than just coffee.  We also have apple cider (phenomenally awesome) and green tea (less awesome, but I'm picky about my tea).  In fact, most of what I've been drinking has been apple cider.  They also make a basket that fits where the k-cup would normally go, to let you use standard coffee grounds or tea leaves, which is something we'll have to invest in.  (See the part where I'm picky about my tea.)  The only thing I miss from my old drip machine was the ability to set it to brew in the morning, so I had coffee when I made it to the kitchen.  However, this thing is so fast, that's a complete non-issue.

Well worth the price, all around.

Lokidude

It may not be with Bill Dance

But I'm going fishing. The weather is gorgeous, I just got my license, and it would be criminal of me not to put some mileage on it.

Don't make a mess while I'm gone.

Lokidude

BAG Day 2012

I know it's almost a week late, and ironically, the gun was bought about two weeks early, but here it is.

It's a Beretta Tomcat in .32ACP.  I've wanted a mousegun for a while now, particularly in .32, seeing as I already keep it in stock, as opposed to the far more popular .380.

It's what Weerd would call a "pack of smokes" gun.  It completely disappears in my back pocket, which makes it wonderful for quick trips out of the house when I don't want to holster up something mightier.

And being pretty doesn't hurt, either.

Lokidude

Things I Never Thought I'd Say, Hard as Hell Edition

I'm working at a place called the Boneyard, with a dude named Dog Nuts.

You have no idea how utterly hard core that sentence makes me feel.

Lokidude

30 years ago today

The baddest dude on the planet was born.

And I've only gotten better since!

Lokidude

So far today

I played Capture the Flag at work, capped the flag hard core, and am currently in the process of building a flagpole to display that bitch for all the world to see.

How has your day been?

Lokidude

Things I never thought I'd say #5(I think)

There's a zebra at the petting zoo at the rest stop in Scipio.

If you're from Utah, you know Scipio, and the whole thing is hilarious. If you aren't, you don't, and the joke can't be explained.

Lokidude

I really wasn't going to say anything

About the Smoke & Thunder nonsense. Because if Miguel is 4th tier dreck, seriously, I'm last row GA at a festival.

But then he got all sorts of froggy all over Miguel's comments.

A short summary of my comments there:

Boy, you stepped in the stinky pile, and then you proceeded to jump up and down in it for punctuation.  When you were called on it, you doubled down on stupid, and proceeded to retreat to insults and vulgarity as your only defense against facts presented and opinions that differed from complete adulation of you and your little baby.

And honestly, you probably could have survived, if you'd been taking shots at guys like me.  But I guess, if you're gonna do something, you don't do it half-assed.  So you went after the A-list, the biggest names in the game.

And you got your ass beat.  So then, you went after the very people you claimed were your target demographic, again resorting to vulgarity and insults, going after some of our most beloved newcomers.

Trust me, the asskicking you just got is nothing compared to what you're about to receive.

Just sit back, and enjoy the ride.

Lokidude

Overheard in the living room

We're watching the Daytona pre-race show.  This is upon learning that Jimmie Johnson had 0 wins last year.

Bex: He didn't win a single race last year?  There is a God! (cue insane cackling.)

Lokidude

This day in history

Two years ago today was the best day of my life (but the ones in the interim have been pretty awesome too.)  On that day, I married my partner and best friend. I love you as much today as I did then, honey.

Here's to a lifetime.

Lokidude

I'm not dead

Really, I swear. Bex and I just moved to a new place, and internet access has been incredibly limited. We're getting regular internet on Tuesday, and regular non-posting will resume then.

Lokidude

Presented without comment

Couple Reveals Child's Gender 5 Years Too Late.

Because every time I try to comment, I get a bit apoplectic right about the time I hit "What the hell, you self-absorbed twit?"

Lokidude

If my experience is any indication

You're doing alright so far, Mr Potterfield.

"We will be the best-run business in America."

MidwayUSA's management is dedicated to a culture of excellence, and it shows.  Their customer service in all of my interactions with them has been stellar, they exceed all their promises, and year after year are successful both financially, and as a part of the community.

Keep it up!

Lokidude

Out goin blastin

It's 48 and cloudy, an odd thing for January in Utah. However, it means that not only is USPSA on like Donkey Kong (they shoot rain or shine. We come tough out here) but I've got no excuse for not being there. Quick shower, grab the 1911s and a happy pack, and I'm off to the gun races.

Hope everybody enjoys their day.

Lokidude

I never thought I'd say it

But I have to agree with something Joan Peterson said. (Link goes to Weerd.  I'm not feeding the harpies and trolls any traffic.)

They don’t like victims….It’s odd that they don’t see how failure to do something has resulted in more victims.

She's right.  We don't like victims, or at least, I don't.  And failing to do something DOES result in more victims.  That's why me and my tribe strive to help victims heal, and raise themselves up above victimhood.

This is the ideal outcome for anyone who has been made a victim.  It has nothing to do with her buying a gun or becoming a gunnie.  It has nothing to do with her suddenly having all the answers.  If you read her blog, you'll very quickly realize, she doesn't.  She's still learning, and hopefully will be for the rest of her life.  What she does have, though, is confidence, and a iron-hard determination to never be a victim again, nor allow her children to be victims.

And that makes her very, very strong.  And her strength scares the shit out of perpetual victims.

Lokidude

Boo

Another of the cats that rules the house.

Lokidude

I may have to try this Battlefield 3

In a rare post, not only does pdb sing it's praises, he also puts up a video that makes it look like a hell of a lot of fun.

And fun is what games are still all about, kids.

Lokidude

The perfect shot

Some days, luck is on your side.

Lokidude

Quote of the day

From the Queen of Snark her own self, in comments here...

Remember: When a masochist begs "Hit me!" a real sadist would say "No."

Within context, it's true, for the most part.  The only reason the antis have any traffic at all is because of the gunnies keeping an eyeball on them.

Without context, it made me snerk.

Lokidude

Well that was interesting

You guys know I love a good cover tune, especially when it represents a unique take on the song.  I was pleasantly surprised the other day when I was bumping around the internet and found this gem.



Definitely different.  Kinda fun.  If you have any favorite covers, share em, I'd love to give em a listen!

Lokidude

Movie Review: Tucker & Dale vs Evil

Disclaimer:  I'm a big fan of slasher flicks.  Scream, Friday the 13th, you name it, I like it.

Now, with that out of the way...  Tucker & Dale vs Evil recently showed up on Netflix Instant.  I'd heard about it, and that it was worth the time, so I fired it up.

The three word review:  They weren't lying.

What do you get when you turn a standard "College kids in the woods" slasher flick on it's ear?  You get Tucker and Dale, and some excellent comedy.  It's College Kids vs Hillbillies, and whatever crazy that can happen, probably will.  Don't expect much by way of plot (it's a slasher flick, and you expect plot?) or character development, and don't watch it around folks who're opposed to violence, gore, and a bit of language (again, slasher flick, turned up to 11.)

But if you like slashers, by all means, give it a view.

Lokidude

Every day, I pray for peace

Weerd asks, and I deliver.

On top is my wife's XDM .40.  On bottom is my ATI Commander.  Two of many, the primary two we choose to keep us safe.

I carry, not because I'm afraid, but so that I am equipped if someone tries to make me fear.

Lokidude

A brush with an unfamous fame.

My parents missed their light rail ride to the train station tonight after a concert, so they called me to give them a ride.  Simple, easy enough.  I get there, they open the doors, and I hear "Sterling's coming, too."  Well sure.  I've met the guy before.  He's distantly related to an old friend, and he's an all around genuine nice guy.  And far be it from me to ever deny an NCO of any type a ride.

Honestly, the ride was far too short (only a couple mile or so to the train station), because as has been my experience, the conversation was easy, light, and very fun.

Would that they were all so.

Lokidude

Merry Christmas

To my 3 loyal readers, and the rest of you who stumble by.

Now get the hell outta here. You've got someone far more important spend today with.

Lokidude

The carry "rotation"

Such as it is.

 

Clockwise, from left: S&W 1006, Taurus 605, ATI Commander, CZ-82, Colt Series 80 Government.

That's everything I've carried in the past 12 months.  It looks like a lot, but two of the guns are of the exact same type, and the CZ isn't much different.  And the ATI and the Taurus account for better than 90% of my carry.

There's some new camera gear here at the house, so now, pictures!

The S&W 1006.  The origin of the joke "My backup gun is a 10mm."  It's a bit large to conceal on my hip, so it lives in a Maxpedition KISS bag.  It goes pretty much everywhere I do.

The 1911s.  The stainless Colt is my USPSA gun.  I love it and love shooting it, but it's also a bit too long to handily conceal.  The ATI handily solves that problem.  The holsters are both Ross Leather and work very well.

CZ-82.  I have to confess to a love of the 9x18 Makarov cartridge.  It's just a handy little round.  This little beast has pretty much been relegated to a suit or dress gun, IWB and tucked under a dress shirt.  The IWB holster is a Galco, and the SOB is a Gould and Goodrich (and is far more comfortable than I expected.)

Taurus 605.  Great little gun, it absolutely disappears in that IWB Gould and Goodrich holster.  When I can't carry more firepower, it makes a handy companion.  The pocket holster is a Desantis Nemesis, which also works wonderfully.

And yes, there were mags in 3 of the 5.  One was on my hip, one was in my manbag, and the third was in the safe.  The safeties were engaged, the four rules were followed, and doing that is far safer than administrative loading and unloading.  I was aware, and I was conscious, and I was safe.

Lokidude

Bad year to be a scumbag

Osama, Gaddafi, and now Crazy Kim.  It's been a damn bad year for asshole scrotebags, and we've still got two weeks to go.

President Tom, Pugsley, and the Brothers Castro, here's lookin at you!

Lokidude

Christmas wishes of children around the world

Lokidude

I have no words...

Seriously, my mind, it boggles.  This shit is seriously fucked up.

Third graders.  That's 8 year olds, sports fans.  And that's all that I'm going to say.  The shaking makes typing hard.

Lokidude

Giving to an excellent cause

If you know me, you know that the people who wear the uniforms of our nation's armed services are rather near and dear to my heart.  Along with that, the folks at Soldier's Angels should pretty much be canonized for sainthood.

Linoge has put together a phenomenal fundraiser for Soldier's Angels.  And seeing the support he's gotten says a lot about the good work he's doing.  So go.  Give what you can.  Even without the swag, it's worthy.  But if you need the swag, it's there.

And as an inside joke for one of those uniformed heroes:

Give.  To charity!  Give till it hurts!

Lokidude

For the gunchicks in our lives

Shelley Rae shows you how to be both fashionable, and armed.

It is possible, ladies.  And it makes all of us who care about you feel a bit better.

Lokidude

Happy Thanksgiving

All the best to you and yours. I hope you're spending time with the people that matter most to you.

Bex and I are at Mom and Dad Dude's place. The turkeys have been devoured, and as soon as room frees up in mah belly, a chocolate cream pie will follow suit.

Hope the day is good for everyone.

Lokidude

Going Yard

I did something last night that I haven't done in about 15 years.

I put on pants with a 36 inch waist.

I was so excited, I bought two pairs.

Lokidude

Breakin the law, Breakin the law!

Those are the venturis I just picked up for my beloved VW. Read the little disclaimer underneath, and then ignore it. Just like I'm going to.

Lokidude

Things I never thought I'd say #3

I told my wife to watch her ass last night, since the hippies were in town.

As far as I'm concerned, Occupy This ..!..

Lokidude

Excuse me while I whip this out...

Since everybody else is playing, I'll play too.  These two knives were just pulled from my pocket.

The knife on the left is a Wenger Swiss Army Knife, which is unendingly useful. The right hand knife is my Gerber Descent, which I've carried since it replaced my Kershaw Vapor a year or so back. The blade shape is about ideal for general use, and it holds an edge far better than I'd expect. I'm abusive toward knives, and this one just keeps going.

Lokidude

Seen on a bumper sticker

While driving home from work:

"All your base are neutralized by acid."

I lol'ed like a nerd.

Lokidude

Kilted to kick cancer

First off, the info is here.

I'm not tossing in my hat, at least not for myself.  My traffic is far too low to be anywhere near competitive.  Instead, I'm asking that you donate to one of the other fine bloggers.  I really don't care who.  Back Kelly.  Or Old NFO.  Or Stingray.  Or Alan.  Or JayG.

Because seriously, it's about far more than some online contest.  This is, quite seriously, a matter of life and death.  1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.  That's TWO DUDES in your average fantasy football league.  That's one of your best drinking buddies.  That's a figure that is far too high to screw around with.

So donate, through whichever blogger you choose.  If you're a man of appropriate age, swallow your shame and get your ass checked out (no pun intended.)

Even though I'm not playing for the big prize, there happen to be pictures of me in a kilt out there somewhere.  Here's the deal.  I'll be donating $40 come payday.  If any of my readers is willing to match me, and email me their confirmation number (utredneck on the gmail service), I'll dig up the picture, and it will be my blogpic for the rest of the year.

Get on it.

Lokidude.

Men with guns

On September 11, 2011, two men walked into a grocery store in Ogden Utah, openly carrying firearms. And not a damn thing happened.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

Lokidude

10 years later

I have plenty of hazy, scattered memories of September 11, 2001.

I remember waking up to a call from Mom, telling me to turn on the TV, that there'd been a horrible accident. I remember watching the second plane hit, and knowing it was not than coincidence. I remember seeing the wreckage at the Pentagon, and being truly scared for the first time in the whole mess.

About that time, I hauled myself over to the university. I really don't know why, I guess I needed a sense of normalcy. Not that anybody did anything. We rigged up a portable radio and speakers and sat outside the band room all day, listening and feeling shell-shocked.

The memory that I hang, to, though, is something the world learned about weeks later. "Let's roll!" Two simple words, uttered by people who had to know they were going to die, but were determined to die on their feet, free and uncowed.

To me, that embodies the American way. To stand up to evil, to get pissed off, and kick it in the nuts, no matter the odds. And THAT is truly what we need to never forget.

Lokidude

Loki's Barley Chili

(Barley?  Yes.  Trust me here.)

Remember, my recipes are a bit like the Pirate Code.  Tinker with em until you like the taste.

Ingredients:
A pound or so of good bacon. (By good, I mean that at the very least, the butcher had to pull it from his cold case and package it for you.  It should be 1/4" thick or so.)
A pound or so of good sausage.  (I like andoulle.  Chorizo would probably work quite well.)
1-2 pounds of "other meat."  Fajita-cut beef, stew meat, cut up pork, doesn't really matter.  Doesn't even have to be particularly good meat, you won't notice when you're done.
Fresh cilantro
a bulb of garlic
bay leaves
smoked paprika
lime juice
coriander
cumin
chili powder
chicken stock (2 huge cans, somewhere north of 32oz. Beef is better, but I can't find it in bulk)
tomato juice (2 large cans)
tomato paste (2-3 cans)
stewed tomatoes, if you really want them
a bag of barley

You'll end up assembling all your ingredients in about a 3 gallon pot.  Put your stock in the pot and get it warming.  Dice your bacon and brown it in a frying pan.  When it's browned, put it in the stock pot, reserving the grease in the frying pan.  Brown a pound of your "other meat" in the grease, and then add that to the pot.  Slice and brown your sausage, again reserving the grease when you add it to the pan.  Brown any remaining meat, add it to the pot, and reserve whatever grease remains.  Finely chop your garlic, and brown it lightly in the grease.  Add the garlic (and the grease, if you're me and like the extra flavor).

Add the tomato juice and 2-3 bay leaves, and the stewed tomatoes if you're going to add them.  Chop the cilantro fine, and add it to the pot, along with spices and lime juice.  Stir well, cover, and let cook.

Check and stir every half hour to 45 minutes (total of 4-6 hours), spicing to taste.  In the last 30-60 minutes, add tomato paste if needed for thickness, and the barley, then cook until barley is done.

It's even better on day 2 or 3, and you can freeze it for later, too.

Lokidude

Blacklisted

It seems there's a list, it's black (RACIST!), and I'm on it.

I consider myself in good company.

Lokidude

Good suds

While it may not be the internet-famous Dogfish Head, I have to give some love to Squatters Roadhouse and Pub. They may be hippies, but they make some great food and brew a killer beer (with a nice side of some poke-the-local-establishment humor.) Their "Organic" Amber Ale is highly recommended.

Lokidude

Holy alpacas, Batman!

The drama llama is tuned the hell up this week.

Mike W and pdb dissect it far better and more intelligently than I'd be able to, which leaves me with only one pearl of wisdom for Mr Farago:

The First Amendment guarantees you a voice, Robert. It does NOT guarantee you an audience.

Lokidude

Why you have more than one gun

I have two primary carry guns, and both of them are down. I got some parts in for the CZ, so it's in pieces waiting for me to fit them. No problem, I still have my trusty snub revolver, right? That is, until I discovered a nasty rust problem on it tonight, so it's torn down and half fixed. (Posts on both fixes tomorrow.) My 1911 is freshly repaired, but untested. I ended up having to go deep into the vaults for a nightstand gun for tonight, back to a trusted old friend, my beloved Smith & Wesson 19.

Because when you need a cannon for home defense, accept no substitutes.

Lokidude

Things I never thought I'd say...

#1. This morning, I rode on a plywood elevator.

#2. The plywood elevator had an operator.

Lokidude

High Speed Dirt!

Continuing with "music that inspires Loki's right foot," this week is a ripping tune from Megadeth.  Not really about racing, but it's still about going damn fast, on the edge of control.



Lokidude

An observation

While I've been up at this jobsite, in a town populated by professional hipsters, I've noticed something. It's not the poor, lower class kids, who'd ostensibly benefit from socialist policies, who make a habit of wearing Che shirts and the like. It's the stupid hipsters with full bank accounts, who've never worried about making ends meet.

I found it telling and terrifying.

Lokidude

Seriously?

Okay, I gotta get this out or I'm gonna explode, and since screaming at stupid people will get me nowhere but into trouble, y'all get the honors.

You can obviously see the caution tape and orange pylons. You've apparently survived to adulthood, so it would seem the breathing lessons took and you can learn simple tricks. So try this one. DO NOT CROSS MY FUCKING BARRICADES!

I don't put up the tape because it looks pretty, or for my health. I don't do it for fun. (Profit, yes. Fun, no.)  I do it because there's a guy working 40' above me, and if he drops something, you might get hurt. Now, that wouldn't make me cry overmuch, but.the inevitable lawsuits involve a whole mess of paperwork, and wouldn't we all prefer to avoid that nonsense?

This has been your one friendly warning.

Lokidude

Keepin on

This week, I'm reaching DEEP into the vault, and coming out with some very classic Aerosmith.



If that doesn't make you want to fly down the freeway, you might need your pulse checked.

Lokidude

On Stage is BACK!

I finally fixed my bass, and started working on my old car, so I've had a bit of inspiration.  On Stage Thursday is scheduled for at least the next three weeks with what sometimes gets termed "right foot music."  They're all tunes that inspire my right foot to find the firewall, basically.

For starters, you get Storm Large covering Pinball Wizard.  I apologize for the extended intro, but it's the only video I could find with any kind of actual quality to it.



Lokidude

An open letter

To the self-important, overblown Park City bimbo.

No.  You cannot "just go under" my damn barricades.  I can tell from the look on your face that I ruined your day, by making you walk an extra 20 feet to get "over there."  ("Over there" being the suck-nuts, uber-trendy hair salon.)

I know you think you're special, and that Mommy and Daddy made sure you knew that.  But seriously, what part of "CAUTION: CONSTRUCTION AREA!  DO NOT ENTER!"  do you think doesn't apply to you?

I hate folks who are stuck on stupid.

Lokidude

A much needed PSA

...and knowing is half the battle.

Lokidude

Theme song for today

It's Saturday, it's 76 degrees and sunny as a body could want outside, and my life doesn't suck.  I have a beautiful wife, enough money in my pocket to keep the bills paid, and family and friends that love me.  I'll let Uncle Kracker sum it up for you.



The man tells it how it is.

Lokidude

A favor for Larry

Larry Correia's next book, Monster Hunter Alpha, drops on July 26th, and he (and the rest of us) would like to see it hit the NYT Bestseller list like the other Monster Hunter books have.

So he's asking a favor.

I don't know how much help and traffic I can possibly send his way, but he's a hell of a nice guy, so I'll do what I can.  If it means anything, I also give him the strongest recommendation a capitalist can.  I'm buying his book.  3 copies, in fact (one each for Bex and I to have signed, and an .epub copy for the Nooks).

So help out one of the nicest guys to ever lay ink to paper.

Lokidude

For WEERD

I saw this on a magazine today at work, and immediately thought of my buddy Weer'd Beard.

 

Weer'd, buddy, I joke because I care.

Lokidude

Making up for lost time...

I'm standing at the Poison show I was denied a few years ago, and its as awesome as expected.

And the company is far better than it would have been before.

Lokidude

BREAD TRUCK MOTHER******

Larry Correia brilliantly fisks an article giving financial advice to the stupid.

And what he says is the complete truth.  My current job is completely outside the skill set of what I spent the last 7 years doing.  But it pays the damn bills, and leaves me with a bit afterwards to ferret away.

And that's what matters.

Lokidude

Calibers

There's no way I can keep up with Tam, but I have a few oddballs in stock.

Handgun:

9x18 Makarov
38 Spl (and it's +p variant)
357 Magnum (even though I never shoot it, I still have a box)
40 S&W
10mm Auto
32 ACP
45 ACP
22 LR (rifle and pistol)

Long Gun:
22 WMR
22 WRF
22-250
30-06
7.65 Argentine
7.62x39
12 gauge

With the exception of the 32 ACP and the 7.62x39, I have dies and components to reload for all of em, too.  I actually have components for the x39, I just need to pick up dies.  Because brass cased x39 is rare as hens teeth and twice as expensive.

Lokidude

My story

Friend and awesome gunchick Jennifer shares the story of how she became a gunnie and asks the rest of us to do the same, so here goes.

My story is actually a non-story.  I grew up around guns.  They were no big mystery to me.  My first memory of actually shooting was at Scout camp, when I was 8.  Dad had a rifle and a shotgun while I was growing up, and I was probably 5 or 6 when he went on his last elk hunt, and before he left, he taught me a couple basics about guns.  I got the gun I truly learned marksmanship on for my 15th birthday.  I started buying guns for myself when I was 21, and it's been all downhill from there.

That's basically the story, for what it's worth.

Lokidude

Shoot like a girl...

On our last camping trip/range outing (sorry, no pics, I was occupied), I learned something.  My wife is hell on wheels with an AR.  Be it my carbine, or our friend's built-up Varminter, the woman is just plain scary good with that platform.

Probably best to stay on her good side...

Lokidude

The answer to everything.

My good buddy and fellow Boxer-block fan Kentrik directed me to something far better than any cat with a cheeseburger.  He actually found a site with the answer to all of the deep philosophical questions of life.

Why do you not have a girlfriend?
Why do your neighbors hate you?
Why do you still live at home with your mother?
Why don't I like the French?

Why?  Because racecar!

And my personal favorite...

It's almost as awesome as 42.

Lokidude

220

220.2, actually.  As of roughly 6 pm Mountain Time time tonight, I'm down right at 20 pounds from the start of Operation Fatass.  That's roughly a third of my goal.

Go team me!

Lokidude

The CDC finally gets it

It seems the Centers for Disease Control has issued a warning to prepare for the Zombie Apocalypse.

As wacky as it sounds, this is actually a very good thing.  Because as Unc has said "If you're prepared for a Zombie Apocalypse, a hurricane is just a storm."

When you think about it, it's the truth.  While the odds of the dead rising and walking the Earth are pretty slim, the odds of something else occurring that would require the same preparations are far higher.

And the looks you get when you answer "What are you prepping for?" with "Zombies." are awesome.

Lokidude

Operation Fatass is back

Even though it only kinda left.  Sorry I've been quiet, I got myself a job a couple weeks back and have been working 60 hours/week.

Anyways, I weighed myself tonight, and I was at 228.8.  I figure I had no less than .8 pounds of assorted crap in my pockets, so call it an even 228.  That's 12 down from when this project started. Not quite on pace, but with the move, and some general attitudinal issues I had for a while, I'm more than happy to have it.  Now that I have a working scale, I promise I'll keep you updated far more frequently.

Lokidude

Overheard while unpacking

Bex and I were going through some boxes tonight when she found and decided to keep an inflatable fish, because

"You never know when an inflatable fish might come in handy..."

I laughed. A lot.

Lokidude

Analog blogging

Justice is served

The news tonight reports (in case you've been living under a rock) that Osama Bin Laden is dead.

I'm completely good with that.  Sadly, it took a decade to do it, but finally, the architect of so much death and destruction has met his end.

Lokidude

Utah Grand Prix

I'm sitting in the stands at the Utah Grand Prix, and it's an excellent day for a Collosimo brat and racing at North America's longest road course.  If the pictures I took turn out, maybe I'll share.  If not, the cars were hot and  the racing was excellent.

Lokidude

The hell you say?

It's April 26.  There should not be global warming accumulating on the back porch.

Seriously.

Lokidude

In atonement

I'm sorry I haven't posted much recently, I know I've been a bad blogger, but between moving and trying to find a job, I've been a bit occupied.  But in an attempt to atone for my sins, I give you FOOD!

So, I have this recipe that has pretty much become a staple at family events involving food.  And now, I'm gonna share it with you.  Be advised, though, unless we're baking, around here, recipes are kinda like the Pirate Code (more of a guideline, so to speak.)

16-24 oz uncooked bowtie pasta
6 oz black olives, drained and sliced
3-4 roma tomatoes, seeded and cubed
4-6 cloves of garlic, chopped fine
4 T olive oil
4 T (and change) Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 t black pepper
2 t salt
1 T dried basil
1 c crumbled feta cheese

Boil your pasta according to the directions on the bag.  (Me, I add a bit of olive oil and some salt to any pasta I make, but that's up to your discretion.)

While that's boiling, prep your tomatoes and olives.  Whisk your vinegar, olive oil, basil, salt, pepper, and garlic in a medium bowl, then add your tomatoes.

When your pasta is done, remove it to a large bowl, preferably one suitable for serving (metal bowls are not advised).  Add your wet ingredients mixture and your olives, and fold in.  Then add the feta, and fold that in as well.  Add any balsamic, salt, pepper, or basil to taste. (Remember how recipes are more of a guideline?)

You can serve this immediately if you want, but we've achieved far better results by covering the bowl with plastic wrap and putting it in the fridge for 24-48 hours.  The flavors kinda mellow together, and it's happiness on a fork.

Enjoy.

Lokidude

This is why you don't screw with old people

They have a tendency to kick asses.

Jacksonville burglar gets hit 'upside the head’ by 81-year-old victim’s frying pan

The man told Smith to "gimme what you got" before shoving him to the ground and taking his wallet, according to the police report. That didn't stop Smith, who said he "went back after him." He grabbed the nearest weapon, while Sones grabbed for something else to give him.

"I grabbed the frying pan and hit him upside the head. I knocked his teeth out ... and he went to the floor," Smith said. "There was a pitchfork about six feet away. ... I stuck him."

And the burglar was actually lucky.

"I was angry; I was upset; and I was as mad as all outdoors," Smith said Wednesday. "If I'd had my gun, like I normally would have, I would have shot him because he was in my home. I don't like people hurting my family or my home."

 As the man has been known to say...  "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes."

Lokidude

Things that make a nerd go SQUEE!

I got another package in the mail yesterday (it's been a good week for nerdiness).  Whatever would make me so happy you ask?

That would be my brand-new copy of Klingon Academy, a game I remember loving right around 2000.  It's the height of nerd space combat games, and I've searched for years for its equal and been left wanting.

So, once again, squee.

Lokidude

The only thing better than a new book...

Is a FREE book!

A week or so back, I won a giveaway for a free book from my friend Sarah's blog Bookworm Blues.

It got here today.

 

 Sorry for the sideways, it's late, I'm tired, and it's been a long day.

I'm stoked.  This will be the first dead-tree book I've read in months.

Thanks Sarah!

Lokidude

Not that I needed more motivation

But the good people at CCI are giving away a free spinner target with the purchase of 2 boxes of ammo.

The ammo is worth the cost anyways, the free target is just a bonus.

The FCC can take a flying leap, nobody paid me to post this, I just like quality products.

And anyways, free stuff good.

Lokidude

A voice from my youth silenced

According to the news this morning, G-funk legend  Nate Dogg has died.  There is no cause of death yet, but he had serious health issues in recent years.

Rest In Peace

Lokidude

What I Did With Guns This Week

One of my favorite podcasts has a feature "What I did with guns this week."  Seems like good blogfodder to me, and it will hopefully push me a bit, both in shooting and blogging.

That said, this week has been cold, snowy, and busy, so the gun stuff has been a bit slim.  However, I did acquire a pair of Safariland Comp-I speedloaders and a pair of Tuff Products speed strips.

(Clockwise from top left, Safariland Comp I, HKS #36, Tuff Products speed strip)

I'll post reviews after I've run them through their paces, but so far, I'm not unimpressed, particularly with the speed strips.

Lokidude

My own Zombie Squad

(Shamelessly stolen from Breda.)

Here's how it's supposed to work:  Go to your Facebook profile, and the top five friends on the left-hand sidebar are your team in the upcoming Zombie Apocalypse.  Based on your team and their skills, estimate how long you'll survive.

I got lucky.  My team?  Bex, my buddy Kyle that I've known forever (picture the sunglass and cowboy hat wearing jailers in most any prison movie, and that's Kyle), GayCynic, the infamous Nightcrawler, and my friend Lacey (the only non-gunnie on the team, but she's wicked smart, and every good team needs a techie).

The zombies don't stand a chance.

Lokidude

Provenance

Here is the link to the article in the Casper Star-Tribune about Governor Mead signing the Wyoming Constitutional Carry bill into law.

And I'm still grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

Lokidude

It PASSED!

I just got an email from Wyoming Gun Owners, bearing excellent news:

Governor Mead signed the Wyoming Constitutional Carry bill into law!

Pardon me while I do the world's happiest Truffle Shuffle.

Lokidude

A moment of realization

Between a discussion over on The Gun Counter, and learning of the death of a friend of a friend, I inadvertently stumbled across what will someday become my epitaph:

Life is short.  Living is dangerous.  We are fragile.

 I'm not really worried about dying anytime soon, and I really don't want to sound morbid, but the above is the realization I've recently reached.  However, instead of making me depressed, I view it as inspiring.  Because, knowing that it is truth, I'm reminded that I need to do more than just metabolize oxygen and sugar.  I need to get out and LIVE.  I need to spend more time fishing with my brother and my dad, and worry less about my own mortality.

And that, I'm realizing, is a refreshing freedom.

Lokidude

Black Swan

Two words.  Just.  Don't.

It was like A Clockwork Orange had a drunken one-night stand with Swan Lake, and the child was born addicted to psychotropic substances.

Watch a couple Tim Burton flicks instead.

Lokidude

We need more of this

Congratulations go out to Marko, who's celebrating the seven year anniversary of his naturalization as an American this year.

What is it that we need more of, though?  This:

I still get this little rush every time I have an occasion to affirm my nationality–checking off “United States of America” for citizenship on a 4473, for example, or acknowledging verbally that I am an American citizen.
I did it for the first time the day I got back from the courthouse with my naturalization certificate in hand, and went straight to the town clerk’s office to register to vote and apply for a passport. So far, it hasn’t lost its thrill.

 We need to make it easy for folks like Marko to emigrate to America and become legal citizens.  A person who wants nothing more than to become an American, work hard, and strive for the American Dream is a person I want to see become an American.

Congrats, Marko.  Our nation is better for you and folks like you.

Lokidude

On moving

While I've made reference to it a couple times, I haven't come out and said anything about our upcoming move.

For family reasons, Bex and I are moving back to Salt Lake the first week of April.  We're both working on getting transfers, and we'll be living with her mother for the forseeable future.  It should be a good change for all involved.  We're both excited to be near family and friends.  I'm stoked to be able to go to concerts and races and work on my Volkswagen.  Something tells me Bex won't complain about variety in restaurant choices, and local craft stores.

We're definitely looking forward to home.

Lokidude

How to NOT be a good mother

Despite any argument the writer may make, leaving her children and family behind does not, in fact, make her a good mother.  In fact, it makes her a selfish, narcissistic, overgrown child whose children seem far better off post-divorce.

Now, I know I stand to get railed here, as I have no children yet.  I am, however, Uncle Loki to 4 wonderful little kids (soon to be 5!), as well as having firsthand knowledge of shit marriages.  And Bex and I are actively trying to have kids.  And part of making the decision to have kids is that both of you have to be 100% behind the decision.  And yes, that means sacrifice.  When we have a kid, the hatchling becomes the priority.  My car, beloved though it is, comes after the kids.  Same with the guns and the hunting and the fishing.  I hope to share all of my passions with my kids, but the kids take precedence over the hobbies and lifestyle.

The screaming reality that shows me how selfish the author of the article is?

If one partner doesn't want kids, no amount of begging, cajoling, or negotiating will make the decision to have kids a right one.

No ifs, ands, or buts.  If you're not ready to make the sacrifices for your family, then you don't need to be having a family.  And if your family happens unplanned, well, you learn to sacrifice, like my friend Sarah, or you give the child up for adoption.  Seriously, there are wonderful people out there who would love nothing more than to become parents, but can't.  And you, Ms Narcissistic Blowhard, get to celebrate how you were able to abandon your marriage (by your account, good for 20 years, right up until you walked away on the beginning of your journey of self-absorption), and your two children.

And it should have ripped your cavalier heart out to hear them say "When I called you last night I felt like I really missed you very much."

I'm just shy of 29, and I can tell you with a certainty that no matter how bad it got dealing with my mom, I missed her.  Not "felt like."  Not some rational, composed, English-major sentence.  I flat out missed my mom.  Because I have a good mom.  Mom gave up a lot of lifestyle and fun to raise Baby Brother and me.  But instead of treating us like a burden, she treated us like her kids.  Her legacy.  The lasting thing she leaves to this world.  And in doing so, she taught me how I want to raise my own.  And it's not by walking away from my family to pursue a selfish career opportunity.  Not without a plan in place.  Not with any kind of ambivalence.  Because that's what parents, good parents, do.

And that blowhard is not a good parent.

Lokidude

Rest in Peace, Mr Buckles

 America's last WWI veteran has died.   Not only did he survive WWI, he was a POW in the Philippines in WWII.

Rest in Peace and Godspeed, Mr Buckles.  You've earned it, sir.

Lokidude

One of the best things I've ever seen

Everybody knows Mike Rowe.  He's the Ford guy, the Dirty Jobs guy, the voice of Deadliest Catch.  He's also incredibly intelligent, well-educated, and has an uncanny grasp of the human condition.

It's 20 minutes long, but watch the whole thing.  Trust me, it's so very worth it.

 

Lokidude

365

One year ago today (right about now, in fact) was the best day of my life, and the first day in the best year of my life.  For some reason, she let me fool her into thinking I was worth marrying, and she still seems to believe it.  If the next year is half this good, it'll be epic.

I love you, honey!

Lokidude

In less fun news

Somali pirates have hijacked a yacht and are holding 4 Americans.

However...  "US mulls responses?" I'm sorry, there is only one response to piracy where American citizens are involved.  That response has been around for well over 230 years:  The United States Marine Corps.  It's what they're for.  Point them at the general area and tell them "fix the problem."

The article also mentions that a court in New York has sentenced the one surviving pirate from the Maersk Alabama incident to 33 years in an American prison (quite an upgrade from his life in Somalia, I'm certain).  Why, for the love of all that's good and decent, did we bring one home?  By international law, which has never changed and is still valid, piracy is a capitol offense, violators are tried on site, and if convicted, summarily turned into chum.

I don't care about "fixing" Somalia, I know for a fact that it's an impossible notion.  I just want to make piracy so dangerous that it's no longer a viable business model.

Lokidude

Addendum

As a side note, compare Martina McBride's handling of the Star Spangled Banner at Daytona to Christina Aguilera's rendition at the Super Bowl, if you will.  I'll give you a hint.  The country girl did it right.  The princess, well, she did it entirely wrong.

Lokidude

It's that time again...

Time to reach on back, pull those belts tight, and crank it up!

Boogity boogity boogity, let's go racin boys!

Lokidude

Wheaton's Law, as applied to gunnies

Breda linked to a news story of some Michigan OC activists who (according to the story, and that's my caveat) violated Wheaton's Law* in the course of their activism.

The commenters on that post MOST DEFINITELY violated Wheaton's Law.

Here's the deal.  You can either damn the torpedoes, and make your point at all costs, or you can be a bit pragmatic (I know, amongst some gunnies, that's an insult almost as bad as "fudd" or "democrat").  While taking a stand and making a point can feel damn good, it's not likely to get you much of anyplace.  We didn't get where we are in this rights battle overnight, and we won't get Constitutional liberties restored overnight, either.  At least, not in a way that any of us who has 2 brain cells to rub together wants.

Instead, let's take a lesson from the snowball.  Start small, pick up support as you go, and soon, you become unstoppable.
The concept of open carry is something I dearly love.  I don't OC as often as I might, in no small part because I don't want to deal with the stupid that comes from the tourists I've had to deal with in the past couple years.  During the winter, though, I'm far less concerned and far more apt to OC.  It is, quite simply, a convenience thing.  However, there is a major difference between a holstered pistol (which can be an excellent icebreaker for a rights discussion), and a slung longarm, which, while legal, is going to make anyone nervous.  It has nothing to do with rights or legalities.  It has everything to do with a deeply-ingrained image in our souls.  Men, ready-carrying long guns, brings to mind an image of so many police states and government oppressions.  We've seen in on the news the world over, for the entirety of my generation and the one before it.  And when people see those things, it causes a gut reaction of opposition, whether or not it is warranted.  It's the same imagery that causes a gut reaction of acceptance and home in me when I see a gun rack in a truck, because that's just redneck good times.  Conditioning like that will take a generation, maybe more, to weed out.  And that weeding has to be done deliberately, slowly, and calmly.

So open carry whenever it's legal and appropriate.  Be friendly and courteous.  When someone asks about your pistol, and why you're open carrying, give them a friendly, simple answer, and maybe some direction as to where they can find further information.  Don't become a shrieking harpy, screaming "SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED!"**  Don't get into arguments with screaming harpies, because they'll drag you to their level and beat you with experience.  We have to be ambassadors and diplomats, not conquerors.

So be good ones.

Lokidude

*In summary, "don't be a dick."
**A mighty hat tip to JayG and Vine, that.

Demotivator time

We packed up the cat and moved him to my mother-in-law's place today, in preparation for our big move (more about that when I have more time).  About 2/3 of the way through the drive, we stopped for fuel and I snapped a photo of him, to show the family how much he loves traveling.  It was such a representative shot that I had to make a demotivator of it.

As usual, click to embiggen.

Lokidude

Top Shot Reloaded

It premiered tonight, but it's late, so you'll get your recap tomorrow.  Sorry.

Lokidude

Quote of the Day

There's only one policy of any kind that has ever been shown to deter mass murder: concealed-carry laws. In a comprehensive study of all public, multiple-shooting incidents in America between 1977 and 1999, the highly regarded economists John Lott and Bill Landes found that concealed-carry laws were the only laws that had any beneficial effect. -- Anne Coulter

Overheard at the game table...

S: We got the naked lady car!

A: I can't believe you lost my naked lady car!

It's a good night.

Lokidude

Of all the names...

I just talked to a dude named Dragan on the phone.  Guarantee you'd only get one response if you yelled that name in the mall.

Lokidude