“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.”


"This report is maybe 12-years-old. Parliament buried it, and it stayed buried till River dug it up. This is what they feared she knew. And they were right to fear because there's a whole universe of folk who are gonna know it, too. They're gonna see it. Somebody has to speak for these people. You all got on this boat for different reasons, but you all come to the same place. So now I'm asking more of you than I have before. Maybe all. Sure as I know anything I know this, they will try again. Maybe on another world, maybe on this very ground swept clean. A year from now, 10, they'll swing back to the belief that they can make people . . . better. And I do not hold to that. So no more running. I aim to misbehave." ~ Captain Malcom Reynolds

Friday, February 19, 2010

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.

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.

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...

I wasn't THAT geeky, but it was close!





h/t today's UserFriendly

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.

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...

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.

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!

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.

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.