Nigerian Radio - Kencomsu

There has been a lot of discussion about Chinese radio imports for the amateur market on some of the Yahoo groups to which I subscribe. Discussion may be too generous - rants may be more appropriate. As an owner of a Wouxun KG-UVD1P, you may guess I don't have a problem with letting the markets work.

After seeing the success of the Wouxun ,I did get excited for the business potential of another import when I saw this post:

"The ones that the Nigerian company "Kencomsu" makes, but they can't get them out of Nigeria because they need an export license. In order to get an export license, they need a partner in the USA who will import the radios. So, if someone in the USA will just put up $10,000 for export permits, he/she can get 1000 amateur radios delivered, which the USA partner can sell for a profit and share the revenue with the Nigerian company for all their trouble.

Want me to provide more details?"

Then I realized it was joke. I would love to run a small business like Ed at wouxun.us.

Improv Everywhere - Where's Rob?

After I discovered the Best Gig Ever, I make it a point to occasionally check out Improv Everywhere.

I found myself laughing out loud as I read about poor Rob getting lost at a basketball game.

Dot Torture

I thought I would try to bring some structure to my shooting. A simple principle, but if you don't measure something, you won't know if you are improving.

I ran the Dot Torture drill three times today at Coal Creek Armory. The drill involves shooting small dots at relatively close range. It was hard to judge the distance, but I think I was at about 4 yards. The instructions include slow shooting, drawing and shooting, doubles, off-hand, strong hand, reloads, etc. for a total of 50 rounds/points. The rules at CCA prohibit drawing and firing, so I just pressed out from a low ready. I ran a 18, 17, and 22 using my CZ 75 SP-01 and Federal 9mm 115 grain FMJ RN ammunition.

I learned that I am horrible with my off-hand. I was 0 for 15. I have a baseline and hope I can go back soon to repeat the exercise. I may want to move in to 3 yards until I get more proficient.

From Brick O'Lore

Should Employees Provide Their Own Hardware and Software?

A discussion on Slashdot.org about employees providing their own computers.

I'm not sold on this as a good idea for computers or even mobile phones. If we were to implement VDI of one flavor (VMware) or another (Microsoft), then the underlying hardware could be a non-issue.

We are currently providing limited support to a couple of Apple iProducts that employees have brought to the office. It gives us a chance to see what might evolve and build a business case without a significant investment or taking on risk.

Top Shot 2

Top Shot 2 premieres Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 10/9 on the History Channel.

Shooting Classes in Knox Vegas

Les Jones is trying to help find a shooting instructor in Knoxville. It is a timely question as I have been thinking about taking a class. I'm relatively new to guns and have only been shooting for about a year. I took the basic handgun course and the carry permit class at Coal Creek Armory.

I'm considering a personal session with Rick Newstrom. He did the permit class and I liked his style.

A co-worker’s son took a tactical pistol course with instructor Eric Matson. He really enjoyed it.

Running Out of IPv4 Addresses

They've been talking about it for years, but I'm sure they are correct. We are closer to running out of IPv4 addresses, but like most things, crisis will inspire change.

I'm not really worried about this... what's the worst that can ..%@^$%#*...NO CARRIER...

I Wondered Why the Skype Plugin was Disabled

This window popped up yesterday.

Turns out Firefox pushed the kill switch on it, because the Skype Plugin was causing lots of problems. I like the pressure that can put on a third party to provide good code, but it is also scary that Firefox can reach out and disable some functions. As I understand it, the plugin can be re-enabled if you prefer.

Benton's is Cool

Tennessee is awesome.

Great bacon at Benton's Hams in Madisonville, TN. I love the bacon.

Lots of guns at Benton’s Shooter Supply in Benton, TN. I've not been yet, but looks like I need to make a road trip.

MLK Guns

The holiday was a few days ago, but I didn't have time to post. Even Martin Luther King, Jr. felt the need to have guns as a counter to the bad guys. It is a shame that he was denied a permit because of his race. Again and again, we see how laws are applied to attack, directly or indirectly, the Second Amendment.