I ordered a Epiphone Les Paul Special II on December 3rd 2010 from a local shop. Damn I am getting anxious. It will be a glossy black, which they refer to as Ebony. I also ordered a Line 6 Pocket Pod recently so I can practice comfortably on the couch with headphones.
As soon as I get it, I will post a few pics.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Saturday, October 23, 2010
I have the Minecraft bug.
I have played the excellent game of Minecraft for a week now, and am entirely hooked. I have built up a little base in what appears to be a massive map. I have read that it could be as large as Earth (wow) Is anyone crazy enough to try and explore it all.
Each map is random. So everybody's environment is different. It is a huge somewhat silly looking sandbox game. Play it in Peaceful mode, or try Survival against a host of enemies. Careful, some enemies explode.
Here's a recent overview map I created of my Minecraft I explored so far.
Each map is random. So everybody's environment is different. It is a huge somewhat silly looking sandbox game. Play it in Peaceful mode, or try Survival against a host of enemies. Careful, some enemies explode.
Here's a recent overview map I created of my Minecraft I explored so far.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
My BOB is not a BOB !?!?
My BOB is not a BOB. According to some folks opinions I have encountered online, and in person, my BOB just isn't.
What's a BOB (you might wonder)? It is a Bug Out Bag. Wikipedia calls it:
... a portable kit that contains the items one would require to survive for seventy two hours when evacuating from a disaster.
I have more than one matching bag of items I determined would best support myself, spouse, and child in the case of emergency. It has items that are likely similar to the kits every other prepper or survivalist has, so I won't bore you with the big list. As well, people's opinions on the proper items vary quite a bit, so I won't get into it. If you are curious about creating your own kit, you can look here, or Google it.
Other survival bags or packs exist, and of course the Internet is full of acronyms to describe them. There is the GHB (Get Home Bag), for helping you get home from work or wherever else you might be. The there is also the BOV (Bug Out Vehicle). This either a vehicle prepared to aid in escape or survival in emergencies, or containing the necessary items to ensure survival while getting out of Dodge.
Our intention for the bags is this: If we are at home, the bags are placed in locations so they can be easily grabbed when we GTFO (Get The **** Out). OR .... when we travel in either of our vehicles, we simply take a bag (or two) with us. Our thinking is that if SHTF "you-know-what Hits The Fan" while we are at home, we can simply leave, either on foot or by truck/car. If on the other hand, all hell breaks loose while either one of us is away, we are better prepared to make it home.
So my kit is a BOB but it isn't. I guess it magically is a BOB, a GHB, or a BOV (sort of). We planned on what I simply refer to as survival packs long before I became aware of the popular acronyms preppers and survivalist use. I think that sometimes some people get a little too tied up in the terms.
Plan ahead. Be safe.
What's a BOB (you might wonder)? It is a Bug Out Bag. Wikipedia calls it:
... a portable kit that contains the items one would require to survive for seventy two hours when evacuating from a disaster.
I have more than one matching bag of items I determined would best support myself, spouse, and child in the case of emergency. It has items that are likely similar to the kits every other prepper or survivalist has, so I won't bore you with the big list. As well, people's opinions on the proper items vary quite a bit, so I won't get into it. If you are curious about creating your own kit, you can look here, or Google it.
Other survival bags or packs exist, and of course the Internet is full of acronyms to describe them. There is the GHB (Get Home Bag), for helping you get home from work or wherever else you might be. The there is also the BOV (Bug Out Vehicle). This either a vehicle prepared to aid in escape or survival in emergencies, or containing the necessary items to ensure survival while getting out of Dodge.
Our intention for the bags is this: If we are at home, the bags are placed in locations so they can be easily grabbed when we GTFO (Get The **** Out). OR .... when we travel in either of our vehicles, we simply take a bag (or two) with us. Our thinking is that if SHTF "you-know-what Hits The Fan" while we are at home, we can simply leave, either on foot or by truck/car. If on the other hand, all hell breaks loose while either one of us is away, we are better prepared to make it home.
So my kit is a BOB but it isn't. I guess it magically is a BOB, a GHB, or a BOV (sort of). We planned on what I simply refer to as survival packs long before I became aware of the popular acronyms preppers and survivalist use. I think that sometimes some people get a little too tied up in the terms.
Plan ahead. Be safe.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
What the Hell Happened to Scouts Canada ???
When I was a kid my folks placed me in Cubs and then Scouts. I loved it. All my friends were in it, and I made new friends too. We did fun stuff, went camping, learned cool skills, etc. So I figured that since my son is now 6 and a half years old, he can join the junior ranks of Scouts Canada, called Beavers. I could picture him in the cute little Beavers outfit. So Tammy and I took him to a nearby Beavers group to check it out and sign him up. What a major disappointment. Shame on you Scouts Canada. You suck.
It is very expensive. I realize that my days as a Scout were long, long ago, and that as times change, financing has changed as well. I expected a cost in getting my son involved, but not $230. Seriously, $230 !! I couldn't believe it. The total divides as follows; $160 just to join Scouts Canada (I assume the $160 is a combination of provincial and federal costs) and another $70 just for the local group. They quickly explained that we can volunteer to help with future costs. Heck if we volunteered enough we wouldn't have to pay as much next year. So what?
Just what does $230 get my 6 year old? Not a uniform. Yup, the uniform will be an extra cost on top of the $230. Holy crap. How can they justify $230 to simply have a little kid in a Beavers group?
Then we found out that the last half hour of the meeting was devoted to sitting a small group of 6 and 7 years old boys in front of some sales posters while they were instructed how they and their parents were expected to sell merchandise to further support the organization. I am not kidding. They actually want us to push the sales of popcorn, trail mixes, and other crap to further provide funds to Scouts Canada. They explained how selling X number of dollars of products got the kids gift cards and other rewards. Big deal! Seriously, they are encouraging us to sell $600 worth of crap to get our kid a cheap plastic gun that shoots marshmallows. They discussed the rewards for selling $1200 and even $2500. I felt like I was trapped in an Amway meeting.
I suppose there are some costs in sending a kid to camp (if they go), and perhaps there is some overhead, like insurance, but requiring $230 to put a 6 year old kid in a Beavers group is crazy? Give me a break. They actually tried to encourage little kids to peddle merchandise. Just how bad does Scouts Canada need the money? Shame on you Scouts Canada.
My kid will do something else instead. He will join other organizations (which are far cheaper) where he will have fun and not have to sellout. I was hoping to protect my kid from capitalistic scumbags for at least a few more years. Thanks Scouts.
It is very expensive. I realize that my days as a Scout were long, long ago, and that as times change, financing has changed as well. I expected a cost in getting my son involved, but not $230. Seriously, $230 !! I couldn't believe it. The total divides as follows; $160 just to join Scouts Canada (I assume the $160 is a combination of provincial and federal costs) and another $70 just for the local group. They quickly explained that we can volunteer to help with future costs. Heck if we volunteered enough we wouldn't have to pay as much next year. So what?
Just what does $230 get my 6 year old? Not a uniform. Yup, the uniform will be an extra cost on top of the $230. Holy crap. How can they justify $230 to simply have a little kid in a Beavers group?
Then we found out that the last half hour of the meeting was devoted to sitting a small group of 6 and 7 years old boys in front of some sales posters while they were instructed how they and their parents were expected to sell merchandise to further support the organization. I am not kidding. They actually want us to push the sales of popcorn, trail mixes, and other crap to further provide funds to Scouts Canada. They explained how selling X number of dollars of products got the kids gift cards and other rewards. Big deal! Seriously, they are encouraging us to sell $600 worth of crap to get our kid a cheap plastic gun that shoots marshmallows. They discussed the rewards for selling $1200 and even $2500. I felt like I was trapped in an Amway meeting.
I suppose there are some costs in sending a kid to camp (if they go), and perhaps there is some overhead, like insurance, but requiring $230 to put a 6 year old kid in a Beavers group is crazy? Give me a break. They actually tried to encourage little kids to peddle merchandise. Just how bad does Scouts Canada need the money? Shame on you Scouts Canada.
My kid will do something else instead. He will join other organizations (which are far cheaper) where he will have fun and not have to sellout. I was hoping to protect my kid from capitalistic scumbags for at least a few more years. Thanks Scouts.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Do Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Suck?
I think compact fluorescent bulbs suck. Perhaps I think this because I lack some important details about them, or simply don't know all the facts. Why do I think these curly little devils suck?
Tonight my spouse simply turned on the bathroom lights and in no time was hit by a horrible, almost acrid smell. You know, the horrible burning electric smell that makes you wonder what the hell is going on. Turns out that the cause was simply a failed compact fluorescent bulb. That made me think of a number of things I don't like about compact fluorescents.
1. These bulbs simply don't last as long as many claim. That very bulb had only been installed about two or three months ago. This is one of many bulbs, all over the house, that simply died long before expected. I just don't believe all the claims about how they are supposed to last three to five times longer than a regular incandescent bulb.
2. Cost. They are obviously worth more. I know that in terms of the environment, a little extra cost is supposed to worth it, right? But what about the fact that I had to dispose of numerous CF bulbs. They apparently contain mercury, and have huge plastic bases. That can't be good for the landfill. As well, these can't be environmentally friendly in their production. So every time one fails (long before it's time), more resources and energy are used to create a replacement. This doesn't seem right to me.
3. Are they hazardous? I think so. From what I have read, simply breaking one, say, by dropping it, could put you and yours at risk. I have read in numerous places that the contents become airborne, and are dangerous to breath or touch. Other sources say don't worry, as the bulbs only contain approximately 4 to 5 milligrams of mercury each. Oddly enough the EPA recommends that you immediately open windows, clean up the broken glass and dust immediately, but not to use a vacuum or your hands. They also recommend you then wipe the area with a wet paper towel to remove traces of glass, dust and mercury. I don't recall having those worries with the old incandescent bulbs.
4. The light they give off sucks. It's not just me either. Others have voiced the same opinion on this. These CF bulbs just don't stay bright white through their lifespan. Sometimes with half a year, they begin to give off a duller, more yellowy light. I also find them much less brighter Long before a year has passed.
So what do I do? I can't really just change everything back to incandescent bulbs. First, they do use a lot of power in comparison to compact fluorescents. Second, they are getting harder and harder to find. I think I may need to find a completely different lighting alternative. Someone told me that I should look into the new offerings in LED bulbs. No, not the single, dinky little things such as the ones on your remote control, but a group of them nested in large household bulbs. Supposedly they actually look like good old incandescent bulbs too. I need to research this more. The claims for LED household bulbs is that they last longer then both incandescent and fluorescents, while giving off a nicer, whiter light, while using little energy.
Are they costly? I guess they probably are. But some LED bulbs are providing something like 1200 lumen output. That's a 75-85W incandescent equivalent. Many reports on these lights claim that these bulbs can stay turned on for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and last for many years. There is also the claim that the energy needed to operate these bulbs for their entire life will likely cost less than the price of the bulb itself . Not bad.
LED household bulbs are sadly in their infancy. They need to be brighter. They also tend to be of the spotlight type (although good old round style bulbs exist). Since these household LED bulbs are new (in terms of household use), the general public (ya' that's us) need to hang in there a while until technology and production improve.
I going to try a few anyways. Maybe when they burn out they won't smell like I baked a Frisbee in the oven at 450.
Later.
Tonight my spouse simply turned on the bathroom lights and in no time was hit by a horrible, almost acrid smell. You know, the horrible burning electric smell that makes you wonder what the hell is going on. Turns out that the cause was simply a failed compact fluorescent bulb. That made me think of a number of things I don't like about compact fluorescents.
1. These bulbs simply don't last as long as many claim. That very bulb had only been installed about two or three months ago. This is one of many bulbs, all over the house, that simply died long before expected. I just don't believe all the claims about how they are supposed to last three to five times longer than a regular incandescent bulb.
2. Cost. They are obviously worth more. I know that in terms of the environment, a little extra cost is supposed to worth it, right? But what about the fact that I had to dispose of numerous CF bulbs. They apparently contain mercury, and have huge plastic bases. That can't be good for the landfill. As well, these can't be environmentally friendly in their production. So every time one fails (long before it's time), more resources and energy are used to create a replacement. This doesn't seem right to me.
3. Are they hazardous? I think so. From what I have read, simply breaking one, say, by dropping it, could put you and yours at risk. I have read in numerous places that the contents become airborne, and are dangerous to breath or touch. Other sources say don't worry, as the bulbs only contain approximately 4 to 5 milligrams of mercury each. Oddly enough the EPA recommends that you immediately open windows, clean up the broken glass and dust immediately, but not to use a vacuum or your hands. They also recommend you then wipe the area with a wet paper towel to remove traces of glass, dust and mercury. I don't recall having those worries with the old incandescent bulbs.
4. The light they give off sucks. It's not just me either. Others have voiced the same opinion on this. These CF bulbs just don't stay bright white through their lifespan. Sometimes with half a year, they begin to give off a duller, more yellowy light. I also find them much less brighter Long before a year has passed.
So what do I do? I can't really just change everything back to incandescent bulbs. First, they do use a lot of power in comparison to compact fluorescents. Second, they are getting harder and harder to find. I think I may need to find a completely different lighting alternative. Someone told me that I should look into the new offerings in LED bulbs. No, not the single, dinky little things such as the ones on your remote control, but a group of them nested in large household bulbs. Supposedly they actually look like good old incandescent bulbs too. I need to research this more. The claims for LED household bulbs is that they last longer then both incandescent and fluorescents, while giving off a nicer, whiter light, while using little energy.
Are they costly? I guess they probably are. But some LED bulbs are providing something like 1200 lumen output. That's a 75-85W incandescent equivalent. Many reports on these lights claim that these bulbs can stay turned on for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and last for many years. There is also the claim that the energy needed to operate these bulbs for their entire life will likely cost less than the price of the bulb itself . Not bad.
LED household bulbs are sadly in their infancy. They need to be brighter. They also tend to be of the spotlight type (although good old round style bulbs exist). Since these household LED bulbs are new (in terms of household use), the general public (ya' that's us) need to hang in there a while until technology and production improve.
I going to try a few anyways. Maybe when they burn out they won't smell like I baked a Frisbee in the oven at 450.
Later.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Learning from Blogger Stats
I had a quick look at my stats today. Here's what I learned:
- My little corner of the world is actually viewed regularly. That surprised me, since I really only post to entertain my self and share a little.
- People view my blog from all over. Of course North Americans account for the most views, but it seems some folks from Russia, Lebanon, and other countries are stopping by. How cool is that?
- Even though some of my postings are entirely non-gun related, many people only come here to look at the gun related stuff. Maybe I need to change the blog's title?
Take it easy.
- My little corner of the world is actually viewed regularly. That surprised me, since I really only post to entertain my self and share a little.
- People view my blog from all over. Of course North Americans account for the most views, but it seems some folks from Russia, Lebanon, and other countries are stopping by. How cool is that?
- Even though some of my postings are entirely non-gun related, many people only come here to look at the gun related stuff. Maybe I need to change the blog's title?
Take it easy.
Painting in a tiny studio........
Painting in a tiny studio sucks. I measured my studio workspace. It is about 5 x 4 feet in size. Not only is it smaller than a standard bathroom, it had no windows, and was illuminated by a single, curly, florescent bulb. Talk about depressing. After about 20 minutes of airbrushing, I couldn't wait to get the hell out. It was weird. I actually looked forward to leaving, so I could strip and clean all the equipment.
That's it! The decision is made. I am rearranging the basement floor and creating a nice, roomy space to blow paint. It will only be about 10 x 10 feet, but that's plenty. It will be beside a window to provide natural light (a heavy effect on colors). I will set up be filtering and ventilation, along with some decent shelving and brush stands. Maybe one day when I am rich and famous (at least rich) I will invest in a studio that you can park a bus in. Until then the new area will have to do.
Ya', I know this entry is pointless without pics. Sorry.
That's it! The decision is made. I am rearranging the basement floor and creating a nice, roomy space to blow paint. It will only be about 10 x 10 feet, but that's plenty. It will be beside a window to provide natural light (a heavy effect on colors). I will set up be filtering and ventilation, along with some decent shelving and brush stands. Maybe one day when I am rich and famous (at least rich) I will invest in a studio that you can park a bus in. Until then the new area will have to do.
Ya', I know this entry is pointless without pics. Sorry.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Practicing Airbrushing Again
Although I have been screwing around with my airbrushes for a couple decades, I decided to get back into serious practice again. So I dusted off my trusty Paasche VSR90#1, tried out my Badger 150 knockoff (HSENG, I think) and grabbed my son a cheap Badger 350 knockoff.
Damn, I like spraying paint. Trouble shooting a few issues right now with media reducing and pressures, but so far, so good. Maxwell (my 6 year old) has played around a few times and really seems to love it. I have him practicing dots and lines right now, and he is always into experimenting with shapes and scribbles.
My studio area is small and far too cramped. I need to find a roomy, well lit spot somewhere downstairs. Right now it feels like I am airbrushing in a dank cave.
Damn, I like spraying paint. Trouble shooting a few issues right now with media reducing and pressures, but so far, so good. Maxwell (my 6 year old) has played around a few times and really seems to love it. I have him practicing dots and lines right now, and he is always into experimenting with shapes and scribbles.
My studio area is small and far too cramped. I need to find a roomy, well lit spot somewhere downstairs. Right now it feels like I am airbrushing in a dank cave.
Monday, May 17, 2010
UPDATE: Knoxx SpecOps stock for the Dominion Arms Grizzly
I finally got the KNOXX SPECOPS stock in,. I was happy to see they included the forend grip. Putting the buttstock on is super easy. I thought I'd have an issue with the bolt perhaps having the wrong threads, but it fit nice and tight. The forend was a hassle. Damn it was way too tight. After a little sanding and filing I finally got the grip on too. I have to say that I actually like the new forend. Take a look at my last post to see the difference. Here's how the Grizzly looks now:
I like the new look. All I need now is to find a decent light system on a budget. I guess I will also have to find a new home for the spare parts that are left over. I doubt I'll have any need for the old folding stock and forend.
I can't wait to head out to the range again and see just how much this new stock reduces recoil.
I like the new look. All I need now is to find a decent light system on a budget. I guess I will also have to find a new home for the spare parts that are left over. I doubt I'll have any need for the old folding stock and forend.
I can't wait to head out to the range again and see just how much this new stock reduces recoil.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
My New Box Magazine Fed Shotgun
I just got my new 12 gauge Grizzly shotgun today. I was excited to get, as I find the fact that it feeds cartridges from a box magazine instead of the standard tube magazine pretty cool. This shotgun is a Dominion Arms manufacture, and likely not available in the US (at least not yet). This shotgun is a copy of the Remington 870, and is gaining popularity up here in Canada.
Opening the Box. The box and manual both have the YJ12-2 designation, which reminded me of a Norinco naming scheme from a Ithaca clone I owned years back. Unlike the SKS I purchased years ago, the shotgun was not entirely covered in grease or cosmoline. Everything was packed great. It arrived with the stock folded, and the complete unit wrapped in a sealed plastic bag, all packed in ample styrofoam.I was pleasantly surprised to find a couple little goodies two. The supplier, Canadaammo.com, provided me with a stack of targets and a free trigger lock. That's a nice touch. I love surprises.
The Shotgun Itself. What can I say? I find it to be a thing of beauty. I immediately took it down to the gunroom for a strip, degrease, lube, and reassembly job. I have been looking online lately and found some YouTube videos handy in the disassembly/reassembly process. I also have the AGI videos, so that helps someone like me who hasn't owned an 870 (or clone) before. The shotgun is great looking. The dark black parkerized finish looks really nice. SSince it resembles teh Remington 870, stripping it was easy. I did find a few surprises though. The shotgun lacked the maching marks I am accustomed to in Chinese made arms. The reciever was excellent, smooth and free of unwanted maching marks. Another surprise was the slide plate unit. It is held onto the breech bolt via some sort of bracket or holder. It can still slide back and forth under the bolt, but is limited in movement by the retainer. All my 870 research showed slide plates that were entirely seperate from the breech bolt. I am curious why this plate is attached. Once I had the bore cleaned I found it nice and shiny. The chamber does show some very slight grinding marks, but nothing that caused me any worry. I don't expect issues with extraction, but if necessary, I will simply polish the chamber lightly if I encounter anything. I was also found the trigger to be quite nice.
Notice the slide plate is retained by the screwed on device at the front bottom of the bolt?
The Obvious. Of course there is no follower visible in the tube mag, as that area is completely covered to allow for the box magazine. There is no carrier attached to the trigger group either, as it is unneeded.
The Stock. The folding stock is solid and locks in position tightly, requiring a proper amount of effort to depress the stock button. I am thinking that the small size of the butt will make for some sore shoulders when firing the big stuff. I plan on saving for a Knoxx Specops anyways, so this isn't going to be a big issue.
The Manual. Wow, it is actually in decent readable english. Some of the Chinese made manuals I have encountered in the past were actually pretty funny in their use of english. This one was actually pretty good.
So there you have it. It seems like I got one very nice shotgun. Unfortunately the weather here sucks, so perhaps in a week or so I will hit the range and try out some birdshot, 00 buckshot, and some Federal slugs.
Opening the Box. The box and manual both have the YJ12-2 designation, which reminded me of a Norinco naming scheme from a Ithaca clone I owned years back. Unlike the SKS I purchased years ago, the shotgun was not entirely covered in grease or cosmoline. Everything was packed great. It arrived with the stock folded, and the complete unit wrapped in a sealed plastic bag, all packed in ample styrofoam.I was pleasantly surprised to find a couple little goodies two. The supplier, Canadaammo.com, provided me with a stack of targets and a free trigger lock. That's a nice touch. I love surprises.
The Shotgun Itself. What can I say? I find it to be a thing of beauty. I immediately took it down to the gunroom for a strip, degrease, lube, and reassembly job. I have been looking online lately and found some YouTube videos handy in the disassembly/reassembly process. I also have the AGI videos, so that helps someone like me who hasn't owned an 870 (or clone) before. The shotgun is great looking. The dark black parkerized finish looks really nice. SSince it resembles teh Remington 870, stripping it was easy. I did find a few surprises though. The shotgun lacked the maching marks I am accustomed to in Chinese made arms. The reciever was excellent, smooth and free of unwanted maching marks. Another surprise was the slide plate unit. It is held onto the breech bolt via some sort of bracket or holder. It can still slide back and forth under the bolt, but is limited in movement by the retainer. All my 870 research showed slide plates that were entirely seperate from the breech bolt. I am curious why this plate is attached. Once I had the bore cleaned I found it nice and shiny. The chamber does show some very slight grinding marks, but nothing that caused me any worry. I don't expect issues with extraction, but if necessary, I will simply polish the chamber lightly if I encounter anything. I was also found the trigger to be quite nice.
The Obvious. Of course there is no follower visible in the tube mag, as that area is completely covered to allow for the box magazine. There is no carrier attached to the trigger group either, as it is unneeded.
The Stock. The folding stock is solid and locks in position tightly, requiring a proper amount of effort to depress the stock button. I am thinking that the small size of the butt will make for some sore shoulders when firing the big stuff. I plan on saving for a Knoxx Specops anyways, so this isn't going to be a big issue.
The Manual. Wow, it is actually in decent readable english. Some of the Chinese made manuals I have encountered in the past were actually pretty funny in their use of english. This one was actually pretty good.
So there you have it. It seems like I got one very nice shotgun. Unfortunately the weather here sucks, so perhaps in a week or so I will hit the range and try out some birdshot, 00 buckshot, and some Federal slugs.
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