Saturday, December 31, 2005
The Finger
Something was bugging me about King Kong. Just a minor thing - the gun handling. There is a part where Bruce Baxter is handling a Thompson sub-machine gun and he has his trigger finger straight along frame of the gun. The straight finger is a recent (well fairly recent) addition to gun handling. In the 1930's the finger was on the trigger all the time.
This reminds me of Eric Bana's character in Black Hawk Down. Hoot believed his index finger was his weapons safety. My kind of guy.
One of my relatives is old-school when it comes to guns. No matter what I hand him his trigger finger goes right to the trigger. Scary when it's a Glock...
This reminds me of Eric Bana's character in Black Hawk Down. Hoot believed his index finger was his weapons safety. My kind of guy.
One of my relatives is old-school when it comes to guns. No matter what I hand him his trigger finger goes right to the trigger. Scary when it's a Glock...
Special Place
I've been watching Firefly on DVD. I think I've found my favorite line ever on TV.
Shepard speaks to Mal in "Our Mrs Reynolds":
Shepard speaks to Mal in "Our Mrs Reynolds":
- ...you are going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters and people who talk at the theatre.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Books
I've been catching up on my reading. Well actually checking out the new book rack at the library and grabbing a few at a time. A couple that others might like:
In Life, First You Kick Ass: Reflections on the 1985 Bears and Wisdom from Da Coach. An interesting look back at "Da Coach's" reign as head of the Chicago Bears. As a life long Bears fan this was an enlightening read.
Warrior Soul by Chuck Pfarrer. This was actually recommended in a thread on LGF. First person account of what it takes to become a SEAL, and what being a SEAL takes out of you. The author was able to share a bit of what life is like as a SEAL. No doubt the best stories are the one's he can't tell.
My FBI by Louis Freeh. I wasn't expecting much from this as I hadn't thought much of Freeh's reign as FBI director. However - the look inside the disfunction of the Clinton Presidency made the book worthwhile. The comparison between the Clinton and Bush (43) administrations made by Freeh were interesting as well. One point that Freeh made a number of times is that the FBI in underfunded. If you look at the information he presents the FBI is in need of a major infusion. Hopefully it'll happen before the next 9/11 style attack occurrs.
In Life, First You Kick Ass: Reflections on the 1985 Bears and Wisdom from Da Coach. An interesting look back at "Da Coach's" reign as head of the Chicago Bears. As a life long Bears fan this was an enlightening read.
Warrior Soul by Chuck Pfarrer. This was actually recommended in a thread on LGF. First person account of what it takes to become a SEAL, and what being a SEAL takes out of you. The author was able to share a bit of what life is like as a SEAL. No doubt the best stories are the one's he can't tell.
My FBI by Louis Freeh. I wasn't expecting much from this as I hadn't thought much of Freeh's reign as FBI director. However - the look inside the disfunction of the Clinton Presidency made the book worthwhile. The comparison between the Clinton and Bush (43) administrations made by Freeh were interesting as well. One point that Freeh made a number of times is that the FBI in underfunded. If you look at the information he presents the FBI is in need of a major infusion. Hopefully it'll happen before the next 9/11 style attack occurrs.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
A Day at the Range
Thing1 likes to go shooting whenever he is home from college on break. We didn't make it at Thanksgiving due to family obligations but made it this week :-)
Took along my old Ruger Mark II pistol, my last years Christmas present - Glock 17, my Ruger 10/22 with it's new sight,
and this years Christmas present my KelTec Sub2000 9mm carbine.
One interesting feature of the Keltec is that it folds for storage and transportation.
Thing1 spent most of his time with the .22s. He sighted in the 10/22 and went through about 425 rounds. The dot sight made for accurate rapid fire.
He also put a couple of magazines through the Keltec. I tried out the 10/22 as well after he had sighted it in. The dot sight almost makes it too easy.
I spent most of my time and ammo (~300 rounds) with the Glock and the KelTec. Working on close (7-15 yards), rapid fire, with the standard pattern of 2 to the torso and 1 to the head. The Keltec is easy to control in this manner.
I also put a couple of magazines into the chest area of the target with the occasional head shot.
I'm not quite as good with the Glock but it's getting there.
All guns performed well. I had one stovepipe with the Keltec. That was the only problem I've had with it so far. I think it's still in it's break in period. It also needs a good cleaning. The Glock has yet to have a non-operator induced error. Both the 10/22 and Mark II had a failure to extract. Just one each. Time for a real scrubing of both of these. It was a wonderful morning together. The smile on his face as he sighted in the 10/22 and as his group sizes got smaller and smaller - it was great to see. As for me - shooting is a stress reliever. My job gets to me at times and this is my escape.
And what would a trip to the range be without at least one dinosaur target...
Took along my old Ruger Mark II pistol, my last years Christmas present - Glock 17, my Ruger 10/22 with it's new sight,
and this years Christmas present my KelTec Sub2000 9mm carbine.
One interesting feature of the Keltec is that it folds for storage and transportation.
Thing1 spent most of his time with the .22s. He sighted in the 10/22 and went through about 425 rounds. The dot sight made for accurate rapid fire.
He also put a couple of magazines through the Keltec. I tried out the 10/22 as well after he had sighted it in. The dot sight almost makes it too easy.
I spent most of my time and ammo (~300 rounds) with the Glock and the KelTec. Working on close (7-15 yards), rapid fire, with the standard pattern of 2 to the torso and 1 to the head. The Keltec is easy to control in this manner.
I also put a couple of magazines into the chest area of the target with the occasional head shot.
I'm not quite as good with the Glock but it's getting there.
All guns performed well. I had one stovepipe with the Keltec. That was the only problem I've had with it so far. I think it's still in it's break in period. It also needs a good cleaning. The Glock has yet to have a non-operator induced error. Both the 10/22 and Mark II had a failure to extract. Just one each. Time for a real scrubing of both of these. It was a wonderful morning together. The smile on his face as he sighted in the 10/22 and as his group sizes got smaller and smaller - it was great to see. As for me - shooting is a stress reliever. My job gets to me at times and this is my escape.
And what would a trip to the range be without at least one dinosaur target...
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
High School Hoops
My nephew plays basketball for Hoffman Estates High School. Even though he's only a sophmore he's been playing varsity this year. His team was playing in the annual Elgin High Christmas Tournament so we went and watched his team play a couple of times. They made it to the tournament championship game against the Batavia Bulldogs. From the begining I knew it was going to be a long game. Hoffman was down 16 points at the end of the first quarter. They kept getting trapped in the back court and never got much of a inside game going. They made a game of it a few times but never got the lead under 6. Ended up losing the game and taking second place in the tournament.
Elgin High School, where I graduated from over 25 years ago, is the host of the tourney. I hadn't been there in over 8 years. I hadn't been in the gym since graduation. It seemed so much bigger then...
We sat, unplanned, in the middle of a lot of Batavia fans with my sister. It was a blast being the lone voice cheering for Hoffman. I kept getting dirty looks from the Batavia fans. Even got a few of them complaining about me as I yelled at the lack of calls by the refs or when I congratulated a Batavia player for missing a shot or a pass. All in good fun of course. No foul language or anything like that. I can't say the same for some of the Batavia fans... I guess some people just don't understand it's only a game.
Elgin High School, where I graduated from over 25 years ago, is the host of the tourney. I hadn't been there in over 8 years. I hadn't been in the gym since graduation. It seemed so much bigger then...
We sat, unplanned, in the middle of a lot of Batavia fans with my sister. It was a blast being the lone voice cheering for Hoffman. I kept getting dirty looks from the Batavia fans. Even got a few of them complaining about me as I yelled at the lack of calls by the refs or when I congratulated a Batavia player for missing a shot or a pass. All in good fun of course. No foul language or anything like that. I can't say the same for some of the Batavia fans... I guess some people just don't understand it's only a game.
King Kong
Much has been said and written about Peter Jackson's remake of the classic King Kong. Sadly alot of it was from people that hadn't even seen the movie.
Thing1 and went and saw the movie on Monday. An excellent movie. Peter Jackson paid attention to detail kept you engrossed in the film.
Highly recommended!
Thing1 and went and saw the movie on Monday. An excellent movie. Peter Jackson paid attention to detail kept you engrossed in the film.
Highly recommended!
Christmas 2005
What a day! We started with the annual ritual of opening presents. Thing1 and 2 have always been a little on the 'spoiled' side when it came to Christmas. The wife and I put aside a bit of money each month so that no debt is incurred at this time of the year when the 'spoilage' occurrs. This year we had a bit of fun with the kids.
We had been teasing the kids that, just like Jesus, they were going to get three gifts and we would pick three off their lists for them to get. On Christmas morning they each had three presents to open. The look of shock on their faces was priceless. Once they opened the first one and found the smaller packages inside the shock wore off. It was such fun!
Family started showing up around noon. Soon we had 19 people in our little house. A bit crowded but a good time was had by all. Good food, excellent company, and a Bears win, made for a wonderful day. A day to remember a birth that changed the world.
We had been teasing the kids that, just like Jesus, they were going to get three gifts and we would pick three off their lists for them to get. On Christmas morning they each had three presents to open. The look of shock on their faces was priceless. Once they opened the first one and found the smaller packages inside the shock wore off. It was such fun!
Family started showing up around noon. Soon we had 19 people in our little house. A bit crowded but a good time was had by all. Good food, excellent company, and a Bears win, made for a wonderful day. A day to remember a birth that changed the world.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Cookies
Thing2 had a friend come over to bake cookies. My new mixer got a nice workout mixing up spritz and Toll House cookies. They made lots of cookies - 12 dozen or so. Kinda lost count. What a great day!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Serenity
Thing1 and I watched this movie last night. I'm a big fan of Joss Whedon. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel were two of my favorite shows on tv. Serenity, while enjoyable, wasn't what I was expecting. It seemed like a sci-fi spaghetti western. I kept waiting for Clint to walk out and blow something up.
Thing1 thinks I should watch Firefly and then watch Serenity again and I'll enjoy it more. Since he had the DVDs for both I'll have to give it a try.
Thing1 thinks I should watch Firefly and then watch Serenity again and I'll enjoy it more. Since he had the DVDs for both I'll have to give it a try.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Silent Night - Chewie style
Remember the Star Wars Holiday Special? I didn't think so. Most people don't. There is, however, a recording of Chewbacca singing Silent Night available.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Alternative to PowerPoint
I'm not a huge fan of PowerPoint presentations. Usually too much fluff and not enough stuff. Most of the presentations I get to see are lots of bullets and the occasional picture or graph. Stuff that can easily be done in HTML. But web pages don't really make a good presentation. Till now.
Take a look at HTML Slidy. I think I'll do my next presentation this way :-)
Take a look at HTML Slidy. I think I'll do my next presentation this way :-)
American Chopper
I really like this show. The arguing between Sr. and Jr. gets to me at times but the work that these guys put out is amazing.
Thing1 and I watched together last night. The theme was 'Make A Wish' and started out with the Tuttles in California getting an award from the Make A Wish foundation for their support. My eyes got a bit watery. Not just for the award but because Make a Wish has a special place in my heart.
Thing1 was granted a wish when he was in high school. We had always thought that wishes were for terminally ill kids so we were a bit surprised when a Wish coordinator called one night. After we talked for a bit she explained that wishes were granted to kids with life threatening diseases. Since Thing1 lives with Cystic Fibrosis the care coordinator at the clinic he goes to submitted his name. His initial wish couldn't be granted so he submitted a second request and that was granted when he was 16.
Back to American Chopper. Paul Sr. decided to build a bike for the Make a Wish foundation as well as host a Christmas (yes they said Christmas and not Happy Holidays) for kids from the local Make a Wish chapter. The bike is beautiful and the kids got presents from FAO Schwarz. These guys put a lot of smiles on the faces of these kids. Kids who have so much going on in their lives that can take the happiness right out.
Thing1 and I watched together last night. The theme was 'Make A Wish' and started out with the Tuttles in California getting an award from the Make A Wish foundation for their support. My eyes got a bit watery. Not just for the award but because Make a Wish has a special place in my heart.
Thing1 was granted a wish when he was in high school. We had always thought that wishes were for terminally ill kids so we were a bit surprised when a Wish coordinator called one night. After we talked for a bit she explained that wishes were granted to kids with life threatening diseases. Since Thing1 lives with Cystic Fibrosis the care coordinator at the clinic he goes to submitted his name. His initial wish couldn't be granted so he submitted a second request and that was granted when he was 16.
Back to American Chopper. Paul Sr. decided to build a bike for the Make a Wish foundation as well as host a Christmas (yes they said Christmas and not Happy Holidays) for kids from the local Make a Wish chapter. The bike is beautiful and the kids got presents from FAO Schwarz. These guys put a lot of smiles on the faces of these kids. Kids who have so much going on in their lives that can take the happiness right out.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Day by Day rocks!
Chris Muir does it again. It may take you a minute to understand his latest but it is a minute well spent.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Garage Door Fun
The wife had one of the garage door spring cables snap on her last week. She came in looking a little whiter than usual. Went out in the garage and there was the spring laying on the floor. Nothing else was broken or damaged. She instantly started thinking about a new garage door. I thought about fixing it. After looking at it for a minute I realized it was just the cable. Everything else looked ok. Picked up a new cable this morning and put it in. Once it was adjusted the door worked just as it should. Added the safety cables and called it a day.
I wonder if I get the money we would have spent on a new door for a new toy?
I wonder if I get the money we would have spent on a new door for a new toy?
Shopping Fun
I don't like to shop. Well I don't like to wander around aimlessly looking for things to buy. I prefer to do with a list and a plan. That was today...
First stop was CompUSA for a 250GB SATA drive. $60.00 after rebate. In stock and in the car in 10 minutes. Next stop was Circuit City. There was a couple of movies for 9.44 each that I wanted. In and out in under 10 minutes. Over to Dicks Sporting Goods for ammo and a Weaver scope mount. 10 minutes later I had 250 rounds of 9mm and the mount in my car. Only a couple more stops.
Valli's Market. Yummy stuff. Picked up some stuff for Christmas dinner and lunch this week. One more store.
Menards was to be my last scheduled stop. Needed a new lift cable for the garage door. None in stock! :-( Off to the Home Depot. In stock! Picked up a spring safety cable set too. Used the self check out and I was on my way in under 5 minutes. Time to go home and play.
First stop was CompUSA for a 250GB SATA drive. $60.00 after rebate. In stock and in the car in 10 minutes. Next stop was Circuit City. There was a couple of movies for 9.44 each that I wanted. In and out in under 10 minutes. Over to Dicks Sporting Goods for ammo and a Weaver scope mount. 10 minutes later I had 250 rounds of 9mm and the mount in my car. Only a couple more stops.
Valli's Market. Yummy stuff. Picked up some stuff for Christmas dinner and lunch this week. One more store.
Menards was to be my last scheduled stop. Needed a new lift cable for the garage door. None in stock! :-( Off to the Home Depot. In stock! Picked up a spring safety cable set too. Used the self check out and I was on my way in under 5 minutes. Time to go home and play.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Worship on Mountain Dew
Thats how Peder Eide describes his appearances at youth ministry events 11 months a year. Having seen a few of those performances as well as a couple of concerts I'd have to agree. The man has a way of reaching youth and the young at heart.
December is different. It's his Christmas tour. He was in our neck of the woods last night so the wife, Thing2, and myself went for dinner and his show. Show might not be the right word as it's music and ministry. Most of the music was Christmas related. A few were 'Dew' related. He had everyone up dancing and praising God. Just as we should.
I've had a real rough time getting into Christmas this year. I don't know why as it's generally one of my favorite times of the year. Too much shopping? Well not for me as I only shop for my wife and a couple of close friends. I don't know what it is. The Christmas pagent last weekend helped and Peder always gets the spirit moving. But I'm just not there. And it really bothers me.
Back to Peder - if you ever get the chance to see him perform please go with a open mind and heart. He will get into both. And I'm don't mean Peder...
December is different. It's his Christmas tour. He was in our neck of the woods last night so the wife, Thing2, and myself went for dinner and his show. Show might not be the right word as it's music and ministry. Most of the music was Christmas related. A few were 'Dew' related. He had everyone up dancing and praising God. Just as we should.
I've had a real rough time getting into Christmas this year. I don't know why as it's generally one of my favorite times of the year. Too much shopping? Well not for me as I only shop for my wife and a couple of close friends. I don't know what it is. The Christmas pagent last weekend helped and Peder always gets the spirit moving. But I'm just not there. And it really bothers me.
Back to Peder - if you ever get the chance to see him perform please go with a open mind and heart. He will get into both. And I'm don't mean Peder...
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Giving Terror the finger
Once again the people of Iraq go and vote for their own future.
Is capitalism creeping in? Note the Nike hat on the man at the left of the photo?
Is capitalism creeping in? Note the Nike hat on the man at the left of the photo?
Hello Moto
Really it's motomail. Ran across this site while looking at the Wounded Warriors site.
If you know someone with a Marine in Iraq please let them know about this. For the rest of us they have a "Support the Troops" link so that anyone can post a message to a publicly accessible bulletin board.
"Family and friends of deployed Marines in Iraq can NOW send a letter to be downloaded, printed, and ready for delivery, usually within 24 hours. THE SERVICE IS FREE, PRIVATE and SECURE."
If you know someone with a Marine in Iraq please let them know about this. For the rest of us they have a "Support the Troops" link so that anyone can post a message to a publicly accessible bulletin board.
Soldiers Angels
As a 'thank you' for my last donation Soldiers Angels was nice enough to send me one of their coins.
I guess I'll have to make another donation after payday.
Beautiful Voices
Last night the school choir that Thing2 is a member of had their first performance. What beautiful voices these kids have. Even though the choir only meets twice a week for 1.5 hours at a time the choir director has done an amazing job with this group. Three part harmony, foreign language, acapella, etc, these kids handled it all. And it's on tape (soon to be DVD) for all to see.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Holidays
I prefer "Merry Christmas" myself. Happy Holidays is ok. Seasons Greetings - grrr. I don't take offense when Jewish people wish me "Happy Hannakuh" nor do they take offense at my greeting. Something about being taught to respect others...
Anyways GM has some employee memos that you should read.
Politically Incorrect people will enjoy them!
Anyways GM has some employee memos that you should read.
Politically Incorrect people will enjoy them!
Salute America's Heroes
Via Blackfive:
See TCOverride for more.
Spread the word.
- But that's not why I'm writing you today. I am begging you to please post about an organization called Salute America's Heroes. They are donating $500 to every wounded Soldier, Sailor, Airmen or Marine who registers with them in the next few days. I don't know when the end date is on this, but they did extend it beyond the date listed on their web site. This has been approved by and coordinated through the Department of Defense office of General Counsel Standards of Conduct office.
See TCOverride for more.
Spread the word.
Digital Camera Carnival
Instapundit is hosting. Should be lots of hits for everyone.
Digicams are fun. I've had one for a couple of years. Thing1 has had one for a couple of years as well and the wife gets one for Christmas. I think I'll get Thing2 one before vacation. Film still has its place but for most of the photos I shoot digital rocks!
Digicams are fun. I've had one for a couple of years. Thing1 has had one for a couple of years as well and the wife gets one for Christmas. I think I'll get Thing2 one before vacation. Film still has its place but for most of the photos I shoot digital rocks!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Picture of the year
Do you remember the picture Michael Yon took of the soldier with the woulded Iraqi child in his arms? I do. It's one of those images that I'll never forget.
The picture is up for Time Magazines Picture of the Year. Please go check out the photos and vote for the one you think is best. My vote went to Michael.
The picture is up for Time Magazines Picture of the Year. Please go check out the photos and vote for the one you think is best. My vote went to Michael.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Brokeback Mountain
Normally I like Heath Ledger movies (Ten Things I Hate About You is great) but this is one that I'll be passing on as some of the content just isn't for me. But whats funny is the advertising (Ann Althouse is talking about it). Everyone knows that one of the plot lines is the relationship between the two cowboys but if one looks at the Oscar ads there is no mention of it.
Another thing - is this just a rehash of Making Love? I did see that movie way back when but it was not what we thought it was going to be.
Another thing - is this just a rehash of Making Love? I did see that movie way back when but it was not what we thought it was going to be.
What a weekend
Started off on Thursday. 7 inches of snow and people forgot how to drive. Took 1.5 hours for a normally 30 minute trip.
I managed to twist wrong getting the snowblower out and tweaked my back. I think I just aggravated a bulging disc that I have. Spent a lot of time laying down and stretching to try and get to where I could sit in a chair for more than 15 minutes.
The wife took me Christmas shopping on Friday. For the second year in a row she decided to buy me a new gun. It was a toss between a SKS and a Kel-Tec Sub2000. Since both are part of my plan and there isn't a convienent rifle range I decided to go with the Kel-Tec in 9mm and Glock magazines (to match last years present). We had a nice talk with the salesman while he wrote it up. I pick it up tomorrow and intend on putting a couple of hundred rounds through it to make sure it's ok :-).
We stopped at one of those antique malls to wander for a bit. Found a Tickle-Me Elmo and a singing Eyore for Thing1. (yes at 20 he still likes Elmo and Eyore). What a find for $10.00.
Saturday was my shopping for the wife. She wants a digicam so thats what it'll be. Ended up with a Canon SD550. It should be perfect for her. She wanted the large LCD and has a thing for megapixels. I had planned on getting the SD450 but they were no where to be found.
Sunday was the Christmas pagent at church. While Thing1 and Thing2 are too old for Sunday school the wife teaches second grade so we went to watch. As always it was a very enjoyable and invigorating event. I've not really had much in the way of Christmas spirit this year but the pagent got me going.
I managed to twist wrong getting the snowblower out and tweaked my back. I think I just aggravated a bulging disc that I have. Spent a lot of time laying down and stretching to try and get to where I could sit in a chair for more than 15 minutes.
The wife took me Christmas shopping on Friday. For the second year in a row she decided to buy me a new gun. It was a toss between a SKS and a Kel-Tec Sub2000. Since both are part of my plan and there isn't a convienent rifle range I decided to go with the Kel-Tec in 9mm and Glock magazines (to match last years present). We had a nice talk with the salesman while he wrote it up. I pick it up tomorrow and intend on putting a couple of hundred rounds through it to make sure it's ok :-).
We stopped at one of those antique malls to wander for a bit. Found a Tickle-Me Elmo and a singing Eyore for Thing1. (yes at 20 he still likes Elmo and Eyore). What a find for $10.00.
Saturday was my shopping for the wife. She wants a digicam so thats what it'll be. Ended up with a Canon SD550. It should be perfect for her. She wanted the large LCD and has a thing for megapixels. I had planned on getting the SD450 but they were no where to be found.
Sunday was the Christmas pagent at church. While Thing1 and Thing2 are too old for Sunday school the wife teaches second grade so we went to watch. As always it was a very enjoyable and invigorating event. I've not really had much in the way of Christmas spirit this year but the pagent got me going.
Give Blood
It's easy. Some even say it's good for you. Only took me about 45 minutes this morning. And I got a brownie after :-)
If you can - please do.
If you can - please do.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
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