RECCE ROOM

Many people will ask a jiu-jitsu instructor what the most common moves are in a fight. The full answer has many layers. - One possible avenue of answer might involve the most commonly used techniques between two people who both know and practice jiu-jitsu. - Another answer might be based around the most common moves used in MMA or similar. - A third possible answer might center around the most likely moves used by a jiu-jitsu practitioner if attacked. And while there will be some (natural) variation in the three collections, some techniques will be broadly applicable. Most Likely Moves for Self Defense Yep, name says it all. Here are the moves you need to learn for self defense, in order of importance: 1. Rear naked choke.  This is the most likely to be used, and the most simplistic and effective. 2. Straight arm lock from the guard. Once you learn how to use the guard to neutralize the attacks of a larger opponent who happens to be on top, you must realize that t...

On Friday, Dec. 19, my pastor, Greg Locke, played "Santa Claus" with the ministerial staff of the church with some local residents. The plan was to take fresh, crisp, $100 bills to 10 random people as a gift - as a blessing. All went well, until ... well, I'll let Pastor Locke describe it. (From his Facebook post): If you know me, then you know it takes quite a bit to raise my temperature. However, today myself and the manager of the Goodwill of Mount Juliet had a very intense conversation to say the least. I was calm but I was very firm. You would think that a place called Goodwill would actually allow some of it to be shared every now and again. It takes a lot to shock me, but today's act of stinginess did just that. Today our church had the great blessing of going all over town and randomly blessing different people with $100 bills as a Christmas bonus. Walmart, no problem. Kroger, no problem. Dunkin' Donuts, no problem. Goodwill, are you stinking kidding...

A college professor calls for repeal of the "stupid 2nd Amendment." Methinks it is the professor who is stupid. What other rights does he not want??? .

The Ruger Mini-14 (and, by extension, the Mini-30) is one of those guns that ought to be a stalwart in most collections. They ought to be bought and sold with great frequency. They ought to be more than a has-been in the gun world.  What's not to like?  The Mini-14 is chambered in a popular caliber (.223 / 5.56 mm). It is somewhat inaccurate for the cartridge, but most shooters wouldn't know. It is a magazine-fed semi-auto. It is lightweight and easy to use. With minimal effort, one can mount a scope of choice... or just stick with the perfectly fine iron sights that come standard. It is based off the same fundamental design as the M1 and M1A - two revered rifles.  So why is it so relatively unpopular? Here is a basic list of some of the reasons. Call it a perfect storm, if you will. Cheap AR15's - meanwhile, Mini-14 prices are soaring. (This due primarily to the fact that ARs are produced by many competing companies - but the Mini-14 is not) Bill Ruger...

Here is an article listing seven reasons why police brutality is widespread and systemic - not merely anecdotal ("a few bad apples"). .

This article gives three reasons a normal, rational human would not trust police: 1. Low IQ applicants, only. 2. Incentive to kill. 3. "Protect & Serve" is a myth. .

I mentioned earlier this week that several years back, I was much heavier (over 100 pounds heavier), and diabetic. Three years ago, I was almost 40 pounds heavier than I am today, and was on diabetic medication- 5 mg of glyburide and 2000 mg of metformin per day. Usually, about three to four hours after taking the glyburide, my BG levels would crash into the 60's. It was an unpleasant feeling to say the least. The metformin caused "intestinal distress" (read: extreme daily diarrhea). Note: Now that my fasting BG readings regularly hit the 60's without medications, it feels totally different! Today, it has been almost a year since my last metformin pill. Almost two since my last regular dose of glyburide. My BG levels are lower than they ever were when I was medicated. A paleo approach has done the trick again. Note: Funny... you NEVER hear about diet & exercise working when the diet includes grains - "healthy whole grains" or otherwise!  How to...

Merry Christmas! Put the "Christ" back in Christmas. Put the "Christ" back in Christian. .

In 2009 (when I started this blog), I was not in as good of health as I am today. Currently, I am over 100 pounds lighter, and far stronger than I was then. Here is a comparison: Dec. 2009 Dec. 2014 Height 6'2" (188 cm) unchanged* Weight 323 lbs (146.5 kg) 212 lbs (96 kg) Chest 52" 46" Waist 45" 36" Bicep 11" 15" Quad 33" 27" Max run: 300 yards 6 miles Push ups 21 100 Pull ups 0 20 Cholesterol: 205 123 Fasting BG**: 240 69 HbA1C 11.6 4.6 Paleo diet works. It works well. It lets you lose enough weight so that you can exercise and truly get yourself in shape.  Lose weight at the table.  Get fit at the gym (or outdoors). * - Did you really expect my height to change? ** - BG = Blood-Glucose level. Also known as "Blood-Sugar....

From time to time, I'll see diabetics on Facebook pages, blog comments, twitter, etc. refer to their blood - sugar numbers as "bs." This is a pet peeve of mine, albeit small. The correct abbreviation is "BG" - for blood-glucose. "BS" is an abbreviation for bull$h!t ... also known as "bovine-scatology." So, for clarity: BG indicates your blood-glucose or blood sugar numbers. BS indicates when your diabetic doctor or DIEtician says "healthy whole grains" are a necessary part of your diet and that they don't raise BG numbers. .

In the spirit of Paleo eating, there is a lot of debate on the merits of a high-fat diet with regards to blood cholesterol and body fat. Most of the arguments against Paleo point to the "medical science" reports of high-fat diets leading to obesity and high cholesterol levels. However, no one can point to a study that concludes that a high fat diet lead the person to being obese or having high cholesterol levels. Show me a study where you have control groups. Show me a study where one group of participants ate a high-fat diet and no grains. Show me a study where one group of participants ate a high grain diet and no fats. Keep the protein levels virtually the same, for the sake of science. Folks, this is the scientific method. It is not too hard. Show me a study that has done this that concludes that a high fat diet is bad, and I will rethink my whole position. Until then all you have is anecdotes, based on faux science. "Science" where no studies were ...

This meme speaks for itself: .

Do you remember that time you referred to Republicans as being anarchists? We real anarchists got a real kick out of that. Perhaps you should go into comedy... .

Some of the Sandy Hook victims' parents are going to sue Bushmaster. So, because a criminal stole a gun and used it illegally, the manufacturer is somehow to blame? How about this... whenever a police officer's gun is stolen and used illegally, we sue that officer and his precinct? .

People are starting to eat better, and this report demonstrates that. How long until grains start declining in popularity? .

I recently found myself on a flight to Dallas. There was fog in the area delaying arrivals, so the pilot was forced to land the plane in Shreveport LA to refuel. The hilarity begins when the flight attendant gets on the speaker: "Ladies and gentlemen, if there are passengers whose final destination is Shreveport,  you may disembark the plane upon our arrival. However, your checked bags will not be available when you get off the plane. Checked bags will have to go with us to Dallas and catch a later flight to Shreveport." Nitwittery. .

Rolling Stone magazine did a story on a woman who claimed to have been raped. Then they issued a note , basically recanting the story as the woman's claims were suspect. This, friends, is the real "rape culture" in America these days - men being persecuted and prosecuted for consensual relations, and sometimes in instances where no relations took place. Men are getting raped by our legal system every day because the system will take a woman's word, yet not accept a man's absolute proof. Men are getting raped by our legal system every day in the form of alimony and child support. And on... .

Carolyn McCarthy, a big proponent of gun control, though she often knows not why , is leaving Congress . Good riddance. .

Back in the summer, Eric Garner was killed by a NYPD cop who used a choke to do the deed. It was all caught on camera. I even did an article about it. Recently, a grand jury failed to indict the Jack-Booted Thug. Cops almost never get indicted. They often are only reviewed by their own and cleared of wrongdoing. .

From a reader: "Hey, Usagi, I've read some of your stuff on your brother's divorce. I'm in about the same boat. Got any dating / woman advice for guys like us?" I do have some advice. Probably  the best summary ever is here . But I'll break it down into a weekly segment for you and others. By Swingset ... Item 10: Lastly, I leave you with this. It's a difficult lesson to be a man. It's a painful, self-sacrificing labor and part of the human condition to be a man. You must accept that much of your life and your ties to women rely on your honor and your good nature. Sadly, most of us choose our mates based on nothing more than a tiny dab of sexual experience and a lot of ignorance about human nature. The women you meet, fall in love with, screw, and hurt, are all human beings with complex pasts, desires and dreams. Treat each woman, no matter who she is, as if she is your best friend's girl. Give her respect, even if you don't choos...

But police wouldn't lie to you. .

Oh the irony of an Internet Tough Guy claiming to be ready to "cash a check anytime" his mouth (or keyboard) wrote... and said individual (I won't call him a man) knows where the dojo is and the class times. Of course he would never show up. 400-pounders can hardly get out of a car, much less challenge anybody to anything. .

Keyboard Warrior 1. A Person who, being unable to express his anger through physical violence (owning to their physical weakness, lack of bravery and/or conviction in real life), instead manifests said emotions through the text-based medium of the internet, usually in the form of aggressive writing that the Keyboard Warrior would not (for reasons previously mentioned) be able to give form to in real life. Found these pictures the other day. Entertaining. Applicable to some folks I know and know of. This post may or may not have been set to post on a full moon on purpose. .

5 Reasons Why Calvinism Makes Me Want to Gouge My Eyes Out. I agree on all five points (pun intended). .

Was at a Sonic recently, and this struck me as odd... The sign says "Employees Only." However, there is still a chart to measure how tall the potential robber is. You mean criminals don't obey signs?!? .

From a reader: "Hey, Usagi, I've read some of your stuff on your brother's divorce. I'm in about the same boat. Got any dating / woman advice for guys like us?" I do have some advice. Probably  the best summary ever is here . But I'll break it down into a weekly segment for you and others. By Swingset ... Item 9: A woman's beauty is her worst enemy, and her only true servant. Be very afraid of a woman who has relied, or counted on her looks to survive or succeed - for when those looks or your attention to them wanes, she will self-destruct before your eyes. You will come home to find her gone, or on top of your best friend. Again, not to drive a point too fine, but stay away from the 10's. A stripper model does not live to enjoy a 50 year wedding anniversary, and she will not change your diapers when you're old. Believe it or not, that stuff really matters. You, like women, are driven by your nature. If you're always attracted to ...

For over two years, I've written a post every weekday. Starting in 2015, that format will change. No more meticulous planning. No more 8:15 post times. Just my thoughts from my phone or tablet... As they happen. .

Why is it that so many people were "so thankful" just 24 hours ago are killing one another right now just to get a "bargain" on something they don't have? .

This one stood out as being spot on for one particular #twitterstalker #blogstalker etc. who has a #mancrush on me.  Does the link  reccerifleman.blogspot.com/2014_04_01_archive.html  mean anything to you? It should, you visit it every day.  Same guy says "#readytocashthatcheckanytime" yet knows where my dojo is and when we meet, but has never made an appearance. Oh, and has a gay fascination with "batpoles" and a suggestive Batman comic strip (three times in May alone/ Really?). Or, just has a big time gay fascination. So be it, I will not judge because of your closet homosexuality.  .

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, lets discuss your point of impact at 25 yards. Carbine length sight radius 100-yard zero This zero is 3 MOA under the point of impact (POI). 3 MOA at 25 yards = 3/4 inch. Therefore, this zero will see a bullet strike 3/4 inch low.  50/200-yard zero This zero is 2 MOA under the POI. 2 MOA at 25 yards = 1/2 inch. Therefore, this zero will see a bullet strike 1/2 inch low. 300-yard zero This zero should be on the button at 25 yards. Rifle length sight radius 100-yard zero This zero is 4 MOA under the point of impact (POI). 4 MOA at 25 yards = 1 inch. Therefore, this zero will see a bullet strike 1 inch low.  50/200-yard zero This zero is 3 MOA under the POI. 3 MOA at 25 yards = 3/4 inch. Therefore, this zero will see a bullet strike 3/4 inch low. 300-yard zero This zero will be 1 MOA under the POI. 1 MOA at 25 yards = 1/4 inch. Therefore, this zero will see a bullet strike 1/4 inch low.  .

From a reader: "Hey, Usagi, I've read some of your stuff on your brother's divorce. I'm in about the same boat. Got any dating / woman advice for guys like us?" I do have some advice. Probably  the best summary ever is here . But I'll break it down into a weekly segment for you and others. By Swingset ... Item 8: Get to know your prospective inlaws....even if you have no idea you're going to marry the girl you're banging. If you don't love them like they're your own parents, RUN. Seriously, it's that simple. Run. Look at their relationship - her mother and father's. Look at it hard, because that's you in 25 years....or some variation of it. Your woman will make sure of it, because she's hard wired to. .

I have an idea for an experiment. Based on the concept of " not being on paper at 100 yards." Take the most common zeros for AR15 platform rifles: 300 - USMC 50/200 - IBZ 100 - RIBZ Facts My hypothesis is that at 50 yards, which zero you use will not matter. For the sake of exploring this, lets look at the facts. At 100 yards, the zeros will perform as follows: USMC - shots will be 3 inches high. IBZ - shots will strike 1 inch high. RIBZ - shots will strike at the point of aim (POA). Each click of elevation adjustment on a 6/3 detachable carry handle will move the sights 1/2 MOA. 1/2 MOA at 50 yards is 0.25 inches. Extrapolation Using these facts, the following information can be extrapolated: 1. IBZ will be on the money. POA = POI 2. RIBZ (100 yard zero) would be two clicks down from IBZ. Two clicks = 1 MOA. 1 MOA at 50 yards = 0.5 inches. Shots would impact a half-inch low at 50 yards. 3. USMC (300 yard zero) would be four clicks up from I...

The other day, I had an opportunity to go to the range and shoot my M16A4 clone rifle. Got a pretty good zero at 25 yards, and then went to 100 yards and shot this on a 50/200 setting. Was aiming for the middle of the neck at the same level of the shoulders. Group appears an inch high (as it should be with the setting) and about an inch to the left.   After shooting that group, I adjusted the windage by two clicks, then verified my zero. Dead on. Also verified with the 100-yard setting. Again, dead on. All of this was with iron sights.  Funny story: there was a couple there sighting in the wife's .243 bolt gun at 50 yards, and the husband's black powder rifle (also at 50 yards). They were all over the place at that distance, yet thought they were right on the money. The wife kept talking about the wind blowing the bullets "off a bit."  At 50 yards, a .243 bullet (100 grains / .214 bc / 3100 fps) would deflect a full inch in 15 mph winds... a ...

When we were children, we had a friend who used to lie a lot. Sometimes, he would lie and later directly contradict himself with another lie. We would tell him to make up his mind what he was going to lie about, and then tell us the lie... just to let him know we were on to him. Somebody needs to tell Nancy Pelosi that. 2009: "...I don't know if you have seen Jonathan Gruber - MIT's analysis..." 2014: "I don't know who he is..." Seems she did know who he is. It's just not as convenient to know who he is now if you are Pelosi. .

When the country was founded, only tax paying property owners could vote. These days, we do not have a direct national property tax, but we have an income tax. I propose that only individuals who pay income taxes should be allowed to vote. Not people who "pay" (payroll deducted) in, but get a larger refund at the end of the year. Not people who do not pay in. Only people who have a net tax owed, which is paid in full for the year prior (under age 21) and for the three consecutive years prior (age 21 and over). .

From a reader: "Hey, Usagi, I've read some of your stuff on your brother's divorce. I'm in about the same boat. Got any dating / woman advice for guys like us?" I do have some advice. Probably  the best summary ever is here . But I'll break it down into a weekly segment for you and others. By Swingset ... Item 7: Women, contrary to another urban legend, are s***bags too. They will have you convinced, if you talk to them enough, that they are the masters of reason and emotion. Bulls***, fellas. They are contriving, maniacal masters of chaos and work feverishly against their own happiness sometimes. Nothing will disturb a woman so deeply to her core as true contentment. Some women shudder at the thought of a placid, pleasing life. It's a very rare thing, a woman at peace and comfortable with herself....so when you find one, say "I do" and keep her away from other women. Wanna see proof of this? Work along side alot of women. When one ...

A few thoughts on the national election results: Republicans Win Republicans won by running on Libertarian principles. Republicans were not elected to "cooperate" with Democrat policies, but to undo them! Republicans were not elected because they resembled McCain or Romney, but because they represented themselves as the exact opposite! Liberal Heads Explode I saw statements like: "Gas prices down, Med inflation down, unemployment below 6%...clearly means it's time to move America backwards." Of course, the truth is that gas prices were down due to speculation that Republicans would win. "Aging white voters still mad at black man who fixed the economy." What economy did he fix??? And what about the fact that older voters by and large stayed home? This victory was had by younger people who finally have seen through the "Hope & Change" routine. Of course, many of these statements were made by the same people who admitted ...

A few thoughts on the recent election in Tennessee, and the changes we should make: Closed Primaries In Tennessee, we really need closed primaries as long as the media insists on only allowing "2" parties. This would require a person to register in advance as being "Democrat" or "Republican" and only allowing that person to vote in the appropriate primary. This will reduce the incidences of "cross-pollination" polluting the primaries. Majority Wins In Tennessee, we really need a law (like many other states currently have) requiring an automatic runoff election between the two top vote-earning candidates if nobody earns at least 50% of the vote. This needs to be instituted in statewide primaries and the general election. Judges Judges need to be elected, not appointed. We need to undo the recent state constitutional amendment. .

For Liberty On the one hand, an argument could be made that Tennessee voters were a bit schizophrenic. They voted for liberty by banning a sales tax (Amendment 3), allowing more organizations to hold raffles (Amendment 4), and even granting their legislature rights to regulate more parts of the medical industry (Amendment 1) as others currently are. Against Liberty On the other hand, Tennesseans voted away their right to vote. On Amendment 2, the electorate decided they want judges appointed. As one complete idiot pointed out: The main reason I think appointed will work better than elected is that the judges will be free to interpret the law fairly and the way it's written, rather than subjecting it to popular interpretations so they'll have something on which to campaign "next time." Granted, appointment is no guarantee for that, but it does remove one pull towards that direction. And, as long as we keep putting human beings in those positions, there are going ...

Most people fear true freedom. It's a sad truth that becomes even more apparent with each election cycle. As we move forward as a country, each election turns into a big pissing contest to see who can exert more control over whom. Democrats Democrats claim they want liberty. They will point to gay rights, pro-choice, legalizing marijuana, and such as their proofs. However, when was the last time a Democrat actually sponsored legislation or cast a vote in favor of one of these?  When was the last time a Democrat voter actually voted with one of these issues first in his/her mind? What most Democrat voters want is free stuff... to be paid for by "rich" people or "evil" corporations that are somehow "not paying their fair share" of taxes; even though these same people and companies pay 95% of all taxes paid.  Republicans Republicans similarly claim that they want liberty first and foremost. They will point to gun rights, ...

From a reader: "Hey, Usagi, I've read some of your stuff on your brother's divorce. I'm in about the same boat. Got any dating / woman advice for guys like us?" I do have some advice. Probably  the best summary ever is here . But I'll break it down into a weekly segment for you and others. By Swingset ... Item 6: There is nothing a woman can sniff out like desperation. If you have even one tiny cell of creepy in you, she'll smell it all over you like a possum carcus in the sun. One of the lessons of adulthood is F***ING RELAX. Do it, for all our sakes. Don't chase women, for there is no need. Be a man, be yourself, have a good time and get your life in order, and the women will forever come to you. Believe this fellas.....nothing could be truer. If young swingset would have only known this... .

A friend posted on Facebook her "I voted" sticker and said: "Thankful for this privilege." Note: Voting is a right... not a privilege. And apparently, no minimum level of intelligence is required. .

Yes, I know it's a full two days after the election. Yes, I know you are sick of the analysis. This is just for fun, To show how my predictions held up. Thoughts will come later (unless there is something glaring now). Governor I voted for Shaun Crowell. Prediction: Haslam with approximately 60%+ of the vote. Outcome: Haslam by ~70% US Senate I voted for Joshua James (Libertarian) for Senate. Prediction: Lamar! wins this one with a high-50's percentage (57%-58%). Outcome: Lamar! by ~62% US Congress I voted for Mike Winton for Congress. Prediction: Black wins with ~60% of the vote. Outcome: Black by ~71% State Senate I voted for incumbent Mae Beavers. Prediction: Beavers wins with ~70% of the vote. Outcome: Beavers by ~100% State House I wrote in a name for State Representative. Prediction: Susan Lynn wins with about 60% of the vote. Outcome: Lynn by ~77% City Council I voted for my friend, James Maness, who did everything he said he would in his initial term . Maness ...

A vote for a candidate who espouses the same ideals you hold dear is not a vote wasted. A vote cast for a candidate whilst "holding one's nose" and voting "for the lesser of two evils" is the very definition of a wasted vote. Those who tell you that you are wasting your vote because you are voting "3rd Party" fall into one of just a few categories: - A candidate who would rather you hold your nose and vote for him (her). - A brainwashed sheep spewing forth what (s)he heard on TV. - A person trying to convince you to vote their way (for a D or R candidate) so they can accomplish their own goals.  .

From a reader: "Hey, Usagi, I've read some of your stuff on your brother's divorce. I'm in about the same boat. Got any dating / woman advice for guys like us?" I do have some advice. Probably  the best summary ever is here . But I'll break it down into a weekly segment for you and others. By Swingset ... Item 5: Women, contrary to [some uban] legends, do not want sex that often...especially once the relationship cools off (normalizes). If they do crave the weenie all the time, they are messed up (see item #1). Women do not have testesterone pumping through their organs, and will not crave sex, at least not like you think they do. Get used to it, deal with it, and make your peace with the fact that a normal woman wants sex about 1/10th as much as you. Sadly, the sexaholic women are usually reliving some sort of childhood trauma, and sex gives them control over their neuroses about that past. See, women have sex for very different reasons than we ...

Tomorrow is the Nov. 4th election. I voted on Friday, October 17. Here's the breakdown of how I voted, why, and my predictions on each. Governor I voted for Shaun Crowell. No way I'd vote for Haslam. Not gonna vote Democrat, either. Crowell is a solid Constitution party candidate, and I am happy to have voted for him. Prediction: Haslam with approximately 60%+ of the vote. US Senate I voted for Joshua James (Libertarian) for Senate. No way I would vote for the liberal (Lamar!) nor the slightly-to-the-right-of-Lamar! Gordon Ball. Prediction: Lamar! wins this one with a high-50's percentage (57%-58%). US Congress I voted for Mike Winton for Congress. Diane Black is not my preference, too "squishy" (as my wife puts it) on key topics. Prediction: Black wins with ~60% of the vote. State Senate I voted for incumbent Mae Beavers. Beavers is one of only two incumbents to earn my vote, and the only person on the ballot with an (R) beside her name to do s...

I find it funny: Arminians say (usually jokingly) they were "predestined" to be Arminian. Calvinists say (usually seriously) that they chose to be Calvinist. .

A restaurant in the Chattanooga area, Mountain City Cafe , offers a rare challenge. If you order and eat (within 45 minutes) their Mountain City Burger, you win a free t-shirt, and your challenge meal is free. The challenge meal is $25 if you do not finish, or receive help. The Mountain City Burger consists of 3 half-pound beef hamburger patties, two quarter-pound hot dogs, six thick slices of bacon, regular hamburger trimmings, and a plate of chili-cheese fries. At one point, about a half-dozen people had attempted the $25 entree, only to fail to eat the entire thing, much less eat it within the 45-minute time frame. Then my brother came along.  He took the challenge and beat it in 22 minutes. Here's the write-up: Not being one to sit quietly by and leave a challenge unattended, on my most recent trip to Chattanooga, I, too, took the challenge. In preparation, I did not eat for 24 hours before the challenge. To be fair, I did not eat for 33 hours after the chall...

If you are a Calvinist, you likely know many of Calvin's teachings. You also likely know that Calvin got a good deal of his inspiration from Augustine. If you are a Calvinist, and you don't acknowledge that Augustine got his inspiration and ideas from pagan beliefs, it means one of two things: 1. You stopped right there.  This is the type of Calvinist who has read more books on Calvinism than has read the Bible. This person was likely searching for a "rational organization" to the Gospel, found Calvinism, and jumped in the water with both feet (big mistake). 2. You learned of Augustine's inspiration, but dismissed it. This is the type of Calvinist that knows Calvinism is a twist on scripture. This person is more likely to enjoy online debates and otherwise using your "religion" to infuriate others. This is the person that takes a healthy concept of "playing devil's advocate" to such extremes that they are often dismissed by others ...

From a reader: "Hey, Usagi, I've read some of your stuff on your brother's divorce. I'm in about the same boat. Got any dating / woman advice for guys like us?" I do have some advice. Probably  the best summary ever is here . But I'll break it down into a weekly segment for you and others. By Swingset ... Item 4: Women, real women, do not want a boy. They want a man, so be one. Don't get dickhead haircuts, tribal tats, spinners for your ghey car, the latest trendy clothes or skin care products. These are the tools of vain boys, and a woman does not want these things from you even if she acts like she does. You may get some dates, you may get laid, you may even get married by being a boy.....but bet your @$$ that your woman will dream of a man (which is not you). .

Pentecostal denominations often believe in a sort of shamanism mixed with Christianity. "Spirits will do this or that to you if you don't obey God," and "good will happen if you do obey God." Kinda like the prosperity gospel on steroids and with a dark side. You ought to Google what they think they are accomplishing when they speak in tongues or lay hands on people.  Weird stuff. .

More and more places are requiring police to wear body cameras . In all reality, this is because of the increased awareness of police brutality and other violations of citizens' rights. Although these steps are to be applauded, they are not the answer. The real answer is to reset the system such that no person, regardless of badge or other "standing," should have more rights or authority than another. This is, to me, dancing around the subject matter at hand. People with too much authority abuse said authority. Then we put more laws into effect to try to curb abuses. The real solution is fewer laws and the concept that all men are created equal.  .

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow recently suggested giving more authority to President Obama than our constitution allows. Effectively, if this were to happen, we would be living in a dictatorship. Yet again, I am reminded that people like this, although entertaining to watch when they are performing a script, rarely have productive material of their own. Paltrow is certainly good looking, and a talented actress, but political acumen is not among her strengths. .

Many people "poo-poo" stories of vindictive police abusing their authority because the story originates far from home. Well... This one originates in my hometown, Chattanooga.  A police officer accused a popular local Mexican restaurant of running a behind the scenes illegal strip club and gambling operation. These claims are delusional at best.  I've eaten at El Meson more times than I can count over a 25+ year time frame. They serve excellent Mexican food, and have really competitive prices. Never once have I seen gambling nor stripping happening at their restaurants. My family goes there frequently, and they wouldn't if these things were happening.  .

From a reader: "Hey, Usagi, I've read some of your stuff on your brother's divorce. I'm in about the same boat. Got any dating / woman advice for guys like us?" I do have some advice. Probably  the best summary ever is here . But I'll break it down into a weekly segment for you and others. By Swingset ... Item 3: To attract women, you need but one thing....to be in charge. Not necessarily of the world or the building you work in, but in charge of your surroundings. You need to be in charge of whatever setting you and the womenz will be in. In any herd of animals, the females obey the alpha. You must be, no matter what the situation, the "guy". You might need to be the funny guy, or the cool guy, or the host, or the entertainer, or even the "taken" one, but you had better be the center of attention that day. To be this thing, you need some confidence, you need your shit in order, and you need some sort of talent that will put y...

Today, I received this flyer in the mail. Below are pictures, front and back. It is a flyer urging people to vote "Yes" on Amendment 2 on the Tennessee ballot this November. I have already voted (early voting) and I voted against the measure.  You can see Fred Thompson's photo used, as well as a quote from Thompson:  "Passing Amendment 2 adds new checks and balances so our appellate judges are more accountable to the rule of law and the people of Tennessee." Problem is, if Amendment 2 passes, then judges will be appointed, not elected. If the measure fails, judges will be elected. How is being appointed to a position adding any checks and balances??? If anything, it is removing the sole check and balance from the equation: having to face the voters and be held directly accountable for your actions. Furthermore, the second checkmark implies that the passage of this amendment "protects the right of Tennesseans to vote to keep or fire judges a...

Some of the hows and whys regarding the human meat-based diet origins and evolutionary advantages. Good read. Meat Diet Made Us Smarter. .

According to a study, as reported by Forbes , internet trolls are, indeed, psychos. Something we all knew, but now the research is out. .

A couple of weekends ago, I participated in the 2014 Warrior Dash in Pulaski, TN. This years course was 4 miles and featured a dozen obstacles. My cousin, who had been very interested by my involvement last year, decided to join me. I let him set the pace running. We completed every obstacle. Breakdown -  Time completing obstacles: approximately 11 minutes. Time waiting in line to participate in obstacles: approximately 26 minutes. Time running: approximately 46 minutes. Total time: 1:23 .

Yes, the one with Russell Crowe. Yes, the one so heavily criticized. Yes, the one that took "artistic license" with the Biblical story. To be fair, my readers must know that I consider Genesis chapters 1-12 to be largely parable in nature. For example: I believe God created the world, but it wasn't in six literal days. I will not argue the Biblical inaccuracies of the film - there were plenty. To my taste, it didn't distract from the story. In the film, Noah did not speak to God directly. Therefore, by default, Noah had to speculate as to God's will on some of the finer points. This was strictly for more drama and intense scenes in the end, not for anything else. It did not detract from the core story that mankind's wickedness will be punished. For me and others like me, the fact that the story of Noah is a parable to begin with is enough for us to accept the creative licenses taken with a [small] grain of salt and still enjoy a slightly-better-than-a...

From a reader: "Hey, Usagi, I've read some of your stuff on your brother's divorce. I'm in about the same boat. Got any dating / woman advice for guys like us?" I do have some advice. Probably  the best summary ever is here . But I'll break it down into a weekly segment for you and others. By Swingset ... Item 2: Women are 95% a product of the relationship (or lack thereof) between they and their fathers. Men are made by their mothers, women by their dads. If daddy beat them, left them, or otherwise was a s***bag, you had better believe they will not have healthy impulses and chaos will follow them throughout their days. This is an absolute, so trust me when I say, if they don't have a healthy relationship with pops, they're not having one with you either, so f***ing run. Yes, they're going to be fun in the sackeroo, but trust me....run. That other 5% of their nature comes from lucky genetics, but you're not turning that into anyt...

Two video games my son loves: Mario and Minecraft. So when we saw this youtube video, I figured it would be worth a blog post. .