Spent yesterday doing some tourist stuff, visiting places I hadn't been to in years & driving through the extreme rural parts of Indian country. During one two hour stretch I counted a grand total of four houses, and 3 other cars - on the other hand, I saw more elk and coyote than I have in the rest of my life.
Drove to the southern part of the state today - always interesting the change in culture and such you notice.
And let me say yet again what a cool gift the iTouch I got from my wife is :D Navigational aid, music, notepad, weather updates etc. - all in a pocket-sized packet. Thanks again my love!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Quote of the day
Overheard at lunch:
"I just named my iPod the Titanic - so that everytime I plug it in the computer tells me "The Titanic is syncing."
Now that's funny.
"I just named my iPod the Titanic - so that everytime I plug it in the computer tells me "The Titanic is syncing."
Now that's funny.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A bit more tripblogging
Rest of the flights went ok. Landed safely, picked up the rental car & all that (a black, tinted out Impala - why didn't they just spraypaint "cop" on the side I don't know...)
Hadn't realized how long it had been since I've been out this way. The high desert was almost a shock after being in Virginia for so long. Still, it was a very nice drive down to where I'm at, some lovely scenery and getting to look around.
Nice little small town we're at - hoping to get the chance later this week to explore some of the scenery. First restaurant I tried had the worst steak I've ever paid for, but hopefully we will make a better choice tomorrow night...
Other than that, just surviving and all - the Internet connection is quite slow, so posting may be limited & no pic uploads for now.
Hadn't realized how long it had been since I've been out this way. The high desert was almost a shock after being in Virginia for so long. Still, it was a very nice drive down to where I'm at, some lovely scenery and getting to look around.
Nice little small town we're at - hoping to get the chance later this week to explore some of the scenery. First restaurant I tried had the worst steak I've ever paid for, but hopefully we will make a better choice tomorrow night...
Other than that, just surviving and all - the Internet connection is quite slow, so posting may be limited & no pic uploads for now.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Early tripblogging
The airlines may officially get humped. $25 per checked bag? Because they apparently expect us to travel with nothing now.
And $90 for a 4-pound "overweight" bag - no thanks, I'll move two books to my carryon fyvm.
Plus has anyone in the last decade actually had a flight leave on time?
And $90 for a 4-pound "overweight" bag - no thanks, I'll move two books to my carryon fyvm.
Plus has anyone in the last decade actually had a flight leave on time?
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Another weekend done
Managed to survive everything, even though worn out. I was able to spend some great time with the kids before my trip - not as much with my wife due to our schedules unfortunately though. Think I finally have everything set and I'll throw the last few things in the bag in the morning and out the door.
Think the highlight was the off-duty job I was working at a ballgame at one of the local universities - wherein I had to throw a guy out for fighting with a 60 year old usher... I mean seriously folks, do you really need to push that hard to prove your manhood?
Anyway, hope to have some decent Internet access while I'm gone, so I'll try to come up with a post or two while I'm gone.
Think the highlight was the off-duty job I was working at a ballgame at one of the local universities - wherein I had to throw a guy out for fighting with a 60 year old usher... I mean seriously folks, do you really need to push that hard to prove your manhood?
Anyway, hope to have some decent Internet access while I'm gone, so I'll try to come up with a post or two while I'm gone.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Travel suggestions
So, I'll be in New Mexico for the next two weeks for some training, and will have some free time in there. Seeing as I haven't visited the state since about 1987, any suggestions from my readers on good spots to visit? Right now the thoughts are leaning towards a day in Santa Fe, but I'm open to other ideas.
Good & bad
Post up at Stormbringer's discussing some of the recent jihadist attacks and plots here in the U.S. - even those without much attention given to them.
He also closes with a needed reminder that there are also devout Muslims fighting against and dying to defeat these same people - despite thoughts on both sides, this doesn't need to turn into a holy war.
He also closes with a needed reminder that there are also devout Muslims fighting against and dying to defeat these same people - despite thoughts on both sides, this doesn't need to turn into a holy war.
Gear notes
Did a few swaps this week for those who care about such.
Given the number of folks who've been having issues with the Blackhawk CQC series I've swapped out for a Blade-tech holster. Well-made, secure hold on the weapon, and releases easily on the draw. Also lets you reholster afterwards easily. Pricier than some of the other kydex holsters out there, but the quality is worth it & they have been in the business a long while and know their stuff. I like this one, so next will be taking care of getting one for the light mount and replacing one other CQC in the inventory.
Also switched out the stubby foregrip on my M4 with one of the new Magpul AFG grips. Took a little bit of tweaking to set it up at the length I wanted, but I'm definitely pleased with the results. It allows you to hold the rifle at a bit more of a comfortable angle, and still effectively work at both single and multiple targets. Like most Magpul gear it's well made at a very reasonable price - in my opinion these guys continue to be one of the best companies out there making new gear and concepts in the tactical world. It is funny though - with everything I've done building the rifle it's pretty much an ad for Noveske and Magpul products. I like them both because they work.
No other new items in the toolbox right now, so that's it for updates.
Given the number of folks who've been having issues with the Blackhawk CQC series I've swapped out for a Blade-tech holster. Well-made, secure hold on the weapon, and releases easily on the draw. Also lets you reholster afterwards easily. Pricier than some of the other kydex holsters out there, but the quality is worth it & they have been in the business a long while and know their stuff. I like this one, so next will be taking care of getting one for the light mount and replacing one other CQC in the inventory.
Also switched out the stubby foregrip on my M4 with one of the new Magpul AFG grips. Took a little bit of tweaking to set it up at the length I wanted, but I'm definitely pleased with the results. It allows you to hold the rifle at a bit more of a comfortable angle, and still effectively work at both single and multiple targets. Like most Magpul gear it's well made at a very reasonable price - in my opinion these guys continue to be one of the best companies out there making new gear and concepts in the tactical world. It is funny though - with everything I've done building the rifle it's pretty much an ad for Noveske and Magpul products. I like them both because they work.
No other new items in the toolbox right now, so that's it for updates.
Randomosity
Yes, under blog-world rules, I can make up words for the title - so there.
Seems like the majority of the idiots I've been dealing with lately are officers, not citizens - makes days long, trust me.
Finally finished up with our last group for teaching our basic active shooter response course. Glad that cycle is over - much-needed and useful training, but it involved long, often frustrating days. I am happy to say that we finished on a good note - some of the same mistakes as other groups, but at least they were open and learned from them.
Also finished up our TASER re-certifications for the year. Lucky so far in that our tendency amongst officers is to hold off on using it during calls, as opposed to an over-reliance on the tool. Though we did have one scenario where I had to go slightly ballistic when the officer wanted to use the TASER but reached for where his sidearm would have been holstered instead (we remove all weapons from the training site for this reason) - I made sure that point was driven home though.
Other than that it's been a week of cleaning up other people's administrative messes, and trying to get ready for the next work trip out of town. That and trying to keep up on schoolwork, and not neglect my family too horribly.
Seems like the majority of the idiots I've been dealing with lately are officers, not citizens - makes days long, trust me.
Finally finished up with our last group for teaching our basic active shooter response course. Glad that cycle is over - much-needed and useful training, but it involved long, often frustrating days. I am happy to say that we finished on a good note - some of the same mistakes as other groups, but at least they were open and learned from them.
Also finished up our TASER re-certifications for the year. Lucky so far in that our tendency amongst officers is to hold off on using it during calls, as opposed to an over-reliance on the tool. Though we did have one scenario where I had to go slightly ballistic when the officer wanted to use the TASER but reached for where his sidearm would have been holstered instead (we remove all weapons from the training site for this reason) - I made sure that point was driven home though.
Other than that it's been a week of cleaning up other people's administrative messes, and trying to get ready for the next work trip out of town. That and trying to keep up on schoolwork, and not neglect my family too horribly.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Quote of the day
From my lovely wife, a few minutes ago when one of my knees decided to act up & collapse under me again:
"Why do you think I go to the prepper sites? You're not going to make it, and I have to be able to take care of myself!"
Thanks hon, really...
"Why do you think I go to the prepper sites? You're not going to make it, and I have to be able to take care of myself!"
Thanks hon, really...
Friday, February 12, 2010
Random comment
OK seriously I should have liveblogged the Olympic Ceremonies tonight, because this is some of the best snark my wife and I have come up with for ages...
Don't get me wrong, it was nicely done - just between a few of the set pieces and acts, and some of the athletes there were great comedic opportunities.
Don't get me wrong, it was nicely done - just between a few of the set pieces and acts, and some of the athletes there were great comedic opportunities.
Back on
Sorry for the lack of posts - it's been one of those weeks all around.
A bit of the fun included another long day of teaching active shooter response and some tactical stuff using force-on-force scenarios for some of our officers. One of the tougher groups I've dealt with doing so. It seemed a mix of people who either would not take the shot on a subject when they needed to, even when the bad guy was "killing" more victims; or others who not only shot too soon & too often, they decided to go ahead and shoot the hostages, victims and anyone else moving around. Seriously - the quote of the night was "Well, I shot him because he startled me just standing there as I came through the door." *Sigh* Needless to say, I did a LOT of lecturing that night. The unfortunate part is when you can look in their eyes and know that you aren't getting anywhere with it.
Along with that we have been dealing with the latest manifestations of the Snowpocalypse like everyone else - my poor wife has been stuck at home with the kids due to the weather, along with Kyleigh being sick. Fortunately it looks like that is all wrapping up soon & she can get a break.
Was going to share some good snark as my wife and I watch the Olympic opening ceremonies, but I'm going back to schoolwork instead. Though I still think it looks like a giant space sphincter above the middle...
A bit of the fun included another long day of teaching active shooter response and some tactical stuff using force-on-force scenarios for some of our officers. One of the tougher groups I've dealt with doing so. It seemed a mix of people who either would not take the shot on a subject when they needed to, even when the bad guy was "killing" more victims; or others who not only shot too soon & too often, they decided to go ahead and shoot the hostages, victims and anyone else moving around. Seriously - the quote of the night was "Well, I shot him because he startled me just standing there as I came through the door." *Sigh* Needless to say, I did a LOT of lecturing that night. The unfortunate part is when you can look in their eyes and know that you aren't getting anywhere with it.
Along with that we have been dealing with the latest manifestations of the Snowpocalypse like everyone else - my poor wife has been stuck at home with the kids due to the weather, along with Kyleigh being sick. Fortunately it looks like that is all wrapping up soon & she can get a break.
Was going to share some good snark as my wife and I watch the Olympic opening ceremonies, but I'm going back to schoolwork instead. Though I still think it looks like a giant space sphincter above the middle...
Sunday, February 7, 2010
You have been warned
For better or worse, Jacob has just discovered Mythbusters on TV, explosions and all...
This could be dangerous.
This could be dangerous.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Worthy Cause
The Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation is sponsoring a food & drink, raffle and auction get-together at Lendy's Wings in Virginia Beach on March 26th for any in the area.
This is a foundation that provides help for the families of those military EOD technicians who are injured in service - helping to enable them to be present during medical care and rehabilitation and in other ways. Due to budget constraints the military is often unable to help in these areas, and this lets the servicemember and their family be together when recovering from these injuries.
If you can get by there, please do. If you can't please consider dropping a few dollars at the website to help the families and servicemembers who have been injured keeping us all safe.
Thank you and hoo-yah!
This is a foundation that provides help for the families of those military EOD technicians who are injured in service - helping to enable them to be present during medical care and rehabilitation and in other ways. Due to budget constraints the military is often unable to help in these areas, and this lets the servicemember and their family be together when recovering from these injuries.
If you can get by there, please do. If you can't please consider dropping a few dollars at the website to help the families and servicemembers who have been injured keeping us all safe.
Thank you and hoo-yah!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Precious moments
I wish I had a picture to go with this one, but the opportunity wasn't there.
For all that our children are perfectly normal, in not wanting to share toys, parents, books, space or whatever at particular times - they also have an incredible love for each other even at this age. Things they will do and say for each other that just warm my heart, and make me know we are doing something right.
Tonight's example was at bedtime - when, instead of the normal fight between mom & dad on who she wanted to take her upstairs, Kyleigh looked at Jacob and clearly said "Jacob hold my hand."
And they walked hand in hand the whole way upstairs - no fighting or arguing, just an older brother helping his little sister to their room, and being happy together.
For all that our children are perfectly normal, in not wanting to share toys, parents, books, space or whatever at particular times - they also have an incredible love for each other even at this age. Things they will do and say for each other that just warm my heart, and make me know we are doing something right.
Tonight's example was at bedtime - when, instead of the normal fight between mom & dad on who she wanted to take her upstairs, Kyleigh looked at Jacob and clearly said "Jacob hold my hand."
And they walked hand in hand the whole way upstairs - no fighting or arguing, just an older brother helping his little sister to their room, and being happy together.
Short post
Was going to put up a few comments on what a waste DADT has been for the past 15+ years, and how it's high time that someone does away with it - but LabRat beat me to the good points.
Get over it folks, welcome to life. Find better things to concentrate on & move forward.
Get over it folks, welcome to life. Find better things to concentrate on & move forward.
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