Kyleigh is still having sleep issues here, so it's affecting all of us unfortunately. She'll sleep in her crib fine during the day, and even go down fine at night - but then wakes up just screaming in the middle of the night and will NOT get back to sleep in her room for anything - but as soon as we move her down to the spare room she quiets right down. Not sure if it is environment, night terrors, or just her asserting her authority - but it's getting to all of us. So, tonight we are going to try letting her just sleep downstairs & see what happens. Which means I will most likely stay down here on the couch in the sleeping bag as well - not our preferred method but we have to figure out something.
In other news, just realized the last novel in the Burke cycle by Andrew Vachss has been published :( I had to look back and think to realize that yes, it has been 18 books long - just doesn't seem that way. I've been reading them since his first one in 1985, and have always liked them - rather rough and gritty at times, but in a realistic manner. So - I'll have to find this one & add it to the collection.
Off to work for the day, hoping to survive the dog running me around again.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Show report
Made it to my first local gun show in quite a while today - first one since last summer as a matter of fact. I'd noted the inventory issues with most of the online companies I deal with, and I've read the recent reports in various gunblogs & forums about what has been going on.
Well, I can only say, similar madness reflected here in Virginia. Fortunately, I was more there to windowshop than anything else.
Yes, ARs, AK-clones, Glocks etc. were all available at the show - not in huge numbers, but not empty racks. However - prices had bypassed the roof & were headed for orbit on a Saturn V trajectory. Anything possibly affected by a return of the '94 laws was similarly priced. Even saw a few of the new US made AUG clones and the PTR/HK91 clones - both priced again about double list.
Magazines - much of the same - anything hi-cap was at least 50% higher than what I saw it at last summer. A number of dealers even had signs up in various forms of "No haggling, stuff is hard to find, take what you can get."
P-mags - almost impossible to find, and priced double list. AK mags - lots of surplus beat up stuff for high prices, don't even ask about the Bulgarian good ones.
Even FAL mags STARTED at 15 dollars for used.
77-grain 5.56 - non-existant, as was cased 5.56 or 7.62x51 (unless you like Wolf steel-case, in which case I saw ONE vendor with some). Pretty much everything was in the 20 round boxes & not a lot of those.
"Tacti-cool" gear - plenty of cheap, imported nylon like at any show. The quality stuff was again almost impossible to find - although prices hadn't jumped like the other stuff. Saw a couple of things from Eagle, a few of the other good brands - but not even a lot of Blackhawk stuff around. On the other hand, the Chinese apparently are still sewing & exporting like no one's business...
The vendors I know well enough to talk to said it's mostly just troubles getting inventory in right now. A lot of people aren't even taking back orders right now, as they have no realistic idea when they might get filled.
Soooo - makes me glad I have what I already do, and am not desperately trying to stock up as some are. It will be interesting to see what the next few years hold for the industry as a whole. A lot of new companies formed in the past 8 years given the need for military and contractor gear and equipment - and I have a feeling that 5 years from now about 70% of those will have folded. Even with the law enforcement, recreational shooter & airsoft market crossover, I just don't think there is enough money going to be left going around to keep all of it open - so it will be survival of the fittest as it were.
Well, I can only say, similar madness reflected here in Virginia. Fortunately, I was more there to windowshop than anything else.
Yes, ARs, AK-clones, Glocks etc. were all available at the show - not in huge numbers, but not empty racks. However - prices had bypassed the roof & were headed for orbit on a Saturn V trajectory. Anything possibly affected by a return of the '94 laws was similarly priced. Even saw a few of the new US made AUG clones and the PTR/HK91 clones - both priced again about double list.
Magazines - much of the same - anything hi-cap was at least 50% higher than what I saw it at last summer. A number of dealers even had signs up in various forms of "No haggling, stuff is hard to find, take what you can get."
P-mags - almost impossible to find, and priced double list. AK mags - lots of surplus beat up stuff for high prices, don't even ask about the Bulgarian good ones.
Even FAL mags STARTED at 15 dollars for used.
77-grain 5.56 - non-existant, as was cased 5.56 or 7.62x51 (unless you like Wolf steel-case, in which case I saw ONE vendor with some). Pretty much everything was in the 20 round boxes & not a lot of those.
"Tacti-cool" gear - plenty of cheap, imported nylon like at any show. The quality stuff was again almost impossible to find - although prices hadn't jumped like the other stuff. Saw a couple of things from Eagle, a few of the other good brands - but not even a lot of Blackhawk stuff around. On the other hand, the Chinese apparently are still sewing & exporting like no one's business...
The vendors I know well enough to talk to said it's mostly just troubles getting inventory in right now. A lot of people aren't even taking back orders right now, as they have no realistic idea when they might get filled.
Soooo - makes me glad I have what I already do, and am not desperately trying to stock up as some are. It will be interesting to see what the next few years hold for the industry as a whole. A lot of new companies formed in the past 8 years given the need for military and contractor gear and equipment - and I have a feeling that 5 years from now about 70% of those will have folded. Even with the law enforcement, recreational shooter & airsoft market crossover, I just don't think there is enough money going to be left going around to keep all of it open - so it will be survival of the fittest as it were.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wait & see
Lots of news stories, comments on the interwebs and all that about the police shooting of an individual in the SF Bay area by the BART police, with concurrent video. Accusations & excuses back & forth, etc etc.
I haven't weighed in much, either on here or at work, due to a lack of facts (I know, waiting for all the facts is an anathema online, but I'm trying it...) Personally, I would like to wait to pass judgment until we have more information released from both tape and subjects involved.
The one interesting "allegation" I have heard made is that the officer might have been thinking he was drawing his TASER and pulled a firearm by mistake. Now, I can weigh in on this one as a certified TASER instructor. Our training for agencies and individuals is that the TASER be worn opposite the firearm for just this reason - it is not located in the same spot, the draw is different, everything involved should be a conscious knowledge of which tool you are using.
I can't say how BART carries their TASERs, having found no reliable pictures or information at this point, and not willing to spend hours on the Google-fu today on it. However, I am willing to bet they follow this procedure and so I'm not sure as to the validity of this reason - but we will wait and see.
Makes me glad yet again that my most recent incident was clearly justified and cleared both internally and publically very quickly.
Unfortunately, the usual suspects have already passed judgement; and the usual miscreants are already using this as an excuse to riot, complain and wreak havoc throughout the Bay area. Along with the fact the normal "Blame Booosh, and none of this will ever happen again in 12 days" crowd trumpting about...
I haven't weighed in much, either on here or at work, due to a lack of facts (I know, waiting for all the facts is an anathema online, but I'm trying it...) Personally, I would like to wait to pass judgment until we have more information released from both tape and subjects involved.
The one interesting "allegation" I have heard made is that the officer might have been thinking he was drawing his TASER and pulled a firearm by mistake. Now, I can weigh in on this one as a certified TASER instructor. Our training for agencies and individuals is that the TASER be worn opposite the firearm for just this reason - it is not located in the same spot, the draw is different, everything involved should be a conscious knowledge of which tool you are using.
I can't say how BART carries their TASERs, having found no reliable pictures or information at this point, and not willing to spend hours on the Google-fu today on it. However, I am willing to bet they follow this procedure and so I'm not sure as to the validity of this reason - but we will wait and see.
Makes me glad yet again that my most recent incident was clearly justified and cleared both internally and publically very quickly.
Unfortunately, the usual suspects have already passed judgement; and the usual miscreants are already using this as an excuse to riot, complain and wreak havoc throughout the Bay area. Along with the fact the normal "Blame Booosh, and none of this will ever happen again in 12 days" crowd trumpting about...
Winter Fun
Nice post on winter patrol in Alaska by Liz at "Who bend their swords into plowshares..."
Certainly puts into perspective some of my griping at getting out and training and working in our measly little Richmond winters.
and, you can call me a slacker all you want, but IMHO - if you're willing to go out to commit crime at 20 below, I'm willing to let you do it...
Certainly puts into perspective some of my griping at getting out and training and working in our measly little Richmond winters.
and, you can call me a slacker all you want, but IMHO - if you're willing to go out to commit crime at 20 below, I'm willing to let you do it...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Wednesday already?
Just realized the week is moving by pretty quick, which is a nice thing... Of course, being tired & sick is probably why it's somewhat blurry. Just fighting off a bit of a cold, not surprising given the kids and wife both being a bit ill lately. But it had me worn down enough to head home early today; besides which I had some hours to adjust out (heaven forbid we get overtime).
It actually worked out nicely for my wife, who had an old friend in town - it let them chat while I helped with Jacob, and then they ran out and did a bit of shopping together while I attempted to get him to nap... but at least it took some of the stress off of her trying to manage both the munchkins along with entertaining.
Then I did up some chili & cornbread for everyone to enjoy as a dinner and finally got the wee ones off to bed... now I'm just hoping for a few hours of non-social quiet time to let my head ease up some, and hope that I'm more up to things tomorrow...
It actually worked out nicely for my wife, who had an old friend in town - it let them chat while I helped with Jacob, and then they ran out and did a bit of shopping together while I attempted to get him to nap... but at least it took some of the stress off of her trying to manage both the munchkins along with entertaining.
Then I did up some chili & cornbread for everyone to enjoy as a dinner and finally got the wee ones off to bed... now I'm just hoping for a few hours of non-social quiet time to let my head ease up some, and hope that I'm more up to things tomorrow...
Monday, January 5, 2009
Wiki-fu
Following tonight's meal (pork-chops in a chipotle/apple brine), and a discussion on some cooking techniques and plans for tomorrow's steaks, the wife and I were both curious as to what the difference is between brining and marinading...
Yep, unlike the real cooks such as Brigid, who use actual recipies and crap, I pretty much just make it up as I go & use what has worked in the past... so my technical knowledge is a bit shaky. And my lovely wife loves Food Network and can soak up the information like a sponge, but strongly dislikes playing in the kitchen (although when she does, the results are always yummy!) So between us, we were unsure...
Thanks to the Google & all, now I know - brining lets the cells hold more water from the salt, while a marinade uses the acids to break the cells down for tenderness.
Hmmm makes me think more now why each has a place & which I prefer for what... good to know!
Yep, unlike the real cooks such as Brigid, who use actual recipies and crap, I pretty much just make it up as I go & use what has worked in the past... so my technical knowledge is a bit shaky. And my lovely wife loves Food Network and can soak up the information like a sponge, but strongly dislikes playing in the kitchen (although when she does, the results are always yummy!) So between us, we were unsure...
Thanks to the Google & all, now I know - brining lets the cells hold more water from the salt, while a marinade uses the acids to break the cells down for tenderness.
Hmmm makes me think more now why each has a place & which I prefer for what... good to know!
better day
Thanks for the good wishes folks, today has been much better all around. While still some sickness floating around the house, folks are on the mend.
The little one does have some teeth coming in on top of things, which is part of her problem - hoping the Tylenol and later bedtime help with things and she has another night of full sleep. Though for my wife's sake, I hope she makes it past 6am this time.
My own sleep was a bit better as well, though I'm still working on my "body clock" as it were. Just going to take a bit to adjust and figure out my best routine.
Still no cop stories to add - being off the road for a bit does that to you, and none of my old shift have gotten into anything good that I can even live through vicariously. I do have bomb squad training going on tomorrow, so maybe we can do something fun and/or stupid to be worth sharing.
Other than that the big weekly event is my inlaws are getting set to head back to Africa, so I'm doing a nice steak dinner for everyone tomorrow night. Picked up the slabs of beef today & will have everything set, then fire up the grill when I get home - it always amazes me that some folks stop cooking outside when September rolls around... I figure if I can still find the thing then the snow can't be too deep!
The little one does have some teeth coming in on top of things, which is part of her problem - hoping the Tylenol and later bedtime help with things and she has another night of full sleep. Though for my wife's sake, I hope she makes it past 6am this time.
My own sleep was a bit better as well, though I'm still working on my "body clock" as it were. Just going to take a bit to adjust and figure out my best routine.
Still no cop stories to add - being off the road for a bit does that to you, and none of my old shift have gotten into anything good that I can even live through vicariously. I do have bomb squad training going on tomorrow, so maybe we can do something fun and/or stupid to be worth sharing.
Other than that the big weekly event is my inlaws are getting set to head back to Africa, so I'm doing a nice steak dinner for everyone tomorrow night. Picked up the slabs of beef today & will have everything set, then fire up the grill when I get home - it always amazes me that some folks stop cooking outside when September rolls around... I figure if I can still find the thing then the snow can't be too deep!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
No bloggy
I have a wife who is sick and not getting much sleep and needs me; a one-year-old who has decided that she does NOT want to sleep through the night anymore, thank you very much; a three-year-old full of energy and brilliance who needs attention, and I started my chemo again with all that attendant fun.
So, not so much on the blogging right now, sorry.
So, not so much on the blogging right now, sorry.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Nice to see the other side portrayed
From Blackfive, a link to a YouTube video with some facts that most choose to ignore about Israel and the current conflict.
Wonder how long before one of the famous "terms of use" violations hits this one as well...
Wonder how long before one of the famous "terms of use" violations hits this one as well...
Friday, January 2, 2009
Friday evening
Still working on adjusting to this daytime thing - so I am nice and tired at night like I should be, but have trouble getting to sleep as early as I should - but it is improving.
Had a nice day here. Got up early and got a pot of chili going, then spent some time with Jacob while my wife ran some errands as Kyleigh napped. Then I took Jacob with me on work errands - picking up uniform stuff, things for the dog & all that. It let me get the stuff done today, plus let him spend time with me which he always loves. Then it was time to drop him off, go feed & clean the dogs at the kennel, and come home in time for family time & dinner - after all, Kyleigh wasn't going to miss HER daddy time either, and let me know it!
We got the kids to bed, did some simple household stuff, and I enjoyed a quiet evening in the living room as my wife got the chance to unwind as well before she went to bed. Now I'm going to hang out for a little bit myself & then off to bed.
Domestic quiet, sorry nothing more to report today... but I'm alright with it.
Had a nice day here. Got up early and got a pot of chili going, then spent some time with Jacob while my wife ran some errands as Kyleigh napped. Then I took Jacob with me on work errands - picking up uniform stuff, things for the dog & all that. It let me get the stuff done today, plus let him spend time with me which he always loves. Then it was time to drop him off, go feed & clean the dogs at the kennel, and come home in time for family time & dinner - after all, Kyleigh wasn't going to miss HER daddy time either, and let me know it!
We got the kids to bed, did some simple household stuff, and I enjoyed a quiet evening in the living room as my wife got the chance to unwind as well before she went to bed. Now I'm going to hang out for a little bit myself & then off to bed.
Domestic quiet, sorry nothing more to report today... but I'm alright with it.
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