Friday, April 29, 2011

10 rules for liberty guerillas

Interesting link.

Key points:

"TEN RULES FOR LIBERTY GUERRILLAS:

1. It is important to maintain a belief in final victory. Morale is everything.

2. Large numbers of [counter propaganda] appearing day after day, night after night, everywhere, will make the Regime nervous and raise the self-confidence of the population since such activities demonstrate the inefficiency of the existing Regime and the power and strength of the resistance movement.

3. Whenever practical, successful guerrilla forces use non-electronic means to communicate.

4. It is a principle of political science that it is easier to persuade people to vote against something or someone than to persuade them to vote in favor of something.

5. Liberty guerrillas form centers of resistance EVERYWHERE and they are always in action. Thus, when the Regime attempts to confront/solve one "media" crisis of anti-Regime opinion, another flares up. This serves to also drain the Regime's manpower and resources.

6. Always, always, ALWAYS be on the offensive.

7. Short, snappy slogans spread the message. Advertising/marketing gurus know that to gain traction, a slogan must be 7 words or less.

"BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE".

Turn the tables on the opposition: Palin's "Obama: WTF indeed" is classic.

8. Mix it up. Never be predictable. But always be lawful.

9. Undermine the Regime's morale and their propaganda by exposing their methods and by constant emphasis on the unjustness of their cause and effects on the population.
(Higher prices? Thanks, Obama).

10. Exploit the alternative media to communicate the ideas of the Liberty movement and resistance to the Regime. Be everywhere; be informed; make it known you are aware of the lies disseminated by the Regime and aren't falling for them.

THE MOMENTUM IS ON OUR SIDE. Do not be deterred!"

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

And finally

President Obama's birth certificate has finally been made public, thanks in large part to efforts by Donald Trump.

Here's a link on it.

Why did this take so long? I can provide my birth certificate in hours of request - just a couple of days if I've lost it and must order a duplicate.

Also, I'd have thought this would be mandatory for someone running for an office where proof of citizenship is required. Why isn't this a preliminary requirement to get on the ballot?????

Understand, Obama is an American Citizen by virtue of the fact of being born to Ann Dunham, an American Citizen. I do not subscribe to the errant "birther" philosophies that state Obama would not be eligible for President had he been born in Kenya. These groups point to personal interpretations of laws that have been ruled to mean contrary to what the "birthers" believe for over 150 years.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Pretty good article on concealed carry

Link to article.

My favorite part:
"People who have gone through the process of getting a concealed carry permit are, in general, law abiding citizens, not felons."

My least favorite part:
"As the ‘right to carry’ spreads across the United States, many law enforcement agencies and police officers express their unease — and for some, outright alarm — at the idea of citizens carrying concealed weapons."

And one part that is not always true:
"Do not expect them (concealed carry folks) to know the letter of the law or the interpretations of the law in various districts—they will have a general idea what the law states..."
It is my experience the same statement can easily be made for most police officers.



And a good article on open carry.

Seems I've heard this before

Ohio just passed legislation, allowing their Concealed Carry Permit holders to carry in bars and other establishments that serve alcohol, provided the carry permit holder does not drink.

Of course, the liberal media is going haywire.

Of course, the streets have yet to see a drop of blood shed from carry permit holders in drunken rages.

Link to a nifty article on it.
Thanks to Say Uncle for the lead.

Game 4/25/2011

Well, last week we won two games by wide margin. This week, we didn't do as well.

First game the other team jumped all over us, up 21-5 at one point. We finally got things together, but just ran out of innings, losing 24-16.

Second game, we jumped out to an early 17-2 lead. That was the score going into the 4th inning (our games are sheduled for 7, or 1:15, whichever comes first), and time was waning. We allowed them to pull to 17-14.

In our half of the 5th inning (top half) our bats came alive again. I got a hit. Then I was thrown out at second on the next play as part of a double-play. Actually, the Shortstop dropped the ball, but I accidentally over-ran the bag, thinking I was out. The SS applied a tag, which I sidestepped nimbly. I got back to the bag without being tagged, only to hear the ump calling me out.

Mea culpa - I should never have given him the opportunity to blow the call. I should have stayed planted on 2nd.

That double play ended the inning. The bottom half of the inning saw us get two men out, but yield 4 runs, allowing them the come-from-behind win.

We are now 2-2. Last year we finished at .500. The year before, we were two games below .500 - but forfeited 6 games.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Tonight's the night

Tonight, the Mt. Juliet City Commission takes up the subject of Red Light Cameras. My commissioner, James Maness, wrote the bill and is the sponsor. Last week, I did my civic duty and called James (yes, we are on a first-name basis), and asked him to please vote for the legislation he has proposed.

The bill, if passed, would end the contract with the company that provides the "service." As it stands, the contract would auto-renew in January of 2013. This bill would simply prevent the auto-renewal. 

James promised he would vote for his legislation, and gave me "best guesses" on what the other commissioners seemed to be leaning toward.

At the time of this blog post, there is no definitive information on the result. However, that will be updated as soon as the information becomes available.

Articles from local news sources:
Link to WSMV.
Link to WKRN
Link to WTVF
An article on the subject, featuring James Maness, to be found on Daily Motion.
Facebook group - "Remove the Mt. Juliet Traffic Cameras."

How to contact Mt. Juliet City Commissioners.

Post edit - WSMV's televised broadcast reports that the City Commission has voted to end the contract!

Another potential Presidential Candidate

Many have asked my if I support Donald Trump for President.

He'd be better than Obama, but not by much. So I say "NO."

Here's a link showing how he is not really a good choice for gun owners... nor conservatives.
Thanks to this link for the directions.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Dissecting part of Easter

Today is Easter Sunday. In Sunday School today, we read from the Gospel of John about the resurrection. Specifically, John, Chapter 20.

In Chapter 20, John relates his observations of the time of the resurrection. At one point, Mary Magdalene finds herself at Jesus' tomb. Jesus is there, but she doesn't recognize him - she thinks he is a gardener. This makes sense as the tomb actually belonged to Joseph of Arimathea, who was quite wealthy. It is very common for the wealthy to employ gardeners.

There is a short dialog between Mary and Jesus. She still does not recognize him. But then Jesus said: "Mary."

She responded: "Rabboni." (Hebrew for "Teacher" or "Master," according to most literary sources)

Here's where the research helps. Rabboni doesn't just mean "Teacher" or "Master" as some literary sources suggest. I'd learned this long ago, though I've forgotten when and where. I'd learned that Rabboni was a rarely-used term of great honor.

Today, the textbook, as read by Right Minded, suggested that the term Rabboni suggested a more personal relationship to the master or teacher than just the normal term of the day, "Rabbi."

I got to wondering, who was right? What I'd been told, or this text?

Turns out, both were right. 

The term "Rabboni" is a very rarely used term. There were three levels of teachers:
(a) Rab, or "master" - the lowest degree of honor.
(b) Rabbi, "my master" - a title of higher dignity.
(c) Rabboni, "my great master" - the most honorable of all.

Only seven persons in recorded Jewish history were ever called Rabboni.  This gives you an idea of how rare and meaningful it was for Mary Magdalene to call her Savior by this term. Because Jesus commissioned Mary (and several other women there, at least two of them also bearing the name "Mary") to be the first to tell the Good News - this to those who would soon be the Apostles - then the term Rabboni certainly does bear the implication of "Teacher of Teachers."

And as Christ was the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, then why is he not also the Teacher of Teachers? Makes sense to me. And it is of relevant note that Jesus warned his followers not to let themselves be referred to as "Rabbi," as that old (Jewish) tradition ends with HIM. Henceforth, Apostles of Christ were to be known as "mathetai," or disciples (from the Greek). A new tradition has begun.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

A word to the wise

Last night, I played in my first softball double-header of the year. My team won both games by run-rule (also sometimes known as a mercy rule): 16-5 and 22-0. I had four hits in six at-bats with three runs scored and five RBI.

At one point in the second game, I noticed the opposing pitcher getting quite frustrated. He was arguing with his catcher because the poor man couldn't quite throw the ball back to him perfectly. He was arguing with the umpire a lot on ball-strike counts, how many outs there were, and various other ticky-tack items. His control had been lacking all game - at this point, he had walked a number of my teammates.

This character, sporting the number 22, was pitching to me. The count was 3 balls and a strike. He told the ump that the count was 2-2. The umpire, frustrated with arguing with the man, gave in and agreed. Didn't matter - we were up 16-0 at the time. Umps often give the benefit of the call at that point to whatever will make the game shorter.

On the next pitch, I made solid contact, and the ball happened to strike him on the right ankle (as he kicked at the ball to try to stop it) and careened into right field. I made it to first base easily. As I returned to the bag, and prepared for the next batter, I noticed the pitcher glaring at me. He was MAD.

I neither spurned him on, nor did I back down. Just looked right back at him blankly until he decided to pitch. Between pitches, he glared some more.

Then the next batter got a hit. I ran to second. The ball was in the outfield as I cruised in (no chance of getting to third base, nor was there a chance of them throwing me out). Mr. MAD pitcher decided to hustle toward second base to try to either bump me (with the obvious excuse of backing up the play, if there had been one), or crowd me, or otherwise intimidate me.

Next batter hit the first pitch into the outfield. I scored easily, standing up. Mr. MAD pitcher again ran at me, trying to bump me or crowd me at home plate.

Both times, I merely said "pardon me," as I had my left arm (the arm closest to him) raised to cover my head in a common defensive motion to protect from thrown balls. This posture also has the side effect of being a good defensive motion in an altercation - should Mr. MAD pitcher have decided to get stupid.


Word to the wise:
Avoid taking things personally in baseball / softball.
Also, avoid picking fights with folks that are six inches taller, fifty+ pound heavier... especially those with multiple black belts in the martial arts.

I am really glad that for all his posturing, he was either smart enough or frightened enough to keep his hands to himself.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Now here's a funny story

A match shooter finishes shooting early one day. The maid at the hotel walks in on him as he is cleaning his service rifle he used in the match.

Funny stuff from there. Some not so funny, but it ended well.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

More on my new game

A coupe of months ago, I posted some observations on my new game, poker.

I play on my cell phone, and on Facebook. I am not a pro by any stretch. However, against live competition, I win a lot more than I lose. I must also point out that never have I played with real money at stake. No gambling for me - I just enjoy the competitive aspect of it.

So far my best hands have been:
Straight flush to 9 (diamonds - two of the cards in my hand).
Four of a kind - Kings (had a pair in my hand).
Four of a kind - Fours (had one in my hand).

I've also had a fair share of Full House (usually will win the hand) and flushes and straights, too.

On the shooting in Brazil

Brazil has very stringent anti-gun laws, yet a shooting still happened there.

Here is an excellent article summing up why gun control laws do not work.

The age of technology

Something struck me funny today:


Why is it that we now have such advanced technology with cell phones and the like. Only to have the cell phone ring just like the old-time phones used to?

I heard another person's cell go off this morning as we walked in to work, and the ring was an electronic version of the same ring my parent's land-line had back in the 1970's. I have my phone set to the same ring!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Real winners and losers

So the budget battle ended a couple of days ago. Who won? Who lost?

Glad ya asked!



Who won?
In a word - Washington.

With "the largest budget cuts ever" line floating around, some people actually think they did something. They did nothing!

Fact is, only $38 Billion was cut. In a budget of $3,456 Billion (also known as $3.456 Trillion). I write it this way to help illustrate a point - the media knows well that most people are not experts in math. Throwing around terms like "billion" and "trillion" mean nothing to a person who will never see a million.

Our government is celebrating the fact that they cut just over 1% of the budget. Problem is, they are spending $1.60 for every $1 that they bring in. Even if spending was completely in line with revenue, it is still way too much!


Let's look at it this way:
Suppose you are a family who brings home $2000 per month after taxes and other payroll deductions. This would indicate an income level of about $35K - $40K - or roughly average here in Tennessee.

Now suppose that your monthly spending is $3200.
In short - you've got some problems.
(This is the same level the federal government spends at, compared to its revenues.)

You and your spouse have a serious conversation about spending over the dinner table. You agree to cut things. Each of you makes cuts. You both claim to "dig deep."

In the end, you agree on cutting $22 out of your budget. Then you go and yell it at the top of your lungs to your family and friends. Kinda silly, huh?


Facts is facts
The reason folks in Washington won is simple - they avoided a government shutdown. Had the .gov shut down, we the people would have seen how very little it would have affected our daily lives - and people might realize how much we need to really cut in Washington!

Now, they can keep up a modicum of alternate reality in which .gov is needed and where we have made "deep cuts" even though it is but a drop in the bucket.


So, who lost?
We, the people did.


Again.

In the end, you just look silly.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

A poll for my readers

OK, frequent (and not so frequent) readers of my blog, here's a question:

I'm not certain whether open-carry of a long arm (rifle / shotgun) is permitted with a HCP in TN.
If it were, I'd like to get your thoughts on whether you'd like to see me Open-Carry an AR15 at some point in time?

Post your answer in the comments section below this. Stay anonymous if you want. I am just curious.

Also, if you'd join me in doing so (meaning you'd also open-carry a rifle), say so.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Very fascinating

I have a stat counter at the bottom of the blog. It is quite interesting to see who visits (and when!).

Recently, this site has been getting hits from the Department of Homeland Security. Hi guys !

A funny one from home

I was sitting in my recliner earlier this week, enjoying an Oreo. I'd eaten most of it, when my daughter sneaked up on me from my blind side, and snatched the cookie from my hand.

At this point, I played along, and acted like I was trying to get the cookie back. Of course, she put it in her mouth quickly and grinned really big, all proud of herself.

"What did you just do?" I asked playfully.

"I squealled your cookie," she said.

The Mrs. and I were laughing too hard to correct her.    :)

Food for thought - April 2011

Most people who know me will agree that I have a healthy ego. Nevertheless, it is easy to find people who have me beat hands down. The one we are all familiar with is Congress. How so?

Congress thinks they know more about mortgage lending qualifications than banks.
Congress thinks they know more about light bulbs than those who manufacture them.
Congress thinks they know more about cars than Detroit.
Congress thinks they know more about health care coverage than insurance companies.
Congress thinks they know more about everything than the people.

And it just isn't so.

Difference is, when I know more about something than someone else, I blog about it, or let them know. When Congress (including the Senate) thinks they know more about something than the experts in the field, they legislate rules about it.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Funny story from the archives

Here's another funny tale from the archives.

A parent had contacted me about classes for his two children. They were planning on moving to the area. I find out the first night that this family does home-schooling.

Again: Not all home-school families are twerps, but the fact is that the majority of my funny stories come from this demographic. "Facts is facts."

So the second night they attend, they arrive over 20 minutes late. No problem, except the parents did not come to pick them up until class had been over for 30 minutes! I begin and end classes on time - regardless of number of students, or what time they arrive. I politely addressed the situation, but the dad just didn't get it.

Their third night, dad is out of town, so mom drops off the kids 20 minutes early, and leaves them. This is at my house. They are lucky I happen to be home (got home earlier than usual from work due to light traffic) when they arrive. Then, mom is over 20 minutes late picking them up.

I politely explain to mom the times and that I give 5 minutes each way (I really give ten, but I knew they were trying to take advantage here), and that seemed to be OK with her. Oh, and surprise of all surprises, they "had no money" but were willing to "pay next week."

That weekend, I get an email from the dad. He is upset I spoke with the mom. Among other things, he makes the following statement:

"You most of all, have the flexibility in this since it is your house and your garage that classes are held. If for any reason you have to leave, have other plans or, one of us is not there on time to pick up the [kids], I ask that you have them sit outside the garage door while we arrive."


Wow. Just wow. What do you say to that? Willing to drop kids off at a stranger's house, then have them wait outside the door? My reply:
"First, not only is it both immoral and unethical to leave a CHILD "out on the doorstep" - but such behavior can be construed by an attorney as being illegal in many cases - on your part and mine! As a parent, I could never conceive of doing such a thing. As a human being, I could never imagine being dishonorable enough to ask this of another.

Second, to even suggest such, along with the earlier mention of "flexibility," clearly demonstrates a desire (if not outright expectation) to push reasonable limits on the times allocated. I'd hoped that two previous instances of disregard for arranged times were due to bad circumstance. Alas, the quoted statement removes all doubt as to true intentions." 

Some people wonder why I teach out of my home, and this is it. I can choose whom I train. More specifically, if I need or want to fire a student, it is no big deal. I do not teach for the money - simply the love of the art. This family was asked to leave. 

Friday, April 1, 2011

Trouble hits close to home

Last night, the Assistant Principal of my son's elementary school died in an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. This incident happened at his home, which happens to be in my subdivision.

I did not know that he was under investigation for sexual misconduct.

To be completely fair, Right Minded alerted me to this several hours before it was on the news. I actually passed the ambulance on my way home from work.

Quote of the day

I don't do these much, but there is one I have to share:


My brother, when speaking about HR folks:
"It's not that I don't trust these people; it's just that, well, I don't trust them to do things correctly."