RECCE ROOM

A few years ago, I was teaching a jiu-jitsu class at a local YMCA. We had an incident with a parent that really sticks out in my mind. The father of a somewhat larger boy approached me regarding a difficulty his son was expressing about practice. The boy, about 9 years old, was closing in on 200 pounds and had some difficulty with some of the warm ups we did. The father never knew of these problems before the boy told him, because he dropped off his son so he (the father) could go work out there at the YMCA. Like many grappling classes, we incorporated some basic tumbling and breakfalls into the warmups. This boy was having difficulty with forward and backward rolls. So the father asks me if the son can skip this part of the exercise, or if some other accomodations can be made due to his weight issue. "You of all people should understand," the father said. Note to all readers - I am no small man. At the time, I was about 285 pounds. I am 6'2". I ponder the statement ...

Recently, I was laid off from my job. I had been working for an insurance company. About a month ago, I earned my property & casualty insurance license. As such, I was appointed with the state to be able to write insurance with my company, should the need arise. Yesterday, I got a piece of mail from my former employer. My appointment with them has been canceled. If I were bitter about the recent separation, that letter might just have been the icing on the cake. As it is, I was expecting the letter and found it halfway amusing - just because of all the legalities that an insurance company must go through, just to not have an agent write with them any more. This is where my inside knowledge of government regulation on the insurance industry comes from.

Well, Thanksgiving is in the books. I had a great time with family. My father is out of the hospital with his recently broken hip and is now doing much better. Took my brother-in-law shooting. His first time. That was fun. Now back to the job search...

Today, Chancellor Claudia Bonnyman, an activist judge, ruled that HB 962 - which passed and went into law in July of this year - was "unconstitutionally vague." Link to a story on it . These judges really think they can legislate from the bench. A sad day, indeed.

A man from Decatur, Illinois recently purchased a brand new Chevy Camaro . While that is not necessarily uncommon, the fact that the man was 101 years of age at the time of purchase is quite out of the ordinary. Link to article . Is it just me, or does Mr. Coffman look like he's in great shape for 101? Oh, by the way, Mr. Coffman is six months older than General Motors. No word on if he has had the same financial difficulties that GM has - probably not, given the fact that he just bought a $40,000 vehicle!

This video was filmed at the beginning of summer this year. My son broke a board one day in Tae Kwon Do practice Link to Video .

Tomorrow - Friday, November 20 - is a big day. A Tennessee judge is set to hear motions and arguments on a lawsuit filed by some liberal restaurant owners in an attempt to stop the legislation to allow HCP holders to carry in restaurants. So far, there is nothing about it in the local media, and Google yields nothing on the subject after the month of July, this year. I am hoping, with fingers crossed, that the media realizes this issue is dead. The law passed. There are no questions. Now, we just need the legislature to clear up the guns in parks issue and disallow locals to "opt out" of allowing people to protect themselves.

Governor Phil Bredesen of my home state, Tennessee, has proposed budget cuts for this coming fiscal year. That in and of itself is a good thing... mostly. HOWEVER... One of the cuts would result in the release of over 3000 inmates. I'm packin' a Glock in the .40 caliber - how about you? Link to article .

I usually do not post on sports. My Titans have given me some hope, but not enough, yet this year. However, I just watched the best game I've seen in my life. The Indianapolis Colts just beat the New England Patriots 35 to 34. Peyton Manning engineers two touchdown drives to bring the Colts back to win from 13 points down with 4 minutes left in the game. The Patriots were in control all night - most of the time they led by a two score margin. The Colts scored twice in the waning moments to take the lead when it mattered most - just as time was about to expire.

In a recent post, I mentioned that I will not be calling my AR-15 a "semi-automatic assault rifle" as the media has done. This will not be done for several reasons, as I have pointed out... not the least of which is the fact that a semi-automatic cannot be an assault rifle by definition. Instead, I have chosen to use the terminology "Multi-purpose rifle." Recently, however, I found another term popping up in different places, in reference to AR-15's in particular. The term is "Homeland Defense Rifle." Some places I found the term: A forum post . Another forum - one of my favorites! Yet another forum . And a patch has been made - from AR15.com, of course! So beware - I might use the term. It might get to the point of being almost interchangeable.

On Friday, I learned that I was laid off. Nine counterparts unwillingly got to join me in our new condition. The condition is the unlimited opportunity to seek alternate employment. My company had just completed a nine-month time span during which time, the company made more money than at any other time in its history. My territory is up 140% over the same time last year. I was a marketing rep. We sold insurance. My job was to convince independent insurance agents to use my company more often for "high-risk" auto insurance. The boss's boss stated plainly that it was not a cost-cutting measure. It is simply what they are calling a "change in focus." They are going to market in a different way. I wish I could have been allowed to try to help them market like they will be doing. I say this not because I wish to have my old job back, but because my next employer is going to find out I adapt pretty easily and meet all challenges. Evidently, my former company did not ...

Well, it has been almost three months since Tennessee became the 41st state to allow handgun carry permit (HCP) holders to legally carry in restaurants that serve alcohol. I have yet to hear of the first shootout, disturbance, or anything of the sort in relation to it. There has been nothing indicated in the Nashville, TN police media releases about even so much as a single incident. I have even tried Google and cannot get a single article written after July of this year on the topic - and, yes, I even tried the inaccurate phrase "guns in bars," that the media fell in love with. That being said, let me quote Governor Phil Bredesen's statement on the topic: "Let me be very clear: I am a strong supporter of the right to keep and bear arms," Bredesen said at the veto signing. “However, these rights, for more than two centuries, have come with reasonable and necessary rules and guidelines. This bill crosses the line of reason.” Bredesen said that government needed...

Vermont state representative, Fred Maslak, has introduced a bill that would turn the tide in governmental efforts to enact gun restrictions. Maslak argues that NOT owning a gun is hazardous to your health and well being, as one would be more likely to require Police assistance when one does not own a gun. Therefore, Maslak suggests that registering people who DO NOT own a gun would be the sensible idea. He also proposes that these individuals pay a $500 tax to boot. Link to article . Here's the point, people. I am not in favor of this law... but it is far better than what most in government want to do - limit guns. Also, Vermont has the best concealed carry law in the nation - none. Any Vermont citizen, age 18 or older, may open or concealed carry at any time without a permit. We need that on the books in all 50 states. By the way - I thought we already had that law on the books: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the peopl...

A man in Reno, NV "didn't deserve to die" according to his family. Scott DeMars pointed a replica gun at police officers and was shot in response. Link to the article . I personally think this was a good shoot. Pointing a gun - replica or real - at a police officer is a great way to get shot at. People who get shot sometimes die... it's sad, but it is a known fact of life.

Chicago's mayor recently blamed the terrorist attack on the Ft. Hood soldiers on America's love of guns. Link to article . Had more soldiers been allowed to keep the guns they love on base, the idiot could not have shot and killed as many as he did. I get sick and tired of folks attacking inanimate objects as being the problem. Left alone, these objects can do nothing. It is the person using the object that does good or commits evil.

At 9:11 Eastern time, "Beltway Sniper" John Allen Muhammad was executed. The single most prolific serial killer in a generation. In a related story, a muslim male was facing judgment this evening at 9:12 Eastern time. Standing at the throne of Jehova, Mr. Muhammad was overheard asking where Allah and his promised 72 virgins were.

In a recent interview with ABC, President Obama indicated the fact that if his healthcare bill passes, then those who do not purchase insurance could face jail time. Socialism 101 is over. We are now at Socialism 102.

This article details sportive uses for the AR-15 platform. The AR-15 is frequently and incorrectly referred to in the media as an "assault rifle" or a "semi-automatic assault rifle." Of course, the definition of "assault rifle" is a rifle that has the capacity to fire fully automatic, and one cannot , therefore, have a "semi-automatic assault rifle." It would be like having a "full-size compact car." Besides, rifles never assault people. They are inanimate objects. People assault people. Back to the article. It is well written, shows some of the sportive uses for the AR-15 platform, including the advantages it has over some other models - light weight, reduced recoil, accuracy, easy follow-up shots when necessary. As always, nobody is perfect, and this article is not, either. The author states that private civilians may not own fully automatic rifles. This is not true. A better, more accurate statement would be that "private civ...

For a Handgun Carry Permit holder, there are two main options for carrying one's handgun. Open Carry - the handgun is secured in a holster on the outside of the wearer's clothing - often attached to the wearer's belt. This is how police officers carry. Concealed carry - the handgun is carried concealed, such that it is not clearly visible to other people. It can be hidden in a pocket, a purse, on the ankle under the pants, or even inside the wearer's waistband under the pants/skirt and shirt. I suggest open carry is dangerous: 1. It is dangerous to tyrants. 2. It is dangerous to criminals 3. It is dangerous to terrorists.

The British are no fools. This one particular blogger makes a good point about our president. Warning - some mature language .

I read an article that details how liberals are not satisfied with the Pelosicare plan that was passed late Saturday evening by the slimmest of margins in the US Congress. It seems the liberals don't like the fact that "abortion rights" were sacrificed in order to get the bill passed. Link to article . Let's see - conservatives don't want Obamacare / Pelosicare. Moderates don't want Obamacare / Pelosicare. Liberals don't want Obamacare / Pelosicare. It seems the only morons that want this legislation are those in Congress. Here's a hint, America - VOTE THEM OUT... ALL OF THEM!

And so are the robberies. In fact, every year, the dirty little secret of Holiday shopping is that more robberies and crimes are committed during this time than at any other. Usually, we will hear of shoppers getting into fights over toys or some such nonsense because those stories are more sensational. However, "facts is facts," and the fact is that robberies are on the rise. This downturn in the economy has left even more people desperate. Arm yourself, be aware, and live your daily life. Do not concede your lifestyle to these domestic terrorists! From the Nashville police media releases - just from the month of November: Story 1 Story 2 Story 3 Three incidents in one major city and we are just on the 8th day of the month. All of the month of October saw just one such attempted robbery in the Nashville area.

I have spoken with many people regarding Tennessee's new bill allowing guns in restaurants that serve alcohol - provided the HCP holder does not drink while carrying. Some have emailed me. Some have been conversations with clients. Many other conversations have been with random people or the odd acquaintance. One of the most common arguments against "guns in restaurants" or "guns in bars" is the fact that very few shootings or robberies happen in crowded restaurants. I will concede that as a fact. But that alone is not nearly reason enough for Tennessee or any of the other 41 states with similar statutes to reverse course. See, in many areas, the gun is not needed in the restaurant, it is needed walking to and from the restaurant. Even in cases where the walk is short, or even in the parking lot of the restaurant, this is when bad guys pounce. They know most folks are not at their most alert. Here is a link to an article on a recent incident.

Tonight the US Congress passed the Healthcare bill. Heretofore, this bill should be referred to as either "Pelosicare" or "Obamacare." As a brief study of the English language will teach someone, the prefix "pro" is the opposite of "con." Now we have absolute proof forever that "progress" is opposite of "Congress."

Journalist Laraine Perri has gone and done it. Perri's article, here , equates dressing one's son in camouflage with being as improper as dressing one's daughter in "hooker clothes." I take exception to this. Particularly, if one looks at the connotations Perri derives from those adults who wear camouflage either by choice or by requirement (US Military). Perri associates those who wear camo as being persons who kill. Let's talk about that: 1. Hunters wear camo. Hunters kill animals. - Many of these animals have few natural predators in their environments and being killed by man is the only thing keeping their numbers in check. This is far better than these animals having collisions with cars and killing people ! - Most of these hunters either eat the meat, or donate it to the poor. Either of these options is perfectly acceptable as an alternative to purchasing meat from a store or restaurant. 2. The military wears camo. The military kills people. - The US Mil...

Yesterday, a soldier at Ft. Hood went haywire and started gunning down his fellow soldiers. The man, Nidal Malik Hasan (who holds, or at least, held the rank of Major), killed 13, and wounded 30 more in his rampage. The hero, police Sergeant Kimberley Munley, shot and stopped Hasan. Fox News has a story on her. Others might have been able to prevent the violence from going as far as it did, but military bases are "gun free zones." Yet again, only the criminal was armed. One armed soldier stops this creep in his tracks before so many get hurt - I guarantee that. PS - I am a firm believer in "innocent until proven guilty." However, the accused does not deserve to be called by his rank in light of the allegations. For clarity's sake, it is NOT proper to refer to the gunman as "Major Hasan." Don't do it and don't let others get away with this. Any self-respecting soldier would never be brought up on such charges.

Recently, a soldier at Ft. Campbell, KY was arrested for having explosives in his possession. Here is the article. My only contention is that about halfway down the page, the article states: "During a search of his home, authorities also found several unregistered guns, including a machine gun." Machine guns, more correctly called fully automatic guns, must be registered with the Federal Government. However, the article states there were other "unregistered" guns there. Tennessee does not register guns. Neither does Kentucky.

The race is on for Governor in the State of Tennessee. On the Republican side - where I usually start looking for decent representation - We have four candidates: 1. Zach Wamp - US Congressman for Chattanooga and parts of East TN 2. Ron Ramsey - State Senator and Lt. Governor. 3. Bill Haslam - Knoxville Mayor. 4. Bill Gibbons - Shelby county (Memphis) District Attorney. As per my post, Narrowing the Field (first installment), Bill Haslam provided me with enough incentive to refrain from voting for him. See, he opposes HCP holders being allowed to carry in parks. In other words - he does not want the good people of the world to be able to defend themselves from the wolves of the world. One down. Now there's another. In a recent article , Bill Gibbons stated he opposed the "Guns in bars" bill. Really? Come on, now - you know it has been proven over and over that the bill simply allowed Tennessee to join 41 other states in allowing HCP holders to carry into rest...

A few years back, a good friend of mine, Tim Sikes, set the world record for push-ups in one hour. I was one of the people priviledged enough to witness the event. In fact, I was one of several people called on to count the push-ups. As an added honor, my signature can be found on the official certificate of witnesses. Here is a link as proof for any of you skeptics of Tim's accomplishment. And another . And yet another . Page 16 of this newspaper, saved in Adobe Acrobat format. Tim was interviewed by All Things Considered . In case you are wondering, the record, as set by Tim, is 3669 push-ups in one hour. That works out to a little over 1 push-up per second for the entire duration of an hour. In case you are wondering, here's how he did it: - His first four sets were 75 push-ups each. He prepared as his son (the unofficial timekeeper) would count down a minute. He would drop into position and do 75 push-ups in about 25 seconds, then stand and rest and stretch h...

As Halloween is now over, and we are in to the month of November, I am reminded by the incessant commercials and advertisements that the Holiday season is upon us. I'd like to go on record here. When I say "Holiday Season," I mean the general 6-week time of year when we have: - Thanksgiving - Christmas (yes - I said it!) - New Years' Day - and, for my three Jewish friends, Hanukkah Other so-called "holidays" I do not personally recognize. - Winter solstice is not a holiday - it is a time of year when the daytime is at its shortest. - Kwanzaa is a racist celebration created within the last 45 years by a racist idiot and is not worthy of recognition. So - to all my friends out there: Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Everybody seems to be following three election races for today - the Governor's race in New Jersey and in Virginia, as well as the special election in New York District 23 for the Congressional seat. CNN has an interesting article posted. Here's the link . I have one question, however... When Liberals are angry and going to the polls with that anger, the left wing media (including CNN) calls them "energized" and "motivated." When Conservatives are angry and headed to the polls with that anger, the left wing media calls them "angry" and part of a "political rebellion." Why the difference?

The State of California, which is mired in budget shortfalls due to the slumping economy, has decided to withhold more from taxpayers - 10% more to be exact. This is designed to increase revenues for the state. Although this is not a tax increase, it sure will feel like one to the residents of Kommie-fornia. Residents will "be repaid any extra withholding in April - those getting refunds will get a larger refund and those owing will owe less." Yeah - I'll believe that when I see it. Can anybody say more "IOU's"??? Link to the article in the LA Times .

I have spoken with many people recently, and asked them about their specific profession. Particularly, I ask about the tools used on their job. It seems I have found a pattern. Folks typically use the more modern tools to do their jobs. - A friend who is in the construction business states they rarely use the old-fashioned hammers. These days, they use nail-guns. - A friend in meteorology says they use computers and radar - not the old method of Farmer's almanacs and guessing. - A friend in the restaurant business uses industrial stoves, grills, fryers, and ovens. They do not use the campfire. The underlying principle is effectiveness. Mankind has progressed mainly by making newer and better tools! Why, then should there ever be a law against a modern gun? Some say that all the "common people" need is the old bolt-actions or such. I call this nonsense! People need modern tools for the job of self-defense, too! I suggest that if a person ever needs to defend himself or his...

Appleseed is generally a good program, but it has some flaws.  Below I propose some changes that they should make. If Appleseed does not change anything, it is likely because they, as an organization, are unwilling to listen to suggestions and criticisms. That is fine, but in this case, I would then make suggestions to anyone going to attend an Appleseed. What to Expect Bring what Appleseed website says to bring . Prepare as they say to prepare. Be mindful of people on the internet - specifically those from Appleseed - giving open advice. Some of this advice can be correct. Much of it is misleading. Do's: 1. Make sure the attendee has been out shooting before. Different people acclimate at different speeds, but I would say a good rule of thumb might be 3-5 times shooting, at a minimum - more for some folks. Preferably with the same type rifle they will be shooting. 2. Make sure the attendee is familiar with the rifle he/she will be using. Know how to work t...

Play The AQT Game: The easiest way to get a Rifleman patch is by playing the game . Make no mistake, the AQT is a game - it is a course of fire with rules. Playing the game right will get you a patch. Some people are competitive, and want to "win." Be fore-warned, you can get a lot out of the program without getting the patch. Nonetheless, a "Rifleman" patch cannot be bought - it must be earned. MOST Rifleman scores I've seen and read about were with heavily modified rifles like I describe below... A small proportion of the folks who make "Rifleman" do so with iron sights. A very few have shot the score with bolt-actions. Some with factory rifles. And even some with bulk ammo. I've only heard of one person to make the cut without a sling (me!).By far, most people use better equipment and " play the game ." Skill You should be able to consistently hit a 1 inch square target at 25 meters from prone position (no...

At Enterprise, the management encourages all employees at all branches to "run tight." That lingo means to rent out the majority of the cars you have. It is a sound business principle, as the more rented cars there are, the more money the branch makes. The goal is to always have 90% of the cars on rent at any given time. For example, at a branch with 100 cars in its fleet (this is a medium sized location), you would want 90 cars on rent at any given time. Naturally there are peaks and valleys, but a good manager keeps the on-rent percentage over 85%, even in the valleys. By default, this means that during certain times, there are 95% or more of the cars on rent. Take out a few for routing maintenance and repairs, and that means there are no more cars for now. This happens weekly - usually in the middle of the week. Sometimes, it will happen on a weekend in certain places when there is a big event going on. Jackson, TN in the fall of 2000 provides me with one such a place and ...

Another dealing with the public episode. This one happened in Memphis, when I was an Assistant Manager with Enterprise Rent-A-Car (ERAC). We had a lobby full of people - well over 50 customers in the lobby. Some were renting cars for the weekend - some were returning cars. It was a Friday afternoon. While returning a car from a customer, out of the corner of my eye, I see a man walk into the branch. There was nothing out of the ordinary with him, it was his behavior that caught my attention. He looked at the people in the lobby with disdain. After a moment, he huffed, sighed out loud and walked out the door. A part of me was actually kind of excited as that would be one less buffoon I would have to deal with on this fine day. But, I digress. I watched out of the corner of my eye as the man walked back to his car, which was parked right outside the front of the branch in plain view. He got in, picked up his cell phone, and started making a call. Mind you, at this point, we hav...