Puttin' the Dumb...
...in Dumb-Ass.
Adam G. (as usual) has the Boston blogger round-up.
UPDATE: Heh.
(via reader Reginleif)
Adam G. (as usual) has the Boston blogger round-up.
UPDATE: Heh.
(via reader Reginleif)
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Hillary Cancels Her Trip to NH
WMUR is reporting that Hillary Clinton has cancelled her scheduled visit to New Hampshire this weekend, due to an illness in the family.
She had a public appearance scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Concord High School - an event at which I was planning on making an appearance for the purpose of exercising my First Amendment right to protest her immeasurably grotesque lack of respect for my Second Amendment rights.
Of course, the conspiracy theorist in me believes this cancellation was a case of her handlers realizing their mistake of scheduling an event that would have been accessible to the public, which would risk putting her face-to-face with actual New Hampshire residents, and not a private room full of carefully screened, hand-selected, adoring, doe-eyed ass-kissers.
And, for those of you who haven't been paying attention (-50 points), here is Senator Clinton's position on the 2nd Amendment, summed up in just two words:
Vitter Amendment
That one vote, that utterly repugnant and indefensible slap in the face of all law-abiding American citizens (not to mention the Constitution of the United States, which she, in theory, has sworn to support and defend) should disqualify her from holding the position of Assistant to the Receptionist of the Secretary of a Clerk of a United States Senator.
Yet, she and her followers honestly believe she is qualified to be the President of the most powerful, most freedom-loving nation on the face of the earth?
Bartender, I'll have what they're drinking.
Make it a double.
She had a public appearance scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Concord High School - an event at which I was planning on making an appearance for the purpose of exercising my First Amendment right to protest her immeasurably grotesque lack of respect for my Second Amendment rights.
Of course, the conspiracy theorist in me believes this cancellation was a case of her handlers realizing their mistake of scheduling an event that would have been accessible to the public, which would risk putting her face-to-face with actual New Hampshire residents, and not a private room full of carefully screened, hand-selected, adoring, doe-eyed ass-kissers.
And, for those of you who haven't been paying attention (-50 points), here is Senator Clinton's position on the 2nd Amendment, summed up in just two words:
Vitter Amendment
That one vote, that utterly repugnant and indefensible slap in the face of all law-abiding American citizens (not to mention the Constitution of the United States, which she, in theory, has sworn to support and defend) should disqualify her from holding the position of Assistant to the Receptionist of the Secretary of a Clerk of a United States Senator.
Yet, she and her followers honestly believe she is qualified to be the President of the most powerful, most freedom-loving nation on the face of the earth?
Bartender, I'll have what they're drinking.
Make it a double.
Parental Rights Up For Debate in NH
Needless to say, as a parent of twins, who are about to make the jump from pre-school to kindergarten, I'll be watching this debate very closely and letting my legislators know how I feel on this matter.
From WMUR.com (Channel 9, Manchester):
Now, this should be a no-brainer, but as I've learned recently, some of our lawmakers up here have forced me to redefine that term.
My first thought, upon reading this article, was to ask:
Would this matter even be up for debate if the first paragraph in that article had read as follows?
Because, I see no practical difference between those two scenarios, nor any compelling reason to arbitrarily assign twin siblings to separate classrooms.
School administrators should be allowed to offer their input on the matter, but unless the twins in question (or any two children, for that matter) are actually causing a disturbance in the classroom, thereby creating an environment in which other kids' ability to learn is affected, the decision of whether to separate the kids, or to keep them in the same classroom, should be made solely by the parents.
Sadly, there will be a handful of Granny-StateTM lawmakers voting on this matter who will profess to know what's best for my children and my family, and actively seek to take away my right to choose.
May they be the poster children for short-lived political careers everywhere.
UPDATE: From the Nashua Telegraph:
Parents of twins praise classroom placement bill
Chiming in from the wrong side of the fence...
What??? Parents actually being allowed to make decisions concerning their children's education? Run for the hills! The apocalypse is drawing nigh!!!
Tough.
Shit.
It doesn't outlaw any such communication, either, so FRICKIN' SCREW! It's the PARENTS who should be making the decision. My kids, my choice. Not the school board's choice. Not the principal's choice. And, it's certainly not some self-righteous "I know what's best for your family!" lawyer's choice to make.
Get it?
Exactly as it should be.
I'm having a real hard time trying to figure out how anyone with half a brain, and possessing an ounce or two of common sense, could vote against this bill.
I suppose it all comes down to the inescapable truth that there's a sizeable group of folks out there who have made it their life's mission to exert their power over their fellow citizens at every available opportunity, restricting their personal freedoms and forcing them to live as they see fit.
And, believe me, it matters not on what side of the political aisle they squat.
Fuck 'em all, I say.
From WMUR.com (Channel 9, Manchester):
Parents Say They Should Choose If Twins Educated Together
Bill Would Give Choice To Parents, Instead Of Schools
CONCORD, N.H. -- State lawmakers are debating a bill that would allow parents of twins to decide whether the children should be kept in the same classroom or separated.
Several families testified Tuesday before the Senate Education Committee on the proposal, saying that they know how their children would function best in school.
"When they do start school, I want to make sure that we have the option, the choice," said Linda Hamada, a mother of twins. "They're still too young for me to know will they do better together or will they do better separate. But what I don't want is an arbitrary decision made by a principal who doesn't know my children."
Now, this should be a no-brainer, but as I've learned recently, some of our lawmakers up here have forced me to redefine that term.
My first thought, upon reading this article, was to ask:
Would this matter even be up for debate if the first paragraph in that article had read as follows?
CONCORD, N.H. -- State lawmakers are debating a bill that would allow parents of children not related to one another, but who happen to be very close friends, to decide whether the children should be kept in the same classroom or separated.
Because, I see no practical difference between those two scenarios, nor any compelling reason to arbitrarily assign twin siblings to separate classrooms.
School administrators should be allowed to offer their input on the matter, but unless the twins in question (or any two children, for that matter) are actually causing a disturbance in the classroom, thereby creating an environment in which other kids' ability to learn is affected, the decision of whether to separate the kids, or to keep them in the same classroom, should be made solely by the parents.
Sadly, there will be a handful of Granny-StateTM lawmakers voting on this matter who will profess to know what's best for my children and my family, and actively seek to take away my right to choose.
May they be the poster children for short-lived political careers everywhere.
UPDATE: From the Nashua Telegraph:
Parents of twins praise classroom placement bill
Chiming in from the wrong side of the fence...
...Department of Education lawyer Sarah Browning warned the legislation goes too far in giving parents decision-making power over the placement.
What??? Parents actually being allowed to make decisions concerning their children's education? Run for the hills! The apocalypse is drawing nigh!!!
"If you put parents in control, there would not be any dispute," she said.
Tough.
Shit.
"It doesn’t encourage a communication between the parent and the school district."
It doesn't outlaw any such communication, either, so FRICKIN' SCREW! It's the PARENTS who should be making the decision. My kids, my choice. Not the school board's choice. Not the principal's choice. And, it's certainly not some self-righteous "I know what's best for your family!" lawyer's choice to make.
Get it?
The bill would allow a local school board to overrule the requests of parents only if the placement would be "disruptive" to the school.
Exactly as it should be.
I'm having a real hard time trying to figure out how anyone with half a brain, and possessing an ounce or two of common sense, could vote against this bill.
I suppose it all comes down to the inescapable truth that there's a sizeable group of folks out there who have made it their life's mission to exert their power over their fellow citizens at every available opportunity, restricting their personal freedoms and forcing them to live as they see fit.
And, believe me, it matters not on what side of the political aisle they squat.
Fuck 'em all, I say.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Flutiecare Back In the News
As if I needed additional confirmation that I made the right decision by moving my family out of Massachusetts...
Boston Globe - January 20, 2007:
I am shocked!
Boston Globe - January 27, 2007:
It's for the children.
Boston Globe - January 30, 2007:
Let's see...
200,000 people getting whacked for $200 each. Punishment, if you will, for not having "enough health insurance", as defined by their benevolent state government. That's $40 million, in the first year alone, that the legislature can use to lure more illegal aliens into Massachusetts, as part of their current "Save Our Political Clout in Congress By Any Means Necessary" Campaign.
What's not to love?
And, this will have you trembling with shockedness...
Of course the board will say those policies are inadequate. The fewer individuals they find with "inadequate" coverage, the less money gets thrown into the pot to help finance their six-figure salaries and keep the Illegal Alien Influx Incentive Fund well-funded.
I would have much more to write on this topic, were I still a resident of Massachusetts and funding this horrendous, steaming pile of horseshit with my tax dollars. Instead, I thnk I'll sit back on my couch, drink my Smuttynose Winter Ale - purchased in a (gasp!) supermarket, on (AAAGH!) Sunday - and cut and paste something I wrote last April.
As Luke Skywalker Once Said...
Have I mentioned "SUCKERS!" lately?
Boston Globe - January 20, 2007:
A state panel yesterday outlined for the first time the minimum requirements for coverage under the state's new health insurance law, a package estimated to cost $380 a month on average for an individual, more than $100 above recent estimates.
I am shocked!
Boston Globe - January 27, 2007:
Employees of the new state agency established to provide health insurance to the state's low-income residents have been hired at an average salary of $111,000 a year, with 12 of the 22 staff members making more than $100,000 and six earning more than Governor Deval Patrick and his Cabinet secretaries.
It's for the children.
Boston Globe - January 30, 2007:
More than 200,000 people with health insurance would have to buy additional coverage to meet proposed minimum standards under the state's new health insurance law, according to a count completed by insurers yesterday.
Most of the individuals do not have coverage for prescription drugs or have drug coverage that is more restrictive than the minimum proposed by the state board implementing the law. The Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector board is scheduled to vote on the standards in March. Individuals would face a fine of about $200 next year and more in future years, if they do not have insurance that meets the standards.
Let's see...
200,000 people getting whacked for $200 each. Punishment, if you will, for not having "enough health insurance", as defined by their benevolent state government. That's $40 million, in the first year alone, that the legislature can use to lure more illegal aliens into Massachusetts, as part of their current "Save Our Political Clout in Congress By Any Means Necessary" Campaign.
What's not to love?
And, this will have you trembling with shockedness...
The number of residents whose insurance would not meet the minimum standards is more than four times the estimate made by the board's staff earlier this month before the board altered the proposed standards. And the new number includes only those covered by the five largest Massachusetts insurers. It does not include tens of thousands more who have policies that set dollar limits on coverage, policies that the board also said were inadequate.
Of course the board will say those policies are inadequate. The fewer individuals they find with "inadequate" coverage, the less money gets thrown into the pot to help finance their six-figure salaries and keep the Illegal Alien Influx Incentive Fund well-funded.
I would have much more to write on this topic, were I still a resident of Massachusetts and funding this horrendous, steaming pile of horseshit with my tax dollars. Instead, I thnk I'll sit back on my couch, drink my Smuttynose Winter Ale - purchased in a (gasp!) supermarket, on (AAAGH!) Sunday - and cut and paste something I wrote last April.
As Luke Skywalker Once Said...
"I have a very bad feeling about this."
OK, last post (maybe) on the healthcare bill (which I still think sucks ass, btw) before I move on to more important matters.
Let me see if I've got this straight:
1. The total cost of this plan to the taxpayers of the Commonwealth is yet unknown.
2. The cost of individual coverage plans is yet unknown, but likely higher than original estimates had shown.
3. The level of coverage provided by these plans of unknown cost is, well, unknown.
4. The extent to which healthcare coverage for lower-income families and individuals will be subsidized by the taxpayers is ... (any guesses?) ... yep, unknown.
5. Participation in this plan of unknown costs and capabilities, for those who could afford it, but would otherwise choose not to, is mandatory. And, enforcement thereof shall be coordinated with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Yep...here come those warm-n-fuzzy feelings again.
Have I mentioned "SUCKERS!" lately?
Stop Doing That!
To the asshole producers at Fox:
Please stop including scenes in the preview for Monday night's episode of "24" that aren't in that episode. You got me all pumped up (no pun intended) with that brief clip of Jack going after some terrorist scumbags with a shotgun.
I was thinking it's about time Jack varied his weapon selection some, if even on a temporary basis. I do love seeing folks celebrating diversity, dontcha know? Besides, he hadn't used a shotgun, I believe, since he whacked that guy's dog in Season 2.
So, I watch.
And wait.
Lo and behold, the end of the show rolls around, and there'd been no shotgunning of any bad guys. What gives?
Please stop including scenes in the preview for Monday night's episode of "24" that aren't in that episode. You got me all pumped up (no pun intended) with that brief clip of Jack going after some terrorist scumbags with a shotgun.
I was thinking it's about time Jack varied his weapon selection some, if even on a temporary basis. I do love seeing folks celebrating diversity, dontcha know? Besides, he hadn't used a shotgun, I believe, since he whacked that guy's dog in Season 2.
So, I watch.
And wait.
Lo and behold, the end of the show rolls around, and there'd been no shotgunning of any bad guys. What gives?
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Happiness Is...
...waking up every morning, to the comfort of knowing that this boob is no longer my U.S. Senator.
Friday, January 26, 2007
When Words Fail Me
Wow. It's not even February yet, and the nominees for the New Hampshire Assmonkey Legislator of the Year award are coming in faster than I ever imagined they would. Look like I've got my work cut out for me up here.
Some of the early entries include:
State Representative James "I *heart* Income Tax, and So Should You" Kennedy (D-Exeter)
State Representative Laura "People on Cell Phones Get In My Way When I'm Doing 90" Pantelakos (D-Portsmouth)
State Senator David "Just Because It's Your Private Property Doesn't Mean the Government Can't Tell you What To Do With It" Gottesman (D-Nashua)
As worthy as these candidates may be for the aforementioned award, they've got an awful long way to go if they're going to beat out State Representative Delmar D. Burridge (D-Keene) for top honors in this category.
(insert standard warning about removing breakable objects from your reach and putting away any loaded firearms before reading any further)
From Reason Magazine:
Two words: Ass. Hole.
The Keene Sentinel contacted Mr. Burridge to give him an opportunity to respond and is fed this line of crap by the so-called representative of the people.
That would be the "crime" of asking your elected representatives to allow for open debate on matters before the legislature, apparently.
There's just one small problem with that response.
Link via Bitter, who adds...
Here's hoping the good people of Keene have enough smarts to remove this assclown from office at the first opportunity, if not sooner.
Some of the early entries include:
State Representative James "I *heart* Income Tax, and So Should You" Kennedy (D-Exeter)
State Representative Laura "People on Cell Phones Get In My Way When I'm Doing 90" Pantelakos (D-Portsmouth)
State Senator David "Just Because It's Your Private Property Doesn't Mean the Government Can't Tell you What To Do With It" Gottesman (D-Nashua)
As worthy as these candidates may be for the aforementioned award, they've got an awful long way to go if they're going to beat out State Representative Delmar D. Burridge (D-Keene) for top honors in this category.
(insert standard warning about removing breakable objects from your reach and putting away any loaded firearms before reading any further)
From Reason Magazine:
On Monday, Toby Iselin of Keene, New Hampshire, sent a short, polite email message to his state representative, Delmar Burridge, asking him to support a full legislative debate on a marijuana decriminalization bill that the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, on which Burridge serves, was scheduled to consider this week. "I know you are opposed to this bill," Iselin said, but "I hope you will consider passing it through committee so that all sides will have their chance to speak on it." Burridge responded with predictable prohibitionist bluster, starting with his account of how marijuana killed his brother (who "was smoking a joint before the crash") and moving on to the "family devastation," "severe burns," and "lots of blood and death"—apparently all marijuana-related—that he witnessed as a juvenile probation officer in Philadelphia during the 1970s. "I will vote no on this Bill," he said, "and have lots of very chilling stories to relate to the other committee members so it goes my way." Fair enough. But then Burridge closed his message with what sounds like a veiled threat:I am copying two members of the Keene Police Department in case you want to change your ways and act legal and save your friends.
You are very passionate in your beliefs and would make a great snitch.
Burridge evidently believes the police should take an interest in anyone who expresses support for drug policy reform. Talk about chilling.
Update: As jf and PoN helpfully note, the full text of the two messages can be found here and here (Iselin's blog).
Two words: Ass. Hole.
The Keene Sentinel contacted Mr. Burridge to give him an opportunity to respond and is fed this line of crap by the so-called representative of the people.
Rather than taunting Iselin, however, Burridge told The Sentinel he only meant to hold him responsible for committing a crime.
That would be the "crime" of asking your elected representatives to allow for open debate on matters before the legislature, apparently.
"It's not whether I agree with the guy or not," Burridge said. "When someone sends me an e-mail, and they say they're doing crimes, felonies or misdemeanors, and they put that in print, I have to respond in a responsible manner."
There's just one small problem with that response.
Iselin never acknowledges smoking marijuana in his e-mail, he said.
Link via Bitter, who adds...
Regardless of your feelings on the drug war, this has got to scare the living shit out of you. Imagine if you are a California gun owner and asked Dianne Feinstein not to vote for an AWB. As things stand now, they would merely laugh at your letter and send you a polite "no way in hell" letter. If Burridge’s attitude prevailed in the party, they would still laugh, still send you a "no way in hell" letter, but the P.S. would read, "We have notified local authorities so they may investigate you for illegal weapons possession. Have fun in prison!"
Here's hoping the good people of Keene have enough smarts to remove this assclown from office at the first opportunity, if not sooner.
STOP THE PRESSES!!!
THIS JUST IN!
It's January in New Hampshire.
And, it's cold outside!
UPDATE: In case you were wondering...
Who knew?
It's January in New Hampshire.
And, it's cold outside!
UPDATE: In case you were wondering...
According to NOAA, the best way to avoid hypothermia and frostbite is to stay warm and dry indoors.
Who knew?
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
So Much to Blog, So Little Time
I've got a huge backlog of stuff I've been trying too write up and post, but time, as they say, is of the essence. And, right now, I just don't have enough essence.
Bear with me. I'll get to it.
Eventually.
Bear with me. I'll get to it.
Eventually.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Looking On the Bright Side
OK, enough of that childish football nonsense.
We're about two hours from Hour 5 of "24".
Will tonight's be the episode where Jack gets to interrogate someone "properly"?
UPDATE: From the "Jack Bauer Interrogation Checklist"
Lamp cord - $1.40
Folding knife - $32.99
Finding out that "Dr. Romano-Guy" is Jack's brother - PRICELESS.
We're about two hours from Hour 5 of "24".
Will tonight's be the episode where Jack gets to interrogate someone "properly"?
UPDATE: From the "Jack Bauer Interrogation Checklist"
Lamp cord - $1.40
Folding knife - $32.99
Finding out that "Dr. Romano-Guy" is Jack's brother - PRICELESS.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Pre-Flight Checklist
Ample quantity of adult beverage?
Check.
"Hint of Lime" Tostitos?
Check.
Salsa?
Check.
Brady jersey?
Check.
National Anthem underway.
Check.
Please fasten your seatbelts and return your tray to the full upright position. We'll be taking off shortly.
>>> PHEW! Addai just dropped a big one. Colts to punt.
>>> Apparently, Jay-Z is back. And he drinks Bud. Uh-huh.
>>> Faulk's two inches short on 3rd down. I smell QB-sneak.
>>> Or a 35-yard run by Corey Dillon. Whatever.
>>> HOLY SHIT! I think I just swallowed by tongue. TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS! 7-0! 7:24 to go in the first quarter.
>>> Colts in New England territory, seem to be moving the ball well.
>>> Holding called against the Colts. I can live with that.
>>> Colts on the board with a Vinatieri field goal. 7-3 Pats.
>>> OK, the first quarter's in the can. So far, so good. Time to put the kids to bed.
>>> 4th and 6. Pats might be going for it.
>>> TROY FUCKING BROWN!!! TO THE 7!!!
>>> And Dillon walks it in. 14-3 Patriots!
>>> Manning picked! Have I mentioned how much I love Assante Samuel? 21-3 Pats!
>>> Hey, I know. Let's give Brady, like, five or six minutes to dance around in the pocket. What's the worse that could happen?
>>> Brady sacked at midfield. That was somewhat less than optimal.
>>> Ben Affleck and Alicia Keys? Together in the same movie? Pinch me, I must be dreaming!
>>> Back-to-back first downs for the Colts. First and goal to go with under a minute to play in the half. Plenty of time for Manning to cough up the ball.
>>> Fourth and goal. No penalty on the flag. Ha-ha.
>>> A.V. good for three. 21-6 Pats.
>>> OK...second half underway. Colts driving.
>>> OK, they're at midfield. That's far enough. Shut 'em down, boys.
>>> Big third down here. 3rd and 5 on the NE 33...
First down Colts at the 21...motherfucker.
>>> First and goal...
>>> TD Indianapolis. It's 21-12..heh heh.[/rushgeek]
>>> OK...we've got an 8-point lead with an assload of football left to play. Gotta turn it up.
>>> Three and out. WTF?
>>> Colts driving again, to the NE 32.
>>> Pass interference in the end zone! Fuck.
(Indy scored 8 points here. It's getting harder to keep up, the more Long Trails I put away)
>>> First and goal at the five. That's more like it.
>>> Coach's Challenge on the NE touchdown.
>>> TOUCHDOWN!!!
>>> And...right back at 'em. Game tied at 28.
>>> Three and out. Our defense is running on fumes. This does not bode well.
Then again, there's still plenty of time for Manning to be Manning.
>>> OK, I'm undecided. Do I buy the car that can drive on two wheels on the ledge of a building twelve stories up? Or the Honda that doubles as a massive popcorn popper?
>>> Indy goes three-and-out. About fucking time.
>>> Yeah...if you stick your fingers in the other guy's facemask, and remove his helmet, you're gonna get called on it.
BIG break for the Pats!
>>> Pats (burrrp) to the 27!
>>> First and 15 after the penalty...
Caldwell drops a gimme!
>>> Pats settle for three, take the lead, 31-28.
>>> OK...we need to shut 'em down. This time I mean it.
>>> OK, the 52-yard pass and run play wasn't exactly what I had in mind.
>>> And Vinatieri boots it through (surprise, surprise) for the game-tying field goal.
>>> Daniel Graham with a helluva catch! Pats to the Colts 29.
>>> Big 3rd and 10 coming up...
and...
...not too much there. Field goal unit coming out.
>>> And Gojkoikwshgyt nails it!
>>> At 65 points, the over's looking pretty good.
>>> BIG third down coming up.
>>> Pats hold! Indy punts! Patriots have the ball at their own 40, with 3:22 on the clock. Oops, make that the 35-yard line. Twelve guys on the field.
>>> 2:17 to go. Colts with the ball on the 20, one timeout left. I need a drink.
>>> GOD DAMMIT!
Colts to the NE 36.
>>> Uh oh...roughing the passer against the Patriots. Colts have 1st and goal.
>>> Make that 1st and 10. Now 2nd and 6. Now 3rd and 2. Where'd I put that drink?
>>> OK...that sucked.
Brady with 0:54 on the clock needs to go 80 yards for the win.
>>> Or not.
Good night.
Check.
"Hint of Lime" Tostitos?
Check.
Salsa?
Check.
Brady jersey?
Check.
National Anthem underway.
Check.
Please fasten your seatbelts and return your tray to the full upright position. We'll be taking off shortly.
>>> PHEW! Addai just dropped a big one. Colts to punt.
>>> Apparently, Jay-Z is back. And he drinks Bud. Uh-huh.
>>> Faulk's two inches short on 3rd down. I smell QB-sneak.
>>> Or a 35-yard run by Corey Dillon. Whatever.
>>> HOLY SHIT! I think I just swallowed by tongue. TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS! 7-0! 7:24 to go in the first quarter.
>>> Colts in New England territory, seem to be moving the ball well.
>>> Holding called against the Colts. I can live with that.
>>> Colts on the board with a Vinatieri field goal. 7-3 Pats.
>>> OK, the first quarter's in the can. So far, so good. Time to put the kids to bed.
>>> 4th and 6. Pats might be going for it.
>>> TROY FUCKING BROWN!!! TO THE 7!!!
>>> And Dillon walks it in. 14-3 Patriots!
>>> Manning picked! Have I mentioned how much I love Assante Samuel? 21-3 Pats!
>>> Hey, I know. Let's give Brady, like, five or six minutes to dance around in the pocket. What's the worse that could happen?
>>> Brady sacked at midfield. That was somewhat less than optimal.
>>> Ben Affleck and Alicia Keys? Together in the same movie? Pinch me, I must be dreaming!
>>> Back-to-back first downs for the Colts. First and goal to go with under a minute to play in the half. Plenty of time for Manning to cough up the ball.
>>> Fourth and goal. No penalty on the flag. Ha-ha.
>>> A.V. good for three. 21-6 Pats.
>>> OK...second half underway. Colts driving.
>>> OK, they're at midfield. That's far enough. Shut 'em down, boys.
>>> Big third down here. 3rd and 5 on the NE 33...
First down Colts at the 21...motherfucker.
>>> First and goal...
>>> TD Indianapolis. It's 21-12..heh heh.[/rushgeek]
>>> OK...we've got an 8-point lead with an assload of football left to play. Gotta turn it up.
>>> Three and out. WTF?
>>> Colts driving again, to the NE 32.
>>> Pass interference in the end zone! Fuck.
(Indy scored 8 points here. It's getting harder to keep up, the more Long Trails I put away)
>>> First and goal at the five. That's more like it.
>>> Coach's Challenge on the NE touchdown.
>>> TOUCHDOWN!!!
>>> And...right back at 'em. Game tied at 28.
>>> Three and out. Our defense is running on fumes. This does not bode well.
Then again, there's still plenty of time for Manning to be Manning.
>>> OK, I'm undecided. Do I buy the car that can drive on two wheels on the ledge of a building twelve stories up? Or the Honda that doubles as a massive popcorn popper?
>>> Indy goes three-and-out. About fucking time.
>>> Yeah...if you stick your fingers in the other guy's facemask, and remove his helmet, you're gonna get called on it.
BIG break for the Pats!
>>> Pats (burrrp) to the 27!
>>> First and 15 after the penalty...
Caldwell drops a gimme!
>>> Pats settle for three, take the lead, 31-28.
>>> OK...we need to shut 'em down. This time I mean it.
>>> OK, the 52-yard pass and run play wasn't exactly what I had in mind.
>>> And Vinatieri boots it through (surprise, surprise) for the game-tying field goal.
>>> Daniel Graham with a helluva catch! Pats to the Colts 29.
>>> Big 3rd and 10 coming up...
and...
...not too much there. Field goal unit coming out.
>>> And Gojkoikwshgyt nails it!
>>> At 65 points, the over's looking pretty good.
>>> BIG third down coming up.
>>> Pats hold! Indy punts! Patriots have the ball at their own 40, with 3:22 on the clock. Oops, make that the 35-yard line. Twelve guys on the field.
>>> 2:17 to go. Colts with the ball on the 20, one timeout left. I need a drink.
>>> GOD DAMMIT!
Colts to the NE 36.
>>> Uh oh...roughing the passer against the Patriots. Colts have 1st and goal.
>>> Make that 1st and 10. Now 2nd and 6. Now 3rd and 2. Where'd I put that drink?
>>> OK...that sucked.
Brady with 0:54 on the clock needs to go 80 yards for the win.
>>> Or not.
Good night.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Granny-Staters
AKA: Granite State Nanny-Staters
Meet New Hampshire State Representative Laura Pantelakos. She is proposing a bill to outlaw the use of cell phones while driving.
So, just how pressing a safety concern is this?
Read on.
So, on her roughly 100-mile commute, she sees a couple dozen people talking on their phones?
Oh.
The humanity.
People are talking.
Having conversations with one another.
Now, if she were to witness that same number of people either driving off the road into the trees, or actually causing accidents involving other vehicles, as a result of behind-the-wheel cell phone use, she might have a point.
But all these folks were doing was talking.
And, apparently, that scares her.
But, here's the real danger, according to Ms. Pantelakos.
Seems to me the person putting those children in danger was the lead-footed state legislator, who was bearing down on a car full of kids, at speeds in excess of 85 mph.
Clearly, a common-sense ban on state legislators is called for here. You know, FOR THE CHILDRENTM, and all.
Meet New Hampshire State Representative Laura Pantelakos. She is proposing a bill to outlaw the use of cell phones while driving.
So, just how pressing a safety concern is this?
Read on.
Driving to and from the Statehouse in Concord two to three times a week, Pantelakos said, she sees 15 to 25 people a day with one hand on the wheel and the other holding a phone to their heads.
So, on her roughly 100-mile commute, she sees a couple dozen people talking on their phones?
Oh.
The humanity.
People are talking.
Having conversations with one another.
Now, if she were to witness that same number of people either driving off the road into the trees, or actually causing accidents involving other vehicles, as a result of behind-the-wheel cell phone use, she might have a point.
But all these folks were doing was talking.
And, apparently, that scares her.
But, here's the real danger, according to Ms. Pantelakos.
"I've been counting them," she said. "The other day, in the passing lane, I came up behind a woman who was going 85 mph with two little kids in the back seat and talking on her cell phone. She should never have put those children in that danger."
Seems to me the person putting those children in danger was the lead-footed state legislator, who was bearing down on a car full of kids, at speeds in excess of 85 mph.
Clearly, a common-sense ban on state legislators is called for here. You know, FOR THE CHILDRENTM, and all.
Just an Observation
New Hampshire radio is OK, I guess. If only there was a way, though, to get Rock 101 to play more Ozzy.
Friday, January 19, 2007
This Is Too Easy
Boston Globe - December 22, 2005:
mAss Backwards - December 22, 2005:
Boston Herald - January 19, 2007:
Yes, the mentality of the Massachusetts politician has gone from that of Barnstable native, James Otis...
...to that of Secretary of State Bill Galvin and the current crop of parasitic hacks pretending to represent the economic interests of the citizens of Massachusetts.
So, what the people of Massachusetts have to look forward to now is more of their tax dollars being used to fund even more government handouts for illegal aliens (drivers licenses, college tuition discounts, free healthcare, food stamps, etc.), for the sole purpose of preserving the political clout of the all-Democrat Massachusetts congressional delegation.
Oh, and don't forget. You'll also be subsidizing their car insurance premiums. Well, at least for the couple dozen illegal immigrants who actually purchase car insurance.
Rather than do anything to encourage businesses and individuals to move into Massachusetts, these idiots seem to be perfectly content to simply write off these yearly population losses, as if there's nothing that can be done to reverse the trend, and make up the difference by luring more and more illegal immigrants into the state with a big taxpayer-funded carrot.
Needless to say, the end result will be more high-paying jobs and higher-educated and skilled workers leaving the state, and a continuation of the current influx of low-skilled, uneducated workers entering Massachusetts.
Of course, this suits Governor Patrick just fine. The faster the state economy crumbles, the sooner he gets to go on the air and announce the newest "fiscal crisis" to hit the Commonwealth, which will be then used as justification for the next round of tax hikes. Which will then be used to fund more programs to encourage illegal immigration, which will then...
Well, you get the picture.
Now, for the record, I wholeheartedly support any such carrot-on-a-stick measures they can come up with to encourage more illegals to move to Massachusetts, just so long as the end result is the net decline in the illegal immigrant population of my new home state of New Hampshire.
Have I mentioned "SUCKERS!" lately?
UPDATE: From the US Census website:
Congressional Apportionment--Who's Counted
So, apparently, individuals who are in the country illegally have always been, in theory, counted toward the apportionment of congressional seats.
I did not know that.
Not that it changes my opinon on this matter any.
Nor, does it change the fact that this "solution" being proposed by Galvin and others to save Massachusetts from losing a seat in Congress will do nothing but further stifle the Massachusetts economy and drive even more disgruntled taxpayers (and employers) out of state.
But, I figure I'd pass that information along, anyway.
WASHINGTON -- Southern and Western states are growing so much faster than the rest of the country that several are expected to grab House seats from the Northeast and Midwest when Congress is reapportioned in 2010.
The projections are based on state population estimates by the Census Bureau. The bureau released its July 2005 estimates today, showing that Nevada grew at a faster rate than any other state for the 19th consecutive year, followed by Arizona, Idaho, Florida and Utah.
Rhode Island, New York, and Massachusetts lost population, as did the District of Columbia. The populations of North Dakota, Ohio and Michigan grew, but at a slower rate than others.
mAss Backwards - December 22, 2005:
Unless the state legislature can come up with a way to count all the illegal aliens in Massachusetts as lawful residents (and don't tell me they're not working on it already), expect to see the same results in the year-end tally....and next year...and the year after that...
Boston Herald - January 19, 2007:
Bay State officials seeking to save a coveted congressional seat are turning for help to residents who can’t even vote: illegal immigrants.
A census of the often-maligned underground residents - who face constant calls for their deportation - could be critical to reaching a population total that could preserve the seat.
"We need to chase them," Secretary of State William Galvin said yesterday, stressing the need for an "all local" hunt for everyone living here.
Yes, the mentality of the Massachusetts politician has gone from that of Barnstable native, James Otis...
"Taxation without representation is tyranny."
...to that of Secretary of State Bill Galvin and the current crop of parasitic hacks pretending to represent the economic interests of the citizens of Massachusetts.
"Representation without taxation is just fine by us!"
So, what the people of Massachusetts have to look forward to now is more of their tax dollars being used to fund even more government handouts for illegal aliens (drivers licenses, college tuition discounts, free healthcare, food stamps, etc.), for the sole purpose of preserving the political clout of the all-Democrat Massachusetts congressional delegation.
Oh, and don't forget. You'll also be subsidizing their car insurance premiums. Well, at least for the couple dozen illegal immigrants who actually purchase car insurance.
Rather than do anything to encourage businesses and individuals to move into Massachusetts, these idiots seem to be perfectly content to simply write off these yearly population losses, as if there's nothing that can be done to reverse the trend, and make up the difference by luring more and more illegal immigrants into the state with a big taxpayer-funded carrot.
Needless to say, the end result will be more high-paying jobs and higher-educated and skilled workers leaving the state, and a continuation of the current influx of low-skilled, uneducated workers entering Massachusetts.
Of course, this suits Governor Patrick just fine. The faster the state economy crumbles, the sooner he gets to go on the air and announce the newest "fiscal crisis" to hit the Commonwealth, which will be then used as justification for the next round of tax hikes. Which will then be used to fund more programs to encourage illegal immigration, which will then...
Well, you get the picture.
Now, for the record, I wholeheartedly support any such carrot-on-a-stick measures they can come up with to encourage more illegals to move to Massachusetts, just so long as the end result is the net decline in the illegal immigrant population of my new home state of New Hampshire.
Have I mentioned "SUCKERS!" lately?
UPDATE: From the US Census website:
Congressional Apportionment--Who's Counted
The apportionment calculation is based upon the total resident population (citizens and noncitizens) of the 50 states. In Census 2000, the apportionment population also includes U.S. Armed Forces personnel and federal civilian employees stationed outside the United States (and their dependents living with them) that can be allocated back to a home state. These segments were included in the apportionment population in the 1970 and 1990 censuses, too. The population of the District of Columbia is not included in the apportionment population.
So, apparently, individuals who are in the country illegally have always been, in theory, counted toward the apportionment of congressional seats.
I did not know that.
Not that it changes my opinon on this matter any.
Nor, does it change the fact that this "solution" being proposed by Galvin and others to save Massachusetts from losing a seat in Congress will do nothing but further stifle the Massachusetts economy and drive even more disgruntled taxpayers (and employers) out of state.
But, I figure I'd pass that information along, anyway.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Bumper Sticker Blowout
*** post pinned to top of page - scroll down for new content ***
OK, time to get serious about giving the "Freedom Fund" (if you have to ask...) a little shot in the arm here.
For a limited time only, you can purchase ten "Reality in Black & White" bumper stickers for a paltry ten bucks. Choose from the popular "Give Peace a Chance" sticker or the equally poignant "Save Darfur" sticker.
See here for sticker details.
What to do:
Send payment via Paypal to the e-mail address shown on the right-hand sidebar, tell me how many of each sticker you want, and mention the password FREEDOMFUND.
Want more than 10 stickers? No problem - still only a buck each, shipping included.
Spread the word.
From the "Business as Usual" File
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, participating in a CBS4Boston town meeting webcast, was asked...
With the predictability of the sunrise, The Devaluator's response was ripped right from the pages of the Massachusetts Manifesto.
That to me seems like meddlesome governmental control of private enterprise, forced redistribution of personal wealth, and the stifling of the free market economy, in strict adherence to socialist doctrine, but what do I know?
And, oh yeah, in case you missed it earlier...
Boston Globe: Car insurers helped fund Patrick inaugural
Shocking, indeed.
And, only in Massachusetts would allowing insurance companies to set their rates based on risk assessment be considered "discriminatory".
What will you do to allow competition among car insurance companies?
With the predictability of the sunrise, The Devaluator's response was ripped right from the pages of the Massachusetts Manifesto.
There's a policy judgment that we made when we put the current insurance framework in place which I support, and that is an evening out, if you will, as to the rates paid by people who live in the cities, people who live in the suburbs, people who are newer drivers vs. older drivers, to make the peaks and valleys, the differentials, less extreme. That to me seems right.
That to me seems like meddlesome governmental control of private enterprise, forced redistribution of personal wealth, and the stifling of the free market economy, in strict adherence to socialist doctrine, but what do I know?
And, oh yeah, in case you missed it earlier...
Boston Globe: Car insurers helped fund Patrick inaugural
Almost half of the most generous donors to Governor-elect Deval Patrick's inaugural next week are major auto insurers whose business could be greatly affected by Patrick's actions on efforts to reform the state's highly regulated industry.
Four of Patrick's nine leading contributors -- Arbella Insurance Group, the Commerce Group, the Hanover Insurance Group, and Liberty Mutual Group -- have a significant stake in whether Massachusetts shifts to a less-regulated system, which opponents say would discriminate against certain drivers, but which supporters say would give consumers more competition.
Shocking, indeed.
And, only in Massachusetts would allowing insurance companies to set their rates based on risk assessment be considered "discriminatory".
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Reason #12,611 Why I Love New Hampshire
And, yes, this one involves buying beer (six pack of Tuckerman's pale Ale) at a gas station - that dangerous, high-risk activity that the voters of Massachusetts decided last November, en masse, that they can't be trusted to perform.
Gas Station Guy: How much does this cost?
Me (not paying too much attention at all): Huh?
GSG: What's a fair price for this?
Me: The Harpoon's next to it were $6.49...I think.
GSG: Sounds good to me.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The Grease Gauntlet - version 1.0
NOTE: Updates in red throughout.
Materials:
(1) 5-foot section of 8" round sheet metal duct
(2) 8" round sheet metal end caps for duct
(1) ceramic light fixture
(1) ceiling electrical box
(2) 3' lengths of metal mesh "gutter guard"
(2) 10' lengths of L-shaped metal drywall trim (1" leg with holes x 1/2" leg without)
(26) #8 x 1/2" round-head, slotted machine screws with nuts and washers
(2) self-tapping sheet metal screws (1/2")
(1) 8' tool replacement cord with two-pronged plug.
(1) 3/8" cable clamp
(1) barbecue grill thermometer
Tools:
Power drill
Philips-head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Pliers
Tin snips
7/8" spade bit
1/4" drill bit
1/8" drill bit
Place the end cap on (drain holes down). Prop up the closed end to create a gradual slope down toward the drain, place drip pan under drain holes, and turn on the power. All I need to work out now, is a set of legs to support the tube and hold it at the proper angle.
That said, I think I'm going to cut it down to 3-1/2 feet long with a 3-foot sled. I like the design, though - just have to make it work.
THE GREASE GAUNTLET
(revised instructions)
(revised instructions)
Materials:
(1) 5-foot section of 8" round sheet metal duct
(2) 8" round sheet metal end caps for duct
(1) ceramic light fixture
(1) ceiling electrical box
(2) 3' lengths of metal mesh "gutter guard"
(2) 10' lengths of L-shaped metal drywall trim (1" leg with holes x 1/2" leg without)
(26) #8 x 1/2" round-head, slotted machine screws with nuts and washers
(2) self-tapping sheet metal screws (1/2")
(1) 8' tool replacement cord with two-pronged plug.
(1) 3/8" cable clamp
(1) barbecue grill thermometer
Tools:
Power drill
Philips-head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Pliers
Tin snips
7/8" spade bit
1/4" drill bit
1/8" drill bit
1. The Tube
Close the seam on the 8" round duct to form tube. Secure with duct tape at middle and near ends.
On the end cap, which is NOT going to hold the light fixture, drill (4) 1/4" holes, spaced about 1/8" apart, along the edge. These will serve as the drain holes for the liquid cosmoline to run out of. Opposite the drain holes, drill a small hole for the thermometer.
2. Electrical Work at End Cap
Remove one 3/4" knock-out on the electrical box to feed the cord through to the light socket. Center the box on the inside of the lid, trace the outline of the knock-out onto the lid, as well as the small mounting holes. Remove box, drill out (7/8" spade bit) the hole you just traced, and drill 1/8" holes where marked.
Attach the electrical box to the inside of lid with the #8 machine screws, using a washer and nut on the outside face of the lid.
Feed the cord through the cable clamp and through the lid from the outside, into the electrical box. push cable clamp through the hole in the box. Slide cable clamp nut over the cord and secure cable clamp to electrical box. Do not tighten clamp onto cable just yet.
Attach wires from the power cord to light fixture by looping around the screws and tightening. be sure there's no excess bare wiring exposed that could come into contact with any other metal parts.
Mount light fixture to electrical box using the two mounting screws on box. Pull the excess cord out the backside of box. Tighten mounting screws and the cable clamp.
Screw in a 100-watt bulb, and set this assembly aside.
(note: as I'm typing this, I'm waiting to see how hot the tube gets inside with the 100-watt bulb, and might have to switch to something bigger still)
3. The Parts Sled
Cut four (4) 4-foot lengths of drywall trim (get a hole to line up 1/2" from the cut end). These pieces will be the runners for the sled.
EDIT: In addition to reducing the sled length to 3-ft., I would suggest cutting the runners a couple inches long, installing them as described below with an inch over hang, so as to line up the screws evenly, and then trim the excess length off the ends when finished.
Cut one of the 3-foot lengths of gutter guard in half, making a section approximately 18" long.
Attach one runner to the edge of one of the gutter guard sections using the #8 screws and nuts and washers. Start at the end, and put a screw in every 12 inches. After the third screw is in, line up the cut section of gutter guard (cut edge underlaps the uncut section by about 6" or so) so that the end lines up with the end of the runner.
EDIT: If building the extended (4-foot) sled, the cut section of mesh must be staggered sideways by half a mesh opening (if that makes sense) to keep the edges symmetrical. Lining up the edges on one side of the sled won't give you an even edge on the other side.
Continue fastening with the #8 screws every 12". Note: the fourth screw will be right at the end of the uncut section of gutter guard. Now, add another screw to line up with the cut end of gutter guard. There will be six screws per runner.
EDIT: Use a punch or a 3" nail to ream out the holes somewhat if they don't line up exactly.
Attach the runner on the other side of the sled in the similar fashion.
For the inside runners, the pieces will be flipped so the "leg" with the holes will be pointing toward the outside runners. Space them so the runners are evenly spaced across the bottom of the sled.
And, here's the sled inside the tube.
EDIT: I'd like to thank the gutter guard manufacturer for producing a product that's curved perfectly to fit inside an 8" round duct.
4. Assembly and Use
Place the end caps on the tube and plug in the power. The end cap with the light fixture should go on the uncrimped end. This will require a couple short snips in the end of the duct to make it fit.
EDIT: Think trying to put two soda straws together.
Check the temperature to see how hot the tube gets inside. If the inside temperature exceeds 150 degrees, decrease the wattage of the bulb and/or drill a row of vent holes along the top of the tube. If the temperature is too low, increase the wattage or type of bulb used.
Once you determine the adequate bulb wattage, secure the end cap with the light fixture using two self-tapping sheet metal screws.
EDIT: Using a 100-watt bulb and insulating the tub with a blanket will get you to 150 degrees, at the hot end anyway. A viable alternative would be to mount a light fixture at both endcaps.
And, you're good to go.
Place your parts to be de-cosmolined on the sled and slide it into the oven.
Place the end cap on (drain holes down). Prop up the closed end to create a gradual slope down toward the drain, place drip pan under drain holes, and turn on the power. All I need to work out now, is a set of legs to support the tube and hold it at the proper angle.
That said, I think I'm going to cut it down to 3-1/2 feet long with a 3-foot sled. I like the design, though - just have to make it work.
The Grease Gauntlet
After trying the old fashioned method of removing the cosmoline from the SKS by repeatedly spraying each piece with degreaser and/or WD-40 and wiping dry with a shop rag, I decided I'm going to give the "low-heat method" a try, and build my own version of the "Easy Bake Garbage Can", as illustrated there at www.surplusrifle.com.
The basic concept is pretty simple - put a lightbulb in the bottom of a galvanized trash can, lay the thing on its side, and put your gun parts on a rack inside, over a drip pan of aluminum foil.
Close the lid, hit the power, and just wait for the cosmoline to melt away.
This design seems to have a couple basic design flaws. First, there's a lot of wasted volume inside, requiring a higher wattage bulb than might be necessary. Second, and this was the big one for me, you're limited as to the length of the piece you can fit inside with the lid closed.
The barrel/receiver would have to be flipped around to get both ends heated up, and you wouldn't be able to close the lid to maximize the efficiency of the unit.
The length issue was addressed, somewhat, in this addendum to the original design posted at surplusrifle.com. But, face it, while it might work perfectly as intended, the stacked garbage can method won't win any beauty contests.
That is where "The Grease Gauntlet" (for lack of a better name) comes in.
I went shopping at Home Depot during my lunch hour today, where I was most successful in designing the Grease Gauntlet, completely on the fly, and purchasing most of the parts I'll need to get the working prototype up and running tonight.
It will be a horizontal oven, constructed from a 5-foot long section of 8" round sheet metal duct with end caps ($18 at Home Depot). The fixed end will have the electrical box and ceramic light socket on the inside.
The main selling point of this design lies in the "parts sled", a removable, 4-foot long, mesh sled on runners. The cross section of the sled is curved to match the shape of the tube. The parts to be degreased are simply laid out on the sled, which slides into the tube. The end cap is secured, the unit is plugged in, and you're in business.
At least on paper, anyway.
Like I said, I should have a prototype completed tonight, and will try to update this post with step-by-step pics, as well. Here's what we're talking about...
Materials:
(1) 5-foot section of 8" round sheet metal duct
(2) 8" round sheet metal end caps for duct
(1) ceramic light fixture
(1) ceiling electrical box
(2) 3' lengths of metal mesh "gutter guard"
(2) 10' lengths of L-shaped metal drywall trim (1" leg with holes x 1/2" leg without)
(26) #8 x 1/2" round-head, slotted machine screws with nuts and washers
(21) self-tapping sheet metal screws (1/2")
(1) 8' tool replacement cord with two-pronged plug.
(1) 3/8" cable clamp
(1) barbecue grill thermometer
Tools:
Power drill
Phillips-head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Pliers
3/4" spade bit or tin snips
1/8" drill bit
1. The Tube
Crimp the seam closed on the 8" round duct to form tube, if not already closed. Secure with five sheet metal screws along the length of the seam (if desired). Note, once the screws have drilled through both layers, tighten by hand.
Drill a small hole near the seam, and insert the barbecue-style thermometer.
On the end cap, which is NOT going to hold the light fixture, drill (4) 1/4" holes, spaced about 1/8" apart, along the edge. These will serve as the drain holes for the liquid cosmoline to run out of.
2. Electrical Work at End Cap
Remove one 3/4" knock-out on the electrical box to feed the cord through to the light socket. Center the box on the inside of the lid, trace the outline of the knock-out onto the lid, as well as the small mounting holes. Remove box, cut out the hole you just traced, and drill 1/8" holes where marked.
Attach the electrical box to the inside of lid with the #8 machine screws, using a washer and nut on the outside face of the lid.
Feed the cord through the cable clamp and through the lid from the outside, into the electrical box. push cable clamp through the hole in the box. Slide cable clamp nut over the cord and secure cable clamp to electrical box. Do not tighten clamp onto cable just yet.
Attach wires from the power cord to light fixture by looping around the screws and tightening. be sure there's no excess bare wiring exposed that could come into contact with any other metal parts.
Mount light fixture to electrical box using the two mounting screws on box. Pull the excess cord out the backside of box. Tighten mounting screws and the cable clamp.
Screw in a 60-watt bulb, and set this assembly aside.
3. The Parts Sled
Cut four (4) 4-foot lengths of drywall trim (get a hole to line up 1/2" from the cut end). These pieces will be the runners for the sled.
Cut one of the 3-foot lengths of gutter guard in half, making a section approximately 18" long.
Attach one runner to the edge of one of the gutter guard sections using the #8 screws and nuts and washers. Start at the end, and put a screw in every 12 inches. After the third screw is in, line up the cut section of gutter guard (cut edge underlaps the uncut section by about 6" or so) so that the end lines up with the end of the runner.
Continue fastening with the #8 screws every 12". Note: the fourth screw will be right at the end of the uncut section of gutter guard. Now, add another screw to line up with the cut end of gutter guard. There will be six screws per runner.
Attach the runner on the other side of the sled in the similar fashion.
For the inside runners, the pieces will be flipped so the "leg" with the holes will be pointing toward the outside runners. Space them so the runners are evenly spaced across the bottom of the sled.
Carefully bend the sled assembly to fit the curve of the tube, allowing all four runners to support the sled when placed inside.
4. Dry Fitting
Place the end caps on the tube and plug in the power. Check the temperature to see how hot the tube gets inside. If the inside temperature exceeds 150 degrees, decrease the wattage of the bulb and/or drill a row of vent holes along the top of the tube.
If the temperature is too low, increase the wattage or type of bulb used.
5. Assembly
Once you determine the adequate bulb wattage, secure the end cap with the light fixture using four of the self-tapping sheet metal screws. Again, once the screw has drilled through both layers of metal, tighten by hand.
Well, you should be good to go now.
Place your parts to be degreased on the sled, slide it into the oven. Place the end cap on (DRAIN HOLES DOWN). Prop up the closed end to create a gradual slope down toward the drain, place drip pan under drain holes, and turn on the power. All I need to work out now, is a set of legs to support the tube and hold it at the proper angle.
We'll see how this works out. If anyone jumps on this and makes one before I get mine done tonight, let me know how it works.
The basic concept is pretty simple - put a lightbulb in the bottom of a galvanized trash can, lay the thing on its side, and put your gun parts on a rack inside, over a drip pan of aluminum foil.
Close the lid, hit the power, and just wait for the cosmoline to melt away.
This design seems to have a couple basic design flaws. First, there's a lot of wasted volume inside, requiring a higher wattage bulb than might be necessary. Second, and this was the big one for me, you're limited as to the length of the piece you can fit inside with the lid closed.
The barrel/receiver would have to be flipped around to get both ends heated up, and you wouldn't be able to close the lid to maximize the efficiency of the unit.
The length issue was addressed, somewhat, in this addendum to the original design posted at surplusrifle.com. But, face it, while it might work perfectly as intended, the stacked garbage can method won't win any beauty contests.
That is where "The Grease Gauntlet" (for lack of a better name) comes in.
I went shopping at Home Depot during my lunch hour today, where I was most successful in designing the Grease Gauntlet, completely on the fly, and purchasing most of the parts I'll need to get the working prototype up and running tonight.
It will be a horizontal oven, constructed from a 5-foot long section of 8" round sheet metal duct with end caps ($18 at Home Depot). The fixed end will have the electrical box and ceramic light socket on the inside.
The main selling point of this design lies in the "parts sled", a removable, 4-foot long, mesh sled on runners. The cross section of the sled is curved to match the shape of the tube. The parts to be degreased are simply laid out on the sled, which slides into the tube. The end cap is secured, the unit is plugged in, and you're in business.
At least on paper, anyway.
Like I said, I should have a prototype completed tonight, and will try to update this post with step-by-step pics, as well. Here's what we're talking about...
The Grease Gauntlet
PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTIONS.
PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTIONS.
Materials:
(1) 5-foot section of 8" round sheet metal duct
(2) 8" round sheet metal end caps for duct
(1) ceramic light fixture
(1) ceiling electrical box
(2) 3' lengths of metal mesh "gutter guard"
(2) 10' lengths of L-shaped metal drywall trim (1" leg with holes x 1/2" leg without)
(26) #8 x 1/2" round-head, slotted machine screws with nuts and washers
(21) self-tapping sheet metal screws (1/2")
(1) 8' tool replacement cord with two-pronged plug.
(1) 3/8" cable clamp
(1) barbecue grill thermometer
Tools:
Power drill
Phillips-head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Pliers
3/4" spade bit or tin snips
1/8" drill bit
1. The Tube
Crimp the seam closed on the 8" round duct to form tube, if not already closed. Secure with five sheet metal screws along the length of the seam (if desired). Note, once the screws have drilled through both layers, tighten by hand.
Drill a small hole near the seam, and insert the barbecue-style thermometer.
On the end cap, which is NOT going to hold the light fixture, drill (4) 1/4" holes, spaced about 1/8" apart, along the edge. These will serve as the drain holes for the liquid cosmoline to run out of.
2. Electrical Work at End Cap
Remove one 3/4" knock-out on the electrical box to feed the cord through to the light socket. Center the box on the inside of the lid, trace the outline of the knock-out onto the lid, as well as the small mounting holes. Remove box, cut out the hole you just traced, and drill 1/8" holes where marked.
Attach the electrical box to the inside of lid with the #8 machine screws, using a washer and nut on the outside face of the lid.
Feed the cord through the cable clamp and through the lid from the outside, into the electrical box. push cable clamp through the hole in the box. Slide cable clamp nut over the cord and secure cable clamp to electrical box. Do not tighten clamp onto cable just yet.
Attach wires from the power cord to light fixture by looping around the screws and tightening. be sure there's no excess bare wiring exposed that could come into contact with any other metal parts.
Mount light fixture to electrical box using the two mounting screws on box. Pull the excess cord out the backside of box. Tighten mounting screws and the cable clamp.
Screw in a 60-watt bulb, and set this assembly aside.
3. The Parts Sled
Cut four (4) 4-foot lengths of drywall trim (get a hole to line up 1/2" from the cut end). These pieces will be the runners for the sled.
Cut one of the 3-foot lengths of gutter guard in half, making a section approximately 18" long.
Attach one runner to the edge of one of the gutter guard sections using the #8 screws and nuts and washers. Start at the end, and put a screw in every 12 inches. After the third screw is in, line up the cut section of gutter guard (cut edge underlaps the uncut section by about 6" or so) so that the end lines up with the end of the runner.
Continue fastening with the #8 screws every 12". Note: the fourth screw will be right at the end of the uncut section of gutter guard. Now, add another screw to line up with the cut end of gutter guard. There will be six screws per runner.
Attach the runner on the other side of the sled in the similar fashion.
For the inside runners, the pieces will be flipped so the "leg" with the holes will be pointing toward the outside runners. Space them so the runners are evenly spaced across the bottom of the sled.
Carefully bend the sled assembly to fit the curve of the tube, allowing all four runners to support the sled when placed inside.
4. Dry Fitting
Place the end caps on the tube and plug in the power. Check the temperature to see how hot the tube gets inside. If the inside temperature exceeds 150 degrees, decrease the wattage of the bulb and/or drill a row of vent holes along the top of the tube.
If the temperature is too low, increase the wattage or type of bulb used.
5. Assembly
Once you determine the adequate bulb wattage, secure the end cap with the light fixture using four of the self-tapping sheet metal screws. Again, once the screw has drilled through both layers of metal, tighten by hand.
Well, you should be good to go now.
Place your parts to be degreased on the sled, slide it into the oven. Place the end cap on (DRAIN HOLES DOWN). Prop up the closed end to create a gradual slope down toward the drain, place drip pan under drain holes, and turn on the power. All I need to work out now, is a set of legs to support the tube and hold it at the proper angle.
We'll see how this works out. If anyone jumps on this and makes one before I get mine done tonight, let me know how it works.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Bruce vs. Cosmoline - Round 1
So far so good with the "new" SKS.
Takedown was a breeze (thank you, surplusrifle.com).
Had a couple hours this afternoon to work on it, so I was able to get most of the pieces-parts cleaned - just need to take the bolt apart to get to the firing pin and the extractor, clean the trigger group, and then begin the stock cleaning/refinishing.
The best part - under all the gunk was a nice, shiny barrel. I'll try to get some pics up later on. "24" (hours 3 and 4) starts in five minutes. So, that will have to wait.
Happiness is...
Takedown was a breeze (thank you, surplusrifle.com).
Had a couple hours this afternoon to work on it, so I was able to get most of the pieces-parts cleaned - just need to take the bolt apart to get to the firing pin and the extractor, clean the trigger group, and then begin the stock cleaning/refinishing.
The best part - under all the gunk was a nice, shiny barrel. I'll try to get some pics up later on. "24" (hours 3 and 4) starts in five minutes. So, that will have to wait.
Happiness is...
The Press Release and the Damage Done
Some number of years ago, a neighbor of ours got a phone call from someone purporting to be conducting a marketing survey, who asked my neighbor if she woudln't mind answering a few questions related to everyday consumer products.
Among the questions asked were, "Do you own a dog?" and "What kind of dog food do you purchase?".
Two days later, this neighbor's house was broken into and burglarized while they were out of the house.
Now, let's go back to the recent gun "study" correlating gun ownership with homicide rates. As I understand it, the method used to determine the number of households where a firearm is kept involved calling people on the phone and asking them if there were any guns in the house.
Please, correct me if I'm wrong.
Now, I know quite a few gun owners, and I can tell you, unequivocally, that not one of them would so much as give that anonymous person on the other end of the line the time of day, let alone offer any details as to the presence of firearms in their home.
So, I've got some questions.
1. Is the complete phone survey data available for review, to show the number of "No Answer Given" or "Caller Hung Up" responses?
2. Were only law-abiding citizens - persons not prohibited by federal and/or state law from owning firearms - contacted for this survey? Or were gang members and drug dealers called at their homes at dinnertime for their input, as well?
3. If Joe Crackhead, residing in Trenton, Los Angeles, or Boston, was reached by phone and asked by an anonymous caller if he had any guns in his place of residence, how do you think he would reply?
The use of government crime stats and catch phrases such as "multivariate analysis" and "negative binomial regression models" are nothing more than a smokescreen to mask the fact that the other half of the data they're using is crap.
Using Jeff's table showing overall homicide rates and the percentages given for household gun ownership, I could easily come up with some "scientific" methodology to show that, overall, more homicides occur in warm weather states, regardless of the number of guns believed to be in private homes.
It's like comparing Boston's murder rate with that of New Orleans, or Houston. The average monthly temperature for January in those cities is more than 20 degrees warmer than that of Boston. And, what do you know? New Orleans already has considerably more homicides this month that Boston does.
I blame the law-abiding gun owners in that city!
Oh, wait. The cops already went door-to-door in that city, conficscating many of those lawfully-owned weapons at gunpoint. Never mind.
Call it an extended "murder season", if you will. The more nice weather you have, the more you're going to see criminals walking the streets OUTSIDE. You want to control the climate variable? All you need to do is compare the homicide rates and the overal violent crime rates of the six New England states with those states' level of gun ownership and the severity of those states' restrictions on the same.
All issues of discomfort and scratchiness aside, I wouldn't wipe my ass with this piece of "scholarly" research.
Unfortunately, questions regarding the validity and methodology of this study are irrelevant at this time. The misleading press releases have been sent. The "news" stories have been published. And, the uninformed masses are wiping their chins, having eaten them up without question.
The damage has been done.
Of course, that was the plan all along.
Anyone who thinks this study, released just weeks after the Democrats asumed control of Congress, was designed to serve any purpose other than to manipulate public opinon, and prepare the masses for the upcoming wave of "common-sense" gun control legislation coming from the Feinstein/Schumer/Kennedy camps, is a weak-minded fool.
Naivete - it's not just for breakfast anymore.
More on this topic to follow, when I have the time.
Among the questions asked were, "Do you own a dog?" and "What kind of dog food do you purchase?".
Two days later, this neighbor's house was broken into and burglarized while they were out of the house.
Now, let's go back to the recent gun "study" correlating gun ownership with homicide rates. As I understand it, the method used to determine the number of households where a firearm is kept involved calling people on the phone and asking them if there were any guns in the house.
Please, correct me if I'm wrong.
Now, I know quite a few gun owners, and I can tell you, unequivocally, that not one of them would so much as give that anonymous person on the other end of the line the time of day, let alone offer any details as to the presence of firearms in their home.
So, I've got some questions.
1. Is the complete phone survey data available for review, to show the number of "No Answer Given" or "Caller Hung Up" responses?
2. Were only law-abiding citizens - persons not prohibited by federal and/or state law from owning firearms - contacted for this survey? Or were gang members and drug dealers called at their homes at dinnertime for their input, as well?
3. If Joe Crackhead, residing in Trenton, Los Angeles, or Boston, was reached by phone and asked by an anonymous caller if he had any guns in his place of residence, how do you think he would reply?
The use of government crime stats and catch phrases such as "multivariate analysis" and "negative binomial regression models" are nothing more than a smokescreen to mask the fact that the other half of the data they're using is crap.
Using Jeff's table showing overall homicide rates and the percentages given for household gun ownership, I could easily come up with some "scientific" methodology to show that, overall, more homicides occur in warm weather states, regardless of the number of guns believed to be in private homes.
It's like comparing Boston's murder rate with that of New Orleans, or Houston. The average monthly temperature for January in those cities is more than 20 degrees warmer than that of Boston. And, what do you know? New Orleans already has considerably more homicides this month that Boston does.
I blame the law-abiding gun owners in that city!
Oh, wait. The cops already went door-to-door in that city, conficscating many of those lawfully-owned weapons at gunpoint. Never mind.
Call it an extended "murder season", if you will. The more nice weather you have, the more you're going to see criminals walking the streets OUTSIDE. You want to control the climate variable? All you need to do is compare the homicide rates and the overal violent crime rates of the six New England states with those states' level of gun ownership and the severity of those states' restrictions on the same.
All issues of discomfort and scratchiness aside, I wouldn't wipe my ass with this piece of "scholarly" research.
Unfortunately, questions regarding the validity and methodology of this study are irrelevant at this time. The misleading press releases have been sent. The "news" stories have been published. And, the uninformed masses are wiping their chins, having eaten them up without question.
The damage has been done.
Of course, that was the plan all along.
Anyone who thinks this study, released just weeks after the Democrats asumed control of Congress, was designed to serve any purpose other than to manipulate public opinon, and prepare the masses for the upcoming wave of "common-sense" gun control legislation coming from the Feinstein/Schumer/Kennedy camps, is a weak-minded fool.
Naivete - it's not just for breakfast anymore.
More on this topic to follow, when I have the time.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
LaDainian Who?
Another name for the list of NFL MVP's neutralized in the postseason by the Patriots.
Kurt Warner - 2001
Steve McNair, Peyton Manning - 2003
Peyton Manning - 2004
LaDainian Tomlinson - 2006
Now, if only they had started the friggin' game on time, and subsequently not overlapped with "24", I could have actually watched the game-winning drive.
Oh, well. They got the W.
And, Jack got his first kill of the season by ripping out a guy's jugular with his teeth.
He's back, baby!
Kurt Warner - 2001
Steve McNair, Peyton Manning - 2003
Peyton Manning - 2004
LaDainian Tomlinson - 2006
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The San Diego Chargers gave Tom Brady one chance too many, and that's exactly what the three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback needed.
Brady and the New England Patriots shocked league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers on Sunday, winning 24-21 to move within one win of their fourth Super Bowl trip in six seasons.
Now, if only they had started the friggin' game on time, and subsequently not overlapped with "24", I could have actually watched the game-winning drive.
Oh, well. They got the W.
And, Jack got his first kill of the season by ripping out a guy's jugular with his teeth.
He's back, baby!
Speaking Truth to Propoganda
The boys at Blue Mass. Group seem to think I'm all bummed out over the latest round of worn-out, nothing-new-here, anti-gun propoganda, posing as credible scientific research.
I have but two words in response.
Jeff Soyer.
There, that was easy.
UPDATE: Two more words.
Kevin Baker.
Thanks for the heads-up, Oz. Kevin hadn't written much on this when I posted earlier.
Our favorite Differently-Winged MA expat may not like this: Turns out states with more guns at home have, like, more homicides. Who woulda thunk it?
I have but two words in response.
Jeff Soyer.
There, that was easy.
UPDATE: Two more words.
Kevin Baker.
Thanks for the heads-up, Oz. Kevin hadn't written much on this when I posted earlier.
Busy Day Ahead
We've got the Seahawks/Bears at 1:00, Pats/Chargers at 4:30.
Season 6 of "24", two-hour premier tonight at 8:00!
So none of this triple-overtime bullshit, OK, guys? I've also got to install some shelves, put up my new mailbox, switch out some bathroom fixtures, and put together a shoe rack for the wife.
So, what do you say you put L.T. and the Chargers away by halftime for me?
Needless to say, I've given up altogether on the idea of having any time today to start the disassembly and cleaning of my latest acquisition.
It followed me home yesterday from the Manchester Gun Show. What was I gonna do? Leave it out in the driveway to starve to death in the cold?
Season 6 of "24", two-hour premier tonight at 8:00!
So none of this triple-overtime bullshit, OK, guys? I've also got to install some shelves, put up my new mailbox, switch out some bathroom fixtures, and put together a shoe rack for the wife.
So, what do you say you put L.T. and the Chargers away by halftime for me?
Needless to say, I've given up altogether on the idea of having any time today to start the disassembly and cleaning of my latest acquisition.
It followed me home yesterday from the Manchester Gun Show. What was I gonna do? Leave it out in the driveway to starve to death in the cold?
Friday, January 12, 2007
Reason #12,610 Why I Love New Hampshire
People like Judge James Barry.
Just like in Massachusetts.
Yeah, and there's a shifty-lookin' salesman at the front door for you - something about a bridge.
I say we deport him back to Massachusetts (how does no chute and a 1500' airdrop sound?) with a GPS tracking chip embedded in an ankle bracelet, designed to detonate a small explosive charge if he steps back across the state line into New Hampshire.
Works for me.
And, check out this line from the guy's lawyer:
What kind of "physical disability" would render someone a danger to the community? Are we talking about some rare ailment that causes 20-foot flames to shoot horizontally out of his ears at unpredictable intervals? Or maybe some radioactive, half-human mutant who sprays mercury out his pores when he sneezes?
It's simple. Mr. Bell-Rogers is a lowlife scumbag. End of discussion. His mere presence in the community presents a danger to the people living there.
MANCHESTER -- The city man arrested at the scene of Manchester Police Officer Michael Briggs' fatal shooting had his bail doubled yesterday after an arraignment in Hillsborough County Superior Court.
Antoine Bell-Rogers, 21, will remain incarcerated unless he can come up with $100,000 cash bail, Judge James Barry ruled yesterday afternoon. Prosecutors had only requested half that amount.
Just like in Massachusetts.
Yeah, and there's a shifty-lookin' salesman at the front door for you - something about a bridge.
Prosecutor Karen Gorham asked the judge to uphold Bell-Rogers' previous bail of $50,000, set last October when he was arraigned in Manchester District Court. Gorham noted Bell-Rogers' extensive criminal record in Massachusetts, which includes convictions for receiving stolen property, marijuana possession and resisting arrest.
I say we deport him back to Massachusetts (how does no chute and a 1500' airdrop sound?) with a GPS tracking chip embedded in an ankle bracelet, designed to detonate a small explosive charge if he steps back across the state line into New Hampshire.
Works for me.
And, check out this line from the guy's lawyer:
[Defense attorney Tony] Introcaso said his client has the "ability" to work full-time and has "no physical or psychological disabilities that would render him a danger to the community."
What kind of "physical disability" would render someone a danger to the community? Are we talking about some rare ailment that causes 20-foot flames to shoot horizontally out of his ears at unpredictable intervals? Or maybe some radioactive, half-human mutant who sprays mercury out his pores when he sneezes?
It's simple. Mr. Bell-Rogers is a lowlife scumbag. End of discussion. His mere presence in the community presents a danger to the people living there.
A Hero Goes to Hollywood
Well, OK, Burbank...close enough.
The New Hampshire Union Leader is reporting today (sorry, no link - print edition only) that John and Margaret Ragonese (click here if you haven't been paying attention) will be appearing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno this coming Tuesday.
I just hope Leno treats them with the respect they deserve, and doesn't do anything to portray them as a couple "vigilantes". He'll probably do right by them. I'm just glad they're not taking their story onto the set of The View.
From the article:
Amen to that.
The New Hampshire Union Leader is reporting today (sorry, no link - print edition only) that John and Margaret Ragonese (click here if you haven't been paying attention) will be appearing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno this coming Tuesday.
I just hope Leno treats them with the respect they deserve, and doesn't do anything to portray them as a couple "vigilantes". He'll probably do right by them. I'm just glad they're not taking their story onto the set of The View.
From the article:
After the Ragoneses' story was spotted by an NBC booker, the pair were invited to Burbank, Calif., where Leno is broadcast, NBC said.
"They'll be treated just like all of our celebrity guests," said Tracy St. Pierre, a spokesman for NBC. The Ragoneses were in sweaters, overcoats and scarves while working late last night at their center city storefront.
"When I got the call, I was absolutely flabbergasted. I was excited, I didn't believe him," Mrs. Ragonese said.
Leno wants Ragonese to bring his baseball bat, as well as the Boston Red Sox ball cap that he wears. The 5-foot, 4-inch Ragonese expects he'll have to demonstrate his bat-wielding abilities.
"Anybody jeopardizes your life and your wellbeing, I think you're going to defend yourself - instantaneously and automatically," he said.
Amen to that.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
That's Gonna Leave a Mark
Gotta love it when newsfolk get involved with a story, the topic of which they have no working knowledge, whatsoever.
OUCH!
LYNN, Mass. -- A shooting in Lynn sends five teenage boys to the hospital with gunshot wounds.
[...]
Investigators found evidence of a possible exchange of gunfire during the incident. Nine-millimeter and 22-millimeter shell casings were found at the scene.
OUCH!
From the No-Brainer Hall of Fame
It's kinda sad, and rather Massholian, that this matter was even up for debate.
It's pretty interesting, given the subject matter at hand, that the names of the selectmen pushing for this change were made public in this article, while the other three board members were referred to simply as, well, "the other three board members".
From the Town of Goffstown website:
There, how tough was that?
UPDATE: I stand corrected.
Via 'wolfwalker' in the comments:
Of course, if I were writing the editorial, or in charge of editing it down to size, I'd have been sure to get the names of the accountability-fearing selectmen right up front for all to see.
BY SHAMING selectmen who wished to hide their voting records from the people, citizens in Goffstown have succeeded in opening all the town boards' votes to public scrutiny. That a showdown was needed to get the board to record its members' votes illustrates the need for legislators to change that the state's Right to Know law to require that all votes be recorded for public inspection.
On Dec. 4, selectmen John Caprio and Nick Campasano tried to require that all selectmen's votes be recorded and made publicly available. State law requires that roll call votes be taken only when a public board votes on whether to enter a non-public session.
The other three board members rejected the proposal, leaving Goffstown residents without any records of selectmen's votes. The public outcry was swift and effective. The Goffstown Residents Association organized a petition drive, and under considerable pressure the three selectmen who had voted to hide their voting records changed their minds, voting on Monday to record all votes.
From the Town of Goffstown website:
Board of Selectmen (elected)
John Caprio
Philip A. D'Avanza
Barbara J. Griffin
Nicholas "Nick" Campasano
Bruce F. Hunter
There, how tough was that?
UPDATE: I stand corrected.
Via 'wolfwalker' in the comments:
The corresponding news article does contain four of the five selectmen's names: the two original dissenters, and the two who brought the issue back up. Apparently the name of the fifth selectman just wasn't relevant in any way, which explains why she wasn't named.
Of course, if I were writing the editorial, or in charge of editing it down to size, I'd have been sure to get the names of the accountability-fearing selectmen right up front for all to see.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Granite State vs. The Nanny State
From the New Hampshire Union Leader:
Smoking ban gets second wind in Senate
Because, once the government gets its intrusive foot in the door, and is able to dictate to you what you can and cannot do on your private property, there's simply no way it'll ever come back for additional infringements on your rights and freedoms later on.
Uh-huh.
Fuck this.
If a bar owner is told by a significanr number of his patrons that they'd prefer a non-smoking environment, he'll make the change on his own, without any meddling by the government, to keep his paying customers happy.
If his customers like to smoke in his bar, and he doesn't object, that should be no one's business but his, and the end of the debate.
No one's forcing the employees to work there. They CHOOSE to work there, just like the customers CHOOSE to use tobacco products, and the property owner CHOOSES to let them do so on his property.
So much for these assholes being "pro-choice".
Statist, busybody pricks.
How many of those surveyed are actually bar and restaurant customers? If 79% of the bar and resaurant patrons felt that way, there woud be no need for this law, as the owners of these establishments would have alrady put up their no smoking signs, to get more paying customers into the joint.
That's they're problem. Not yours. Not mine.
Bullshit.
Bullshit.
Bullshit.
It's about the government telling people which legal activities can and cannot take place on their private property. Next up on their hit list, trans fats. Then, 100-proof alcoholic beverages. Then, runny eggs. Then _________ (insert politically-incorrect substance/activity here).
All in the interest of "public health", of course.
Fuck 'em.
It never ends with these people. Their need to ban things and infringe on the rights and freedoms of their neighbors is a lethal addiction. Cut off the source, once and for all, and eventually they'll shrivel up and go away, defeated.
Give in just once, and it's game over, man.
Banning swimming pools in hotels would reduce the number of accidental drownings, and save the hotel chains millions in liability insurance. You don't see anyone clamoring to get rid of them.
Becasue, they're not intersted in having people save money. That's a line they like to throw out there to give the illusion that they're on the side of the working man.
Nothing could be farther from the truth where these meddling little assweasels are concerned.
Yay! We can be just like Massachusetts! Then, we too can experience steady population decline over the course of several years. Yippee!!! All the more reason to throw this bill under the bus where it belongs, I say.
The only thing you'll reduce is the INDOOR use of tobacco. If a bar patron wants to smoke, he's gonna smoke. It just means he'll do it outside in the cold.
The old cigarette tax Catch-22.
They say they want you to stop smoking, but they don't want you to stop buying cigarettes. The more you buy, the more money the state takes in. And, if their choices are (a) maintaining the flow of cigarette tax revenue into the state coffers, or (b) reducing the number of people using tobacco in the state, do you really need an answer guide to know which way they'd go on that?
How about we just cut off all public money going to treat patients who chose to smoke themselves into the cancer ward (or break both their legs sky-diving, or drive drunk into a brick wall, etc.)? This would allow more money to be spent caring for the truly needy - people afflicted with illnesses not of their own choosing.
Want to smoke two packs-a-day for forty years or so? Hope you've got some money stashed away. Those radiation therapy bills are a real mother-fucker. Tell you what...since we're the compassionate type, we'll spring for some Oxy's if the pain gets too unbearable.
We're not complete savages, after all.
Should this asswipe's bill pass, and become law in New Hampshire, nothing would make me happier than to see bars and restaurant owners circumvent this statist bullshit by declaring their establishments private clubs, and charging a penny at the door for one-day memberships.
Smoking ban gets second wind in Senate
Lawmakers backed by the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society said yesterday they will push for passage of a smoking ban in restaurants and bars.
Because, once the government gets its intrusive foot in the door, and is able to dictate to you what you can and cannot do on your private property, there's simply no way it'll ever come back for additional infringements on your rights and freedoms later on.
Uh-huh.
The ban will cover establishments open to the public, but not private clubs such as the American Legion, said the bill's prime sponsor, Sen. David Gottesman, D-Nashua.
Fuck this.
If a bar owner is told by a significanr number of his patrons that they'd prefer a non-smoking environment, he'll make the change on his own, without any meddling by the government, to keep his paying customers happy.
If his customers like to smoke in his bar, and he doesn't object, that should be no one's business but his, and the end of the debate.
He said the bill, Senate Bill 3, is not just about consumers, but about the health of restaurant and lounge workers. Exposed frequently to second-hand smoke, employees run a 50 percent greater chance of developing lung cancer than the average person, he said.
No one's forcing the employees to work there. They CHOOSE to work there, just like the customers CHOOSE to use tobacco products, and the property owner CHOOSES to let them do so on his property.
So much for these assholes being "pro-choice".
Statist, busybody pricks.
Gottesman said business owners, restaurant workers, and customers have asked him why the Legislature killed a smoking ban bill last year. A recent poll by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center found 79 percent support for the ban among the general public.
How many of those surveyed are actually bar and restaurant customers? If 79% of the bar and resaurant patrons felt that way, there woud be no need for this law, as the owners of these establishments would have alrady put up their no smoking signs, to get more paying customers into the joint.
"I have restaurant owners who are begging me, because they do not feel strong enough to do this on their own," Gottesman said.
That's they're problem. Not yours. Not mine.
"This is not a referendum on our state motto, 'Live Free or Die.' It is an economic and health issue," he said.
Bullshit.
Bullshit.
Bullshit.
It's about the government telling people which legal activities can and cannot take place on their private property. Next up on their hit list, trans fats. Then, 100-proof alcoholic beverages. Then, runny eggs. Then _________ (insert politically-incorrect substance/activity here).
All in the interest of "public health", of course.
Fuck 'em.
It never ends with these people. Their need to ban things and infringe on the rights and freedoms of their neighbors is a lethal addiction. Cut off the source, once and for all, and eventually they'll shrivel up and go away, defeated.
Give in just once, and it's game over, man.
If restaurant workers are healthier, their employers save money on insurance and other costs, he said.
Banning swimming pools in hotels would reduce the number of accidental drownings, and save the hotel chains millions in liability insurance. You don't see anyone clamoring to get rid of them.
Becasue, they're not intersted in having people save money. That's a line they like to throw out there to give the illusion that they're on the side of the working man.
Nothing could be farther from the truth where these meddling little assweasels are concerned.
"All the other New England states have gone smoke-free and New Hampshire should not be left behind," Gottesman said.
Yay! We can be just like Massachusetts! Then, we too can experience steady population decline over the course of several years. Yippee!!! All the more reason to throw this bill under the bus where it belongs, I say.
Last year, the House spent two months working on a similar bill, HB 1177. It passed the House 189-156, but the Senate killed it on a 12-11 vote after reviewing it for two weeks.
Sen. Robert Odell, R-Lempster, said he is co-sponsoring SB3 because, "one thing we can do to reduce cancer in this country is to reduce the use of tobacco." He noted that one-third of cancer cases are related to tobacco use.
The only thing you'll reduce is the INDOOR use of tobacco. If a bar patron wants to smoke, he's gonna smoke. It just means he'll do it outside in the cold.
Peter Ames, lobbyist for the state chapter of the American Cancer Society, said the state should increase its tobacco tax, which at 80 cents per pack is the lowest in the region. The tax "is an extraordinarily effective tool to convince children to avoid tobacco," he said.
The old cigarette tax Catch-22.
They say they want you to stop smoking, but they don't want you to stop buying cigarettes. The more you buy, the more money the state takes in. And, if their choices are (a) maintaining the flow of cigarette tax revenue into the state coffers, or (b) reducing the number of people using tobacco in the state, do you really need an answer guide to know which way they'd go on that?
Daniel Fortin, president and CEO of the American Lung Association in New Hampshire, said that medical spending on diseases related to smoking exceeds what the state collects in revenue from the tobacco tax.
How about we just cut off all public money going to treat patients who chose to smoke themselves into the cancer ward (or break both their legs sky-diving, or drive drunk into a brick wall, etc.)? This would allow more money to be spent caring for the truly needy - people afflicted with illnesses not of their own choosing.
Want to smoke two packs-a-day for forty years or so? Hope you've got some money stashed away. Those radiation therapy bills are a real mother-fucker. Tell you what...since we're the compassionate type, we'll spring for some Oxy's if the pain gets too unbearable.
We're not complete savages, after all.
Should this asswipe's bill pass, and become law in New Hampshire, nothing would make me happier than to see bars and restaurant owners circumvent this statist bullshit by declaring their establishments private clubs, and charging a penny at the door for one-day memberships.
They Certainly Broke the Mold
Any Boston politician who can stand up to Menino, and tell him to stick it where the sun don't shine is, and always will be, OK in my book.
Rest in peace, Jimmy.
Rest in peace, Jimmy.
The State of the City Mumble
From CBS4 Boston:
And, she'll make the perfect Curly to their Larry and Moe.
And, here's a rather telling quote:
Watching.
Not arresting, prosecuting, or incarcerating.
Just watching.
Would you like some butter for your popcorn there?
But, the best quote of the evening, by far:
Yeah, But THIS Time He Means It!
What's worse, Mumbles' incessant regurgitation of hollow, meaningless catch phrases and do-nothing promises? Or the people of Boston's never-ending and uncontrollable desire to swallow them all like a bunch of mindless zombies?
To his credit, he didn't use the word "hoodlums". I guess it really is a "new day" in the City of Boston.
Boston Mayor Tom Menino delivered his state-of-the-city Tuesday night at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester. During his speech, Menino said he will travel to Washington to talk with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi about his work with Mayors Against Illegal Guns -- a project he and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg started last year.
And, she'll make the perfect Curly to their Larry and Moe.
And, here's a rather telling quote:
"Our strategy is to increase law enforcement's visibility where crime is on the rise, reassuring residents that we are here to help, and reminding offenders that we are watching them."
Watching.
Not arresting, prosecuting, or incarcerating.
Just watching.
Would you like some butter for your popcorn there?
But, the best quote of the evening, by far:
"I will not allow violent offenders to terrorize neighborhoods and paralyze people with fear[.]"
Yeah, But THIS Time He Means It!
What's worse, Mumbles' incessant regurgitation of hollow, meaningless catch phrases and do-nothing promises? Or the people of Boston's never-ending and uncontrollable desire to swallow them all like a bunch of mindless zombies?
"I will not allow violent offenders to terrorize neighborhoods and paralyze people with fear," he said to rousing applause from the standing-room-only crowd in Dorchester's historic Strand Theatre.
To his credit, he didn't use the word "hoodlums". I guess it really is a "new day" in the City of Boston.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Sometimes The Best Advice Is Free
One morning, on the VFW Parkway in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, a compelling vision appeared before me, as if sent by angels.
As if I needed persuading.
As if I needed persuading.
Vive la Difference!
A series of short posts, highlighting some of the many differences between living as a free citizen in New Hampshire and living as a subject of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Did you know...
...that it costs a law-abiding citizen, living in New Hampshire, $10 to apply for and receive a license to carry a concealed handgun? Actually, it costs nothing to apply. You pay the ten bucks when you're issued your license in about a week's time.
...that in some towns and cities in Massachusetts, it would cost an equally law-abiding individual $100 to be denied permission to even own a handgun to keep locked up in one's home?
Did you know...
...that it costs a law-abiding citizen, living in New Hampshire, $10 to apply for and receive a license to carry a concealed handgun? Actually, it costs nothing to apply. You pay the ten bucks when you're issued your license in about a week's time.
...that in some towns and cities in Massachusetts, it would cost an equally law-abiding individual $100 to be denied permission to even own a handgun to keep locked up in one's home?
Tying Up Some Loose Ends
Anyone have a problem with this? I certainly don't.
U.S. launches 2 airstrikes in Somalia
Good morning.
U.S. launches 2 airstrikes in Somalia
MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least one U.S. airstrike in Somalia that targeted an al-Qaida cell wanted for two 1998 U.S. embassy bombings killed large numbers of Islamic extremists, government officials said Tuesday.
Good morning.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Source of Mystery Gas Stench in NYC
TC has a theory, which is as reasonable as any explanation I've heard to date.
Prove him wrong, I dare ya.
My guess is the Giants landed at LaGuardia, the Jets at JFK, and their combined suckage wafted over Manhattan like some great cloud of crappiness when the planes opened their doors and disgorged their passengers.
Prove him wrong, I dare ya.
THIS JUST IN !!!
Boston Mayor Mumbles Menino still doesn't get it.
It looks like those radical concepts of INCARCERATION and STIFFER SENTENCING GUIDELINES are still off the table, as far as His Excellency is concerned.
Can't you just smell the progress?
Let's read on.
Are you a gangbanger walking the streets with handguns tucked in your pants, looking for a pizza guy to hold up? A drug dealer making a little something extra on the side by selling stolen handguns from the back of your van?
Rest easy, then. Boston Mayor Tom Menino still has no desire to see you locked up in prison where you so rightfully belong. He doesn't see what benefit it could possibly serve society by having your ass taken off the street for a long period of time. But he does want to suspend your driver's license.
Scared yet?
As opposed to actually sending these scumbags off to prison, where the chances of any of them having a pontentially-lethal roadside encounter with a police officer, or any citizen, for that matter, would be reduced to a comfy ZERO-percent.
And, from the "Needless To Say" Hall of Fame:
Again, just the people most likely to be swayed toward a life of sainthood and charity by having their driver's licenses yanked (provided they even have one, of course).
I miss living in that city like I'd miss having my nutsack polished with a belt sander (and a 40-grit belt).
Mayor Thomas M. Menino wants the state to suspend driver's licenses and revoke the vehicle registrations of individuals convicted of firearms violations in Massachusetts and to list the charges on driving records available to police during traffic stops.
It looks like those radical concepts of INCARCERATION and STIFFER SENTENCING GUIDELINES are still off the table, as far as His Excellency is concerned.
Can't you just smell the progress?
Let's read on.
In a measure he plans to introduce today on Beacon Hill, the mayor is proposing that licenses be suspended and registrations revoked, without a hearing, for up to five years for crimes such as illegal possession of a gun or selling guns without a license.
Are you a gangbanger walking the streets with handguns tucked in your pants, looking for a pizza guy to hold up? A drug dealer making a little something extra on the side by selling stolen handguns from the back of your van?
Rest easy, then. Boston Mayor Tom Menino still has no desire to see you locked up in prison where you so rightfully belong. He doesn't see what benefit it could possibly serve society by having your ass taken off the street for a long period of time. But he does want to suspend your driver's license.
Scared yet?
Menino administration officials say such a law could help stem gun crimes and warn police pulling over cars that the drivers may be carrying guns.
As opposed to actually sending these scumbags off to prison, where the chances of any of them having a pontentially-lethal roadside encounter with a police officer, or any citizen, for that matter, would be reduced to a comfy ZERO-percent.
And, from the "Needless To Say" Hall of Fame:
Authorities have said many of those arrested for firearms offenses are repeat offenders.
Again, just the people most likely to be swayed toward a life of sainthood and charity by having their driver's licenses yanked (provided they even have one, of course).
I miss living in that city like I'd miss having my nutsack polished with a belt sander (and a 40-grit belt).
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Romo
Spanish for goat, apparently.
SEATTLE (AP) -- All Tony Romo had to do was put the ball down and let Martin Gramatica make a short kick. He couldn't do it -- and the Seattle Seahawks are still alive in the NFL playoffs.
Romo's botched hold on a 19-yard field goal try with 1:19 left forced the Pro Bowl quarterback to scramble left, but he was tackled at the 2 and the Seahawks escaped with a 21-20 victory in the wildest of wild-card games Saturday night.
Reason #12,609 Why I Love New Hampshire
Stories like this:
Law-abiding citizens, providing for their own personal security and well-being, refusing to surrender their rights and blindly adopt the Menino-Barrios Doctrine of Civilian Disarmament.
Such is the way of life here in Free America.
DUBLIN, N.H. -- Police said a burglar in Dublin took off this week after a homeowner forced him to take off his pants and shoes.
Police said it happened Saturday night when the homeowner came home and found an intruder trying to hide in his house. Police said the homeowner pulled a gun and -- apparently hoping to make it tough for the intruder to run away -- demanded he take off his pants and shoes.
The homeowner's name hasn't been released.
Police said there was a struggle, shots were fired, and the intruder got away. No one was hurt.
Law-abiding citizens, providing for their own personal security and well-being, refusing to surrender their rights and blindly adopt the Menino-Barrios Doctrine of Civilian Disarmament.
Such is the way of life here in Free America.
Quote of the Day
With a little dead horse thrashing thrown in for good measure.
Here's the story:
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State..."
It's a shame we've turned over control of Congress to people who, as a matter of policy, refuse to share this vision of a "free State".
Speaker Pelosi, et al, would much prefer a State where victims of crime must be reliant on the government toprotect them show up after the fact, and file a report, instead of allowing for the "well-regulated militia", of which Mr. Dellavecchia is a member in good standing, to defend their communities from the predatory scum therein.
But, try to curtail any of the rights and privileges they hold dear, and they'll start flying the freedom flag and belly-aching about the sacred nature of personal responsibility, individual liberty, and the people's right to choose - as if they have a friggin' clue as to what they're really talking about.
No shots fired, no injuries reported, and two scumbags off the streets, thanks to the valiant actions of an armed citizen acting in defense of his community.
Ted Kennedy fucking hates when that happens.
"We're from Tennessee. When we see someone we don't know, we get the shotgun[.]"
Here's the story:
When Kyle Winkler came home to his Orange Avenue apartment, he said he saw two people, a man and a teenager, in his apartment. They didn't belong there, so he confronted them and things got ugly fast.
"Tried to shove me over the rail of the second floor. Fight all the way down the stairs," Winkler said.
Luckily, Winkler has a neighbor like Dellavecchia, who not only came running, but came armed.
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State..."
It's a shame we've turned over control of Congress to people who, as a matter of policy, refuse to share this vision of a "free State".
Speaker Pelosi, et al, would much prefer a State where victims of crime must be reliant on the government to
But, try to curtail any of the rights and privileges they hold dear, and they'll start flying the freedom flag and belly-aching about the sacred nature of personal responsibility, individual liberty, and the people's right to choose - as if they have a friggin' clue as to what they're really talking about.
"I heard my neighbor, Kyle, the big guy, hollering from upstairs, so I took off running up the stairs," Dellavecchia said.
The two suspects tried to run, but when Dellavecchia and his shotgun appeared, the jig was up.
"They didn't move when they saw that thing, that's for sure," Winker said.
No shots fired, no injuries reported, and two scumbags off the streets, thanks to the valiant actions of an armed citizen acting in defense of his community.
Ted Kennedy fucking hates when that happens.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Reason #12,608 Why I Love New Hampshire
People like John and Margaret Ragonese.
Metal poles cause crime!
If only these backwoods, redneck states like New Hampshire would enact some common-sense laws restricting the sale and possession of metal poles, we could be free from violent crime, once and for all.
If that didn't bring a big-ass smile to your face, I don't want to know you. Seriously.
And, she certainly wasn't a weak, compliant victim - as the powers-that-be, south of the border in the Peoples Progressive Republic would have preferred.
Why people like Massachusetts State Senator Jarrett Barrios and Boston Mayor Tom Menino would rather see this woman get her head cracked open by a couple of pipe-weilding thugs, than see her drop them on the spot with a lawfully-owned handgun continues to baffle me to this day.
Witnessed said they were last seen driving south on I-93 into Massachusetts, where their next victims will be less likely to open a serious can of whup-ass on 'em.
Now...compare and contrast.
Gun Control: Because the right of a scumbag to beat you and your wife with a metal pipe is more sacrosanct than your right to prevent him from doing so.
Two elderly shop owners in New Hampshire found themselves face-to-face with armed robbers, and were able to fight back using everything they had Wednesday night.
[...]
At 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night, two masked men wielding metal poles walked in demanding cash.
Metal poles cause crime!
If only these backwoods, redneck states like New Hampshire would enact some common-sense laws restricting the sale and possession of metal poles, we could be free from violent crime, once and for all.
"When he approached my wife that got me kind of mad. Because I told him don't you dare touch her...you swing that thing at her again, and I'll bust your head. And that's when I came out with the bat. I got my bat and I came out swinging and I wham right at him," said John Ragonese.
If that didn't bring a big-ass smile to your face, I don't want to know you. Seriously.
While 78 year old John, a veteran of three wars, wanted to protect his wife, Margaret also showed she could handle herself just fine.
"I kind of backed off. And I got my cane. And I hit him," she said. "I wasn't scared. I wasn't afraid. I was just angry."
And, she certainly wasn't a weak, compliant victim - as the powers-that-be, south of the border in the Peoples Progressive Republic would have preferred.
Why people like Massachusetts State Senator Jarrett Barrios and Boston Mayor Tom Menino would rather see this woman get her head cracked open by a couple of pipe-weilding thugs, than see her drop them on the spot with a lawfully-owned handgun continues to baffle me to this day.
The robbers never got any money and they practically pushed each other out the door.
Witnessed said they were last seen driving south on I-93 into Massachusetts, where their next victims will be less likely to open a serious can of whup-ass on 'em.
Now...compare and contrast.
Two teenagers are under arrest, charged with attacking and robbing the same 7-11 clerk in Attleboro twice in less than a month.
Attleboro police say they were called to an armed robbery at the 7-11 convenience store on North Main Street at 5 a.m. Saturday, moments after two masked men had beaten Mohammed Kahn there with a copper pipe and wooden stick before running off.
Gun Control: Because the right of a scumbag to beat you and your wife with a metal pipe is more sacrosanct than your right to prevent him from doing so.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Reason #23,477...
...why Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is just another hypocritical, liberal, gun-grabbing piece of shit who can kiss my white ass.
Speaking today, on President Bush's attachment of a signing statement to the newly enacted postal reform act, which may, or may not, allow the President to open anyone's mail he likes (depending on whom you ask), the senior senator from New York had the audacity to say:
What's wrong with that sentence? Here's a hint...
This is the same Chuck Schumer, who, when arguing the "merits of the now-defunct federal "assault weapons" ban a few years back, described that example of the further erosion of the Constitutional rights of law-abiding American citizens as one of the...
And, don't forget, that was the same line of horseshit he and Di-Fi were peddling when they were (and, wil be again soon) calling for a nationwide ban on the private ownership (by law-abiding Americans only) of super-scary .50-caliber rifles.
Needless to say, Senator Schumer's copy of the Constitution is missing a few pages. Can you blame him, though? I mean, who'd want to keep something around the office after repeatedly wiping one's ass with it?
Speaking today, on President Bush's attachment of a signing statement to the newly enacted postal reform act, which may, or may not, allow the President to open anyone's mail he likes (depending on whom you ask), the senior senator from New York had the audacity to say:
Every American wants foolproof protection against terrorism. But history has shown it can and should be done within the confines of the Constitution.
What's wrong with that sentence? Here's a hint...
This is the same Chuck Schumer, who, when arguing the "merits of the now-defunct federal "assault weapons" ban a few years back, described that example of the further erosion of the Constitutional rights of law-abiding American citizens as one of the...
"...most effective measures against terrorism that we have."
And, don't forget, that was the same line of horseshit he and Di-Fi were peddling when they were (and, wil be again soon) calling for a nationwide ban on the private ownership (by law-abiding Americans only) of super-scary .50-caliber rifles.
Needless to say, Senator Schumer's copy of the Constitution is missing a few pages. Can you blame him, though? I mean, who'd want to keep something around the office after repeatedly wiping one's ass with it?
Whadda You Know?
There are idiots up here too.
Yep.
He "accidentally" pointed the business end of a loaded gun at his leg, "accidentally" stuck his finger in the trigger guard, and "accidentally" applied rearward pressure on the trigger, causing the gun to (surprise!) discharge a round into said leg.
Ya think???
CONCORD, N.H. -- Police in Concord said a man shot himself in the leg and caused an accident while driving and emptying his loaded weapon at the same time.
Investigators said Robert Drown, 22, of Webster, N.H., was driving on busy Loudon Road when he accidentally shot himself.
Yep.
He "accidentally" pointed the business end of a loaded gun at his leg, "accidentally" stuck his finger in the trigger guard, and "accidentally" applied rearward pressure on the trigger, causing the gun to (surprise!) discharge a round into said leg.
Investigators said the incident was a case of poor judgment.
Ya think???
