Would the Muslims take this?

The following is an article borrowed from Matt over at Troublesome Times. Once you read this ask yourself if you think the codes guy would have said a damn word if there were 50 Muslims praying to the East in the front yard of a house. Or maybe it reminds you of some Jews who wanted to live freely in the late 1930's, but some fellas in brown shirts said no. Just sayin'. Thanks, Matt.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/21/california-couple-fined-300-for-holding-home-bible-studies/

No deep thoughts today...

Today is not a deep thoughts kinda' day for me. Been kind of lazy lately. I took a day off from work yesterday to escort LBD(littlest blond daughter) on a field trip. She had a grand time, and although I think the instructor sucked, everyone went home happy. I also got to watch OBD and MBD(oldest and middle) run a cross country meet. They both did real well and never quit. They even sprinted the last 75 yards or so as I told them to do; that's when all the other kids started to poop out and walk when the saw the finish line near. They both gained some; just goes to show that you never, ever, give up. That's the family motto: Tough it out. I tell them often: "You can be girls, just not sissies." I think they like that.

I found some stuff while drifting on the ether today. There is a  Facebook page called SEALS of Honor. It is dedicated by a family member of a SEAL that died in the line of duty. Some of the pictures or quotes came from there and some I had lying about. I think these would make some great motivational posters like you see in an office hanging on the wall.

 

  

              The terrorists have won the coin toss and the US has elected to send in the SEALs






 

A dog tag found in the wreckage of a helicopter shot down during Operation Red Wings, where 19 troops died on June 28, 2005

The sheep are a quiet lot that mind their own business keeping together eating not paying much attention to the world around them. No one is really in charge and they just stick together. They are comfortable with the status quo and are content to wander over the fields feeding as they go.


Then there is the wolf. He cares little for the status quo and wants to mix things up. He is not involved in anything other than the business of the sheep. The traditional predator prey relationship. Where as the sheep have their eyes on the side of their head preventing any depth of field, the wolf has his eyes in front to keep his focus on the matter at hand...his next meal. They are cautious when approaching the sheep for they know the watchdog is near. They do not want to encounter the sheepdog that could ruin their plan.

Enter the sheepdog. The sheepdog is working. He is well trained and motivated to do his job well. He pays attention to the sheep ensuring they don't wander far. He pays attention to keep one from wandering off on his own oblivious to the dangers they face. Yet the sheepdog asks for nothing in return, he is simply doing his job.~ SEAL of Honor website

 

Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive

Just some food for thought. Enjoy and have a good 'un. 

Whew! Not here for me...

I was in a local gun store this week and had an interesting trip. I was at the end of the counter, closer to the back of the store than the front, and there were six or seven customers along the counter also. I had a salesman show me the new Diamond Back 9mm. While he was at it he laid out a Ruger LC9 and a Kel-Tec. As I was comparing them I saw a police officer come in. Now normally this isn't a big deal, but the counter guys didn't really greet him with enthusiasm, a "hello, officer", or "hey, Jimbo!".  I found it a bit unusual, but went back to my shopping with my antennae partially up. As the cop walked down my way, another officer entered the store. Hmmmmm, I says. At this point I decide I should lay the gun down and put my hands in sight, on the counter, just to make sure the boys in blue didn't get nervous. Now my antennae are all the way up and I'm checking for exits in case something bad goes down(remember the color-coded threat awareness?) As cop #1 gets near me we exchange pleasantries and he passes me to talk to my salesman down at the far end of the counter. I also notice that the trusting fellow has left me to my own devices with $1500 in pocket pistols in front of me. Now...I can promise I've never seen that at a gun store. Also about this time the rest of the customers and I see cop #3 come in and block the front. Now, in my head I just gave the "Awwww, shi#".  Just then cop #1 comes back past me to the customer closest to me and asks,"are you Mr. Smith(named changed to protect the alleged)?" He answers yes and they ask him to step outside to talk. He starts to put his hands in his pockets and I think,"baaadddd mistake, bubba." They quickly stop him and escort him out to only be arrested and carried off moments later. Another counter guy finally notices the pile of guns in front of the nice, unattended, good looking fellow(me) and ask '"can I help you?" I answer, "yep, as long as you don't send me to the pokey like that guy." Well, needless to say the whole place busted up and we all went back to drooling over the glass cases. Just goes to show how stuff can happen anywhere, even in a gun store with more than five employees toting some serious hoglegs. It was also nice to know that the observance machine in my brain still works and I can notice the little things that may save a life one day. Just one of those interesting moments that makes you think. Anyway, y'all keep up the good work and have a good 'un. 

Pants on the ground...

I don't have to worry about this yet. The kids are too young, but I do find it hilarious. I'm not sure if I'd have the nerve, but I've never been tested this way yet. We'll see...Y'all have a good 'un.

That's not a knife...

As promised, many moons ago, I said I'd do a review on my newest chunk of sharpened steel, so here we go. The Ka-Bar Johnson Adventure Potbelly is possibly the baddest hunk o' metal that I've seen in a while. Now I know that there are numerous reviews out there for this knife, but this is just my humble opinion on my purchase; take it as you will.

Here's what the folks at Ka-Bar say:

At the 2010 S.H.O.T. Show, Ka-Bar® introduced a line of knives aimed at extreme users such as hog hunters, adventure trekkers and anyone else looking for that over the top knife. These knives are based on designs by Steve Johnson, Field Editor for Boar Hunter Magazine and part-time knife designer.

The blades are 1/4" thick 1095 cro-van steel at 56-58 Rc. with a black epoxy powder coating. The multi-position handles are textured with Ka-Bar's proprietary Adventuregrip™, for control in tasks as delicate as field dressing. The handles are a rich brown glass filled nylon.

Each knife includes an innovative sheath system with belt loops at two different belt carry heights, multiple MOLLE attachment points and a stuff sack on the front for carrying light sticks, fishing gear, matches, or other small necessities. Measures 12-5/8" overall and weighs about 13.3 oz. Made in the U.S.A. Suggested retail is $128.05.

The Potbelly™ is a hard working knife that no camper or adventure trekker should be without. It has a 7-1/8" modified Kukri style blade that is hollow ground to a razor edge, with a deep belly and weight forward balance that rivals hatchets in terms of chopping power. With influence from both the kukri and the machete, the Potbelly™ is best described as what you would get if you crossed a scalpel and a sledgehammer. If you only have room for one knife in your pack and need one that will do it all, the Potbelly™ is your knife.

I tend to agree with their assessment. It is a hefty knife. I mean like a car spring. It is truly a quarter of an inch thick and can take some punishment. I batoned through some wrist size wood with no problems whatsoever.  You could really use this big, ugly joker to do some serious prying if need be. I did some prying apart of old stumps, etc and it never seemed to be a problem. This is the kind of knife that guys should pack when going off for that two month Yukon trip. It also came with a decent edge. I waited to do any sharpening till after I beat it up some, and with out too much effort, brought the edge back to life. It does run about 12.5 inches, so personally it is something I strap to my pack or gear. I've just never been a fan of stuff hanging off my belt.

It also comes with a small chore knife that fits in the sheath with it. I haven't used it much but it would certainly suffice around the campsite for small cutting jobs or cleaning up small game. It is light weight and skeletonized, so one could wrap it with some 550 or maybe attach it to a sapling for a fishing spear of sorts. I usually have a fishing kit with hooks, so let's hope I don't ever have to feed myself using my Zulu spearing skills.

It comes with a large canvas/nylon sheath that has PALS/MOLLE style attachments at the back and a kangaroo pouch on the front for stuffing small items like a stone, fire kit, hooks, etc. It also come with a length of some yellow cord called Adventure cord, but to be honest, it looks like a long shoe string with the plastic ends. It could be useful, but I replaced it with the same length of paracord and feel much better about the issue. The sheath is ok, but doesn't seem to be the best made in the world. 

 

 I think that if someone were to really take this out to use on a regular basis in the woods it might need replacing after some time.A leather one would be much nicer, but that would just add to the cost, I reckon. Maybe I can come up with something down the road on that front. Maybe even something in Kydex would work. As seen in the pic above, the knife handles are brown nylon and have a pebbly texture that gives it a secure grip. I tried it wet and dry, both with equal success. That being said, if you are going to do some serious chopping or hacking, I might advise you to use some gloves. The texture can start to rub a little after a while.

  

This picture was taken before I had a chance to take it to the field, but definitely shows the chopping capabilities. I had this scrap 2x2 laying around and decided to time how long it took to hack through it. To be honest, I never really got an accurate time because I cut it in half in about 20 -30 seconds. Now I know you're saying that it looks like dry wood, and it was, but it still went through it like butter; and that wasn't using a baton. I was impressed to say the least. In the field it did the same, green wood and dry.

Overall I'd say this knife is definitely worth the money. It list for $124, but can be found from $75 and up. I got mine from Amazon and paid around $80 with free shipping. I believe it will be around when I'm gone. It is a stout, heavy knife made of quality steel and holds a good edge. The sheath is average and will do it's job, but under rough usage it may need to be replaced with something else. The little camp knife that comes with it is handy and serves it's purpose: little brother to the big guy. I'd buy this knife again and would recommend it to anyone who wants something serious to use in the woods. If you have any questions, please feel free to message me or leave a comment. Y'all have a good 'un.

Well said...

Matt, over at Troublesome Times, has written a great bit on Islam. Excellent work, Matt. Click here to check it out.
Also, there is a great web site I found a while back(click here) that blows the ears back on those who claim the "peacefullness" of Islam and also the invasion of Sharia law. Give these a whirl and think a bit.  Y'all have a good 'un.

A mean set of pipes...

I'm not usually one to post music, but this video has been making it's way around the net and it is awesome. The band is called Sidewinder and they are an Air Force rock band touring the sandbox in support of the troops. There are many songs on Youtube, but this one is by far the best. This little heifer can sing. So, enjoy.

Also I want to welcome Up North to my humble litttle blog and thank him for the invite to the Gun Blog Black List. Check it out! As usual...y'all have a good 'un.

Quotes to think on...

"It is not these well-fed long-haired men that I fear, but the pale and the hungry-looking."~Julius Caesar as quoted in Plutarch's Lives

"I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. Of course, this makes me forever ineligible for public office."~ HL Mencken

"I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would look like if Moses had run them through the US Congress."~Ronald Reagan

I just like this picture...

A gear review...Kodiak Gearslinger

Sorry for the recent hiatus, but I've been working around the house lately and trying to pull some OT to pay some bills around here. You know the drill. Anyway, I had promised to do a couple of reviews earlier this year and finally am getting around to posting. A couple of months ago I reviewed an awesome penlight and now want to do one on my newest bag. The Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger.

My quest for a new general purpose(and possible BOB) started last year when I helped chaperone a zoo trip for LBD(littlest blond daughter). I had to carry her lunch and mine, as well as a ton of other stuff, seeing as how I was the only man in the group; making me the proverbial pack mule. The backpack I used was one I picked up a while back, on sale, at the big box. It had muted colors, plenty of pockets, and was as good of quality as one can get from Wally World. I dutifully strapped it on and within thirty minutes knew I would be on the internet that night looking for a new one. The straps were too tight and close together for my large frame and it was impossible to get off and on when fully loaded or when in a hurry. My first find was a "sling" pack from Hazard 4Evac; the "Rocket Bag". It was a one strap affair that could be slung over the head and carried on either shoulder. It is slim and could fit in the truck easily. Good idea, huh? After I received it I found that the quality was excellent and worth the price, but the thickly padded sling was attached in the middle to make it ambidextrous. This made it ride uncomfortably against my neck when in use. Soooooo that was sent back. That's when I finally brokedown and spent the money to get the Kodiak from a seller on Ebay. Here's what Maxpedition has to say about the bag:

Product Features



• #0468 Kodiak S-Type Gearslinger


•Single shoulder backpack designed to maximize utility when rotated towards front of body


•Main compartment: 17" high x 10" wide x 4" thick with internal organization


•Top front: 4.5" high x 9" wide x 2" thick with internal organization


•Bottom front: 10" high x 9" wide x 2" thick with internal organization


•Approximate Capacity: 1100 cu. in.


•Fits up to 15.4" (diagonal screen size) laptop computer.


•Main compartment and hydration compartment can accept CCW accessories


•Shoulder strap designed to go over left shoulder for better weapon shouldering


•Bag can be worn in front and contents comfortably accessed while sitting down


•Water bottle pocket sized to fit 32oz Nalgene bottle


•Compatible with 100oz hydration reservoir


•Theft deterrent devices built-in to capture zipper pulls


•PALS modular webbing throughout to for attaching accessories


•Top and side handles
 
After I got it in the mail (like a little kid at Christmas) I filled it with a bunch of junk laying around and walked outside with it. I was immediatley relieved to find that it felt 100% better on my shoulder. The key is that the strap is sewn on one side, making it sit more like a traditional backpack but with the speed and ease of one strap. It also has a cross chest strap the helps hold it in place(the buckle for this even has a neat little built-in whistle). When I originally ordered this I was worried that the strap wouldn't be long enough for my thick build( I would lie and say I was built like a brick sh#$house, but built like a barrel is more like it) and had also ordered a neat setup called the Janus extension strap/pack. It is also sold/made by Maxpedition and extends any of their packs by up to 12" or so. I was pleasantly suprised to find that I didn't need it at all. The Kodiak fit great and could fit someone bigger than me with no problem. The quality is excellent and I could find no faults with the bag. All the stress points were tacked and the webbing is the high quality stuff.
 
LAYOUT~
 
As seen in the top pic, the bag has two main front pockets, a side water bottle pocket, a roomy main compartment, and a hydration/CCW pocket hidden between the back and main compartment.
Top pocket:
 

As seen here the top pocket is arranged with a rear divider with 4 large elastic loops sewn in. This great for knives, leatherman, lights, etc. That's the stuff I usually keep in there and it has worked out great for keeping that stuff secure and from getting lost.
 
 

Bottom Pocket:
 

As seen here the bottom/front pocket is rather large and has several dividers. The first is sewn against the outside material and is clear to easily see what is in it. Maybe for papers/map? The inside divider has two pockets with the rear-most having a keeper for keys, etc. This pocket is great for papers, maps, tickets, and small to medium sized stuff that will sit a little flatter. I have often stuffed an extra t-shirt or fold up windbreaker in here. As seen in the next pic there is also an exterior slit pocket that is secured with a strap ands snap to keep would-be pick pockets from opening it up. This could also be used for papers, med kit, etc.

Main Compartment:



The Main compartment is roomy and is large enough to get a change of clothes in it, no problem. It has dividers to the front and rear as seen above that are subdivided and have straps with buckles to keep them from flopping around. The divider to the front of the bag(left in pic) is divided into two mesh, zippered pockets with a full size space behind it. I often keep small stuff like matches, lighters, fire starter in here so they don't get lost. The rear divider has two solid material zippered pockets and a full size area behind it. It can be opened all the way open like a book and has plenty of room. For overnight trips I will throw my change of clothes in here. The upper right zippered compartment has a homemade first aid kit in a plastic box. Once again, plenty of room, you don't even know it's there.

Rear hydration/CCW pocket:

 This slit pocket is between the back of the pack and the main inner compartment. It is big enough for a hydration bladder and has a hole at the top to accomodate the drinking tube. The shoulder strap also has some webbing loops to secure the tube as well. The rear wall is also lined with soft-sided velcro and will accept a CCW holster for carrying whatever bangstick you choose to place in it. This one here is from another bag I had and it wasn't being used, so voila'!  I have tried a couple of pistols here and it wasn't too bad, but anything of large proportions may be uncomfortable. The good news is that it can be stashed in another pocket and accessed just as easily. This pocket also has a hole built on the side to stash the cross chest strap while not being used.

Strap and padding: The padding on this bag is pretty comfortable and is made of a cool mesh type material. The shoulder strap is attached to the left so you can shoulder a weapon on the right, no problem. You can see the webbing that holds a drinking tube and the buckle attachment for the cross strap. The buckle slides up and down a piece of webbing to give you about 3-4" of adjustment on where you want the strap to ride. It actually stays in place, too. You can also see the stout spring clip on th strap also for quickly attaching or detaching items to keep handy; compass, GPS, etc. (this bag is also now made with the strap on the right- for lefties. Make sure you get the right one)

Exterior of bag:

As you can easily see this bag has tons of MOLLE on it. You can add your favorite accessory just about anywhere. It also has a large amout of softside velcro on the top pocket with a slide-through sleeve. On top of this is a length of small bungee cord with a cord lock. This great for stuffing a jacket under once the day has warmed up.  The velcro will let you attach your favorite smart-aleck patch to hack off some bleedy-heart. I'm not really sure what the sleeve is for, but I bet you could stick a camera tripod, shooting scope rest or some collapsed shooting sticks in there. The top handle is neoprene wrapped and sewn on for a soft grip and the side grab handle is made to grab the bag and slide it around in front of you with out removing it. What did he say? Yep, that's right. Since it only has the one strap you can reach down with your right hand, grab the handle, and pull it in front of you. This is great for accessing stuff in a hurry or even just pulling the bag in front of you to sit down in a vehicle or in a chair. Of course the zippers are on the correct side to make this an awesome feature. Don't tell anyone else, but it would probably also make a great rifle rest if tightened up to your chest some. You can see that it has a Y-yoke on top for tightening down the pack to make it more compact, but I rarely use it for that. It works out great for stowing other bulky stuff directly on top, like a sleep mat, etc. The water pocket is supposed to hold a 32 oz. Nalgene bottle, but I have been stuffing a 1.5 liter water bottle in there with no problem. It has a cord lock with shock cord to hold it down tight.

Value/Price
I like this bag a lot if you haven't figured that out yet. It is super handy and accessible. I took it dove hunting the other day and had a whole case of shells, t-shirt, two water bottles, choke pouch, hat, plus all the other stuff I usually carry on a day like that(EDC stuff). It took the load no problem and I got several comments on how handy it was. I originally bought this with the idea if possibly using it as my truck/BOB bag but like it so much that I am now just using it as an EDC/day bag. I got it for around 100 bucks on Ebay. I've seen them run anywhere from 95-135 bucks. Is that a lot of money? You bet. Especially in today's economy, but, that being said I bet this bag will last me for many years to come. It is very well made and is constructed of good materials.  I usually stick to the adage that you get what you pay for, and in this case you get a lot. I have a kiddie field trip coming up soon, so we'll see how it holds up to 5 year olds. That, my friends, is a whole different kind of torture test. So...that's my two cents. If you have any questions, shoot me a message. By the way, Maxpedition didn't pay me to write this, but I sure do wish they would. Y'all have a good 'un.

Bloomberg is a rocket scientist...

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/nyc-mayor-wants-stricter-federal-gun-control-after-rash-of-shootings/

Bloomberg annouced that there needs to be tighter regs on all guns and that the latest rash of  shootings was because of Washington's failure to do so. Is he the only one that sees the major flaws in his argument? How often does that crap happen in Texas? Never. You know why? Because everyone is packing! I hate to be trite here, but if they get rid of all the legal guns, then only the goblins will have them. How does that help? Do you really think some gangbanger is going to walk up and turn in his "nine". I'm not going to continue on because that would turn into a rant and that wouldn't be fair to y'all.

ANYWAY...welcome to Jacked Up Glock Mom. She writes a mean blog over at Tales From the Clothesline. If you haven't ventured over there, give her a try. She has a great head on her shoulders and apparently has some boys, and we have a bunch of girls, the short story book awaits. Y'all have a good 'un.

Eating whale gristle...

Last year was the first time my girls had seen me bring home doves and clean them. I talked them into watching. The first one was "ooohh, gross", but by the third and fourth it was, "I want to hold it." So... today I went out with some of my favorite bird slayers and we had a great one; despite the 100 degree temps. We all had a ball and blew through some shells. I couldn't wait for them to see the haul, even though it was getting close to bed time. On my way home I called my Dear Sweet Wife and let her know I was headed that way. This was the story as relayed to me:

Littlest blond child(LBC):"Where's Daddy?"  Mommy:"Oh, he went dove hunting? Or was it quail?" LBC: "Whale hunting?!? What are we going to do with that? Will it fit in the fridge?" Middle Blond child(MBC):"Ooohhh, whale guts. What's he going to do with those? What about the whale finger bones?" Oldest blond child(OBC): "Whale hunting! Can he do that?" Is the truck big enough?"  And so on, so forth. Dear Sweet Wife(DSW) said she didn't have the heart to correct the mistake; plus the conversation that it sparked was so good that she just let it go off on it's own. She said it was just way too funny to listen to them. That's what I love. It just never really entered their sweet, unadulterated minds that whale hunting was a little out of my league, and geography, to accomplish. I love the fact that they actually think enough of me that it really seems completely feasible.  I really hate to disappoint them in the morning; even with dove breasts wrapped in bacon. Well...there is that old steak in the freezer...