I ordered the 4 series set of Magpul Dynamics DVDs (Handgun, Carbine I & II, Aerial) along with the new Magpul Shotgun videos from Brownells. They had a sale on the 4 pack and a coupon for 10% off.
I'm glad I ordered the Magpul videos now instead of waiting on the on the Daniel Defense/Larry Vickers training series. I agree with ENDO and don't think I could stomach much of "LAV."
Saturday, November 27, 2010
.500 and a Bowl Game
Congrats to the Vols who got back to .500 today with the 26 consecutive win over Kentucky.
Best quotes of the day:
Gerald Jones on a team that went from 2-6 to 6-6: "We're not champions, but we're not quitters, either. Nobody can ever call us quitters."
via @WesRuckerCTFP
Derek Dooley referring to his two catches when QB Bray was under pressure and had to get rid of the ball by throwing it out of bounds (with a jab at the punt return difficulties): "I was just showing them it's not hard to catch the football. I'm going to go catch punts next."
via @Josh_Ward
Best quotes of the day:
Gerald Jones on a team that went from 2-6 to 6-6: "We're not champions, but we're not quitters, either. Nobody can ever call us quitters."
via @WesRuckerCTFP
Derek Dooley referring to his two catches when QB Bray was under pressure and had to get rid of the ball by throwing it out of bounds (with a jab at the punt return difficulties): "I was just showing them it's not hard to catch the football. I'm going to go catch punts next."
via @Josh_Ward
Friday, November 26, 2010
Radio Indecision 2010
My waffling continues...
I'm still trying to decide what radio I want to buy. I've been reading reviews, forums, and other websites. Paralysis by analysis! The Yaesu FT-450AT has been added to the HF list. Lots of folks like the Icom IC-718, but I think I'd like to have the option of 6M. If I go with two rigs, then I'm looking at the Yaesu FTM-350R or the Wouxun KG-UV920R for 2M. The KG-UV920R isn't available yet, but I have hopes for it (in both cost and performance) based on my experience with their HT, the KG-UVD1P.
Option 1: FT-857D
Option 2: FT-450 + FTM-350R
Option 3: FT-450 + KG-UV920R
Option 4: IC-7000
My father-in-law brought over some RG-8X coax, a dummy load, and some connectors. This is in addition to the FT-817 he has loaned me, the power supply, and the quarter wave ground plane 2M antenna. He's gonna have me all setup except I won't have bought my own radio!
I'm still trying to decide what radio I want to buy. I've been reading reviews, forums, and other websites. Paralysis by analysis! The Yaesu FT-450AT has been added to the HF list. Lots of folks like the Icom IC-718, but I think I'd like to have the option of 6M. If I go with two rigs, then I'm looking at the Yaesu FTM-350R or the Wouxun KG-UV920R for 2M. The KG-UV920R isn't available yet, but I have hopes for it (in both cost and performance) based on my experience with their HT, the KG-UVD1P.
Option 1: FT-857D
Option 2: FT-450 + FTM-350R
Option 3: FT-450 + KG-UV920R
Option 4: IC-7000
My father-in-law brought over some RG-8X coax, a dummy load, and some connectors. This is in addition to the FT-817 he has loaned me, the power supply, and the quarter wave ground plane 2M antenna. He's gonna have me all setup except I won't have bought my own radio!
Sports Grab Bag
Congrats to the Vols for winning the NIT tournament by beating Villanova today. This was a quality win over tough opponent in a tournament setting. I think it bodes well for the team this season - assuming the wheels don't fall off the bus because of Bruce's trouble.
Auburn pulled out a miracle comeback. Of course, their Cam problem may be worse than Pearl's.
Auburn pulled out a miracle comeback. Of course, their Cam problem may be worse than Pearl's.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Tactical .22 Rilfes
The American Rifleman has a review of the current lot of tactical .22 rifles. I bought the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 a while back. It is my first rifle. I bought it as both a fun little plinker and to use as a trainer for a true 5.56/.223 EBR.
I've really enjoyed shooting it. I broke it in with a few hundred rounds of CCI Minimags and have been shooting the bulk Federal from Wal-Mart with no failures.
My only regret is that I didn't get the Magpul version. Here is the rifle before I went all mall ninja and added a ton of accessories. (It has a quad rail - it needs to be used!)
I've really enjoyed shooting it. I broke it in with a few hundred rounds of CCI Minimags and have been shooting the bulk Federal from Wal-Mart with no failures.
My only regret is that I didn't get the Magpul version. Here is the rifle before I went all mall ninja and added a ton of accessories. (It has a quad rail - it needs to be used!)
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| From Brick O'Lore |
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
MetroPulse Article on Guns
I'm surprised I didn't see this MetroPulse article earlier given all the Knoxville gun blogs I follow. I'm also surprised by the fairly objective tone of the article. While I don't know the people who were interviewed personally, it still reminds me how small the gun community is.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Rules
Funny and a good point:
Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net
You cannot fix problems by adding more rules. This is as equally true for gun restrictions as it is for quality controls. If you have bad or lazy actors, the rules won't matter. Dhillon and Backhouse suggest in a 2000 paper, "Information System Security Management in the New Millennium," that we need to move beyond traditional rules based security. Focusing on CIA (confidentiality, integrity, and availability) of data is no longer sufficient. We need to recognize the human component of systems and think in terms of RITE (responsibility, integrity, trust, ethicality).
Responsibility of the individual to take ownership of a domain and work to guarantee a positive future
Integrity of the individual to do the right thing and report inappropriate use
Trust as a two-way relationship as opposed to the traditional command and control hierarchy
Ethicality behavior based on informal, shared ethical norms
I saw the comic first on Sharp as a Marble.
Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net
You cannot fix problems by adding more rules. This is as equally true for gun restrictions as it is for quality controls. If you have bad or lazy actors, the rules won't matter. Dhillon and Backhouse suggest in a 2000 paper, "Information System Security Management in the New Millennium," that we need to move beyond traditional rules based security. Focusing on CIA (confidentiality, integrity, and availability) of data is no longer sufficient. We need to recognize the human component of systems and think in terms of RITE (responsibility, integrity, trust, ethicality).
Responsibility of the individual to take ownership of a domain and work to guarantee a positive future
Integrity of the individual to do the right thing and report inappropriate use
Trust as a two-way relationship as opposed to the traditional command and control hierarchy
Ethicality behavior based on informal, shared ethical norms
I saw the comic first on Sharp as a Marble.
Social Networking - beyond friends and advertisements
A couple of reasons you should worry about your on-line persona:
Your on-line behavior could cost you some money (via Slashdot.org):
Insurers Test Data Profiles to Identify Risky Clients
Or it could cost your job:
Employer uses social media as cause to fire employee.
Your on-line behavior could cost you some money (via Slashdot.org):
Insurers Test Data Profiles to Identify Risky Clients
Or it could cost your job:
Employer uses social media as cause to fire employee.
Vince Young
Vince Young may be an exmaple of the Peter Principle. Or may be Vince Young just needs a nicer coach.
Laser Tag on 3!
Laser Tag on 3!
Dell Inspiron Duo
The Inspiron Duo looks really slick. It is a netbook and touch-screen table for $550. I've been testing some netbooks for use in our manufacturing facility to replace some legacy, industrial equipment. We need a Windows device, so we can run out VB .NET apps and the touch screen would be a nice feature.
Black Friday Radio Sales
HRO has the IC-7000 and several other radios on sale.
I've been looking at the Icom IC-7000. I want to get a rig to serve as my base station. I can't decide if I need an all in one (70cm - 160M) like the IC-700 and the Yaesu FT-857D or if I should get an HF radio and a separate 2M set.
Ham City has the MFJ-269 analyzer on-sale for $299.95
I've been looking at the Icom IC-7000. I want to get a rig to serve as my base station. I can't decide if I need an all in one (70cm - 160M) like the IC-700 and the Yaesu FT-857D or if I should get an HF radio and a separate 2M set.
Ham City has the MFJ-269 analyzer on-sale for $299.95
Monday, November 22, 2010
And boom goes the dynamite!
Consequences
Sophomore Defense Tackle Montori Hughes has been suspended for academic reasons. Dooley commented that "Everybody’s got freedom of choice, but nobody’s got freedom of consequence."
I think there are way too many people that don't understand that.
Via Wes Rucker on Twitter.
I think there are way too many people that don't understand that.
Via Wes Rucker on Twitter.
Logitech Remote
I've been using a Logitech Harmony 880 remote for years. My wife loved the simplicity of pressing one button that turned on all the required devices, set the inputs/outputs correctly, etc. She especially liked the "Help" button that would walk through the sequence again if something failed to power on correctly. We had a lady that cleaned our house who liked to listen to the TV while she cleaned. When I got my Home Theater in a Box, she never could get everything turned on or off correctly. The Logitech solved that problem, too.
For those unfamiliar with the remote, you use an application on your PC to configure the settings and customize your remote. You tell the software what components (using the make and model number of your TV, DVR, etc.) you have and then you define the settings for various activities. For example, when I press "Watch a DVD", it starts the DVD players/HTIB and the TV, but does not turn on the DVR. It sets the the TV to the HDMI input for the DVD player and configures the HTIB to play the DVD. There are advanced options if you need, for example, to configure pauses between actions.
I finally had to replace the original remote, because the play button was worn out. It took a lot of force to hit play and made using the DVR features a lot harder than it should be.
I had been dragging my feet, but my wife was fed up with the problem, so I bought a new Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote with Color Touch Screen from Amazon.
So far the new remote is working fine. The settings transferred over easily from the original remote. The new remote is more stylish and has a touch screen. The top is very thin and it helps balance the remote in your hand. I still think I would move the least used buttons to the bottom if I were designing a remote. It is awkward to use one-handed when trying to access those bottom buttons.
For those unfamiliar with the remote, you use an application on your PC to configure the settings and customize your remote. You tell the software what components (using the make and model number of your TV, DVR, etc.) you have and then you define the settings for various activities. For example, when I press "Watch a DVD", it starts the DVD players/HTIB and the TV, but does not turn on the DVR. It sets the the TV to the HDMI input for the DVD player and configures the HTIB to play the DVD. There are advanced options if you need, for example, to configure pauses between actions.
I finally had to replace the original remote, because the play button was worn out. It took a lot of force to hit play and made using the DVR features a lot harder than it should be.
I had been dragging my feet, but my wife was fed up with the problem, so I bought a new Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote with Color Touch Screen from Amazon.
So far the new remote is working fine. The settings transferred over easily from the original remote. The new remote is more stylish and has a touch screen. The top is very thin and it helps balance the remote in your hand. I still think I would move the least used buttons to the bottom if I were designing a remote. It is awkward to use one-handed when trying to access those bottom buttons.
Pret A Mange Christmas Sandwich
One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the left-overs. (Don't get me wrong, I love the food the first time around.) When my wife and I were living in London, we discovered the Pret A Manage Christmas Sandwich.
We re-create it every year with our Thanksgiving and Christmas left-overs. Here are the ingredients from the Pret website. Basically you do a layer of each. I don't recommend going to heavy on the cranberry as the sweet can overwhelm the rest of the flavors. I get hungry just thinking about it.
Malted Wholegrain Bread
British Turkey
Sage & Onion Stuffing (Dressing)
Cranberry & Port Sauce
Crispy Onions
Mayo
Leaf Spinach
We re-create it every year with our Thanksgiving and Christmas left-overs. Here are the ingredients from the Pret website. Basically you do a layer of each. I don't recommend going to heavy on the cranberry as the sweet can overwhelm the rest of the flavors. I get hungry just thinking about it.
Malted Wholegrain Bread
British Turkey
Sage & Onion Stuffing (Dressing)
Cranberry & Port Sauce
Crispy Onions
Mayo
Leaf Spinach
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Funny - Stools and The USBFF
Sam Venable discusses the latest in self-defense: A motel clerk ran off a would be thief by defending himself with a stool.
I prefer Smith & Wesson.
I prefer Smith & Wesson.
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| From Brick O'Lore |
Seeking: Motivation
The lesson in Sunday School today was 2 Kings 18 (NIV).
3 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.
4 He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles.
Hezekiah was a different king. He did what God wanted. As one reads further in the chapter, you see there was an obvious benefit in doing what God commanded. Hezekiah seems to have a very practical side. Should that change how we evaluate Hezekiah's faithfulness? Is the faith of the downtrodden, less fortunate greater than that of the rich man? While the rich may have their own problems (eye of the needle/getting into heaven), it still seems more desirable than the alternative.
I've really not come to a definitive answer. In the end, it is by Grace that we are saved - not our actions or our motivations.
3 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.
4 He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles.
Hezekiah was a different king. He did what God wanted. As one reads further in the chapter, you see there was an obvious benefit in doing what God commanded. Hezekiah seems to have a very practical side. Should that change how we evaluate Hezekiah's faithfulness? Is the faith of the downtrodden, less fortunate greater than that of the rich man? While the rich may have their own problems (eye of the needle/getting into heaven), it still seems more desirable than the alternative.
I've really not come to a definitive answer. In the end, it is by Grace that we are saved - not our actions or our motivations.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Wired on the AK-47
Wired has an article about the AK-47. I'm a fan of Wired. Normally they put an interesting, tech twist in their articles. Unfortunately, this one doesn't have any real surprises.
This line was thought provoking:
"But it was originally engineered to reinforce state power, not overturn it."
Like any tool, how it is used determines if it is good or evil. One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.
This line was thought provoking:
"But it was originally engineered to reinforce state power, not overturn it."
Like any tool, how it is used determines if it is good or evil. One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.
Bruce Schneier on the TSA
Bruce has a summary of all the TSA news.
If you've never read anything from Bruce, you should. He points out measures that are just "security theater" and suggests practical, common sense approaches. He puts terrorist attacks into perspective - you are more likely to be killed by a household appliance than a terrorist. It may not make the news, but it is a greater risk. And we are horrible at evaluating risk.
If you've never read anything from Bruce, you should. He points out measures that are just "security theater" and suggests practical, common sense approaches. He puts terrorist attacks into perspective - you are more likely to be killed by a household appliance than a terrorist. It may not make the news, but it is a greater risk. And we are horrible at evaluating risk.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Economy Pickups
Pickup trucks as a leading economic indicator on NPR. Interestingly, the story says that sales have risen indicating that people believe there is hope for us yet
TSA and Security
Lots about the TSA, scanners, pat downs, and security in the news recently...
Part of the problem is that we think technology is the answer to everything. Maybe because I work in IT, I don't see it as a magical solution to every problem. Recently an HR manager complained about the head of the union forwarding e-mails to a third party. She wanted to know if the "ICT Appropriate Use" policy could be used to stop him from forwarding the messages. I had to walk her down from the ledge by asking what she would want to do if he put a memo from her into the postal mail. Turns out, she wouldn't do anything. Why would e-mail be any different?
Tried and true without fancy technology: Israeli Security Approach
It has happened before and it will happen again: How we react has changed
Part of the problem is that we think technology is the answer to everything. Maybe because I work in IT, I don't see it as a magical solution to every problem. Recently an HR manager complained about the head of the union forwarding e-mails to a third party. She wanted to know if the "ICT Appropriate Use" policy could be used to stop him from forwarding the messages. I had to walk her down from the ledge by asking what she would want to do if he put a memo from her into the postal mail. Turns out, she wouldn't do anything. Why would e-mail be any different?
Tried and true without fancy technology: Israeli Security Approach
It has happened before and it will happen again: How we react has changed
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Trunk Gun
Funny how a simple question can take on a life of its own... Lots of interesting discussion about keeping a long gun in the trunk of your car over at View From the Porch.
I rarely carry a handgun, so I'm not ready to step up to keeping a rifle in the car.
I rarely carry a handgun, so I'm not ready to step up to keeping a rifle in the car.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Ham Radio Rankings
I've been a licensed ham for only a few months. I learn something new just about everyday. This morning the 940 Breakfast Club was discussing the performance of the new Ten-Tec Eagle. They kept referring to the Sherwood Engineering ranking as required reading before buying a radio.
Training Videos
I've enjoyed the outtakes from the Magpul Dynamics guys and have been considering the Art of the Dynamic Handgun and the Art of the tactical Carbine. I saw that Daniel Defense and Vickers Tactical are about to release some training videos as well. I'll have to check them out.
Via Guns & Coffee
Via Guns & Coffee
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
On-line Ads
I love the Business Insider SAI Chart of the Day. Today's chart shows why on-line advertising might grow. This makes sense to me. Targeting areas where potential customers are spending more time (plus other advantages like directly linking an ad to a sale) has to make on-line advertising even more attractive to companies.
Tethering
I've been thinking about replacing my AT&T Blackberry Bold with a Droid Pro from Verizon. We've moved most of our users at my company to Verizon. Coverage seems to be better around town and they rolled out the Blackberries that worked in Japan and Korea.
This Lifehacker tethering article sums up what I suspected about the service. It eats batteries, but is good for occasional use. I like to have options and this would give me backup internet in a device I have with me all the time anyway. As a bonus, If I pick up an iPad then I could get the WiFi only version.
This Lifehacker tethering article sums up what I suspected about the service. It eats batteries, but is good for occasional use. I like to have options and this would give me backup internet in a device I have with me all the time anyway. As a bonus, If I pick up an iPad then I could get the WiFi only version.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Target App
Rob Allen has a neat little target application. Just one more way to help evaluate your shooting. Now, if I could just make it back to the range some day.
Ham Radio Deluxe
I ordered a CT-62 CAT cable for the Yaesu FT-817 that my father-in-law has loaned me. The cable arrived today and I got the 817 connected to Ham Radio Deluxe. My cursory review of the HRD application makes me want to play with it some more. It is nice to work on a large screen and have access to simple buttons in the GUI instead of having to navigate through the menus on the rig itself.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Oracle
...there was an Oracle logo splash screen while OpenOffice.org 3.2 started up. At my job, I've had a less than favorable history with Oracle that I'm not going to get into — rather let's just say I never want anything to do with them again.
I know how he feels. I don't like dealing with Oracle either. They are the least flexible company I have ever encountered. As to his specific question, I've started using Google docs for more and more. I find it is up to any basic tasks. I have lots of short-term lists, so the spreadsheet app gets a work out from me.
Ask Slashdot: Where do I go now that Oracle Owns OpenOffice.org
Seeking: Do I see what is right in front of my face?
The lesson in Sunday School today covered 2 Kings 16 and 2 Kings 17 (NIV).
35 When the LORD made a covenant with the Israelites, he commanded them: “Do not worship any other gods or bow down to them, serve them or sacrifice to them.
36 But the LORD, who brought you up out of Egypt with mighty power and outstretched arm, is the one you must worship. To him you shall bow down and to him offer sacrifices.
37 You must always be careful to keep the decrees and regulations, the laws and commands he wrote for you. Do not worship other gods.
38 Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods.
39 Rather, worship the LORD your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”
40 They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices.
41 Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did.
Despite the words of prophets, being eaten by lions, suffering at the hands of their enemies, they failed to do as God commanded. It makes me wonder what obvious signs I am missing in my everyday life.
35 When the LORD made a covenant with the Israelites, he commanded them: “Do not worship any other gods or bow down to them, serve them or sacrifice to them.
36 But the LORD, who brought you up out of Egypt with mighty power and outstretched arm, is the one you must worship. To him you shall bow down and to him offer sacrifices.
37 You must always be careful to keep the decrees and regulations, the laws and commands he wrote for you. Do not worship other gods.
38 Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods.
39 Rather, worship the LORD your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”
40 They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices.
41 Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did.
Despite the words of prophets, being eaten by lions, suffering at the hands of their enemies, they failed to do as God commanded. It makes me wonder what obvious signs I am missing in my everyday life.
Financial Commitment Sunday
Today was Financial Commitment Sunday for my church. The Gospel reading was Matthew 6:19-21 (NAS):
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;
21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Of course, I'm in the midst of thinking about what radio I want to order. I've been flipping through catalogs and researching on-line. And, I've been thinking about ordering an AR or maybe picking up a Glock. At least the Glock won't rust since it is a "plastic" gun.
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;
21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Of course, I'm in the midst of thinking about what radio I want to order. I've been flipping through catalogs and researching on-line. And, I've been thinking about ordering an AR or maybe picking up a Glock. At least the Glock won't rust since it is a "plastic" gun.
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