Are doing just fine.
After just 20 1/2 hours of labor we received a brown haired, blue eyed little girl who weighed in at 8lbs 4 oz and 21 inches long.
Mom cried with joy. Dad's eyes might have sweated a little, it was very hot in that hospital room. Mom and baby came home today after spending 24 hrs in the hospital. Big brother hasn't quite figured it all out yet. He seems a little put out that mom can't pick him up right now. Grandma and Papa are visiting and let him get away with murder. I'm not sure if he doesn't know that he has a little sister, or just doesn't care, now that cookies are an entree that he seems to get at every meal.
Daddy has gained flexibility in his approach to parenting. Our little girl was just delivered. Before the nurse started to take her measurements and clean her up, I went to the warming table. I looked at her and said "Hi honey, this is your daddy". Her eyes searched out my voice. Then she gave me a big toothless grin. I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't experienced it. My little girl wrapped a full grown man completely around her finger.
12/29/2008
12/24/2008
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Thank you for stopping by and for your RL and e-friendship this last year. Nothing much has changed here since June. Except Res Jr is now 2, and we are expecting Ipsa 2.2 sometime between now and the first of the year. Come on tax deduction! Mrs Ipsa has been tormenting me with goofy names in case we have a girl. I've been practicing headshots. I guess we both have our ways of preparing for another arrival.
Hunting season was a mixed bag. I nailed an antelope. Called in a small heard of elk which my buddy shot a cow out of before I saw them. I saw elk almost every day for the next 5 days but they were on private land. I never got a shot at an elk. Deer season was a bust except there was a little more action. I managed to miss a 617 yard shot at a doe. I haven't figured out why yet. I was privileged to hunt a portion of deer season with a beautiful piece of American gunsmithing that was loaned to me by the manufacture. The idea being that I would write an article for a hunting mag complete with pictures featuring the gun. Mr. "Always gets a deer" didn't even get off a shot at a buck with the FA 454. Sorry Bob, I'll try harder next year.
That's about it for me. No job, no interviews, consulting work is all I've had going on. I may pick up another part time contract after the first of the year. I've put in with coal mining company. I'm even considering the Department of Revenue job that I have cut out of the paper but not done anything with yet. The in laws arrive in 2 days.
I guess this is a less than upbeat Christmas post. It's been a less than upbeat last 6 months here. Regardless, everyone please lift an e-glass or a real one if it's handy. Here's to you and yours. As 2008 draws to an end its my hope that its been a great year for you. May 2009 be even better!
CHEERS!!!
Thank you for stopping by and for your RL and e-friendship this last year. Nothing much has changed here since June. Except Res Jr is now 2, and we are expecting Ipsa 2.2 sometime between now and the first of the year. Come on tax deduction! Mrs Ipsa has been tormenting me with goofy names in case we have a girl. I've been practicing headshots. I guess we both have our ways of preparing for another arrival.
Hunting season was a mixed bag. I nailed an antelope. Called in a small heard of elk which my buddy shot a cow out of before I saw them. I saw elk almost every day for the next 5 days but they were on private land. I never got a shot at an elk. Deer season was a bust except there was a little more action. I managed to miss a 617 yard shot at a doe. I haven't figured out why yet. I was privileged to hunt a portion of deer season with a beautiful piece of American gunsmithing that was loaned to me by the manufacture. The idea being that I would write an article for a hunting mag complete with pictures featuring the gun. Mr. "Always gets a deer" didn't even get off a shot at a buck with the FA 454. Sorry Bob, I'll try harder next year.
That's about it for me. No job, no interviews, consulting work is all I've had going on. I may pick up another part time contract after the first of the year. I've put in with coal mining company. I'm even considering the Department of Revenue job that I have cut out of the paper but not done anything with yet. The in laws arrive in 2 days.
I guess this is a less than upbeat Christmas post. It's been a less than upbeat last 6 months here. Regardless, everyone please lift an e-glass or a real one if it's handy. Here's to you and yours. As 2008 draws to an end its my hope that its been a great year for you. May 2009 be even better!
CHEERS!!!
11/26/2008
Quote
"Mankind will never see an end of trouble until... lovers of wisdom come to hold political power, or the holders of power... become lovers of wisdom."
For extra credit who said it?
No fair looking it up. Hint, it is really old and more people quote this book than have actually read it.
For extra credit who said it?
No fair looking it up. Hint, it is really old and more people quote this book than have actually read it.
11/08/2008
Another Economic Post
I was at a dinner party the other night, at a state university. There was a number of "educated" people around. Conversation came around to the financial crisis. I interjected my opinion that the bailout was a bad idea. Of course I was laughed at by a few. One guy didn't laugh though. He remembered that I told him several years ago that I had been in the financial business, specifically mortgages.
He respectfully asked me why I thought it was a bad idea. I told him we were essentially socializing the banks and wall street and that every instance of government involvement in the markets I could think of, the intervention made things worse for longer.
He asked about causes. I talked about the blossoming world wide money supply. How the street was begging us for more and more MBS and how they wanted to get as much as fast as they could. I told him about the first sub-prime meltdown of 1999 and how we knew we were writing junk then and how the investors closed down our warehouse lines when the commercial banks yanked our lines of credit when they audited the paper we were writing.
There was one point I wish I had remembered. In 1996, but probably starting in 1995 or 94, the justice department started auditing origination files against funded loans. Then they took the zip codes and the HUD racial self-identity form and compared those files they classified as "minority" against "loan denied" files. Guess what they found? Minorities in certain zip codes (inner city Detroit) were less likely to get a mortgage than someone in say Grosse Pointe or Bloomfield Hills. This was outrageous. Under the direction of our first black president, this sort of thing was going to change!
It did too. Lenders were pressured to make more loans. Yes we were allowed to charge more interest to compensate for the risk. Yes we could charge more points and fees. That is what everyone did.
I had a loan that I bought for securitization on the street. Black borrower, black mortgage broker, black appraiser, black title company, my processor in the office was black, the only white people involved with the loan were myself and my underwriter who had to sign off on it before it went to funding (the funding rep was Asian). This was a true NO DOC, NO ASSET loan. What that means is the borrower writes down what his job is, how much he makes and everyone pretends he is telling the gospel truth.
Loan Type: Purchase SFR flip out of a L/C, 1yr seasoning (right)
Down payment: No cash/sweat equity
Employment: Self Employed Pharmaceutical Sales Rep (drug dealer)
Income: $250,000 per month (Never happened)
Value of Home: $350,000 (not even if it had been up to code and in good repair)
Credit Rating: He didn't even pay his cell phone or cable bill. His landlord (the guy selling the house, lied and said he made his payments the same time every month, even though he was going through the eviction process while the loan was being processed)
Every black person involved in this deal, from the LO to my processor said don't do this loan, its a bad idea.
Lending decision: Approved.
Rational: we had denied to many loans from that zip code and a bad loan was better then the extra attention of not writing any loans in that neighborhood.
I remember this loan for one reason. In my subprime career, out of millions in loans, I have only had one first payment default, that means they don't even make the first payment. It was this deal.
He respectfully asked me why I thought it was a bad idea. I told him we were essentially socializing the banks and wall street and that every instance of government involvement in the markets I could think of, the intervention made things worse for longer.
He asked about causes. I talked about the blossoming world wide money supply. How the street was begging us for more and more MBS and how they wanted to get as much as fast as they could. I told him about the first sub-prime meltdown of 1999 and how we knew we were writing junk then and how the investors closed down our warehouse lines when the commercial banks yanked our lines of credit when they audited the paper we were writing.
There was one point I wish I had remembered. In 1996, but probably starting in 1995 or 94, the justice department started auditing origination files against funded loans. Then they took the zip codes and the HUD racial self-identity form and compared those files they classified as "minority" against "loan denied" files. Guess what they found? Minorities in certain zip codes (inner city Detroit) were less likely to get a mortgage than someone in say Grosse Pointe or Bloomfield Hills. This was outrageous. Under the direction of our first black president, this sort of thing was going to change!
It did too. Lenders were pressured to make more loans. Yes we were allowed to charge more interest to compensate for the risk. Yes we could charge more points and fees. That is what everyone did.
I had a loan that I bought for securitization on the street. Black borrower, black mortgage broker, black appraiser, black title company, my processor in the office was black, the only white people involved with the loan were myself and my underwriter who had to sign off on it before it went to funding (the funding rep was Asian). This was a true NO DOC, NO ASSET loan. What that means is the borrower writes down what his job is, how much he makes and everyone pretends he is telling the gospel truth.
Loan Type: Purchase SFR flip out of a L/C, 1yr seasoning (right)
Down payment: No cash/sweat equity
Employment: Self Employed Pharmaceutical Sales Rep (drug dealer)
Income: $250,000 per month (Never happened)
Value of Home: $350,000 (not even if it had been up to code and in good repair)
Credit Rating: He didn't even pay his cell phone or cable bill. His landlord (the guy selling the house, lied and said he made his payments the same time every month, even though he was going through the eviction process while the loan was being processed)
Every black person involved in this deal, from the LO to my processor said don't do this loan, its a bad idea.
Lending decision: Approved.
Rational: we had denied to many loans from that zip code and a bad loan was better then the extra attention of not writing any loans in that neighborhood.
I remember this loan for one reason. In my subprime career, out of millions in loans, I have only had one first payment default, that means they don't even make the first payment. It was this deal.
11/03/2008
One More Ad
Just in case you're still undecided who to vote for, and there is a chance that just one more freaking ad will cause you to help shift the election and change the world, I give you:
If you know who that is, then you probably think this is funny, or at least understand it.
No matter who wins tomorrow, we all lose. Welcome to the end of the empire. Cheerful SOB ain't I?
Regardless I wish someone would play this clip for congress and the president every time they try to enact any one of the campaign promisses they made.
If you know who that is, then you probably think this is funny, or at least understand it.
No matter who wins tomorrow, we all lose. Welcome to the end of the empire. Cheerful SOB ain't I?
Regardless I wish someone would play this clip for congress and the president every time they try to enact any one of the campaign promisses they made.
Thanks
Thanks for hanging around and checking in. There are 25 of you that still stop by every day to check on me. I appreciate it. Nothings changed in my life and I'm getting by on pick up consulting work. Anyway, I'm pleased that you still come by even if I haven't been up to a post in a month.
10/02/2008
The Bail Out...
I think its crap.
This works out to about $400,000 per person over the age of 18 in this country. I don't owe $400,000 on my house. How about this for a mortgage bail out, pay off every mortgage in the country up to the $400,000 limit. That would free up some major cash for American families. After all that's who this is for right, American families. No mortgage payments means no default crisis.
Of course I don't favor the nation going even deeper in debt and its no ones responsibility to pay off their debt other than their own. Which makes me wonder, whose responsibility is it to make good investments? Who makes the profit when those investments are sound? Conversely who should take the hit when they go south? If you answered the investor keeps the profits when they make them and the tax payers foot the bill when they go in the crapper; congratulations you have what it takes to go to an ivy league school and run an investment bank, or congress.
We need a man like Calvin Coolidge again.
UPDATE
Man did I screw up the math on this. The error was caused by my not paying attention to which data set I was using from the census bureau. I compounded my mistake by screwing up the formula I typed in excel. The break down should be:
US HOUSEHOLDS Age 25 to 65 by household status buying a home = 46,380,000
DUMB IDEA FOR A BAILOUT = $700,000,000
AVERAGE COST PER HOUSEHOLD = $15,092.71
30 YEAR GOV BOND (today's quote from Bloomberg) 4.50%
TOTAL COST OVER 30 YEARS $27,561.21 per household
I majorly screwed that up. I'm not changing the post, you can all see the mistake. My bad. It doesn't change the fact that this bailout is a really really bad idea. Kudos to Giraffe for catching my error.
This works out to about $400,000 per person over the age of 18 in this country. I don't owe $400,000 on my house. How about this for a mortgage bail out, pay off every mortgage in the country up to the $400,000 limit. That would free up some major cash for American families. After all that's who this is for right, American families. No mortgage payments means no default crisis.
Of course I don't favor the nation going even deeper in debt and its no ones responsibility to pay off their debt other than their own. Which makes me wonder, whose responsibility is it to make good investments? Who makes the profit when those investments are sound? Conversely who should take the hit when they go south? If you answered the investor keeps the profits when they make them and the tax payers foot the bill when they go in the crapper; congratulations you have what it takes to go to an ivy league school and run an investment bank, or congress.
We need a man like Calvin Coolidge again.
"I favor the policy of economy, not because I wish to save money, but because I wish to save people. The men and women of this country who toil are the ones who bear the cost of the Government. Every dollar that we carelessly waste means that their life will be so much the more meager. Every dollar that we prudently save means that their life will be so much the more abundant. Economy is idealism in its most practical form."Calvin Coolidge
UPDATE
Man did I screw up the math on this. The error was caused by my not paying attention to which data set I was using from the census bureau. I compounded my mistake by screwing up the formula I typed in excel. The break down should be:
US HOUSEHOLDS Age 25 to 65 by household status buying a home = 46,380,000
DUMB IDEA FOR A BAILOUT = $700,000,000
AVERAGE COST PER HOUSEHOLD = $15,092.71
30 YEAR GOV BOND (today's quote from Bloomberg) 4.50%
TOTAL COST OVER 30 YEARS $27,561.21 per household
I majorly screwed that up. I'm not changing the post, you can all see the mistake. My bad. It doesn't change the fact that this bailout is a really really bad idea. Kudos to Giraffe for catching my error.
9/16/2008
Job Search, Govt Business Oportunity
Honorable Secretary of Agriculture
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
My friend, Ed Peterson, over at Wells, Iowa, received a check for $1,000 from the government for not raising hogs. So, I want to go into the "not raising hogs" business next year.
What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best kind of farm not to raise hogs on, and what is the best breed of hogs not to raise? I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all governmental policies. I would prefer not to raise razorbacks, but if that is not a good breed not to raise, then I will just as gladly not raise Yorkshires or Durocs.
As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be in keeping an accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven't raised.
My friend, Peterson, is very joyful about the future of the business. He has been raising hogs for twenty years or so, and the best he ever made on them was $422 in 1968, until this year when he got your check for $1,000 for not raising hogs.
If I get $1,000 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2,000 for not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first, holding myself down to about 4,000 hogs not raised, which will mean about $80,000 the first year. Then I can afford an airplane.
Now another thing, these hogs I will not raise will not eat 100,000 bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay farmers for not raising corn and wheat. Will I qualify for payments for not raising wheat and corn not to feed the 4,000 hogs I am not going to raise?
Also, I am considering the "not milking cows" business, so send me any information you have on that too.
In view of these circumstances, you understand that I will be totally unemployed and plan to file for unemployment and food stamps.
Be assured you will have my vote in the coming election.
Patriotically Yours,
PS: Would you please notify me when you plan to distribute more free cheese.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
My friend, Ed Peterson, over at Wells, Iowa, received a check for $1,000 from the government for not raising hogs. So, I want to go into the "not raising hogs" business next year.
What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best kind of farm not to raise hogs on, and what is the best breed of hogs not to raise? I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all governmental policies. I would prefer not to raise razorbacks, but if that is not a good breed not to raise, then I will just as gladly not raise Yorkshires or Durocs.
As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be in keeping an accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven't raised.
My friend, Peterson, is very joyful about the future of the business. He has been raising hogs for twenty years or so, and the best he ever made on them was $422 in 1968, until this year when he got your check for $1,000 for not raising hogs.
If I get $1,000 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2,000 for not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first, holding myself down to about 4,000 hogs not raised, which will mean about $80,000 the first year. Then I can afford an airplane.
Now another thing, these hogs I will not raise will not eat 100,000 bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay farmers for not raising corn and wheat. Will I qualify for payments for not raising wheat and corn not to feed the 4,000 hogs I am not going to raise?
Also, I am considering the "not milking cows" business, so send me any information you have on that too.
In view of these circumstances, you understand that I will be totally unemployed and plan to file for unemployment and food stamps.
Be assured you will have my vote in the coming election.
Patriotically Yours,
PS: Would you please notify me when you plan to distribute more free cheese.
9/12/2008
Biblical Headlines
If Biblical Headlines were written by today's liberal media...
On Red Sea crossing:
WETLANDS TRAMPLED IN LABOR STRIKE
Pursuing Environmentalists Killed
On David vs. Goliath:
HATE CRIME KILLS BELOVED CHAMPION
Psychologist Questions Influence of Rock
On Elijah on Mt. Carmel:
FIRE SENDS RELIGIOUS RIGHT EXTREMIST INTO FRENZY
400 Killed
On the birth of Christ:
HOTELS FULL, ANIMALS LEFT HOMELESS
Animal Rights Activists Enraged by Insensitive Couple
On feeding the 5,000:
PREACHER STEALS CHILD'S LUNCH
Disciples Mystified Over Behavior
On healing the 10 lepers:
LOCAL DOCTOR'S PRACTICE RUINED
"Faith Healer" Causes Bankruptcy
On healing of the Gadarene demoniac:
MADMAN'S FRIEND CAUSES STAMPEDE
Local Farmer's Investment Lost
On raising Lazarus from the dead:
FUNDAMENTALIST PREACHER RAISES A STINK
Will Reading to be Delayed
Received from Andy Maslin.
On Red Sea crossing:
WETLANDS TRAMPLED IN LABOR STRIKE
Pursuing Environmentalists Killed
On David vs. Goliath:
HATE CRIME KILLS BELOVED CHAMPION
Psychologist Questions Influence of Rock
On Elijah on Mt. Carmel:
FIRE SENDS RELIGIOUS RIGHT EXTREMIST INTO FRENZY
400 Killed
On the birth of Christ:
HOTELS FULL, ANIMALS LEFT HOMELESS
Animal Rights Activists Enraged by Insensitive Couple
On feeding the 5,000:
PREACHER STEALS CHILD'S LUNCH
Disciples Mystified Over Behavior
On healing the 10 lepers:
LOCAL DOCTOR'S PRACTICE RUINED
"Faith Healer" Causes Bankruptcy
On healing of the Gadarene demoniac:
MADMAN'S FRIEND CAUSES STAMPEDE
Local Farmer's Investment Lost
On raising Lazarus from the dead:
FUNDAMENTALIST PREACHER RAISES A STINK
Will Reading to be Delayed
Received from Andy Maslin.
9/10/2008
Getting in the Beaver
This is a "beaver". This one was built in 1947. I should have taken a picture of the still mostly original cock-pit. Bush pilots still use them to land on lakes. This is what I was doing on the lake.
This is part of the reason no one has heard a peep out of me for weeks. The other reasons being that game I posted about taking up my online time and I've been in a major funk over the job situation. I thought I had the perfect job lined up and was 99% sure it was mine only to have them decided to try to find someone more qualified. Fishing is more interesting, than my whining. My dad had one of those birthdays that end in a zero this year and my brother and I took him on a fly in fishing trip in Northwest Ontario as a present.Those are walleye if you can't make them out. The biggest one is only about 24 inches and apx 3lbs. Those are all I caught that night. I also caught a few pike. The fishing was ok. I've done much better with an outfitter that costs a whole lot less than this one and who does a much better job taking care of his customers. I shouldn't complain since this was my first trip to Canada in 8 years. I used to get to go at least once a year but since moving to Wyoming I haven't got to fish like I used to.
A good time was had by all except the fish, whom we ate many of every day.
8/06/2008
The Games I Play
I enjoy all kinds of games, everything from cards and board games to video and computer games. Knowing that I also have a tendency to spend way too much time on these things, I have opted not to buy things like a PS2 etc. So to get my fix I'll play a free online game from time to time. That's how I came across a banner ad for Tribal Wars
This is a fantasy strategy game, played in real time (more or less) and set in the middle ages. Build your village, get an army, conquer other villages, join a tribe and meet nice people. Having a little extra time on my hands these days, I've been enjoying myself. If you'd like a great way to waste some time go ahead and join. I'm in world 23, and 20 but 23 is just starting so its a good time to join. You'll recognize me I'm Res Ipsa on k56.
This is a fantasy strategy game, played in real time (more or less) and set in the middle ages. Build your village, get an army, conquer other villages, join a tribe and meet nice people. Having a little extra time on my hands these days, I've been enjoying myself. If you'd like a great way to waste some time go ahead and join. I'm in world 23, and 20 but 23 is just starting so its a good time to join. You'll recognize me I'm Res Ipsa on k56.
7/31/2008
Banking News
Fall of 2002 to mid summer of 2003 I worked for a small (less than $200 Mill assets) community bank. I consulted with them on wholesale sub-prime lending, set up a top notch HELOC program, advised on financial structuring of the holding company and additional related business lines I thought should be acquired. I also managed a branch office so they could move out a manager to a different position. I believe it was in the January officers meeting I made the suggestion that the bank should divest its self of 100% of the Freddie Mac stock in our portfolio.
I was openly ridiculed in that meeting.
My reason for my advice was: 1.) Freddie Mac had advised us that they would be offering additional shares in place of cash dividends. 2.) Fannie May was involved in accounting scandals and it was rumored that one of their defenses was going to be that they had copied Freddie's valuation of earnings technique. No dividends and a good chance the stock was going to take a dive, motivated my sell recommendation.
Reason number 1 had a couple of substantiating points, one since the stock wasn't providing us with dividend payments it failed to meet an established investment criteria of the bank and two the bank had never in the 30 some years Freddie Mac had been in existence sold a loan to them. That last point is a little know banking trivia fact. Most banks own a chunk of Freddie Mac stock because stock ownership is a requirement for the bank to be able to sell loans to Freddie. There is a formula that is used that works out a ratio of stock shares owned to the dollar amount of mortgage loans Freddie will buy.
Unknown to the general public is the fact your local community bank does this so they can sell loans to raise cash on short notice. This is unknown because the local bank normally keeps the servicing rights to those mortgages, and collects about 25bps for servicing the loan.
Freddie is in the crapper and most people have no idea why that is a bad thing. If Freddie goes its going to put the hurt on a lot of little community banks that people think are safe. Oh and the FDIC that susposadly insures your deposits, they have $53 billion in cash to pay claims. There are over $6.84 trillion in deposits and the Indy Mac bail out is going to need $8 billion. Most of those deposits are at risk for a variety of different reasons. For more reasons why the US banking system is on the verge of a big melt down read Mish.
If you want a non-acedemic explaination of whats gong on, I suggest you buy a copy of the Pheromones "Yuppie Drone" ablum and listen to Money Go Round.
I was openly ridiculed in that meeting.
My reason for my advice was: 1.) Freddie Mac had advised us that they would be offering additional shares in place of cash dividends. 2.) Fannie May was involved in accounting scandals and it was rumored that one of their defenses was going to be that they had copied Freddie's valuation of earnings technique. No dividends and a good chance the stock was going to take a dive, motivated my sell recommendation.
Reason number 1 had a couple of substantiating points, one since the stock wasn't providing us with dividend payments it failed to meet an established investment criteria of the bank and two the bank had never in the 30 some years Freddie Mac had been in existence sold a loan to them. That last point is a little know banking trivia fact. Most banks own a chunk of Freddie Mac stock because stock ownership is a requirement for the bank to be able to sell loans to Freddie. There is a formula that is used that works out a ratio of stock shares owned to the dollar amount of mortgage loans Freddie will buy.
Unknown to the general public is the fact your local community bank does this so they can sell loans to raise cash on short notice. This is unknown because the local bank normally keeps the servicing rights to those mortgages, and collects about 25bps for servicing the loan.
Freddie is in the crapper and most people have no idea why that is a bad thing. If Freddie goes its going to put the hurt on a lot of little community banks that people think are safe. Oh and the FDIC that susposadly insures your deposits, they have $53 billion in cash to pay claims. There are over $6.84 trillion in deposits and the Indy Mac bail out is going to need $8 billion. Most of those deposits are at risk for a variety of different reasons. For more reasons why the US banking system is on the verge of a big melt down read Mish.
If you want a non-acedemic explaination of whats gong on, I suggest you buy a copy of the Pheromones "Yuppie Drone" ablum and listen to Money Go Round.
7/28/2008
Sampling
As a rule, I'm not a big fan of sampling. Sampling is the taking of a part or parts of someone else's song and making into a new song. Run DMC made a hit by using Aerosmith's "Walk This Way", Chris Classic used "Hair of the Dog" (I kinda like that one), anyway you get the idea. While we're on the topic of music, I'm generally not into remaking classic rock songs either.
I'm not sure where Kid Rock falls in my list of non-talents. I don't care for a lot of his work. "Amen" sucks and only the most confused and clouded mind could find some sort of rational meaning in the song. I suppose "Cowboy" is ok. This summer I've found myself listening to a Kid Rock song whenever it comes on the radio and even singing along. "All Summer Long" is a total rip off of Skynard's "Sweet Home Alabama" guitar lick. Normally this kind of sampling is a deal killer for me, but not this time.
I can't seem to find my photo album, (Mrs Ipsa might have something to do with that) or I'd post some pics of the girls. Back in 89 you had to have a visa to enter France, this is mine.
My mothers family is from northern MI and when the summer rolled around I found myself making my usual trips up north. 1989 was a good year for me and the fairer sex. I was young, had all my hair and was benching around 275.
I was doing my normal drop one off, go meet the next one routine one night, when the blond I was with let it be known that there was a great place to park (so we could "talk", mostly about baseball) on the way back to her house and that she wanted me to take her home. I had my second date (a new girl I had just met a week or so before) for the night lined up so I gave new girl a call to let her know I had to work late. When I did there was something about the disappointment in her voice over not seeing me that night and the way she let me off with such grace, that I went back and dumped the blond on the spot. Then I called her back and told her someone else would cover my shift and did she want to get together?
In a weeks time I quite seeing anyone else. I never fell in love so hard. The next spring I took her for a month to kick around Europe together. When she dumped me for a guy she met at U of M, I nearly drank myself out of college. In fact I flunked most of my exams that I showed up for that semester.
Here's the video:
With the exception of catching walleye off the doc, (fishing for eyes was better off the dam) and the party barge full of girls bouncing around, that's pretty much the way it was. That and the "smoking funny things", I was never into that.
The girl? We kept in touch for several years and remained friends, after she had graduated grad school, we even thought about getting back together. It didn't happen. I felt like she thought she would be settling and I couldn't bear the thought of being better than nothing. She finally got married last fall. My folks went to the wedding. I didn't. They said he seems like a good guy. I'm happy for her.
I'm not sure where Kid Rock falls in my list of non-talents. I don't care for a lot of his work. "Amen" sucks and only the most confused and clouded mind could find some sort of rational meaning in the song. I suppose "Cowboy" is ok. This summer I've found myself listening to a Kid Rock song whenever it comes on the radio and even singing along. "All Summer Long" is a total rip off of Skynard's "Sweet Home Alabama" guitar lick. Normally this kind of sampling is a deal killer for me, but not this time.
"It was 1989 my thoughts were short my hair was longThis song just takes me back. 1989 was a great year for yours truly. I spent spring break kicking around France, making out on the tour bus and posing in pics with girls under the Eiffel Tower. The picture thing might not seem so exciting. A bunch of these girls had bet some other girls back in the states they could get a picture of a French guy "frenching" them in Paris. I was young, I had little pride, and somewhere someone thinks I'm a French guy sucking face with a bus load of American co-eds. I can live with that.
Caught somewhere between a boy and man,
She was 17 and she was far from in-between
It was summer-time in Northern Michigan"
I can't seem to find my photo album, (Mrs Ipsa might have something to do with that) or I'd post some pics of the girls. Back in 89 you had to have a visa to enter France, this is mine.My mothers family is from northern MI and when the summer rolled around I found myself making my usual trips up north. 1989 was a good year for me and the fairer sex. I was young, had all my hair and was benching around 275.
"Splashing through the sand-bar, talking by the camp fire,
It's the simple things in life like when and where
We didn't have no internet but man I never will forget
The way the moon light shined upon her hair"
"Now nothing seems as strange as when the leaves begin to change"That fall found me taking out a different girl almost every night, at least on the weekends. Sometimes I'd work in two girls on the same night (at different times, I wasn't that big of a stud). I'd drop off one girl and head up to State and spend the rest of the evening with someone else. That worked too, until the sophomore I was dating there came down to surprise me after work and found me at the park with this red head. That worked out somewhat well as she "discovered" how much she REALLY loved me after she saw me with another girl.
I was doing my normal drop one off, go meet the next one routine one night, when the blond I was with let it be known that there was a great place to park (so we could "talk", mostly about baseball) on the way back to her house and that she wanted me to take her home. I had my second date (a new girl I had just met a week or so before) for the night lined up so I gave new girl a call to let her know I had to work late. When I did there was something about the disappointment in her voice over not seeing me that night and the way she let me off with such grace, that I went back and dumped the blond on the spot. Then I called her back and told her someone else would cover my shift and did she want to get together?
In a weeks time I quite seeing anyone else. I never fell in love so hard. The next spring I took her for a month to kick around Europe together. When she dumped me for a guy she met at U of M, I nearly drank myself out of college. In fact I flunked most of my exams that I showed up for that semester.
Here's the video:
With the exception of catching walleye off the doc, (fishing for eyes was better off the dam) and the party barge full of girls bouncing around, that's pretty much the way it was. That and the "smoking funny things", I was never into that.
The girl? We kept in touch for several years and remained friends, after she had graduated grad school, we even thought about getting back together. It didn't happen. I felt like she thought she would be settling and I couldn't bear the thought of being better than nothing. She finally got married last fall. My folks went to the wedding. I didn't. They said he seems like a good guy. I'm happy for her.
"Or how we thought those days would never endThat's not necessary, sometimes its enough to catch a song on the radio and reminisce.
Sometimes I hear that song and I start to sing along
And think, Man I'd love to see that girl again"
7/18/2008
Deep Thoughts
Why is it that people who aren't smart enough to get a job checking groceries at Wal-Mart insist on getting in front of me in the self check out lane?
7/15/2008
Investing in Death
As a group they have many faults. In fact the end of American values, cultural, economic and military superiority, can be laid at the feet of the Baby Boomer generation. If you want to take it all the way, the world wide the post WWII generation and their ideas on how to run society, will be the single largest factor in the end of Western Civilization as we know it. Capitalism will face its largest threat from their attempts to vote themselves a secure retirement. Social Security and Meidcare will destroy the American economy as the boomers do what they have always done best, whine and expect someone, preferably a government bureaucrat, to fix the situation for them. After all they deserve it.
There is however a silver lining, and perhaps a gold one too. Over the next 30 to 50 years the Baby Boomers are going to die. In the US thats 76 Million deaths, minimum. Todays average funeral costs over $10,000. So, not accounting for price increases, thats at least a $730,000,000,000 industry, spread out over the next 50 years or so. An industry that BTW has very attractive profit margins. My challenge to ya'll, what companies and/or mutual funds are in the best position to profit form this trend?
BTW:
This post is for entertainment and general information only. I'm not looking to violate any SEC rules, be they real or imagined. I'm not promoting or suggesting anyone should buy any particular investment. My purpose is to look at a major market trend based on what I see happing in a demographic trend.
There is however a silver lining, and perhaps a gold one too. Over the next 30 to 50 years the Baby Boomers are going to die. In the US thats 76 Million deaths, minimum. Todays average funeral costs over $10,000. So, not accounting for price increases, thats at least a $730,000,000,000 industry, spread out over the next 50 years or so. An industry that BTW has very attractive profit margins. My challenge to ya'll, what companies and/or mutual funds are in the best position to profit form this trend?
BTW:
This post is for entertainment and general information only. I'm not looking to violate any SEC rules, be they real or imagined. I'm not promoting or suggesting anyone should buy any particular investment. My purpose is to look at a major market trend based on what I see happing in a demographic trend.
7/14/2008
On Disrepecting Religion
Vox has been following the Pharyngulan PZ desecration of the Eucharist debacle. I'm not Catholic. In fact I'm not a lot of religions. My guess is you could be identified by all the different religions and denominations that you aren't too. Yet some how normal people are able to get along with all the groups they don't belong to, without making an ass out of themselves.
As a non-Catholic, I don't share their theological views on transubstantiation. However, I have a number of Catholic friends. I get invited to weddings, funerals etc that involve saying Mass. I go. When it comes to partaking, I simply set it out and respectfully watch my friends participate in their faith. I don't debate their faith and I don't offend their conscience by participating in a ceremony that doesn't have the same meaning to me as it has to them. Its never occurred to me to violate their POV or to do something that would be contrary to mine. I'm able to function in society without making an ass of myself over someone else's theology.
This whole disrespecting of the communion wafer ordeal reminds me of another group that suffers from emotionally arrested development. Have you ever seen the news coverage of some animal rights activist throwing red paint or blood on some anorexic debutant's mink coat? In all the years I've gone through the Sturgis motorcycle rally, I've never seen a PETA type pull this stunt with the Hell's Angels. Certainly there is a larger demand for leather jackets than mink coats. Imagine the free publicity that would create.
I predict that the "anti-religion" types will stick to offending milquetoast American Christians. I wonder when we will see them do something courageous, like defile a Koran and then post their name, address, and a link to a Google map of their house and office. That will happen before liberals will quit making an ass out of themselves.
As a non-Catholic, I don't share their theological views on transubstantiation. However, I have a number of Catholic friends. I get invited to weddings, funerals etc that involve saying Mass. I go. When it comes to partaking, I simply set it out and respectfully watch my friends participate in their faith. I don't debate their faith and I don't offend their conscience by participating in a ceremony that doesn't have the same meaning to me as it has to them. Its never occurred to me to violate their POV or to do something that would be contrary to mine. I'm able to function in society without making an ass of myself over someone else's theology.
This whole disrespecting of the communion wafer ordeal reminds me of another group that suffers from emotionally arrested development. Have you ever seen the news coverage of some animal rights activist throwing red paint or blood on some anorexic debutant's mink coat? In all the years I've gone through the Sturgis motorcycle rally, I've never seen a PETA type pull this stunt with the Hell's Angels. Certainly there is a larger demand for leather jackets than mink coats. Imagine the free publicity that would create.
I predict that the "anti-religion" types will stick to offending milquetoast American Christians. I wonder when we will see them do something courageous, like defile a Koran and then post their name, address, and a link to a Google map of their house and office. That will happen before liberals will quit making an ass out of themselves.
7/08/2008
223 Brass
Last night I thought I'd get caught up with some load development. So, having a bunch of 223 brass in need of priming I got the hand priming tool and a box of Winchester small rifle primers. (BTW just try getting some BR primers for the 223 right now. We need to end the war so I can start getting decent components at reasonable prices again.) Since this batch of brass was an assortment of mixed stuff, I sat down to prime and sort them out as I went along.
80% or more of the cases are head stamped FC 07. I assume this means Federal Cartage manufactured in 2007. All of the FC 07's are once fired in my gun. Here's the problem:
Over 50% of the primer pockets are so tight that I can't properly set a primer. Since the tolerances are off, either I damage the primer or the case making the round unusable. All of the other brands of cases (LC, RP, Win, PMC and Rem 223) accepted the primers with no problems.
My first thought was that FC uses a smaller small riffle primer but I haven't been able to find any published specs on it. Then I thought that maybe mil spec ammo requires a smaller primer pocket, again no specs. Then there is the possibility that a metric case has a slightly smaller primer pocket too.
Any help from our reloader's is much appreciated. If you know of a brand of primer that will work, and have a source for buying it, please let me know. Thanks
80% or more of the cases are head stamped FC 07. I assume this means Federal Cartage manufactured in 2007. All of the FC 07's are once fired in my gun. Here's the problem:
Over 50% of the primer pockets are so tight that I can't properly set a primer. Since the tolerances are off, either I damage the primer or the case making the round unusable. All of the other brands of cases (LC, RP, Win, PMC and Rem 223) accepted the primers with no problems.
My first thought was that FC uses a smaller small riffle primer but I haven't been able to find any published specs on it. Then I thought that maybe mil spec ammo requires a smaller primer pocket, again no specs. Then there is the possibility that a metric case has a slightly smaller primer pocket too.
Any help from our reloader's is much appreciated. If you know of a brand of primer that will work, and have a source for buying it, please let me know. Thanks
7/04/2008
Forth of July
Thanks to all those great men and women who worked to found this nation. In the spirit of political freedom we present this 2008 presidential campaign ad:
Our forefathers would be so proud that their Republic has come to this.
Heres the link to the guy selling the bumper stickers.
FYI I'm not endorsing the only white male democrat still running for president, I'll vote third party before I vote McCain, or I'll just stay home.
Our forefathers would be so proud that their Republic has come to this.Heres the link to the guy selling the bumper stickers.
FYI I'm not endorsing the only white male democrat still running for president, I'll vote third party before I vote McCain, or I'll just stay home.
7/03/2008
The Salesman's Robot
John was a salesman's delight when it came to any kind of unusual gimmick. His wife Marsha had long ago given up trying to get him to change. One day John came home with another one of his unusual purchases. It was a robot that John claimed was actually a lie detector.
It was about 5:30 that afternoon when Tommy, their 11-year-old son, returned home from school. Tommy was over two hours late.
"Where have you been? Why are you over two hours late getting home?" asked John.
"Several of us went to the library to work on an extra credit project," said Tommy. The robot then walked around the table and slapped Tommy, knocking him completely out of his chair.
"Son," said John, "this robot is a lie detector. Now tell us where you really were after school."
"We went to Bobby's house and watched a movie," said Tommy.
"What did you watch?" asked Marsha.
"The Ten Commandments," answered Tommy. The robot went around to Tommy and slapped him again, knocking him off his chair once more. With his lip quivering, Tommy got up from the floor, sat down, and said, "I am sorry I lied. We really watched an R-rated movie."
"I am ashamed of you, son," said John. "When I was your age, I never lied to my parents." The robot then walked around to John and delivered a whack that nearly knocked him out of his chair.
Marsha doubled over in laughter, almost in tears, and said, "Boy, did you ever ask for that one! You can't be too mad with Tommy. After all, he is your son!"
With that the robot immediately walked around to Marsha and knocked her out of her chair.
Have a good weekend with your families everyone.
It was about 5:30 that afternoon when Tommy, their 11-year-old son, returned home from school. Tommy was over two hours late.
"Where have you been? Why are you over two hours late getting home?" asked John.
"Several of us went to the library to work on an extra credit project," said Tommy. The robot then walked around the table and slapped Tommy, knocking him completely out of his chair.
"Son," said John, "this robot is a lie detector. Now tell us where you really were after school."
"We went to Bobby's house and watched a movie," said Tommy.
"What did you watch?" asked Marsha.
"The Ten Commandments," answered Tommy. The robot went around to Tommy and slapped him again, knocking him off his chair once more. With his lip quivering, Tommy got up from the floor, sat down, and said, "I am sorry I lied. We really watched an R-rated movie."
"I am ashamed of you, son," said John. "When I was your age, I never lied to my parents." The robot then walked around to John and delivered a whack that nearly knocked him out of his chair.
Marsha doubled over in laughter, almost in tears, and said, "Boy, did you ever ask for that one! You can't be too mad with Tommy. After all, he is your son!"
With that the robot immediately walked around to Marsha and knocked her out of her chair.
Have a good weekend with your families everyone.
6/24/2008
Curve Balls
I intended a post on our rafting adventures. At this point all I can work up is a few lines about having fun with good friends . OK maybe all I've got is these three lines.
Today I received a major life changing blow and its taking almost everything I've got mentally to cope. For those of you who pray, I can use it. For those of you who don't but are kind enough to care, thanks. I appreciate your friendship. I'll try to work up something when I can get into it.
Today I received a major life changing blow and its taking almost everything I've got mentally to cope. For those of you who pray, I can use it. For those of you who don't but are kind enough to care, thanks. I appreciate your friendship. I'll try to work up something when I can get into it.
6/14/2008
Better Lucky, Than Good
I managed to place 2nd at 750 yards. At 500 yards I nearly earned the nickname of "Monica". I sucked so bad that I managed only one target that qualified for scoring, the rest were goose eggs. Props to Steve "the optics guy". His first rate spotting got me the win in the unlimited class and 2nd in 750 yards.I want to mention it here first. Bob Baker one of the owners of Freedom Arms had a prototype specialty pistol at the match. This gun rocks! I don't know how much he wants said about it since the gun isn't in final development yet, but I've already started saving my pennies to get one. No they aren't taking orders yet, and won't till they have at least a partial production run. Yes I'm on the list. Yes its that good a gun. My guess is that Bob wasn't just showing off the new toy to gage interest. He was taking lots of notes and getting input on what we want in a gun. I expect that there will be one or two improvements based on the last three days worth of shooting.
5/29/2008
Last Call
White Water Rendezvous Rafters: This is it. Waterboy is making the final arrangements and reservations for the rafting trip. If you are going, he needs a final head count and a firm commitment ASAP. Either email him or my self right way if you are planing on going.
We have a large group going this year. Its going to be a lot of fun.
Erik, Shawn and Astro, we need a final head count for your group(s). If its easier just give me a call.
We have a large group going this year. Its going to be a lot of fun.
Erik, Shawn and Astro, we need a final head count for your group(s). If its easier just give me a call.
5/27/2008
Help Wanted
I need help with a practical joke.
I'm looking for someone who can receive and then re-mail a letter, from a zip code with in the state of Texas, preferably Austin. The idea being, that this letter needs to look like, at least as much as possible, it came from the state capital.
Details are available if you are able to help. Please post in the comments or email.
Thanks
I'm looking for someone who can receive and then re-mail a letter, from a zip code with in the state of Texas, preferably Austin. The idea being, that this letter needs to look like, at least as much as possible, it came from the state capital.
Details are available if you are able to help. Please post in the comments or email.
Thanks
5/26/2008
Memorial Day 2008
A special thanks to our servicemen and women, past and present. You are remembered and appreciated. Today I'm taking a minute to think back on the stories that I've heard form different vets over the years and remember them. Those still with us are getting a thank you call. Those of you who stop by here are in my thoughts as well.
Difster thanks for your service in the Marines.
Waterboy thanks for your many years with the USAF.
Roci, thanks for your past service and for this most recent re-up in the Army. I hope your mission to find the best buffet in Baghdad is a successful one.
If you're a regular and I've forgotten, or didn't know you were in the service please pipe in, in the comments.
Thank you for your service.
Difster thanks for your service in the Marines.
Waterboy thanks for your many years with the USAF.
Roci, thanks for your past service and for this most recent re-up in the Army. I hope your mission to find the best buffet in Baghdad is a successful one.
If you're a regular and I've forgotten, or didn't know you were in the service please pipe in, in the comments.
Thank you for your service.
5/15/2008
Fire Flys Come Out in the Spring
Girl Friend Fire Fly sent me her condolences on not drawing moose or bighorn sheep tags. She also sent me this picture.
Her sister took this picture at work. I didn't think sheep roamed as far east in her neck of the woods, but I may be mistaken as to which neck of the woods that is. GFFF also said that this was "a small one". In my book he'd still be a shooter, since one curl is at least 3/4, the right side being the longer horn IMO. In WY only one horn must go at least 3/4 to be legal, I'm fairly sure that both of this guys do.
Last year on our rafting trip we saw 7 sheep as we were driving up to raft. I think 2 were rams and the rest ewes and lambs.
Her sister took this picture at work. I didn't think sheep roamed as far east in her neck of the woods, but I may be mistaken as to which neck of the woods that is. GFFF also said that this was "a small one". In my book he'd still be a shooter, since one curl is at least 3/4, the right side being the longer horn IMO. In WY only one horn must go at least 3/4 to be legal, I'm fairly sure that both of this guys do.Last year on our rafting trip we saw 7 sheep as we were driving up to raft. I think 2 were rams and the rest ewes and lambs.
5/06/2008
The Rafting Trip
Waterboy writes: So, here's what I'm thinking:
My thoughts: I've rafted Colorado several times. I like it lot. The Royal Gorge is a good trip with some fun rapids. If you're new to rafting, you'll enjoy the trip. After each set of rapids there is a stretch of calm water where you get a little break in the action to rest up. The paddling isn't very hard and they feed you lunch. This is a very good first timer trip.
Clear Creek is a new run for our group this year. At least I don't remember if we've run it together. It looks like fun. If you're in half way ok physical shape and you enjoy a thrill, this should be a fun run. You have to paddle a bit more than the Gorge. We've gone with AVA several times. The guides are very professional, and even if your new to rafting, you will have fun on this run. You will get wet, it doesn't matter what seat you have in the boat. If you're wanting to "try it out" on the Gorge and then see on Clear Creek, let us know, if you're sure you want to do both, and you do want to do both, let us know that too.
This looks like a good year for newbies to join up. Water Boy has a good mix of fun runs picked out that everyone will enjoy.
We do the full day Royal Gorge trip with Buffalo Joe's on Saturday with newbies and any experienced riders who also wish to go. This trip starts off on Class III water before breaking for lunch; the break will give newbies a chance to evaluate the experience before deciding whether or not to continue with the rest of the trip, which goes into Class IV rapids. Then we do Clear Creek Advanced with AVA half day trip on Sunday for the experienced riders, maybe even doing both morning and afternoon sessions if there's enough interest.Some basic info: The dates are June 21st and 22nd, and the prices are on the web sites. If everyone who has tentatively said they are coming comes, we might have enough people for the group discount. The way this works is we have to reserve the trip(s) in advance. This means someone (Waterboy or myself) has to put it on a credit card. I think it was last year, some said they were coming and did a no show, leaving WB stuck paying the bill. So, if your coming and you haven't come before, I need your contact info. My email is resispa@vcn.com, there is a link on the side bar as well.
Doing them in this order will give the newbies a chance to get their feet wet (ha!) before deciding whether they want to tackle something harder right away. And we can always flip the days around if need be, though I wouldn't advise newbies going on the harder trip first.
My thoughts: I've rafted Colorado several times. I like it lot. The Royal Gorge is a good trip with some fun rapids. If you're new to rafting, you'll enjoy the trip. After each set of rapids there is a stretch of calm water where you get a little break in the action to rest up. The paddling isn't very hard and they feed you lunch. This is a very good first timer trip.
Clear Creek is a new run for our group this year. At least I don't remember if we've run it together. It looks like fun. If you're in half way ok physical shape and you enjoy a thrill, this should be a fun run. You have to paddle a bit more than the Gorge. We've gone with AVA several times. The guides are very professional, and even if your new to rafting, you will have fun on this run. You will get wet, it doesn't matter what seat you have in the boat. If you're wanting to "try it out" on the Gorge and then see on Clear Creek, let us know, if you're sure you want to do both, and you do want to do both, let us know that too.
This looks like a good year for newbies to join up. Water Boy has a good mix of fun runs picked out that everyone will enjoy.
5/05/2008
Crushed
I really thought that this would be the year for the moose.
The bad part is I might have booked a hunting trip to Canada if I would have known this was how it would play out.
| License Type: | Results | Area/Type |
| Resident Moose | Unsuccessful | N/A |
| Resident Bighorn Sheep | Unsuccessful | N/A |
The bad part is I might have booked a hunting trip to Canada if I would have known this was how it would play out.
Much Ado About Outcomes
Vox is resurrecting the "why women are unhappy with the modern man" topic again. Interestingly hes got the Sam Harris thing going today as well. Seems to me that depending on your view point the current state of affairs is either: 1.) a result of mankind revolting against God ordained gender roles i.e. old fashioned sin, or 2.) the product of generations of women selectively choosing which males would father their children, thus producing the most evolutionary, biologically, and intellectually advanced male specimens that we have today.
Either way I can't see what all the ruckus is about.
In the 1970's women were dissatisfied with the way the society of the 1950's worked. They wanted change. Men largely gave them what they wanted. Now 30 some years latter they are unhappy about the changes. They blame the men. Maybe they are right. Had our great grandfathers been wiser they never would have given up the franchise, and we wouldn't be listening to all the whining now.
I wonder what they were thinking. Actually I know. They thought they'd get more sex. Thats how it works. Men will do just about anything for sex. We will be perfect gentlemen. We will refrain from any number of "bad" (in the minds of the female) habits and engage in any number of "good" activities if we think it will get us laid. Heck some men will even pledge themselves to a lifetime of monogamy and faithfulness if that one special women will bed us. Of course the game is much more subtle than this, but thats how it works.
What would happen if we didn't have to be gentlemen to get what we need? What would it be like if the girls played like the boys? Thats basically what we have now. Women told themselves and us, that they were just like men. Men believed them. A womens sexuality was once a sacred expression of who she was. A man was expected to cherish and love her for giving that to him. Now a women's sexuality is reduced to what she has, pussy. Pussy is a modern day commodity. Every women has one and they are nearly all equally accessible.
Don't complain if the consumer is buying what the marketing department is selling. If "used as advertised" isn't what you want, don't sell it that way.
Either way I can't see what all the ruckus is about.
In the 1970's women were dissatisfied with the way the society of the 1950's worked. They wanted change. Men largely gave them what they wanted. Now 30 some years latter they are unhappy about the changes. They blame the men. Maybe they are right. Had our great grandfathers been wiser they never would have given up the franchise, and we wouldn't be listening to all the whining now.
I wonder what they were thinking. Actually I know. They thought they'd get more sex. Thats how it works. Men will do just about anything for sex. We will be perfect gentlemen. We will refrain from any number of "bad" (in the minds of the female) habits and engage in any number of "good" activities if we think it will get us laid. Heck some men will even pledge themselves to a lifetime of monogamy and faithfulness if that one special women will bed us. Of course the game is much more subtle than this, but thats how it works.
What would happen if we didn't have to be gentlemen to get what we need? What would it be like if the girls played like the boys? Thats basically what we have now. Women told themselves and us, that they were just like men. Men believed them. A womens sexuality was once a sacred expression of who she was. A man was expected to cherish and love her for giving that to him. Now a women's sexuality is reduced to what she has, pussy. Pussy is a modern day commodity. Every women has one and they are nearly all equally accessible.
Don't complain if the consumer is buying what the marketing department is selling. If "used as advertised" isn't what you want, don't sell it that way.
5/02/2008
Tonight
This is the story about how I tried to buy drugs and nearly got shot by the cops.
I needed to get a prescription filled. So I loaded up the dogs in the back of the truck and headed to town before the pharmacy closed. Due to a mix up with the insurance, I spent a ton of time trying to get the right policy info so I could buy my drugs. Meanwhile another customer pulled up outside with dogs in their truck. My dogs jumped out and went to visit their dogs, scratching the crap out of their truck in the process.
Now a normal person would have asked me to pay for the damages. This one called the cops. By the time they got around to showing up I had locked my dogs inside the truck. I finished up not getting things fixed with the insurance company, after all its Friday, its 6 o'clock and screw the customer we'll look into it Monday.
Anyway dogs scratching a paint job requires a cop and extra back up. Cop #1 seemed cool. He listened to the other persons story and then explained that, 1. no crime had happened, 2. their was nothing he could do, and the best thing was to get it fixed and send me the bill. He asked if I was willing to pay the damages, which of course I am, because it was my stupid dogs that scratched the ever loving crap out of the other truck. At that point we swapped phone numbers and agreed that we'd figure it out next week when the local body shop opens.
During the exchange cop #2 took up a hostile position flanking my left, hand on gun and did the "fake jump" thing about three times. Apparently this is deemed a helpful deescalation technique, as is direct eye contact and constantly squeezing the grip on the Glock and flipping the retaining strap off the gun. Keep in mind that all of this occurred AFTER he had opportunity to observe that everyone involved was peacefully working out the details of getting the truck fixed.
Emotionally most people get a little charged up over things like this. I was less than happy about it. As was the other party. Everyone was civil, polite and agreeable and peaceful, except the kid who hasn't started shaving regularly and apparently is in possession of a gun and a badge. I have no objection to the gun, but somehow having a badge converts the owners into half crazed gunslingers looking for an opportunity to shoot someone. I know several cops that don't fit this description but more and more often I'm reading about or encountering stories about those who do. I've had a few occasions, one in Central America, where I thought it was possible I'd be shot. Tonight I got the impression that this kid was eager for his first kill and it mattered not whom he pulled the trigger on, or the reason for it.
I needed to get a prescription filled. So I loaded up the dogs in the back of the truck and headed to town before the pharmacy closed. Due to a mix up with the insurance, I spent a ton of time trying to get the right policy info so I could buy my drugs. Meanwhile another customer pulled up outside with dogs in their truck. My dogs jumped out and went to visit their dogs, scratching the crap out of their truck in the process.
Now a normal person would have asked me to pay for the damages. This one called the cops. By the time they got around to showing up I had locked my dogs inside the truck. I finished up not getting things fixed with the insurance company, after all its Friday, its 6 o'clock and screw the customer we'll look into it Monday.
Anyway dogs scratching a paint job requires a cop and extra back up. Cop #1 seemed cool. He listened to the other persons story and then explained that, 1. no crime had happened, 2. their was nothing he could do, and the best thing was to get it fixed and send me the bill. He asked if I was willing to pay the damages, which of course I am, because it was my stupid dogs that scratched the ever loving crap out of the other truck. At that point we swapped phone numbers and agreed that we'd figure it out next week when the local body shop opens.
During the exchange cop #2 took up a hostile position flanking my left, hand on gun and did the "fake jump" thing about three times. Apparently this is deemed a helpful deescalation technique, as is direct eye contact and constantly squeezing the grip on the Glock and flipping the retaining strap off the gun. Keep in mind that all of this occurred AFTER he had opportunity to observe that everyone involved was peacefully working out the details of getting the truck fixed.
Emotionally most people get a little charged up over things like this. I was less than happy about it. As was the other party. Everyone was civil, polite and agreeable and peaceful, except the kid who hasn't started shaving regularly and apparently is in possession of a gun and a badge. I have no objection to the gun, but somehow having a badge converts the owners into half crazed gunslingers looking for an opportunity to shoot someone. I know several cops that don't fit this description but more and more often I'm reading about or encountering stories about those who do. I've had a few occasions, one in Central America, where I thought it was possible I'd be shot. Tonight I got the impression that this kid was eager for his first kill and it mattered not whom he pulled the trigger on, or the reason for it.
4/28/2008
Archie on Democrats
The sound quality is poor, but the point is just as true as it was 30 years ago.
4/26/2008
Reading List
I've found myself wanting to get in on the upcoming book discussion at Vox's. Even though I know that I'd enjoy it, its just not going to happen. My reading list is exhaustive already. I'm reading the equivalent of 12 to 14 books a day as it is. Notice I said equivalent, not 12 to 14 different books.
Here is RJ's Top Ten List:
Goodnight Moon
ABC's
My First Baby Games
Rewards for Little Ones
Wait for Elmo
Red Fish Blue Fish
All Things Bright and Beautiful
A Boy's First Book of Manors
Noah's Crew Came Two by Two
Jonah's Story
These aren't in any particular order. He brings books to daddy and momma and we read them. Some times we read them over and over, and he loves it. My reading list isn't what it used to be, but I love it just the same.
On a slightly related note RJ loves to "play" whatever daddy is playing. This includes reloading (I so wish I would have taken some pictures) and "dishes". I found myself getting mad at him today for messing up the dishes. I was trying to clean up the kitchen and my "helper" was undoing every bit of progress I was making. I gave RJ the "daddy voice" and a stern "no". He walked off, wounded, looking like he wanted to cry. He came back and raised his hands in the pick me up signal. So I did. That was two hours ago. The dishes still aren't done and they won't be, unless he takes a nap. Taking care of the house isn't more important than taking care of the people who live in it.
Right now we're playing "computer". I so wish he'd give up this game, its taking a toll on my printer, and LCD flat screen.
Here is RJ's Top Ten List:
Goodnight Moon
ABC's
My First Baby Games
Rewards for Little Ones
Wait for Elmo
Red Fish Blue Fish
All Things Bright and Beautiful
A Boy's First Book of Manors
Noah's Crew Came Two by Two
Jonah's Story
These aren't in any particular order. He brings books to daddy and momma and we read them. Some times we read them over and over, and he loves it. My reading list isn't what it used to be, but I love it just the same.
On a slightly related note RJ loves to "play" whatever daddy is playing. This includes reloading (I so wish I would have taken some pictures) and "dishes". I found myself getting mad at him today for messing up the dishes. I was trying to clean up the kitchen and my "helper" was undoing every bit of progress I was making. I gave RJ the "daddy voice" and a stern "no". He walked off, wounded, looking like he wanted to cry. He came back and raised his hands in the pick me up signal. So I did. That was two hours ago. The dishes still aren't done and they won't be, unless he takes a nap. Taking care of the house isn't more important than taking care of the people who live in it.
Right now we're playing "computer". I so wish he'd give up this game, its taking a toll on my printer, and LCD flat screen.
4/21/2008
Who Are You Voting For?
I know its a personal decision and all but who are you voting for this "most important election of our life time"?TM Its an unusually hard decision this year since all the candidates are equally well qualified and posses indistinguishable moral, ethical, economic and policy goals for this country. America is going to Hell in a hand basket and each one of them has the perfect plan to finish the job. Lest you think me too cynical I've come across this little voters guide that will help you navigate the carefully crafted nuances of this election season, and choose the man or women or man of color, that will come closest to matching your political point of view.
From left to right: Obama, McCain, Hillery.
Vote for your favorite stooge.
Our 2008 Presidential Candidates
From left to right: Obama, McCain, Hillery.Vote for your favorite stooge.
4/16/2008
Rafting 2008
April is half over and that means that June is just around the corner. We're looking at either the 3rd or 4th weekend in June as our rafting date, and we need to make a decision on what level of crazy, bone crushing, water filling your lungs fun we want to have.
One thought was to do a trip that newbies and experienced rafters could enjoy without making the difficulty level too hard. Then if we have a bunch of hard core rafting lunatics (and we know who we are) we might run a second trip on a different day.
I'm looking for a indication either in the comments or via email, phone etc of who wants to go and what dates they can make it. Regardless of which trip we take, it looks like most of the day long (about 4 to 6 hrs) trips are running a little over $100/person. If we have a large enough group, they normally offer discounts. After we figure out who's going and a date, we can work out the other details.
One thought was to do a trip that newbies and experienced rafters could enjoy without making the difficulty level too hard. Then if we have a bunch of hard core rafting lunatics (and we know who we are) we might run a second trip on a different day.
I'm looking for a indication either in the comments or via email, phone etc of who wants to go and what dates they can make it. Regardless of which trip we take, it looks like most of the day long (about 4 to 6 hrs) trips are running a little over $100/person. If we have a large enough group, they normally offer discounts. After we figure out who's going and a date, we can work out the other details.
4/14/2008
Happy Tax Day
I hope each and every one of you is taking the time today to trot down to the post office and mail off that tax check. I hope you managed things in such a way that you kept every last cent you could without having to pay them a penalty for holding on to your money.
Since it's tax day please remember the other duty that good Americans have; go out and buy yourself a new gun today. Just don't take the gun to the post office, they hate competition.
Since it's tax day please remember the other duty that good Americans have; go out and buy yourself a new gun today. Just don't take the gun to the post office, they hate competition.
4/07/2008
Working Towards the 1K Goal
I've blogged about my goal of a 1K kill. Today I took a significant step towards making the gaol a reality. The first picture is what a target (32 inches wide by 20 inches tall) looks like to the naked eye at 1039 yards (distance measured with a Swarovski range finder), its inside the little circle at the bottom of the arrow.
Here's the same target using the 12x power on the camera. Props to Bill (and others) for suggesting I buy a Canon PowerShot).
Todays shooting irons were all specialty handguns built on Remington XP actions. I shot a 7mm Dakota, a 6mm-284 and a 6.5mm-284. Optics were mostly by Leupold in various Mark IV configurations and one Schmidt and Bender (I nearly had an orgasm typing that) with a ART reticle. If your wondering about a appropriate belated birthday gift for your host, the PM II with ART would be a good choice. Its this scope (5x25, last scope on the page) with this reticle. The best group of the day was a 13 inch group, using the 7mm Dakota off a bipod on a portable bench. Wind conditions while I shot the group were less than 10 mph and 1/4 quartering value. If it wasn't for that far left shot I would have had a 9in group.
There were lots of dogs out today. I chose not to take a shot at one. There are three reasons for that, the first is I was training for a 1000 yard handgun comp coming up this spring, second I want to take my 1K dog with my gun, and third a spring snow storm blew in while I was shooting, the temp dropped at least 20 degrees and the winds were gusting over 20mph. The dogs went underground, so even if I was tempted there was no opportunity.
Here's the same target using the 12x power on the camera. Props to Bill (and others) for suggesting I buy a Canon PowerShot).
Todays shooting irons were all specialty handguns built on Remington XP actions. I shot a 7mm Dakota, a 6mm-284 and a 6.5mm-284. Optics were mostly by Leupold in various Mark IV configurations and one Schmidt and Bender (I nearly had an orgasm typing that) with a ART reticle. If your wondering about a appropriate belated birthday gift for your host, the PM II with ART would be a good choice. Its this scope (5x25, last scope on the page) with this reticle. The best group of the day was a 13 inch group, using the 7mm Dakota off a bipod on a portable bench. Wind conditions while I shot the group were less than 10 mph and 1/4 quartering value. If it wasn't for that far left shot I would have had a 9in group.
There were lots of dogs out today. I chose not to take a shot at one. There are three reasons for that, the first is I was training for a 1000 yard handgun comp coming up this spring, second I want to take my 1K dog with my gun, and third a spring snow storm blew in while I was shooting, the temp dropped at least 20 degrees and the winds were gusting over 20mph. The dogs went underground, so even if I was tempted there was no opportunity.
4/02/2008
Opening Can of Worms
After spending big bucks on several match grade chambers/barrels for my 45 ACP I'm coming to the conclusion that the match grade chamber, in and of itself, produces no noticeable improvement in accuracy. Now the match grade barrel does seam to improve accuracy once you get out past 25 yards but I have no evidence that the tighter tolerances in the chamber improves performance.
Keep in mind I'm talking about the 45 ACP only. I believe in tight chambers for top notch accuracy in riffles.
Thoughts?
Keep in mind I'm talking about the 45 ACP only. I believe in tight chambers for top notch accuracy in riffles.
Thoughts?
3/29/2008
Dinner Out
We don't do dinner out as much as we used to. The reason is I see no need to subject other people to my kid, who may or may not decide to behave himself. Plus I've gotten picky about where I want to eat, and nicer places aren't much fun for kids. I find that I don't enjoy the evening because I'm worried about the boy's behavior. This is true of nights like tonight when he was just fine.
Tonight we went out to a Chinese buffet place. This was a result of the in laws being in town. RJ behaved himself like a perfect 18 month old gentleman. One other person not so much. We came in and were seated at a table across from a very large women. Fat people (of which I'm one) aren't a surprise in a buffet restaurant, neither are morbidly obese types (of which she was one). She was also the proud owner of a cell phone. She felt compelled to talk on it very loudly. I doubt that anyone in the place didn't hear her conversation, about her daughter's period and how her daughter was too freaking stupid to have extra tampons etc on hand each month. Truthfully after 5 mins of this I was also starting to hate this unseen girl. We got all the bloody details of the event, and an ample understanding of the girls mental defects in the period planning department. If you look up "white trash" in Websters you'll see a picture of this women and her phone. I was so pleased that this wonderful women was going to be part of my dinning experience, that I was fantasizing about slapping her all the way back to her trailer.
Yes I know, "she has rights". I've been told that before. My complaint isn't about her rights, its about her lack of manners. She must have had other complete strangers to enlighten about feminine hygiene, so she paid and left. I think the entire clientèle breathed a collective sigh of relief.
There after, dinner was a complete success, no food was thrown, no crying, no "I want down now" fits. A perfect meal out with a 18 month boy. I remember when a perfect meal involved choosing the best dry red to accompany the soup, salad and entree. These days I'm pretty much happy with no food in hair (anyones hair the boys, mine people on the other side of the room). RJ didn't even spill his sippy cup. Large amounts of high sodium, fried foods were consumed and a good time was had by all.
Speaking of sippy cups: does everyone know what I mean when I say "sippy cup"? On the way home, mom and grandma discovered that they couldn't find RJ's sippy cup. Back to the restaurant. Yours truly was nominated to go back in.
ME: "Excuse me ma'am, we left a sippy cup here. I was wondering if you have it"
Chinese Chick (CC): "isss sissy cusp?"
ME: "Yes a sippy cup, you know babies drink out of them".
CC: "Me don't know". (calls Mexican buss-girl over) "This man wants sissy cusp, do you have sissy cusp? (points at me)
Mexican Chicka (MC): "Sissy cusp?"
CC: "For make baby" (still pointing at me)
MC: "No make baby". (looks at me, grave expression crosses her face)
CC: "sissy cusp for baby drink" (she made a fist with the thumb out and sucked on her thumb)
MC: "NO SISSY CUSP! No make baby, no care how big tip".
ME: (trying to be helpful) "I think we left our cup here, it has a thing like a straw in the top, its for my kid".
CC: "Give this man sissy cusp".
MC: "Me no punta, no"
The conversation started to get a little tense between the two women at this juncture. CC was eager for MC to give me the sippy cup. MC was somewhat offended at the idea of giving customers sippy cups. I was ready to go buy a new sippy cup to avoid any further unpleasantness. The exchange between the two women was starting to take on a "I'm the boss, do as I say" tone, mixed with a bit of a "give him a sippy cup if you want but leave me out of it" objection. Just as I was ready to say forget it and make for the door, my father in law walked in. "Hey Res, they found it, it fell out in the truck". He didn't say "Res" he used my real name, but you get the picture. I said "thanks" and took flight.
Tomorrow I think I'll eat all my meals at home.
Tonight we went out to a Chinese buffet place. This was a result of the in laws being in town. RJ behaved himself like a perfect 18 month old gentleman. One other person not so much. We came in and were seated at a table across from a very large women. Fat people (of which I'm one) aren't a surprise in a buffet restaurant, neither are morbidly obese types (of which she was one). She was also the proud owner of a cell phone. She felt compelled to talk on it very loudly. I doubt that anyone in the place didn't hear her conversation, about her daughter's period and how her daughter was too freaking stupid to have extra tampons etc on hand each month. Truthfully after 5 mins of this I was also starting to hate this unseen girl. We got all the bloody details of the event, and an ample understanding of the girls mental defects in the period planning department. If you look up "white trash" in Websters you'll see a picture of this women and her phone. I was so pleased that this wonderful women was going to be part of my dinning experience, that I was fantasizing about slapping her all the way back to her trailer.
Yes I know, "she has rights". I've been told that before. My complaint isn't about her rights, its about her lack of manners. She must have had other complete strangers to enlighten about feminine hygiene, so she paid and left. I think the entire clientèle breathed a collective sigh of relief.
There after, dinner was a complete success, no food was thrown, no crying, no "I want down now" fits. A perfect meal out with a 18 month boy. I remember when a perfect meal involved choosing the best dry red to accompany the soup, salad and entree. These days I'm pretty much happy with no food in hair (anyones hair the boys, mine people on the other side of the room). RJ didn't even spill his sippy cup. Large amounts of high sodium, fried foods were consumed and a good time was had by all.
Speaking of sippy cups: does everyone know what I mean when I say "sippy cup"? On the way home, mom and grandma discovered that they couldn't find RJ's sippy cup. Back to the restaurant. Yours truly was nominated to go back in.
ME: "Excuse me ma'am, we left a sippy cup here. I was wondering if you have it"
Chinese Chick (CC): "isss sissy cusp?"
ME: "Yes a sippy cup, you know babies drink out of them".
CC: "Me don't know". (calls Mexican buss-girl over) "This man wants sissy cusp, do you have sissy cusp? (points at me)
Mexican Chicka (MC): "Sissy cusp?"
CC: "For make baby" (still pointing at me)
MC: "No make baby". (looks at me, grave expression crosses her face)
CC: "sissy cusp for baby drink" (she made a fist with the thumb out and sucked on her thumb)
MC: "NO SISSY CUSP! No make baby, no care how big tip".
ME: (trying to be helpful) "I think we left our cup here, it has a thing like a straw in the top, its for my kid".
CC: "Give this man sissy cusp".
MC: "Me no punta, no"
The conversation started to get a little tense between the two women at this juncture. CC was eager for MC to give me the sippy cup. MC was somewhat offended at the idea of giving customers sippy cups. I was ready to go buy a new sippy cup to avoid any further unpleasantness. The exchange between the two women was starting to take on a "I'm the boss, do as I say" tone, mixed with a bit of a "give him a sippy cup if you want but leave me out of it" objection. Just as I was ready to say forget it and make for the door, my father in law walked in. "Hey Res, they found it, it fell out in the truck". He didn't say "Res" he used my real name, but you get the picture. I said "thanks" and took flight.
Tomorrow I think I'll eat all my meals at home.
Progress
"We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive."
- C.S. Lewis
- C.S. Lewis
3/19/2008
Confounded Contraption
I recently became the owner of a late 1960's vintage 25 acp. It is of a blow back design. The gun is now part of my collection as more of a curiosity than a functional firearm. However it is a firearm and as such it needs to be in good repair and functional. My problem is that I can't figure out how to field strip the weapon for cleaning. There are no take down levers, slide release or stop, and no visible method to remove the slide to access the barrel for cleaning. I've spent some time researching the company to get a manual but they are out of business. I'd like to clean it up and shoot it, as well as replace the springs. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
3/17/2008
Taylor Remembered
Yes I had a birthday this month. I'm now older. It beats the alternative. If you haven't sent your gift there is still time.
Looking back on life, somethings haven't worked out the way I thought. The dream of working offshore as a banker is gone. In fact, the whole career in finance has been scraped. But I can't say that losing that dream has mattered as much as I once thought. I had other career/success benchmarks that I wanted to reach by the time I reached my last birthday. I've been blessed in some of those, and I've let others go. Letting go proved to be its own kind of blessing.
I've come to the realization that parents telling their kids that "you can be/do anything/everything you want to be", are lying. You can't be everything or anything you think you want to be or do. This is tremendously good news. What we think we want isn't always best nor will it always make us happy.
To rip off a old song "regrets I've had a few". Most of the things I regret turned out to be fundamental learning opportunities. I wish I hadn't learned those things the hard way, but some people only learn in the school of hard knocks. Apparently I'm one of those hardheaded people. Secretly I've always known that about myself.
I remember asking a teacher how old she was, and thinking that anyone that old was ready to keel over and die. Guess how old I am this year? Yep. Still feel almost as young as I did that day. Now I'm officially at the into middle life stage of male development. Some of my friends have traded in the 40 year old wife for 2 twenties and a six pack of Viagra. I don't see any need to make that swap in a vain attempt to reassert my manhood. Who needs Viagra? Besides Mrs Ipsa is going to be 41 this year and that isn't evenly divisible by 2.
Res Jr (RJ) has proven to be a great blessing. While friends are buying sports cars, playing wife swap, and other interesting things, I'm spending my middle years, playing daddy. Tonight I, in a very mature and dignified manner, particularly appropriate for a man of my age and status in life, spent time jumping in mud puddles with my 18 month old son. RJ has shoes that have little red blinking lights that go off when he jumps. These look really cool when combined with the splashing effect enthusiastically produced in a puddle of melted snow. At least he thought so. I did a double take to make sure mom didn't see us, then I laughed too.
God did right by me when He denied me things I thought I wanted. Instead He blessed me above what I imagined according to His time schedule. He is a good God.
Looking back on life, somethings haven't worked out the way I thought. The dream of working offshore as a banker is gone. In fact, the whole career in finance has been scraped. But I can't say that losing that dream has mattered as much as I once thought. I had other career/success benchmarks that I wanted to reach by the time I reached my last birthday. I've been blessed in some of those, and I've let others go. Letting go proved to be its own kind of blessing.
I've come to the realization that parents telling their kids that "you can be/do anything/everything you want to be", are lying. You can't be everything or anything you think you want to be or do. This is tremendously good news. What we think we want isn't always best nor will it always make us happy.
To rip off a old song "regrets I've had a few". Most of the things I regret turned out to be fundamental learning opportunities. I wish I hadn't learned those things the hard way, but some people only learn in the school of hard knocks. Apparently I'm one of those hardheaded people. Secretly I've always known that about myself.
I remember asking a teacher how old she was, and thinking that anyone that old was ready to keel over and die. Guess how old I am this year? Yep. Still feel almost as young as I did that day. Now I'm officially at the into middle life stage of male development. Some of my friends have traded in the 40 year old wife for 2 twenties and a six pack of Viagra. I don't see any need to make that swap in a vain attempt to reassert my manhood. Who needs Viagra? Besides Mrs Ipsa is going to be 41 this year and that isn't evenly divisible by 2.
Res Jr (RJ) has proven to be a great blessing. While friends are buying sports cars, playing wife swap, and other interesting things, I'm spending my middle years, playing daddy. Tonight I, in a very mature and dignified manner, particularly appropriate for a man of my age and status in life, spent time jumping in mud puddles with my 18 month old son. RJ has shoes that have little red blinking lights that go off when he jumps. These look really cool when combined with the splashing effect enthusiastically produced in a puddle of melted snow. At least he thought so. I did a double take to make sure mom didn't see us, then I laughed too.
God did right by me when He denied me things I thought I wanted. Instead He blessed me above what I imagined according to His time schedule. He is a good God.
3/08/2008
Ron Paul
Its worth watching if you haven't all ready seen it.
For fun name the person who said this quote:
For fun name the person who said this quote:
"THESE are the times that try men's souls.
The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value."
2/14/2008
Win 231 Son
The Unabomber asks:
I like Winchester 231 so much that I've gone to buying only 8lb kegs. I realize that there are other new powders out there that claim better fps. BUT and this is important, 231 burns clean without a lot of smoke. That is my number 1 reason for shooting it. Number 2 reason is that lead fouls and I prefer a powder that doesn't melt half the bullet onto my barrel. Now the Red, Green, and Blue dot powders do burn a tad colder but they are dirty and smoke a bunch. When I'm shooting a lot of 45 acp I like to be able to see the targets without waiting between reloads.
When I load 45 acp with 230 grain lead cast, I've experimented from 4.7 grains up to 6.2 grains in 4 and 5 inch barrels. If you go under 4.7 grains of 231, you can get incomplete cycling of your action AND although its never happened to me, you can get a cast bullet stuck in the pipe. I think the reason for the obstructed barrel has more to do with the stickiness of lead than actual bullet velocity.
I normally use 5.0 grains of 231. I'm getting about 789 fps with 230 grain bullets, 4in barrel. This brings us to reason I like 231 number 3, this a cheap load to shoot. 5 grains is nothing in terms of cost, and brass lasts 6 or more reloads. I've played around and got over 12 reloads with this recipe. I'm guessing that your semi-wad cutters will like this just fine. So start at 5 grains and see how your gun likes it, you can always adjust up or down. Leading isn't too bad. The reason I went with 5 grains instead of 4.9 or 5.1 etc was the standard deviation was tighter at 5. Let me know how it works.
UPDATE:
Winchester's 2003 reload manual lists 5.1 grains of 231 as max load for 230 grain cast bullets, and 4.5 as the min for 230 lrn. 200gn lswc is listed as 4.8 to 5.5 grn of WIN 231, getting 800fps to 910fps.
"I bought a box of 500 cast lead 200 gr swc bullets, and I was wondering if you had experience with cast bullets. I loaded some last night with 4 grns of Red Dot powder, as it was the only powder I had that I could find cast bullet data for. They were very mild in report and recoil, which I liked."
I like Winchester 231 so much that I've gone to buying only 8lb kegs. I realize that there are other new powders out there that claim better fps. BUT and this is important, 231 burns clean without a lot of smoke. That is my number 1 reason for shooting it. Number 2 reason is that lead fouls and I prefer a powder that doesn't melt half the bullet onto my barrel. Now the Red, Green, and Blue dot powders do burn a tad colder but they are dirty and smoke a bunch. When I'm shooting a lot of 45 acp I like to be able to see the targets without waiting between reloads.
When I load 45 acp with 230 grain lead cast, I've experimented from 4.7 grains up to 6.2 grains in 4 and 5 inch barrels. If you go under 4.7 grains of 231, you can get incomplete cycling of your action AND although its never happened to me, you can get a cast bullet stuck in the pipe. I think the reason for the obstructed barrel has more to do with the stickiness of lead than actual bullet velocity.
I normally use 5.0 grains of 231. I'm getting about 789 fps with 230 grain bullets, 4in barrel. This brings us to reason I like 231 number 3, this a cheap load to shoot. 5 grains is nothing in terms of cost, and brass lasts 6 or more reloads. I've played around and got over 12 reloads with this recipe. I'm guessing that your semi-wad cutters will like this just fine. So start at 5 grains and see how your gun likes it, you can always adjust up or down. Leading isn't too bad. The reason I went with 5 grains instead of 4.9 or 5.1 etc was the standard deviation was tighter at 5. Let me know how it works.
UPDATE:
Winchester's 2003 reload manual lists 5.1 grains of 231 as max load for 230 grain cast bullets, and 4.5 as the min for 230 lrn. 200gn lswc is listed as 4.8 to 5.5 grn of WIN 231, getting 800fps to 910fps.
2/10/2008
Snow Pack @ 151% of Average
Just the other night our very own Doom got drunk enough to work up the courage to bring up rafting. Apparently it takes 12 beers to get his manly mojo worked into some real adventure. By coincidence the very same day he mentioned it AVA sent me the most recent edition of the "Whitewater Insider". They report that:
My guess is that June is going to rock on the river! I have to work the weekend of June 7th. The weekend of the 14th is reserved for shooting a 3 day handgun 1000 yard competition. That leaves me the weekend of the 21st and the 28th. Waterboy, hows the last two weekends of June look for you?
As always, we'll try to make the rafting "fit" thecoward factor skill level of those going. We'll plan the usual dinner extraordinary and R&R period to relive the adventure and afterglow. Depending on who wants to go, my vote is for either The Gauntlet/Numbers or perhaps we could try Clear Creek Advanced. Here's a link to some rafting video footage from the folks at AVA to get you worked up. Let me know what your thoughts are in the comments.
UPDATE: I just realize this will be the 4th year for the Vox Day Whitewater Rendezvous. Maybe we can do something extra to mark the occasion.
For those of you wondering where the graph above mentioned in the article is, its not missing, I left it off. All you newbies need to know is snow pack of 100% makes for excellent rafting. 151% means that the rafting will be fan-freaking-tastic and will make for a slightly longer spring season than we've had for several years.The Arkansas River Basin snowpack is currently sitting at 151% of average. The entire state of Colorado (8 river basins) boasts snowpacks of well over 100%. The graph above represents all of the various predictions for the snowpack and run off for the entire season given our current high numbers. As you can see, we have some "off the chart" flows possible for the summer of 2008. The peak flow traditionally happens in late May or early June. If you and your crew are the type that want the biggest flows and biggest hits possible, now is the perfect time to be planning a rafting trip.
My guess is that June is going to rock on the river! I have to work the weekend of June 7th. The weekend of the 14th is reserved for shooting a 3 day handgun 1000 yard competition. That leaves me the weekend of the 21st and the 28th. Waterboy, hows the last two weekends of June look for you?
As always, we'll try to make the rafting "fit" the
UPDATE: I just realize this will be the 4th year for the Vox Day Whitewater Rendezvous. Maybe we can do something extra to mark the occasion.
2/09/2008
Something to Think About
Its election year. You're being a promised a chicken for every pot, or universal "free" health care. Here is an interview from a left leaning news show. You might have seen it on TV. If not its worth a look. The clip is a little over 6min and very informative.
2/04/2008
Asked and Answered
Go read this:
Why Does the Establishment Hate Ron Paul?
Chuck Baldwin does an excellent job. Comment here if you like.
Why Does the Establishment Hate Ron Paul?
Chuck Baldwin does an excellent job. Comment here if you like.
Barry McGuire and John McCain
It's just past 11:00 here in Wyoming. Tomorrow is the "big day" aka Sucker Super Tuesday. The Democrats can't figure out how to out pathetic themselves. The big question they're facing is do we run the atheistic-pinko-communist-reptile-women or the pinko-communist-black-guy. The Republican party leadership, on the other hand has picked its candidate and nothing, not even the opinions of the conservative base, is suppose to thwart him. I don't want to duplicate Farmer Tom's excellent post on McCain. You should read that for yourself. I do have some thoughts to add to it.
Despite John "no friend of the constitution" McCain's, solid anti American voting record throughout his tenure in the Senate, he is being sold to us as the Only Candidate Capable of Slaying the Lizard Queen (OCCSLQ). We are told (mostly by OCCSLQ supporters) that the reason for this is the War on Terror, no wait its War on Islamo something another this week. Don't get caught up in the details of what war it is exactly its a WAR and its on something very important, even though the Neo Coms can't figure out what. John McCain (according to OCCSLQ supporters) is a WAR hero, perhaps even the greatest living WAR HERO of all time.
How did the OCCSLQ get to be the Worlds Greatest Warrior?
Well...that is...um...he ah...
GOT SHOT DOWN and CAPTURED BY THE ENEMY!
Then...hold on to your hats for the next part...its truly heroic:
HE SPENT THE REST OF THE WAR IN JAIL.
Thats it folks he went to a piss poor hell hole that the VC called a POW camp. That fact alone is noble, he wasted away in miserable conditions in the service of his country. I can and do respect that. If that was all The OCCSLQ ever did, then sure he deserves a do nothing government job and a pension and free health care at the VA. Does punching out and going to jail qualify him to be president?
I can see a debate between Obama and OCCSLQ now:
So what does this have to do with Barry McGuire? In the 60's he had a song that rubbed many the wrong way. Today the lyrics are even more appropriate and prophetic of the finalization of the Republican betrayal of America.
Despite John "no friend of the constitution" McCain's, solid anti American voting record throughout his tenure in the Senate, he is being sold to us as the Only Candidate Capable of Slaying the Lizard Queen (OCCSLQ). We are told (mostly by OCCSLQ supporters) that the reason for this is the War on Terror, no wait its War on Islamo something another this week. Don't get caught up in the details of what war it is exactly its a WAR and its on something very important, even though the Neo Coms can't figure out what. John McCain (according to OCCSLQ supporters) is a WAR hero, perhaps even the greatest living WAR HERO of all time.
How did the OCCSLQ get to be the Worlds Greatest Warrior?
Well...that is...um...he ah...
GOT SHOT DOWN and CAPTURED BY THE ENEMY!
Then...hold on to your hats for the next part...its truly heroic:
HE SPENT THE REST OF THE WAR IN JAIL.
Thats it folks he went to a piss poor hell hole that the VC called a POW camp. That fact alone is noble, he wasted away in miserable conditions in the service of his country. I can and do respect that. If that was all The OCCSLQ ever did, then sure he deserves a do nothing government job and a pension and free health care at the VA. Does punching out and going to jail qualify him to be president?
I can see a debate between Obama and OCCSLQ now:
McCain: I went to jail so I relate to blacks.By the end of the day Tuesday if OCCSLQ has enough delegates to win the Republican nomination, the Lizard Queen will seize the cherry blossom throne at Sodom on Potomac. Even if that doesn't happen and McCain wins the general election; America loses. A OCCSLQ presidency would be exactly the same as a Hillary presidency. They share the same word view. The only difference is one is a supply side socialist and one is a demand side socialist.
Obama: I coulda gone to jail for what I did in da hood. Buts I didn't get caught, America wants a man thats smart enough not to get caught
McCain: Crap I didn't think of that, now I've gotta support Clinton.
So what does this have to do with Barry McGuire? In the 60's he had a song that rubbed many the wrong way. Today the lyrics are even more appropriate and prophetic of the finalization of the Republican betrayal of America.
And you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you don’t believe
We’re on the eve
of destruction.
Over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you don’t believe
We’re on the eve
of destruction.
1/27/2008
Repentance
Some people only learn things the hard way. For some reason they can't grasp the facts logically, they need a real life encounter before they are able to connect the dots and figure out the solution to the problem. I found this on the net. Here's an excerpt that I found worth sharing:
"Thank you for saving my life, and to the rest of you thank you for fighting for this man's right to protect me and my child. Tell him for me that I will no longer be part of the group who invades his home, and tries to tell him how to store his guns. Tell him I will never be part of any group who tries to make it impossible for him to buy his tool he used to save me. And tell him I will never again tell him how to raise his children properly, because obviously I was oblivious to the fact that responsible people such as him know how to raise their children better than I do. If not for this man I could very easily have been killed or raped, and my child could've been taken from me, so once more I need to say thanks for saving me, and with all sincerity to the rest of you, forgive me, for I have sinned."Fortunately this women discovered the truth before it was too late. Had a real life gun nut, not been around she very likely would have been another crime statistic. Remember a gun in the hand is better than a cop hiding in the bushes.
1/24/2008
This Week at Work
My work truck has one of those digital thermometers that tells you how cold it is outside. Keep in mind that the wind had gusts of over 30mph. The local radio station said that the temp in town was 3 degrees colder than my truck reading. It's days like this that make me wonder if I would be willing to trade hot muggy summers to avoid cold winters.
1/22/2008
Talk Radio
My normal work day involves riding around in the truck taking care of different stuff form 8 to 14 hours each day. I have lots of time to listen to the radio. In Wyoming radio choices are somewhat limited, so I flip the dial a lot. For awhile I listened to a radio station that had Jay Sekulow Live on in the 10:00 slot. I think that the ACLJ does some good work and Jay was OK, although he is very limited intellectually and unable to engage anyone with a slightly different take on his topic du jour. For some unexplained reason Jay let his kid Jordon have the mike one show. His kid was a complete bore, rude to callers and utterly unable to grasp any concept anyone put to him that departed from his talking points. So he did what any Air America type would do, he used the mute button to cut the caller short and engaged in name calling. Jordon was completely out classed by anyone who dared to question his take on the world. Not because they were correct (I'll never know what the complete point was as those callers were cut off) but because Jordon was a jerk. When your greatest accomplishment in life is being the result of Jay Seulow's premature ejaculation and getting into your daddy's law school, you might want to tone it down, or at least be up to the task of engaging the public intelligently.
That episode led me to do something I haven't done in years. I hit the AM button on the radio. After a nearly 15 year break I discovered that Rush is still on. I'm not a ditto head, never was but Rush can be entertaining at times. After Rush, Sean Hannity is on at 1:00pm. I've been listening for the last month or so. Now I realize these guys represent right wing popular thought in America and that they are more right wing than CNN, but if this is the best Conservative America can muster, we might as well throw in the towel now and let the Dems have the election.
It's over folks, there isn't a conservative voice expounding the benefits of constitutional government in the main stream press. Rush is about entertaining those who think they are conservative and Hannity is about echoing a couple of Rush's talking points in a way that carves listener share out of Rush's leftovers. The people are never going to get a return to conservative principles out of our government, because no one with a public pulpit, and media creditability is asking for it.
That episode led me to do something I haven't done in years. I hit the AM button on the radio. After a nearly 15 year break I discovered that Rush is still on. I'm not a ditto head, never was but Rush can be entertaining at times. After Rush, Sean Hannity is on at 1:00pm. I've been listening for the last month or so. Now I realize these guys represent right wing popular thought in America and that they are more right wing than CNN, but if this is the best Conservative America can muster, we might as well throw in the towel now and let the Dems have the election.
It's over folks, there isn't a conservative voice expounding the benefits of constitutional government in the main stream press. Rush is about entertaining those who think they are conservative and Hannity is about echoing a couple of Rush's talking points in a way that carves listener share out of Rush's leftovers. The people are never going to get a return to conservative principles out of our government, because no one with a public pulpit, and media creditability is asking for it.
1/08/2008
Tis The Season
For Christmas this year I was able to take a week off. So it was across the prairie, over the Missouri, Mississippi and a few smaller rivers, through the woods to Grandmothers house we went. The only problem was the winter snow storms that we had to drive in. We made it all of a couple of hours from home before 50 mile an hour winds and blowing snow made it impossible to go on. The next day I counted over 50 wrecks in 50 miles including several semis that didn't make it. Traveling was pretty bad and it took a lot longer to make it back east. Farmer Tom, I waved as we went by. I even thought of calling from Perkins Saturday night but I knew I had to press on. Unfortunately coming back home we had more of the same. You know the trip has sucked when navigating Chicago was the easiest part of the drive. After dealing with a fussy boy, bad roads and what has got to be the worst road trip of my life, I made it a point to apologize to my father for every family road trip he ever had to take us on growing up. There is nothing like parenthood to make you appreciate how much you made your own parents suffer.
Christmas news: Santa was good this year. Baby Ipsa has mastered the art of ripping paper off presents and its a blast to watch him tear into stuff. He loses interest as soon as the package is denuded of colorful paper, unless of course there is a cool box for him to play with. He cares nothing for the gift at this point.
I received some really cool reloading stuff. Let this be a lesson to you other guys, write down the exact item number from the RCBS catalog so there is no confusion as to what you want. Then "help" your kid write a letter to Santa explaining how much he wants his daddy to get a good non-tie gift. Sure its shameless self promotion, but hey I got one of these
for Christmas this year. Suckers, enjoy your sweaters. Daddy was good to daddy this year too. I'm getting a rebarrel on one gun AND my custom 1000 yard dog gun should be done by May. More on those when they get closer to completion. Mrs Ipsa received some good loot too, including a Canon camera shes been wanting, as well as other stuff.
I'm busting butt at work. Right now I'm filling two full time jobs because we're short handed, that and greedy guy that I am, I like the over time. Hope all is well with you and your's and you had a great holiday.
Christmas news: Santa was good this year. Baby Ipsa has mastered the art of ripping paper off presents and its a blast to watch him tear into stuff. He loses interest as soon as the package is denuded of colorful paper, unless of course there is a cool box for him to play with. He cares nothing for the gift at this point.
I received some really cool reloading stuff. Let this be a lesson to you other guys, write down the exact item number from the RCBS catalog so there is no confusion as to what you want. Then "help" your kid write a letter to Santa explaining how much he wants his daddy to get a good non-tie gift. Sure its shameless self promotion, but hey I got one of these
for Christmas this year. Suckers, enjoy your sweaters. Daddy was good to daddy this year too. I'm getting a rebarrel on one gun AND my custom 1000 yard dog gun should be done by May. More on those when they get closer to completion. Mrs Ipsa received some good loot too, including a Canon camera shes been wanting, as well as other stuff.I'm busting butt at work. Right now I'm filling two full time jobs because we're short handed, that and greedy guy that I am, I like the over time. Hope all is well with you and your's and you had a great holiday.
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